Let's make it even bigger!...

Most of you know we are in the middle of our biggest and best contest ever, and today we are going to add yet another prize to the pot.

We are going to throw in a copy of "Off-Camera Flash" by Neil van Niekerk (you can read the review done by one of our readers here).

So if you would like to throw your hat (or image) into the ring and be part of our latest contest, you can get all the details, the (simple & easy) rules, and check out the phenomenal prizes right here (which includes the 7 DVD set from Strobist/David Hobby "Lighting in Layers", our 2011 product of the year).

Speaking of which, here are just a few of the many great images that you our readers have submitted (so far):

(click on any image to view larger)

Podcast #8 - Our interview with Vincent Versace Part 2...

This week we present part 2 of our interview with photographer Vincent Versace.

First thing I should confess is that I am a HUGE Vincent Versace fan, I have been since the earliest steps of my photography journey so be forewarned that you may hear just a bit of giddiness in my voice.

I am a huge fan for 2 reasons:

1. I think Vincent is an absolutely brilliant photographer

2. He is equally as good as a photography instructor I have almost every one of his educational DVD's and the problem is the first time I watch them I just sit there and stare in amazement with my mouth gaping open, it's the second time through the DVD that I actually start to follow along and participating in the process.

During the interview we talked specifically about three of his images:

This one of the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee -

 This image of Alcatraz in San Francisco bay -

And this image of the Eiffel Tower during a snow storm -

(click on any of these images to view larger)

You can learn more about Vincent Versace and see his portfolio of iconic images by visiting his website, or checking out his Flickr page.

If you're interested to checking out his educational offering (books and DVD's that are worth every penny) you can find them all listed over at Acme Educational.

You can listen to the second part of our interview in the player below, or head over to The Photography Podcast to listen to it there as well as check out our previous 7 podcasts.

Memorial Day...

Back in 2008 I asked readers of this blog to contribute images of their loved ones who they wanted remember in a Memorial Day slideshow, below are the results of those contributions.

The first men featured are "The Lanni Brothers", my uncles who were first generation Americans and could not have been prouder of it.

Each year I mean to do another but I realize it too late to get the process started, so forgive me for repeating this slideshow.

If you are having trouble viewing this, or would like to view it larger, simply follow this link.

And if you would, share it with others, these brave men and women (and others just like them) deserve to be remembered, to be honored.

Some great deals on photo goodies...

Here are a few things you can get at a great savings and with free shipping:


A Kata MiniBee-111 UL Backpack at half price - just $149.99

Flashpoint Universal Swivel Holder - $9.95

Dimmable 160 LED Light for Nikon and Canon - $49.95

Visible Dust Mini Quasar Sensor Loupe - $49.95

Two-Way Tripod Mount DiffCase - for iPhone 4/4S in Red, White, or Black - $34.95

Flashpoint Video Shootskate Kit for iPhone - $80

PerfPower EZ Boost Portable Mobile Charger - $9.95

A Maine moose photo safari...

Groupon has a great deal for a moose photo safari for two for just $49.

The "safari" will be in Baxter State Park and you will have until September 5th to take your safari.

You can check out the Groupon deal here, and the Facebook page of the company that runs the tour here.

A review of the Westcott 43" Apollo Orb...

You have heard us talk about the Westcott 28" Apollo Speedlight softbox, and now it has a big brother, the Westcott 43" Apollo Orb.

And much like the smaller 28" softbox, the new 43" Apollo Orb shares many of the same features:

1. They are made to be used with Speedlights (or for you Canon shooters - Speedlites)

2. They are made on umbrella frames so they open and close quickly, easily, and are extremely portable

 3. It's 43 inches gives you an even bigger light and can easily accommodate multiple flash heads

4. You can rotate the flash inside the softbox

5. The front panel can be mounted flush or recessed for greater (feathering) control of the light

Along with something the little brother does not have:

6. You can purchase a 40-Degree grid accessory to further increase your lighting options

Below is our video review of the Westcott 43" Apollo Orb,, if you are a subscriber and the video did not come through with your email you can return to the blog or head directly over to our YouTube channel to watch it.

Our interview with Vincent Versace Part 1...

This week I have the distinct pleasure of talking to photographer Vincent Versace.

First thing I should confess is that I am a HUGE Vincent Versace fan, I have been since the earliest steps of my photography journey so be forewarned that you may hear just a bit of giddiness in my voice.

So why am I such a big fan?

Two reasons:  

1. I think Vincent is an absolutely brilliant photographer  

2. He is equally as good as a photography instructor I have almost every one of his educational DVD's and the problem is the first time I watch them I just sit there and stare in amazement with my mouth gaping open, it's the second time through the DVD that I actually start to follow along and participating in the process.

During the interview we talked specifically about three of his images:

This one of the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee -

This image of Alcatraz in San Francisco bay -

And this image of the Eiffel Tower during a snow storm -

 

(click on any of these images to view larger)

You can learn more about Vincent Versace and see his portfolio of iconic images by visiting his website, or checking out his Flickr page.

If you're interested to checking out his educational offering (books and DVD's that are worth every penny) you can find them all listed over at Acme Educational.

You can listen to the interview in the player below, or head over to The Photography Podcast for this and all of our other interviews and podcasts.

Our absolute best contest ever, ever, ever...

Best because of the prize package we have put together, it includes ALL of the following:

1. The 7 DVD instructional extravaganza "Lighting in Layers" from Strobist/David Hobby

2. A 1 year pro membership to 500px.com 

3. A Flashpoint Remote Flash Trigger Kit

4. A SaberStrip light box

5. Zoner Pro image editing software

That is a pretty cool prize package.

And as usual it is pretty darn simple to drop your name into the hat, here's all you have to do.

1. Leave a comment on any blog post or any of our YouTube videos.

2. Upload any image that you shot to our Flickr group.

3. "Like" The Photography Podcast on Facebook (only because "Love" is not an option)

:)

If you are new to Flickr (have never joined) you can get the details on how to join our Flickr group here.

This contest starts right now (May18), it's open to everyone, and the winner will be chosen at random from among all of the qualifying entries.

The winner will be announced on Friday June 15th right here on the blog.

Good luck everyone, we are really 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.

1 image upload + 1 comment + 1 "friending" = 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.

Images from Saturdays wedding...

Here is just a few shots from this past Saturdays wedding.

It was nice to get "back in the saddle" but I am sure that by the time the last wedding rolls around late in October I will be just a little bowlegged.

:) 

Click on any image to view larger.

Saving money on gas...

As I get ready to head off to the first wedding of the season I thought I'd share a cool little iPhone App called "GasBuddy".

Don't worry if you don't have an iPhone, there is one for the Android (and others) or you can simply go to GasBuddy.com.

It works the same regardless of how you access it, simply type in your zip code and GasBuddy will display the cost of gasoline for all the surrounding gas stations, from lowest price to highest.

The first time I used it I was pretty surprised to find out that gas was twenty cents a gallon cheaper just a little further down the street from were I usually bought it.

Every penny we get to keep in our own pocket is a good thing.

So go check out Gasbuddy.com, and if you are in Gloucester MA today and see an extremely handsome man carrying a camera, I'll be standing next to him.

:)

Here are you Friday memory deals...

Not sure why, much Like the fact that I have always shot Nikon, I have always used SanDisk memory cards. I think it boils down to finding something that works for you, that you're comfortable with so why change, why wonder off into the "great unknown".

Always have loved their performance, never had a card fail (of course I just cursed myself), and when I do buy new cards always get them at a price that seems both fair and pretty darn good.

Here is the final offering of memory at special pricing (at least for a while), it is a one day sale just for today (Friday) and everything listed here comes with free shipping.

SanDisk 16GB Ultra SDHC UHS-I Memory Card, 30 MB/s Read Speed
Reg 24.95 Sale $16.95

SanDisk 32GB Ultra SDHC UHS-I Memory Card, 30 MB/s Read Speed
Reg 49.95 Sale $25.95

SanDisk 64GB Ultra SDHC UHS-I Memory Card, 30 MB/s Read Speed
Reg 99.95 Sale $45.95

SanDisk 16GB Mobile Ultra microSDHC, up to 30 MB/Sec, Enabled Class 6 Memory Card with SD Adapter
Reg 24.95 Sale $17.95

SanDisk 32GB Mobile Ultra microSDHC, up to 30 MB/Sec, Enabled Class 6 Memory Card with SD Adapter
Reg 49.95 Sale $29.95

SanDisk 64GB Mobile Ultra microSDHC, up to 30 MB/Sec, Enabled Class 6 Memory Card with SD Adapter
Reg 99.95 Sale $85.95

Off tomorrow to shoot the first wedding of the season... yippee. No seriously, YIPPEE!

A readers reviews "Off-Camera Flash"...

The follow review is provided by one of our readers, Nick Van Zanten.

Take it away Nick...

"Off-Camera Flash" by Neil van Niekerk could not have come to me at a better time. Lately, I have been fiddling with my single flash and a reflector, and if not for that experience, I might not have appreciated this book as much as I do.

If you would enjoy lighting wherever and whenever your subject needs it, you should read get Off-Camera Flash.

Overall, the information in Off-Camera Flash flows logically. The book avoids lengthy discussions of gear, offering a basic overview, and then presents concise yet comprehensive explanations of flash concepts. Successive chapters answer common questions about such topics as balancing flash with ambient light, positioning the flash; and most intriguing to me, over powering the sun with your flash. The author provides a clear description of the differences between manual flash and TTL along with the reasons for using one or the other. Neil also explains why soft boxes are so helpful, as well as describing how to use/place them.

The greatest strength of Off-Camera Flash is the final chapter where sample sessions demonstrate specific lighting techniques. The information is accurate and easy to follow, making the book a helpful companion to photographers who want to learn and perfect their off-camera flash techniques.

Although Neil claims to address skill levels from beginner to advanced practitioner, it is extremely helpful to have a basic understanding of shutter speed and apertures, especially when the discussion is about whole stops and fractional stops. I enthusiastically encourage folks to pick up your camera and follow along, practicing as you go. As Joe McNally says, “No pixels have to die!”

My only serious criticism of Off-Camera Flash is that several photo captions did not match the text, I suspect that later editions will correct these annoying misprints.

Off-Camera Flash inspired me to attempt to reach a higher bar for my photography than I would have previously imagined. Many of my questions about this topic were answered, and the book affirmed that my trials learning off-camera flash are typical.

BIO: 

Nick Van Zanten started in photography a long time back while in the US Navy. After a long hiatus, he is once again a serious amateur photographer. A spouse with a closet full of Nikon lenses and the accessibility of digital equipment re-ignited in him a little flame of desire to make art. So, little by little, Nick ventures out to realize that end.

Much thanks to Nick for taking the time to read the book and share his thoughts with us.

And thanks to you for being a reader.

That did not work out too well...

On Wednesday I got word of a one day memory sale but the problem was I didn't get it until later on that day, which meant subscribers (and others) did not get the information until the following day, AFTER the sale was over.

Yup, I received a handful of emails from folks who were in the market for memory and frustrated (rightfully so) that they had missed the sale.

So I contacted Adorama and they gave me a list of memory to offer you on two different days - both Thursday (today) and Friday (tomorrow) at sale prices.

And because I am posting it while it is still dark outside everyone (including subscribers) will get the notification in time.

So here is today's deals (tomorrows will be different), and along with the great prices, shipping is free.

SanDisk 16GB, Extreme Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) Memory Card
Reg 29.95 Spec 18.95

SanDisk 32GB, Class 10 Extreme Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) Memory, 45mb/sec
Reg 59.95 spec 37.95

SanDisk 128GB, Extreme SDXC UHS-I Memory Card, 45MBps Read/Write Speeds
Reg 249.95 sale 141.95

I will be receiving the info on tomorrows sale in time to post it very early in the day tomorrow (or late tonight), so everyone will get it.

Check out this landscape photography, seriously...

Not sure exactly how I came across the website of landscape photographer David Herreman, but I am sure glad that I did.

If you don't shoot landscapes it's hard to appreciate just how hard it is, you are presented with this vast expanse with almost zero control.

"Hey you, big oak tree, a little to the right please" just doesn't work.

But when you come across a photographer who does know how to shoot landscapes the results are stunning.

We all have different standards for what makes a good landscape photographer, my standards are pretty simple, "would I hang that on my wall?".

I would gladly hang David Herreman's work on my wall.

I have included four samples of his work here (click on any of them to view larger), and I am sure you will want to see more, so head over to David's website or over to 500px to get an eyeful.

Just sit back and enjoy the scenery.

It's now or never on this memory sale...

I just got an email from Adorama and the memory below is on sale (with free shipping), but the catch is. it's for today (5/8) only.

So here are the options:

SanDisk 16GB Extreme PRO SDHC Memory Card, 95MB Read Speed
Reg 59.95 Spec 44.95

SanDisk 32GB Extreme PRO SDHC Memory Card, 95MB Read Speed
Reg 119.95 Spec 77.95

SanDisk 64GB ExtremePRO SDXC Memory Card, 95MB Read Speed
Reg 239.95 Spec 144.95

So if you are reading this on Wednesday it's probably too late, these prices are good for 5/8 only.

The incredible photographable egg...

At the risk of making it look like I live under a rock, I saw this video for the first time just a few days ago.

I though it was a brilliant and extremely simple (1 egg + 1 light) way to see (and experiment with) how light impacts your subject.

I would make two suggestions (that will make more sense after you watch the video):

1. Once you find a spot where you like your light, bring in a second flashlight and see where the best place to put your fill light.

2. Because an egg is a pretty flat surface (nothing on the subject that would cast a shadow), you might want to consider an artist mannequin which you can get for under $10.


(is it me or does this guy look like he is saying "what' what!")
If you click on the above image it will take you right to this product on Amazon.

Not to fear, the video is less that 4 minutes long, so go ahead, dig in, have some eggs and learn some light.

And speaking of Mark Wallace...

Re-reading yesterdays post reminded me just how good of a photography educational resource Mark Wallace really is and I wanted to follow up yesterdays post with some more links for your to check out.

To start with you can check out Mark's YouTube channel where you'll find over 200 instructional videos, you'll find one at the bottom of this post to "wet your whistle".

Besides the 3 day Speedlight workshop that will be happening the middle of this month, Mark is also heading out on a 7 city tour that will take him from Seattle to Miami.

Each stop will be cover 4 days and each day will have a different topic, Thursday is "Lightroom 4", Friday "digital photography", Saturday "studio lighting for portrait photography", and Sunday "working with speed lights". You can get all the details and register here.

And lastly, be sure to check out Mark's website.

And speaking of Speedlight education...

The good folks over at CreativeLIVE have an upcoming 3 day seminar scheduled for May 18th, 19th, and 20th.

You can watch it live for absolutely free, or pre-purchase all three days worth of videos for just $99.

The workshop is titled "Speedlights 101" and will be talk by Mark Wallace.

I am big fans of both CreativeLIVE AND Mark Wallace.

Just a couple words about both, first Mark, if I had a dollar for every video I watched done (by Mark) I would have a whole bunch of dollars. He is extremely knowledgeable and a great teacher, so you just can't do any better or ask for more than that.

CreativeLIVE puts on some great workshops (all of them free if you watch them live), I know they're great because I have watched many of them live and bought 3 more.

So mark May 18th, 19th, and 20th on your calendar.