Shooting very cool weddings...

I started shooting weddings with Stacey Kane a few years back because I was brave enough to ask. We met at a gathering of wedding photographers and I was thrilled to be introduced to her as Stacey was "Somebody" in the wedding industry.

So one day I drew up the courage and asked if I could second shoot just one wedding with her, I would be her equipment Sherpa, lug water, or whatever she asked, I just wanted to be able to watch her shoot a wedding. Because I'd seen her images and slideshows and really wanted to see how she shot because I don't think anybody tells the story of a wedding day better than her (insert big butt kissing sound here).

:)

Well, she thought I didn't suck as a water lugger so I have been shooting weddings with her ever since.

One of the cool things about working with Stacey is we get to shoot high end, luxurious weddings and (on occasion) the weddings celebrities (the first question from my daughters when I get home is "who was there?" followed by "did you get any pictures of them?").

So the food, the venue, the entertainment is as good as it gets, but because of who these people are, we are often contractually obligated due to non-disclosure clauses not talk about or show images from these weddings.

But I can share a few images from the wedding from last weekend.

The wedding was set on the coast of Maine and as usual, everything was top notch, but during the dinner there was some "buzz" about a surprise.

As we moved from the dining to the entertainment tent we were greeted by none other than Lionel Richie. Yes, I know, by knowing who he his and enjoying his music it makes me old, but I'm okay with that. And yes, having Lionel Richie stare at me as I photographed him was kinda cool.

Dancing your first dance as husband and wife to"Stuck on You" performed on piano by Lionel Richie himself....WOW!

So while Stacey is in the the front of the stage photographing the dancing my job is to shoot things from a different angle.

As I am photographing I see Lionel reach into the crowd and pull up none other than Stacey herself to the stage! She's shooting the crowd, shooting him, having a great time. I am to the side firing like crazy thinking to myself "please be in focus, please be in focus".

And I find out after the fact Stacey is thinking "Scott better be getting this, he better be getting this!".

After Lionel finished his concert the guests were escorted ocean side for a spectacular fireworks display while the next band set up, preparing for the dancing portion of the evening.

It was a looooong day, but I wouldn't have missed it for anything.

More great images from our readers...

Here are some more great images that our readers (and listeners) have uploaded to our Flickr group.

None of these images needs comment on as they are stunning and speak for themselves, that being said, the very last image ("Lock The Bridge") has a great background story and you can read it here.

3 shoe flash mounting bracket for under $10...

Here is a pretty cool, compact, cast aluminum triple mount cold shoe flash bracket that is just $9.99 (includes free shipping).

It includes a shoe mount but it can easily be removed and mounted with/via a stud (you can find a set of 2 stud adaptors here for $5.25, also with free shipping).

One of the things I really like about this is the large thumb screws, they make for easier mounting (and less cursing).

Episode 10 - Our interview with photographer Michael Clark...

Here are the show notes from our conversation with my new photography crush, action, adventure, and sports photographer Michael Clark.

How this all got started was because Peachpit was kind enough to send us his latest book, Exposed: Inside the Life and Images of a Pro Photographer, for review and the admiration started there.

And as I learned more about the type of photography he does and the stunning images he captures I was hooked. There will be more images in this post than we have ever included before, because I just couldn't narrow it down any further than this, so check these out.

We talked about one of his portfolio images and how it was lit:

 

Base jumping (pure insanity):

Surfing:

 

Outdoors:

And the Patagonian Expedition Race:

Now there are important links you will want to check out, like his website and his blog.

Michael writes a newsletter 3-4 times a year, that really should be called a magazine, its full of reviews, tips, tricks, and still more of his work.

And of course there are his books.

Take a peak inside his camera bag, not only will you see the gear he shoots with, you'll be able to read reviews on all of the equipment as well, it might help you in purchasing the special piece of equipment you've been looking for.

If you are interested in attending a Michael Clark workshop (and who wouldn't be) he has two this August (in Maine Michael will be teaching on the subject of Adventure Photography and Chicago will be a Mentor Series Photo Trek), you can also find him in Santa Fe in October (another Photo Trek, this one of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta), and you can shoot surfing with him (and Brian Bielmann) at Turtle Bay Hilton Resort, Oahu North Shore, Hawaii.

You can find the details for all these workshops right here.

Should consider these or any other workshops be sure to read the article Michael wrote that covers how to choose a workshop and what our responsibilities as attendees are in preparing for a workshop, he provides great insight and it will help everyone get the most for their money and their time.

I feel fortunate to have "discovered" Michael Clark and want to make sure others do so as well, because he has so much to offer.

Enjoy everyone.

Feel free to listen to the podcast right here, or head over to The Photography Podcast and check out this and all the other shows.

Images of/from Italy...

There are a few of our blog readers who are traveling and have been kind enough to post some of there (outstanding) travel images on the Weekly Photo Tips Flickr Group.

Today we are going to Italy with (Flickr name) D2.

Be sure to check out his photo stream for more of his images from Italy, you will not be disappointed.

These images make me want to get on the next plane.

(click on any image to view larger)

Photoshop CS6 resources, for learning & buying...

If you have Adobe Photoshop CS6 (or are considering making the purchase) and you want to get up to speed with it (or just want to know what's new and different before you buy) we have a few resources here for you today.

1. The Photoshop CS6 Launch Center from Scott Kelby/NAPP

2.Understanding Photoshop from Richard Harrington

3. The Adobe Creative Suite Podcast from Terry White

4. Photoshop Killer Tips with Mat Kloskowski

5.Photoshop for Digital Photographers

6. Photoshop User TV

7.25 Best Photoshop CS6 Tutorials from Smashing HUB

8.20+ Creative Adobe Photoshop CS6 Tutorials from PixelPetal

9.Photoshop CS6 Tutorials: 30+ New Tips And Tricks from Designrfix

10.Photoshop CS6 for Photographers with Chris Orwig

Now, if you have not yet made the investment there is a less expensive option for you, the catch is, you need to have either a student or a teacher in your house.

Journey ED is an academic software seller and you can save about 75% on the full version of Adobe Photoshop CS6 software (not upgrades).

Here are two options:

Adobe Photoshop CS6 Extended (Windows and Mac) is just $248.

Adobe Creative Suite 6 Production Premium (Windows and Mac), which includes Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, Audition, Illustrator, Flash, and more is only $448.

Flashes of Hope, important photography...

I just happened to be watching the news over the weekend (something I usually avoid and I'll spare you the reasons why), and this story came on... I was riveted.

And moved.

So much so that as soon as it was over I went to their website and signed up to offer my services.

Their website says it far better than I could:

"Flashes of Hope is a nonprofit organization that changes the way children with cancer and other life threatening illnesses see themselves through the gift of photography and raises money for pediatric cancer research.

The portraits, taken by award-winning photographers, help children feel better about their changing appearance by celebrating it. For families of terminally ill children, it's especially important to have a portrait that preserves forever the beauty, grace and dignity of their child.

Our goal is to photograph every child until every child is cured."

If you would share this post, and most importantly the work being done by Flashes of Hope I would be forever greatful.