Congrats to a new friend!

I just saw this pop up in my Google reader and had to throw up a quick post. My new friend Houser (warning, he shoots nudes, do don't go clickin' while you're at work) was just featured on the Photopreneur blog! Congrats man, that is so wicked cool! That's all for now, more TK as they say in the biz.

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The Mikesandy - Holiday Prints

There was a time, back in "the day" (not really sure what that means, but it sounds wicked cool to say), when my roommate from sophomore and junior year of college, The Mikesandy, and I would go hiking every fall in Northern New York.

The plan, back in the day, was to climb all of the 46 peaks >4,000 feet, a few at a time, every year. Well, then Mike decided to move to Utah to go to grad school (errr, ski) and I went to umpire school and was never around in Sept. and early Oct. (you don't want to be up there at night after early Octoberrrr. Trust me).

The first year we went it was so cold the last night there that we slept in our cars, and had to crank the heat every 45 minutes so we wouldn't freeze (it was something like 25 degrees outside, in September). I remember the next morning we went to get some breakfast and complained about the cold to the proprietor who thought we'd actually slept outside on one of the mountains (we must have looked really much worse for the wear).

Anyway, what's my point? Well Mike's been in Utah hanging with the Mormon's for a few years now and he's been shooting like crazy. A few weeks ago we were talking and decided to offer a collaborative holiday season print special.

So here's the deal. From today until New Year's all the images in Mike's favorite's gallery are available in 16x20 matte prints at only $100 plus shipping. I'll be taking the orders and making the prints, and Mike gets all the glory. Well, not quite, but sorta. Anyway, hop on over to Mike's site, take a look, shoot me an e-mail and get some kickass prints before the holidays.

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Wedneday Odds & Ends

Two weeks until spring training! I can't wait for baseball and I'm excited to hopefully shoot in Florida with Laurel and Aaron while I'm down there.

What else...shot some hoops last night, and I've got hockey scheduled for tonight. Hopefully it will be warmer than last week, when I swear it was warmer outside than in the rink.

Also, my new tripod came yesterday from B&H. I love B&H - besides the free shipping I get for being a NAPP member - they were the only place besides Amazon who carries the Slik tripod I wanted. It's full of carbon fiber goodness and I'll post a user report hopefully next week - Rob and I have a shoot planned for Saturday so I should get to test it out.

Why did I get a new one? My old one's legs were getting sticky/grimy and the alumiunum decidely non-carbon fiber legs were too heavy for someone who travels as much as I do. (And my tax return was burning a hole in my hot little pocket.) This new one also gets super low, and - AND, has cool spikey feet, which are sure to scratch your momma's floor.

Lastly, I know Valentine's Day was last week, but check out this link my sister dug up. Apparently she's been reading it for a year and didn't share. (Brat).

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The Man Gets Around

In addition to his blog, and his book, Joe's now got a YouTube Channel. Very cool.

(I love shooting, but you won't be seeing me on top of the Empire State Building anytime, um, ever. I don't do well at heights above, oh, 10 feet.)

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A night with some PUGs

I just got home from a fun night with the Boston Pictage User Group. In addition to hanging out with the always cool Tony and James (and getting to put names with faces with both of their lovely wives), I got to meet Matt and Enna (thanks so much for hosting us all) as well as newly-minted Bostonian Shyla.

I had a great time and picked up a few cool business ideas from the special guest speakers and Connecticut-based photographers Justin and Mary.

In other news, (you know, my "real" job), I found out this afternoon I'll be heading down to spring training on 3/12 with the Reds in Sarasota. It should be a good time and will get me out of this snow! Anyway, I'm totally exhausted so I'm off to bed.

Oh, and because I don't like blogging sans-photos, the image above is an old from spring training at Cocoa Expo in 2004.

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The Moment It Clicks

See no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil - brought to you by uber cousins Jake, Eve and Rachel. Thanks to Uncle Mike for the idea.



Tonight I picked up Joe McNally's new book, "The Moment It Clicks." I write this at 3;38 a.m. (don't ask), but I finished the entire book in one sitting, and...wow.

First off, for more "professional" reviews, check out the Strobist's take, and Scott Kelby's thoughts. Also, click here for Kelby's cool behind the scenes details on how he basically convinced McNally to write the book in the first place.

But what did I get from the book? First of all, it basically reads like my attention span - short and to the point. Each page is a new lesson, a new example, and a new nugget of learning. It's the kind of book I'll pick up in the future when I want something to thumb through and I'll notice something I didn't see before and spark my creative juices. It totally trumps this book that I got last year.

Basically it's the book I wish that book had been. McNally's book is longer, easier to read, more practical (you don't need $50k worth of gear for every shoot).

What did I get out of the book (this first time through)?

• Don't be afraid to stick a flash where the light is. Huh? You say. Meaning, stick it under a lampshade, aim it in the same direction as the sun, etc. same light, more control = better light.
• You want independent control of your fore and background light(s) - duh, right? I never thought about it that way though.
• And perhaps the best nugget - your photos have to speak for themselves, 99% of the time you won't be there to tell the viewer, "I was thinking this when I shot this."
  

And last but not least of my nearly 4 a.m. writings, my friend James (The) Fed(erico) has his new wedding site up here, so take a look if you're, you know, getting hitched and can't hire yours-truly because of my baseball job.

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Snow and some links

Well, I think we all knew the 60 degree days in January couldn't last - so here are some links to keep you warm.

• There's an interesting Strobist Flickr thread about something I've been thinking about a lot of late.
• Need some motivation on getting up early to get some stuff done? Check this out.
  
• Tax season arrived early for wedding photographer Mike Colon.
• If you ever really wanted a time machine, and your DeLorean doesn't quite do 88...(or if your flux capacitor just happens to be low on juice).
• A photo of the Marlboro Man sold for $3.4m. Really? The Marlboro Man?
  
• Rob sent me this link next, apparently I'm a kipper.
  
• And finally, pursue your passion, what more can I say.
  

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Contest Winner and some hot links

First, the hot links (gotta make you wait for the good stuff):

• Annie's at it again, this time for Vanity Fair's February issue shooting the cast for the upcoming Indiana Jones movie.
• As is the Luminous Landscape, with a very very well-written D3/D300 comparison (can you tell I want a D3? Because I do. Will I be getting one? Probably not).
  
• My favorite photo podcast, I don't know how it took me this long to mention this, Inside Digital Photo Radio.
  
• Did you know Vincent Versace is on Flickr?
  
• Lastly, I bring you the work of Greg Gorman.
  

Why Gorman? Because of his use of light. Hard light mostly, which is not easy to master, plus many of the images have that old Hollywood film-noir look. AND, most importantly, the Gorman site is the winner of my inspiration contest. It was recommended by Nina Beheim of Seattle, so congratulations Nina, you've won a 8x12 print of your choice from my site.

Thanks to all who sent me links, here's a list of the links you all were kind enough to submit.

• The work of Alain Briot.
  
• The lessons of The Little Prince.
• Ed Pierce
• Uber wedding photographer Joe Buissink.

Then there's this, from Velvet, which is perhaps the best, as inspiration itself is a constant battle:

"You told me once that your idea of success was something that can never be attained--and that that attitude kept you inspired to always grow, learn more, and do more. it sounds to me like the idea of never being satisfied is your personality. the bad news is, that's very frustrating, and you may find your head bruised, from where you are continually beating it against a brick wall. the good news is that you will never, truly, be finished...and there's no better way to stay young than that...in life as well as in art."

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Friday Speedlinks

Not much shooting so far this week, but I am heading up to Rockport tomorrow, so there is some stuff in the works. I thought that for now I'd leave you with a few cool Friday links:

• The Strobist Flickr group has a fun thread about David Hobby in a simliar vein to Jack Bauer and Chuck Norris.
  
• Death to Film (I think they're onto something) blogs here about a Steven Spielberg cover shoot. They also have a cool Michael Grecco behind the scenes article on a shoot with Martin Scorcese here and interview with Grecco here.
• The inspiration contest is ending, get your entries in!
  

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A Model of Advice

I first stumbled across Don Giannatti as part of the Flickr Strobist group a few months back and today I came across what I think are his very insightful and potentially helpful thoughts on how to work with and photograph models (you know, those pretty girls that wouldn't date you in high school or college). Don's blog is part of my daily Google Reader feed, and you can see his Flickr feed here. For perhaps the best from him though, take a look at his Lighting Essentials page.

While I sit here and sort through 1,900 Bat Mitzvah images, I bring you his thoughts on working with subjects slightly older than 13.

On the Flickr thread (and reprinted here with permission) Don wrote in response to a poster who wanted some advice about his first go-round with glamour photography:

"...What do you want to do? Soft? Sensual? Erotic or edgy? There are many looks in the glamour world, and knowing what you are after going in is very, very important.

Is this an experienced model? Do you have a set? Are you in studio or on location? The questions go to the heart of what you will be reasonbly able to expect. An inexperienced model is a whole host of challenges, as you can imagine.

But more important than that... What is the image you have in your head that you want to recreate? Is it a mood or a statement? Pre-visualizing a shot can get you past the "well, what do we do now" moment.

All the gear in the world won't make the shot. Your gear is more than ample. Several of the top glamour shooters in the world use only natural light and bounce cards... so you have plenty of gear.

Please do not let the gear get in the way of the shot. You must make your shot - the gear will be an extension of the tools needed to make your shot. Having three flashes doesn't mean you must use three flashes. Or one flash. Or any flash at all. Look at the light. Does it look great? Does it do the job you want it to do?

Three tips:
1. Maintain control of the shoot. Do not let it tip to the model's control. If that happens, your dead. One of the best ways to do that is have a good idea of what you want to do. Make sure it is so exact (fake it, we all do) that the first outfit she puts on is not right. Change it. The hair too... change it up a bit and add a little ________ in the makeup. Earrings too... You stay in control. If you love everything she does right when she walks in, you are not in control - she is. Gushing leads to losing your edge of 'the guy'. (If you think this is manipulative you probably should not shoot models - you will be eaten alive.)

2. Create an atmosphere of fun. Music is good. Pick music she likes... unless it is something that makes it hard to concentrate for you. I have all kinds... no rap. Ever. Play it loud, but not loud enough that she cannot hear you. The atmosphere must be fun, relaxed and positive. Make a CD or two with only upbeat tunes... no downers. (I love ballads, but there is a time and a place.) Try to develop a rhythm of shooting so there is a comfort level of how you work. I shoot at least 10 shots in a row before stopping to change something. I talk all the time…"down, down, that's good, great, hold that… now come back to me, good…" Yeah, it can sound pretty stupid out of context, but models I work with like to hear it cause they can be assured that I am in control and they can work on the little things.

3. Take shots with authority. Tell her to move this way and that. Talk to her. Always giving encouragement. if she looks goofy, take the shot and then tell her to move. Keep all encouragement positive. There is nothing to be gained from saying "No, that doesn't look good" except that a model will become self conscious. Film is cheap. Digital is cheaper. When you go dark (silent) models see that as they are not pleasing you or you are not in control.

All of this comes from you knowing what you want to do... not necessarily nitty-gritty, but have a solid plan for execution. And… if you are not totally and 100% comfortable with all that gear forget it. Fumbling and fooling around means you are not in control.

As you see, I am a control freak. Fine. But anyone who has ever lost control of a set can tell you it is the most miserable thing that can happen and it is terribly difficult to win back. It happens to all of us, but we make sure it is minimal."

Back to fun with Bat Mitzvah imagery :-)

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The Moment it Clicks

Not much today, just this link to a video preview of Nikon master Joe McNally's upcoming book, "The Moment it Clicks." I can't wait to get my hot little hands on a copy. Oh, and while I'm at it, check out Scott Kelby's blog for a little behind the scenes idea of how this book got its start.

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More hoops, and *#$*&)(#! Wow!

First, let me start with the #$*&)(#! Wow! I'm not much one for swearing (OK, that's a lie) but you HAVE TO (that's right, all caps and bold) watch this video. It's basically one part Superman, one part B.A.S.E jumping, one part death wish and ten parts "Levy would never be caught doing this for all the Nikons in the world." Seriously, check it out. Go now. Why are you still reading this? Go. Then come back please.

Some more links before we get to hoops, now that you're back from watching that video (you did watch that video, right?).

• John Harrington at the Photo Business News & Forums blogs about fotoBiz & photoQuote, some very handy photo pricing software.
  
• Chase Jarvis gives you his gear packing Christmas shopping list.
  

OK, now, if you've made it this far, after watching the video, here's some basketball stuff that I know you were waiting for. Last night was Wellesley at Norwood, and to say it got off to a rough start, is an understatement. My editor said I could basically shoot the first half and leave, as I had a birthday party to go to, but the preceding JV game went into double overtime and the varsity game started 45 minutes late. Ugh.

I setup my SB-80DX on a Home Depot clamp directly behind the backboard at 1/8 power and 24mm in optical slave mode and put my SB-600 on my camera bare bulb style and was able to get my exposures straight during the JV game so that not a moment was wasted come varsity time. Here are some shots that will better illustrate how I did this.

The SB-80DX firing:


Keep your eye on the ball (camera on a monopod held above my head for this one).


No flash, yick.

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Friday Links

I'll probably blog about basketball later, but for now, here are some Friday links:

• The Luminous Landscape does a very in-depth D3 vs. 1DsMarkIII comparision, with none other than Jay Maisel as the model.
  
• All you ever wanted to know about how to read a histogram, here.
• Perhaps my favorite, head over here for some inspiration and 16 different portrait techniques.
  
• American Photo magazine has their images of the year out, and Popular Photography has named the D300 its camera of the year.
  

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D300 (no, I didn't get one) and some other links

I opened my Google reader just now to find that Scott Kelby has posted the most comprehensive review I've seen yet of Nikon's new D300. For the full review, click here. Scott's review encompasses thousands of shots with the D300, including a beach shoot in Hawaii with Nikon uber-photographer Joe McNally. I came this close to shooting with Scott when he was in Boston a few months back, but we just missed each other, but I'm hoping to get a chance to shoot with him during spring training next year in Florida. For more on the D300, check out Photoshop guru Dave Cross's similar D200 vs. D300 post.

Other quicko links for Thursday:

• Rui at Lighting Mods gives some examples of using gels and white balance adjustments.
• The Digital Photography School provides another way to lose track of time on the Internet with 99 photographer's portfolios. Hey, where's the douglaslevyphotography.com link?
• Finally, high school classmate of mine (full disclosure and all) blogs about being the big man in the office.
  

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Ken Rockwell, You're a Fool

I don't do this often (ever?) because it's totally not an example of, "treating someone how you want to be treated," but I totally can't help myself here.

Ken Rockwell, you're a fool.

We'll leave off how you write of the excellent Nikon 17-55 2.8, "In some ways the cheaper 18-70 mm and 18-55 mm lenses do the same or more more and cost a lot less." Really Ken? They do a lot more? How? At 55mm the 18-55 has a maximum aperture of F/5.6. According to my math, that's four times less light than the 17-55 will let in at F/2.8 and 55mm. So...where's the more?

But we'll move on from there to today's update. Today, Ken wrote:

"D3 vs D300: In case you also are wondering, the D3 and D300 are 99% the same camera, as far as color and look are concerned. I'm seeing the same color and highlights from my D3 as D300, as Nikon promised, with the same color settings among cameras.

Also, as foretold by the users manuals and confirmed in person, the firmware is 99.5% the same. Everything works the same, with small exceptions of one or two features unique to each camera...

...Good news for D300 users is that the D3 isn't any sharper in JPG. Scuttlebutt is that people may need to shoot NEF to get optimum sharpness from the D3; too bad if true, because other cameras like the 5D give perfect sharpness direct in JPG."

So, what he's saying is, you're going to drop $5k on a camera (the D3) and shoot in 8-bit JPEG mode instead of 14-bit NEF (RAW) mode? By my math, that means Ken's advocating throwing away 43% of your image information by shooting JPEG instead of NEF. Now I'm not going to get into the whole RAW vs. JPEG debate, I'll leave that to those who know more, but this just makes zero sense to me. Also, consider this, from this excellent story on how to read histograms.

"8-bit device has 256 (2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x2)[shades of gray/color than can exist]. A 12-bit device has 4,096 and a 14-bit device has 16,384 states it can be in." Ken, that's a stunning difference.

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A Quick Thanks, and some Links

These late night Patriots games are killing me. It's like those baseball playoff games that all start at 9 p.m. Maybe I'm getting old, I dunno, but I can't hang with MNF games that go until midnight then be productive in the morning. I think I need a TiVo.

My new site just passed 1,000 total unique visitors since going live in September, so I wanted to thank you all for visiting and your support. Also, I wanted to throw some speedlinks out there, including my favorite Google Analytics. GA is how I know that I've had 2 visitors from China to my site and that the average, "bounce rate" (those who navigate away after looking at only the first page) is just more than 25%.

Other news/link:

• I finally have an album company to call my own. I'm pleased to announce I'll be offering KISS Wedding Books to all my 2008 clients. I love KISS's business model - fast and simple. Kinda a cool model for life if you think about it. Throw away all the extras you don't need and stick to simple excellence.
  
• David Tejada, the "Annual Report Photographer", blogs about his assistant finding his driver's license in his shoe.
• The Ravens, so it seems, are a little upset about the officiating from last night's game, going as far to say that the fix is in. Now, I watched the game, I know almost nothing about football officiating (maybe Marky Mark Evans can weigh in on this?) but as someone who officiates professionally myself let me tell you this, the refs don't care who wins. Flat out, period, end of conversation. There's no such thing as makeup calls either, while I'm at it. Think about it, if I miss one, do I really want to miss another on purpose to, "even up" things? I don't sleep sometimes when I miss 'em, I'm not missing 'em on purpose.
• And finally, Bo still knows best.
  

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So you want some blogs?

So...thanks to Chase Jarvis and Jason D. Moore I hereby give you all the photo blogs you could ever want (insert evil laugh here).

• Chase's link here.
  
• Jason's link here.

For the record, the Strobist is my favorite.

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Wednesday Speedlinks

To steal a page from the Strobist with some Speedlinks:

• David at "My Life is Somewhat Interesting" - coins a new relationship term.
• uber photographer Chase Jarvis tells you how to travel with gear aplenty, including info on getting an extra carryon bag. That's right, a third carryon bag on flights. Check it out. As a side here, we have almost all the same gear (minus the two $5k D2X's he shoots with). If Chase can make images like these with his Nikon gear, I think should have no problem with some lighthouses.
  
• And Coke Zero will let you make your own victory/end zone dance. Go ahead, try and top the Ickey Shuffle - (I wanted a You Tube link for this, but as Ickey predates the Internet age...no dice, unless you want to watch an "crazy guy" do it, in which case, click here.)

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Two Quick Links

From A Photo Editor, and Editorial Photo.com, we get advice for new photographers, from photographers. Click here and here for the stories.

For me, I would think that the most valuable bits are in the Photo Editor's post, especially the following,

"8. Eliminate excess Drama from your life.

9. Live beneath your means. Keep things simple.

20. Travel out of the country as much as possible. Learn how other people live. Learn that America is not the center of the universe, and learn that you don’t need your cell phone 24 hours a day. Again, be a sponge, about how other people live."

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On Profit Margin

Today I guide you (yet another) photo blog. This one by commerical photographer Michael Sugrue. In this post from last month, Sugrue blogs about the unfortunate state of the industry today, as such that people expect, not ask for mind you, but expect images to be given away for free. That's right, I said given away, not licensed. The bottom line point he makes is that even if you are working for a non-profit or charitable organization, your photo business is not a charity nor a non-profit. Anyway, take a look.

For more on the business side of things, I refer you to Washington D.C. Photographer John Harrington's book, Best Business Practices for Photographers, and his blog.

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