Safari #2 Almost Sold Out! Catch Me In Orlando, VIP Seating, and Geek Tip Of The Week

Hi Gang,

This is going to be my last email for a while. LaDawn and I will be hitting the road shortly so time will be limited, but before we go I wanted to bring you up-to-date on a few things still happening around here and offer another Geek Tip of the Week.

Second African Safari Almost Sold Out!

February 22 - March 4, 2018

They tell me that my first Safari was the fastest booked Safari in the history of the company - I was not only floored but also very excited. So they talked me into doing a second safari.  Now I'm super-stoked!!!

LaDawn and I immediately cleared calendars and set our additional dates for our new African Safari [link]. for February 22 - March 4, 2018.  Feb 22, 2018 is your travel day from the states to arrive in Johannesburg on Feb. 23.

This is a 10 Day/9 Night All Inclusive Safari - yes, beautiful lodge accommodations, meals, and safari excursions are ALL included for only $7999 for two people! (airfare not included) If you have priced Safaris, you know this is a steal of a deal!

Your accommodations at the Thakadu Suites in Madikwe offers twelve suites, reflecting a strong Afro-Asian safari ambiance, each boasting a viewing deck overlooking the Marico River. These spacious suites offer every comfort and luxury and are wonderfully decorated and appointed.

Right now we 5 cabins available and have 3 couples looking at them as we speak! The Lodge cabins are just beautiful - check them out for yourself below.

I'm thinking this Safari will book up in a very short while!

You are also definitely guaranteed to see lots of African wildlife up-close and personal. AMAZING, LIFE CHANGING, I WAS BLOWN AWAY! - these are the typical remarks from folks who have attended Kevin's Safaris in the past. Here are a few images mostly from my friend, Rick English, made on last year's Safari. Rick are you reading this.... I remembered to give you the image credit ;~)

Even if you're just thinking about it, please give Kevin a call at 505-345-6322 or his cell at 505-401-2988 for all the exciting details so you don't miss out - it's going to be a great trip!

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The Biggest Photography Tour of 2017!

Hey Gang, you can catch me in Orlando on March 28, 2017 for Sandy Puc's brand new Legends of Photography Tour [link]. The line up is fantastic! Just look at all those good looking folks below and you'll get an idea that this will be the biggest tour series this year!  It's a big deal!

For all the details about the tour just hit any of the links or images above. Now for the really good news. Registration is now listed at $40 but since you are reading this newsletter, I can get you in for

Only $20 with Secret Code DZ20.

Check it out to see which "Legend" is visiting a city near you. Like I said, you'll find me in Orlando on Tuesday March 28, 2017 - I hope to see you there.

______________________________________________________

Only A Few VIP Seats Remain For PhotoPro Expo 2018!

Early every year I've told you about the Best VIP Seats in the house and at the best prices for next year's PhotoPro Expo 2018 [link]. Details of next year's show have not been posted - but the first 50 VIPs who register get the lowest price possible and Priority Reserved Seating - only $109.00 with Promo Code PPEVIP18.  So don't wait...mark your calendars NOW and register for PhotoPro Expo February 8-11, 2018!

Hit the

REGISTER NOW with Promo Code PPEVIP18

to reserve your space. 

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GEEK TIP OF THE WEEK - My Favorite Travel Companion - After LaDawn of Course ;~)

Yes, we do a lot of traveling these days and that's GREAT!!  One of my favorite travel items I travel with all the time is my handy-dandy SanDisk Connect Stick [link].

Check it out...

-200GB Capacity802.11n Wireless Connectivity

-USB 2.0 Connector

-Stream Content to Three Devices

-Free SanDisk Connect App

-iOS, Android, Windows & Mac Compatible

I can load it up with over 50 movies, tons of music, and some of my favorite photos. When I'm on a long flight I just fire it up - it becomes it's own Hot-Spot - and I just stream away to my iPad and enjoy the show. I've found it for as low as $79.95 on Amazon [link] but it's typically about $89.  You can also find it over at B&H [link] too.

Works like a charm and makes the time fly-by - no pun intended.

_____________________________________________________

Hey Everybody,

That's it for me today. I hope you have a great rest of the month and I hope to see you next month in Orlando.

Adios for now, David

Let's Make A Difference In A Child's Life and Pick Up A "Ton" of Training Videos, E-Books, Actions & Presets At The Same Time! Last Call–14 Hours Left!

 

This Summer’s educational opportunity of a lifetime is over just 14 hours from now!

Hi Everybody,

I shot out a quick email last Sunday evening telling you about an absolutely fantastic opportunity to pick up 100's of training videos, eBooks, over 825 Presets and Actions, 6 full 1 year subscriptions, and much more PLUS help children in need at the same time. If you didn’t receive it let me fill you in now.

Tell Me What’s All Included?

These bundled resources cover a wide range of photographic topics - Lighting, Photoshop, Posing, Weddings, Nature Photography, just to name a few.  These resources are from over 30 of the industry's TOP photographers and trainers including yours truly ;~)

I writing you today to remind you that the deal goes away 14 hours from now!!!

Want to find out everything that’s in this treasure chest of goodies -

CLICK HERE!

Buy The Bundle and Help a Child

The cool thing is that in addition to the tremendous value of the Ultimate Bundle, a full 20% of the proceeds benefit two great charities; Team Jesse to fight Cystic Fibrosis and Seedlight which benefit's children in disadvantage communities around the world. That's a really good thing - I think we would all agree.

Just look at some of the contributors involved: Scott Kelby, Lindsey Adler, Rick Sammon, Jared Platt, Richard Sturdevant, Dave Cross, Colin Smith, just to name a few.  I know all those I've just mentioned and they all are great photographers, educators, and trainers - you just can't go wrong with this opportunity. I mean, my gosh, only $99 for over $4200 worth of prime photography goodies.  You really do have to check it out!

 

Here is the complete list of contributors who are involved in this summer's amazing photography bundle - I told you it was the "who's who" of world class photographers and trainers.

Total Value of all contributions to the Summer's Ultimate Photography Bundle 

OVER $4200.00!!! for only $99

All yours for only $99 and 20% of that benefits the two charities mentioned above.

Check out everything that's included - It will knock your socks off!

Here is the LINK to the Description and Value of everyone's contributions to the Ultimate Bundle

Remember, 20% of all proceeds to Team Jessie Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and SeedLight charities.

Hey gang, like I said, I really hope you check this out.  For only $99 it really is a "no-brainer" for this "best in class" educational/value opportunity.

David Ziser
Photographer, Trainer, Lecturer

Summer's Ultimate Photography Bundle is Happening NOW! - Only 3 Days Left!

OK gang - here is the back story of one of the most fabulous photographic educational/value offers EVER!  I get a call from one of my buddies over at Think-11, a major player in many things photographic – training, actions, gear, etc.

They tell me they plan to put together the BIGGEST offer EVER for photographers wanting to take their photography to the next level with 100's of  hours of training videos, eBooks, and over 825 Presets an Actions, 6 full 1 Year subscriptions, and more from over 30 of the industry's best photographers and trainers.

First let me say - I was honored by the request to be part of the great educational adventure. And, not only that but the whole deal was going to raise a 10's of 1000's of dollars for two great charities. Hey, they raised over $30,000 in the first few days!!!

For all the details

or click on the image below.

Just check out who's all involved in this summer's amazing photography bundle - I told you it was the "who's who" of world class photographers and trainers.

* Lindsay Adler - Designing an Image & Studio Lighting Guide, Subscription to NEW website

* Jared Platt - Comprehensive Collection of 400 Lightroom Presets & Lightroom Webinar

* Mylio - 1 Year Subscription

* Dave Cross - 1 Year Subscription

* Tony Sweet - 13 Videos Covering Macro Photography, Texturing, Infrared, Mirroring plus more

* Rick Sammon - Master the Art and Craft of Bird Photography Video

* Simply Color - Simply Cash

* PhotoshopCafe - Photoshop Destination CC LIVE

* Lee Varis - Online Course in Mastering Image Creation & Photo Illustration in Photoshop

* Bobbi Lane - Posing & Directing Video

* Craig Minelli - Retouch Toolkit & BeautyBar Pro set of Actions for Lightroom/Photoshop

* Phlearn - PhlearnMethod Bundle, Photoshop 101 & 201, Beginners Guide to Levitation

* SharkPixel - Landscape Photography Presets for Lightroom

* Lesa Snider - The Skinny Ebooks Series

* Scott Wyden Kivowitz - E-Book: Time Is On Your Side: Exploring Long Exposure Photography

* Lance Sullivan - Architecture Power Pack of Presets

* Tyler Meade - 73 Sports and Commercial Photography Lightroom Presets

* Sean Duggan - Photoshop CC Essentials: Selections, Masking & Compositing Video

* Nik Pekridis - Video Training Course: Wedding Photography in Action

* Gavin Gough - Photographers Workflow: Ebook & Videos

* Perfectly Clear - Photoshop and Lightroom Plugins

* Cris Duncan - Photography Business Starter Set: Ebooks & Video

* Dane Sanders - Fast Track Photographer Audiobook

* Andrew S Gibson - Mastering Photography & Understanding EOS Ebooks

* ViewBug - 1 Year Membership

* Eyefi - 1 Year Cloud Subscription

* Peter Eastway - Subscription to Better Digital Photography & Photoshop Layers Class-

* David Ziser – Over 10 hours of Training Videos

* Stephanie Cotta - Mastering the Art of Newborn Photography

* Kelby Media - KelbyOne Photoshop and Lightroom Creativity Bundle

* Richard Sturdevant - SturDaVinci Art Tools Photoshop & Corel Painting Bundle

* Photofocus -  Develop Great Images in Lightroom & 72 Essays On Photography Ebooks

The generous contributions from all the partners allow FotoPromos to give back 20% of all sales to Team Jessie Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and SeedLight charities.

______________________________________________________________

Hey gang, That’s it for me today. I really hope you check this out.  For only $99 it really is a "no-brainer" for this "best in class" educational/value opportunity.

Adios for  now, David

Life Is Good! & PPN Summer Meeting Happening June 28-29, 2015-test

Good Morning Everybody,

Just doing a quick check in with everyone. I have to tell you, life is good. LaDawn and I are back in Mexico for two more weeks enjoying the magnificent sunrises and sunsets, sand, and sea breezes. It’s been a great trip again this year. The image below is our terrace view about every morning – breathtaking!

I head back home temporarily to photograph an event for some of my very favorite clients this weekend – a B’nai Mitzvah of two very beautiful young ladies. I’ve been working with the family for over 15 years.  It will be fun to see all the family again.

PPN Summer Meeting Happening June 28-29, 2015

The big news I want to share with you is about PhotoPro Network’s upcoming Summer School in historic Owensboro, KY.  There’s lots planned so you don’t want to miss it!

Details and Registration RIGHT HERE!!!

This summer’s event  has more than just AMAZING speakers.

Check out the bonus events too:
1) Saturday night Portfolio Reviews
2) Saturday night Photography Business Q&A Panel
3) Flea Market (sell photography items and/or get some great deals)
4) Print Critique ($5/entry, get educated and possibly win prizes)
5) Studio Tour featuring a live shoot
6) Mini Trade Show featuring several venders

LaDawn and I are planning to be there, I sure hope you will too!

Hey gang, that’s the quick update from me this time around.  Have a great May and June.  I’ll see you soon.

Adios for now, David

FIRST EVER MASSIVE CLEARANCE SALE at our Digital Resource Center

Good Morning Everybody,

I know it’s been a while and life is good for LaDawn and I .  But as our lives take on a slightly different direction these days I've got one HUGE piece of news for you today!

We are having our FIRST EVER MASSIVE CLEARANCE SALE at our Digital Resource Center.  [link]

Everything must go and is priced at 50 - 80% OFF!!! More details below.

For the last several years my Digital Resource Center [link] has been the go to on-line store for some of the most exciting lighting gear, training DVDs , software enhancements available anywhere.

And now just about ALL Of IT is on sale at our HUGE CLEARANCE at ridiculously low prices - 50 - 80% OFF thanks to LaDawn wanting EVERYTHING off the shelves.

We are constantly receiving notes from our clients as to just how much these items have helped them in their own photographic and business pursuits. So grab the best deal ever on our remaining inventory. When it's gone - it's gone!

CHECK IT OUT RIGHT HERE!

50 Years Later: Celebrating Life, Photography and Friendships!

Good Morning Everybody,

What a grand celebration this past Saturday! It was wonderful to have so many of the people to whom I owe my success come by and celebrate my 50th year as a wedding photographer this past weekend. The guests attending spanned 40 years of my business career.  It was kind of a career reunion and a great time for all present to catch up, tell stories, and just enjoy a wonderful evening of good conversation, great food, and perfect weather.

Pictured in the photograph below from left to right: seated first is Marvin “Bucky” Armstrong, one of my original assistants/photographers who, along with his wife, assisted me throughout the late 70’s.  Next to Marvin is Tom Taylor, a good friend and occasional assistant/second shooter/Master Class facilitator whom I’ve known for 10 years.

Top left is my good buddy, Eric Cameron, a talented photographer who began working with me first back in 2006 assisting LaDawn with our Digital WakeUp Call Tour and then came on board to help on special assignments and as one of my Master Class Coaches.

Next is yours truly and next to me is Steve Bitter, my very first assistant.  Steve began helping out when he was 15 years old – I was dating his sister at the time.  Steve is also the assistant who probably has more stories to tell that anyone who has worked with me over the years – and there are some good stories to tell ;~)

Next to Steve is Bill Mowery, a great guy, great assistant, and talented photographer.  Bill assisted mostly during the middle years of my career.  He always kept a level head and kept the occasional wedding chaos is perspective for all of us on the job.  I may be wrong here but I believe it was Bill who nick-named the equipment/lighting bag the DEATH BAG because of its weight – about 90 pounds.NOBODY liked carrying the death bag ;~)

Next to Bill is my good buddy, Damien Tepe.  Damien was sort of the IT brains of the operation around here for a few years.  He helped get our Digital Resource Center [link] up and running and helped keep all the workstations/computers running smoothly too.  Damien could also be trusted to help out on a wedding gig or two as well.  His real job is taking him to Dallas, TX in a few weeks so it was good he and his wife Laura could come by on Saturday.

Not pictured are Johnny Miller, not the golfer, but a great friend and talented photographer.  John was one of two photographers (Don Moore was the other)  that help put Ziser Photography on the map back in the early eighties.  Also, not pictured is Ace#1 Assistant and great photographer, Nicholas Viltrakis, who unfortunately had to leave early. Wait, there he is on the far right in my iPhone pano shot. 

Nicholas has been my “go to” guy these last several years at Ziser Photography for the huge, challenging events we occasionally booked at the studio. 

Also not pictured is Don Moore.  Don and I have been the best of friends for over 30 years.  Don was one of the studio’s first photographers along with Johnny Miller and he was also my first studio manager.  By the mid to late eighties Don had left the studio to pursue his own commercial studio endeavors – Kamera Art. Don and I still find it difficult to get together as often as we would like due to both of our crazy schedules,  but still remain super close friends. 

Also missing are a few other indispensible assistants Michael Nealis, Marc Bridewell, and photographer, Angela Haines all of whom had previous commitments or long distance that kept them from being here.  We still told stories about them too ;~)_________________________________________________________________

In this next photo you see most of the Ziser girls – truly the team that kept the wheels on the wagon at the studio. From left to right standing we have Sharon Blades, the studio bookkeeper and the life of the party around here over the years.  Sharon’s spontaneous, off the wall, remarks would put anyone within earshot in stitches.

Next to Sharon is Susan Kliendinst, my studio manager about 8 years ago. Susan was actually hired by my staff at the time while I was out on the road lecturing back in 2005.  I came back into town and was introduced to my new studio manager.  I was reassured by my staff that all would be fine. Susan jumped into her responsibilities with both feet – some would argue she did not “jump” but was thrown in head first into the studio’s “baptism of fire”.  We had a great run while Susan was at the helm.

Next to me is Shelly Roehrig who come on board as studio manager around 1998.  I was just elected PTA President and she was on of the PTA team at the time. She was giving me the tour of our Market Day operation – a money saving, fund raising arm of many PTAs. Before she was finished showing me the ropes, she had talked me into buying most of that month’s featured items.  I immediately asked her to come to work for me.  She got a job offer from UPS on that same day which she refused.  The rest is history. 

Our kids were about the same age so our work day began after the school bus picked up our kids and ended pretty much at 3:30 p.m. when the school bus returned to drop them off.  I also loved the fact that “snow days” where automatic studio holidays. Hey, school was closed so we all headed to the park for some fun sled riding – good times, and many wonderful memories.

Next to Shelly is Karen Armstrong, again a long time friend, wife to Marvin above, and one of the early original team at Ziser Photography.  It was good to see Bucky and Karen again – we haven’t seen each other in over a dozen years.

Seated bottom right is Gayle Lehman, our fabulous album designer and photographic artist for many years. I remember when we were sinking in the “digital seas” like so many other photographers in the early days of digital cameras and Photoshop. Gayle, along with Susan, stepped up too the plate to get us transitioned in our brand new digital world.

Seated on the left is LaDawn, my beautiful wife.  LaDawn who has been the marketing coordinator and tour manager for Photographic Resources, the lecturing arm of our business since our first national lecture tour together – Digital WakeUp Call - in 2006. LaDawn has handled all the back room and behind the scenes activities for all our lecturing projects with a great smile and with utmost thorough efficiency.  We celebrate our 8th anniversary this Wednesday.  Cheers to my Sweetie!

Not pictured is one of the Ziser Photograph’s most important studio managers, Lona Kidwell.  I met and hired Lona when she was in her early twenties. She had that special confident quality about her that made her a perfect choice for the position. I’ve never ceased to admire her fabulous sales skills, tenacious spirit, and outstanding positive attitude.  Lona and Don met during the early studio years and have been happily married ever since.

Also missing is Rebecca Blaut.  Becky came on board as studio manager in the early 90’s and navigated the studio some of it’s difficult growing pains always putting the clients first and always getting the job done.  Becky now operates her own successful studio [link] here is Cincinnati, OH and was not able to attend because of family commitments.

________________________________________________________________

In this next photo below are pictured next to me are Jim Fauz, a long time friend, Master Class coach, and the person he says sold me my first SLR 35mm camera years ago (a Miranda Sensorex pictured above). Next to Jim are Wilma and Rob Kumler, owners of K&R PhotoDigital.  K&R, as we know them in the area, have been supplying camera and photo supplies throughout the Midwest since 1975.  Rob guided me through my first Hasselblad purchase in 1978 – talk about a traumatic experience – two 500CM cameras, 3 lenses, a few film backs – about $10,000! You definitely needed a pro bank account to be a pro photographer back in the day ;~)

Also missing from this photo are Linda and Dick Bass, owners of LinColor Labs, my lab of choice for all my processing back in the very early days of Ziser Photography.  Linda had the distinction of printing more award winning prints than any lab in Ohio and Kentucky during the eighties and nineties.  Linda and Dick eventually both competed themselves and were eventually honored their Master of Photography degrees from the Professional Photographers of America.  We really  missed them on Saturday.

There are others that were part of the team over these many years and my thanks and gratitude go out to them too.  It’s been a great run (so far) and I’m sure glad, grateful, and happy to have the support of so many good friends that have made DAVID A. ZISER PHOTOGRAPHY one of the premiere studios in the area.  Again, my thanks to everyone who helped make it happen. 

High Fives to each and everyone of you!

David

p.s. Check back tomorrow for a brief history In time about Ziser Photography

How To Get The Winning Scores In Print Competition and Judging

Good Morning Everybody,

I can’t believe it – PhotoPro Expo is right around the corner. That also explains my being MIA for the last several days.  Since PhotoPro Expo is about 30% bigger this year than last year’s event we’ve had to work extra hard and have been putting in 12 hour days for the past two weeks making all the final arrangements and aligning the last minute details.  BUT, it has all come together and is going to be a unbelievably exciting event!  NOW………….

How To Get The Winning Scores In Print Competition and Judging

That said, let me fill you in on one of our very exciting events: The PhotoPro Expo Print Competition and Judging.  I want you to enter – it’s “hands down” the best way to learn how to improve your photography. And, if you are a studio owner, it’s definitely the best way to improve your work for your clients!

Today I want to point you to a slew of resources so you can do your best at your next print competition.  First, the judges are looking for 12 main aspects of an image and basing their score on that criteria. 

The Twelve elements listed below are in accordance to their importance:

Impact, Technical Excellence, Creativity, Style, Composition, Presentation, Color Balance, Center of Interest, Lighting, Subject Matter, Technique, and Story Telling.

My good friend and Professional Photographers of America Print Jury Chairman, Dave Huntsman, has put together a wonderful 34 slide presentation covering each of the elements above in great detail.

You can view and download the PDF right here.  It is a “MUST READ” if you plan to excel in your next print competition.

Two More “MUST READS” For Photographers Wanting to Score BIG in Print Competition

Next let me point you towards two very informative posts about Print Competition.  The first, “Doing Print Competition Right” [link] helps you ramp it up notch and points out one of the easiest things you can do to your images that almost guarantee a  point or two increase in your score.

This second link, “Technique Tuesday: Print Competition; The Winners Please, Re-Broadcast, and More!” [link] will give you a guided tour through the entire process and a peak at some very beautiful images.  It even features a re-broadcast of the print competition we did last year – all very good information!  And finally………..

Tune In To The “LIVE” Webcast!

And if you don’t feel confident to enter, don’t forget to tune in to the “LIVE” webcast. IT’S FREE!!       REGISTER HERE!

Here are a few of the comments from our past “LIVE” studio audiences:

“Its was great. I started competing this year and it was so much fun…"  John V.

“I am learning SOOOO much.  Thank you!”  Cindy S.

“I enjoyed the presentations and the judges comments on the images.  Thanks for all the hard work for this wonderful learning opportunity.”  Chuck C.

“This is great!  I think I'm going to look into the master photographer classes on PPA.” Mary D.

“This is the first time I've experienced anything like this. GOOD to hear/learn what the judges look for.”John D.

“…Thank you…  Seeing the images and listening to the judges comments was invaluable and educational.” Jamie . G

“Judy and I really enjoyed the Webinar. We learned a great deal from reviewing the photos and then hearing the experts comments. We appreciated your hard work in support of photographers all over the globe.”  Judy and Chuck H.

Free Trade Show Pass For PhotoPro Expo 2013

I know everybody is busy so if you can’t stay all three days, you can still come by for any one of the three individual days. Check the daily schedule right here then choose and register for your favorite day right here.

Just want to come by the Expo Trade Show?  You’ll still be able to attend the Expo Theater programming and have a blast at the Westcott Fantasy Model Shootout.  Hit this [link] or the image to the right, save the image, and print it out. It’s your FREE EXPO TRADESHOW PASS.  Just drop it off at the registration desk Saturday or Sunday to pick up your badge.

There you go folks – a fabulous “smorgasbord” and photographic opportunity of a lifetime right at your finger tips. I hope to see you there!!!

-David

Top 12 For 2012: My Top Viewed Technique Tuesday Posts, …Way Cool Stuff!

Good Morning Everybody,

Hey gang, I’m back at it this week coming to you with some exciting tutorials that you guys and girls ranked as your favorites during 2012.  Total DPT video loads for 2012 worldwide amounted to over 1,000,000 - WOW!!

I checked in with Vimeo, where all my videos are currently residing, and did a quick tally of the numbers associated with all the 2012 videos.  From those calculations, today’s post lists my TOP 12 videos for 2012.  I’ve also listed some notes with each video to give you a quick peek as to each one’s content.  There is some really good information in the listing, you might have missed, so I hope you enjoy giving a peek.  ENJOY!  -David

Here we go…

1. Give Me A Show Of Hands: [link]

Good portraiture is not all just smiles and pretty faces. It's about making the client look the best they can. And, that means right on down to the details. Those details include, in addition to so many other aspects, how the client's hands look in the image. It's our job to make them look flattering and pleasing in our images.

Most photographers pay NO attention to such things, but artists in the past had to be sensitive to the finer points of the portraits they painted as they were painting for the royal court. If those in the royal court looked bad, heads would roll.

Why not hit the LINK above and enjoy the presentation.

 

2. Exciting Event Lighting: [link]

I'm pretty excited about today's post because I want to review with you some new lighting techniques that we just instituted at a recent wedding. I've mentioned that several times that the new high ISO cameras offer us all kinds of easy, efficient lighting opportunities when photographing our events. That’s what I want to talk about today. And, I have to tell you, after this past Saturday's shoot, I am more stoked than ever to make these lighting changes to all my upcoming events.

The bottom line is this – this weekend everything went as smooth as silk and we captured some great images. Why not hit the LINK button above and I'll share with you the lighting techniques that I’ll be using from this point forward on all of our events.

3. Lightroom 4 Breaths New Life Into DOA Images! [link]

I've selected two horribly under exposed images and two horribly over exposed images, let's call them my Lazarus images. I'm going to see if I can save them in Lightroom 4.

Remember, I'm NOT trying to make a "silk purse" out of a "sow's ear" - OK, yes I am. All joking aside, I'm not trying to make a visual masterpiece out of these 4 images. I'm only trying to get them to a sell-able condition for, as example, the bride's wedding album.

Why not hit the LINK tab above and enjoy the show.

 

4. Lightroom 4 - Never Miss A Shot Again! [link]

Lightroom 4 is introducing some very cool new features. Much better integration with video is one of those features. The other is the new Book module which let's you design albums and picture books effortlessly.

But, it's understanding how these two features can work together that open up a whole slew of new possibilities for the wedding/portrait photographer. Hit the LINK button above on this video to see what I mean.

5. Fast, Easy Event Lighting - Part 2: [link]

Two weeks ago I posted a lighting centric Technique Tuesday. It was a big favorite among our DigitalProTalk readers. Because of a new high ISO cameras I was able to change up my lighting techniques at a recent wedding reception. The new lighting technique gives me a tremendous amount of versatility and ease in capturing the reception candids.

I received a few comments and emails from several of our DigitalProTalk readers asking me how I would change up the lighting set up in a smaller space. Well folks, that's exactly what happened this past weekend. I was working in a much smaller space and didn't have the benefit of second-story balconies in which to place my lights.

The cool thing this weekend was that my technique was exactly the same as two weeks ago. I chose to use one eight-foot light stand and one taller, 12 foot light stand. I attached my Quantum T5d flash heads to the light stands with each powered by the Quantum Turbo 3 power packs.

Because of the high ISO capabilities of my Canon 5D Mark III, I was able to use ISO 1600 for all of these candids. This allowed me to set the power on my Quantum strobes to only 1/16th power. At 1/16 power I was getting nearly instant recycle time from my strobes for the fast paced wedding reception.

Why not follow along with me on my video tutorial, LINK above. I walk you through exactly how I set everything up, how I covered the various locations on the dance floor, and got a great coverage at this past weekend's event.

 

6. Stylized Image Enhancement: [link]

I've been saying for months that we photographers have two tremendous resources at our disposal when it comes to creating great images. First off, we have the best digital cameras ever that let us capture the image like never before.

But more than that, we have the best software available, too. Today's iterations of Photoshop CS6 and Lightroom 4 are the best ever and are necessary upgrades to make. Today it's not just about the hardware we use on the job, it's the software too that helps us finish that job the best we are able. The combination of both gives us an unbelievable amount of versatility in creating our finished images.

Even though I captured a great image in the camera, as you'll see in this tutorial, the brand new Lightroom 4 allowed me to push the image to an even more wonderful stylized result that the hardware could not so easily do by itself. But more that that, Lightroom 4 saves me a few more steps over to Photoshop making our post-production duties even that much easier and quicker.

Why not hit the LINK button above to see what I'm talking about.

 

7. Great B&W Conversion Techniques For Wedding Portraits: [link]

I really like the B&W look in my wedding portraits. There’s something about those soft shades of gray that let the viewer forget all about the color and place all their attention directly on the subject.

But converting those portrait images to B&W, although easy, demands a bit more tweaking to get the look I want. The adjustments I make are NOT your normal B&W adjustments either. I use some sliders in Lightroom that you may have never considered using for B&W enhancements.

The finished result is what counts. Let me walk you through two images that will show you how a beautiful B&W portrait can be produced in Lightroom 4. Simply hit the LINK button above.

 

8. Central Park Revisited – Three Lighting Tips To Make Your Lighting Exciting! [link]

Hey gang, I think I've got a very cool Technique Tuesday for you today. I reviewed all the images I did at my B&H Shootout last week and selected about 15 images I want to share with you today. The gist of today's program is to focus on three specific lighting techniques I demonstrated during my shoot out.

The point of all this is that too many photographers around the country, no, around the world are satisfied with ordinary lighting on their subjects. Folks, it comes down to this - put ordinary lighting on your subjects and you get ordinary results.

Let's change it up a bit – let’s put exciting lighting on our subjects and get some exciting results. That's the point of today's lesson - how to make your lighting exciting, easily and effortlessly, without breaking-the-bank with a ton of expensive gear. Why not hit the LINK button above and see what I'm talking about.

 

9. No Flash Pizzazz: [link]

In today’s lesson I’ll walk you through about two dozen images discussing why I think these images stand on their own without any use of extraneous additive lighting.

In this tutorial you’ll get a peek as to how I compose my images, what I’m seeing in the camera before pressing the shutter button, and how I utilize all the elements of the scene to capture exciting images without secondary light sources.

Hit the LINK button and enjoy the show.

 

10. Magical Sunsets - Using Photoshop's Content Aware Fill Tool To Add Impact To Your Sunset Photos: [link]

Check out this video and see how easy it can be to add a more dramatic look to your sunset wedding photographs. It's super easy and you get a great result.

 

11. The Only Wide Angle Lens You'll Ever Need! [link]

Using the Canon 8-15mm fisheye on my Canon 5D Mark III full frame body, I will show you can achieve a true rectilinearly corrected image with a “Field of View” that ranges from 150 degrees down to a still super-wide 133 degrees depending on the zoom setting of the lens.

I’ve spent a lot of today developing and organizing the data and the images for this post. Why not hit the LINK button above and enjoy one of my favorite Technique Tuesdays ever.

 

12. High Flying Party Photography: [link]

I'm always looking to create images that neither clients nor, photographers for that matter, see very often. I want my images to grab the viewer's attention immediately.

One way to grab the viewer's attention is with a dramatic change of "camera position". A shot taken from overhead fills the bill. We've all seen those overhead shots from the Goodyear blimp taken during a football game. But, to see them taken at a wedding or Bar Mitzvah is quite the treat.

So how can we capture those kinds of images at a party. Let me show you my very easy "Pole-Cam" technique that produces images that are both fun to take and excitingly different to view.

As a bonus with today's lesson, I'm throwing in a bit of multi-lighting reception coverage too. Enjoy! I think you'll get a kick out of this week's "High Flying Party photography" tutorial. Hit the LINK button above and enjoy the show.

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Hey gang, that’s it for today.  I hope you enjoy the walk back in time and get a kick out of re-visiting some of my Technique Tuesday audience favorites.

See ya’ soon,  David

The Best Photographic Learning Opportunity In the Midwest Is Only 3 Weeks Away!

Good Morning Everybody,

You guessed it, things are hopping around here with PhotoPro Expo 2013 kicking off on February 7-11, 2013 and I still a few loose ends to wrap up…but thankfully not too many.  The best photographic learning opportunity is only weeks away!

Here’s A Quick Expo Update

PhotoPro Expo Print Competition “LIVE”

Hey gang, let me tell you about an extraordinary experience coming your way on Thursday, February 7, 2013. We are going to be streaming the PhotoPro Expo Print Competition “LIVE”.

That’s right you can there with the competitors, the images, and the judges.  You’ll  see the images and hear the judge’s critiques, comments and scores.

Webinar doors open at 8:00 a.m. Judging begins bright and early at 8:30 a.m. We’ll plan on “streaming till 6:00 p.m.  Plan to stay for all or part of the fantastic educational event. Here is the link to REGISTER RIGHT HERE!

It’s FREE and it’s coming to you from the PhotoPro Expo Print Competition on Thursday, February 7. I hope you’ll take some time to tune in.

HUGE EXPO Trade Show!

The Expo Trade Show, is now the largest photographic tradeshow in the Midwest with over 100 occupied booth spaces!  But - look at all the other fantastic learning opportunities taking place in the trade show:

Our Brand New Expo Theater!

That’s right, we’ll have a total of 15 programs taking place right in the trade show area.  Our guest speakers include Zack and Jody Gray, Kent Smith, Rick Sammon, and many, many more!

Westcott Fantasy Model Shoot Out

What a HOT item this was last year! You could hardly move around the Westcott booth but everybody LOVED it! What a great way to add to your portfolio images and also have an opportunity to watch, hear, and learn from top industry leaders.

Individual Portfolio Reviews and Image Critique

You still have time to sign up for your portfolio review with a Master Photographer who will review your best images with you one on one.  You need to contact LaDawn at ladawn@ziser.com to make your reservation.  This filled up last year so email LaDawn today to schedule your 30 minute appointment.

Attendees are invited to bring up to 10 portfolio images to be reviewed by one of PhotoPro Expo print coaches. These may include images in an album, on an iPad or actual print images 8x10 or larger. It’s FREE if you’re a PhotoPro Network member and only $25.00 for non-members. Another FANTASTIC learning experience!

Folks, when you add up everything - it’s an unbelievable photographic learning opportunity you won’t want to miss. Come join the fun and make 2013 your luckiest year ever!!

-David