Grand Landscapes Collection opening

A photo from last nights private reception for both Amy Thornton and myself, at the Art Emporium.
Amy was showing her fine art Equine photographs and I was showing fine art landscapes.

We had a large turnout, made new friends ( and hopefully collectors!)

The show will be on display until the end of September and is located on the corner of Quarrier and Hale Streets in downtown Charleston.

Charleston Photowalk Winner!!!

Better Days
Originally uploaded by capn madd matt

Congratulations goes to Capn Mad Matt for his winning photograph "better Days"
He will recieve a copy of Scott Kelbys new book "The Lightroom 2 Book for Digital Photographers" !
Matt says:
I had a fun morning meeting and walking through the streets of Charleston, West Virginia for Scott Kelby's Worldwide Photowalk. We were 50 strong and the only WV city representing...there were over 7000 worldwide participants. You can see some the photos from the day here.

Same city ; Different view.....

WOW! I am blown away by the creativity shown by my Worldwide Photowalk group here in Charleston WV!
I've tried not to look too much since I have to pick a winner for Scott Kelby's new book "The Lightroom 2 Book for Digital Photographers" , but as I allow members to post their images to the site ( I'm the moderator of the group, as well as the citywalk leader ) I can't help but be pulled in and have a look at some really striking photos!
If you have a few moments- why don't you take a look!
CLICK HERE TO SEE IMAGES
Anyone can look at our work, but only members can post

Worldwide Photowalk- Charleston WV Group

Well, the WorldWide Photowalk in Charleston WV is over- What a day!
the Newspaper article that ran in the Daily Mail came out the day before the walk ( the interview happened two weeks ago) and we had more than 50 "Photowalkers" show up. Everyone was in great spirits and no one seemed to mind the "xtras". ( I was happy to see how HUGE the walk was going to be in town...)
ANyway- we all posed for this group shot before we got started ( Thanks to Traci higginbotham for the photo- I'm in the front row in the Orange shirt and hat)
I want to thank everyone who came out- I've gotten lots of comments about how everyone enjoyed themselves and had a good time, everyone came away with a new appreciation of our fair city, there are a few people starting up local photowalks in THEIR neighborhoods now, etc....
I have to say- This was a resounding success!
And just a reminder to all the registered Charleston Photowalk participants- you must upload your photos to the Charleston photowalk flickr page by midnight on Tuesday, August 26th 2008 to be considered for both the city and grand prizes.
See you there!!!

Worldwide Photowalk Newspaper Article

Just got todays "Daily Mail" here in Charleston WV; and the interview I did Two weeks ago showed up today!
This Worldwide Photowalk event is going to be AWSOME!
Charleston WV is full, which makes me happy to know there is so much interest in the photography community around here!
Here, take a look:
Charleston Daily Mail

Long lost brother........

.........Or kindred spirit?
You guys have to check out this Blog/article. Pixelated Image by David duChemin.
I ran across him when I was writing some articles for the Lexar media site- enjoyed his stuff when he "joined up"with Lexar and have kept an eye on him from there.
If you've ever looked up to a photographer and wondered "what's their secret?" the truth is- there is no secret- just passion for what you do above all else ( well, ALMOST all else....faith and family should be in there somewhere....) but you get the idea!
ANYWAY; Davids blog is right on target with how I feel about it- so read more here.

The Worldwide Photowalk is almost here!

Hey Gang- The Scott Kelby Worldwide photowalk is almost here- if you haven't signed up, here's the link:
http://www.photoshopuser.com/photowalk/index.html
Just pick a city near you- and go.do.be!
I've been interviewed on V100 radio last week, did an interview for the Charleston Daily Mail ( should be out this week...) I gotta say, there is a lot of interest around town as to what we'll be up to- and what we'll come up with........
I've been downtown scouting some spots for the walk that I'm sure you are gonna love to photograph!
I'll be contacting everyone who signed up for the walk via email prior to this Sat. , sort of a "last minute" call to the troops-
Can't wait to see everybody there!

Scott kelby's Worldwide Photowalk: Charleston WV

I've got some exciting news about an upcoming event happening on August 23rd called "Scott Kelby's Worldwide Photowalk!

For two hours, along with 117 other cities ( I think that was the last total) all around the globe, photographers will be gathering for Two hours to take photographs of their respective "home towns".

Whether you're a professional, amatuer, or hobbiest- everyone is welcome regardless of skill level. The point of all this is just to have fun!

I will be hosting the WWPW for the Charleston WV area. If you'd like to join me, here is the link to sign up ( yes, you have to sign up-sapce is limited to just 50 people!- and it's FREE!)

All the information on the event and more are just a click away....

http://www.photoshopuser.com/photowalk/city/charleston-west-virginia.html

Hope to see you there

Here there be Dragons....

This was on a Spanish style house on the Blvd. in Charleston WV, holding a porch light. I didn't expect to see a "dragon" holding the light on the wall- I like it!

Fort Hill Overlook

Anyone who lives or travels around Charleston, WV will recognize the bridge or the overlook; or both.
I've taken ( and seen photos taken ) at dusk, night, day, etc...but I hadn't seen any right at sunset before- I thought this was really beautiful the way the light played out on the city.
The small post size doesn't do the image any justice- it really looks good full size.....

At what cost?

I usually don't "mirror" what my other blog says- but this is important ( at least to me...)
I ran across this post from Matt Brown today-Free Is Killing Me- If you really want to know the cost of "free photography" here it is...
People are not entitled to use your vision and experience without compensation unless you yourself think YOUR work has no value! If that is the case; Keep in mind you are hurting those who do...

Another image ( or two)

Here are a couple of flowers for Monday....

One of my favorites...

Don't ask me why- but this is one of MY favorite images from the "Pittsburgh Project" The fish was a bit of grafitti on a wall near a bench overlooking the city; I "brushed" a few things on the photo ( in photoshop of course) and really liked it. I have no idea what it's supposed to represent- but it looks like some kind of idol- a "Fish Spirit" of some sort....

Camera Hound

It's been a while, but here's that wonderful dog of mine- Chico!
I picked up a new studio light while in Pittsburgh , needed to test it out, and Chico came strolling thru the living room at just the right ( wrong?) time- poor thing will probably see blue spots for a week!

Old Train Station

I was doing a bit of mentoring with a fellow photographer this weekend, and one of the locations we went to was an old train station near Gauley Bridge in WV.
It's been abandoned for a long time and I wouldn't recomend going in- but here's a view from one of the open doors.
I always wonder what places were like when they were new, or at their peak of operations, becuase you just know there was a lot of activity here at one time!

Professional Photographers of Ohio Convention

Dayton Convention Center

PPS Trade Show Booth

Just back from the Professional Photographers of Ohio's annual convention and tradeshow- the weather was great, which made for a good event.

I'd like to give a "shout out" to David Ziser, photographer extraordinaire! I recognized him and his lovely wife LaDawn from his blog at Digital Pro Talk and went to say "HI"

He laughed and was excited to know I was a "dailey reader" of his blog and was happy to meet with me. A very courteous and humble man ( as well as telented) LaDawn as gracious as she was beautiful- they are quite the pair!

we had a good laugh at his "celebrity status" and went on our way. But it was nice to know the ground touched his feet just the same as everybody elses; and he was aware of that too.

I'll be posting a few more photos from this weekend in the next few days, so check back in!

Fuji Masterpeice Award

My print case just made it back from the Professional Photographers of West Virginia's 75th annual convention and print competition - I am pleased to announce that I have received a Fujifilm Masterpiece trophy and a Judges Choice award for my image "Goodnight-Sun"

The Moment it clicks...

Joe McNally's new book: the moment it clicks

Well, if you're a photographer, a wannabe photographer, or someone who's ever wanted to hold a camera; this book's for you.

I'm sure there will be posts galore saying wonderful things about it, and what can I possibly say that won't be said already?

fair enough- just read on anyway....

1) I just got my book yesterday and was up til midnight reading it.

2) I'm getting ready to start work today and wish I could re-read it!

That alone says it's a successful idea or book to me; when I can't shake it out of my mind.

Here's how it works:

Joe has an image that you've probably seen in a magazine or print somewhere that just blows your mind. On the next page next to it is the thought process of WHY he took the shot the way he did, and then a quote or thought that becomes the highlight ( notice I didn't say lesson ) or parable to the story-= in short the POINT behind the story AND the shot.

And you know what? the reason I'm not going to quote an exerpt from the book on my post? He says it much better than me!

I'm not going to say go out and buy the book ( RUN and buy the book- borow a copy- but not mine) because this book makes sense; commom sense at that - and it changes your perspective on photography while allowing you to keep your style.

There are plenty of books out there that we use as manuals, that tell us step by step HOW to do something; there are very few books out there that help us THINK for ourselves by example.

In short- this book makes a difference- It may well define a photographers mind.