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.

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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.

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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

”Colors of Norway”

”Colors of Norway”
©David A. Ziser

While traveling through Norway a few years ago on a wonderful ocean cruise we stopped at the fascinating and beautiful city of Alesund, Norway. On a cloudy, rainy morning and after departing the ship LaDawn and I explored the city on foot eventually finding our way to the Aksla View Point overlooking the city below.

The geometric layout of the city from that vantage point really facinated me.  There were so many colors repeated and so many shapes and details also repeated that all combined into a certain photographic rhythm that I found fascinating.

After a little post-production in Lightroom and Photoshop to enhance the colors and details, I had the result I wanted.  To me it looks like a photo-realistic painting of the city more than a photograph – I like it.

Camera specs: Canon 5D Mark III fitted with Tamron 28-300 VR lens at  84mm, F8.0 at 1/400 second, ISO 800.

Enjoy!  -David

Our Great 4th of July Celebration Just Got Better!

Good Morning Everybody!

On Sunday morning we blasted off from good ol’ KY and headed to Las Vegas for a little fun in the sun.  Some folks said we were crazy for leaving our mid-80’s temps in NKY and heading into the 107 temps of Las Vegas – hey, it’s Vegas!

We  settled into our fabulous suite at our favorite hotel – the Elara on the Strip. Check out the view from our living room window above – awesome!

Turns out Sunday is the BIG 50th anniversary celebration at Caesar's Palace complete with Robbie Knievil, the Red Bull Air Force skydiving team, terrific entertainment, and a great fireworks display – LaDawn and I were in the center of all the excitement. In fact, I was even interviewed by the Las Vegas Review-Journal and appeared in the paper the next day – my 15 minutes of fame – haha.

Today we’re heading over to the the Bellagio for the Yousef Karsh display.  Karsh was always one of my favorite portrait photographers so it will be fun to see the exhibit.

But the real story is how our July 4th just got better – see below! 

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The BIG DEAL Extended For One More Week!

Many of you know that a few weeks ago I became involved with the best deal to come along in years for photographers everywhere.  It’s called the BIG DEAL [link] – Only $99 for $3000 worth of training, plug-ins, brushes, videos, eBooks, etc. from the top trainers in the country.

The BIG DEAL, which so far has raised $1000’s for the three charities was scheduled to end yesterday but I just got word it’s being extended for another week. That’s GREAT NEWS in case you missed it. Not only do you help three deserving charities, you also get the best collection of photographic resources available anywhere! You’ve got to check it out right here!

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Perfectly Clear $99 Summer Sale!

OK, now things get even better! Last week, I’m contacted from my good friends at Perfectly Clear – I’ve known Brad, the owner of Perfectly Clear for a number of years and I’ve watched how this wonderful piece of software have matured into into one of the BEST post-production tools available for photographers anywhere:

• One Click and Exposure, Density and Contrast are perfect!
• One Click and your subject’s Eyes look fabulous!
• One Click and your subject’s Skin is Hollywood flawless!
• More Info Right Here

Over the years Perfectly Clear has made giant steps to being an indispensable resource to all of us in photography.

And now the GREAT NEWS!  Perfectly Clear’s Summer Sale [link] is happening NOW!  This sale only happens once a year so don’t miss the opportunity to grab Perfectly Clear Complete for only $99 [link] – that’s 1/3 off the regular price of $149!

The SALE ends in just 10 days so don’t miss it! You can order it right here!

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Hey Gang, that’s it for me today.  LaDawn and I are heading over to Bellagio shortly to take in the Karsh Exhibit and the rest of the Vegas attractions. It’s a little warm – only 105 degrees today but it’s a DRY heat, right – lol.

See everybody later,

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.

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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

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

Line, Shape, and Form: Enjoying All Three On A Recent Cincy Photo Walk

Hi Everybody,

I thought I would drop by - see how everybody's doing here at DigitalProTalk today. This past weekend we took a short photo walk with some friends in Northern Kentucky.  Our walk took us through downtown Covington, KY and then across the John Roebling Suspension bridge to downtown Cincinnati, OH and then back again. BTW the bridge was modeled after the Brooklyn Bridge – see the resemblance?

Line, Shape, and Form: Enjoying All Three On A Recent Cincy Photo Walk

I thought I would share with you a few the images I made during our two hour trip. The weather was perfect the subject matter was cool and colorful and I think I got some nice images. Let me share them with you in the order in which they were captured.  All images were made with my “fun” camera, my Canon PowerShot SX50 HS Digital Camera which I love for just these kinds of things. BTW, all post processing was done mostly in Lightroom 5 and a bit in CS6.  On to the photographs…

1. This image is of three drums I saw in a pawnshop as we passed walking down Main Street in Covington, Kentucky. I just love the bright colors and repeat of the bright greens in this image.

2. In the next image I was taken by the shadows on the wall against the venetian blinds. I tweaked colors a bit in Photoshop and Lightroom 5 and then added a little spherical distortion with the Lens Correction tool to get this final result.

3. In this next image as I looked across the street I saw this unusual reflection in the mirrored pane glass of the storefront. I thought the bright colors and the curvature of the space made for an interesting photo walk grab.

4.  As we continue down the main street I saw a “sign” – a real sign - so I had to photograph it. I love the bright yellow against the dark blue sky. It's a wide-angle photograph that's just kind of a fun compositional juxtaposition. 

5. The next image is a really simple image of repeating rectangular elements of a parking lot. But I love the curved power line running in front of it. I thought it offered a interesting contrast to the otherwise horizontal/vertical lines of the composition.

6. The next image of this tall building with this blue accents I found really appealing. I positioned the light post against a solid part of the building to create the finished composition I wanted. This was actually one of my favorite photographs of the photo walk.

7.  This next image of the red grid work was again one of my favorites from Sunday's photo walk. It was actually a black grid when I started and it was actually vertical but after colorizing it to the bright red and rotating it 90° I like how it gives us a cool overhead feel.

8.  The suspension bridge crossing the Ohio River in Cincinnati, OH  is one of the most interesting architectural features of our area. As I mentioned earlier it was designed by John Roebling who also designed and started the building of the Brooklyn Bridge in New York.

In this image I love the curved lines of the cables push both upwards and downwards.  I filled the frame with all the curved elements and shot away.  I think this arabesque dance created quite a interesting composition.

9. This next image is just an exercise in contrasts. The shadows were getting long and I thought they looked cool playing against the bright, sunny sidewalk. As I said I love playing around with my design lines.

10.  After crossing the suspension bridge we happened upon a public fountain in which we found several small children enjoying themselves. I captured several photographs to get just the image I wanted.  I love seeing this little boy splashing exuberantly in the spraying water. Nice way to cool off!

11. On the way back across the suspension bridge which is really tied together with these huge bolts holding together the cables themselves, I thought a close-up of one of those huge bolts as the sun was reflecting would make an interesting composition in this image.

12 and 13. As you know as a DigitalProTalk reader, I'm a big fan of lines and shapes. These next two images are of one of the office buildings on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River.  The building provided an interesting subject matter I was looking for. The colors and densities were enhanced in Lightroom 5 to my desired result.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14. Continuing our photo walk I was given yet another “sign” so I had to photograph it ;~)  Once again, I love the bright yellow against the blue sky with the Suspension bridge in the background. I happened to be a big fan of wide-angle lenses and this was done with a 24 mm lens shooting up from a very low vantage point. Again it was just fun and I just like the composition.

15.  This image I was playing with as I was shooting with my Canon PowerShot SX50 HS Digital Camera and I really enjoy using it’s articulated viewfinder to make this photograph. That means I didn't have to lay down on my stomach to take it, I just lowered the camera to the ground pointed the viewfinder up to my eyes so I could create the composition I wanted and shot away.

I have to admit, I meant for the yellow line to run to the center the building in the distance but that was not the case.  Since I missed the centering slightly, I did have to modify it ever so slightly in Photoshop CS6 to get the effect I wanted.

16. This last image is of our group of photo-walkers which I made with my iPhone 5 set to Panorama mode.  I have to say I don't know how Apple works that panorama into that camera but it is so seamless and so cool to play with I thought I would just throw one in here at the end of the post.

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Hey gang, that wraps it for me today. I hope you enjoyed the post – quite colorful and diversified.  I really like to get as much variety as I can on these fun little photo walks.  They just give a boost to those creative juices flowing through your brain. 

I know it's been a while's since I posted at DigitalProTalk but I have to admit, I'm enjoying my slower paced lifestyle but at the same time, I do miss writing for the DPT blog.  I think maybe I’m going through a DigitalProTalk mid life crisis or something ;~) 

Anyway, I do have a few more articles planned for the future.  One in particular features Lightroom 5.  I'll try to get it up maybe next week because I think it will be a really very helpful article for all you new Lightroom 5 users. I’m planning to point out some of the new features and shortcuts you may not be familiar with even with all the tutorials currently on online reviewing the new features. Anyway I'll do my best to get it up probably for Technique Tuesday next week so check back - give it a peek and I hope you enjoy it.

Hey gang that's it for me today. We got big plans this weekend so check back again on Friday and I'll fill you in.

Adios, David

Quick Hit Monday: Inspiration, Weddings, and Photoshop

Good Morning Everybody,

Still trying to find my “blogging voice” around here so I thought I’d get something short and sweet up for you today – simply trying to get myself back in the habit as they say.

This morning I was surfing the web as usual and found some interesting photo tidbits for today’s post. Hope you enjoy - here we go….

Monday Morning Inspiration

2013 Press Photographers of the Year – Watch the 150 image slide show of the winners right here – gorgeous, heartfelt, heart wrenching, exciting, funny, fun, beautiful - truly inspirational!

A Few Wedding Ideas For Your Next Wedding Shoot

Weddings in the Round – I caught these very interesting images by photographer Lucy Martin  at OneSlide Photography.  The images are posted but not the technique. 

I suppose they were created with a technique described by an earlier Technique Tuesday video posted here at DPT [link] by my good friend, Ace #1 Assistant, and guest blogger Nicolas Viltrakis – check it out right here, very cool!

Coolest Photoshop Technique Of The Week

Liquefy Editable Text – I caught this PS technique at TipSquirrel, a great source for all things Photoshop.  This is one of those PS techniques that although I feel I will seldom use, I find fascinating to watch and see how it’s done.  It just makes me think of what other possibilities might work for this technique . Anyway, give it a peek – I think you’ll agree.

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Hey gang, that’s it for me today. Have a great week – hey, you may see me back here again before you know it ;~)

See ya’ soon, David