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

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

Announcing My 2013 Kelby Photo Walk – Salzburg, Austria!

It’s official – Scott Kelby just announced his 6th Annual Worldwide Photo Walk and I’m happy to say that I’ve just set up my Photo Walk over the weekend! Last year since we were traveling in Italy, we did our Photo Walk in Rome, Italy -  in the rain and had a great turn out.  I hear Scott’s going to be there this year – hope he has better weather ;~)  Nevertheless, we had a great time – you can take a peek at some of my images right here.

This year we’re going to be in Eastern Europe traveling from Croatia up to Austria on Photo Walk Day - October 5, 2013.

So this year, I’ve planned have my walk for Salzburg, Austria and I can’t wait.  I did a quick image search of Salzburg  [link] and was blown away by the rich history and beautiful surrounds of the city – what a great location for a Photo walk.  You can register for my Salzburg, Austria Photo Walk right here. Hope to see a few of you there!

Here is a quick rundown of what I have planned for our Photo Walk.  It may seem a bit ambitious but all the sites are fairly close together.  If we do run over a bit, it will just make the stop at the bier garden more refreshing ;~)

We’ll meet at the entrance to Mirabell Palace Gardens above and then proceed to Mozart’s Residence in Tanzmeisterhaus.  Then it’s over too the very photogenic St. Sebastian Church & Cemetery.   Then its up and onto Kapuzinerkloster Monastery for a fantastic view of this famed city.

Then we’ll trek down the medieval road Steingasse. The most notable person to live here was Joseph Mohr in who lived in house #9 where he wrote the lyrics to the Christmas song 'Silent Night'.  Then It’s on to Mozart Square. The square is dominated by the statue of Mozart by Ludwig Schwanthaler, ceremoniously unveiled on September 5, 1842 in the presence of Mozart's sons.  Next its on to Residenz Square & Fountain. Residence Square is an especially magnificent forecourt between the archiepiscopal residences in the heart of Salzburg's Old City.

Then it’s on to the New Residenz followed just down the street to the Old Residenz Palace.  We’ll then push on to one of the walk’s highlights, Salzburg Cathedral. Salzburg's Cathedral is probably the city's most significant piece of church architecture and its ecclesiastical center. With its magnificent façade and mighty dome it represents the most impressive early Baroque edifice north of the Alps. 

Next it’s on to our second last stop, Kapitelplatz. Chapter Square is a place of concentrated activity in Salzburg's Old City: people playing a game of chess with oversized chess pieces, a number of colorful sales booths and "Sphaera," a work of art by Stephan Balkenhol, fill the square with life. And we’ll finish up and refresh at StieglKeller Beer Hall & Restaurant. A little way up Mönchsberg is a Salzburg classic, the StieglKeller Beer Hall, complete with a beer garden overlooking the city.  Stiegl has been brewing beer in Salzburg since 1492. It sounds like the perfect place to share our images, tell stories, and enjoy the scenery.

Does that sound like a great walk or what?  I sure hope you can join me. Remember, you can register for my Photo Walk right here. I promise everyone a great time!

See ya’ there!

-David

”Seated In His History"

”Seated In His History"
©David A. Ziser

I found this to be a very poignant moment during our recent trip to Monticello, Virginia – home to our third president, Thomas Jefferson. While we were taking the “Slave Tour” of the estate, very fascinating indeed, and an unfortunate part of our American history, we stopped at one of the outcroppings to one of the slaves quarters on the Monticello property.

The young black boy listened attentively as our guide told the story of slavery on Monticello plantation. What struck me was that he was not only the center of attention for this image but his presence ironically symbolized the much larger moment in history described by our guide.

DAZNOTE: Thomas Jefferson, who proclaimed in our Declaration of Independence the famous words… “…We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…” [link], which he authored and which we are about to celebrate this Thursday, sounded strange to me since he owned more than 200 slaves. Even after his death he only released 6 of that total number.

Camera specs; Canon 5D Mark III fitted with Tamron 28-300mm lens at 28mm, F3.5 @ 1/3200 second, ISO 1250. Enjoy! -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

Look3 – Festival Of The Photograph–What An Experience!

Good Afternoon Everybody,

LaDawn and I are taking a small break from the Studio and visiting in the Williamsburg, VA area. We have been here for about a week refreshing our memories and soaking up all the wonderful history of the area.  In addition to following our history interests, we also made the short trip to Charlottesville, VA this past Saturday to attend Look3 – The Festival of the Photograph [link], a very interesting photography conference featuring photographers many of us in the portrait/wedding realm would not have heard of.

During our visit we had the opportunity to see the photography and hear the presentation and world famous Josef Koudelka. During a visit to the Modern Museum of Art in NYC a few years ago, we had the opportunity to get familiar with Josef’s work – I was blown away by is instinct to capture the perfect moment and stunning composition.  I ended up buying several of his books for my photo library.

Josef Koudelka [link] was thirty years old in 1968. He had committed himself to photography as a full-time career only recently, and had been chronicling the theater, and the lives of gypsies, but he had never photographed a news event. That all changed on the night of August 21, when Warsaw Pact tanks invaded the city of Prague, ending the short-lived political freedom in Czechoslovakia that came to be known as the Prague Spring. In the midst of the turmoil of the Soviet-led invasion, Koudelka took to the streets to document this critical moment. Now 75 years old and still full of energy and creativity he finished his presentation to a standing ovation – pretty darn exciting.

Check out his work right here and be prepared to be amazed!!!

We head out on Friday and work our way up to Mount Vernon eventually catching up with our friend Jeff Medford, the producer of Alex Buono’s fabulous new tour traveling the country as we speak.  Alex is an Oscar nominee, film maker, and Director of Photography for Saturday Night Live.

See ya’ soon!

David

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

Have Yourself the Photographic Blast of a Lifetime!

Good Morning Everybody,

Sorry for the delay in getting back to DPT.  Even though we’re in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico for the last few weeks, I’ve been spending many long days wrapping all the FINAL arrangements for our “blow-out” PhotoPro Expo 2013. I can’t wait to tell you the details so today I’m “spilling the beans” and officially announcing one of the BIGGEST and BEST photographic events of the year!

"If you love photography, you've got to be there!"

So, why should you attend?  Easy answer:

• Learn from 26 of the best instructors in the business presenting nearly 40 programs over 5 days!
• You can bring a friend for only $99!
• You could win an iPad Mini for registering early.
• You can visit the largest photographic tradeshow in the Midwest!
• You may win some of the over $15,000 in prizes given away during the convention!
• Add to your portfolio at the Westcott Fantasy Model Shoot-out.
• Hear 14 FREE “LIVE” programs at the Expo Theater from top instructors.
• Schedule a personal portfolio review with a top photographer – what a great way to learn!
• You have a chance to enter, sit in and learn during our juried Print Competition.
• You get a $99 room rate – the best of any convention – at a four star hotel!

Check out all the details below – pretty cool stuff happening, including 1 in 50 chance (great odds) to win an iPad Mini.

"If you love photography, you've got to be there!"

Rarely does a photographic event this big and exciting come to the Midwest.  And I want to tell you about a very special opportunity for all of our DPT readers!

On February 7, 8, 9, 10, & 11, 2013 you have the opportunity to attend the region's most exciting photographic event of the year, save some money by bringing a friend for only $99, and have a great chance to win an iPad Mini if you're one of the first 50 to register with Prize Code PPEDPT13!

Learn from the BEST Instructors in the business!

The speaker line up is amazing and is, hands down, one of the best for 2013.  These superstars include National Geographic photographer, Joe McNally; Photoshop guru, Julieanne Kost; the hottest wedding photographers on the planet, Zach and Jody Gray; top shooter, best-selling author, & social media expert, Rick Sammon; Saturday Night "Live" HDSLR legend, Alex Buono; high school senior & marketing geniuses, Kent and Sarah Smith; the legendary Kevin Kubota; fashion photographer, Lou Freeman;  top commercial, digital illustrator, Woody Walters;  and many, many more. A total of - 26 amazing speakers presenting nearly 40 programs! 

The Biggest and Best Photographic Tradeshow Ever!!!

PhotoPro Expo 2013 will also be home to the largest photographic trade show in the region.  With over 100 booths in the tradeshow, you can expect to see some of the top photography vendors from around the country!  

The Expo trade show will once again be hosting:

• A two-day, Fantasy Model Shoot-Out  sponsored by Westcott.
• 14 LIVE programs in our new Expo Theater.
• A fully juried photographic Print Competition with $5000 in awards.
• Over $15,000 in prizes and awards when using Prize Code PPEDPT13 upon registering.
• Personal Portfolio Image Reviews with photo experts.
• Three great parties. 

PhotoPro Expo 2013 is the NOT TO BE MISSED photographic event of the year!!!

Bring A Friend For Only $99 - Offer good till 12/31/12

Book Early - First 50 Registered Eligible for iPad Mini Drawing!

OK, how much does it cost?  Good question!  A convention like this with a 26 speaker talent line up can run as high as $600.  But the cost of PhotoPro Expo 2013, with our Prize Code PPEDPT13 is only $159 and lets you bring a friend for only $99 more!  Using our code also allows you to be eligible for over $15,000 in prizes!!!  The convention is taking place near downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. 

$99 rooms rates at 4-Star Marriott RiverCenter

$99 room accommodations have been arranged at the 4-Star Marriott RiverCenter hotel, conveniently attached to the convention center.

Only $159 for all three days! Add a second person for only $99 - that's only $129/person and great room rates!  That makes it a "no-brainer" to attend.  PhotoPro Expo 2013 is not only the best education destination for 2013, but also the best place to have yourself the photographic blast of a lifetime!

Check it out at www.photoproexpo.com.  This offer expires December 31, 2012 so register NOW!  Don't forget - make your hotel reservations right away - the hotel will definitely be sold out if you wait.

Remember, use Prize Code PPEDPT13 to register for only $159, bring a guest for only $99 and be eligible for over $15,000 in prizes and awards!  Offer expires 12/31/12! So REGISTER NOW!  You can't afford to miss this event and you may even win an iPad Mini for registering early.

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Hey gang, that’s it for me today.  We leave for home on Saturday.  Once the dust settles from all our travels and holiday activities, I’m hoping to get the blog postings back to normal and on a regular schedule.  That said, everybody have a great rest of the day in your part of the world and I’ll see you soon.

Adios till later,  David

"Pigeon Play"

"Pigeon Play"
©David A. Ziser

As our tour guide was sharing the wonders of Istanbul with the four of us, I spotted a young child chasing hundreds of pigeons that were everywhere within the city center. The pigeons didn't seem to mind at all. Every time the young child ran through the mass of pigeons, they circled around for a short time and then landed right back into their original locations.

Once the pigeons were settled in, our young, mischievous lad would make a run at them again. He was having a blast. This continued on for well over five or six minutes and I spent most of that time trying to get the photograph I wanted.

With the very low vantage point, I think the image above does just that. You can see the pigeons taking off and even midflight with the playful child enjoying every moment of his pigeon play.

I like how the pigeons appear to vignette just him. I also love the wonderful expression of the young boy showing glee and excitement on his face. This image is a wonderful candid that captures the happiness of a child in this beautiful and exotic city.

Camera specs:  Canon 5D Mark III fitted with Sigma 12 – 24 MM super wide angle lens at 15mm, F16 @1/320th of a second, ISO 2500. Enjoy! – David

"And Justice For All"

"And Justice For All"

©David A. Ziser

 

I captured this image yesterday after our tour the the Capitol.  With the Supreme Court hearings wrapping their third day of testimonies, quite a crowd had gathered on the steps in front of the Supreme Court Building.  I just had to head that way and take some photographs.  Hey, I was a child of the sixties, been there, done that ;~)

I got some great images of the cameras, protestors, and curious on-lookers.  It was kind of cool to be in the mist of this historical moment.  The Washington, D.C. police were on hand to be sure order was served and the assembled crowd did seem calm enough.

I asked the police officer, who was quite a nice guy, if I could get his photograph in front of the court building and he gladly obliged. I made the image with my brand new Canon fisheye lens but with judicious pixel manipulation in Lightroom 4, was able to remove the curvature of the Fisheye lens and straighten most of the vertical distortion.

I still left a bit of the vertical distortion for the added effect for this image.  I see the officer in the foreground, the American flags flanking and framing the image, and the Supreme Court in the background against the rich blue sky as “standing tall” and assuring “Justice For All.”
Camera specs: Canon 5D Mark 3 fitted with Canon 8-15mm fisheye lens at 14mm, F16 @ 1/2000 second, ISO 800.  Enjoy!  -David

Quick Hit Monday: Broadway Reviews; FREE Webcast; Inspiring Photography; & Photoshop Freebies

Good Afternoon Everybody,

This is mostly a work day for me, working and completing a few projects.  I'm presenting a FREE webcast live from Animoto's World Headquarters on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. The topic is, "Creating Lifelong Customers".  Hey, I've built and maintained my business for more than 25 years on what Ill be discussing on Wednesday. I'm wrapping up the Power Point as we speak - I hope you'll join me.  Here is the link to register right here.

Also, I'm announcing today that I'm beginning a brand new photography/lighting series on Wednesday of this week. The series will revolve around getting your best shots in the worse and the best lighting and weather conditions.  I hope you'll join me on Wednesday and the next few Wednesdays for this new series of posts.

We Enjoyed A Tony Award Winning Broadway Weekend

I going off on a personal note for starters today.  We had quite the weekend in the NYC and I'd like to share a few of the highlights with you. In spite of the record breaking heat wave (heat index 107 - 115 degrees and more at pavement level) that settled down on New York City and many other cities across the USA. We kicked off the weekend by heading down to Times Square and nabbing some tickets to the hit Broadway play, Spiderman.  We had great seats and the show was amazing.  I've never seen aerial stunts [link]  so excitedly pulled off the way they did in this performance.  The crowd gave the performance a thematic standing ovation at the end!

Saturday we began the day with my Animoto Charity Photowalk beginning at Washington Square Park Arch and wondering through Soho and other interesting neighborhoods around the area - all very colorful and FUN to say the least. 

We had a great walk, made a few new friends, and had some lively conversations as we walked the areas. It is always interesting to see what someone else is pointing their camera towards. 

After our 2 1/2 hour walk we finished up at Animoto World Headquarters for some refreshments and a tour of their facilities. 

We were able to raise several hundred dollars for the PPA Charities which is always a good thing – thanks to all those who participated.  You can check out the images from our photowalk over at the Flickr Group we just set up right here. Here’s a quick Animoto video I put together of LaDawn and my images.  Enjoy!

 

Later in the afternoon we headed over to Katz's Deli, you know, where Harry met Sally, and caught up with Jesica, a good and very insightful friend from B&H.  If you ever get to New York, Katz's has the BEST corned beef and pastrami in the world - highly recommended. But even better is a visit to B&H. It’s truly a photographers play land.

On Friday, while walking the Theater district in Times Square, we also nabbed 3 great box seats for the hottest show on Broadway, The Book Of Mormon!  It's nearly impossible to get seats for this show because of it's HUGE popularity - we just got lucky being at the right place at the right time - clean living, I guess ;~)

Although after seeing the show, in my opinion it might just lose a few points in popularity rating if you ask us.  This is definitely NOT a show to take your kids too.  Oh, and I wouldn’t recommend it to your grandmother either. 

Call me a little old fashion, but I don't believe one of the best Broadway experiences of the decade (singing and choreography) has to descend quite so far into the raunchy level the Book of Mormon did.  If you are a true fan of South Park humor then this show is for you. For the most part, the talent and creativity was outstanding. We just didn’t like the use of so much profane language.

The real treat came Sunday for two reasons. First, We decided to take in historic St. Bart’s for Sunday service - it's right across the street from the Waldorf-Astoria.  To our very pleasant surprise, the service was a choral service featuring the works of Joseph Haydn.  It was simply a beautiful experience.

An hour later my daughter Elizabeth joined us and we headed over to Lincoln Center to see the absolute most mesmerizing, creative, unbelievably crafted, theater experiences of our lives - we saw War Horse. 

Voted Tony award winning best play and for our experience nothing beats it on Broadway.  It is, without a doubt, the must see play in NYC - no exceptions!  Amazing, breathtaking, awesome, emotional, unbelievable - adding more words would still not complete the description of this one of a kind play.

If you haven't guessed it so far, LaDawn and I love our plays.  Every time we hit the city, we try to get caught up on a few of Broadway’s best.  I think we hit it out of the park on this visit ;~)

Now back to photography.  I've got quite a few interesting things for you to check out for today's Quick Hit Monday post.  I hope you enjoy the post.  Here we go...

My Favorite Inspirational Photographs This Week

• 90 Inspiring Sunrise & Sunset Photos: Always inspiring – DAZ [link]
• Photos of Clouds and Storms by Sean R. Heavey: He tracks the storms with his iPad – Un- frigging – believable! – DAZ: [link]

• Magnificent Mountain Reflections: Simply gorgeous – DAZ: [link]

• 500 Pixels Review: The hot new photo site – DAZ: [link]

A Few Photography Websites and Blogs To Check Out

• Blog of a Hong Kong Wedding Photographer: Good stuff here –beautiful and amazing images DAZ [link]

• 37 Websites Every Photographer Should be Reading: I missed the cut again ;~)  [link]
• 6 Free Websites For Public Domain Images & Free Stock Photos: Need a free image or two, decent sources –DAZ [link]

Being In NYC This Week, I’ve Checked Out These Two Links

• Street Photography Tips and Techniques: [link]
• The 10 Best Street Photography Blogs on the Web (and more) [link]

Photoshop Freebies – Always Fun And Free

• Vintage Photo + High Dynamic Range = Cool Look [link]
• Creating Textures in Photoshop [link]
• 30 Creative Photoshop Text Effects Tutorials [link]
• PSD Files: 60+ Must Have Photoshop Files For Designers (Part2) [link]
• 11 Most Efficient Free Fonts to Create Elegant Designs [link]

For You iPhone/iPad Junkies Like Me

• Essential iPhone and iPad Apps For The Travelling Photographer: [link]
• Free Productivity Enhancement iPad Apps for Professionals: [link]

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Hey gang, that's it for me today.  Don't miss my FREE webcast live from Animoto's World Headquarters on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. Again, the topic is, "Creating Lifelong Customers".  Here is the link to register right here. I hope you'll join me.

See ya' tomorrow for a brand new Technique Tuesday: Hidden Gem's in Lightroom 3. I promise, this is something you've never seen before anywhere - don't miss it.

Adios, David

Quick Hit Monday: Emory U Offers Wedding Classes; More Lightroom Resources; and Top Photo Blog Posts of 2010

Good Morning Everybody,

Hey, today’s post is going to be rather short, but still informative, because I had little time at the computer over the weekend.  My daughter, Elizabeth, arrived Saturday in Orland and we’ve been hanging with her the last few days.  Today we head out and pick up my son, Aaron in Ormond Beach and plan to visit with him today. We are leaving shortly so let’s get right to it.

Emory University Offers Classes On Wedding Photography!

Just when you thought their was enough competition in the market, along comes Emory University in Atlanta raising the stakes even more.  My buddy, Denis Reggie sent me the info.  Want to sign up for classes – here is the link right here.

Lightroom Tuesday – Cool Lightroom Resources

I got this head’s up from a tweet from Victoria Brampton, the Lightroom Queen.  Lots of good Lightroom resources every Tuesday from Heninger Photographik right here.

Top Photo Blog Posts Of The Year

Here’s a nice link that will get you inspired for for 2011.  It’s PDN’s listing of their choices for the Top 10 Blog photo posts from last year. PDN asked the editors of the photo blogs from four major newspapers which of their 2010 posts were the most popular. Here are the results.  I love these year end wrap ups – lots of cool images.  Go get inspired [link]!

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Hey gang, that’s it for me today. I’m calling it “family” day today and cutting things a little short.  Plan to stop by tomorrow for a great Technique Tuesday.

Our last two episodes discussed how to photograph people on location.  Tomorrow I’ll walk you through a complete shoot of one of those location portraits.  I think you will be amazing at the amount of variety that you can pull off in such a short time.

Time for me to hit the road – see ya’ tomorrow

Adios, David