New Webcasts Coming and Last Chance To Book My Napa Experience & Master C!ass

Good Morning Everybody,

Yesterday turned out to be the busiest day of the convention for us with one webcast, one Westcott booth demo, and my program last night.  We did wrap the day by having dinner with our new friends at OnOne Software.  I can't wait to show what they've got going on.

Busy Day Yesterday!

My members only webcast entitled, "Plants The Seeds To Expectation To Achieve Sales Success" went off without a hitch and received "RAVE" reviews.  I'm thinking I may do an encore webcast presentation for our DigitalProTalk readers.  We're looking into when we can get it scheduled as we speak.  I will definitely keep you posted.

Yesterday we also caught up with my good friend and Adobe Certified Expert, Suzette Allan.  Suzette was my model for one of my classes years ago and we have stayed in contact ever since.  Suzette teaches extensively around the country and around the world showing attendees the real “under the hood” magic of Photoshop.  She has graciously agreed to do a webcast for us at DigitalProTalk sharing her expertise.  Once again, we're checking schedules - I promise, it will be sooner than later, maybe later this month.  Again, I'll keep you posted.

Yesterday morning Suzette and I were treated to a private training session with Janice Wendt, NIK Software evangelist, who introduced us to all the cool new features of NIK's Color Efex 4. We were all blown away with not just the new software, but the much more intuitive new interface. 

Not only that, but in the new version, NIK has added not just more cool filters and effects but even more importantly NIK Color Efex Pro 4.0 now has a History palette, Control Z undo, Copy and Paste Control Points, and Space Bar Zoom.  There was too much to go into today but when I receive my copy I promise to do a Technique Tuesday on it.  BTW if you use my “secret code – DZISER”, you can yourself 15% off any NIK purchase from their website.

Even more good news, NIK has lowered the price on it by $100.  They also announced a price reduction on my favorite piece of software, Viveza 2 which is now only $99! Hey pick up my Summer Success Collection for only $59 [link] and you receive a voucher worth $40 on any NIK product - that brings Viveza 2 down to only $69 - what a deal ;~)

Today I'm presenting programs at the Manfrotto booth and also at the Perfectly Clear booth.  If you're in the neighborhood, I hope you'll stop by.

Napa Experience & Fall Master Class Almost Sold Out!

Just a Quick Update - since we've been in Las Vegas at the PSW Convention, two more photographers have registered for my Napa Experience Private Workshop [link}.  That brings our total up to 5 leaving only 1 more seat available!  If your interested, You can get all the info and reserve that last seat right here or call 800.292.2994 and leave a message - we'll call you back on Monday with further details if it the seat is still available.

And, my Fall Master Class [link] is down to only two seats.  So again, if your interested you can get more info and reserve your space right here or call the studio at 859.341.5900 or 1.800.292.2994, leave a message and again we'll get back with you on Monday.

_____________________________________________________

Hey gang, that's it for me this week.  We are off and running, but thankfully a shorter day. We get a chance to relax this evening and head home bright and early tomorrow with the weekend off.  It's been a great week in Las Vegas and a great time at Photoshop World.

I'll see you back in good ol' KY on Monday all the pixels willing.  Have a wonderful weekend and I'll see you then.

Adios, David

Business Day Thursday: Planting The Seeds Of Expectation & Photoshop World Daily Recap

Good Morning Everybody,

Yesterday's Photoshop World kicked off to a rousing start with the opening ceremonies featuring the Project Photoshop presentation, I played the Tim Gamma (Gunn) character and Julianne Kost was Heidi Klum.  Scott Kelby, Matt Kloskowski, Cory Barker, Dave Cross, R.C. Concepcion, and a large cast of characters played the parts of the Photoshop designers. 

Terry White, Jay Maisel, and Fay Sirkus played the role of the judges.  The challenge was to design gowns based on the Various tools found in Photoshop.  It was hilarious.  Scott won, of course, with his "winning" design featuring the "paint bucket" tool.   You can get an idea of the festivities right here.

Photoshop World Day 2 - Great New Software Introductions!

Today the plan is to meet with NIK Software to get a private peek at their brand new Color Efex 4. I have been friends with NIK Software for many years and always look forward to their latest product launches. I am never disappointed.

I have seen wonders worked with NIK's Color Efex so I'm really looking forward to seeing what they have in store for their new release.  I'll keep you posted.

And speaking of software, the other big guys in that department, OnOne Software, are showcasing  their brand new Perfect Photo Suite 6.  Last week I sat in on two private webcasts in which they showed many of the features of their new product. 

I have to tell you, I was blown away by their new Perfect Portrait 1. It is the fastest, easiest way to retouch portrait images that I have ever seen!  I’ll get an opportunity to test drive the beta in just a few days.  I can't wait to fill you in on that one too.

Great Programs!

The programs and presenters are always great at Photoshop World. We sat in on Matt Kloskowski's Lightroom program yesterday and as usual I picked up a few tips along the way.

I think the most entertaining and educational segment of the Tech Expo is the Photoshop Wars booth hosted by iStock Photo. It's set up like a game show with two of the Photoshop gurus for instance Cory Barker and new Photoshop guy, Pete Collins going head to head on a project challenge.  Larry Becker, NAPP's Executive director hits the competition and keeps things lively and entertaining for the audience. It was really fun, and educational to watch.

At 1:00 today, totally unrelated to Photoshop World, I’m presenting a webcast on Sales and Marketing - it's a members only webcast for my buddy Chuck Lewis.  I thought what I'd do for today's post is cover the most salient points of my program.  I think you'll enjoy the sales tips.  Here we go.

Planting The Seeds of Expectation To Reap The Harvest Of Sales Success

OK, it's a long title but it really does speak to how you can enhance your photography sales.  You know, too many people are just order takers.  To be successful in any business, you really need to be an order maker.  A good place to begin is in your initial client consultation.

Sales Success Is More Than Booking The Event

It's more than just booking the sale or booking the event.  Sure, that's the main goal but there are many secondary goals on that first meeting too.  Let's say we just book the event - do we just offer our "Thank You’s" and say goodbye to the clients?  Too many photographers do just that and that begins to explain the severely distressed state of affairs for many photographers sales situations.

You have a client fired up about your photography, you've got them excited about how you’ll shoot their wedding - now just take it to next level.  After we initially book the client we quickly shift gears into the second phase of our sales process.  Let me walk you through just a few of the options we discuss with our clients.

Talk About What Your Current Clients Typically Purchase

Most of us have various levels of coverage - you know, like Wendy's the Single, Double, and Triple - the more extensive the coverage, the higher the price.  Our top coverage includes 100 images bound in a beautiful leather album - our clients love it!

As I'm reviewing our levels of coverages the conversation goes something like this. "Mary and John, let me tell you about the best wedding coverage I have to offer.  It's our Level One coverage and includes 100 of your favorite images bound in a gorgeous leather bound album like you see below (show sample album)."

Now Plant The Seeds Of Expectation

But then I plant the "seeds of expectation".  "But I have to tell you, if I've done my best job for you, and I promise I will, your going to want a lot more that 100 images.  In fact, most of our clients select about 200-250 images for their album.  You know, with so many emotions and so much excitement happening at your wedding, it's difficult to tell the whole story in only 100 images.  Don't worry though, we offer special pricing, up to a 60% savings on all the additional images you add to your final collection."

Two Great Results!

What have I done?  Two things - first I told them everybody selects many more that 100 images for their album, they will probably do the same.  Heck, I'll show them about 1500 images selectively edited from the original 3500 images that I've taken and they will love about 400-600 of them. It's an easy matter to have them settle on 250 top favorites.

Secondly and most importantly, I've told them that those extra photographs will be affordably priced.  That's one of the sales secrets - build the expectation for the client wanting a complete coverage, 200-250 images in their final album, and be sure to "message" to them that the additional images will be an affordable addition to the level of coverage they've selected.

More Seeds To Plant

After we've discussed album expectations, we move on to the peripheral products like B&W Collections, multi image collages, family albums, etc.  I don't want today's post to turn into a book chapter so how about I continue this series next week where Ill discuss a few more "seeds of expectations" plantings you'll want to cover in this initial consultation.

___________________________________________________

On that note gang, I've got to run. We've got another big day today.  I've got my meeting with NIK at 11:00 a.m. and then my webcast at 1:00 p.m.  Then it's over to the Tech Expo to check out the latest and greatest the exhibitors have to offer.

At 4:00 p.m. you can catch me at the Westcott booth demonstrating their brand new 84 inch translucent umbrella I helped to design.  I plan to be shooting to the iPad for that demo so it should be pretty exciting.  I hope you'll stop by. At 6:00 I wrap the day with my "Make Your Lighting Exciting" program and then it's out to dinner with our buddies at OnOne Software.

Yep, looks like another full day but, always a fun day too ;~)

I'll see everybody tomorrow for a quick review of today's happenings and news of what I find exciting at the show.

That's an "Over and Out" for me today.

Have a great rest of the day and I'll see you tomorrow, David

Quick Hit Monday: Great Wedding Weekend – Tried Lots Of New Things; Ansel Adams In A Box; Super Size Sensors

Good Morning Everybody,

We made it through our very busy weekend and I was happy to be on the plane back to Denver. You know you are too busy when you look forward to airports and plane flights for your break in the action ;~)

Anyway, I photographed a beautiful wedding celebration Saturday, and between beautiful homes, wonderful parks, and an urban setting or two thrown in for good measure, 12 hours later we had plenty of photographic variety for my client. I'll share a few of the images with you over the next few days.

Yesterday LaDawn and I just took most of the day off, relaxed, and caught up on some sleep - it was a well needed break for the both of us.

Today we kick off the third leg of of our Captured By The Light 2010 [link] tour visiting Denver, Kansas City, and St. Louis this week.  Once again, we are expecting a crowd of over 200 excited photographers. The Denver photographers have always been a good group as I have presented to their PPA organization several times. We are looking forward to catching up with a few familiar faces.

I hope you'll get a chance to stop by this week.

Time to get on with today's post...

Wedding Recap: I Tried Lots Of New Ideas At This Weekend's Wedding Celebration

For this past weekend's wedding, I think I used every lighting technique I talk about in the CBTL tour. Once again, the coolest lighting tool was my gigantic 7 foot umbrella. Instead of just using my trusty Zumbrella, I pulled out the giant umbrella for a few shots. I have to say, it does put a pretty light on the subject. In fact, it figures in tomorrow's brand new Technique Tuesday episode, so stay tuned.

This was also the first time I had my bride request a few "urban" bridal images. Heck, we allotted 6 hours for photography so there was plenty of time to capture everything she wanted. I'll post one or two of these images later this week.

Sigma also sent me a few lenses to try out. One of them was their 4mm Fisheye. This lens was designed for APS sized sensor cameras like the Canon 7D. The lens gives you a 180 degree view showing a perfect circle or fisheye view image.

Nicholas, my Ace #1 assistant, gave it a try or two during the reception. Let's just say the results where interesting. This is one of those lenses that you have to think through how you want to use it on a job. I'll give it a try next time and see if I have better luck. Hey, if Edison had only tried one time in making the light bulb, we all would still be in the dark - right?

Lastly, I threw caution to the wind, and used my Canon 5D Mk II to shoot a lot of my available light images at ISO 6400. I really had no choice because of the extremely low light conditions of the church. These are images I never would have gotten back in the film days - now it's a "piece of cake" and I can capture some great moments like this one right before the bride walked down the aisle.

Anyway, we tried lots of new ideas and I know my client will love the results.

Ansel Adams In A Box & Secret NIK Deals

Several months ago I did a tutorial on NIK Software's Silver Efex Pro [link]. This is the best piece of software on the planet earth for making, finessing, and fine tuning your Black and White images. I just love the control you have In controlling the various tonal ranges of the image.

Silver EFEX Pro goes even further than that though. Check out this lesson I found  at Luminous Landscape on the same topic [link].  Mark Segal goes into great detail about how the software works and how to get maximum benefit out of it's use. Check it out right here.

Oh, by the way, all CBTL attendees get 20% of the published price of all NIK Software by using my secret code. If our readers of DPT want the same deal, I've got to whisper the code to you so no one else hears. OK, listen close - here's the code: DZISER. That will get you 20% off any NIK product purchased through their website. Keep it to yourself, OK ;~)

Super Sized Sensors – Pixels Run Amuck!

Canon just announced that they've developed the largest CMOS sensor in the world with a chip size measuring 202 x 205 mm [link]. It just doesn't fit into any cameras available now on the market but, it does reveal how far their research has progressed in this field.

A week earlier they announced an 120 meg APS size sensor or a pixel count of 13,280 x 9,184 pixels – unbelievable [link]! OK, how long is that going to take to open in Photoshop and process?  Canon has no immediate plans to put it in production.

Let's see - if my math serves me right, I should be able to shoot 133 shots on my 16 gig cards. So, I shoot at least 3000 shots on a wedding. That means I would need over 1/3 terabyte or 76 DVDs to back up the job. I think I'll stick to my 7D for the time being. Isn't technology wonderful!

_________________________________________________________

Hey gang, that's it for me today. We've got to head on down to the ballroom and begin setting the room in just a few hours. Tomorrow we make the day long drive to the Kansas City and have my presentation scheduled for Wednesday evening. It's St. Louis on Thursday and then home for the weekend and our big KPPA Worldwide webcast on Sunday. I know it sounds busy, but it's still fun.

Hope to see a few of you this week as we visit a city near you.

Adios for today, -David

Quick Hit Monday: Free Photography TV; Free Webinars; Large Format Cameras; and More!

Good Morning Everybody,

Hope everybody had a great weekend.  We had a fantastic time at the Bar Mitzvah shoot over the weekend - it was quite the party Saturday evening.  Eric Cameron, one of my DPT readers, came down to help out. Eric doesn't know it yet, but he helped a lot with this upcoming Wednesday's post;~)

We all survived the 16 hour day on Saturday and, I have to tell you, I took it reeeal easy on Sunday. I'm planning to post a few more images from this weekend's shoot during the week.

I shot a lot more images at some pretty high ISO's - like 3200 and 6400 on the Canon 7D and 5D MkII.  I've been hearing so much about the low noise reduction features on Lightroom 3 Beta2, I just couldn't wait to take the test drive - more on that this week.

Anyway, that's the weekend update.  Let's get on with Quick Hit Monday.  Here we go.

Check Out This Great Learning Site - Silber TV

I was doing my normal I-Cruise during a few slow moments last week and stumbled upon this pretty cool website.  I'm not sure why I haven't seen it before.  Anyway, one of my I-Cruise stops is always at ImagingInsider.com, one of the best newshound sites on the net. The ImagingInsider always finds interesting tidbits and I love exploring what he's come up with each week.

Well, this time one of his entries pointed me to SilberTV.  This is a great site with lots of decent content.  The latest post includes an interview with Amy Deputy, just recently named one of American Photos Top 10 Wedding Photogs.  Amy's interview is just the tip of the iceberg - content-wise at SilberTV.  Set aside a little time this week and enjoy the visit. Here is the link.

15% Off and New FREE Webinars Announced by NIK Software

Hey gang, don't miss this.  My good buddies at NIK Software have just announced their new series of FREE webinars. Topics include; "Enhancing Portrait Images", "Advanced Portrait Retouching", "Enhancing Scenic and Landscape Images", and more.  The first one is coming up next Thursday, April 22, 2010 at 10:00AM PST.  You can get all the info and see the rest of the schedule right here.  Heck, you may see me sitting in a few of them in the near future.

Psst, Psst - want to know how you can get 15% off any NIK product over at their site.  Just use the secret code word DZISER when ordering - what a deal!  Don't tell anyone else though;~)

Large Format Cameras - But Not Like You Think

Another site I like to visit is EpicEdits.com and now their new sister site, FeelingNegative.com run by fellow blogging buddy, Brian Auer.  One of my secret loves has been pinhole photography.  Call me a geek, but I think that kind of stuff is kind of cool.  I did a few blog posts on Pinhole Photography a few years ago here at DPT.  Here are the links to those posts - [link1] & [link2 - scroll to the bottom of this post to find the link].

Anyway, Brian, who loves playing with lots of things film-like has a nice and very well illustrated piece on how to build your own large format pinhole camera.  Here is the link right here. He’s making paper negatives and is contact printing from them – all very retro. I haven’t seen or heard of a paper negative in 35 years. It’s a fascinating read for all semi-geek photographer types and it looks like fun to put the project together. High 5’s to Brian for his Muesli Cam.

I love some of the great results the top pinhole photographers are creating.  There is just something especially artistic in the final presentation. I hope you get a chance to explore the links I've included - really nice information.  Oh, BTW, the next Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day is in two weeks.

Something New In Posing Guides

Tim and Bev Walden, who I've mentioned a few times at DPT - they are two of the best portrait photographers working these days.  They have pioneered "relationship portraits" - portraits that feature HOW people relate to each other in their portraits. 

Their concept "caught fire" a few years ago and they have lectured the world on the topic.  Anyway, they have just put together their first "Pocket Posing Guide" for "relationship portraits".  I know when I started to incorporate their style into my own work, it was touch and go learning to get something as good as what Tim and Bev were capturing.

I wish I had their Pocket Posing Guide years ago - check it out right here if you want to short-cut your learning curve in this exciting field of portraiture.

Missed Learning Opportunities - A Few Thoughts From DWF

I've been a friend of DWF for quite a while and enjoy a visit to their site too.  Timothy John has a thought provoking piece posted entitled "Photography and the Under-Appreciated Educators".   He makes some good points about whose teaching these days and how lots of students of the craft are missing some great learning opportunities.  If this has piqued your curiosity, then head on over to the DWF Blog right here and read the rest of the story.

Wait, There's more - It's Déjà Vu All Over Again

Think you've seen an image before in two dissimilar product ads?  I know I have.  The FairTradePhotographer sure brought the point home with this post right here where he showed 11 different companies using the same pic for all their ads - there's creativity for you.  I had to "giggle" when I saw the point he was making - it sure doesn't make the point for original corporate identity.

Is there a lesson to be learned for our own businesses?  Are we copiers or are we constantly striving to find the "difference that makes the difference?"

_________________________________________________________

Hey gang, that's it for me today.  I've a client coming by in a little while to make her album selections.  It was a beautiful wedding, great looking couple, and lots a wonderful outdoor images. 

Don't forget to check back for tomorrow's Technique Tuesday: I Can See For Miles; How I Use Long Lenses To Make Beautiful Portraits. It should be fun.

See ya' then, -David

Technique Tuesday: Ansel Adams In A Box - Part 2

Good Morning Everybody,

It's computer maintenance time around here these last few days.  I just picked up 8 Terabytes - yes, 8 Terabytes - of new drives yesterday. Now we can archive the years gone by and ramp up while increasing our hard drive space for this coming year.

This is a project I put off till I really need to do it. The last time was in 2007.  It was easier back then when file sizes were smaller and I was shooting in JPG mode;~)  Anyway, I’m such a geek freak when it comes to backing up data, I always go overboard on the process.

We keep two copies of the data on twin discs and one more copy of each year's data on two LARGE drives attached to the network for convenience - mostly my blogging convenience that is.

I could make this an entire Technique Tuesday, but let's hold off for another time since I've got a good post for you today.

But, before we get on with today's post, I’ve got to tell you about about a brand new blog coming online today.  It's Speedlighting.com [link] - "The place to go to learn how to shoot with Speed-lites like a pro."  It's the brainchild of fellow blogger, Syl Arena who also runs PyxSylated.com [link].

DAZNOTE: PyxSylated.com has a nice post about the new rumored video shooting Canon DSLR that will shoot video in RAW - WHAT???  I can see the 10 pound flash cards hanging off that new camera already.

Back to Speedlighting.com, blog content will be building over the upcoming weeks so if you want to get the most out of your speed lights, keep an eye on Speedlighting.com.

OK, time to get on with today's post, Ansel Adam's In A Box - Part 2.  Here we go.

Ansel Adams In A Box - Part 2

Several months ago I did a video tutorial on how to use Lightroom and the color channel features of the program to get great black and white images. Lightroom offers a tremendous amount of power in fine tuning the underlying color tonal subtleties of the image to render it as a great black and white image.  You can find that tutorial right here.

Last week, I fired up NIK's Silver Efex Pro - one of my favorite NIK products [link] - and thought I would give it a go with similar subject matter to my other Black and White tutorial mentioned above.  I fired up Lightroom 2.6, pointed it to images from our Aspen trip last August, found a favorite image, and loaded it up in Silver Efex Pro. 

That's when the fun began.  The range of controls and tweaks you can "throw on an image" with Silver Efex Pro is amazing.  In this tutorial, I'll run you through my favorite buttons, sliders, and tweaks to obtain a great black and white image.  Hit the PLAY button below and enjoy the show.

You’ve just got to ask yourself the question, "If Ansel Adams was shooting digital, would he have used Lightroom?" I think the obvious answer is "YES". Why? Because Ansel was a "master manipulator" of film, exposure, processing, chemistry, burning, dodging, printing - all the tools of the analogue image.  Had he been shooting digital, he too would have been "master manipulator" of all the digital tools as well.

______________________________________________________

Hey gang, that's it for me today.  I've got to head over to the makeup department before my guest appearance on LensFlare35 for this afternoon's interview. I want to look good for the cameras, you know ;~)  Plan on stopping by - the show goes "LIVE" (audio only) at 2:00 p.m. EST.  Tweet me a question or two.

I'll see everybody tomorrow with a brand new episode of 5 Photo Minutes discussing quick video shooting with the Canon 7D vs. the 5D Mk II.

See ya' then,  -David

One Hot One From The Road - NIK Silver Efex Pro Overview

Are you a B&W fan from the good ol' film days and just aren't happy with the state of affairs in digital black and white? Well then, you have to check out Jeff Revell's extremely thorough, enlightening, exciting, eye-opening tutorial on NIK's brand new Silver Efex Pro B&W plug-in for Photoshop right here. It's about 17 minutes long and worth the watch if you are into B&W.

I watched it for 5 minutes, loved what I saw and watched the next segment, got sucked into the next feature, and just stayed aboard for the whole show. NIK's Silver Efex Pro seems to me to be an astonishing piece of software for the B&W devotee of the art. With this newest product from NIK you can get some great results very easily.

For the film lover they have built all the film profiles into a series of filters that let you just click on the film type you want for your image. Watch Jeff's NIK Silver Efex Pro video it's definitely worth the peek. Hey, don't forget, you can also download the 15 day trial right here too.

Hey gang, that's it for me today. We are off to our workshop with Barbara. Tomorrow look for a really, really good Technique Tuesday episode. I'll do a quick recap on today's class too. See you tomorrow, -David.

And In the Most Interesting Software Department

Everyone needs to check out NIK software's new Color Efex Pro 3 which they introduced here at Imaging USA. They have incorporated the revolutionary U-Point technology into their already terrific filter set. With the U-Point technology, you can selectively add filter effects to various parts of the image without touching other parts of the image. Check out the "before" and "after" to get just a brief glimpse at what I'm talking about. Look how much improved the sky is in this photo. I know you are thinking, "that's easy in Photoshop." True--but it's really easy with NIK's Color Efex Pro3 plug-ins for Photoshop. Check out all the NIK products right here, then head over to their "Download and User Guide page" right here and watch the demos and then give them a try for yourself. Way cool stuff!!

Hey gang, that's it for today - the show's a'waitin' -- Have a great one, see ya' tomorrow. --David