Get Lit!

Photo District News provides an interesting summary of data from The Knot to give us a snapshot of current trends in wedding expenses for the United States. For photographers, here is the pertinent data:

$26,984    Average spent on entire wedding Nationally.
$2320       Average spent on photography Nationally.

I'll be busy at WPPI this year. First, Saturday and Sunday I will be one of the print judges for the Weddings categories in the annual 16x20 Awards of Excellence competition. Print judging is open to the public, and I highly recommend it as a learning experience. It's free! Don't linger in the back of the room -- you should sit as close as you can to the where the actual prints are displayed as the projection screen never does it justice.

I am teaching two Master Classes at the January SWPP convention in London. If you are at the convention I hope to see you there!

Found on the terrific Shakodo site is some solid advice from photographer Seth Resnick. There is a lot of great information here, particularly for editorial & commercial shooters. However, I think photographers from all disciplines would do well to read and understand Seth's advice, especially the part concerning business costs. I have edited his list and added some items that are pertinent to my own business, which is primarily wedding- and portrait-based:

Ok, I can't exactly claim this to be a 100% impartial review because I know Amanda; but, she did buy the DVD and then wrote this review without any coercion or remuneration from me. Thanks Amanda!

If you have taken my class or bought the Get Lit DVD, you know I have recommended the Rosco Cinegel Sampler Kit as a good, relatively inexpensive way to get a variety of gels for your speedlights. Well, thanks to David Hobby there is a pack specifically for speedlights, the Rosco Strobist 55-Piece Filter Kit. You get a full set of gels pre-cut and ready for action, including batches of 5 of some of the most common color-correction gels you will need to match light sources; plus a double set of neutral density gels in three strengths; and finally a sampling of several other colors that might be useful for effects or weird correction situations.

You can also get this handy Lumiquest Compact Gel Holder, either by itself or from B&H as a kit (holder + gels).

Now, I still think the regular Rosco Cinegel Sampler Kit is a good value because for $35 you get 10"x12" sheets of the stuff that you can cut to your needs (got an Alien Bee in your kit?). If you would like to explore gel options a little more, you can get the Rosco Cinegel Swatchbook to see what is out there.

If you're like me, you get home from WPPI or PPA with a head full of ideas. Trouble is, the ideas are scribbled on those little pads of paper the hotel gives you, and you have a whole pile of them. Unless you're the guy taking flash pictures of the projection screen during the lectures -- I hate you!

Anyway, here's a hot tip: get a Brain! Already have one? Well we could all use a little help now and then. I found this free software program called the Personal Brain that allows you to enter your ideas using a visual format. Perfect for photographers! Like any new software you try, it takes a little getting used to, but really it is pretty intuitive.

So before you lose all those little scraps of paper and forget all the cool ideas you had, jot them down in the Brain (or some other planning solution of your choice). Then make an implementation plan and track your progress.

The Brain is available for Mac, PC and Linux (what?). They have a lot of videos and webinars and stuff because they would like you to upgrade to the pro version. BUT, the free version is totally free without limits. I like it so much that I am going to upgrade to the pro version.

PRINT JUDGING: WPPI 16x20 Awards of Excellence
I am a print judge this year in one of the two "wedding" rooms. I've been involved with the 16x20 competition for several years now, and it is a great experience. It has been an invaluable learning experience and is something I look forward to every year. So if you get the chance, please come by and check it out (begins at 8am Saturday and Sunday only).

WPPI Master Class (Las Vegas 2010)
GET LIT: Big Light with Small Flashes
Tuesday 3/09 Time: 3:30pm to 5:30pm
Room #205

SOLD OUT! Thanks everyone!

Program Description:
Working on location with available light can often be a creative
challenge. Learn how to take control of the light and unlock your
artistic vision. With a few small wireless camera flashes you can
turn crap light into stunning, dramatic, awe-inspiring light. No
lighting experience? Don't worry; it's not that hard. Nick will
share lighting secrets that have defined his cutting-edge style