Photographer Joe McNally Comes To Phoenix For Kelby Traning

Professional photography Joe McNally is coming to Phoenix for the Kelby Training seminar Location Lighting Techniques on Tuesday December 7th.  This full day workshop includes Off Camera Flash Essentials, Multiple Flash Steps, Great Portraits with Multiple Flash, Unleashing Power of Flash, and Bringing out the Big Guns. 

I’ve been to several Kelby Training workshops as they visit the desert (mostly in the Winter – hey they’re clever!) and have enjoyed every one.  As a NAPP member these are so worth the 79 bucks.  Not only do you get great training, the speakers are available for questions inbetween sessions, NAPP and on-site vendors provide discounts to their great products, and there are thousands of dollars in giveaways. 

I have Joe McNally’s book “The Moment It Clicks” and watched his many training videos on the Kelby Training website.  I am really looking forward to this seminar and expect to learn a lot.

http://kelbytraininglive.com/flash-photography-tour

David Ziser's Captured By The Light Tour 2010 Coming To Phoenix

Accomplished Wedding and Portrait photographer David Ziser is coming to Phoenix on Tuesday September 7th for his "Captured by the Light Tour 2010".  Gain insight on camera settings, lens selection, lighting, promotion, post-production, and workflow.  The event takes place from 6pm-10:30pm at the Sheraton Crescent Hotel.  Registration is only $79.  Upcoming locations include Dallas, Houston, Detroit, Chicago, Boston and many more until the tour raps up in November.

David Ziser Captured by the Light Tour 2010

Captured by the Light Book

'Best of' Photo Chosen From Flagstaff Kelby Photowalk 2010

I was fortunate to participate in the Third Annual Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk this year.  The specific walk I attended was in Flagstaff, Arizona and in July Northern Arizona is the only place you want to be in this state.  The high elevation, cool temperatures, pine trees, mountains, fresh air and small town make it ideal for photography.  There were some very good photographers on the walk and great personalities and photo opportunities discovered as we strolled around downtown Flagstaff. 

I consider myself lucky to have one of my photographs chosen as the ‘Best of’ the Flagstaff walk by coordinator Chris Pondy, and entered into the 2010 Photo Contest and People’s Choice Contest.  Those I didn’t win, but just getting recognized for the walk itself is great.  The chosen photo is displayed above.

I came across this bike while walking back alleys and liked the composition between the bike and the vent which someone has obviously 'vented' on.  The color of the bike against the painted wall also caught my eye.  I ran this through the HDR Toning feature in the new Photoshop CS5 with some initial adjustments in Photoshop Lightroom 3.  I am very happy with this image, which can be purchased (by the way) at the CTZ Photography Store in several sizes including a big 24x36.  

My Flickr Group from the Flagstaff Kelby Photowalk

Complete Kelby Photowalk (Flagstaff) Flickr Group

Kelby Worldwide Photowalk 2010 Flickr Group

3rd Annual Kelby Worldwide Photowalk Coming July 24th

Scott Kelby from NAPP (National Association of Photoshop Professionals) is putting together another Worldwide Photowalk for 2010.  This is the third go around and as of this posting there are 862 walks scheduled with 17,111 attendees worldwide.  It all happens on July 24, 2010 and I’m looking forward to not only escaping the seven level of Hell that is Phoenix, AZ (112 degrees tomorrow) but meeting some photographers and taking snaps around the cool streets of Downtown Flagstaff to the North.

3rd Annual Worldwide Photowalk

Upcoming Photomark Photography Classes In Phoenix, AZ

Photomark is one of two large camera stores left in the Phoenix Metro area. While there are still a few small retailers, Photomark and Tempe Camera are our last bastions of hope to get our hands physically on advanced amateur and professional photography equipment. I’ve purchased equipment from both, and both are highly recommended if living or visiting the Valley of the Sun Stroke. Photomark happens to also host regular photography related classes.

Upcoming Photomark Classes

Classes are held in their Lightning showroom. In an effort to cover specialized, and more advanced topics Photomark will now be offering some classes for a $30 fee, class size limited RSVP. 602-244-1133

March 27

9am-10am

no fee

Using Camera Flash

When and why is it important to use your built in or speedlite flash

April 3

9am-11am

RSVP $30.00

Exploring Portraits-Beyond on Camera Flash

This class is for the photographer who is ready to take the next step, and explore studio strobe lighting. This is a hands-on class: bring your camera,and a model if you like.

Detailed descriptions on the Photomark Workshop/Event page

Edward Weston: Mexico

Edward Weston: Mexico
Phoenix Art Museum
Norton Photography Gallery
August 9, 2008 – November 15, 2008

Born in 1886, Edward Weston began his career practicing a popular photographic style called Pictorialism, creating portraits and nudes. The pieces with minimum contrast and soft-focus had a dream like quality. In 1923, an uninspiring and stagnate commercial portrait business prompted Weston to relocate to Mexico with Modotti. While there, he created innovative work exploring a modernist aesthetic characterized by sharp focused portraits, abstractions, and richly textured still lifes. Weston’s work was met with praise and recognition in the midst of the vibrant Mexican artistic culture.

This stunning collection of 60 photographs displays the local culture and scenery of Mexico in the 1920s – a rich period for the arts known as the Mexican Renaissance. Weston used a large camera to create technically accomplished black-and-white photos rich in detail and markedly abstract. Mexico allowed him to experiment with new subject matter, such as still lifes and landscapes, making this period one of the most pivotal of his career.

Current Exhibitions at the Phoenix Art Museum

NAPP Photoshop CS3 Seminar Coming To Phoenix

Photoshop CS3 for Photographers Tour
Phoenix, Arizona
Thursday, February 28, 2008

I'm very enthusiastic about Kelby Traning coming to Phoenix next month. Here is the pitch from their website...

You can join best-selling author Ben Willmore and the NAPP team for the Photoshop CS3 for Photographers Tour, an entire day of Photoshop training that you don't want to miss. This is your chance to learn the hottest tips and tricks in photo restoration and repair!

The seminar is only $79 for NAPP members, or $99 for non-members. At the seminar you'll receive our invaluable keyboard shortcuts guide, our "goodies" disc, and a detailed seminar workbook that includes all the techniques presented in a step-by-step format so you can spend the day learning instead of taking notes.

For more info go to Kelbytraining.com.

Popphoto.com at PMA 2008

The popphoto.com team of editors will be reporting live from the Photo Marketing Association's 2008 trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada all week. Check back often for their continually updated coverage of the hottest new digital cameras and accessories being unveiled and touted at the show, such as the Pentax K20D, the Canon EOS Rebel XSi, the FujiFilm S100FS, and much more. They'll also have live podcasts from the show floor, exclusive analysis of hot products and other cool coverage from Las Vegas.

Popphoto.com will be at the 2008 PMA conference in Las Vegas.

Hasselblad To Provide Digital Demos In The Phoenix Area

Hasselblad USA will be in the Phoenix area on February 6th, 7th and 8th and will be available to provide personal demonstrations of their latest digital capture technology.

If you are interested in learning about the latest advances in professional digital capture products, contact Hasselblad USA's regional manager Jeff Payne to schedule an appointment.

Jeff will be in the Phoenix area during the following time frames:
Wednesday, February 6th: 12:00pm-5:00pm
Thursday , February 7th: 9:00am-5:00pm
Friday, February 8th: 9:00am-12:00pm

You can contact Jeff via phone at 800-536-6661 or email at:jpayne@hasselbladusa.com

To learn more about Hasselblad technology visit us on the web at:Hasselblad Website

Richard Avedon Exhibit At Phoenix Art Museum

Richard Avedon: Photographer of Influence
Norton Photography Gallery
January 12, 2008 – April 13, 2008
Richard Avedon’s career as a fashion and portrait photographer spanned nearly seven decades in the 20th century and just into the 21st, leaving an indelible impression on American culture. The early years of Avedon’s prolific career were spent photographing the era’s leading models in designer clothing for magazines such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. For his signature portraiture style, Avedon placed his subject in front of a spare white background, drawing a viewer’s attention to the posture, expression, and gestures of the people he photographed. This exhibition includes both his early fashion photographs as well as powerful and revealing portraits of actors, politicians, artists, writers and intellectuals.

Phoenix Art Museum website.

Location Announced For Scottsdale Digital Days Photography Workshop

Event coordinators just recently posted the official location for the upcoming Digital Days Photography Workshop in Scottsdale, Arizona. Scheduled for February 9th and 10th registration is occurring now. B&H Photo & Video is the official retailer for this event.

Chaparral Suites

5001 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85250

(480) 949-1414

February 9 & 10, 9am-5pm

Upcoming Contest Deadlines And Events

Jan. 15:

IPN Go Indie Contest Extended Deadline Entries are being accepted in the second annual GO INDIE contest, sponsored by IPNStock (a partner of PDN within Nielsen Business Media). The contest is open to amateurs and professionals. Details at http://www.goindiecontest.com/.

Jan. 15:

PDN Photo Annual Annual Contest Extended Deadline The PDN Photo Annual Contest is accepting entries through the extended deadline of Jan. 15. Categories include Advertising, Magazine / Editorial, Photo Books, Photojournalism, Corporate Design, Personal, Stock Photography, Web Sites And Student Work. Details are at http://www.pdnphotoannual.com/.

Jan. 18:

Pictures of the Year International Deadline January 18 is the deadline for the University of Missouri School of Journalism's 65th Annual Pictures of the Year International contest. A call for entries will be posted Dec. 10. Details online at poy.org.

Jan. 18:

Art Directors Club Award Deadline The deadline to enter the 87th Annual Art Directors Club Awards is Jan. 18. The awards include a photography division with various editorial and advertising categories. Details on the ADC Web site.

Jan. 18:

Center Project Competition Deadline Center (formerly the Santa Fe Center for Photography) is accepting entries in three competitions, all with a deadline of Jan. 18. Photographers may enter work in the 14th annual Project Competition, which supports long-term documentary projects and fine-art series; The Singular Image, which recognizes individual photos; and Review Santa Fe, a two-day conference for photographers featuring portfolio reviews. Details at visitcenter.org/.

Jan. 20:

Magenta Emerging Photographers Exchange Deadline The Magenta Foundation is accepting entries in its fourth annual Emerging Photographers exchange. The contest is open to photographers in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. under the age of 34, with a top prize of $5,000. The deadline is Jan. 20, 2008. Details online here.

Jan. 21:

Blue Earth Alliance project submission deadline Blue Earth Alliance is a non-profit organization that sponsors photography projects that educate the public about threatened cultures, endangered environments and other social concerns. (The alliance provides financial and professional support, though the photographer is primarily responsible for developing funding requests for the project.) The next submission deadline is Jan. 21. Submission guidelines and other details are available online here.

Jan. 30:

Overseas Press Club Awards Deadline Entries are being accepted for the Overseas Press Club Awards, including several categories for photographic reporting abroad. OPC awards include the Robert Capa Gold Medal Award (for photography reporting requiring exceptional courage and enterprise), the Oliver Rebbot Award (for magazines and books), the John Faber Award (for newspapers or wire services) and the Feature Photography Award. The entry deadline is Jan. 30. Complete details and an entry form are available online here.

Jan. 31:

Dorothea Lange-Paul Taylor Prize Deadline The $20,000 Dorothea Lange-Paul Taylor Prize from the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University recognizes collaboration between a writer and a photographer on a documentary project. The deadline to enter is Jan. 31, 2008. Details online here.

Feb. 1:

NPPA Best of Photojournalism Deadline The deadline for the National Press Photographers Association Best of Photojournalism 2008 contest is Feb. 1. Entries are now being accepted in categories in four divisions: Still Photography, Photo Editing, Web Sites and (TV) News Video. Details online at bop.nppa.org.

Feb. 15:

Center for Photography at Woodstock Photography Now Deadline Entries are being accepted for the Center for Photography at Woodstock’s annual Photography Now exhibition. The deadline to enter is Feb. 15. Details online at http://www.cpw.org/.

March 15:

The Great Outdoors Photo Contest PDN and National Geographic Traveler co-sponsor The Great Outdoors Photo Contest, which has separate amateur and professional divisions. Entries are being accepted in categories of Scenics of The Natural World, Outdoor Sports And Activities, Parks, Islands and Underwater, and Gardens. The deadline is March 15 with an extended deadline of March 31. Details at http://www.thegreatoutdoorscontest.com/.

PopPhoto Digital Days Workshop Comes To Scottsdale, Arizona

Popular Photography & Imaging Digital Days Photography Workshops is finally coming to the Valley of the Sunstroke. The sight had listed Scottsdale, Arizona early last year as an upcoming location, even providing a date, but soon removed it due to scheduling problems.

They have now posted Feburary 9th and 10th as their Arizona dates, and registration is now available. In addition to PopPhoto, the event is also sponsored by Sony, Adobe, and Pantone. All attendees receive an educational DVD created by the experts at Popular Photography & Imaging. This two day workshop includes the following:

Beginner Session

This class focuses on:
• Understanding the Basics of Digital Imaging
• Introduction to Adobe Lightroom
• Storage and archiving files
• Basic color calibration
• Transferring images to your computer
• Using available light when shooting and so much more!!!

Intermediate Session
This class focuses on:
• RAW vs. JPEG
• Single Focus or Focus Tracking
• Exposure Compensation
• Portrait lighting with live models to photograph
• Tips & tricks for Photoshop CS3
• More advanced color calibration
• Image critique from live model shoot
• Famous guest speaker ...and so much more!!!

Attend Beginner Session Only for $69
Attend Intermediate Session Only for $99
Attend Both Sessions for $139

FujiFilm ‘Capture To Print’ Seminar Series For Professional Photographers

Free Educational Seminars to Feature Live Demonstrations, and Tips to Streamline Your Photographic Workflow

Mark your calendars to attend one of a series of free educational seminars for professional photographers to be held in five cities across the United States. Entitled ‘Capture to Print Solutions,’ these seminars are designed to inform and educate professional photographers on how Fujifilm’s FinePix S5 Pro can be specifically utilized for school, portrait, sports and wedding photography and how they can better streamline their business workflow with a comprehensive range of professional digital imaging solutions.

Fujifilm’s ‘Capture to Print Solutions’ seminar series will kick off on Monday, November 5th in Orlando, Fla., followed by Long Beach, Calif., Sturbridge, Mass., Atlanta, Ga., and Somerset, N.J. At each seminar, Fujifilm Technical Staff Members will demonstrate live studio use of the FinePix S5 Pro with Bar Code Scanner, along with the ASK-2000 and ASK-4000 Digital Photo Printers.

Fujifilm’s ‘Capture to Print Solutions’ seminars will be held in conjunction with partners Express Digital and PhotoLynx. Express Digital and PhotoLynx staff members will demonstrate front-end software applications that enable photographers to shoot tethered or un-tethered and keep track of student records and image databases.

Seminar attendees can hear and see benefits of Fujifilm’s IS-1 and IS Pro ultraviolet and infrared cameras for the fine art market and Fujifilm’s DigiLabs software which enables photographers to build incremental business by offering their customers photo books, cards and calendar products.

For more information or to reserve a seat at Fujifilm’s free half-day ‘Capture to Print Solutions’ seminars, go to Free Seminars.

Photoshop Lightroom Workshop At Glenn Canyon, Arizona

Matt Kloskowski of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals and the Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Killer Tips blog was apparently in Page, Arizona this week for a workshop. Veteran Arizona photographer Leroy DeJolie was also present. Matt provides a few entries on his blog covering the workshop at Glenn Canyon and Lightroom Tips.

Temperature Cools Off While Youth Sports Heats Up

Summer is finally over here in the valley of the sunstroke. As we say goodbye to 100+ degree afternoons youth sports have kicked off. Although the first youth soccer game I captured back in September took place under a 105 degree, cloudless sky. I have to give those kids credit for giving 100 percent on the field under those conditions, and still managing to have fun. Luckily the following weekend was significantly cooler.

Here are a couple of images taken from recent youth soccer and flag football games. My standard equipment is the Sony Alpha 100 with the classic Minolta Maxxum 70-210mm f4 lens, also known as the ‘beer can.’ The camera is usually set to ISO 400 and focus mode at Continuous Focus.

Parents are happy to have the kids outside, without bursting into flames, and the kids have been playing with unbridled enthusiasm. Hopefully I can capture some of these moments to ensure lasting memories of these brief events in their young lives. I think the hardest part of these types of shoots is to keep focused on the action through the lens and not get caught up in the game itself. Occasionally I find myself pulling away from the viewfinder to watch the action, or reaction, and might miss a good shot. Luckily this doesn’t happen very often.

I’m definitely looking forward to the upcoming new DSLR cameras from Sony. I will probably wait until the ‘pro’ model is released next year to decide to either invest in that model or the upcoming A700 ‘prosumer’ model. Once I get the chance to compare specs and prices. For now the A100 does everything I need it to do in these youth sports situations.

Nikon Launches Digital Learning Center on Flickr.com

Nikon, known for its dedication to helping everyday people take better pictures, continues to raise the bar with the launch of the Nikon Digital Learning Center on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/Nikon). Complementing an interactive educational site on Nikon’s USA Web site, the launch of this new program on Flickr is revolutionary for a camera manufacturer. As an extension of Nikon School, this online resource provides Flickr members with tutorials, practical photography tips and advice from Nikon photo professionals to assist them in taking the photos they’ve always dreamed of capturing.

In addition, Nikon’s targeted sponsorship program on Flickr helps connect avid photographers with others who share their interests and/or use the same camera via Nikon-sponsored Groups on Flickr. The Nikon D50 and D80 digital SLRs rank among the most popular cameras in the Flickr community, and over 50,000 Nikon enthusiasts worldwide are already active participants in the many Nikon Groups on Flickr.

Different from other photo education sites, Nikon’s Digital Learning Center on Flickr offers live interaction with Nikon sponsored pros—including Rosanne Pennella, Cliff Mautner, and Nikon School instructors Reed Hoffman and Bill Durrence—who post images, interact with the community, explain the techniques used to achieve their end result, provide tips, and answer questions for those looking to improve their photography skills or just interact with other passionate Nikon photographers. The Nikon Digital Learning Center also includes information about understanding aperture, shutter speed, and composition, to specific genres like action, close-up, travel, landscapes, and portraits.

“This is a unique experience for both professional and leisure photographers to interact with and learn from the Nikon pros to increase their photography skills,” said Anna Marie Bakker, director of communications at Nikon. “Not only does it provide our customers with an interactive learning experience that will help them take better, sharper pictures, but it’s also available to anyone who is interested in photography. We are proud to further our partnership with Flickr by offering its members and anyone interested in photography, the chance to take great pictures.”

“It’s great to see the momentum that this innovative advertising program has already gained over a short period of time, as a result of providing useful community tools and information for Nikon photographers on Flickr,” said Kakul Srivastava, director of product management at Flickr. “The Nikon Digital Learning Center and the many official Nikon Groups on Flickr highlight one of the things that Flickr does best – connecting people with shared photography interests to help them learn and grow from each other’s experience.”

The Nikon Digital Learning Center is the latest way Nikon is fulfilling its mission to provide the best quality products and support to all levels of photographic experience and provide new and innovative ways of bringing photography to consumers.

Visit http://www.flickr.com/Nikon for more information.

Upcoming Photo Events And Contests

Upcoming Photo Events And Contests provided by National Geographic Traveler, Corbis, Advertising Photographers of America and Travel Photographer of the Year.

Hawaii Date Added To Lightroom Live Tour

Scott Kelby, author of The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Book for Digital Photographers has announced the addition of a Hawaii date for his Lightroom Live Tour on December 3rd at the Hawaii Convention Center. Now if he’d only bring it to the sweltering heat of the Sonoran desert. I can’t image why he doesn’t…

Visions Of Rock Gallery Showcases Musician Photographs

American Photo Online showcases photographs taken by musicians such as Bryan Adams, Perry Ferrell, Lenny Kravitz, Lou Reed and many others in a presentation titled Visions Of Rock. View the galleries, hear audio clips and even register to win a Nikon D40 DSLR and two VIP passes to attend the private opening in New York City of the Visions Of Rock gallery event. The event itself runs from September 9th to October 7th.