Wednesday: Better Late Than Never Technique Tuesday: "All Boxed In"

Good Morning Everybody,

We had a great turn out in Des Moines last night and Omaha the night before - almost 400 photogs strong for both nights.  Last night's crowd was really excited and definitely looking for a good time. What an honor it was to receive a standing ovation at the end of the evening from the very warm Des Moines crowd. Thank you everybody! It's our first time to visit Des Moines but you can be sure we will be back!

Today we head over to Minneapolis and are looking forward to meeting  our biggest crowd ever - almost 300 photogs are already signed up for tonight - WOW!

You know one thing that strikes me as we crisscross the country is just how beautiful America is.  The fields of Nebraska and Iowa are alive with shades of yellow, tans, and greens.  The play of these colors on the rolling landscape is truly beautiful in an even so peaceful way.  I've grabbed a couple of shoots along the way and hope to share them with you yet this week.  Stay tuned.

OK gang, time to get on with today's post.  First, let me announce that my Hot Shots series is finally available! Yesterday was quite the "computer hassle" day but everything is back on track again and I think you'll enjoy today's tutorial. So let's get started - here we go...

My Hot Shots Image Reference Series Now Available!

That’s right gang, hot off the presses.  Here is the lowdown. 

These portable 4x6 inch reference guides are small, durable, and jam-packed with instant information on how I created some of my most dramatic photographs. Just throw them in your camera bag for ready reference. Here is the link to all the info right here!

What could be easier than finding your favorite image in one of the Hot Shots guides, setting your camera, lens and flash to my settings, and shooting away?  

It is all right there for you: diagrams showing the lighting and camera positions along with all my camera settings: F-stops, shutter speeds, ISO's, lens selection, and flash settings along with the back story on each image. My Hot Shots Reference Guides are the quickest, easiest way to ramp up your creativity, expertise, and enthusiasm for portrait and wedding photography. You will love them!

TeleSummit Announcement Crashes Server

It's true.  On Monday I announced the huge Master Photographers Marketing TeleSummit that I'm involved in coming up in just two weeks - September 28 & 29.  It's a 16 hour marketing extravaganza - the largest educational event of its kind ever!  Yes, 16 hours of marketing tips and ideas from 16 of the top market savvy photographers in today’s market. And its FREE!  Here is the link to register.

Anyway, it seems that all 16 of us announced the Marketing Summit at the same time on Monday.  The overwhelming response crashed the dedicated site server. WOW, what a response.

Anyway, things were back up and running in no time, so it you tried to register on Monday and didn't get through, no problem, you can register right here.  See ya' there.

Technique Tuesday; All Boxed In – A Tutorial On Composition

I decided to do a tutorial on composition today.  This is always a hot topic at my programs. I love to survey the lines, shapes, and forms that make up the aesthetics of the photograph - wedding or otherwise.

In today's tutorial I'll walk you through how I put an image together, not so much with Lightroom and Photoshop tweaks, but instead by looking  and understanding the compositional elements of the scene.

By understanding compositional dynamics, we get a better idea how to crop the image for its best presentation to the viewer.  In this tutorial I'll discuss how to frame up the image within the camera. I also want to take it a step further and discuss other elements within the scene, that when recognized within the composition, can add further interest to the final result.

I know all this may sound a bit complicated, but its not.  Just hit the PLAY button below and enjoy the show.

Hey gang, that's it for me today. We've got to hit the road.  It's about a 3 hour drive to Minneapolis and we've got lots and lots to do once we arrive.  Hope to see a lot of you there this evening. Please be sure to come on up and say HI.   -David

"Nature's Summer Dance"

"Nature's Summer Dance"
©David A. Ziser

I keep coming back to this image as a possible "Image of the day" post. I love how the sun is playing on the translucent fern leaves - the image just seems to glow. The slight hint of the blue sky peeking through the leaves adds a nice touch of contrasting color to the composition. I tweaked the colors in Lightroom a bit and then reduced the "Clarity" of the image to soften the overall effect of the image presentation.  Camera specs; Canon 50D fitted with 18-200mm lens at 200mm, F6.3 @ 1/250 second, ISO 320.  Enjoy! -David

Technique Tuesday On Wednesday

Hi Folks,

Just doing a quick check in with everyone before I hit the stage here in Des Moines in about 20 minutes.  This morning I finished the tutorial for today's post and thought it would be up in no time.

Camtasia, the video editor I use, decided to go south.  After we got to Des Moines and got the room set up, I thought I could still get it posted.  I downloaded the latest version but still no go.

I gave a call to tech support and was on he phone for one solid hour – but an hour later all was fine.  That put me up to the wall to get changed and hit he stage for this evening’s program.

All seems to be working now so look for the post, “All Boxed In,” tomorrow.  It just finished processing and it is working just fine. Look for it tomorrow for sure.  Hey gang,  got to run – see everyone tomorrow for sure.  -David

"A Moment In Time"

"A Moment In Time" 
©David A. Ziser

This image, although a nice wedding image, also represents a good exercise in composition. I always like to place the subjects within the composition at a location where the viewer's eye will naturally fall.  Take a close look at this image to see what I mean.  First, I have them framed by the architectural elements of the venue.  Next I have chosen to back light my couple, creating them  as the brightest element within the image.  And finally notice how all the pillars provide a sense of direction for your eyes to travel. You enter the image on the left side, go directly to the couple then as your eyes wonder the remaining area of the image, the succession of pillars brings your eyes back to my subjects. All three compositional elements work well together to guarantee a visually pleasant image for the viewer.  Camera specs; Canon 50D fitted with 10-22mm lens at 17mm, F5.6 at 1/50 second, ISO 1600.  Enjoy!  -David

Quick Hit Monday: Free Marketing Seminar; 35 Photogs To Check Out; Bert's PS Tutorial Treasure Trove; and The 10 Best Wedding Shooters

Good Morning Everybody,

It sure was good to just “chill” (and eat) in Kansas City this past weekend. We did give the barbeque a try and it was great. I think I had barbeque sauce on every pixel I owned ;~)

On Saturday we relaxed at Country Club Plaza, watched a photographer work a wedding, and decided it was time for dinner. 

I hit Urban Spoon on my iPhone and we found our way to T.A.S.T.E  [link] – WOW, what a great restaurant – what great food!  

We met, Jonathan, the enthusiastic owner/chef, who only wants to serve the best food to his patrons.  We soon learned Jonathan's past job experiences were a perfect match for the job. 

He opened T.A.S.T.E just over a year ago and it’s doing great.  If you live near or around Kansas City, you’ve got to check it out – 5 stars!  Tell Jonathan I sent you, you’ll love it.

Today we head out bright and early to Omaha for my DWUC program this evening and then on to Des Moines on Tuesday, Minneapolis on Wednesday, and then Milwaukee on Thursday.  It's shaping up to be another big week.  I hope you are planning to attend and please, come on up and say "HI."

LaDawn is still looking for volunteers to help in Des Moines tomorrow night and Milwaukee on Thursday night. If you are willing to pitch-in and help with set-up, registration and tear down just drop LaDawn an email at ladawn@ziser.com  She can provide additional information what this simple job requires.

Hey gang, I’ve discovered some great information to report on today and I think you are going to love  it.  Let's get started.

16 Hours of FREE Marketing Education for Photographers! Registration Starts Today

This has been top secret for weeks but today, I get to "spill the beans."  Weeks ago, I received a call from Sarah Petty, one of the creative, freshest, new and inventive photogs hitting today’s market when it comes to shooting kids and seniors.

She called to invite me to be part of this huge Marketing TeleSummit she was organizing with 16 of the top photogs in the country.  Needless to say, I said yes. This project has been coming together this last month and registration goes "live" today.

Here is the lowdown. In just two weeks - on September 28 & 29, 2009 - I'm participating in the world's largest free educational event! Hands down, it's the "can't miss" event of the year and IT'S FREE!

I've joined my friend Sarah Petty and 14 other marketing gurus to bring this unbelievable event to you at no charge!

Not only that, but you don't even have to leave your home or your studio to attend this two day, 16 hour extravaganza.  All you have to do is take a few seconds to register right here.  They will shoot you an email with your dial in number for the event once you register.

Then just sit back and enjoy 1 hour presentation after presentation from 16 top photographers covering marketing tips and techniques on children, seniors, weddings and much, much more. And it’s FREE!

Don't miss out - this is one of those opportunities of a lifetime. Hope to see you there. You would be silly not to check it out!

35 Undiscovered Photographers

I was taking my weekend cruise across the internet this past weekend - boy, don't I know how to spend my free time in KC I came across this fascinating piece by blogging buddy, Brian Auer over at EpicEdits.com.

Brian, a very creative blogger, asked his readers to point him to their favorite photographers' web sites.  Well, he got quite the response.  You have to check out his list of his 35 favs right here.  The work presented by these photogs is interesting, varied, inventive, and beautiful - sometimes all of the above.  Check it out.

Thanks to to Brian for his "shout out" about my DWUC tour too.  Nice piece Brian - way to go.

Bert's Working On Another Project, But That's All I Can Say

My good friend Bert Monroy is working on another one of his gigantic masterpiece photorealistic paintings.  His last painting was 40 x 120 inches with the flattened file being 1.7 Gigs BIG! Here is the link to the rest of the story on that image right here.

The painting he is working on right now will be over three times that size! Hey Bert, that's a lot of pixels to be moving around.

Anyway, here’s what you can do until Burt finishes his new project in about a year.  Check out a large number of Bert's Photoshop tutorials right here over at PixelPerfect.  Bert is one of the Photoshop pioneers out there. These tutorials may be more in-depth with information than what you bargained for, but give them a peek anyway.  They will give you a brand new appreciation of what Photoshop can do in the hands of a Master.

Top 10 Wedding Photographers For 2009 - Once Again I was #11 ;~)

Hey gang, in case you missed it, here is American Photo's list of the top 10 wedding photogs for 2009 right here. Hey, even though I'm not on the list - no big deal - this list is still a great collection of wedding images that should shake, rattle, and roll your own creative juices.  Give all the photogs a peek - definitely worth the visit.

On that note gang, we are hitting the road for Omaha.  We are going to have a great time tonight! Hope to see a lot of you there. Adios,  -David

"Summer Love"

"Summer Love"
©David A. Ziser

I think the title of this image is easily conveyed in the image presented here.  The beautiful blue sky, the easy pose, the nice lighting, and beautiful setting captures a wonderful moment for this couple. Technically, it was a little challenging to accomplish. Positioning the couple for their best placement against that beautiful sky meant that they were directly illuminated by the late afternoon sun. The way the sun was falling on they're faces was not optimum.  I choose to use a 48" translucent panel to block the sun's rays from falling upon the couple.  That first step in the process placed the couple is a very soft directionless light.  I had my assistant fire up the Quantum and bounce it into the translucent panel to add a directional light on the couple for step two.  Next, step three, I reduced the output of my on camera flash so the the shadows could be opened up and appear less contrasty. This simplistic image actually required a lot of lighting gymnastics. Camera specs; Canon 40D fitted with 10-22mm lens at 14mm, F5.6 at 1/640 second, ISO 200.  Enjoy!  -David

Business Day Thursday On Friday: Are You Too Busy For Success?

Good Afternoon Everybody,
What an exciting last few days we’ve experienced this week.  We had over 600 excited photogs show up to see my Digital WakeUp Call program.  Each evening our audience was full of energy enthusiasm and excitement. 

Not not only did everybody love the program – most were nailed to their seats to the very end of the program which wrapped about 10:40 p.m.  The attendees REALLY loved the “Door Prize Time” too. We gave away nearly $15,000 worth of door prizes in our first three cities - Indy, St. Louis, and Kansas City!

I don't have a wedding to shoot this weekend so LaDawn and I are planning to hangout in the great barbecue city of Kansas City for the next couple of days. We’re  both looking forward to sampling the local tasty delights.

Our Kansas City stay should give us a chance to catch our breath, rejuvenate our worn out bodies after this super busy first week.

We head off to Omaha, Des Moines, Minneapolis, and Milwaukee next week. I hope to see many of you at these upcoming programs.  It’s always nice to visit in person with our DPT readers – make sure you come up and say Hi.

Hey gang, time to get on with today’s post. I had this post nearly ready to go for yesterday but I ran out of time to publish it before I it was time to present my program.  No problem, hopefully it will be a good thought provoking Friday read for you so let’s get started.

Are You Too Busy For Success?

Everybody wants it, everybody thinks they are striving for it, but in reality, how many really are?  I think a lot less than you would assume. 

I hear it all the time. People keep saying, “I'm just too busy to do this or to do that. I don’t have time to attend that seminar.  I don’t have a spare minute to read a book, follow a blog, take a class, perfect a technique – whatever.”

My quick response to those remarks it that all those kind of comments represent only one thing – EXCUSES!

Hit the “Read More...” link below for the rest of the story.

The fact of the matter is that we are all of us are extremely busy these days.  Life in general is just busier for people than it ever has been previously in history.

A lot of of that “busyness” may be a lot of wasted effort and probably is not, unfortunately, a success focused effort. Many people seem to be spinning their wheels just trying to get the current tasks accomplished. They have not appropriately scheduled their time and efforts to include time to really grow their business.

Do you see the “fatal flaw” in that line of thinking?  By not taking the time to work on our businesses, we guarantee an outcome that promises the complete opposite of success – FAILURE.

That's why I titled this week pose “Are You Too Busy For Success?” Everybody wants success, to enjoy the benefits of success, but the excuse of being too busy almost guarantees that we never will be successful.

We’ve got to change something, and, that “something” might just be how we perceive our busy state of affairs. Planning  for success takes a commitment. It takes a commitment of your time, your energy, and a good dose of self discipline to achieve.

This blog is generally targeted to small businesses professionals, part-time enthusiasts, and emerging pros all trying to build their businesses and be more successful.

In today’s post I want to offer a small suggestion that may be your first small step to accomplishing what you desire for yourself and your business.

I think one of the best pieces of advice I can offer is this:

Carve out just one hour a week -- just one hour a week – to spend working on your business. That is certainly a really small price to invest in your business. It just may be the ticket off that hamster treadmill.

So you ask, “What do you want me to do in that hour?”  The answer to that question is different for everyone. What could it be for you?

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Spend one hour a week brainstorming ideas for new products you could offer your clients.

2. Spend one hour each week on how you could improve the efficiency of your workflow.

3. Spend one hour a week reading one of the popular sales books one the market – I could suggest several myself.  OK, you want one for starters.  Here is a classic by Joe Gerard, “How To Sell Anything To Anybody”.  It was written over 25 years ago by the greatest car salesman in the world. Joe’s advice is just as pertinent today as it was 25 years ago.

4. Spend an hour a week on how you might re-invent the products and services you offer your clients right now.  Do they need a little “freshening up” for today’s market?

5. An finally, spend one hour each week learning something new photographically.  This will not only recharge your batteries, it will hopefully renew your enthusiasm for your business and your profession.

The most important thing this “one hour a week” exercise will do for you is simply this – it will get you off that “hamster wheel of life” for 60 minutes a week.  Guess what happens when you get off the wheel – it starts slowing down.  That’s a good thing, because the bottom line is this.  You want the hamster wheel to stop completely so you are back in charge of your own life – pointing it in the direction you want to go –- towards success!

One hour a week can get you moving in that right direction today. Just try it!

Hey gang, that’s it for me today.  We have today free to rest and enjoy the sights and taste a little bar-b-que. So for now, I’m “over and lip smackin’ out.”  See ya’ on the flip side of the weekend. Have a good one.  -David

“Standing" Tall”

"Standing Tall"
©David A. Ziser

This image was taken about a month ago during one of walkabouts in San Diego.  I’ve mentioned in  the past that I love exploring the urban shapes in our great American cities.  This is just one of those shots.  I wasn’t seeing just a building.  It was the lines, shapes and forms that I found intriguing. The image is primarily a design image composed of curves and contrasts.  These elements alone offer a nice visual experience for the viewer.  Camera specs: Canon 50D fitted with 18-200mm IS lens at 50mm, F14 @ 1/640 second, ISO 640.  Enjoy!  -David

Business Day Thursday Moving To Friday

Good Late Afternoon Everybody,

Turns about to be another one of those days where the “bear got me” today.  I had today’s post ready to go – I just needed to add a link or two - but we hit our next tour stop and had a few things we needed to sort out here.  Needless to say I’m suppose to be hitting the stage in about 45 minutes and couldn’t get the post up today.

Look for it earlier in the day tomorrow.  Got to go – hope to see you tonight in Kansas City and for sure  right here tomorrow. Adios, -David

"Afternoon Delight"

"Afternoon Delight"
©David A. Ziser

I made this image one afternoon a few months ago at the Cincinnati Club, a favorite wedding reception venue here in the city. The staircase of the second floor always make for a great location for a bridal portrait. Just look how all the leading lines of the stairs, railing, and other architectural elements all draw you eye right to the bride. I lit the bride from the side by bouncing the light off the wall opposite the bride. The space was too small for me to use my Zumbrella, but I got the same lighting characteristics - softness and direction - just by using the wall. I really like how the image turned out – the bride looks like she is indeed having a delightful afternoon. Camera specs; Canon 5D fitted with Sigma 12-24mm lens, F5.6 @ 1/40 second, ISO 800. Enjoy! David.

News You Need To Know Wednesday

Good Afternoon Everybody,

We kicked off my Digital WakeUp Call tour last night in Indianapolis, and wow, what a good time we had. You know, one thing that makes presenting these programs fun is the audience. Last night we had one of the most lively, energetic, and receptive audiences ever.

We also had quite a nice little trade show with my friend Mary Mannix, from Canon USA, coming by and showing off the Canon 7D. I had it in my hot little hands for just a short while and snapped off a few images. I can't show anything until the camera is released later this month, but I did take a quick peek at the high ISO capabilities of the camera and I'm pretty impressed with what I saw. I'll give you a much more in depth impression and soon as I can.

Gabe from B&H, Michael from Graphic Authority, Rick from ACI, Patsy from Marathon Press, and Lou from the Professional Photographers of Indiana made it a great event for all who attended. Thanks to all for being there last night!

I'm literally blogging from the road this afternoon - we were coordinating different items for the tour this morning and I didn't have time to get to the keyboard until now. No, I'm not driving. LaDawn is covering that as I type. Ooh, what we do for our loyal DPT readers ;~)

Oh, by the way, LaDawn is still looking for assistants for our Omaha, Des Moines, Milwaukee, and Detroit programs. Drop her an email at ladawn@ziser.com if you can help. You'll be eligible for all the "door prizes" in addition to the prizes LaDawn will be awarding to you.

Hey gang, I've a few items queued up for today's 's post. Let's get right to them.

Animoto Now Does Video!

Man, am I stoked about this new feature. If you haven't checked out Animoto, you've really got to. It's the easiest way in the world to create cool looking videos for your clients.You simply upload your images and short video clips, select your music and let Animoto do the rest.

I think the shows Animoto puts together are amazing, but now what is more amazing is the new video feature. Many photogs are struggling with the new video capabilities of the new cameras. Well, now Animoto has made our lives about 100 times easier in that department. Check out the link to their sample videos right here and see if you don't see some possibilities here for your wedding, portrait, and senior shoots. My take - another great way to sizzle the client experience with your studio!

Why You Want To Check Out Canon's Newly Introduced 100mm F2.8 Hybrid IS Macro Lens

About 18 months ago, I started "bugging" Canon about the lack of image stabilization on their macro lens. Nikon had it, why not Canon? Well, I'm saying I was solely responsible for this new lens - turns out several photogs had been asking Canon for that feature.

Anyway, here's the deal. They didn't just add Image Stabilization, they added Image Stabilization on steroids!. Normally image stabilization only works along the X and Y axis. Canon decided to "juice" their IS feature to also work in the Z axis direction.

If you have ever shot with a macro lens, you know one of the issues is keeping the close up object in sharp focus in a slight breeze. Well, the new 100mm macro will do just that. That should be a great advantage in getting those super close close-ups. The new hybrid technology is more than just a souped up auto focus feature too. How about I point you to Canon's press release for all the info right here- very interesting reading indeed for anyone interested in macro photography.

Delkin Introduces The Fat Gecko

Delkin sent me their new Fat Gecko camera mount last week. I opened it up and thought the giant suction cups attached to this little mini monopod looked quite strange. That was until we were wrapping my Kelby Training shoot last Sunday and needed to add an accent light on me.

There was no place to put the light stand because of the tight quarters we were working in. I remembered the Fat Gecko, grabbed it, attached via the suction cups to the mirror behind and over my head. Jason attached his video light and we were good to go. Check out Delkin's site right here. They are showing the Fat Gecko used in some very unusual situations. It might be just what the doctor ordered for your next challenging shooting situation. Here is the link for all the info right here.

Hey gang, that's it for me today. We are about an hour out of St. Louis so I'm packing up the computer and getting ready for tonight's program. Hope to see you there. -David

"City Design Lines"

"City Design Lines"
©David A. Ziser

Here is another image from our trip to San Diego, CA a few weeks ago.  We were walking through the convention center adjacent to our hotel.  I love looking for the designs, shapes, and forms of urban structures.. I found several in San Diego.  The circular shapes against the strong blue of the sky play well in this composition.  I like, too, how the semi-circles are contained and framed by the deep black shadows on each side of the image. Camera specs; Canon 50D fitted with 18-200mm IS lens at 70mm, F10 @ 1/500, IS0 400.  Enjoy!  -David

Technique Tuesday; On The Road Again; & Design Lines - Part 1

Good Morning Everybody,

I hope everybody had a little time to relax, enjoy family and friends yesterday.  We received a little  R&R time in ourselves, but it never seems enough.

Well, today is the BIG day.  The Grand Caravan is "packed to the gills" and we head to Indianapolis in just a few hours.  Tonight kicks off the Fall portion of my Digital WakeUp Call Tour and we are stoked and ready to go.  I hope to see many of you tonight, or a city near you, at the program. You can register right up to "Showtime" right here.  Come on by and say "HI."

I took a little time yesterday to put together a tutorial on learning to see "Design Lines" and how to incorporate them into your compositions.  I am constantly asked how I put my images together and this tutorial will give you a peek into my often muddled brain, my thinking, what my mind's eye sees as I  take you through the tour on composition.

Hit the PLAY button below and enjoy the tour and the show.

Hey gang, that's it from me today.  Oh, I almost forgot to  mention.  My friend and Super Canon Rep Extraordinaire, Mary Mannix, is planning to stop by my program this evening.  She's planning to bring a lot of the new Canon gear with her to show everybody. 

You know what that means don't you - I get to get my hands on that just introduced Canon 7D.  Maybe Mary will allow me to slip a card into it and take a few pictures tonight. I can't wait!  I'll keep you posted on the results.

OK, now I'm really out of here - our bags are packed and we're ready to go - here we come, Indy!  -David

"Last (Lost) Days Of Summer"

"Last (Lost) Days Of Summer"
©David A. Ziser

I made this image a few weeks ago while we were in San Diego.  I think it captures the spirit families feel on this special holiday - three kids splashing and playing in the water totally oblivious to the adult world around them. Don't we adults sometimes wish we could play like these kids.  Well, maybe we can be kids again today - just sitting back, playing, giggling, and enjoying the real world that is truly around us when we take the time to smell the roses, hear the laughter and feel the sunshine.  Camera specs; Canon 50D fitted with 18-200mm IS lens at 70mm, F13 @ 1/640 second, ISO 400.  Enjoy!  -David

Labor Day 2009

Good Morning Everybody,

You know the first Labor Day was celebrated on September 5, 1882.  It was instituted as a national holiday on August 9, 1894 out of respect for the US laborers who were the backbone of our country's growth during that time period [link].

Over the years it has grown into our annual end of summer celebration.  The holiday came to mean more than the celebration of labor, even though that is still a significant part of the political spectrum and should be respected and remembered. 

But it also means a celebration of family and friends.  I can remember, as a kid growing up, it was the time for homemade hand churned ice cream, burgers and hot dogs on the grill, corn on the cob, fresh tomatoes and all the rest of the goodies that made the holiday so memorable for my brothers and sisters and often many cousins, aunts and uncles. 

Whatever the celebration means to you - whatever your plans are today, I wish each and every one of you a happy, safe, and loving holiday.  Have a great one, enjoy yourself and I'll see everyone back here tomorrow.  -David

"Variation On A Theme"

"Variation On A Theme" 
©David A. Ziser

Here is another image from the same shoot as yesterday's image. In fact, it was taken just 90 seconds earlier.  I was playing with the Fisheye, but in this instance, I wanted the view to be from a very high vantage point.  Here is how I pulled it off.  First, I attach my camera to a four foot monopod. I pre-focused on the couple and then set the camera to manual mode so it won’t refocus.  I set the shutter for a 10 second delay with the self timer. Then I pressed the shutter release.  About 7 seconds into the delay, I lifted the camera over my head extending the 4 foot monopod, framed up the subject as best I could, and let the camera take the picture.  Here you have it - a completely unique perspective and different image for the bridal couple. Camera specs; Canon 40D fitted with Sigma 8mm Fisheye, F5.6 @ 1/50 second, ISO 800. Enjoy!  -David

Fabulous Friday: Really Sharp Images At Really Slow Shutter Speeds

Good Morning Everybody,

We are in the home stretch prepping for my Digital WakeUp Call tour and LaDawn and I are looking forward to a few days - hopefully - of R&R before we hit the road on Tuesday.  So, without any further ado, let's get on with today's post.  Here we go...

Really Sharp Images At Really Slow Shutter Speeds

Photographers ask me all the time how I am able to pull off my really slow shutter speeds while hand holding the camera.  How slow you ask? How about 1/6 to 1/10 second.  Yep, that's pretty slow, I know. 

I've discussed my technique here at DigitalProTalk in a video tutorial I put together a few months ago where I showed images taken at 1/3 second hand-held.  In case you missed it, here is the link again.

But, you know, that's only half the problem when stopping the action say for example, during the wedding ceremony.  Maybe you can't even hold a camera steady with "image stabilized" lens. No problem - just pull out your trusty tripod and problem solved, right.

Wrong, the problem is only half solved.  The other part of the puzzle in getting sharp wedding ceremony images is being sure you are using a high enough shutter speed to stop the inherent action of the event.  Reminder, the bride and groom are saying their vows, they are putting the rings on each other's fingers - folks, there's a lot of action taking place in front of our lens and that action needs to be photographed in such a way so we come back home with clear, sharp images.

So you are asking, "OK, David, I'm on a tripod, I’m pushing the ISO to 1600, I'm using a larger aperture but my shutter speed is still hovering around 1/13 second and I still get motion blur in my ceremony images.  What can I do?"

I have the answer for you.  Are you ready?  You just have to wait till the motion is stopped or minimized so that your 1/13 second works for the shot you are trying to capture.  You have to wait for what I call "pause points" in the service.

OK, what in the world are "pause points"?  Simple, they are the pauses at the end of sentences from the priest, minister, or rabbi conducting the service.  The are the ends of the sentences from the bride and groom as they repeat their vows to each other.  That's when you press the shutter release - at the "pause points"!

That is the secret to getting those sharp images at those slower speeds.  Once you start practicing this technique, you will learn how to anticipate these "pause points"  and nail sharp images all the time.

I think this is one of those very simple techniques that separates the "men from the boys" photographically at least. (no gender slight intended).  But let me add, it does make a BIG difference in your ability to capture better images for your clients. 

Take a look at the accompanying images from my wedding in Vail. The first 3 images were shot at 1/13 second handheld.  The last image was at 1/20 second. Even though I was shooting at ISO 6400, it was so dark, I still had to deal the these lower speeds.

I could not have pulled off these sharp images without training myself to wait for the "pause points" and then at that split second capturing my exposure.  Shooting ceremony photos without regards to the "pause points" technique will only guarantee you less than the best results.

Anyway, give it a try on your next wedding or any job where you are locked into slower shutter speeds as a matter of necessity but still must come back with the clear, precise images. I think you will be pleasantly surprised and happier  with your sharper results.

Hey everybody, that's it for me today.  I hope to see many happy, smiling faces in Indy Tuesday night.  Everybody have an enjoyable, safe, extended weekend and I’ll see you from the road on Tuesday.

Adios Everybody,  -David

"You Are The Center Of My Life"

"You Are The Center Of My Life" 
©David A. Ziser

Especially when photographed with a Fisheye lens.  I captured this image a year ago and just rediscovered it as I was reviewing images for our "Hot Shots" project. I have to say, I think the Fisheye really leads to some cool images given the right surrounds.  This location certainly fits the bill.  The ceiling architecture has all lines leading right to the front of the church.  The Fisheye lens magnifies this element of the composition.  Remember, when using lens on the extreme side of "wide - angleness" – it’s imperative that you keep your subject's in the center of the image area.  Camera specs: Canon 40D fitted with Sigma 8mm Fisheye, F5.6 @ 1/25 second, ISO 800. Enjoy!  -David

Business day Thursday: Does Your Brand Matter? Fortune Cookie Moments; Multitasking - NOT; Tips For Creating Wedding Contracts

Good Afternoon Everybody,

Whew! We made it - we completed the "Hot Shots" project late last night and shipped it off to the printers bright and early this morning. It should be rolling off the presses next week - stay tuned.

We are putting finishing touches on the second half of my DWUC tour as we speak, packing the van over the weekend, and hitting the road on Tuesday. I can't wait!

Anyway, let's get on with today's Business Day Thursday installment. I'm taking a slightly different tack with today's post. There are so many good sites on line with solid, informative, useful business information, I thought I would point you to a few of them today. Here we go...

Does Your Brand Matter?

If you don't follow Seth Godin, one of the nation's top marketing gurus, you are simply missing the boat. Seth's content is easy to read, always enlightening and to the point. Let me direct you to his short post, "Does Your Brand Matter". It's short and sweet and too the point - good food for thought. Here is the link right here.

Fortune Cookie Moments

I thought this idea was about as simple and easy as they come. It has solid information on appreciating your clients. This tip comes to us from DuctTapeMarketing.com, a great site for entrepreneurs on a budget. It really does prove that it’s the little things that count. Don't we all wish we would get that kind of treatment in our crumbling customer service world? Here is the link to show you how you can surprise your client into having a nice day.

Multitasking - NOT!

Steve Yastrow makes a good point as to why "multitasking" may not be such a good thing when it comes to your client relationships.  Sometimes being too busy is bad for business.  Give his article a read and see if there isn't some truth in what he says.  Here is the link right here.  Steve has a lot of other good content on his site too. Well worth the visit.

Tips For Creating Wedding Contracts

And lastly, do you need some help in getting your wedding contract together for clients booking your services? VirtualPhotographyStudio has 7 tips to get you started in the right direction.  Here is the link right here.  I remember when I was just starting in business years ago - I wish I would have had these kind of resources available back then.

Hey gang, that's it for me today.  We are tying up a few loose ends at the studio so we can enjoy the long weekend before hitting the trail on Tuesday.  Plan to stop back tomorrow for my piece on how to get tack sharp images at really slow shutter speeds.  See ya' then,  -David

"Maroon Bells 2"

"Maroon Bells 2"
©David A. Ziser

Here is another image I made while in Aspen Colorado a few weeks ago. I posted a B&W image from that same trip and just featured that image in today's tutorial. This image was taken from a different vantage point picking up a lot of the rich green algae in the water.  After a few tweaks in Lightroom, I love the color version.  The rich blue colors of the sky and vibrant green meadow make a picture postcard view of Maroon Bells. LaDawn and I can’t wait to return for another visit. Camera specs; Canon 50D fitted with 18-200mm IS lens at 32mm, F10 @ 1/200 second, ISO 200.  Enjoy!  -David

It's Wednesday And Time For Technique Tuesday!

Good Afternoon Everybody,

I’m fired up today folks and I've got yesterday's “bear” on the run. I'm a happy camper today - we just about completed the brand new Hot Shots project . It’s finally on the way to the printer and I can see a little light at the end of the tunnel.Whew!!

On top of that, I received and email from Great Briton blogging buddy and great wedding photographer, Crash Taylor [link] that both he and I were mentioned at Smashing Magazine in their top 50 free photography sites to visit - here is the link. 

I checked the list and saw that lots of my blogging buddies were mentioned including David Hobby of Strobist fame [link],  Brian Auer of EpicEdits.com [link], Syl Arena's Pixsylated.com [link], and Joe McNally [link]. That's exceptionally  good company to be hangin' with.

Also, congrats to Crash for being named one of England's Top 10 Wedding Photographers for 2009. Way to go Crash!

OK gang, time to get on with today's post but first...

Help Wanted!

My Digital WakeUp Call tour kicks off next week and we are looking for enthusiastic photographers who would like to help with set up. I promise you will be amply rewarded for your efforts and heck, I buy the adult beverages at the end of the evening.  Check the tour schedule right here and drop LaDawn a note at ladawn@ziser.com if you want to be part of the fun. She will reply with times needed and some details on the evening job description.

Don’t worry, you won’t miss a single minute of my program, so drop LaDawn a note if you would like to help!

Tour Door Prize Update!

I've got to tell you about this.  Our DWUC tour door prizes just took a big jump in value.  Now included with all the other $4000 worth of Door Prizes we are giving away in each city, add one more registration to Photoshop World! Yes, we are awarding 2 registrations to Photoshop World at each of the next 30 cities we visit. Hey folks, that's a $1200 door prize!!! It doesn't get any better than that.

OK, it does get better – everybody attending my Digital WakeUp Call Tour will also get to test drive Kelby Training FREE for one week – pretty cool.  Here is the link to register for Digital WakeUp Call coming to a city near you! I hope to see ya’ there.

Technique Tuesday on Wednesday: Ansel In A Box

Are you ready for today's Technique Tuesday - I think it's a pretty cool one. Back in the film days, we used an array of filters to change and vary the tonalities of the scene in our B&W photography.  We would make all the necessary final tweaks in the darkroom when printing the final image. 

The master of B&W image was, of course, Ansel Adams.  I wonder, if Ansel was still around today, if he would be shooting digitally.  I think so - getting to the finished result with software tools like Lightroom and Photoshop make it not only a breeze to achieve an outstanding creative result. But for me, it even more fun than the film days.  Let me show you what I'm talking about.  Hit The PLAY button below and let me walk you through my digital darkroom and you'll have some fun too.

Hey gang, that's it for me today.  Hoped you enjoyed today's tutorial.  Don't forget to email LaDawn at ladawn@ziser.com if you want to be part of the Digital WakeUp Call fun.  I'll see everybody tomorrow for another episode of Business Day Thursday - How to Make A Million Dollars Overnight! Just kidding ;~)  See ya' tomorrow.  -David

"Evening Fantasy"

"Evening Fantasy"
©David A. Ziser

Here is another image from this past weekend's wedding. We arrived at the reception venue right after the bride and groom had arrived in their limo.  Things were just a bit behind as usual.  The Country Club was ready to introduce the newly married couple to their guests.  I had mentioned the possibility of the sunset photograph to the bride earlier in the day, but the minutes were ticking away and I figured the sunset shot was "history". When the bride saw me unloading the gear, she asked about the sunset shot - I thought there might be a chance to still capture a nice image for this wonderful couple. I asked the Country Club and the bride if I could have about 7 minutes to capture the shot.  That is exactly what we did - a two minute walk to the tenth tee, 3 minutes of shooting, and back to the club so the wedding party could be introduced and the reception festivities could begin.  Don't you love it when a plan comes together. Camera specs; Canon 5D Mark II fitted with 24-105mm IS lens at 24mm, F5.6 @ 1/200 second, ISO 50.  Enjoy!  -David

Technique Tuesday: It's Official, Will Be On Wednesday This Week

Hi Gang,

It's true - Technique Tuesday will post tomorrow.  Like they say, "Sometimes, you get the bear and sometimes, the bear gets you."  Well, the bear won today.  We have everyone at the studio working like madmen, (or would that be mad women?) to complete the design of my new "Hot Shots" series and get them out the door to the printer.  

This has turned into quite the project selecting the images, designing the diagrams, and adding the camera data and text; but, I have to say, it's really coming together. They look GREAT! Here is a quick peek at two of the pages.

Anyway, tomorrow slows down a little around the studio because this monster project will be behind us (hopefully) and we should be getting back to normal, (or is that only slightly abnormal?)whatever that is.  Anyway, check back tomorrow - I promise you will like what you see.

On that note, I'm out of here.  See ya' tomorrow everybody, -David

Is Canon 7D Live Or Is It Memorex - It's Live!!

A quick Good Morning to Everybody,

OK, what’s up? Well, I'm up bright and early this morning and there - sitting in my email inbox is a note from Amazon asking me to pre-purchase Canon's new 7D [link]. I guess the rumors were all true yesterday.  That's right, Canon just introduced their new 18 megapixel/video enabled Canon 7D.

Amazon even had a link over to DPreview with one of their "First look"

previews.  Here is the link right here.  I just finished reading it word for word. The new big brother to the 50D sure looks like a winner to me!

One of the first things I like to look for are the noise levels at the higher ISOs.  From DPreview's Image Gallery, the noise at ISO 3200 looked non-existent to my eyes.  At ISO 12,800, it looks like ISO 3200 on my 50D. Yes, I did download the images for closer inspection. That puts the 7D in on par with my 5D MkII in the noise department.

I was also griping about losing one of my custom setting choices on the 50D.  The 5D has three, the 50D has 2, but the 7D has three.  I'll plan to do an entire post about that feature one day in the near future.

And, yes, the 7D has count them, 5 video settings.  Anyway, I wanted to get the word out early today.  This sounds like it’s going to cost me a few more dollars. I'll follow up with Technique Tuesday and the image post later today.  See ya' later,  -David