Travel Update: Lourdes, Barcelona, Valencia and 7,000 Images Later!

Good Morning Everybody,

Whew!  We have really been rockin’ this trip since I last checked in with you.  Check out the map to the right – it shows our travels so far. Photo count after 25 days  – just over 7,000!!

We had planned to land in San Sebastian and spend a few days in one of Spain’s most visited tourist destinations.  Well, it was a bit TOO visited for us and we blasted out of there after only 20 hours from checking in. Our accommodations were less than spectacular and the street noise right outside our second story window was meant for more party type twenty year-olds.

No problem though.  After a slight modification in travel plans we headed to Lourdes, France.  You know – one more day, one more country.  Boy, do we love traveling through Europe.  Our visit to Lourdes was fantastic.  Lourdes is one of the great pilgrimage cities of the world with about 1,000,000 faith based visitors a year to see the holy grotto of the Virgin Mary as it appeared to 14 year old Bernadette.

Saint Bernadette is one the Catholics most revered saints.  Her story was told in the 1943 Academy awarding winning movie, “The Song of Bernadette.”  After being there in person, it is definitely on our “watch” list.

Regardless of your faith, this is a must see destination in Europe. The masses (see above photo) of Christian faithful pouring into the main square after the 9 p.m. candle light parade is awe-inspiring!!!  Our one day stay was way to short.  Lourdes is definitely on our “return visit” list.

Next it was off to Barcelona, about 5 hours away, with a beautiful misty mountain drive through the Pyrenees along the way.

We arrived into Barcelona about 3:00 p.m., got settled into our very nice apartment near the historic Gothic district, and prepared for a week of eating, sleeping, and living photography with around 20 other like minded individuals. Barcelona is one of our favorite cities in all of Europe and we were really looking forward to our time there.  This vibrant city provided a perfect background for our Master Class.  Below is a photo of the class instructors, (Clay Jarod and myself) class attendees, models and a few spouses captured at the very prestigious 5-star El Palace Hotel, one of the premiere hotels in the city complete with it’s Caelis restaurant, a Michelin rated restaurant.  Yes, we do eat well during our International Master Classes

The cool thing about this year’s Master Class is the fact that we had attendees from around the world including India, Taiwan, Canada, Ireland, Nigeria, Brussels, and the US. It was an awesome week.  I’ll plan on getting a post up in a few days featuring several images from the week – you’ll love it!

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Hey gang, that’s the quick update for today.  We just arrived in Valencia, Spain’s third largest city after Madrid and Barcelona, late yesterday afternoon and this looks to be one happening city.  It kind of reminds us of a more compact Barcelona but still bustling with cafes, shopping, history, and gleaming new buildings.  We are here for four full days and are heading out in just a hours to begin exploring.

Stay tuned.

Adios for now, David

My Barcelona (and maybe last) Master Class - Only 7 Seats Left!

Mark your calendars NOW!!!  October 6 - 13, 2014

How would you like to visit one of the most beautiful cities in the world, make new friends, and spend some time with some really enthusiastic photographers?  For the last two years legendary wedding/portrait photographer Clay Blackmore [link] and myself have have conducted what I believe are the most value priced, most informative, most fun Master Classes held anywhere in the world.  This year we're headed to Barcelona, Spain - DETAILS HERE!

Sure, I'm a little biased but those are not just my comments they are echoed widely by all those attending.  In fact we have about a 30% return rate each year. 

This year I'm pleased to announce that we have the amazing Jared Platt [link] joining us!  Jared is a talented photographer/teacher who has rocked it on Creative LIVE several times.  He brings not only his photographic expertise to Barcelona this year but will also work with each attendee in streamlining and enhancing their post-production techniques.

Our "Classroom" this year is in the amazing city of Barcelona, Spain. I have to say, it's one of my favorite world cities to visit. We've gone out of our way to provide the best accommodations at a VERY reasonable price possible for this year's Master Class.  Just check it out below.

With a price of only $2,895 which INCLUDES accommodations, food, drink, and classes with 3 instructors there is simply no better educational value available anywhere! (only $650 for add'l family members and friends not attending classes)

It's just a good time, a great way to make new friends, enjoy a beautiful part of the world, and live, eat, sleep, and breathe exciting photography!

We all hope to see you there! [All the Details Here]

p.s. Just for the record, this may be my final Master Class - the rest of life is calling to me ;~) dz

My Budapest Master Class – Part 1

Good Morning Everybody,

We landed safe and sound in Budapest, Hungary Monday just over a week ago. The flight was about 11 hours with an additional 3 hour layover in Paris – not a bad place to have a layover – although we spent the entire time in the airport ;~)  After gathering the bags we hopped a taxi and made the 30 minute trip to beautiful downtown Budapest and checked into the Gellert Hotel – one of the “Grand Dame” hotels in the city.

Just as we pulled up to the hotel we were spotted by many of the class members, my buddies Jeff Medford and Roland Pallagi, and fellow instructor Clay Blackmore.  Clay and I conducted the same class in Tuscany, Italy just a year ago.

DAZNOTE:  BTW, here are a few links below to my blog posts about our Tuscany Master Class experience – checking out those posts will give you a flavor of the class.  I think Budapest is going to be – just more exciting!  [link 1]     [link 2]     [link 3]    [link 4]

It was great to catch up with old friends and we were all fired up for the Master Class to begin on Tuesday.  I said it to myself a million times, “This is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited in all of my worldly travels!” 

After checking in and a short rest, LaDawn and I set out to explore the close by Gellert neighborhoods on the Buda side.  The city was bustling with color, sounds, smells, and energy.  It was a good first day.

The next day, Tuesday, after a quick meeting with the class to layout the plan for the week, we were all off on our own to explore Budapest’s wonderful architecture, beauty, and history.  LaDawn and I found ourselves taking a tour of Dohány Street Synagogue, the second largest synagogue in Europe [link].  We took the fascinating tour and took in all aspects of this historic structure.

DAZNOTE: The Hungarian Jews were persecuted severely during the Second World War with more that 550,000 Jews being shipped off to concentration camps – the third highest of all European countries –with many, many never surviving and killed those awful times [link].  It was then only ten years later that the famous 1956 uprising against Russia began eventually gaining for Hungary their true independence. It was finally in 1990 that Hungary became the democracy it is today. 

I share these facts with you because that is what I find so fascinating about our travels.  We are walking through the recent history [link] of the beautiful country which has been through so much turmoil in recent years.  Yet, here we are today giving a Master Class in this beautiful city.

The Gellert Spa Shoot

After a full day of taking in as much of the city as we could it was back to the hotel for the first shoot of the week’s Master Class.  Jeff Medford, my good friend and coordinator of the Master Class had arranged for Clay and I and the entire class to have access to the famous Gellert Spas, one of the most famous and most beautiful in all of Europe.

Roland, a native of Budapest and also my assistant at last year;’s Tuscany Master class had arranged for our beautiful models – and beautiful they were, they were gorgeous!  The class broke into two groups and we proceed to the spa.  WOW!  That’s all I could say.  What a fabulous place to photograph!  Let me share with you a few of my favorite images from the evening’s session.

Spa Session

Photo 1: The goal was to achieve a nice balance of the flash exposure with the ambient light to bring out the beauty of the spa setting.  I also placed Anna in front of the vanishing point as part of the compositional elements I desired in this image which subconsciously draws the viewers attention directly to Anna’s beautiful face.  Camera specs: Canon 5D Mark III fitted with my Sigma 12 – 24 mm lens at 24mm, 1/20 second at F5.6, ISO 2000.  Lighting camera right, Canon 600 EX-RT speed-lite through my Zumbrella.

 

Photo 2: Wide angle lenses are so cool in these types of locations. Camera specs: Canon 5D Mark III fitted with my Sigma 12 – 24 mm lens at 12mm, 1/20 second at F5.6, ISO 2000.  Lighting camera right, Canon 600 EX-RT speed-lite through my Zumbrella.

 

Photo 3: The lighting and the perspective really make for a dramatic image.  This is an example of how we used my Z-Ray Flashlight to pin-point the light with little spill onto the marble columns and also used a second flash for  back lighting to add dimension to Greta’s hair. Camera specs: Canon 5D Mark III fitted with my Tamron 28-300mm VC lens at 28mm, 1/20 second at F5.6, ISO 2000.  Lighting camera right from my Z-Ray Flashlight

 

Photo 4: The super wide angle lens really draws the viewer's eyes directly to our subject.  Camera specs: Canon 5D Mark III fitted with my Canon 8-15 Fisheye at 15mm, 1/50 second at F5.6, ISO 3200.  Lighting camera left from my Z-Ray Flashlight,  and balancing for the ambient light of the spacious lobby area of the spa..

 

Photo 5: I really like the accentuated converging lines in this image.  This was a small lesson on back-lighting against the  really reflective marble surfaces. An additional Canon 600 EX-RT was placed not of the ground, as I usually would do, but on a chair hidden from view by the leg of Anna on the left. Camera specs: Canon 5D Mark III fitted with my Sigma 12 – 24 mm lens at 12mm, 1/40 second at F5.6, ISO 3200.  Lighting camera right, Canon 600 EX-RT speed-lite through my Zumbrella.

 

Photo 6: Look how the colors carry from the painting to the color of the Anna’s dress in this image.  Another example of using compositional elements within an image to create dramatics, not only with color but the sweeping C-curve of the red hair in the painting contrasting with the S-curve of the model. Camera specs: Canon 5D Mark III fitted with my Tamron 28-300mm VC lens at 77mm, 1/40 second at F5.6, ISO 3200.  Lighting camera right, from my Z-Ray flashlight.

 

Photo 7: This is an image of one of the student attendees, Angelea. I love the repeat of the eyes in this image. Angelea’s exotic look with the the hidden expression of the female in the painting. Camera specs: Canon 5D Mark III fitted with my Tamron 28-300mm VC lens at 168mm, 1/40 second at F5.6, ISO 3200.  Lighting camera right, bouncing off the highly reflective wooden bench Angelia was standing upon creating the loop lighting pattern from my Canon 600 EX-RT speed-lite.

A BIG thanks to Angelea, one of our Master Class attendees, for standing in as my model for this image.

Not a bad start for the first day of shooting, do you think?  I’ve got lots more images to share with you over the next several days from the Master Class so please come back later this week as I continue to share the images and experiences of The Budapest Master Class. It has been a TERRIFIC week!

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Hey gang, that’s it for me today. The class wrapped on Sunday and LaDawn and I are spending a few more days in the city before moving on to our next location.  Have a great rest of the day and I’ll see you soon!

David

Big Happenings On Friday!

Good Morning Everybody!

We’ve got lot’s happening before we jump the jet to Orlando, Florida early Monday morning.  So let me tell you about some good things coming your way.

Our Budapest Master Class Officially Announced

Last year Clay Blackmore and I and 52 others (24 students, spouses, and friends) had a blast in Tuscany, Italy. We decided to do it again, but this year we’re in Budapest!  Clay and I just barely announced our next Master Class to be held in Budapest, Hungry September 9-16, 2013 [link] and the class is over half booked already.

I have to say, it is the education bargain of the century. In addition to eating, sleeping, and breathing photography, lighting, and composition with Clay and myself for several days your registration also includes: 

• 7 full nights in Budapest nestled on the beautiful Danube River,
• Lodging at the famous Danubius Hotel Gellért and home to the world’s most famous spa,
• A day trip to the stunning city of Vienna,
• Most meals,
• And plenty of fine wine.

I think there are about ten spaces available so if you are interested in a fantastic trip of a lifetime check out all the details right here or call this number right away 202-448-2895 to make your reservation.

BTW, here are a few links below to my blog posts about our Tuscany Master Class experience – checking out those posts will give you a flavor of the class.  I think Budapest is going to be even more exciting!

[link 1]     [link 2]     [link 3]    [link 4]

Heading To Photoshop World

I can’t believe it’s that time of year again!  But in a few short days we’re off to another fun filled and brain frying week at Photoshop World.  Photoshop World is one of our favorite conventions to attend.  The amount of information one gets is overwhelming; the attendees are great to meet – we make new friends each time we attend; and the energy of the event is just outright contagious!

I’ll be instructing my wedding Pre-Con on Tuesday, and them two more programs during the rest of the week.  You can also catch me at the PeachPit Theater presenting two additional programs.  Just check schedules when you arrive.  And, please be sure to come on up and say HI if you see me running around the show. Here is the link to all the Photoshop World details right here.

Dave Cross Coming To Creative LIVE

Hey gang, my good buddy, Dave Cross will be appearing on creativeLIVE [link] for 2 back-to-back 2-day Photoshop classes. On April 25 & 26 Dave will be covering Photoshop Automation & Productivity, and Photoshop Creativity on April 27 & 28. As always, it's free to watch live from anywhere in the world. Enroll now and join Dave for 4 days of Photoshop fun and education. Hope you can make it.

Session 1: Photoshop Automation & Productivity: April 25 & 26 [link 1]

Session 2:  Photoshop Creativity: April 27 & 28 [link2]

On Twitter: Join @davecross for 4 days of #Photoshop training on @creativeLIVE April 25-28. Enroll now & watch live for free. http://bit.ly/Xioioq

Tim and Beverly Walden U - Best Portrait Class Ever!

LaDawn and I recently had the opportunity to sit in on Tim and Bev’s class and, I have to tell you, we walked away with pages of powerful and effective sales and marketing ideas that were worth their weight in gold!  You can get all the info right here.

Walden U will be held July 28th and 29th, 2013 at the Walden's Photography studio in Lexington, KY. Sign up before April 28th, 2013 and receive the early bird discount of $100 when you enter the promo code EBWU.

The investment in Walden U is about the best thing a photographer can do for their business.  This class is for any photographer wanting to take their business and profits to new heights.  The entire experience - Bev and Tim’s warm hospitality, the generosity and passion of their sharing, and their insights and strategies to marketing portrait photography – make for a not to be missed learning experience!

Also, don’t forget to check out Bev’s blog [link] – tons of good info there too!

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Hey gang, that’s it for me today.  I’m still planning to get a Technique Tuesday and Business Day Thursday posted before we leave on Monday.  I’ll post them with Tuesday and Thursday’s dates so they will appear before this post on the DPT blog.  Hope you enjoy them.

Have a great weekend and I’ll see you in Orlando next week,  David

"Colors Of The City”

"Colors Of The City”
©David A. Ziser

It was a perfect time to give it a try – in-camera HDR with my new Canon 5D Mark III.  The class was busy, photographing the models against the Cincy skyline and I was wondering from group to group answering questions, making suggestions and helping out where necessary.

The city scape was just beautiful with the lights reflecting off the shimmering water of the Ohio River.  I’m thinking, “I wonder what this would look like in HDR?”  I took a moment to brake away from Nicholas’ group who was working closest to the water and answer my own question.

I quickly switched the camera to HDR mode setting the exposure variation to AUTO and the HDR effect to ART BOLD. I lifted the camera to my eye, framed up the shot with the Tamron 28-300mm VC lens and pressed the shutter.  The camera fired off three shots in rapid succession as I handheld it steadily as it completed it exposure cycle.

During the processing cycle, which takes about 10 seconds, the camera is working it’s HDR magic - even self aligning the pixels from each image – to obtain the final result. It’s REALLY amazing technology!!!  3, 2, 1 – there it was the Cincinnati skyline in all its HDR glory. …. I was impressed!

Camera specs: Canon 5D Mark III, fitted with Tamron 28-300 VC lens at 42mm, F5.6 @ 1/80 second, ISO 6400.  Enjoy!  -David

p.s. Hey gang, it getting late in the afternoon, I ‘m on an energy low for the week. LaDawn and I have a few loose ends to wrap up from the class.  I’ll plan to post a re-cap of the week up over the next few days.  Have a great weekend and I’ll see you soon.  -David

My Master Class Wrap Up – What A Great Week!

Hi Everybody,

We had a WONDERFUL week at my Digital Master Class, April 16 - 20. Our attendees hailed from coast-to-coast here in the US and even traveled as far as Canada and Australia to be part of our international photographic event.

This was one of the smaller master classes we’ve had in the last few years but I think that made a great opportunity for everyone because the coaches and I could spend more time with each class member and everyone had even more time for photography. The class really started to gel on the very first day.  At our Welcome Party everyone got to know each other better and by the end of the week everybody was enjoying each other's company – it was a good week.

Another thing that struck me was how quickly everybody understood the lighting techniques that I  teach during my class. When we were doing class review of the images, the lighting was nearly dead on for just about all of the photographs presented by the class. I was one of the three coaches and didn’t get a chance to shoot as much as usual. It was fun interacting with each of our three groups and helping them capture the best photographs they could.  Below is a short Animoto video featuring some of my favorite images and some images of the class members working together.

A couple of our team also put up up few blog posts during the week. First, let me point you to a blog post by one of my coaches, Eric Cameron. Eric's post gives a good overall view of our first day of shooting and includes some images that help you get a feel for just how the week went. Here is the link right here.

Secondly, let me point you towards my Ace#1 Assistant, Nicholas Viltrakis’, post right here.  Lots of blow by blow description of the week and loaded with cool pics.

The next post was put up by one of our most energetic students, Michael Houlden, from Canada.  You can find his post and some of his images right here – again, another nice read.  Michael also had two of the most creative photographs submitted by the class for the week. I've included both of them below.

DAZNOTE: Just a note to the rest of the class. If any of you reading this have made any post to your blog please shoot me the links  and I'll include them in a later post at DigitalProTalk.

Another highlight of the week for me was the fact that I got to try Tamron’s new 28-300mm lens. It arrived just in time for me to use it on both days of our shooting sessions. My first impressions are that this is going to be my “go to” lens at my next wedding.

As a wedding photographer, I need to be shooting quickly and efficiently  and a lens with a ten to one zoom range lets me avoid the “lens juggle” and possibly missing a shot. I know some of the purists reading this post today are probably rolling their eyeballs. But overall I found the lens to the good job in the context of how I plan to use it on my next wedding – plenty sharp, decent vibration control, quick and quiet focusing, fast to use.   I'm planning to do a complete, in-depth review of the lens sometime this week  so, please stay tuned.

I think our long day Wednesday – over 12 hours long – had everybody, including me, feeling a bit spent by the end of the day. Thankfully on Thursday it was back into the classroom.

After the image review in the morning we spent the rest of the day discussing sales and marketing. From the evaluations that the class turned in at the end of the week it looks like this was one of the favorite parts of the week for many.

You know, things are changing so quickly in the wedding photography profession that we need to be quick on our feet on how we market ourselves and sell our images for clients.  On Thursday I tried to cover the highlights of what has been successful for us at my studio for the past several years. But as I said, things are changing so fast that even I need to keep things fresh from year to year. Because I'm such a BIG fan of sales and marketing explains why Business Day Thursday is one of my favorite days to post.

We wrapped up Friday shortly after noon, gave away over $1100 in door prizes, had our graduation ceremony, and said our goodbyes. LaDawn and I arrived back at the studio by about 1:30 p.m. and just crashed for a few hours. It's a big week for everyone involved. That includes class members who were going from morning to night during the week, LaDawn who makes everything perfect for everybody all week long and myself who wants it to be the best learning experience for everyone involved.

From the looks of the evaluations that were turned in it sure looks like all the class attendees had a great week. My personal thank you to everyone, especially my assistant coaches, Nicolas Viltrakis and Eric Cameron, that took the time and expense to join us this week.  I wish for all of you the best success and I sure hope our paths cross again real soon.

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Hey everybody, that's it for me today. Enjoy the photographs and the links included in today's post and I'll see everyone tomorrow.

Adios, David

First Day Images and Shooting With the Tamron 28-300mm VC Lens

Good Morning Everybody,

We got started bright and early yesterday heading down to the church first thing in the morning and shooting till noon.  Then it was a lunch break and then we headed back to the beautiful Mother of God Church photographing until about six o'clock in the evening.

This location is one of my favorites because it offers so much variety for the class both inside and outside the premises. And, the pastor is so gracious to let us, more or less, have the run of the place all day long.

The weather obliged us too with moderate temperatures and mostly cloudy skies making the shooting experience much less challenging than it would have been had we been shooting in the bright sunlight.

Today LaDawn and I review the class images – this is a favorite part of the class.  What looks so easy in the PowerPoint the day before translates into a much different experience when you’re actually on site shooting.  Will then review the images I made recapping the key points on lighting and composition.

After lunch were off to one of the most beautiful parks in Cincinnati and planning to work there until around dusk this evening.  After a short break then it's down to the Cincinnati Riverfront area where we will finish up  at about nine o'clock this evening. You're right, it's a long day. But by the end of it we should have some great photographs and some great shooting experiences to remember.

Since I'm a little short on time today let me quickly show you some of my favorite photographs that I made yesterday with a short description of each.

This was one of my first images of the day yesterday. As I mentioned in yesterday's post I have the opportunity to try Tamron’s new 28–300mm VC lens and I shot with it most of yesterday.  As with any of the large ratio zoom lenses, quality can sometimes be compromised at the longest settings. This image was made at 168mm handheld at 1/20th second.  I printed a 24 x 36in of it this morning and it really looks quite nice.

In the image above I wanted to compress the pews which required that I use a long focal length lens once again. This image was made with the Tamron lens zoomed to 168mm handheld at 1/13th second. From the low shutter speeds it seems Tamron’s VC – Vibration Compensation – was doing just fine especially at these long focal lengths at which I was shooting.

The next two images below were made in the garden outside of the church. The first image you see was once again taken at the full extension of the Tamron lens – 300mm at F5.6 the maximum aperture of the lens at the zoom range. I am seeing a slight falloff in sharpness but it’s a large “head size” subject and I don’t find it that objectionable. I plan to experiment with the lens again at this 300mm but I’ll shoot at a smaller aperture to see how the image quality improves. I suspect that it will. 

This next image was also made in the side garden of the church. It was shot at the 200mm setting at F5.6. I've made 24X 36 inch prints of all the images you're seeing here in today’s post.  They all look quite good, sharp and balanced even shooting at this zoom range nearly wide open.  

This next image is one of my favorites from yesterday shoot. We were outside in the open shade in a very confined part of the parish rectory.  One of the class members pulled out the silver reflector and bounced a little bit of light back in our bride’s face.  As we were trying to set up for the photograph the wind started blowing and the veil was flying all over the bride's face.  I suggested we just let the wind blow and shoot away.  It was a kick to see some of the images.This is one of my favorites from the several that I had captured during that short windy session.

This last image below was one of the final images that I shot yesterday. This image was made with my new Canon 8-15mm Zoom Fisheye lens.  I have to tell you, this is one of the sharpest lenses I've ever seen. Yesterday I was shooting both RAW and small JPEG’s utilizing the camera’s dual card feature.

Late last night, as I was selecting the images for printing, I grabbed the wrong image pulling from the small JPEG of the photograph instead of the RAW file.  I didn't realize it until this morning when I was reviewing my 24x36 inch prints - they all looked great. This image below I noticed was particularly sharp, hence my enthusiasm for the 8-15mm Fisheye. 

But, when I returned to Lightroom 4 this morning to review the images one more time I notice that I had inadvertently grabbed the small JPEG for printing instead of it’s RAW counterpart. Needless to say, it was quite a surprise to see the quality I was able to maintain even from the small Canon 5D Mk3 JPEG - what beautiful and super sharp print!

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Hey gang, that's it for me today. Class starts in a short while and I better get moving. How about I'll see you again tomorrow with another set of images from today shoot. Have a great rest of the day and I'll see you then.

Adios, David

New DPT Blog Design; New Lighting Book; $50 B&H Gift Card; & New Italy Workshop Announced!

Good Afternoon Everybody,

New DPT Blog Layout!

How do you like the new DPT blog layout?  Let me know what you think of it and if you have additional suggestions, please let me hear your ideas. I've also removed Retweet button at the top right of each post. It was giving me problems so I just dropped it off the blog. I added a new set of “SHARE” buttons at the end of each post. I'm going to run DigitalProTalk in this configuration for a few weeks just to see how it plays out from my posting standpoint.

The new layout has several benefits. One of the BIG benefits of the new format is the fact that I can post much larger size images.  You can also double-click on each image to see it in it’s full blown glory. Secondly, It also allows me to embed our Technique Tuesday videos at a 50% larger size as well – pretty cool!. And lastly, it’s easier to read – the background has been changed from black to dark gray.  I hope that’s easier on your eyes. 

I’ve actually gone back and updated all the posts for the last two weeks to accommodate the new layout – enjoy! Anyway, let me know what you think. I sure would appreciate your feedback.

My New Book Moves To The Front Burner! And I’m Giving Away A $50 Gift Card From B&H!

That’s right – I’m finally beginning my new book.  The title, as it stands for now, will be “Make Your Lighting Exciting!” and I’m stoked to get started on it! 

Here's a quick update as to what I plan to cover in my new book. I’m reposting my post from last year [link] which included lots of input and comments from my DPT readers. I’m opening the door one more time for you to have some input into the book project. I’ve got over 30 great suggestions so far on additional topics to include.  Why not add your ideas to the list. 

Let me show you what I've got so far.  Here is the super rough draft of ideas and it targets all photographers, not just wedding photographers.

Make Your Lighting Exciting:

- The characteristics of light

• Small Light sources
• Large Light sources
• Hybrid light sources

- Do brands make a difference - Light is Light

- What kind of lighting and when to use it:

• For brides
• Larger groups
• Character studies
• Lighter skin vs. darker skin tones

- Why understand lighting ratios:

• Contrast control
• Specular vs. diffused highlights

- Make your lighting exciting:

• Lighting for mood
• Lighting for beauty
• Lighting for dramatic effect

- The right lighting for your lens choice

• Wide angle lens, what kind of light
• Telephoto lens, what kind of light

- Light sources

• Shoe mount strobes
• Off camera portable strobes
• Studio lighting
• Continuous output lights

- Using lighting to create shadows

• Shadows for backgrounds
• Shadows for dramatic effect
• Shadows to hide defects
• Shadows to create dimension
• Shadows to flatter the subject

- Lighting gear that doesn't break the bank

- Easy lighting setups to get great results

- Reflectors made easy

- Telephoto reflectors, or how to really throw the light

- Everyday items that make creative light sources

- Creating your own lighting studio on a "shoestring budget"

OK, What do you think so far?  I'd like to hear from you, my DPT readers, with any additional ideas and topics you would like to see covered.

How About A $50 B&H Gift Certificate For Your Thoughts?

I'll tell you what I'll do.  Everyone who submits an idea or topic will be eligible to win a $50 Gift Certificate from B&H - how about that for a little incentive;~)

I can't wait to see what you come up with.  Please leave all your suggestions in the Comment section below with your name.  In a few weeks, I'll review the ideas to date and see what we've got and then select a winner. 

I want to rework the chapters and I should have the final outline ready in about a week or two. Writing the book is no easy chore but I'm really looking forward to it and planning to put together a publication that really does allow you to make your lighting exciting without going to great expense of having to buy the latest greatest, most expensive equipment.

As I progress on the book, I'll drop some excerpts into my daily posts here at Digital Pro Talk. I will always be open to your feedback and look forward to your suggestions, ideas and critiques.

 

Clay and I Announce Our Italy Master Class

Located in a castle in Tuscany Italy, this Masterclass is a photographer’s dream. Not only will you build your portfolio and sharpen your photography skills as you practice in one of the most scenic places in the world, but you’ll learn under the hands of two of the world’s most acclaimed portrait and wedding photographers.  Clay Blackmore and I are teaming up to bring you the best professional photography Masterclass since the Renaissance!  During the course of the week each student will learn from both instructors—giving you double the creativity and inspiration—and bringing your photography skills to a level you never dreamed of.

• Price: $2,295 per person. Discounts are available for multiple people or for people sharing a room.  Prices start at just $500 additional for spouses/friends who aren’t attending the class.  Call for details.

• A private room on the Castle property for 7 nights is included with your Masterclass, checking in on Sunday September 30th and checking out on Sunday October 7th.  Several different room configurations are available at the satellite villas on the Castle grounds.

• The Castle is south of the Florence Airport (1½ hours drive along route E35/A1) near the town of Chiusi . Students are responsible for their airfare to Italy and their transportation to and from the Castle.  A car rental is recommended, however, Chiusi is well served by the train system and it may be possible to arrange for you to be picked up at the train station.

• There are 4 class days of instruction and we’ll be going from sunup to sundown and then some…be prepared for 12 hour days. The class days are Tuesday October 2nd through Friday October 5th.

• All meals are provided on the class days…and that includes wine, too!

Topics covered will be in-depth posing, lighting, and composition, specifically:

Posing: men, women, couples, and groups. Hand positions. Feet positions
Lighting: How to light men, women, couples and groups. All natural Lighting. Ultimate window-light portraits. Use of Reflectors. How to effectively add speed lights to any scene.
Composition: How to position the subject within the frame to create an impacting and meaningful photograph.

Equipment to bring: your camera, lenses, speed lights, reflector, and a laptop.

We just announced the Master Class and have several registered already. Clay and I are expecting the Masterclass to sell out quickly so don’t wait too long to reserve your seat in the class.  You can get all the info right here.

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Hey gang, that’s it for me today.  We’re gearing up for a big wedding tomorrow and I’ve got to get the cards cleared and the gear bag packed.  Everybody have a great weekend and I’ll see you on Monday, all the pixel’s willing.

See you then, David