Looking out my window in the MGM Grand, I have a perfect view of  “Hooters.” OK – so not exactly my style but hey, I’m not here for the scenery or the night life. (I know, live it up Sue).  I just sat in on WPPI’s (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International) premier print competition. Fascinating. I love hearing the judges’ (5 of them) critiques. It goes on for 8 hours a day for 2 solid days. Of course, most people don’t sit in on the entire judging process. But I like to spend a couple of hours there as it is extremely interesting and educational. You will hear everything that is “right” about a photograph and everything that is “wrong” (at least in these people’s opinions.) I must say, I was usually on target with my own personal judging although, every once in awhile, I totally disagreed with the consensus.

So, I should probably go and put a few nickels int the slots. And then on to a  fun and fast-paced event where both experienced and up-and-coming photographers demonstrate cool techniques, trends, ideas and inspiration in 5-minute presentations.

I always try to walk away from a photo shoot with some new thing learned -  whether it be a new lighting concept, pose, business idea or workflow modification. This weekend I think it really hit home on how important it is to be extremely ORGANIZED. Especially when you have a lot of equipment and props and limited time. On Saturday I did a company shoot for Boulder Ballet. There were 8 company members all who required head shots and dance shots. And then there were (as always) the unexpected variables that popped up. The real skill is being able to handle these unanticipated events. And that is where organization is key. Here’s a list of resolutions I came up with afterwards so that maybe next time I can reduce the stress level a bit.

1 – Immediately after each shoot (same day or, at latest, next day), review the glitches and make the fixes. Can’t find the AA batteries during the shoot? Pack spare batteries in every single pack and bag you take with you. Out of tape? Proceed immediately to the computer and order 4 more rolls. The trick is to take care of it immediately after your shoot so you don’t forget.

2 – After each shoot examine and fix all equipment that acted quirky or didn’t function at all. For instance, during this session I couldn’t get my light meter to work. I think I just hadn’t used it in awhile and it was on the wrong setting. So the next day I sat down with it and refreshed my memory. Not that big a deal since I had a laptop tethered to the camera and could check the exposure on the screen. But still, it would have been easier and more precise to have been able to use the meter.

3. For everything there is a place! Make sure you return equipment back to the same exact place you took it from. When you are back at your studio, recheck all the packing as often times, in a rush to get out, small items are misplaced and even lost. If you lost something go right to the computer and order another. Even a missing screw can “screw up” the next shoot.

4 – Before every shoot – check/replace/recharge batteries on EVERYTHING.

5 – Before every shoot – check all connections that tend to slither loose and tape them securely.

Anyway, despite whatever mishaps I had ( and cleverly tried to disguise ) I was relatively happy with the results. (see below)

Ryan Seate

Matthew Helms

So in the mornings, when I am having my cup of coffee, I like to watch videos of different photographers. Today I was watching Zack & Jody Gray who are wedding photographers. They were demonstrating their lighting techniques for shooting a wedding reception. I was inspired!

Ask any photographer – “What is one of your biggest challenges?” and quite often the reply is “Shooting with flash”. It is difficult to get a natural looking shot when you use flash. And so, you have to become pretty savy with off camera flash techniques and manipulating the camera’s exposure compensation or dragging the shutter. You want to get a good combination of ambient light and flash light in order to get a natural looking picture. Normally, I rely on ETTL (through the lens metering) when I use flash. ETTL adjusts the flash power automatically. However, after watching Zack and Jody I am inspired to try using my flash in manual mode. It shouldn’t be that hard of a transition for me as I use studio strobes that I set manually. With manual flash adjustment I think I would have more consistent results – ETTL does not always work consistently. And I’d also be in more control of the flash output.

So, that is my new assignment for myself this year and now that I’ve blogged about it I’ve got to do it! I’ll let you know how it turns out.

Trying out a new Word Press template using Amy’s picture.

Other than my computer being totally uncooperative yesterday (why is it, when you have so much to do, your computer feels like being flaky?) everything is looking good for my shoot this Sunday (November 13). I am excited for some new things I will have going this year – a new and wider backdrop, additional order processors (to speed things up), 2 new greeting card layouts (one with a Nutcracker theme), and  the new “Standout”  wall print which is a print with a modern. clean wood frame built around it. No glass – the print is UV coated – so it’s light, durable and easy to hang. I hope to see you there. Call (303-258-0266) or e-mail me if you have any questions.

Fabulous!! And they (The Boulderado Hotel) weren’t kidding. It was so classy and elegant – and fun for the vendors too! A few of the many delightful things -  incredible gourmet food, chocolates, wedding cakes, fashion shows, dance exhibits and champagne! I had a great time and met some wonderful brides. I couldn’t have done it without the help of Aranka (my most wonderful make-up artist/consultant) and Stephanie (my right hand woman and assistant). Thank you, thank you, thank you.  You are both THE GREATEST!

Here are some shots I managed to grab (and even one of me that Aranka took).

I am so happy to introduce my new assistant – Stephanie Korte.  She is so wonderful and I am really lucky to have her working with me. Here she is helping me with Claire’s senior portrait session.

I have been involved (in one way or another) in Boulder Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” for the last 12 years. It all started with my son Jacob who, at 9 years old, decided to audition for a role in the ballet. The annual production is always Thanksgiving Day weekend – and the months and weeks leading up to it are always very exciting. Every year there are changes to the choreography and the costumes to keep it fresh. Here’s my daughter Zoe trying on a new costume for this year’s production.

Here’s Zoe with Catherine Hamilton – the costume mistress. Catherine has designed some new costumes for “Mother Ginger” and this is the first time she is trying it on a “real person”.

Also, Catherine is making some adjustments to the Angel costumes (dancer – Katherine Cordrescu).