1 YEAR LATER

Time truly does fly.

Approximately 1 year ago on March 25th, 2010, I took a deep breath, shelled out some dollars, started a website and thus began GRAYSCALE PHOTOGRAPHIC.  I want to give a huge thank you to all of those who took a chance on the new guy and gave me the confidence to market myself as what I am...........a professional. 

Know Thy Rights

Looks like the Atlanta Police Department got a little lesson on photographers rights in public places.  A very similar incident to this occured nearby on the Southern Illinois University campus a few years back.  Wether you own a $5000 DSLR or a $50 camera phone, you have more rights regarding photography in a public places than you may know.

Crazy Burning Man Strobist

Just when I think I may be starting get the hang of this creative photography strobist thing, I see someone who takes the term "strobist" to the next level.  Eric Schwabel is a professional photog who decided to take some serious photographic hardware to Burning Man.  Burning Man is some crazy art gathering in the middle of an ancient dry lake bed in the desert (that is a horrible explanation, but it's all I got).  Temps hover around 107 F, and the dust is enough to make my weather sealed Pentax K7 beg the almighty for forgiveness within minutes.  Regardless, this guys getup is too much for words, as are the amazing portraits he captured.  If you've got 5 min., it's more than worth viewing.

How'd They Do That?

You ever see a really cool pic that was taken by someone who obviously knows what they are doing and think to yourself "how in the world did they do that?".  If your anything like me, it happens all the time. 
I often browse the flickr pools and photography forums looking for images that make me mutter an involuntary "wow" for the sole purpose of trying to recreate in my mind how said image(s) was pulled off. 

Well, if your constantly trying to figure out lighting schemes of the "big boys" in order to take your photography to the next level, I have found a very helpful tool.

Meet my new bible (just kidding Jesus).  I have just ordered this little $20 gem of a book based on several rave reviews from different sources.  You can visit the website here.

Here is a quick excerpt from the product description:

"Learn to light your photographs creatively using small flashes and other lighting gear with 24 inspiring examples from contributors to David Hobby’s famed Web site, Strobist.com. On the reverse side of each photo you’ll find a lighting diagram and helpful tips. Tear out individual cards and take them with you for quick reference on your next shoot.
Printed on thick card stock with high end UV coatings, each photograph has been carefully reproduced at the highest image quality. There is one gallery worthy image on each card with insights and lighting diagrams on the flip side. Edited by Nice Photography Magazine's Zeke Kamm you can be sure these cards will help you raise your game and entertain you, too."

This is exactly the kind of nuts and bolts descriptive info I crave.  Volume's 1 and 2 each contain 24 images printed on card stock.  On the flip side of each image is a complete diagram with setup info on how the photographer was able to get the shot.  Anyone who is into using off camera flash would be crazy not to want this kind of information from such established photogs.

I plan on giving a full review of the book in the near future after I have played around with reproducing some of the images. 

Any volunteer models out there with a samuri sword willing to help me out?  If not I guess I'll have to recruit my 5 year old daughter again...............kidding...............sort of.

Tootin My Horn

I always cook breakfast with a cat on my shoulder..........who doesn't?

I like to think I'm a fairly modest person.  But sometimes you need to give yourself a little pat on the back and share your accomplishments (even the small ones) with others.   Follow the jump for more.

WHO DAT? Nawlins Bound

Last week I was a pretty lucky guy. 

I got to spend 4 days smack dab in the middle of the French Quarter in New Orleans eating beignets, sucking crawfish heads, and trying to figure out if that lady who had just come on to me while I was walking down the dark end of Burbon St. was really a lady (no, I didn't stick around long enough to find out, and no, I doubt "she" was a lady).  Oh, and this whole trip was paid for by someone other than me. (thanks SIH!)

  I was chosen to take this adventure with approx. 20 of my fellow healthcare cohorts to attend a conference on healthcare service excellence.  The conference was really pretty engaging and entertaining, and I definately came home ready to service treat anyone and everyone in a particulary satisfactory manner.

When it comes to my photograpahy, though, this trip was just what I needed.  I spent almost all of 2010 taking images of people, mostly posed, mostly for paying clients.  That was great and I enjoyed every minute of it, but being in New Orleans and having a decent amount of free time gave me a chance to do some photography that I had not done in a very long time.  Follow the jump to see. 

Time Lapse Coolness

First of all, let me say sorry that I failed to produce any type of pitiful excuse for a blog post last week.  I was stuck in New Orleans due to business most of the week, it sucked ........................................SYKE, I was in New Orleans on business, but it was totally awesome and I really want to go back some day.  I was too busy drinking hurricanes and listening to motivational speakers to write a silly blog post, and since there are only like 3 of you who regularly look at my blog, you'll forgive me right? 

This week I have yet another very cool video to show you.  It's a time lapse video made by a member of a forum that I frequent.  It chronicles a trip he took to china this past summer.  Very moving video.  I encourage you to watch.  Oh, and I promise to actually produce something original later this week.........I promise.  In the meantime, enjoy this awesome video: