Mike and I chat about the world of technology as it relates to getting the best images from your camera. As a Lumix Luminary, I get access to new cameras and the opportunity to try out lots of new gear. The beginning of the show we talk about Professional Photographers of America’s (PPA) International Photographic Competition (IPC). I was an entrant and didn’t do too bad. (recent IPC posts on Successful-Photographer here)
Tech Talk – There is International Photographic Competition chat until about 10:45 then we move on to Lumix Cameras and quality along with new tech moving into the world of Micro 4/3rds cameras.
Imagine my surprise when I opened up the Larson Newspapers Reader’s Choice supplement that appeared in my mailbox last week. I went through to see who was chosen by Sedona and the Verde Valley.
And, there I found my name under the title photographer.
Larson Newpapers, Inc. Readers’ Choice Award for Sedona – Bob Coates for Photography
Thank you. It’s appreciated Sedona! Please let me know how I might be of service in the future. Call, Email, or give me a shout when you see me on the street, in the bar or anywhere in town.
Angela came to my attention as a recommendation* from a past featured artist, Heather Michelle Chinn. When I went to look at Angela’s work on her website I was immediately taken with more the painting techniques. Entranced by the pure emotion, I saw coming through in her work got me to get in touch with an invite to the blog.
‘Words of Painterly Wisdom’
The only words of wisdom I have is LEARN, LEARN, LEARN.
Seek out someone, or couple people, whose work you appreciate and ask them to help you develop your own vision through the skills they have and can pass on to you. I spent time with some fabulous digital painters, Mona Sadler – Coastal Pet Portraits and Heather Chinn – Heather the Painter, who were gracious enough to help me begin and develop the skills needed to be able to create merited work. I had merited images at IPC within a year of learning to digitally paint.
Nothing replaces one-on-one teaching. I also suggest bringing as many of your ideas and vision to the “teachers” so they can help YOU create YOUR OWN style and art pieces. Tear out images in magazines you love. Hang them on your wall and start to see the similarities in the work to which you are attracted. This can help you notice a style and assist the mentor to guide you in the skills needed.
I always knew I wanted to create portraits that went beyond a straight photograph. I don’t think I’m fully at my potential, but am thoroughly enjoying the process of getting there, thanks to the help of some giving teachers. I will be forever grateful to them. I remember I got teary-eyed with appreciation after my first lesson with Mona, who taught me basics to get started using Photoshop for digital painting. Heather helped me bring my vision of hand-tinted and styled headshots to life which has brought me clients that I would not otherwise have had along with some excellent sales. These images are sold and marketed under the banner Heirloom Petite Portrait www.HeirloomPetitePortrait.com
Don’t be afraid to ask that special artist to help you develop your work.
www.abphotography.info Angela’s main website www.HeirloomPetitePortrait.com (my website for the Heirloom Petite Portraits)
Angela Blankenship
Bio…
Energetic and driven are words that describe Angela. With five kids, 20 years as a full-time psychology professor, Certified Professional Photographer and a Master Photographer degree which was earned in four years, Angela is definitely focused. Angela owns AB Photography, a portrait studio established in 2008. Currently located on the main street of quaint downtown Nashville, NC. She is dedicated to creating classic children’s portraiture.
Solid entertainer. Stage presence. Beautiful voice. Guitar licks that take you down with the blues our make you soar with riffs that just kicks a**! Add to that two super-pro backup musicians on bass and drums and the evening is made!
I normally don’t post images of performers from Sounds Bites Grill shows until I have the artwork completed for the ‘Wall of Fame.’ But, add to the fact I so enjoyed Jackie’s performance and she is so photogenic I had to slip a couple in for a ‘sneak peek.’
Jackie Venson – Captured with Lumix GH4 and 35-100mm f2.8 Lumix Vario lens SOOC
Jackie with Alán Uribe on bass/backvox and Rodney Hyder on drums. Captured with the Lumix GX8 and the 12-35mm f2.8 Lumix Vario lens
Jackie breakin’ out of the blues.
If you want some more info on this talented artist check out Jackie’ website. Stand by for the art image coming soon.
Yours in Creative Photography, Bob
PS – Can’t wait ’til Jackie comes back to Sedona! I wanna be in the house for that!
Reaching out to other arts for quotes is a way to keep from becoming inbred in my thinking. If I were only to search for artistic inspiration from other photographers, I believe there would be a large hole in our education moving forward. Today’s quote is from Ralph Waldo Emerson who is best known, by me, as a poet. But he was also an essayist and lecturer focused on individuality and freedom.
I love the thought he expressed here.
“The earth laughs in flowers.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
These five words make me think of the earth and flowers in such a different manner, You wouldn’t think that such a few number of words could open a huge number of thoughts within the brain. Maybe it doesn’t do it for you. Let me know. These words tickle my fancy and make me want to create images in a slightly different manner.
‘Iris’ – Accepted into the Professional Photographer of America Loan Collection in 2014
It’s wonderful to grab inspiration from many different places.
from where are you currently drawing your inspiration?
For infrared conversion of my cameras I use LifePixel. Infrared allows you to put an older camera to use and opens up a new time time of day for productive image creation.
Fotopro tripods are well worth checking out. You can learn about the ones I use and recommend by clicking on the Fotopro Tripods link at the top of this page. If you want to see what other tripods might fit your needs check out the Fotopro.com website. Check back with me before you buy as a Fotopro Ambassador I’m able to get you discounted pricing including complementary continental USA shipping for my followers that you won’t find through retail outlets.
Learn Photoshop in a fun environment. Aaron Nace applies the right amount of fun with easy to understand and follow tutorials. Actions and brushes are included with lessons!
Lightning, waterdroplets, sound, time-lapse, HDR sequences, smiles and much more control for your camera!
Cameras Get Smarter -
A High Speed Smart Camera Remote
Best embroidery ever. Give Queensboro a try, get a $20 instant credit to get started by clicking on the logo! They specialize in great quality custom logo apparel and promotional products with the best customer service.
Platypod has become a great resource for being creative in getting your camera gear easily into unusual places. As an Platypod Pro I get to work/play with the gear even before it comes out. Head over to Platypod, subscribe to the newsletter and you will get special discounts reserved only for subscribers.
