2013 Your photography = great Christmas gift...

I have talked about giving your work as a gift in the past and I want to repeat it again today with a new idea.

Every time I've given a photograph as a gift I'm always surprised at just how well it's received and feel just a bit of pride when I visit that persons home and see my image hanging in a place of prominence.

Surely there are people in your life who would love to get one of your photographs as a gift and for the next two and a half days (not to be confused with two and a half men) you can get a 16" x 20" custom metal print for just $39 (usually $139) over at Groupon.

It's an incredible deal and I am sure your photograph would make an outstanding girt for a person in your life.

So just follow this link and start your Christmas shopping.

2013 Thank you everyone out there...

I just wanted to express my appreciation for your patience and for your loyalty to this blog.

We had the good fortune of spending the week of Thanksgiving with my wife's family in Raleigh North Carolina and last week at Disney World with mine.

So when you combine driving over 3,000 miles with all of the family events it made it rather difficult to spend much time at all blogging.

That being said you all continued to stop by here, leaving your comments, and sending me emails... and I wanted you to know it did not go unnoticed.

Thank You for being part of the Weekly Photo Tips family.

We returned this past weekend to very cold weather and snow, YIPPIE!

:)

So starting later today the posting you have come to expect will be getting back on track, in both content and frequency of posts.

2013 A new and very cool (free) App...

Just a few days ago 500px announced their new App for the iPhone and iPad.

We have been HUGE fans of 500px and this is a very nice addition to an already outstanding photography resource.

Just recently we had the pleasure of giving away 3 Plus Memberships and will be giving more memberships again in the very near future.

But not to worry about paying for another membership, you can signup for free that will still allow you access to many of the very cool features that make 500px so inspirational.

If you use Lightroom you can get their free Lightroom plugin that provides seamless integration between Lightroom and your 500px account.

So here are the links you need to check out 500px.com, to signup for your free account, to download the new iPhone and iPad app, and their Lightroom plugin.

2012 Adobe Photoshop Elements 11 for just $49!...

Seriously, you can get Adobe Photoshop Elements 11 for just $49.

Though there is a slight catch (isn't there always?), the only catch is that you need to be a member of BJ's Wholesale Club.

Between December 6th (2012) through January 1st (2013) you can buy it either in store or online and at checkout you'll receive an instant savings of $30, making your final price $49.

If you would like to learn more about Adobe Photoshop Elements 11, check out this link to the "official" Photoshop Elements product page.

Wondering where the closest BJ's club is to you, use this store locator link, and this link will bring you the the Elements page on BJ's website.

Ho, Ho, Ho.... Merry Christmas! SketchBook Mobile Apk

2012 More images from our readers...

I may have been on vacation but you weren't.

You good people kept uploading your images to our Flickr Group while I was away, and I'm glad my absence did not slow you down.

Here are just a few of the beauties that were uploaded.

Feel free to click on any of the images to view larger.

2012 Think Tank Camera Bags are on sale!...

Just in case Santa is still looking for some of your presents you might want to send him this post his way.

Some of these bags are as much as 50% off and they ALL come with free shipping.

Think Tank Skin Strobe - $17.49

Think Tank Glass Taxi, Convertible Backpack - $134.77

Think Tank Streetwalker Backpack, and comes with a FREE Think Tank Battery Holder -$143.77

Think Tank Airport Essentials Backpack for Standard DSLR System - $158.17

Think Tank Speed Racer V2.0 Waist Pack - $161.77

Think Tank Airport 4-Sight Four Wheel Roller, comes with a FREE Devo Folding Travel Table for Laptops - $199.75

Not only is the Think Tank Airport $50 less than any place else, it also comes with a Rebate offer.

2012 Our Scott Kelby Christmas contest giveaway!...

Just to be clear, we aren't actually giving away Scott Kelby, but we are giving away five of his books and one of his autographed prints.

Pretty Cool, huh?

There will be two winners for this contest, winner number one will get Scott Kelby's Digital Photography Boxed Set with volumes 1 & 2, along with a limited edition signed print!

Winner number two will get Scott Kelby's Digital Photography Boxed Set that contains volumes 1, 2, and 3.

But wait, there's more... Both winners will also receive one year "plus" memberships to 500px.com.

As always the contest is pretty simple to enter, here are the rules:

1. This contest is themed based and the theme is (what else) Christmas!

2. Like us on Facebook (if you've "liked" us for a previous contest, this requirement is waved)

3. Leave a comment on any one of  our blog posts or one of our YouTube videos

4. Upload your Christmas themed image(s) that you shot to our Flickr group

If you are new to Flickr (or have never joined) you can get all the details on how to join the Weekly Photo Tips Flickr group here.

The contest starts right now and both winners will be announced on the blog Christmas eve, Monday December 24th (2012).

Good luck everyone, as always we are looking forward to seeing your images and reading your comments.

Here is the small print (literally):

All rights and ownership of submitted images remain with the photographer who took it.

friend us once, then 1 image upload + 1 comment = 1 contest entry.

You can enter the contest as many times as you like, no limit.

Winners outside of the US will need to cover the cost of shipping their prize package.

2012 This is too important to wait...

As most of you know, Monday through Friday we are all about photography, if there is going to be an "off topic" post it happens on the weekend.

But today we are breaking this rule because by Saturday it would be too late.

Today the tens of thousand of wreaths destined to adorn the headstones of American veterans at Arlington National Cemetery have left Maine.


This marks the 21st consecutive year that this has happened.

If you are interested in seeing the wagon train of trailer trucks carrying these wreaths there will be some 20 stops and rallies held in every single state between Maine and Virginia (check here for the complete schedule).

Arlington is not the only cemetery that Worcester Wreath sends wreaths to, there are over 600 locations nationwide that will receive wreaths for those brave men and women who have "gone on ahead", this link will let you search for a location near you.


This most wonderful tribute was started by Morrill Worcester, the founder of Worcester Wreath Company, when he and his workers wanted to do something to honor those brave fallen men and women.


If you are interested in sponsoring a wreath you can get more information here.

Worcester Wreath Company is who I use to send wreaths to friends and family who live "away" and they have NEVER failed to bring a smile and thankful response from those who have received them.

2012 I just improved my memory...

Now that image file sizes are getting so large, then add the fact that most cameras have video capabilities and the memory cards I have just aren't cutting it.

Which is why I just bought 2-Pack of Lexar 32GB Professional 400x CompactFlash Cards, though I have had the need for larger cards since I bought my D800 a couple months ago it was the price that made me buy them now, this 2 - pack was just $129.95 (regularly $229) and they also come with free shipping.

Just as impressive as the price is the high Read / Write speed performance of 60MB/s minimum guaranteed.

If you are in the market for larger compact flash cards be sure to check out this Lexar 2-pack.

Something else you might want to check out are the new prizes we will be adding to our "Scott Kelby Christmas giveaway", we should be announcing them later this afternoon.

2012 Adding more prizes to our Christmas contest...

We are adding yet another prize to our "Scott Kelby Christmas Contest Giveaway", each of the (two) winners will receive a brand new flexible lens shade along with their other prizes.

And we are going to add a third winner who will get (just) a lens shade.

So that will bring us to a total of three prize package winners for this contest!

The lens shade attaches to either the lens hood or directly to the lens itself via a Velcro wrap, significantly extending shade coverage, it is so flexible that it can shaped to provide shade regardless of the angle of the sun.

The flexible lens shade is made out of a ballistic nylon shell, has double stitch sewing on all the seams making it durable, professional, and lightweight. Because it stores flat it takes up almost zero room in your camera bag.

You can read more about it and see sample images by following this link to our post "shooting into the sun".

You can get all of the details on how to enter our Christmas contest right here.

2013 Christmas images from our readers...

Here are just a few of the images being uploaded to our Flickr group by our wonderful readers as part of our Christmas themed contest.

You can get all the details of our "Scott Kelby Christmas contest giveaway" (including how to enter) right here, and check out the additional prizes we added here.

Ho, ho, ho.... Merry Christmas!

2013 Something totally new at Weekly Photo Tips!...

Today's big announcement, we are adding another voice to Weekly Photo Tips, a new monthly column written by Scott Reed.

Instead of listening to me ramble on, here are a few words directly from Scott about what his monthly post will cover:

"You’ve seen the TV commercials, billboard and magazine ads advertising “Hydrid,” the buzz word for today’s automobiles. Well this buzz word has integrated into our industry. Five years ago, a DSLR was a camera, producing digital images from visions of the creator’s eye. Camera makers now use the term HDSLR an acronym for, “High-Definition Single Lens Reflex.” I will go on the record to modify the acronym and redefine it as, “Hybrid Digital Single Lens Reflex.”

Almost every amateur, semi-pro, and professional cameras are capable of capturing and producing, in some cases, cinema quality video. Now I’m not telling you anything you don't already know, but I want you to take heed of the importance of adding this skill set to your capabilities list. Clients are becoming more accustomed to a multi-media company versus a stand-alone photographer or videographer. Utilizing the same camera for still and video, allows a larger selection of media options for the client. Look at it this way, light the scene for video and capture the occasional still image; POW….. you’re a multi-media producer.

This addition to Weekly Photo Tips, will be a once monthly post discussing lesson’s learned from using a traditional still camera to produce video; gear testing reviews; camera settings; and helpful hints for those transitioning into this expanding form of media. I welcome input from readers with questions and suggestions for future postings.

Other topics to be covered:

- Variable ND filters – Why they are important, usage and suggested brands
- Digital Image Viewfinder – Pros and Cons, product reviews
- Shoulder Rigs – The best choice for the best price
- Tripods and Heads
- Audio Components – How best to capture audio in various scenarios
- Capture Formats – What to do with the media
- Suggestions"

Scott Reed a commercial media specialist based in San Antonio, TX. With a vision on the future, he began to research the implementation of video services to his clients. After talking to past clients, he realized in niche where his company can provide both services to a client in the same setting, allowing him to standout from his competition. Scott retired from the Air Force after a 22-year distinguished career as a Combat Aerial Photojournalist. His commercial work can be seen at NRG Pictures and western lifestyle at Rodeo Realms.

Welcome to Weekly Photo Tips Scott.

2013 Phenomenal Nikon D600 super bundle!...

Starting today (and as long as supplies last) you can save almost $800 on the following Nikon D600 super bundle.

Here is everything included in this kit:

Nikon D600 DSLR camera body along with a Nikon 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED AF-S VR Lens

PLUS: 

 · Adorama VIP Member Extended Protection Plan

· Lexar Pro 32GB SDHC Class 10 600X memory card

· LowePro Rezo TLZ-20 holster camera case

· Power2000 EN-EL15 spare battery

· Adorama external battery charger for Nikon

· NIKON ML-L3 remote trigger

· NIKON WU-1B WiFi mobile adapter

· Cleaning Kit

All for the same price as the body alone - $1996.95

Some "Black Friday" specials for you...

Here are some cool photography "do-dads" that may be a perfect Christmas gift for you (or information for someone who loves you) and almost all of them come with free shipping.

SanDisk 64GB Ultra SDXC UHS-I Memory Card, 30 MB/s Read Speed - $37.95

Hakuba Digital Media Storage Wallet For 8 Secure Digital Cards - $10.95

Lexar 32GB Professional 800x CompactFlash Card - $83.95

Aluminum Case for Four Compact Flash Cards - $9.95

PerfPower "AA" Alkaline Batteries - 100 Pack - $19.99

AA Battery Caddy - $4.95

Bubble Level - $5.95

Flashpoint Carbon Fiber Tripod with F-1 Magnesium Ball Head - $109

HP Deskjet 3520 E-All-in-One Inkjet Printer - $49.99

Nikon D7000 Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-105mm DX VR Lens - $996.95

Another day of thanks...

It's another Thanksgiving, the sun is trying to nudge above the horizon and I sit here alone in the glow of my monitor, sipping my coffee, pondering the vast number of things for which I MUST give thanks, but not to worry, I won't bore you with the list, but as blessings go I feel like a very rich man.

The one thanks I will share is the thanks for this blog, the people I have had the good fortune to know from all over the world is amazing.

And because you are a part of this community hundreds of pounds of food are delivered to two food pantries and a soup kitchen here in southern Maine every Monday morning. The need has become so great that we are now giving 50% of every affiliate sale to this cause, and because you use our affiliate link it really is you that makes the magic happen... and you get the recognition, when I drop off the food I say "I'm just the delivery man, it's my friends who made these donations possible".

So THANK YOU my friends.

I hope that today (and every day) you are surrounded by those you love and who love you, that you feel blessed and rich in spirit, and that you carry hope and charity in your heart.

There are many of you who are struggling and I hope even more for you... that people reach out to support and comfort you, that your burdens become lighter, that you never feel alone, and I pray that in the days to come you can worry less, love more, and that when strangers see you on the street they wonder what you are smiling about.

Let me leave you with a few words from people waaayyyyyy smarter than I:

Thanksgiving, to be truly Thanksgiving, is first thanks, then giving. ~ Unknown

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~ John Fitzgerald Kennedy

What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others remains and is immortal. ~ Albert Pine

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~ Thornton Wilder

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. ~ William Arthur Ward

Grace isn't a prayer you say before receiving a meal. It's a way to live. ~ Jackie Windspear

We cannot do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love. ~ Mother Teresa

Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, that is the true measure of our thanksgiving. ~ W. T. Purkiser


Happy Thanksgiving everybody.

Old North Church... Boston...

It just so happens that our last wedding of the 2012 season was at the Old North Church in Boston (MA), yup, THEOld North Church, the one that holds such a prominent place in American history (built in 1723) and of the "One if by land, and two if by sea" and "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere" fame .

And though I had grown up in Boston never once had I visited the church... until this wedding.

It may sound corny, but being there one can't help but be in awe, knowing all that had transpired there, walking on the same stairs as Robert Newman (the man who actually held those lanterns on that night way back in 1775).

While walking around the church I stumbled upon the "dog tag garden", tucked away in a small court yard. Here are two shots that are pretty self explanatory.

If you find yourself in the Boston area this is a cool place to go and snap off a few shots. Not just for the church but also where it's located, smack in the middle of Boston's historic North End (little Italy) where you will not only find great history, but great food as well. Phenomenal Italian restaurants and bakeries.

All of which is just a (very) short walk to Faneuil hall and the New England Aquarium.

Here's a "pano" I shot with my fancy shmancy iPhone 5.

I think this is the closest I have ever come to doing an actually "photography" post on the weekend.

Feel free to click on any of the above images to view larger.