Review of new Scott Kelby DVD...

There is a bunch of stuff to love about Scott Kelby's latest DVD offering "Photo Recipes Live: Behind the Scenes" before you ever dig into the content.

First, Price. The DVD has a retail price of $44.95, but if you enter coupon code "KELBYPREMIERE" during checkout it will be yours for just $29.25. In this economy affordability is important.

Second, content. The DVD spends over 2 hours covering 16 individual photo shoots from portraits, food photography, and product shots all under a variety of lighting scenarios. The DVD also comes with an iPod version so you can take it with you wherever you go. Want more? It includes a 75 page book that has additional and behind the scenes information for each of the 16 lessons. I'm not sure there is anyone who puts as much thought into what they provide to photographers than Scott.

Third, more content. You can get "Photo Recipes Live: Behind the Scenes" in either a DVD or online video format (if you purchase the online version you can download the 75 page book). The above mentioned discount code will work on either.

Finally, the good stuff. What I really like about the lessons is that Scott gives you a real photo shoot, starting at the very beginning when you bring your subject into the scene and walks us through to the finished shot. Have you ever watched an instructional video and while you completely understand what they did, you didn't know why they did it that way? Scott not only covers what works, he explores with us what doesn't work as well which (I think) is an important part of how you learn.

I can ramble on about what is so good about this DVD but wouldn't watching it be even better? Here comes the crazy part, you can watch the first five "recipes" in their entirety below. Yup, almost 50 minutes of what is on the DVD. I told you it was crazy.

The lessons in the video below are the Window Light Portrait, Couples Portrait, 3 Light Setup, Clamshell Lighting part 1, and Clamshell Lighting part 2.

So I guess the only question is not if you should buy it, but can you order it before it sells out.

If you are a subscriber you know video is not pushed through so either return to the blog or head over to Peachpit to watch the video.

Free Webinar with David Ziser...

On Wednesday March 3rd David Ziser will be presenting a free 90 minute lighting and wedding webinar "Captured By The Light"

Some of the topics to be covered by David will include:

• on-location lighting setups

• posing

• lens selections

• off camera flash

... and more.

David Ziser is an incredible photographer and teacher so you really do not want to miss out on this educational opportunity.

The seminar will be starting at 3pm EST and you'll find the registration page here.

WEDDING DRESS WEDNESDAY

Introducing Viva's newest monthly blog post - Wedding Dress Wednesday! Once a month Viva will feature a new wedding dress we've fallen head over heals in love with.

This month's Wedding Dress Wednesday features Sunday Rose from designer Monique Lhuillier's Spring Collection 2010. At $9500.00USD this ivory silk satin organza strapless gown with pleated bodice and rose embroidered A-line skirt provides the wow factor you're looking for on your special day.

In Monique's words: "One of my favorite gowns is Sunday Rose from my Spring 2010 collection. It is inspired by the use of lightweight fabrics that create a soft and ethereal feel. Each organza rose is cut individually using couture techniques. The fabrics used in this gown are of the best quality and the construction is contoured to create a very feminine silhouette. It makes for a heart stopping entrance on any bride's big day!"

Wear your hair up and simple pearl earrings for a classic look. For a more romantic look opt to wear chandelier earrings and tousled hair as pictured here.

Monique Lhuillier's signature style has made her one of the most sought after designers to the stars. Heidi Montag, Jewel, Ashlee Simpson, Pink, Alicia Silverstone, and Britney Spears are just a few well know celebs who wore Monique Lhuillier on their wedding day.

WEDDING TEMPLATES BY GOOGLE DOCS

Earlier this month Google Docs launched a collection of templates geared exclusively towards the bride & groom and their adventures in wedding planning. With these little gems you can now plan your entire wedding in one organized place. It’s wedding planning genius!!

Almost time to send out your invites? Dreading the hours you'll have to spend collecting and compiling all those addresses in order to get them out in time? Here is just one of many ways Google Docs can help.

Wedding Templates by Google Docs. Happy Planning!!

Flash/umbrella bracket product review...

In this video I talk about a flash/umbrella bracket that I did not purchase with the intension of reviewing, but after receiving (and using) it I wanted to share my thoughts about it.

Towards the end of the video I'll also share with you a different way to use it to help in feathering your light.

If you are interesting in purchasing one (or more) of these brackets you can get them for just $16.25 over at Adorama.

And for subscribers (as usual), videos do not get pushed through in your email so you'll need to come back to Weekly Photo Tips or head directly over to YouTube to watch it.

If there is a product you would like to learn more about, drop us an email and we'll do our best to review it for you.

Thank you Doug...

A couple weeks ago we featured UK photographer Doug Chinnery.

What I am holding in my hands is a little somethin' somethin' from Doug.

My wife and daughters have seen a bunch of photography/photographers and are not easily impressed but when I pulled this canvas from the box the word I heard was "wow".

I need more walls because there are a bunch of Doug Chinnery photographs I would love to hang in my house.

Be sure to stop by his website and take a look at his work, if you are from the UK you will want to look at his workshops as well.

D'oh!...

When I announced the Joel Grimes workshop I gave you the wrong dates.

The 2 day workshop will be held Saturday and Sunday April 17th and 18th (NOT the 16th & 17th). I have fixed the post but wanted to announce it as well.

Thanks to all the folks who emailed me to let me know the err of my ways.

Hope to see you there.