BetterPhoto™ Summit 2005

Wow! What a great First Annual BetterPhoto Summit this was! I was one of the presenters there on "Fine Art Flower Photography, thinking outside of the box." Even so, I was very excited to see my friends and even some of my photographic heros do what they do. Unfortunatly, because of prior committments, I had to miss the first day, but the last two days were killer!

We got there at the tail end of Ben Willmore's presentation on how to "Radically Transform your Images in Minutes." Although we caught Ben at Photoshop World in Boston the previous day, I still managed to pick up an idea or two.

Vik Orenstein's "Photographing Children," and "Home Studos" was an eye opener for a nature photographer to see how masterfully Vik handled the model (Julian Miotke) and her common sense tips could be adapted to all photographic situations.

World class stock photographer, Charlie Borland, gave another instructive presentation on "Shooting Stock Photography," filled with practical and business saavy tips.

Kerry Drager's "Creatively Writing Articles on Photography" was another tip packed session. I write for major publications and found some of the tips immediately applicable to my work!

Jim Zuckerman's books were along side of John Shaw's books when I was getting started in the business. It's always great seeing Jim's work and hearing what he has to say. Great information from a 35 year professional.

Brenda Tharp's work is always stunning and her information is always excellent and inspiring.

Kathleen Carr's polaroid work in true fine art and is remarkably beautiful. Her techniques in producing these works was fascinating as well.

Ben Willmore's "Essential New Features in Photoshop CS2" was excellent and essential info for all photographers.

Jim Miotke's Camera RAW talk was important for all to know and was very informative and helpful.

George Schaub's digital printing session was very interesting and maticulous in it's detail. The information was presented well with the detail very understandable.

And finally the great Bryan Peterson was really great. Bryan's wide spectrum of knowledge, stunning images, sparkling and ever present sense of humor, and dynamism was the perfect finish.

As an instructor, being able to spend time with my friends and heros was great, really great!

For those who were there, "thanks" and we hope that you had as much fun as we had presenting and hangin' out with you. For those who couldn't make this year, we hope to see you in 2006!

Oh, yeah, let's not forget the Betterphoto staff. I'm sure I'll miss someone, but much thanks to Jim and Denise (and Julian!), Heather, Kerry, Maureen, Julie, Jay, Denise's Dad, etal!!

Here's a little something shot with my new favorite toy, the lens baby, also using the vignetting tool in nikMultimedia.

Comments

[Ellen]

Tony, this is a beauty of a lensbaby shot. I have had my baby for almost a year now and just love it. It does not appeal to everyone & I'm glad to see an awesome photographer like you enjoying it!

Ellen

[tony sweet]

Thanks a lot, Ellen! I'm pretty stoked about it. I bought the wide angle and telephoto attachments, too. It's like a "photoshop" lens. Rather than spending time on the computer to get blurred motion, the lens baby does it for you in camera! Since I like soft focus for flower photography anyway, I'll be doing a lot more flower shots with this "baby."

[Jim Coleman]

Tony,
I am a big fan of your techniques and work. This may not be in your realm but I only get your first picture of your blog and none here to come up, had any problems with that? Any ideas?
Enjoy White Mts! If i get up there for a day I will go out in the woods and yell your name!...:)
Thanks for all your work and words.

Jim