Review: Jeremy Cowart’s Lifefinder DVD

Though typically not much of a video watching guy – I’ve picked up a few lately.  Much of this is catalyzed by the fact that not many of these great instructors land in the Pacific Northwest with great frequency – and when the do – it’s been pretty difficult for me to free up my schedule to make the trip up to Portland.   So – I ordered a copy of Jeremy Cowart’s Lifefinder DVD – and it landed in my mailbox the week between Christmas and the New Year.

There’s about 4 hours of video between the two DVD’s in the box.  The first DVD has a lot of odds and ends on it – ranging from Jeremy’s raw workflow to a bit on “projects of purpose” to an interview with Zack Arias.

On the first DVD – I really liked the his segments on “Projects of Purpose” and “Tour / Travel Photography”.

The second DVD is worth the price of admission.  It covers 9 shoots where you get the chance to watch Cowart in action.  Of most value to me was listening to his attention to detail on model placement within the scene (walls, textures, subtle buildings in the background) and his conversations with the models.

If Jeremy is not yet on your radar – check out his website – I think you’ll dig his work.  He’s definitely a talented photographer – and it’s great to get this chance to look over his shoulder.

And if you’re looking to work on your people photography (especially out of the studio) – just jump straight to the second DVD.

If I had one request – (and this is definitely not a “must”) it would be to put two copies of the video on the DVD – one to play on your PC – and one that could be copied to your portable electronic device of choice.  Kelby does this with his lighting books – and it has allowed me to watch or review the video without always having to be sitting at my desk.

Bottom line: if you’re working on your lifestyle or environmental portrait skills – this one is highly recommended.

Get Out and Shoot More Photos in 2012

I’d like to get out and shoot more this next year.

Seems like a pretty simple statement.

And then reality hits:

Hey – I’m busy.

Now your busy is likely different than my busy.  And from Henry’s busy.  And from Helen’s busy.  But we’re all busy.

I’d like to get out and shoot more this next year.

Now – let’s just imagine for a moment it’s New Year’s Eve 2012 – and 2013 is just around the corner – what photos are you showing to family and friends – what stories are you sharing?  You know the ones:

… and then just as those cute little rhino babies were looking right into my lens – I hear behind me the grunt of a not-so-happy mother rhino as she breaks through the brush…

Yeah – doesn’t sound like any of my stories either …      but if that’s the type of story you want to be sharing – if those are the photos you want to show – now’s the time to put it on the calendar!

And that’s really the foundation to your game plan.

So – how do you do it?

Here are my 5 methods to carve out photo time:

One

I have a few events I try to hit every year – and they’re on the calendar early.  They include rodeos, hot air balloons, and some backpacking.  Sometimes – I find some music to throw in there – or another event that I can shoot with (such as Help-Portrait).

That way – once they’re on the calendar – I’m planning around them – not through them.  I become more prepared – gear essentials, photo lists, and general research.

I also tell my wife that where ever she wants to go – sounds like fun!  As long as I can bring along my camera.  Tulip festival.  Oregon Garden.  Butterfly farm.

And, then, as other events pop up  – it’s easier to add them – air shows, classic cars,  rugby games, ….

Sometimes, though, it’s tough to keep those big day trips in the calendar.  And that’ll force you to be even more disciplined with your time – cuz there’s always a big project at work that could use your extra hours or those beautiful days when the garage needs to be cleaned.

Two

But it’s not always about the big trip or event – the next step I use to get out more – is using what I call “Zero Hours”.  Up early / up late.  Working when everyone else is in bed.  It’s that early Friday morning before work to the wildlife refuge to put some miles on that new glass – or up late after dark to get some fog + Christmas lights downtown.  It also helps that early and late often have the best and most dramatic light.

This is a tough one – as it will often squeeze out an hour or two of sleep – but I really think this is an effective way to schedule in a few more frames.  Two things to consider:  (1) know what time your local Starbucks opens    and (2) when shooting during off hours or in secluded areas – be mindful of your surroundings and safety.

Three

Join a photo club or group of like-minded shooters.  If you’re having trouble finding one – keep an eye out for Kelby’s Annual Worldwide Photo Walk.

Four

Volunteer for  a local festival or event.  Local festivals are often looking for photos to use in their next year’s advertising (or to tell people what just happened).  It really is as simple as calling up, or dropping an email, to the festival director.  These big local events are a great way to get in the game.  If portraits are more your gig – check out Help Portrait!

Five

Another way to carve time into  your calendar is to schedule something that requires pre-payment – such as workshops and airplane tickets.  Few things keep days open on a calendar like cash.

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So – what’s on your photo calendar for 2012?

15 Images from 2011

I’m thankful to have had a chance to really stretch myself as a photographer in 2011.  Now – that doesn’t mean I nailed every shot I pointed my camera at (in fact – I missed quite a few images) – and it doesn’t mean that I shot everything on my “2011 list” – but it was a great year for learning – from having the chance to fly half around the world to deciphering some studio lighting.  In between – I had opportunities to shoot more rodeo and hot air balloons – and to teach an informal travel photography class and write an article for PhotographyBB (both were great learning curves!).

As I’ve done the last few years, I’m posting images from the year that I think sum up what could be considered some of my best work.  For folks new to this blog – I simply think this process of handpicking and culling photos from a year – the process of drawing a line in the sand – is a great exercise to really sharpen the proverbial pencil.  There’s no need to post your images on a blog or on Flickr  or Facebook – but I highly recommend trying this exercise.

In year’s past – I’ve posted 10 images – and then I quickly followed up with “ten more”.  Well – this year – I decided to simply post 15 images without a follow up.  Maybe next year – I can actually get myself to only 10. 

It’s probably not surprising – but this year’s list is heavily weighted with images from Uganda (6 photos).

Also – maybe not surprising – buts something that struck me after I compiled this list – many of the images – at least in my opinion – had a lighting element that could be considered striking or extraordinary.

Are these my “15 best”?  Maybe some of these would make that list – it’s hard to say exactly.  Regardless – I hope they represent a range of some of my better images from the year.

So – here you go – in no particular order – 15 images from 2011.  And – if you have any feedback – please don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments.

Fishermen on Lake Victoria.

Playing with sparklers (+ long exposure).

Traffic on Highway 99.

I was taking some photos inside this classroom between classes – and this girl was just drawing on the board.

At the Northwest Art & Air Festival.

Boda-boda drivers outside of Kampala, Uganda.

Steer wrestling at the Philomath Frolic & Rodeo.

Rough stock riders prepare at the Benton County Rodeo.

Green heron fledgling.

Hot air balloons at sunrise.

Rain at Rally for Life in Salem, Oregon.

Sunrise.  Uganda.

Carver at the carousel in Salem, Oregon.

Boy playing at a school in Kampala.

From the back of a boda-boda outside of Kampala.

Merry Christmas!

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” -Luke 2:8-12 (ESV)

Just wanted to wish y’all a great holiday season.  I hope you’re able to spend it with loved ones.

Merry Christmas!

New Camera 47 Logo!

OK – I’ve had this in my back pocket for a bit now – and I still need to get it on the blog and Facebook page – but I just thought I’d show you folks the new C47 logo before it’s rolled out.

I’d like to send out a huge thanks to graphic designer Alex Renn – for all of his help on this one – and if you’d like to check out more of his work – you can find it here.

Now – this was the first time that I’d been through a logo design process – and it can be surprisingly complex (OK – probably just for me ).  But – if you’re curious – here was some of my thought process in creating the logo.

Bottom line – I really wanted something that would work cleanly on web design, business cards, and a ball cap.  I also wasn’t looking for something too pretentious or dressed up.  In other words – I was hoping for something that would work at the rodeo, at a tradeshow, and halfway around the world while on location.  And I think Alex nailed it.

First – I was looking for a font-centric logo – but I wanted to add some graphical element with a splash of color.  As for the font – I was thinking sans serif – though I was prepared to go with a serif font if something really cool popped onto the radar.

Second – I was looking for a clean graphical element that was timeless and not too prominent.

As for the splash of color – specifically – I wanted something that would have contrast on a black ball cap – but yet was muted.

At the end of the day – did I need a logo for the blog?  Oh, golly, no.  But – it was a great learning process – and it gives me a good reason to replace my much faded Atlas Snowshoe ball cap.  

Help-Portrait 2011: Corvallis, OR

Top Row (from left to right): Amanda, Buddy, Katherine, Helen, Eddie, and some dude that kept jumping in to the photo.  Middle Row (from left to right): Cara, Sharon, Sue, and Josh.  Bottom Row (from left to right): Stephanie, Kat, and Leah.

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On Saturday, I had the privilege of working alongside a great group of folks for the Corvallis, OR Help-Portrait event.  This was the second year the event had been held in Corvallis – but it was my first year as part of the team.

Our local team totaled 21 – and included 4 photographers, 4 graphic designers, and 13 tireless folks covering the gazillion roles all tossed into “Hospitality”.

By the time the 6 hour event was done – we’d had the opportunity to  photograph and visit with about 142 people.

On this particular day – our sessions included baby’s first Christmas portraits, senior portraits, “Can you photograph me with my dog?” portraits, “Can you photograph me with my snake?” portraits, introductions that went something like “Hi – my name is …. but my street name is ….”, baby-on-the-way portraits, group portraits, portraits that were going to be given for Christmas gifts, and families back together portraits.

(And we even had a small break in action when someone under the age of 12 pulled the fire alarm.)

Also covering the Corvallis event – the Gazette Times gave us a spot on the front page of their Sunday paper – and Kat, from Kat Eye Studio, had a very good blog post here. 

For our local event – we also had some generous sponsors that came in and helped behind the scenes:

• 99.9 KRKT gave us quite a bit of on air advertising and Scott and Angie were also kind enough to give us an interview during their morning show.
• Costco provided a gift card for supplies.
• First Christian Church gave us a great space to use.
• Hewlett-Packard provided the printers, ink, and paper for our Corvallis event so that everyone walked out with prints in hand.
• Jimmy John’s provided some great sandwiches to all of the volunteers for lunch.
• Minuteman Press printed fliers and posters for the event.
• NW Graphic Imaging printed our postcard fliers for the event.
• And Trader Joe’s provided juice and cookies for all of the folks that came for portraits (lots of great holiday cookies – including those peppermint Joe-Joe’s!).

Did I mention that Downtown Gingerbear stopped by to visit? 

And if you’d like to help with next year’s event – head on over to the Help Portrait page to learn more and to find a location near you.

The 2011 Big List of Holiday Gift Lists for Photographers!

I posted the 4th Annual 20 Photography Gifts Under $100 a couple of weeks ago  – and today I wanted to pass along to you more holiday gift ideas for the photographer on your list.  If I’ve missed your favorite collection of gift ideas (or if you have one of your own posted out on the web) – please – just let us know about it in the comments below.

So – in no particular order – here you go:

• Photojojo’s Holiday Gift Guide 2011, Part 1!  (haven’t seen Part 2 yet)
• Scott Kelby’s list is typically one of the best.
• Beyond Megapixels has posted a list in two parts – I and II.
• Here’s the HO-HO-Holiday Guide from PhotoInduced.
• Buying Guide: 10 Photography Accessories for Under $250 from DPReview.
• Terry White’s 2011 Holiday Gadget Gift Guide.
• Here’s a list courtesy of the Make magazine folks.
• Photography Blog has posted their Holiday Gift Guide 2011.
• DIYPhotography has given us 25 Photography Gifts For $25 or Under.
• And Photoshelter gave us three lists this year – $50 or Less, Under $500 and No Spending Limit!

4th Annual 20 Photography Gifts Under $100 (Plus 4 More)

It’s that time of year again – and I’m starting to see holiday gift guides pop up around the web – which means it must be time for our annual photography gift list!  As for the other lists?  Well, there are a lot of really good ones out there – so swing on by here in the next couple of weeks – and I’ll try to cobble together a large list for ya’ll to check out.

As for this year – I’ve decided to mix it up a bit – and give myself some ground rules:

• I really wanted 20 gifts under $100.  So – I gave myself “4 More” – just for fun to stretch the $100 budget.
• No Scott Kelby or David duChemin…  OK – just kidding.     I could fill an entire Christmas list with only super cool stuff from both of these guys.

The rule I really wanted to impose on myself this year– but just couldn’t:

I have tested, used, and love all of the gear on this list.

I tried (I really did) – but I just don’t buy that much gear in a year.  When I first tried to cobble together the list with that self-imposed rule – it included things like parachute cord just to keep the list up around 20 items (regardless – you should have some in the bottom of your bag for your next trip – seems innocuous until you really need it).  That said – I’ve actually used most of the gear here – but there’s some fun stuff on here I just haven’t had a chance to try yet.

So – in no particular order – here’s the 4th Annual 20 Photography Gifts Under $100:

1. Cowboy Studio Radio Triggers.  If your favorite photographer is thinking about taking their hot shoe flash off camera – this is a great tool at a great price to get them started.
2. Leatherman Squirt PS4.  On the very first list I had the P4.  But now there’s no reason to choose between pliers or scissors – they’re both on the PS4. 
3. REI Sahara Tech shirt.  A great shirt at a pretty good price.  Works both in the (casual) office and while traveling.
4. Diana F+ lens.  It’s plastic, inexpensive, and fun.  Just make sure to get both parts – the lens and the adapter to the correct camera brand.
5. Timex Expedition watch.  I was looking for something in non-descript black that had an alarm and this watch has done very well in the field.
6. Domke insert.  Turn a favorite messenger or backpack into a favorite camera bag.  I used one of these in Uganda (you can read my review here).
7. Photojojo is always a place to go shopping for your favorite photographer.  This year they’ve added the Ring Flash Adapter.
8. Lastolite TriGrip 1 Stop Diffuser. Great for those out-and-about portraits.
9. Another Photojojo cool gift:  The 360 Spinner from those Lomo folks.
10. A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.  OK – so it’s not a photography book – but it’s a great read for trains, planes, or automobiles.  And it will probably do well in coffee shops or in that overstuffed chair next to the fire.  Highly recommended.
11. Scott Kelby’s new book – Light It, Shoot It, Retouch It.  Working on my full review of this book now. 
12. Hello Somebody watch.  OK – you can actually give this one to just about anybody on your list.  And while you’re stuffing your stockings with watches – you’re helping to feed kids in Africa.
13. People Pictures by Chris Orwig.  If your photographer takes photos of people – even if it’s just at family birthday parties – this is a great book.
14. Elements 10.  Is there a better value in photography software?
15. Wacom Bamboo Capture Pen Tablet.  This is one of the new tablets from Wacom.  The Capture allows for both pen and multi-touch input – and it includes some cool software, too – all for under $100.
16. BlackRapid.  What’s a list without BlackRapid?  Check out their new RS-Sport 2.  If they already have a BlackRapid strap and would like to make it more sporty – check out the Brad mod.
17. A year in the Craft & Vision community.  A gift that simply keeps on giving.  Great member only blogs, a monthly ebook, and a discount on the rest of the Craft & Vision library.
18. Cowboy hat.  Odd item?  Not if you’re going to get serious about shooting rodeos.
19. Costco canvas.  If your favorite photographer hasn’t yet printed a photo on canvas – treat them to one.  Now a lot of folks print photos on canvas these days – but it’s tough to match the Costco value.
20. Lowepro memory card wallet.  I can carry 4 compact flash cards with cases.   OK – so I modified it a bit by cutting out some parts – but it works great in the field for those big bit-burning days.
21. The LomoKino.  If experimenting with silent analog movies is your photographer’s thing – here’s the tool.  If you want to learn more about this camera – check out the LomoKino Vimeo Channel.

4 more for just a bit more:

1. The North Face Base Camp duffel.  From yaks to airplanes.  This is a great bag.  There are a few sizes and colors to choose from.  I like the medium and large versions for their versatility.
2. Zoom H2 recorder.  This is a great little tool.
3. Lensbaby Sweet 35.  The best Lensbaby optic yet?  Still working on my review.
4. For $1200 you can buy a Canon tilt-lens or for just about 1/10 of the price you could just head on over to Photojojo and you could pick up this tilt-shift camera!

Item I wish I could have put on this list:

1. F-Stop Loka.  Great pack – just too expensive to make the list.  You can find my review here.

 

Hope that helps – but if your photographer has all of this (or wants none of it) – get ‘em a Hawaiian shirt!

 

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And if you’re looking for more ideas – here are the lists from the first 3 years:  1, 2, and 3.

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(Disclosure:  Camera 47 is an Amazon.com affiliate.)

Check Out the New PhotographyBB!

Issue #45 of the digital magazine PhotographyBB is now available.  This new issue is packed with a number of different photo articles – and best of all – it’s free!

On top of that – I had the opportunity to be a guest author this month – writing an expanded version of my 11 tips for shooting hot air balloons.

You can find Issue #45 and all of the back editions here (just a heads up – registration required – but I found it to be pretty straightforward).

From the Archives: Finley HDR

Well – I was digging through images for another project – and stumbled on to this photo that I made a few years ago.  It was one of my first attempts at high dynamic range photography (HDR) – and was taken down at the Finley Wildlife Refuge on an early morning.

The funny story behind the image?  The blue heron off to the left – halfway through the exposures – decided to get up and walk out of the frame.  Fortunately – it didn’t really impact the overall image.

This was probably my first attempt at “art” – and regardless if it worked or not – I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for this image.   Maybe it’s the moodiness – maybe it’s the blue heron looking back at the tree.

So – here you go – one from the archives.  Enjoy!