I’m not exactly sure why she made this video but… Gosh darn iffen it ain’t the cutest little thang! I gotta go people my boob is barkin.

]]> http://www.digitalweddingforum.com/blog/hop-on-over-to-bunnis-photo-world/feed 5 http://www.digitalweddingforum.com/blog/super-cool-cddvd-folios http://www.digitalweddingforum.com/blog/super-cool-cddvd-folios#comments Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:25:44 +0000 Mark Lutz http://www.digitalweddingforum.com/blog/?p=11615

With the amount of video products floating around the tradeshow at WPPI this year, it’s clear that photographers everywhere are going to need some way to display those videos. And of course it has to be sexy. Enter Neil Enterprises and their not so sexy website. (Read that as, great product… bad site design)

After you manage to look past their cheesy online presentation you’ll find their DVD/CD folios and cases which look so much better than their website does. The one above is a single DVD shown partially sitting inside of it’s presentation case as show below.

The covers had a very nice feel to them and the folio build was impressively solid. I’m pretty surethese  folios will be part of my studio’s offerings over the coming year.

BONUS: They must have scanned my badge while I wasn’t looking because I just got an email from them regarding these exact portfolios.

If anyone uses Neil Enterprises I’d love to hear some feedback from you all.

Melissa tells us that her and her fellow wandering photographer Heather spent as much time on the road to Las Vegas as they did in Vegas. They actually tacked on and extra 12 hours of drive time to their trip by stopping here and there for their photographic “Shenanigans”.  Of all the road trip photos I’ve seen come out of WPPI so far this year I’ve gotta say these are the best hands down.

Hitchhikin’ to Vegas - So, I thought it would be hilarious to do a hitch-hiking photo series on my road trip down to Las Vegas for the WPPI convention.  My long-time friend, and fellow photographer Heather Goldsworthy from Image Obscura just happened to be accompanying me along the way…and lucky for me, she is game for anything!

Some of the locations were based on the landscape and light…others were based on where we stopped for a bathroom break.  Within 20 minutes of pulling over, the car exploded onto the side of the road.  Suitcases everywhere.  It didn’t take us long to get ourselves into a groove.  We’d get into costume, then Heather would write the sign, and I would set the camera up.  This is definitely a time where a remote trigger would have come in handy…because racing that 10 second timer in 3.5 inch heels was a real pain in the arse.  Especially after the third run!

“Viva Mexico”

“Hawaii”

“Detroit Rock City”

“Aspen”

“Home”

“Overlook Hotel”

“Late for Wedding”

Don’t believe it?  Check out the video below:

Updates are available through PocketWizard

Ya just gotta love it! Jim and the crew made this video for the WPPI Convention awards night presentation. Mr. Boda bag himself hooked us up with a copy because, once I heard about it, I knew I had to share it with everyone who could not make it to Las Vegas this year.

Philadelphia based Urban Outfitters has announced that it will be launching a bridal apparel site on Valentine’s Day 2011.  Designer (and guest designer) dresses will be created by UO’s subsidiary, Anthropologie.  They also plan on offering bridesmaids’ dresses, jeweler, shoes, accessories, and invitations.

CEO Glen Senk has announced that the line will eventually expand into stores and that he sees potential in travel services, wedding planning, and flowers.

Little did we know that HP and Adobe have developed a touchscreen computerized tablet, similar to the iPad, known as the “HP Slate”.  Furthermore, it was completely overlooked that this device was first presented 3 weeks before the iPad at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES-2010).

Usage of these devices for photographers has been up in the air, considering the fact that they don’t necessarily boast a lot of storage space, and the iPad doesn’t have a single USB port.

Personally, I see using this device more for consultations, as an interesting way to present portfolio and slideshows to clients.  I can see them now, cuddling up in a booth holding the tablet together, “touching and swiping” as they “ooh and aah”.

One big advantage that the HP Slate has over the iPad is it’s ability to display Flash and HP isn’t shy about pointing out that over 85% of the top 100 web sites use flash and over 75% of on-line video is in Flash.

According to PCWorld.com, you can expect the HP Slate to be available Mid-2010 and at a price below $500.

Check out HP and Adobe’s Overview Video:

Photo Credit| Josh Weisberg in PDN

Yes, you may have read the big news that Canon created, released, and gave away these very rare mugs/thermoses at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.  The mug is a replica of a Canon 70-200mm f/4 IS lens which begs to ask two questions

1.)  Does the f/2.8 version keep your coffee hotter longer?

2.)  Are we going to see a rise in coffee mug theft (that looks real)

These sought after collectables are no longer available but according to CanonRumors.com, they will soon be selling in Canada for approximately $30.  No word yet of a US release.

Website where mug was once posted for sale

BONUS UPDATE: CurrentPhotographer is reporting that Canon Canada is now giving away the travel mug with a $200+ eStore purchase. All great for Canada but how about for those of us south of the border.

BTW… See someone you know? Be sure to tag them in the video.

View it on our Facebook Fanpage. Are you a fan yet?

(photo by susan stripling)

Two DWF community members (who also happen to be former DWF convention speakers as well) have received special recognition at this year’s WPPI awards ceremony and we’re lucky enough to have had exclusive interviews with BOTH of them right here on the DWF blog.

First, DWF Pro member Yervant was given the WPPI Lifetime Achievement Award.  As a photographer who has made great contributions and strides in wedding and portrait photography, it was an honor to see him receive some of the wonderful recognition he deserves.

We’re also very proud of our very own DWF Pro member Susan Stripling, who received a grand award for a beautiful image in the wedding photojournalism category.

Want to learn more about them? Read our exclusive featured member interviews right here or congratulate them on the DWF Home forum (login required but trials are FREE)

• Yervant In-Depth
• Featured DWF Photographer Susan Stripling

(photo by yervant)

It’s no secret that each year PDN’s photo contests collect entries from some of the best gosh darn photographers on the planet. Our founder, Jeff Caplan, was one of the judges for their last contest and he tells me that he was absolutely amazed after completing his round of judging. Of all their contests the PDN Faces contest is one of my personal faves. Even if you’re not into entering contests click on over and be inspired by last years winners and this years latest entries. There is some “grade A”  talent being showcased for sure…

BTW if you’re thinking about entering here’s your heads up, the deadline for entries is March 15th.

]]> http://www.digitalweddingforum.com/blog/pdn-faces/feed 0 http://www.digitalweddingforum.com/blog/studioshare-for-iphone http://www.digitalweddingforum.com/blog/studioshare-for-iphone#comments Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:01:08 +0000 Mark Lutz http://www.digitalweddingforum.com/blog/?p=11390

Digilabs has released a nifty little product that they call StudioShare and it’s FREE to see and FREE to use if you’re a DigiLabs web gallery client already.

• Studio branded galleries
• Ability to view and share photos through iPhone
• Secure ordering of prints and single image products
• Slideshow preview
• Updates in real time with your gallery
• Free for DigiLabs web gallery clients
• Available on all iPhone and iTouch models including the 3GS

Palo Alto, Calif., WPPI Booth #737 — March 8, 2010 — DigiLabs Pro (http://digilabspro.com), which provides professional photographers with a comprehensive, cost-effective and flexible online proofing and fulfillment solution, today at the Wedding Professional Photographers International (WPPI) 2010 Convention and Trade Show announced the release of StudioShare, the first iPhone application to give professional photographers a new outlet to market to customers. This free application, available immediately on the iTunes Store, allows pro photographer clients access to their photos and the ability to place orders anytime, anywhere from their iPhone.

StudioShare is the only application that provides professional photographers, from wedding to event to school photographers, the ability to take and fulfill critical orders and generate revenue from the immense audience of millions of iPhone users. With StudioShare, photographers’ clients can review their images and place orders. As with the flagship DigiLabs web galleries, the application can be tailored to a photographer’s own distinct brand and is seamless to their customers.

“The continued popularity of smartphone devices, particularly the iPhone, should open an enormous revenue channel for independent professional photographers. Most pros, however, don’t have the resources to work directly with the iPhone technology”, said Chanan Steinhart, CEO and co-founder of DigiLabs. “StudioShare breaks down that barrier for pro photographers and lets them both manage their galleries and receive orders on the iPhone. With improved marketing and sales outlet, photographers should find StudioShare a welcome boost to their businesses.”

“There have been many times recently that I’ve wished I could have viewed a client gallery from my iPhone, and I know for a fact that my clients want the same thing,” said Ben Chrisman, a professional photographer who maintains a web gallery using DigiLabs software. “With StudioShare, clients can instantly view and show their photos to friends and family and then quickly place their order. This is like having a personal iPhone app for our photo business and I really look forward to offering StudioShare to my current and potential clients this year.”

To download the new StudioShare iPhone application, visit the iTunes Store or learn more by visiting http://digilabspro.com/app.

In the few years since Apple started selling apps in the app store, the level of complexity of these apps has gone up.

One of the first apps for the iPhone was Remote, which allowed you to control your iTunes library on your home computer from your iPhone. At the time, that was cool.

However these days, you’ve got things like TeamViewer App, which allows you to remotely control your home computer. From your iPhone. FOR FREE.

Yes, the idea isn’t new (there’s already the $30 LogMeIn Ignition), but for free? That’s just nuts. There is a pro version of the software (for $99), but unlike most Freemium models, there isn’t any extra content in the pro version, nor are there any ads on the free version. The difference? They want you to pay for the pro version if you’re using it for commercial purposes.

Will do.

Oh, and even better, it works on both Mac and PCs (and probably your new iPad too)

]]> http://www.digitalweddingforum.com/blog/not-your-everyday-average-wedding-video/feed 3 http://www.digitalweddingforum.com/blog/7d-vs-t2i-video-comparison http://www.digitalweddingforum.com/blog/7d-vs-t2i-video-comparison#comments Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:52:37 +0000 Mark Lutz http://www.digitalweddingforum.com/blog/?p=11363

Straight up from the unboxing on thru comparison clips. Enjoy!

O’brien dreamed up a social experiment in entertainment where he began to follow a perfect stranger on twitter. The lucky tweep was Sarah Killen a 19 year old girl who is about to get married. Needless to say Sarah was launched into instant twittersphere stardom thanks to the random gesture. So far her 15 minutes of twitter fame have earned her a Limo, wedding bands, a dress and custom made shoes for her upcoming wedding.  Anyone want to chip in some FREE photography for her?

Read up on the NY Daily News.

I do love me some Huffington Post now and then. I especially loved this article which highlights how photography is changing for the “average joe”.

• 5-15 seconds Make and save image
• 15-30 seconds Process an image
• 15-30 seconds Comment on an image and transmit it to others
• 15-30 seconds Find other people’s images
• 15-30 seconds Comment on other people’s images or put them to other uses

In about a minute you can make, process, comment on, and distribute an image. It can take you a similar amount of time to do the same with someone else’s image. If you haven’t done it yet, try it now. I just did. Doing this will change the way you experience and think about photography.

You know he’s right. Of course we all knew this was coming as we’ve been on the front lines of social networking and image sharing. But as more and more people catch on and catch up with what’s hot today we might find ourselves wondering “What’s next for photography after this?”.

What do you guys think? What’s next after the instant gratification fad is over?

I’ve been to many conventions over the years, in fact probably more than I should admit to. But if you’re like me you’ve probably noticed that in recent years there had been a change. It was as if a cloud of “Doom and Gloom” was hovering over the floor, lurking like a photographic grim reaper ready to cut everyones futures short.

Vendors expressed disappointment in their interactions, photographers grumbled that some vendors didn’t even bother to show up. Nobody seemed to be spending money. All in all, the past 24 months have probably been the lowest point in the photography industry during my lifetime.  It was down right freaking depressing at times!

But my how things have changed in just a few short months. This year at WPPI the vendors are pumped, the crowd is big and the mood is fresh. It’s like I can breathe again. I find myself wondering were this crowd had come from as I look thru the mass of shutterbugs milling about and blocking my way…

Have we reached an economic turning point? Are people here because they have money to spend?

OR

Is this vibe I’m feeling just the photographic “Fresh Meat” looking to cut their teeth and make a name for themselves? Supporting their photographic dreams with day job funding.

Only WPPI knows for sure which way the scale tips but either way you look at it, money is changing hands and that’s a good thing for the industry as a whole. I’m holding out and cheering for a change in the economy but only time will tell.

What do you think? I’m interested to hear your feedback. Here are some thoughts we’ve received so far via @DWF_forum on twitter and on our Facebook page.

• jedgar I think once people actually made some big $ doing wedding photography everyone and their mother thought they could make a buck.
• guycollierphoto or a very well marketed show?
• abritton people that haven’t looked at their books to see if they can even afford to go.
• dixiepixel NEWBS! I wish it were the economy, otherwise I’d be there too!
• nickbeaulieu Let me just say this…. when there are people with MULTIPLE children in my classes, I wonder if they are really pros.
• chelokeys it’s because of the fantasy that some top photographers (excuse me, former photograpers) perpetuate on their blogs/workshops.
• chelokeys and there seems to be a culture against “newbies” (I hate the word) that is very unpleasant.
• deluge of AWACs (anyone with a camera)
• Flood of newbies
• At least they are learning!!!
• stacilandis there is much marketing to newbies that they, too, can become like the leaders in the industry. Good marketing is all.
• New blood.
• I think its more about a bad economy. Its why people go back to school to train in a new field.
  Its 5 days of everything you wanted to know about wedding photography and more….!

]]> http://www.digitalweddingforum.com/blog/wppi-is-packed-new-blood-or-new-economy/feed 5 http://www.digitalweddingforum.com/blog/the-importance-of-friends http://www.digitalweddingforum.com/blog/the-importance-of-friends#comments Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:35:44 +0000 Kevin Focht http://www.digitalweddingforum.com/blog/?p=11303

At our studio, we like to build strong personal relationships with all of our vendors. It really helps from a business sense to actually know the people you are sending your hard earned money to.

When something goes wrong, you can call and talk to the person that you know instead of just a customer service person on the end of the line. This is very important to our business.

These same people can help you on your career path in ways you can’t even imagine. They are great for mentoring and just throwing ideas off of. They also can keep you informed on new products they may have coming out.

The last thing we want at our studio is to be just a number to a lab or album company etc. We want the owner and workers to know who we are. We even go so far as to send them small gifts.

The conventions are great to meet everyone is one place. Don’t be afraid to say hello, and let people know who you are. I have some really good friends that I have met at conventions and I  call on them all the time for ideas.

Now that WPPI is on us, it’s the time to get out there and say hello.

If you see me or Fundy at the convention, come on up and say hi. You never know, we might just have a lot in common!

We are easy to find too, we both have gigantic heads.

For more tips and the hottest post processing tools check out FochtCreative.com

From now until the end of the month use the discount code “dwfblog” and get 25% off of any of our products!

Inspirational writer, photographer, humanitarian, and all-round great guy David duChemin has an article on his website called Confessions of a So-Called Pro. The article looks at some of his behaviours David is guilty of that “so-called pros” should never ever do. Things like shooting in direct sunlight at 800ISO, or handholding a long lens at 1/30th of a second shutter speed.

Yes, he does things that technically are improper, unkosher and sometimes just plain wacky. But you know what? He gets great pictures. And that’s David’s point: are you taking technically perfect pictures with no vision, or do you have a vision and are you creating art, even if things aren’t perfect.

Me? I handhold far too much; I’ve got a tripod for decoration, but rarely use it. I spend far too much time looking at people’s faces and not enough time looking at the background, or the way their hair is flying all over the place or the way the dress isn’t quite perfect. And while I am getting better, the fact is, I am willing to go out on (a metaphorical or literal) limb for the sake of a great shot. More often than not, it doesn’t work, but when it does….

How about you? What photographic sins have you committed, or do you commit regularly that are a sure sign that you aren’t a “pro”? Things you do that make the pixel peepers or the lighting geeks or the business gurus crazy, but still work for you?