Read this blog

This is an important read for you. We haven't covered any photo finishing techniques during class, but I really think they are critical to your continued growth in Photography. you've gotten a pretty hold on what your camera can do, now you need to find out what the computer can do so that you can make them work together as a system.

Here's the link again.

What the DUck

Check this blog post out--I think you'll like it.

NO class!!

Remember, No classes on the 17 th or 19th.

Also remember that for classes on the 24th and 26th we are reviewing and critiquing images. SO, bring a few pictures on an memory card, or a USB drive, or a print, or a stone tablet and share them with the group. This is the number one way to improve your pictures!

A little opinionated, but important, I think.

Read this article by Gary Fong. It's about creating pictures that are important, not trendy. Rated PG-13.

NO class, two articles

No class, tonight, because I'm still in Delaware (see my blog for updates).

Check out these two articles, though: One from a dad who shoots his kid's soccer games, and this one with terrific landscape tips.

Tonight's class

Bring your camera to the Studio, and be ready to shoot. Also, feel free to stick around for a class on travel photography and the CVP's monthly meeting. It'll be a great lesson from Mel Torrie and me covering our favorite tips for travel photography. Mel is a fabulous photographer.

Also, I recommend reading Photofocus today--it justifies what I told you about my four tips for becoming a better photographer, and I need all the credibility I can get!

My Tips:
   1. Shoot lots of pictures
   2. Look at lots of pictures
   3. Be in lots of pictures
   4. Read your manual

See you tonight.

Photographers' License II

You'll hear me talk about your photographer's license. It's what happens when people see a camera around your neck and allow you to talk to them without feeling affronted by a stranger. It's what allows to spend several minutes with complete strangers making a decent portrait where they stand.

It's allowed me to spend one hour filming Turbo, and then have him spend another hour or two helping create some other pictures. It's given me courage to coax smiles from people rumored to be the roughest in the world. Most of all, it makes me another person, one who is expected to be outgoing and personable. I guess since that's what the camera projects, it's simple to project it in fact.

I was reading and found this quote from a noteworthy photographer who specialized in photographing "freaks". I found I liked/related to her statement.

    "My favorite thing is to go where I've never been....The camera is a kind of license [in getting people to      open up].... There are always two things that happen. One is recognition and the other is that it's totally peculiar. But there's some sense in which I always identify with them.... [Yet] it's impossible to get out of our skin into somebody else's...somebody else's tragedy is not the same as your own."


One thing I think I learned is that everyone has some kind of "traumatic experience" as she says elsewhere, and that her "freaks" are merely those who show everyone their trauma, while the rest of us politely hide it. Part of a portraitist's quest is to photograph the real person, but that person is often hiding deep behind a mask. The freaks just don't wear a mask.


What do you think about your license?


Leave a comment and let us know how you feel about Diane Arbus' statement about how she goes about shooting people she feels are strange. You'll know first hand how it feels after you've had me in front of your lens!

It's been fun!

Thanks for a terrific block, everyone. You have been some of the best students I've ever had. Don't think that this is the end, though! Click right here to sign up for the Cache Valley Photographers Club so that you know when we are getting together and having more classes, shoots, and service projects! I look forward to seeing you before too long.

Also, let's all be friends on Facebook, too. Another way to get updates and share pics...

Levi
435.754.5672

Photographers' License

We've talked about it before. That camera around your neck is a badge, an emblem, a symbol that people recognize. They see it coming, and they know that there's something particular about the person carrying it; mostly they suspect that there's something not quite right about him. Maybe it's because they know that you've spent an inordinate amount of money on a piece of equipment and then you spend most of your time cussing at it because it doesn't do what you want. Computer owners are the same way, but they have the decency to stay in doors. Photographers brave the world with their frustrating tools, and because of that, people pity us. They never turn you down for a picture (maybe they're just scared you'll have a breakdown in front of them!). Go out and try it!

Also, here're Joe McNally's thoughts on the issue. The images are fine, but a couple of lines of text are not for young readers.

Watch this Show

Scott Kelby and Matt Kloskowski are two fantastic photographers and excellent educators, to boot. Each week they host a show teaching tips about photography. this week's includes a terrific interview with Chase Jarvis, another of my favorite photogs. Check it out and keep an eye on D-Town TV for continuing education. I also recommend viewing previous episodes--especially anyone shooting Nikon.

Great Interview

Joe McNally is one of my favoritest photographers. He was recently hosted on Photoshop User TV where Dave Cross interviewed him. Dave Cross is the fellow coming to instruct us at the Maximum Photoshop Seminar in Salt Lake on February 26th. Join the club to join the carpool down.

Anyway, I think this interview is really quite good. Have a look.

An interesting read

I follow Scott Bourne's blog most days. He gives succinct tips for business, shooting, and creativity. His podcasts are also highly instructional three times a month. Occasionally, he delves a little deeper, as he did yesterday. I recommend that anyone considering photography as a business read this post.

Wednesday's Class

Remember, for Photography Class on Wednesday the 20th, we will be meetings directly at the Studio.

The Studio in 106 Church Street, immediately north of the Tabernacle. So, from Main street turn east on 100 North, then Left on Church street. We are right behind Zion's Bank. Park on the street.

Bring your cameras and be ready to shoot and learn. Be sure to charge your batteries and empty your memory cards.

Also, read this post.

And, if you're available tonight, feel free to drop by the Studio tonight (or any Tuesday) for open Lab time. See ya soon.

Welcome New Photogs!

I'm really excited about this new year and this new session of classes. It's the perfect time to be a photographer. We have some really incredible tools available to us now, both for capturing images and processing them to become just what we had in mind when we clicked the shutter. I'm sure excited about it, and I'm stoked to be sharing this time with you.

Keep an eye on this blog before class each week for important updates and information, and always bring your camera and be ready to shoot outdoors.

Remember your four steps to becoming better photographers:
1. Take pictures--every day
2. Look at Others' pictures--every day
3. Read your camera's manual--every day
4. Let others' take you picture, and view them--often (you thought I was going to say "every day," huh?)

This is your homework for the duration of our classes, and for life if you really want to become better photogs. I look forward to improving with you all.

What to Shoot?

Read this post from Scott Bourne. It's short, but important. don't forget to come over to the Cache Velley Photographers site and sign up to join the carpool to Pictureline in Salt Lake next Tuesday t oattend Scott's seminar. It'll be a blast!

Help-Portrait Help

There are a couple of new videos I'd like to share about the Help-Portrait Shoot we have coming up on December 12, 2009.

First, is from the initiator of this idea. Check out a video with Jeremy Cowart to see a sample of what we're trying to do 12/12.

Then head over to the Help-Portrait homepage to see another excellent introduction to the effort. While you're there, you can find our Logan group and sign up--or not; but it helps add momentum.

Finally, we still need help with our local effort. I am arranging for subjects recommended through the local Boys and Girls Club. They are also housing Sub for Santa, so you have an opportunity to help on a few fronts this year.

Ideally, I'd like to present a framed print to our clients, as well as few smaller prints to share. We need help finding frames. Hobby Lobby and Michael's both regret that their hands are tied by their corporate offices and cannot participate this year. We're looking for donations of frames or framing services. I'd like to provide enlargements for some of the families we will be shooting.

I need help with organizing stuff: food, people, responsibilities. If you're willing to help out, leave a comment here, or go to the Cache Valley Photographers and RSVP to participate.


Thanks very much for viewing my blog, and supporting my efforts to become a photographer. I'm giving my talents this season, hoping that it will be a valuable experience for those involved. Thanks for your help.

-SD-

5 More Ways to Improve w/o Gear

Check out this follow up article by Scott Bourne on how to improve your photography without spending any money.

Field Trip

Scott Bourne is a photographer, writer, podcaster who is full of useful info. Take two minutes and thirteen seconds (everyone has that much time) to read his post on how to improve your photography and think about some of his tips.

Click here to read his post. Check out the rest of his site, maybe tune in to his podcasts.

Now, he's also coming to Salt Lake on the evening of Novemeber 17th. It costs $10 to attend his talk, but I think it may be very nice. Anyone care to carpool down? We could leave at 5:00pm...