Archive for » 2010 «

MCP Actions a great Photoshop and Photoshop Elements Resource

Ok, so here’s the skinny on how I can quickly get pictures turned around for web and initial customer review. Actions. Actions are automatic functions in Photoshop that perform editing steps all by themselves. It’s Magic!

No, it’s MCP Actions.  Jodi, over at MCP Actions has put together quite a portfolio of actions every photographer from novice to professional will find very useful. Some are free… who doesn’t love free? … some are not, but all are worth your time to check them out.

To make things better, MCP Actions is running a contest right now for a $500 shopping spree at Adorama.com. Yes, this is a shameless plug for the contest in the hopes that I’ll win, but I’m also a user of MCP Actions and it’s about time I take a moment to recommend them.

Olympia Toy Run, 2010

Since 2006 I’ve participated in the Olympia Toy Run. It’s a great event bringing together 12,000 plus motorcyclists to donate toys and cash to the Salvation Army for distribution to kids as Christmas Presents in the region.

Last year my whole family enjoyed the event but due to Nut Cracker ballet and Church Choir rehearsals only myself and my amazing boy Brandon enjoyed it.

Our 7:30 AM departure welcomed us with clear skies and a temperature just above freezing. We met Erling Selsted, Teal Van Kirk and Dean Hoopes for breakfast at a local diner then made our way to the event. Parking at the diner was a bit of an adventure as there was still some black ice on the pavement but we managed without dropping the bike. I took some photos at the event which you can view within my Facebook Photo album. Motorcycle Stuff.

As usual the Seattle Cossacks Stunt Team performed as did the Tenino Drill Team.

Seattle Cossacks "Flower"

Seattle Cossacks "Flower", five guys on one vintage Harley.

I mounted a standard definition Flip Video recorder on my bike for the ride this year. Bummer that it slipped a bit and the image went a bit off-kilter. Regardless, it’s cool to see the ride from the perspective of my handle bars. Hope you enjoy it.

Fast Glass

I love fast glass, wish I had the resources for lots of it. This article from B&H Photo Video Pro Audio explains a great deal about why it’s an important tool for every photographer.

http://photography.bhinsights.com/content/fast-glass.html/?BI=7232&kw=PTFastGlass

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Abandoned Six Flags Video

This is crazy cool. Wish I could go and shoot stills.

Amazing Snowflake Photos

I find these photos astounding. First, the intricate designs created to reveal the Glory of God. Simply incredible. Second, the scientific techniques used to photograph them after painstaking collection and preservation is off the hook! Yup, I said it.. off the hook. Can a 43 year old photographer actually use that phrase?

MSNBC reports the Caltech Scientist, Kenneth G. Libbrecht, who took the photos is due in Stockholm next week to receive an award for his efforts.

Wanna see more? Here’s a link to Libbrechts galleries hosted by Caltech at SnowCrystals.com

Six Flags Magic Mountain: Roller Coaster Mecca

Magic Mountain has long been my favorite park simply because of the large number of roller coasters. Just announced: In 2011 it is getting better. Check out this cool video from Six Flags to see how.

“The Taxman Cometh”

I’ve never posted a political piece on this blog and while some may disagree I don’t think this is a political piece as much as it is a financial piece. There is a definite “Conservative” slant to this video most of which I’m in agreement with. Regardless of the perspective, I feel this is much needed information that many US Citizens are just not aware of.

On January 1st a great number of tax breaks allowed under previous Administrations will expire. The cumulative effect of this defacto tax increase could likely cripple our barely breathing economy. Can it be stopped? Yes! However, leadership in Washington must act as soon as the elections are over. Democrats in power or Democrats in a lame-duck session will be the ones that must make this happen as anyone newly ellected to Congress won’t be seated until the new year; after the taxes are in effect. Can Congress in the new year repeal? Possibly. It depends on if they are motivated to do so and if President Obama won’t use veto power.

I’m calling on all U.S. Citizens to contact both their Senator and Representatives to ask them to “Not let tax cuts expire”. If they do expire, 2011 will likely be a very rough economic year for everyone.

Experts Say ‘The Big One’ Will Be Even Bigger « CBS Los Angeles- News, Sports, Weather, Traffic and the Best of LA

Too bad we can’t predict these like we can hurricanes. It would be amazing to rig some sort of protective shelter and shoot photos while a massive earthquake takes place.

Experts Say ‘The Big One’ Will Be Even Bigger « CBS Los Angeles- News, Sports, Weather, Traffic and the Best of LA.

Category: General  Leave a Comment
Dance This Dance

This is story of many lives… if it isn’t your’s it can be. He’s fighting to get you back.

Soft Light/Picture Control | Pioneer Woman Photography | Ree Drummond

A few months ago a friend put me onto The Pioneer Woman Photography website. It’s good down home photography advice for the average person. Lots of helpful tips, tricks, and ideas.

Today she’s posted an article on Soft Light/Picture control from a frequent contributor Miz Booshay. It’s a fast read but is quite helpful. Check it out! The link is below.

Soft Light/Picture Control | Pioneer Woman Photography | Ree Drummond.