What an entertainer with solid stage presence. Marley Taylor really rocked the house at Sound Bites Grill last Friday night. She was there with her Marley Taylor Trio. Marley, originally from Pittsburgh, grew up singing professionally in Houston at age 12. In 1994 after spending a few years in Nashville, she was signed to Sony Publishing for a songwriting contract. She also appeared on The Nashville Network TV show series Riders In The Sky. After moving to Arizona a few years later, Marley became a staple in the Scottsdale/Phoenix music scene with the popular act Zowie Bowie. The group became a hit at Scottsdale’s premier nightclub, Barcelona, later signing with Station Casinos in Las Vegas for a lengthy contract.
Image from behind the stage at Sound Bites Grill with the Marley Taylor Trio
When prepping images for newspaper releases I will often make the conversion to black and white to get the best quality possible. Often the graphics people will just push the greyscale button which doesn’t give the best contrast for the image. I will also over-sharpen the image so that when printed on newsprint and the ink spreads the image will still appear sharp.
And of course the Marley Taylor Trio made it to the ‘Wall of Fame’
Images were captured with the Panasonic Lumix GH4 and the 35-100mm Lumix Vario f2.8 lens. With the density range this camera has there are less problems with capturing the LED lighting that is used exclusively on-stage.
I do a monthly radio show on KAZM Radio in Sedona, AZ. This episode of Tech Talk with Mike Tabback we talk about the convention Imaging USA in Nashville where I was fortunate enough to receive my Professional Photographers of America Master Artist Photography Degree and Imaging Excellence Award along with the American Society of Photographers Bronze Award…
In the second half of the show we chat about the Panasonic Lumix FZ 1000 and it’s 4K video capabilities. This camera has an amazing range and wonderful Imaging Optimization Stabilizer… (if you don’t want to hear about the awards part of the show pick up at around minute 13 for the Lumix camera conversation)
Did a pre-dawn run to help create some marketing images for Red Rock Jeep Tours with the Jane Zane Ad Agency. Worked in a great spot that allowed us to have a view of the red rocks in the background. It was wonderful collaborating with Jane. This is the first time I’ve worked with her and look forward more photo shoots in the future…
Red Rock Jeep Tours jeep in early AM light.
Another view of Red Rock Jeep
Images captured with the Lumix GH4 and the 35-100 f2.8 Lumix Vario glass. Exposure 1/80 sec f9 ISO 200. Multiple images were made to control contrast of the scene and blended together…
OK let’s take a look at the actual video that I pulled the stills from in the previous post. The Lumix FZ 1000 is quite impressive. This video is about 30 seconds short and worth a quick peek and probably tells the story a little better than words alone. Check it out.
Lumix FZ 1000 video captured in Nashville at the Imaging USA Convention
Comedian Dana Daniels his parrot Luigi were at Sound Bites Grill last week before I left for the PPA Convention Imaging USA in Nashville. Really enjoyed the show and as soon as I got back I got to working on the image for the SBG ‘Wall of Fame’.
Dana Daniels live on stage with Luigi with audience participation.
Dana does a lively and fun show involving the audience at every possible moment to help with the magic or to help as a foil for his humor. A good time was had by all…
Even Luigi. He smiled throughout the entire performance.
Images were made with the Lumix GH4 and the 35-100mm f2.8 Lumix Vario Leica lens. This combo works well. The longer zoom gives plenty of reach to capture the live stage action from across the room. I find it’s important when photographing live events to cover them unobtrusively. The GH4 has plenty of density to encompass the range of harsh lighting conditions caused by the use of LED stage lighting and the 12 frames per second doesn’t hurt for stopping action with juggling objects during the show. Setting were ISO 3200 f2.8 shutter between 1/15 to 1/60th sec in Aperture Priority with an exposure compensation of minus 1 stop to make sure I didn’t loose the highlights in the scene and to account for the black curtains and deep shadows.
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
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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.
