Quick Hit Monday: New Videos; QR Codes; Winning; and Photoshop Freebies – Lots!

Good Afternoon Everybody,

I thought I was going to get the post up a little earlier today but, as usual, things got away from me as I’m still following up on last week's convention, prepping for WPPI next week, and Photoshop World a few weeks after that. What do they say, "Staying busy keeps you young."  Don't believe it!!!  ;~)

Actually, it is quite fun and I love being part of it all. 
We're really looking forward to heading to Las Vegas on Saturday and catching up with so many friends that we expect to see at the show.  It's a huge crowd of photographers that attend the show - about 12,000 - with lots of great programs and a fabulous trade show. I sure hope to see some of you there.

Currently, I'm only scheduled for the Westcott booth on Monday at 1:00 and Wednesday at 3:00.  Most of the time we'll just be hanging around the show so if you spot me, come on up and say HI.

My New Kelby Training Videos Are "LIVE"

With all of my PhotoPro Expo duties these last few weeks, I forgot to tell you that my last two Kelby Training videos just went "LIVE".  I'm really happy with both of them. Hey, and if you were at PhotoPro Expo 2012, you got a FREE 1 Week Pass to Kelby Training, so check them out.

Here are the titles and descriptions:

Photographing Couples:  [link]

“David Ziser is back with all new creative techniques for finding the right clothing, locations, and poses to create stunning photos that capture the magic and romance. As David works, he talks through his process and his gear choices while sharing priceless tips on everything from camera settings to the most flattering poses.

You’re guaranteed to come away from this class with a brand new arsenal of professional secrets that will immediately improve how, when, and where you shoot your next wedding.” [link]

DAZNOTE:  The course description implies that it is a wedding course - it is NOT!  It is a course for learning how to shoot couples.  No brides or groom's were injured in any way on the shoot, mainly because we didn't photograph brides and grooms ;~)

Composition Made Easy: [link]

“Join David Ziser as he teaches you how to use an arsenal of on-location composition techniques. Go behind the scenes as David shoots a parking garage, private mansion, and corporate buildings and cityscapes. You’ll learn how to recognize and shoot a wide variety of visual elements to create spectacular, one-of-a-kind compositions. David also shares his personal tips and tricks for camera settings, lenses, and lighting gear that are guaranteed to boost your creative photography.”

DAZNOTE: I LOVED doing this video, even though we all got fried in the 100+ degree sun for two days.

OK, I'm Trying To Be Humble

Well, I really am trying, but I also forgot to tell you I was named top wedding photographer with my print entries at last week's PP Expo Print Competition!  I was surprised and thrilled!  It kind of takes you back when you're MC-ing the Awards Presentation and then you see you're name on the list as one of the award recipients - felt very nice as well as exciting.

On top of that, I won the LexJet Award, too.  That was for best image printed on LexJet media. Above is LaDawn and I with the “hardware”. Here are a few of my images below.  Hope you like them.

How In The World Do They Make Those Weird Looking QR Codes?

I was wondering the same thing Sunday when we received a few suggestions from some of our PPE2012 attendees suggesting that we needed to incorporate them into some of our convention signage.  So I did a little research and found the easiest solution possible.

Head over to this link RIGHT HERE, filling the URL for which you need a QR code and presto, there it is.  Save it out as a .PNG file - up the resolution to 300 DPI for printing and you are good to go.  It was way easy.  Scan the one above with your smart phone to see how it works. Now my head is spinning for new uses for QR Codes.  Got any ideas ???

Photoshop Freebies - Lots!
Hey gang, I don't want to keep you here all night but let me point you toward some good Photoshop Freebies before I get out of here today.

1. 25 Background Pattern For Designers – Really Nice!  - DAZ [link]

2. Download 35 Free & Handy Photoshop Texture Design – I’m A Texture geek – DAZ [link]

3. 500+ Photoshop Custom Shapes for Graphic and Web Designers: The Mother load – don’t miss this link - DAZ [link]

4. 40 Impressive Photoshop Tutorials Of 2012 – This will keep you busy for a week! – DAZ  [link]

5. 15 Sets of Free Fur Photoshop Brushes: Sooo… soft – DAZ [link]

6. 20 Refreshing Still Liquid Textures – Very Cool! DAZ [link]
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Hey gang, that’s it for me today.  Boy do I have a treat for you tomorrow . Watch for it a little later in the day.  I’m posting the second part of our worldwide webcast of our PhotoPro Expo 2012 Print Competition for you. 

We had approximately 400 watching online but I knew not everyone would be able to tune in during the “LIVE” webcast. Lot’s of good info in this 3 hour long webcast.  You’ll enjoy seeing and hearing how a juried print competition works, the elements and criteria the judges used and much more.  It’s a wonderful learning experience and I hope to see you in next year’s competition.

See ya’ tomorrow everybody,

-David

Technique Tuesday: Fun At The Beach

Good Morning Everybody,

It’s another busy day around here today. I’ve got to put together two still multi image videos for a client for delivery tomorrow. It’s our last big project around here we need to complete before the holidays.

My favorite software choice for the job is Apple’s iMovie. I’ve tried many others but, even as a mostly PC guy, I still think iMovie offers the best finished result and it makes about the most compelling video presentation you can get. Anyway, on with today’s post.

My NEW Kelby Training Video Just Went “LIVE”

Hey gang, GREAT NEWS! And I’m stoked. I just received an email late yesterday that the first of my two brand new videos for Kelby Training has just gone “LIVE”.  The title, “Photographing Couples”, walks you through my process for photographing engagement couples.  I discuss clothing selection, lighting, composition, posing, and so much more.

Working with our two models made the shoot a breeze.  Also the fact that they were married to each other didn’t hurt either as we photographed them very romantically together too. I think you’ll really enjoy the video.  You can check it out right here.

Technique Tuesday: Fun At The Beach

I had lots of images and lots of techniques I pulled together for my beach shoot a while back in Cabo San Lucas a while back.

Today’s episode was interesting in how that shoot came together.  We had just started getting some ideas for shooting.  The sun was on it’s way down but there was not a cloud in the sky anywhere.

As I surveyed the surrounds, the rocks above looked promising for my shooting location. The sun was quite bright behind the rocks and gave me a “hotspot” in which I would place my subject.  That was the start of things.

The cool thing about this tutorial is that you literary get to see how the shot comes together – step by step.  First I find the location, then I have to wrestle with the light, then I need to get a flattering pose from my subject – all one step at a time.

The next part of the image making process involved utilizing the digital tools at my disposal – Lightroom and Photoshop.  Just when I thought I was finished with the image I got another idea on how I might enhance it even more.  Again, step by step, I walk you through the process until I obtain the finished image, a result that I’m proud and pleased to share.

To see all the steps come together, hit the PLAY button below and enjoy the show in this week’s episode entitled, “Fun At The Beach.”

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Hey gang, that’s it for me today.  Lot’s on my plate today and Christmas right around the corner – I’ve got to run.  I’ll see everybody tomorrow for another great post here at DigitalProTalk.com.

See ya’ then, David

On A Personal Note & Kelby Training Update

Good Morning Everybody,

There's no place like home.... there's no place like home...there's no place like home - I think Dorothy had it right.  It sure did feel good to land back in KY and know I'm going to hanging around a few days - busy days, but still home.

Update On My Kelby Training Videos

We shot the Kelby Training Promo yesterday - it came out really cool.  Later in the morning I caught up with Matt Kloskowski, Curriculum Director for Kelby Training, and we penciled in dates for my upcoming training videos.  It looks like mid May is going to be the timeframe for the shooting. 

The first tape will be on how to photograph engagement sessions - a hot favorite when I first posted the idea [link].  I’ll keep you updated as we get closer to the shooing schedule.  Hey, got an idea you’d like to see - drop me your suggestions in the comment section of this post.  I'll be sure to consider every suggestion. Don’t forget, you can try Kelby Training for FREE right here.

Oh, BTW, if you missed the first Kelby Training promo I did, you can see it below – I still giggle when I watch it ;~)

 

Let The Wedding Festivities Begin

Tomorrow we head to Dayton, Ohio.  LaDawn's son, Joshua is getting married at the end of the month in Sarasota, Florida to his lovely fiancée, Kristen .  We have the Send Off Party tomorrow evening.  Hey, and I don't have to be the photographer either!  But, knowing me, I just won't be able to resist clicking off a few shots. ;~)

Presidential Responsibilities

On a personal and professional note, I have to recommence my duties as President of our state association.  Already we're planning for summer meetings, and next year's convention.  Hey, you are all invited - and when you see the speakers list, you won’t want to miss it!!!! More info soon.

At least being home a few days, I'll be able to deal with my auto issues and hope to have them worked out by the end of next week.

I don't have any stunning news to report today, and since I've been gone for three weeks, I'm taking the day off today from the blog with the exception of the image of the day post.  We are heading over to the Indiana Professional Photographers Convention [link] on Sunday so I'll have a report for you on Monday.

How about everybody have a great weekend and I'll see you bright and early Monday morning for another Quick Monday episode. 

See ya' next week everybody,  David

Secret Mission Accomplished; & New iPad 2 News

Good Afternoon Everybody,

Yesterday we finished phase 1 of the special project - pictured here are a few of my co-conspirators.  Pictured from left to right is Jay Maisel, Julieanne Kost,  myself, Kathy Siler, and Felix Nelson.  The day went great and we were all excited about the project.

I was out the door early today to meet the rest of the team at an undisclosed location here in Tampa.  Today we complete part two of our secret mission.  Again, everything went very smoothly.  We actually wrapped a little earlier than expected.  I’ll give you the low down as soon as I can ;~)

Anyway, that gave me time to grab a quick lunch and tune into Apple's iPad 2 launch.  Several bloggers are blogging it live so I'm receiving the news first hand - very cool.

iPad2 News; Hot Off The Presses

Here is the latest greatest.  Yes, it is called the iPad 2 - who would have guessed?  It's 1/3 thinner - 13.4mm down to 8.8mm - WOW! I hope I don't crack it in half.  It's now dual core with graphics 9x faster.  And yes, two, count them two cameras for more face time.

And more – no retinal display this time around, iPhone/iPad hotspot hook up, and now Phone Booth now on the iPad, and the orientation switch fixed. It will now either mute or lock orientation.

The new iPad 2 will also be available in both black and white colors with white shipping first.  You can find the new iPad 2 in stores on March 11. You heard it first, right here at DPT!

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Hey gang, that's it for me today.  I'm heading over to NAPP World Headquarters and filming a few D-Town episodes.  It should be fun.  Also, doing a new promotional spot for Kelby Training tomorrow.  I'll let you know when everything goes live.

Have a great rest of the day, start saving your pennies for your new iPad 2 and I'll see ya' bright and early tomorrow for another episode of Business Day Thursday: Workflow Part 3.

See ya' then,  David