The Digital Photo Guy

Topaz Labs Mothers’ Day Sale

For those who are interested in Topaz Labs plug-ins, this weekend only (Mothers’ Day 2012,) TL is offering a 30% discount on ALL products. The discount code is “TopazMoms” (without quotes, does anyone really enter codes with quotes?)

Hope to see you on Team Topaz.

Exploring Arizona

Finally getting around to exploring some locations for shoots. So far, I’ve found a lumberyard that’s also home to an artist so there’s a rich mixture of working tools/equipment as well as objet d’art. It’s a cool place but a little out of the way. Near town, there’s a riparian nature preserve administered by the Nature Conservancy. It’s very well managed and will probably become one of my favorites for hummingbirds and macros.

My latest find is a junkyard (auto recycler for the PC) that’s a free-fire zone for photographers. Here are some recent photos. These were all “pumped up” to some degree with Topaz Labs Adjust 5. TLA is one of my favorite PS/PSE/LR plug-ins but, as I gain more experience with it, I’m beginning to be much more selective about its use. In the beginning, I slathered it on everything but, these days, I can tell where it’s going to add “punch” and where it will look amateurish.

I’m planning a shoot at the junkyard in a few weeks so if any AZ readers would like to be a VAML (voice activated manual lightstand,) drop me an e-mail. All you have to do is hold a reflector, scrim or remote flash. I’d prefer a female assistant to put the young, aspiring model at ease. The theme will be Pin-Up, an American Icon. If we have time, I also want to photograph the model in a bikini against the pickup truck tailgates titled, “Arizona Surfboards.”

Portrait Professional

In my last post, I touted the speed, ease of use and wonderful results from Portrait Professional but forgot to provide a link. I know most of my readers are smart enough figure out the URL but, just in case you’re having a senior moment or brain spasm, here’s the link: LINK

Monitor Calibration

Lately, I’ve noticed the LCD monitor on my laptop is getting darker. In the past, it was reasonably close to what I saw on my calibrated 22″ external monior. This is a function of an aging LCD. There’s not much you can do about it except to be aware. Properly adjusted images on an old LCD monitor may appear dark. Other than buying a new laptop or monitor, the only solution is to increase the screen brightness.

Amazing Workshop in Phoenix

Last Monday, I attended a workshop led by Clay Blackmore, a protégé and business partner of the late Monte Zucker, arguably one of the finest wedding photographers of the last 60 years. The class was “How to Photograph Everyone” and you can get more information HERE. If you have a scintilla of interest in making amazing photos of people, this class is worth every cent. For $199, we went from 9AM until 7:30PM with Clay pushing, pulling and driving us the entire time. We skipped lunch and breaks to fit in “one more pose.” The class was scheduled to end at 5:30 but Clay and his able assistant, Calvin Hayes, met us back at their hotel for a final session with an amazing model, Tuesday. Unfortunately, by then, my brain was fried and I was only able to make a few final images of Tuesday in her wedding gown. Here are some photos from the workshop.

I’m not usually into the edgy, urban look but Martha made everything fun. I loved working with her. Tommy and Rene were the perfect complements to Martha.

Shaun is a striking redhead who is very polished and comfortable in front of the camera. In some ways, she came across as unapproachable but, like a true professional model, had a way of lighting up with a smile at just the right moments to put everyone at ease.

Tuesday is not a professional model but you could have fooled me. By the time we got to her session, my brain was fried so this is the only good photo I made of her. I was afraid of burning out her gown with my flash but I knew her dark complexion called for more light. I cranked up the Canon 580EX to 1/2 power and hoped for the best. Yes, the flash is obvious but I like that her features as well as veil are detailed.

All the photos were processed in Lightroom 3 based on tips, techniques and thoughts learned from George Jardine. If you’re serious about photography, you should use Lightroom. If you’re using LR, you should take George’s workshop. On a few photos, I went out of LR to PS CS4 for some minor retouch work.

Gathering on the Green at Deer Park Winery

On Sunday, June 10, Deer Park Winery in Escondido will celebrate its grand re-opening with Gathering on the Green, a mini-Concours d’Elegance. The centerpiece of this event will be a restored 1929 Pierce-Arrow convertible. Anyone driving any pre-1976 automobile will receive free entry to the Deer Park Museum and parking on the green (as long as space is available.) The event runs from 10AM until 3PM.

Photographers can take photos of pin-up models with their favorite cars. Cuties for a Cause, an Escondido-based group of professional and amateur pin-up models will be on hand to pose with the cars to add that special “pop” to your photos. In return, Cuties will ask for donations to support the San Diego Animal Support Foundation. SDASF is an umbrella organization that assists all animal welfare groups in San Diego.

Here’s Celestina, founder of the group with some of her girls at other fund raisers and shoots. Please join us for a fun-filled day of old cars, young women and timeless art.

Really, Really Smart Kids

I saw this on a news site the other day and wanted to share because these kids give me hope for America’s future.

After you pick yourself off the floor, check out their home page. I found their game Tidepool to be particularly addictive.

How to Win Photo Contests

I was writing an article by this very same title when Outdoor Photographer beat me to it. It’s really not rocket science so, if photo competitions hold any interest for you, read this article several times.