More Movies

I just finished watching the movie "The Fountain" by Darren Aronofsky - a beautiful spiritual fantasy movie with fantastic images and lighting. The leading actress was Rachel Weisz, who just happens to be the girl on the photograph on my last blog from my PDN Expo trip. Something about the photograph radiated life. Watch the movie. Some might consider it a bit strange.

Another Bruce Dorn recommended movie I watched last week - Pride & Predjudice - more great cinematography and lighting. The story was good.

It's Been Awhile

A little bit too long again. My excuse for not keeping up my blog - I've been too busy of course. Well, what's been happening since my last blog. As usual a few family events, parties, dining out with friends, a few photographty events, working on photos, slide shows, a wedding DVD, and business plans and goals. Today, the minister at church asked about my progress with the photography business and we spoke a bit about his interests in photography. I'll get back with him about some courses, workshops, and photography clubs. Another soul to be saved - mine.

Week before last, I attended an all day seminar with Eddie Tapp on Photoshop sponsored by the Maryland Professional Photographers Association. He was extremely informative and presents well. I recommend listening to Eddie if ever you get a chance. I learned a lot about some neat Photoshop Actions for enhacing images. The same evening, listened to Andy Stanicek, a local PPA photographer, speak more about Photoshop and photography. The next day, I woke up early and took a bus trip to the Jacob Javitts Convention Center in New York City with fStop International for the Annual PDN (Photography District News) Photoplus International Conference and Expo. It was fantastic - all the latest photo equipment from the major vendors, demos, talks, album displays, and fantastic photo print galleries. Another don't miss event.

Gallery wall from PDN Expo

Interior shot of the Jacob Javitts Center

Last week, fStop International had an evening with Pete Wright (2007 PPA Photographer of the Year) and his wife Liliana, speak about a few of their techniques for marketing their wedding photography and supplying the wedding couple and party with better services, better photography and better products. Another great presentation not to miss if you get a chance to see them.

I'm a Grandad

I have a grand daughter - Elspeth Ryan Skepton - 7 lbs, 6oz born Oct 09, 2007 at Greater Baltimore Center. She's beautiful.

Right now, I'm in a Photoshop class to pick up some additional techniques for photo enhancing. Last night I watched "The Girl with the Pearl Earring" a movie about Vermeer's famous picture. The movie was recommended by Bruce Dorn as a good example of great cinematographic and photographic lighting. The story was a bit slow, but the lighting was fantastic. A few days ago, I went to the Digital Photography Edge seminar in Washington DC with Bruce Dorn and Maura Dutra. Learned a little, but the seminar was mostly a marketing tool for Bruce & Maura's photography, art and their products.

Still Busy and Parties

The Moose Peterson seminar was great last week. Learned a bit about Moose and wildlife photography and grizzly bears. Went to 2 private parties this past weekend and the Renaissance Festival. Hot, sunny - too contrasty and too crowded for good pictures. Working on a DVD of the last wedding - using Photodex ProShow Producer. Today I purchased two 500GB drives for additional backup, 2 more Gigs of RAM for the desktop PC, and a LightScribe DVD writer.

Tomorow is the Digital Photography Edge seminar with Bruce Dorn and Maura Dutra. Hope to learn a bit more about off-camera flash for cinematographic effects and digital painting from the pros.

Alo, tomorrow I should be a grandfather - I'm getting excited - can't wait - a new addition to my great family.

Another Photo Shoot

Friday, I went over to Gil Jackson's to drop off a check for the Moose Peterson seminar. Gil was working with Corel Painter X on a tropical scene from Hawaii. I was impressed - I'll have to make time to try it out.

The family party went well Saturday and I didn't even get my camera out. A little rest from the camera and just enjoying family. But; I got up early Sunday morning for a photojournal shoot with the Baltimore Camera Club at the Baltimore Book Festival - see events.

I am also generating a group on Flickr for camera club members to post their photos for critique by other members. This is just about ready for testing & review. Today I'll work on my nephews wedding pictures and tonight I go to a Moose Peterson wildlife photography seminar at the BWI Airport Marriot.

Image from Baltimore Book Festival