No Matter How High You Climb...

As I have mentioned before, I love CBS Sunday Morning. This Sunday included a story on Walter Iooss (pronounced y-long o-s). He is a renowned sport and portrait photographer. He is best known for his work on the iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, but that is not what I found interesting.

Iooss has spent decades photographing athletes and models to great acclaim. He has photographed some of the greatest athletes we have ever known. He even got to photograph Yogi Berra and Whitey Ford. It is a very cool image. It shows two greats many years in age in uniforms similar to those worn during their time with the Yankees. Why do I love it? They hate it. Yogi and Whitey hate the image. They think it is very unflattering.

No matter how great you are...someone is there to tear you down. You have to have a very thick skin.

A Weekend of Wishes

Joy, wedding assistant extraordinaire, is expecting her second child in a few weeks. She is ready to meet her child face-to-face. So, Saturday night, we ( Joy, her husband, my wife, and myself) made the journey to Scalini's in Smyrna. As many of you know, I worked there in college. Many of you might also know of its special claim to fame. The eggplant parmigiana has magical powers. It causes women to give birth within 48 hours of eating the massive plate of breaded eggplant covered in marinara and cheese. The myth has been featured in Southern Living, the New York Times, and on Good Morning America but to name a few.

We are only 24 hours in, and I can't wait to see what the next 24 hold. If my time at Scalini's is any indication, we will have a new addition very soon.

Krystal Lovers!

I found out today that a couple, whose wedding I photographed, was one of the five winners of the Krystal Lovers Love Story contest. I thought having your Krystal story on the side of Krystal box would be cool, but to be one of this five would be every better. Best of all, they will receive a $100 gift card and "romantic" dinner complete with white tablecloth and candles at Krystal. Congrats guys...and I agree whole-heartedly with Paul.

Soup Weather

I might be a wedding photographer, but I'm really a closet 50s housewife. I love to cook. While easy has its occasional appeal, I prefer doing things from scratch. I love making cinnamon rolls from scratch. I love making pizza with my own dough. I've even made sausage from scratch (ground the meat, added spices and stuffed it into natural casings).

Tonight, I decided soup would be appropriate considering the cold, rainy night. After a quick trip to Fresh Market, I began the multi-hour process. After the chopping, simmering, and seasoning, I had a pot of thick, meaty black bean soup. It wasn't pretty, but it was really good...if I do say so myself.

the 6 o'clock stitch

The 6 o'clock stitch is the brain child of Gina. She creates unique, personalized toys, blankets, and berries (crib shoes). Each is beautifully detailed from a variety of trendy fabrics. They are super cute, and I know many of them will make it to my house. Best of all, she uses Etsy to make it easy to order. Etsy is like eBay for artists. Take a minute to check out Gina's work, then see every Etsy has to offer.

Kul(er)

One of the most difficult tasks I face when painting a room in my home or designing a marketing piece is choosing the right colors.  Which colors go together?  Do those colors clash?  Is that tacky?  

Adobe (as they are known for doing) has solved this problem.  They created Kuler.  Kuler has thousands of color themes submitted by designers from around the world.  Each theme contains 5 complementary swatches to give you a variety of options.  You can even search for a particular color or idea.  Do you need a blue color?  Do you need colors that feel airy?  Want a modern color pallet?

Didn't find what you need?  You can create your own theme and submit for others to enjoy.  The tools on the website help you find complementary colors based on a color of your choice.  It can be very easy to use or allow you to completely geek out.

Adobe might be taking over the world, but I'm OK with that.

NEW FREE CLASS

First, I wanted to thank everyone who came last night for the Adobe Camera RAW class.  It was a lot of fun for me.  I hope everyone learned something, or at least realized RAW isn't so scary.  

Last night, I also announced the next in the series of FREE photography classes.  The next is the Budget Lighting Class.  We will cover building an inexpensive studio or location lighting rig.  We'll also discuss how to use this rig to create a variety of looks.  We'll even discuss using it in conjunction with daylight.  This is a great class for those already using studio strobes or someone who would like to begin.  This all takes place February 19th from 6-8pm.

DON'T FORGET!

The all day class is next Saturday.  This class will cover digital photography, image manipulation, and output.  It sounds like a lot, but it is geared towards amateurs.  There are still some spaces available, so email to reserve your spot.  The cost is $150 and includes lunch.  

What Does February Hold?

So, being a fan of crazy ideas, I wanted to introduce the February Special.  

FREE COFFEE!!!

Every weekday morning in February (except Thursday, the 5th) from 8-9am, I will be serving free coffee.  To take a page from the Ingleside Village Pizza play book..."Good Coffee."  Additionally, each person who drops by for coffee will be able to draw a card.  The cards will contain discounts(percentages off your order) , free products(frames, prints, etc), and gift certificates.  These cards will be valid during February and March and can be used by the individual or gifted to a friend.  While everyone is welcome to stop by every day for coffee, only one card is allowed per family.  I look forward to seeing you all next month.

I Knew Her When

I just got to read a very funny essay by Allison Gaudet Yarrow printed in NEWSWEEK (yes, that Newsweek).  She discusses her journey to find her own identity in the world.  Take a moment to read her musings.  I'm also eagerly awaiting her memoir, "Southern Fried Jewish Girl."  If this essay is any indication, it will be a big hit.

Allison and her husband, Ben, were featured in my bridal show display.  

A Lesson We All Must Learn

I believe great lessons are learned during hard times.  Hopefully these lessons remain when times are good.  The lesson every photographer must learn is the equipment is a very small part of the resulting image.  It is easier to create a great image with an unlimited amount of time and an unlimited amount of money.  It is much more rewarding to create something amazing out of seemingly nothing.  Photographers have a bad habit of believing their images will improve once they get that new super megapixel camera or very expense European studio lights.  A great photographer can capture a compelling image with only a box and a sheet of film.  Renoir not only believed that it could be done, but that it was better.

"The more you rely on good tools, the more boring your sculpture will be."

Model Search

I have a great new idea for a portrait series, but I need very special models.  I thought I would try crowd-sourcing to find these models.

I need babies/toddlers who know baby sign language.  Other than that, there are no other qualifications.  Please email if you know of anyone who may be able to help.  

neal@inwardstudio.com

Artists or Technicians?

I enjoy watching CBS Sunday Morning.  My first exposure to many amazing artists came while watching.  This morning was no different...or, was it?

This morning included two glass "artists", Eric Markow and Thom Norris, who create woven glass sculptures.  It was unlike anything I had ever seen.  They weave glass like it is yarn.  How do they do that?  They won't tell.  It's a secret.

***Soapbox Warning***

If the technique makes them special, they are technicians.  If it is the art, they are artists.  I personally think both are amazing, but they have chosen to make the technique an issue.  Why must they protect their secret technique?  Is there anything else?  Would anyone care if they were making more traditional sculptures?  I have said before and will say again that it is not the tool or technique that makes an artist exceptional.  Anyone can learn a technique.  It is the life of experiences housed between the artist's ears that make them special.  

***End of Rant***

I LOVE Ikea!

As many of you know, I have had a many year love affair with Ikea.  I remember my first trip to Ikea in Emeryville, California.  I remember wishing I had a bigger suitcase.  I remember understanding why Ikea had a restaurant.  I remember the time before Ikea opened in Atlanta.  

I thought I loved Ikea, but there are people who are even more devoted. 

Ikeahacker is a blog filled with amazing, unexpected inventions created from different Ikea products.  Who knew you could make a dog bowl from a stool or a modern art sculpture from bookshelves.  Some of my other favorites are the laptop stand made from a paper towel holder, installation art made from shelves, and a pinhole camera from wooden planters.  Each hack is submitted by regular people from around the world who are trying to fill a need.  It is inspirational.  

I now walk the aisles at Ikea looking at things with new eyes.  Maybe one day I'll create something worthy of Ikeahacker.

A Nugget From Thursday Night

One of the very cool things we covered Thursday night at the Digital Photography Class, was Adobe Express.  It is a FREE online image editing application.  Imagine Photoshop lite for FREE.  It provides all the basic and not-so-basic tools you need to fine tune your images.  You can make color and tone adjustments, create amazing black and white images, and even retouch zits.  The finished images can be downloaded to your computer or loaded directly to your favorite social networking website (Facebook, Flickr, etc).  I would check out Adobe Express before spending money on anything else.  

Thank You!

I wanted to thank everyone who took time last night for my digital photography class.  I thoroughly enjoyed it and I think the "students" got something out of it, too.  I am even more excited to teach more classes, but I need ideas.  So, leave a comment with your idea for a FREE 2 hour class.  

Also, don't forget the FREE Adobe Camera RAW class next Thursday at 6pm.  Email me to register.

What I Did Last Night

I had dinner with some great photographers who happen to be great friends.  It was 2 hours of sharing ideas, answering questions, and great pizza.  We met at Mellow Mushroom in Warner Robins.  I was a Mellow virgin.  Now I know the joys of the Mushroom.  That being said...I'm still partial to Ingleside Village Pizza, but Warner Robins lacks such pleasures.  

I count these friendships as a huge part of my success.  No man (or photographer) is an island.  It takes a village.  People need people.  (Don't you love platitudes.)  Truly, though, I wouldn't be half the photographer without them.  I am constantly inspired by them, and I hope that I inspire them on occasion. Thank you guys! 

Tuesday Make Up Post

Blogging everyday is hard work!

So, to make up for my oversight, I've got any extra special giveaway...a FREE beach session at St Simons during the week of July 4th ($250 value).  Unlike the previous giveaways, you'll have to work a little for this one.  If you are a long time blog reader, you'll know of my "Simple Pleasures."  If not, look back in the archive.  So, you have until midnight this Saturday to email your best Simple Pleasure.  I'll pick my favorite and award the prize.  Good luck!

Who Will Save Will Robinson?

Bob May passed away Sunday.  He was the actor that brought to life the robot on the 60s hit "Lost in Space."  While he wasn't the voice, he was responsible for the characteristic arm flailing.  

I mention it because I was raised on sci-fi movies from the 50s and 60s.  I spent many afternoons transported to far-off times and far-off worlds.  "Lost in Space" was always a favorite.  I loved how they were able to create different planets on a single soundstange with a very meager budget.  It makes new sci-fi movies seem sad.  "Lost in Space" is a timeless treasure;so few others are.  

Mr. May will be missed.

Bridal Show Debriefing

First, thank you to all the brides, grooms, friends and family members who made today's show such a success.  I had some great conversations, and I look forward to speaking with many of you again.  Please don't hesitate to call or email with any questions.

Second, special thanks to Carmen from Nectar for the wheat grass and palm and Kevin from DKH Entertainment Group for the very cool up lighting.  Both made a huge difference in the look of my booth at the Blacksmith Shop.

Lastly, thank you to all of the members of Macon's Wedding Ring for helping to put on an amazing show.  I can't wait for August.

Another January Giveaway!

As part of the ongoing January specials, I giving a FREE session to the first three people who leave a comment on this post and send me an email (neal@inwardstudio.com) with there contact info.  The free session is good for either studio or location sessions, but it must be used during the month of February.  Good Luck!