The Dust Is Finally Settling From The Greatest Show On Earth!

Good Afternoon Everybody,

We are slowly getting back to normal around here with the dust nearly settled from our blowout convention, PhotoPro Expo 2012. After making several trips from the Marriott Hotel back to our studio with a couple cars, we were finally unloaded by around 4:00 o'clock yesterday afternoon.

By the time we got things halfway unpacked it was turning into a really long day and I decided to hold the post to today. Thanks to Dave Dabour and many others for suggesting we take a couple of days off. Don't worry though, I'll plan to have things back to normal beginning next week.

I’m Passing Out Lot’s Of Thank You’s

I was (am) on such a high from the success of the convention I'm still reveling in it’s warm glow. It's kind of cool to get calls from several vendors that were part of the show expressing their gratitude and appreciation for the huge numbers we pulled in for the tradeshow. 

It's also just as exciting reading the dozens of e-mails from photographers who attended the show expressing their amazement and gratitude for us having such a great show right here in the Midwest. And thanks to attendee Raph from Canada for making PhotoPro Expo 2012 an international event!

• Raph from Canada, “Again, I wanted to thank you so much for putting on such a great convention ! I had an amazing time and hope to be back next year !”
• Bryan wrote: "What an amazing weekend at Photo Pro Network's Photo Pro Expo 2012. Thanks to all the presenters for sharing their time and knowledge and a special thanks to Jerry Ghionis for his workshop today."
• Jeff says, “It was a fantastic event, I can't wait for the next year's. The line up of speakers and trade show contributors was phenomenal.”
• Dave says, “It was a great conference! I didn't think you guys slept at all!”

The Greatest Show On Earth!

My thanks to all of our over 1000 attendees for making it the best show in many, many years in this part of the country.

I spent most of the morning consolidating about 4000 images and about 35 hours of videos that we will be working on over the next  couple of weeks. We videotaped all the presenters and I'll be putting those online for all of our PhotoPro Network members.

So, if you didn’t get a chance to make a show and you would like to get a peek of the exciting weekend 1000 of us shared, you just may want to join PhotoPro Network and check out all the videos when they become available. Heck, $49 – and you can hear the speaker line up one more time – What a deal!  Here is the link to join right here!

The biggest hit of the the tradeshow was a Westcott Fantasy Model Shootout. Check out the images uploaded so far right here. Remember, the top image wins $2,300 in Westcott gear!  I would venture to guess that  at the busiest times there were nearly 200 photographers photographing our four gorgeous  models and simply having a blast!

My buddy and Disney photographer, Rick Ferro, looked like a kid in a candy store  as he worked all four bays showing how to get some of the best photographs of our four models.

A Good Time Was Had By All!

It was really a great time for all photographers that attended. I was talking to Kirk Voclain, one of the top high school senior photographers in the country, who was scheduled for the 8:00 – 11:00 p.m. timeslot. Kirk says good naturedly, "You get them into the first class at 7:30 a.m. in the morning and then expect me to keep them awake until 11:00?  We laughed then he looked back at me and said that was his goal was to keep everyone there and not leave to the end of his program.

If anyone could do it, it was Kirk.  With his talent, infectious sense of humor,  beautiful photography, tremendous marketing tips, and Photoshop “razzle-dazzle” Kirk had them locked to their seats to the very end of his program.

But that still wasn't the end of the evening - H&H, one of our very generous Platinum sponsors, hosted a pizza party for anyone that still had enough energy to stay awake for another hour or two.  It was a great opportunity to sit, relax and to make new friends.

I just can't say enough about our sponsors either. It was through their generosity that helped us bring in the top names in the country and offer some great hospitality. My sincere thanks to each and every one of them.

So, what's in store for next year? Were planning to increase the size of the tradeshow by about 30% shooting for a crowd of 1,200 attendees. I've got an entire roster of A-list speakers that am planning to call and, once word gets out about what a great time this year’s speakers had – that’s Jerry with one of the Tackle Buddies -I'm sure they’ll want to be part of the action next year. I can't divulge who we have lined up so far but I will give you a hint that there's rumors that we may be in communications with – initials only! JK, JM and JS ;~) 

Hey gang, if you've got some suggestions,  why not post them to the Comment section below. I've got a pretty strong list I’m working on with right now but if I'm missing anybody I sure would love to hear from you.

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On that note gang, I'm signing off for today.  As I said things will get back to normal next week with our Technique Tuesday's our Business Day Thursday's and everything else in between. I’m still experiencing goose bumps from this year show. Mark your calendars now for PhotoPro Expo 2013 – February 7-11.

See you soon, David

PhotoPro Expo 2012–The Photographic Super Bowl of the year–and WE WON!!!

Good Morning Everybody,

I know what you’re thinking – “Where in the world is David Ziser? Where are my DigitalProTalk posts!?”  Don’t worry, I’m back or, at least almost back. The last time I checked in with our DigitalProTalk readers was last Thursday when I updated you with our world wide webcast of the PhotoPro Expo Print Competition.  Then I went MIA.

So what’s been happening you ask?  Well, let me tell you.  It’s been a wild and crazy time at our PhotoPro Expo this weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LaDawn and I have been up about 5:30 every morning and didn’t hit the sack till about 12:30 every night. 

Can you spell “S-L-E-E-P     D-E-P-R-I-V-A-T-I-O-N”  ;~)

Honestly, it’s been crazy down here at the Convention Center, non-stop for FOUR SOLID DAYS!  I haven’t has 1 spare second to even think about a blog post!  So you ask, “What was going on to keep you so busy?” 

Let me tell you. Many people here were telling us how we hit it out of the park with PhotoPro Expo 2012 with PhotoPro Expo 2012.

PhotoPro Expo 2012: TOP TEN photographic

Super Bowl statistics:

1. PhotoPro Expo 2012 was the LARGEST regional photographic event in the USA with over 1,000 - yes – over 1,000 photographers in attendance!

2. PhotoPro Expo 2012 was the fourth largest photographic convention in the country!

3. PhotoPro Expo 2012’s trade-show was also the largest regional trade show in the country and the largest in the Midwest.

4. PhotoPro Expo 2012 hosted photographers from 25 states and Canada – the first time ever a regional convention had such a geographic diversity!

5. The speaker lineup - Scott Kelby, Vincent LaForet, Jerry Ghionis, et. al. rocked the house with huge crowds for all programs – even those beginning at 7:30 a.m. Jerry Ghionis, who is conducting his daylong program right now, brought down the house Saturday morning with a standing ovation from a 625+ crowd!

6. We awarded the PhotoPro Expo attendees more dollars in Door Prizes than any photographic convention in the country, if not the world – over $25,000 at last count!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

7. PhotoPro Expo 2012 was the first fully juried photographic print competition to go “LIVE” - broadcasting over the internet to all the states in the union and dozens of country’s around the world – including the Federated States of Micronesia – yes, they were listening to us in the middle of the Pacific ocean!!!

8. PhotoPro Expo 2012 had more photographic print entries than ever before!

9. We had more people register before the show closed than any other photographic convention. We’ve got some big ideas in mind to push that number even higher over the next week - so stay tuned.

10. And finally, thanks to all the stars aligning perfectly, we had PERFECT weather for the entire show considering we were holding PhotoPro Expo 2012 in February – low fifties most days! It looked just like it did on the PhotoPro Expo web sight ;~)

So, folks, that’s what I’ve been up to these last four days.  Let’s just say we were busy, BUT – we were the Super Bowl of photographic events and WE WON!!!!!!

See you tomorrow everybody.  I’ll fill you in on the good times over the next few days.

See ya’ then,  David

The Best Photographic Learning Opportunity In the Midwest Is Only Minutes Away! and “LIVE” Streaming Print Competition!

Good Evening Everybody,

You guessed it, things are hopping around here with PhotoPro Expo 2012 kicking off on Thursday and still a few loose ends to wrap up.  Speakers and judges begin arriving tomorrow and the Expo Print competition kicks off  Thursday morning. The best photographic learning opportunity is only minutes away!

Here’s A Quick Expo Update

The Expo Trade Show, as I said, is sold out with nearly 90 occupied booth spaces!  But look at all the other fantastic learning opportunities taking place in the trade show:

Four Speed-Lighting Clinics

Be sure to come by the trade show to hear speed-lighting clinics, 4 of them,  by master speed-lighter and best selling author, Syl Arena.

PhotoPro Expo Help Desk

Next plan to stop by the Help Desk to have all those nagging questions about Lighting, Photography, Photoshop, and Lightroom answered.  On hand to answer your questions will be master photographer, Scott Walz and my “Ace #1 Assistant”, Nickolas Viltrakis.

Product Demos

I’ll also be on hand doing Lightroom 4 demos.  Jonny, from OnOne Software may be stopping by to show you a few of the latest, greatest features of OnOne’s widely acclaimed newly released Perfect Photography Suite 6.0

Westcott Fantasy Model Shoot Out

I’m firming up my guest speaker list for the Westcott Fantasy Model Shootout.  In addition to building a great portfolio you’ll also have an opportunity to watch, hear, and learn from top industry leaders. The Speakers so far are:

• World renowned wedding photographer, Jerry Ghionis
• Besting selling photography author Scott Kelby
• Top commercial shooter, Joel Grimes
• Disney photographer, Rick Ferro
• Local high school senior shooting sensation, Craig Weiglein

Coach’s Corner: Image Review and Critique

Although Coach’s Corner is now full, keep it in mind for next year. This is your opportunity to spend "one-on-one" time with a Master Photographer. 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 images 8x10 or larger.

Folks, when you add everything up - it’s an unbelievable photographic learning opportunity you want to miss!

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Hey gang, before I sign off today let me tell you about an extraordinary experience coming your way on Thursday.  We are going to be streaming the PhotoPro Expo Print Competition “LIVE”.  That’s right you can be there right with the competitors images and the judges seeing the images and hearing the judge’s critiques and comments.

I’m still working on the details but I will have all the links in place and the log-in information posted by tomorrow at noon. Be sure to stop by tomorrow and register.  It’s FREE and it’s coming to you from the PhotoPro Expo Print Competition on Thursday, February 2. I hope you’ll take some time to tune in.

-David

Quick Hit Monday: Imaging USA Update; I’m In Polish; 5 Questions; and Great Portrait Tips!

Good Morning Everybody,

We’ve been enjoying the last few days in the Big Easy and especially some great sunrises. It’s always a good time when your in New Orleans and the home team is in the playoffs. Alas, even though the Saints lost, it was still a blast to be cheering with the local fans who are about the most excitable and energetic group of sports fans you can hang with. 

The last time we were in New Orleans was the weekend the Saints won the Super Bowl – you talk about a town going wild!!!  Anyway, we always have a great time in this city.

Hey gang, I’ve got a convention to get to so let’s get right to today’s post.

Quick Imaging USA Update

The Imaging USA convention got off to a good start yesterday with packed speaker rooms and a lively tradeshow.  I poked my head into Jerry Ghionis’ room which was packed with about 800+ attendees listening to the wedding master. 

Oh, BTW, that the same Jerry Ghionis that’s coming to our PhotoPro Expo in two weeks.  So….. if you are reading this today and are NOT in New Orleans, then plan to hear Jerry and 15 other great speakers, including Scott Kelby, Joel Grimes, and Vincent LaForet February 3 – 5, 2012.  Click the link to the right for all the info.

Oh, then yesterday evening, we attended our friend, Drake Busath’s packed house program.  Soft spoken Drake is one of the top portrait photographers working today.  His studio does well over 2M a year. He is also one of the most humorous people we know.  You can even see a bit of that humor coming out in his photography like this family portrait below with the “run-a-way” baby – I love it!  His presentation was fabulous.

I Guess This Makes Me An International Author

The other day I received an envelope from Peachpit, my favorite book publisher.  Peachpit is the company that prints all the Kelby Media books and also printed my best selling “Captured By The Light” wedding book last year.

Anyway, I opened the envelope and found a brand new version of my book – in POLISH! It was a great surprise so, to any of our Polish readers out there, pick it up and give it a read – I think you’ll love it.  And if you already have a copy tell me what you think in the comment section below – I’d love to hear from you.

5 Questions For David Ziser

A few weeks ago, fellow blogging buddy, Rick Sammon asked me to do a guest blog post for him.  I was happy to oblige. Here is a quick excerpt from the interview:

“… I’m not surprised by remarks I hear from photographic labs across the country.  Most feel the quality of wedding photography is at a low watermark right now. But most feel that that will change in the not too distant future.  It's just that there are SOOOO many new shooters that the quality level is skewed in their direction.  As they adapt, continue to learn and grow in the profession, so will their skill set and the quality of their photography. 

I think part of the reason the quality of wedding photography has dropped so low is that the aspiring pro doesn't know where to go to get the education they need to really excel in their craft. 

Photographers today really want to learn and think the only place to get that much needed education is on the web.  Web education is good but only up to a point. There is something special about attending programs and learning from the top photographic masters in person, for example, Scott Kelby, Vincent Laforet, Joe McNally, Jay Maisel, and of course, Rick Sammon. I think that more intimate connect with the speaker in a live setting greatly enhances the learning experience.  You know, when you hear these programs in person, the message just sticks with you in a way that is not easily forgotten.”  Uhmmm… I guess that's why all of us, around 10,000 are at Imaging USA ;~)

You can catch all of my 5 answers over at Rick Sammon’s blog right here. 

5 Tips On How To Shoot Killer Portrait Photography

And speaking of education, check out this link right here.  It’s full of Jim Jordan’s  great images, and important tips on how to make your portraits looks great.

Jim Jordan is a widely sought-after fashion, celebrity, lifestyle, and kids photographer based out of Los Angeles and New York City. Some of his notable clients include Vogue, Elle, J.Crew, and Mercedes Benz. He’s also taken portraits for major celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, Drew Berrymore, and Charlize Theron.

You’ll enjoy the read  at Photo Shelter right here.

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Hey gang, that’s it for me today.  I’ve got a convention to get to.  If you see me walking the trade show today, come on up and say HI, I’d love to visit.

Have a great rest of the day and I’ll plan to see you tomorrow for a very special Technique Tuesday.

Adios everybody,  David

Quick Hit Monday: FREE Webcast Announced: Only 3 Days To Save; Time Lapse Photography: Amazing Zooms: & More!

Good Morning Everybody,

Hope everyone had a great weekend – I know the east coast was awash with Hurricane Irene so I hope all of you made it through safe and sound and are high and dry for the rest of the week.

I can’t believe it – only one  week till Photoshop World.  Yep, we head to Las Vegas on Sunday morning. I’m   kicking off with my sold out Pre-Con wedding shoot on Tuesday, two more programs on Wednesday and Thursday and something like 5-6 booth appearances – it’s going to be one busy week.  But, you know, it’s still one of the most fun, while gaining AWESOME information, conventions we attend.  I sure hope you’ll come up and say “HI” if you are in the neighborhood.

Hey gang, I’ve got a couple of cools things to announce today so why don’t we get started.

FREE Webcast Coming Up: Social Media Marketing – Do It Or Die!

I’ll tell you, last month at our PhotoPro Summer School, I asked A.J. Wood to fly in and be one of my presenters – his topic, Social Media Marketing.  All the speakers got “RAVE” reviews but A.J. really hit it out of the park – people LOVED his program and the wealth of knowledge he shared!

I just talked to A.J. last week and asked him if he could reprise his fabulous program again for our DigitalProTalk readers and all members of PhotoPro Network.  He gladly obliged. Program Synopsis below:

Social Media Marketing – Do It Or Die!

When: September 22, 2011

Time: 3:00 p.m. EDT; 12:00 p.m. Pacific

A.J. has built a business as a consultant on Social Media marketing.  Like it or not – you’ve got to get up to speed on social media marketing or you will be left in the dust by the competition.  Those who do it best have transformed their businesses and “smoked” the competition.

A.J. will point you towards the best strategies and clever shortcuts used by the social media experts.  He’ll show you how it can work for you and probably much more easily than you imagined.  If you want to grow your business in the 21th century, this is an essential program to see.

You don’t want to miss A.J.’s encore performance! 

REGISTER HERE!

Only Three Days Left To Save 50% On PhotoPro Expo 2012!

That’s right folks, only three days left to sign up for the photographic experience of a lifetime - PhotoPro Expo 2012 at 1/2 price, only $139! Prices go up to $279 after August 31, 2012. Next February 3,4,5 you’ll be able to hear the absolute best speakers in our industry speak on all things photography.

• Scott Kelby: Photoshop/Lightroom
• Jerry Ghionis: World Class Wedding Photography
• Vincent LaForet: Pulitzer Prize winning photography & video
• Joel Grimes: Illustrative portraiture
• Sarah Petty: Marketing Mastery
• Skip Cohen: Inspiration
• Kirk Voclain: Fabulous High School Senior photography
• Syl Arena: Speedlighting Master
• Lindsay Adler: Fashion
• Janice Wendt: Digital Fine Art
• Plus more super stars to be named!

Fly, Drive, Run – just get there anyway you can! We have about 100 already registered from 12 states around the country! Plus 40% of the trade show already sold out six months ahead of time!  Folks, this will be one of the biggest photographic events of 2012! Don’t miss it!

Check Out All Info & Register Right Here!

A Few Quick Hits For You

From Visualization To Digital Darkroom. 4 Tips For Better Photos By Gavin Seim: [link]

Fellow blogging buddy and great photographer Gavin Seim has a wonderful article and some amazing photographs – a very good read.

This Will Amaze Your Eyes!

Sometime over the weekend I was cruising the net and stumbled upon this link to Gigapixel.com.  I have to tell you, it is a fascinating site to visit.  Let me give you an idea.  Look at the image below – a lot of people in a big crowd, right.

Well, over at Gigapixel what you see is not what you get!  What’s really fun is that these images are GIGABITS BIG and contain tons in information which means you can zoom into the image. Now look at the second image.  I did a quick screen grab of just a small part of the image – way cool. 

Hey, got a few minutes for a little fun, check out some more of their images right here.

A Complete Guide to Time Lapse Photography

Time lapse photography has always fascinated me and I think this is a great article on the subject with some nice Time Lapse videos included like the one below. Give it a read right here.

How Many Fingers To Hold A Mouse? 

And while we’re having a little fun today let me point you to one more link – 20 Worst Photoshop Disasters Of 2010 - that hopefully will bring you another Monday Morning giggle ;~) Smashing Hub is a great website with more information than you could consume in a year.  This recent post is one of my favorites – enjoy.

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Hey gang, that’s it for me today.  We’ve got a lot of things to get completed this week with Photoshop World right around the corner. Have a great rest of the day and I’ll see you tomorrow for Technique Tuesday.

See ya’ then,  David

Join Me For My Napa Experience In October

Good Morning Everybody,

It has been one busy week around our studio and today I’m planning to take the rest of the day off. Before I do though, let me just give you a quick re-cap and update on the week including my Napa Experience, Webcast re-broadcast, and the premiere photographic event of 2012.

The Napa Experience – October 23-26, 2011

First off we’ve just scheduled my upcoming Napa Experience – A Private Workshop for only 6 photographers.  We have 5 seats left. We had such a great time with the Sedona Experience in June, we thought we would bring it to the west coast.  You can get all the details right here.

Sales/Marketing Webcast With Charles Lewis A Huge Hit!

We had a packed house at Chuck’s webcast yesterday afternoon.   The comments that came flying in were over the top - “I won’t be able to sleep tonight with all this information” … “Amazing webcast!"!” … “Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!”

Anyway, you get the idea.  I blogged it “LIVE” yesterday [link] so if you read yesterday’s post you’ll be up the salient points of Chuck’s program.  Also, I head from many of our DPT readers about re-broadcasting it.  Good news!  I recorded the entire program and I plan on posting it for next week’s Business Day Thursday post.  So yes, if you missed any part of it, you’ll be able to catch it again next week.

PhotoPro Expo Is A Must See Photographic Event!

I think this was the biggest news of the week.  We are putting the finishing touches on one of the most exciting photographic events of the decade [link].  It takes place next year in Cincinnati, OH/Northern KY. It’s the PhotoPro Expo next February 2,3,4,5, 2012. Unbelievable price, great room rates only $99 at Marriott Rivercenter, and huge tradeshow!

4 days with the top speakers in the country for only $139 (reg $179), the best convention price ever!

VIP seating for first 100 registered!

CLICK HERE TO RESRVE YOUR SEAT!

I have personally talked with all the speakers lined up and they are excited about being part of this new convention!  Just look at the line up!  These are the super stars in our profession!

You need to book now! Folks these prices are going much higher at midnight August 31, 2011

So don’t wait – just reserve your space NOW!

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Hey gang, that’s it for today.  It’s 1:30 p.m. and I’m still not out the door on my day off ;~) Everybody have a great weekend and I’ll see you bright and early Monday…. all the pixels willin’.

See ya’ then, David

Quick Hit Monday: Thoughts On Conventions; Some Amazing Photography; & The New Social Marketing Wizard

Good Morning Everybody,

We had a great visit to the Professional Photographers of Ohio Convention in Sandusky, OH over the weekend.  It was good to see so many friends we have made over the years.  We also had a chance to see some great programs as well. 

Thoughts On Conventions

You know, one observation I made was that the attendance seemed to be down a bit which, by the way, is the story for state conventions around the country.  I was talking with my buddy, Chuck Zix, the owner of Madison Photo Works, about the situation.  We were both lamenting the fact that so many new photographers ARE NOT “joiners” these days.  They think that they can get all the info and training on-line, and many times for free.

Sure, I think DigitalProTalk is a great resource for the amateur, aspiring, part time, and seasoned pro, but there is still nothing like getting the information in person.  You get to feel the presenters passion, you get to absorb their images up close and personal.  On line training, free or otherwise, doesn’t hold a candle to the “live” learning experience! I’ve been to four conventions this year and loved every minute of them.

To get an idea what I’m talking about, just continue reading.

WOW!  Amazing Photography

While walking the tradeshow, we stopped by the Sigma booth to visit with my friend, Dave Metz. Assisting Dave at the Sigma booth was David Fitzsimmons, a fantastic wildlife/nature photographer showing some amazing images for his new children’s book coming out in July. He showed us several images/page layout presentations from the book titled Curious Critters. These included photographs of small fuzzy and not-so-fuzzy critters, bugs, birds, snakes against a white background away from their natural environment. The visual impact and detail in his images was amazing. Check out the image of a lightning bug below.

David is a photographer and writer whose works have appeared in Shutterbug, Popular Photography & Imaging, Ohio regional publications, and in recent Sigma ads.  You can get more info on David right here.  Be sure to check out his website right here – more great critter pics.

David has agreed to do a webcast for DPT later this summer to discuss his projects, books and his wonderful photography. I’m sure looking forward to the children’s book release and the time together to pick his brain during the webcast.

I’ve Never Seen High School Seniors Like This Before!

We also dropped in on the tail end of Kevin Mears high school senior/lighting program.  Wow!  I was blown away by Kevin’s work.  I’ve known Kevin for a number of years but never really knew his work.  To see it up close and personal was a visual treat!

Kevin, who is a very friendly, soft spoken individual is producing images that scream for the attention of the viewer.  You have the same reaction to many of his wedding images too.  Check out his website right here, spend some time in his galleries, and enjoy! He is a master of the small strobe and small strobe technique.  He too has agreed to do a webcast for us at DigitalProTalk – stay tuned, you won’t want to miss it.

It’s All About Social Media Marketing – We Heard One of The Best!

One of the true highlights of my visit to the PPO this weekend was catching up with my friend, Bruce Hudson.  He and his son, Josh, were presenting multiple programs on lighting, composition, Groupon sales, and social media marketing.

I’ll tell ya’ young, up and coming Josh Hudson had them nailed to their seats at his SRO 7:30 a.m. presentation on social media marketing.  It was literally a packed house for his program.

The day before, Josh co-presented with his dad and “teased” the audience with his knowledge of social media marketing – I was blown away by both his depth of knowledge on the subject but more importantly how he strategizes his efforts to promote Hudson’s Photography.  He is truly a master at what he does. Hey, I was sold and ended up purchasing his multi DVD series and can’t wait to dig in!

Bruce and Josh lecture all across the country and were on their way to Pittsburgh next week.  If you ever get a chance to see them, be sure you do!  You can get more info on their coaching and training materials right here. And, you can check out the studio website right here.

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Hey gang, that’s it for me today.  I’m spending a little time today going over all my weekend notes – like I said, there is no better way to learn than being there up close and personal with the speakers. 

Hope to see you at the next convention!

-David

Quick Hit Monday: WPPI; Power Of Passion; I Have A Famous Daughter; and More!

Good Morning Everybody,

I can’t believe it – sunshine!! Yep, sunshine and moderately warm temperatures finally hit the Mid-West.. It was really good news to hear the weather man report that we have more on the way this week.  Hope the weather is nice in your part of the world.

Hey gang, we’ve got a busy week shaping up so let’s get right to Quick Hit Monday.  Here we go…

Heading To WPPI This Thursday

That’s right, LaDawn and I jump on a jet and head to Las Vegas this coming Thursday.  We’re getting in early for a couple of reasons. One reason is to see Jerry Ghionis and Sandy Puc’s kick off program at the Hampton Inn Tropicana on Saturday [link].  I’ve heard about their new seminar series and wanted to see it first hand – it should be a kick.  If you’re planning to attend, come on up and say HI.

We’ll hang for few days before the WPPI convention kicks off on Sunday.  Look for me at the Westcott booth and the Manfroto booth doing a few lighting demos.  This is always a great show and we’re looking forward to being with the other 15,000 photographers hanging in Vegas next week – see you there!

Animoto Makes My Daughter Elizabeth Famous!

Well, almost famous. I don’t know if you have taken the opportunity to try Animoto yet – I’ve been using it for years – but the new “rendering engine”, now 10x faster, is producing videos that look great!  You will love the higher resolution videos – sumptuous!  All the latest info right here.

Anyway, Animoto got a little press from the big guns at CNET [link] and my daughter Elizabeth is pictured in the feature. Elizabeth has been working with Animoto for several months, you may have met her at the Imaging USA show in San Antonio, TX this past January.  Anyway, very cool for a dad.

Captured By The Light Continues To Get RAVE Reviews

I just received a note about my book “Captured By The Light” from Rob Acocella at DigiMortalPhoto [link]. 

The opening paragraph quickly caught my eye,  “David Ziser's Captured By The Light,which is easily one of the best, most comprehensive books on wedding photography I've ever read”.

Rob is a first time wedding photographer and found the book extremely helpful for his upcoming shoot.  THANKS Rob for the great shout out!  -David

One Touch Color Correction - Tutorials

One of my long standing favorite color correcting plug in has been Pictocolor’s I-Correct Portrait.  One click of the mouse and the color looks great.  Another feature I’ve always loved about the app is the fact that it let’s me also click on a skin tone – once again, one click and my portrait images are really looking good.

I just got their Valentine’s email – always good deals, BTW – and I picked up something I’ve never previously tried – setting up my own custom colors for one click color correction for types of skin, etc.  Very fast, very cool.  Check it out right here.

Fab Westcott Shootout At WPPI

The first time I saw the Westcott shootout was at last years Photoshop World.  Boy, was it over the top with four beautiful models, fabulous sets, and tons of lights ready to go.  I was blown away by the setup.

Well, the good news is that I hear Westcott is planning the same thing for WPPI next week – I can’t wait. Here’s the link to all the details right here. I’ll be hanging around lending a helping hand so why don’t you come on by?  See ya’ there.

One Last Quick Note On Note cards

Lexjet has always been my “go to” vendors for all things inkjet  and we are into our inkjet printing quite heavy around my studio. 

Anyway, they put out a newsletter each month which is filled with terrific ideas on how to get the best out of your inkjet printing.  More and more folks are jumping on the inkjet printing wagon so you really need to check out what’s happening over at Lexjet.

Here is an interesting and informative article [link] on how my buddy, Clay Blackmore, produced some stunning All Occasion greeting in his studio with some of Lexjet’s newest paper products.

It’s a good read.

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Hey gang, that’s it for me today. I’m putting the finishing touches on my Guest Blog post “ Wedding Photography – The State Of The Union –Part 2” for Scott Kelby and sending it over this afternoon.

Part 1 was published two weeks ago right here.  Part 2 is even more in-depth with lot’s of solutions to the current upheaval in the field of wedding photography.  Look for it on Wednesday.

Have a wonderful hugs and kisses day and I’ll see you tomorrow for another Technique Tuesday.

Adios Everybody,  David