Senior portraits...

Here are some senior portraits we shot of Andy outside the old factory complex where our studio is located. I swear we could shoot here for quite some time before we exhausted all of cool features, and that's just on the outside.

Lighting was simple, it was a single Nikon SB-800 in an 18 inch square softbox mounted on a painters pole using a Kasey Pole Adapter, held about three feet above and in front of our subject.

You can see the Kasey Pole Adapter in use here and purchase it over at Flash Zebra for $19.

(clicking on any image will open it larger and in a new window)

Thank you!...

Scott Kelby was here last week and was kind enough to show some of the images we shot and provide a link back to Weekly Photo Tips.

Because of that link we have seen a bazillion new visitors and many of them have left kind words and compliments about our humble offering.

I sit here in the early morning in my jammy pants writing posts and though I see the stats that show lots of good are people visiting, at times it all seems quite distant, even sterile.

But when folks take the time to leave generious words of praise it makes me realize that there are real people out there (maybe in their jammy pants) appreciating our efforts here at Weekly Photo Tips.

I wanted you to know it meant something to me... and to say thank you.

We have some cool videos, tips, and product reviews in the works (including more on the visit of Scott Kelby) so be sure to come back.

SAY CHEESE!!

Candy buffets, dessert buffets, and the list goes on. While these buffets are all the rage right now lets face it, not everyone has a sweet tooth. We just love this twist on the sweet buffet and couldn't resist posting images of it for you all to see.

This amazing cheese buffet table was created by Sunday Suppers for Martha Stewart's Wedding Blog: The Bride's Guide With Darcy Miller. While the cheese looks amazing on its own, displaying french baguettes, pears, and honey add the perfect amount of colour and shape to the table - not to mention they all help to highlight and compliment the taste of the cheese.

Looking for something different to serve your guests late night? A little cheese sounds good to me!

Feathering the light from your softbox...

Feathering the light that comes from your softbox is a very important tool/technique and as photographers we need to know how to do it.

So here are a few articles that will show you how:

From Strobist - Feathering a softbox

A PDF - Feathering is ticklish business

Amherst Media - Feathering

Digital Artform - Feathered light from a grid (be warned this article has some mannequin nudity)

;)

THE BRIDE WORE VERA

In the past few months we've seen many high profile weddings in which the brides chose Vera Wang to design their stunning gowns. Chelsea Clinton wore Vera when she married investment banker Marc Mezvinsky on July 31 2010. Alicia Keys married producer/rapper Swizz Beatz (aka Kasseem Dean) that very same weekend and looked stunning in Vera as well. Other famous Vera brides include Avril Lavigne, Alyssa Milano, Kloe Kardashian and Ivanka Trump.

A native New Yorker who spent her career at the forefront of fashion, Vera Wang began a sweeping makeover of the bridal industry in 1990 with the opening of her flagship salon at the Carlyle Hotel in New York City. Today the salon continues to showcase her collections known for sophisticated drama, feminine detailing and a modern approach to bridal design.

Hilary Duff is the latest lucky lady to wear Vera on her wedding day. Hilary and former Ottawa Senators hockey player Mike Comrie tied the knot on August 14th 2010 at a private 1920s estate in Santa Barbara California. Surrounded by a canopy of flowers, Hilary and Mike exchanged vows at sunset as the bride's sister, maid of honor Haylie Duff, and 100 of the couple's family members and closest friends watched.

When it came to what to wear for the most important event in her life (so far), Hilary had a clear idea of her dream gown. "I really wanted something that was deconstructed, not perfect and prim and proper." Vera Wang ran with the idea, creating a breathtakingly romantic, blush silk tulle and organza mermaid look, adorned with giant blossoms made specially for her famous client. "This was the perfect dress for Hilary - fragile, youthful, sexy garden party." explains Vera, who worked directly with Hilary on the design.

Dying to learn more about Hilary and Mikes wedding? You should be! With Mindy Weiss as their wedding planner, it isn't anything less than spectacular! Check out the latest issue of OK Magazine on newstands August 30 2010 for all the details and photos of their big day!!

Scott Kelby contest reminder....

Just a reminder that anyone who writes a comment on any blog post by August 31st is in the running to win the Scott Kelby DVD (and workbook) "Photo Recipes Live: Behind the Scenes".

More details can be found on the original post.

Good luck to all.

Slideshow Pro for Lightroom...

Back in 2008 we reviewed Slideshow Pro for Lightroom, we liked it then and like it even more now.

It's inexpensive ($35), easy to use, extremely customizable, and will give you professional looking presentations that will show off your images in their best possible light.

So go check out how you can achieve total image control with Slideshow Pro.

Use this link to see the incredible ways folks have used Slideshow Pro, you will find Loren Hayes and fellow Mainer Charles Adams among these outstanding sites.

I am not including any samples of the things I've done with Slideshow Pro as they'd look like a booger compared to this fine work.

;)

One of my favorites is model Cristina, her gallery is unique and could not be easier to for visitors to use.