desert shack

One messed-up shack I found in the desert. Yup, messed up and oughta be torn down. The ups and downs of the ol' real estate market...

Cameron & Camera

"From the first moment I handled my lens with a tender ardour."

~ Julia Margaret Cameron

dry reflections

dry reflections...

Weegee

"To me, pictures are like blintzes – ya gotta get ‘em while they’re hot."

~ Weegee

iPad

Apple announced the much-rumored iPad today. Is it a gloried e-reader, the answer to the netbook craze, an extra-large iPhone, or a bundle of wonder in a pretty little package? If it can run Abobe Lightroom (or more likely an iPad specific version of it) and Photoshop I may be very (very, very, very...) intrigued by the possibilities.

Although I understand you need to go for extras to dump from your CF card, use a keyboard, etc. etc. Still..... I haven't been this geek-intrigued since they announced the Airbook. I wonder how that one is selling these days...???

farm shoot or Ralph Lauren?!?!

Farm shoot, but the muted colors feel kind of fashion ad-ish to me! Any thoughts on color schemes that seem to go in and out of fashion??

fall in love

"A thing that you see in my pictures is that

I was not afraid to fall in love with these people."

~ Annie Leibovitz

reality

"In photography there is a reality so subtle

that it becomes more real than reality."

~ Alfred Stieglitz

Jeff and Erin "Save the Date" Spielberg Style!

Very creative "Save the Date" video -- lots of work went into this one. Check it out!

retouching scandals

Scandal might be a bit strong. But check out this interesting bit of fluff from Newsweek about the retouching that made the news in recent years.

buzzing geyser lake

photobombing (?!?!?)

As a photographer, I've certainly been the victim of unwanted people inserting themselves into my shots. I did not, however, know there was a special term for the practice: photobombing. Check out the very amusing photobombing website.

Thanks to Digital Wedding Forum for turning us on to this!

Eisenstaedt

"I don't like to work with assistants.

I'm already one too many;

the camera alone would be enough."

- Alfred Eisenstaedt

Parks and Recreation

Last night we wrapped up the Basics of Digital Photography class we've been running for the Gilbert Dept. of Parks and Recreation. It was a lot of fun and received a largely positive response. I want to thank everyone who came out. We're doing another one starting Feb. 23 (3 consecutive Tuesdays). Go to the link below and pull up the Spring Catalog (in purple -- it's a pdf download) for more info!

Gilbert Parks and Rec

"It's A Major Award!"

Mr. Parker: It's a Major Award!
Swede: Shucks, I wouldn't know that. It looks like a lamp.
Mr. Parker: What is a lamp, you nincompoop? It's a Major Award. I won it!
Swede: Damn, hell, you say won it?
Mr. Parker: Yeah, mind power, Swede; mind power.

So, yes, it's a major award just like Mr. Parker got in "A Christmas Story"! Now, while it is no leg lamp, we are very pleased, honored, and humbled. WeddingWire has awarded Ron Warren Photography the Bride’s Choice Awards^™ 2010. This award recognizes the top 5 percent of local wedding professionals from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service and professionalism.

The Bride’s Choice Awards™ are determined exclusively by recent newlyweds (brides and grooms) through extensive surveys and reviews, which means our past clients have spoken on our behalf and selected us to receive this honor. It's our third year and we are very honored to be so appreciated by our clients. Thank you to our brides and grooms and thank you WeddingWire!

Know Your Clients......

Fellow Phoenix area photographer Jared Platt recently wrote a terrific article entitled "Know Who Your Clients Are and Let the Other Ones Go". In it he discusses how a wedding photographer needs to fit with his clients.

It's like I always tell my potential clients: Personality is one of the four P's of wedding photography (the others being pictures, pricing, and products). Your wedding photographer is going to be hovering about all day on one of the most important days of your life. Make sure you get along with him or her! If there is no chemistry, find a different match. As goes love, so goes wedding photography....

metering

Our friends over at Digital Photography School recently posted a nice article about metering modes that I think you might find worthwhile if the different modes confuse you. Check it out!

Do Ye Take This Pirate To Be Your Husband?

Vadim Photo shot this truly stunning pirate wedding. Vadim Omeltcheno of Tampa, FLA shot the wedding of Mollie and Scott aboard the Pirate's Ranson.

Check out more images at http://www.vadimphoto.com/blog/?page_id=713. Keep Vadim in mind if you need photography in and around Tampa. He's clearly up for any challenge!

Beautiful, creative, and undoubtedly super-fun! (I'm kind of jealous about this one!)

Gay and Lesbian Unions

Just hear about So You're Engayged . This is, as the logo says, a wedding resource for same-sex and allied couples. Not a lot of wedding vendors actively market to the gay and lesbian community and it can be difficult to find vendors experienced with gay/lesbian ceremonies and who welcome the opportunity.

Ron Warren Photography has shot ceremonies celebrating the unions of senior citizens, the mature and the youthful, folks of different races and different cultures and different religions, but we have yet to record and honor a same-sex union. We absolutely believe that love supersedes all and that any two consenting adults who find love together should consider themselves lucky and should be afforded all the joy and all the rights and all the privileges that come with a wedding and with marriage.

If you are planning a wedding, civil union, or any variety of ceremony to declare your love and your union, we want to help you record all the special moments and all the romance! Give us a call at 480-252-2787!

Is it April Fool's Day at Polaroid?

Polaroid has a new Creative Director and Inventor of Specialty Products. And she goes by the name of.......

Lady Gaga????

It's true. It's weird. And, again, it's true. Looky here.

Oh that Joe McNally

Joe McNally visits "Father" Bob Krist to confess his photographic sins (originally at www.joemcnally.com )

Favorites 2009

Some favorites from 2009

check out our facebook page for more at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Queen-Creek-AZ/Ron-Warren-Photography/75486938211

HNY2aoughtten

white balancing act

Our friends over at PhotoWalkPro have put together a very nice blogpost about White Balance that you can find here . If you use Adobe Camera Raw or Lightroom (basically the same processing engine) you can easily adjust your white balance after the fact, whether you shoot in jpg or raw. RAW will always give you a greater margin of error, however.

However, it will save you some time and guesswork if you set it correctly to begin with. A truly white object will be helpful, or an 18% grey card, or the slightly warming grey that is mentioned in the linked post. You can also use devices like the expodisc.

The most important thing to remember is to try to avoid a situation where your subject is under lights of different temperatures. An incandescent light coming from one angle, some flourescent off this other way, maybe some natural daylight sneaking in a window. Try to limit your lighting to just one kind or match the temperatures if you can in order to achieve true colors in post.

Of course, completely whacked out color can be fun, too. That's why they invented cross-processing. But I advise you generally go for accurate color early and allow yourself more options later.

more sweet 16

sweet 16

This past Friday I got a last-minute job to cover a sweet 16 party. Mom and Dad (middle shot) threw a very nice party for the birthday girl and about 75 of her closest friends! Most of the night I was shooting in near total darkness (only a bit of light leaking in from two doors and a blue glow from a projector that was left on -- I think these pix really speak to the power of the ol' 580EX flash and the joy of a white ceiling [and acceptably light walls]).

And special thanks to John Horn for the loan of some extra gear. Didn't end up needing it, but it was a godsend to have available. Check out his site, he's becoming a photographic force to reckon with!

hawk

So I was out and about yesterday trying to find an image that would fulfill an assignment with a very broad scope and (perhaps too much) freedom. Didn't find what I was looking for (yet) but I stumbled upon a couple of hawks in the desert. One would perch, runaway, perch, runaway, and so on and so on. I did not have a long enough lens with me to give him the space he so clearly wanted.

The other one was happy to soar and soar and soar, sometimes close enough for these shots. Wished I had had some different equipment with me, but we make do. Enjoy!

visitin' santa (in SAN TAn valley)

Yesterday, we took pictures of children visiting with Santa over at Harmon Elementary (Dawn's old school). Here's a favorite. Aren't they just precious?

Intro DSLRs under $500

Our friends over at Photography Bay put together a just terrific blogpost highlighting several DSLRs that are currently available for under $500. If you are thinking about making the jump to a DSLR (from point and shoot or film or from nothing at all!) but you don't want all the expense and know that you don't necessarily need every single bell and whistle at this point in your photographic education, these are just great choices. And, although I know far too well that $500 is by no means cheap, it is a substantial discount from the prices of the majority of worthwhile DSLRs.

Check out the post and keep these in mind for yourself or for holiday gift-giving. Also, any of these would be a swell choice for anyone taking my Basics of Digital Photography class in Gilbert next month (Wednesday evenings, January 6, 13, and 20!).

p & s and video guide

MSNBC put together a nice little shopping guide to consumer cameras, specifically point-and-shoot and pocket HD video (with a Polaroid wannabe thrown in to round out the field). Take a peek if you're shopping for yourself or someone special for the holidays. Of this batch, I'm partial to the Canon G11 and the Flip Video MinoHD. Let me know what catches your eye and why.

shutter speed/aperture simulator

In a most basic sense, cameras handle exposure through shutter speed (how long the shutter stays open) and aperture (how wide or narrow the hole that admits light is).

In today's digital environment you can also affect exposure with ISO (the adjustable sensitivity of your camera's sensor) and and variety of light modifying options (from on- or off-camera speedlites, off-camera strobes, hotlights, reflectors, etc., etc.) and of course, some manipulation of your ambient light situation.

It is important to understand the basics of shutter speed and aperture before anything else. They not only affect the brightness or darkness of your image, but also your ability to quell motion blur, and, perhaps most importantly, depth of field, especially of backgrounds.

I just stumbled across this terrific little shutter speed and aperture simulator to give you a nice introduction to how they can affect each other dramatically. Play with it for a few minutes, trying different combinations and then get that camera in hand and go shooting!

free image editing software apps

Terrific list (and reviews) of free image editing software. If you just don't need the expense or all the bells and whistles of Photoshop, you might want to check some of these out. What have you got to lose? They're FREE!

leopard seal experience

National Geographic photographer Paul Nicklen has quite an amazing "fish" tale, as it were, here. Enjoy!

boudoir posing tips

Southern Maryland wedding and boudoir photographer Robin Owen has a simply terrific blogpost about boudoir posing tips . Check out the images, the tips, and be sure to give her a call if you need wedding or boudoir photography in the Maryland area!

to those who serve

If you are currently in the United States military or if you have ever served, in peace-time or in a conflict, I thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your dedication to preserving the freedoms that we enjoy. Freedoms that we have enjoyed for so long that they are sometimes taken for granted. Thank you, veterans!

McNally's letter to a young photog

Check out Joe McNally's "letter to a young photographer". That Joe has a way with words, he do.

ryan takes up photography

Ryan (from The Office) has, it seems, taken up photography. He's deep. He's insightful. And he's arty. I know this because his images are in b/w. Oi!

http://www.thousandandonewords.com/

hyperfocal distance

What is hyperfocal distance? It is a technique wherein you focus about a third of the way into your scene in order that everything in the image is relatively, and usually just about equally, sharp.

Check out this terrific and detailed explanation of hyperfocal distance and then get out and get those landscapes!

frankencamera

Some of the swell scientist types over at Stanford are working on an open-source camera that has the potential to add tons of new features to digital photography. Affectionately called the Frankencamera, this could dramatically change the course the photography evolution. For better or worse, the jury is out. Take a look.

Pam suggests getting a professional

IESB - Movie News, Interviews and More!

photography basics classes in Gilbert (by me!)

This winter, I will be teaching a couple of classes for Gilbert Community Education. There will be a "How to Buy a Digital Camera" class in November, for folks shopping for the holidays and again in January for folks looking to spend the cash they received for the holidays.

Then....THEN.....drumroll, please..... there will be a "Basics of Digital Photography" class! A three session class in November covering as much ground as I can cover in three 2-hour sessions and then we repeat it again in January (for all those folks who just got a camera for Christmas!).

Here's the details:

http://www.ci.gilbert.az.us/eservices/parks/default.cfm click on blue “Winter 2009-10 Leisure Pursuits” icon to see full catalog of classes.

http://www.gilbertrecreation.com/Start/Start.asp?SCheck=615463371&SDT=40093.7180651273 This is the jumping off page to register for classes.

______________________________________________

BASICS OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY $89.00

Would you like to shoot fewer “snapshots” and more photographs worth showing off? Learn about composition, exposure, tips and tricks of technique, and an introduction to lighting. Photo critiques as time permits. 18+YEARS

Course # 54385 / Tuesdays Nov. 10, 17 & 24, 2009, 6:30-8:30pm / Redwood Rm. of the Community Center located at 130 N. Oak (2 blocks N. of Eliot and 2 blocks W. of Gilbert Rd.)

or

Course # 54386 / Wednesdays Jan. 6, 13, & 20, 2010, 6:30-8:30pm / McQueen Park Activity Center, Classroom 4 (510 N. Horne St., [s. of Guadalupe & E. of McQueen, just s. of Playa Del Rey Elementary School)

______________________________________________

HOW TO BUY A DIGITAL CAMERA $40.00

Is it time for a new digital camera for yourself or as a gift? Learn about megapixels, file formats, and the mysterious ISO. You’ll obtain a working knowledge of features and pros and cons before you shop. 18+YEARS

Course # 54387 / Monday 11/9/09, 6:30-8pm / McQueen Park Activity Center, Classroom 4

or

Course # 54354 / Tuesday 1/5/10, 6:30-8pm / McQueen Park Activity Center, Classroom 4

Hope you can make it! I feel like Ted Mosby in his Architecture 101 class!

Irving Penn, RIP

Irving Penn, renowned fashion and celebrity photography died today in Manhattan at the age of 92.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091007/ap_on_en_ot/us_obit_irving_penn

magazines of the future????

This has already been featured on a couple other photographers' blogs, but it is far too interesting, conceptually, to not post here, also. My readers, who may not see it elsewhere, might find this very cool. I wonder about the value of video in individual books or magazines when we each have, or will likely have in the future, our own computer, tv, or iphone kind of device, but it still makes for an excellent video.

Check out Alexx Henry's vision of the future of the magazine.

Living Magazine Cover & Spread - Outside Magazine from Alexx Henry on Vimeo.

a love story in a thriller

Megan + Narbeh's Sweden Thriller Concept "Snow" from PACIFIC PICTURES on Vimeo.

Zeke Kamm wrote at Nice Photography Magazine : "Kevin Shahinian was hired to make the following short film for a couple to show at the reception after their wedding. The couple play themselves in the video that creatively retells the story of how they met."

This is just a wonderful concept and execution. Simply beautiful and moving.

...what they call...a photo shoot...

informative article link

MyDeeJay.com has put together a very informative article about how to hire a wedding photographer. Lots of info from industry professionals as well as a list of good questions and issues to address with a potential vendor. Take a look, bookmark it, then, of course, feel free to call or write me with any questions! 480-252-2787 or Ron@RonWarrenPhotography.com

Thank You!

crisp dragonfly

painted dragon

old truck in goldfield

week of the panos

Another angle on the ol' Supersition Mtns. Click for larger, then scroll left and right!

Supersition Mountain Panoramic

Shot this panoramic picture in the Superstition Mountains this morning. We had a short hike and we didn't even have to call for a helicopter rescue! Click on the picture to see it larger.

ATV accident in the wash (San Tan Valley)

Yesterday, over by Dawn's school there was some sort of an accident with one or two people riding ATV's in the wash (sort of a valley for rain waters to travel and steer clear of the homes -- the desert doesn't absorb the rain very efficiently on the rare occasion that it does rain). Just a couple of shots of the rescue effort.

Zack Arias Shooting Strangers

Zack Arias recently self-assigned portraits of strangers on the streets of New York. Go see the portraits at his site at www.zarias.com. Whether it's strangers, rocks, machinery or whatever, a self-assigned photo project is a great idea. Whatever keeps you shooting. Here's a little video of Zack's experience with his impromptu subjects.

At Work

Reading Annie Leibovitz's At Work. Lots of folks think she's the bomb, others think she's over-rated. Some think the conceptual stuff is too (pretentious, obvious, silly, etc. etc.) while others defend her every move as genius. I've also seen a lot of press (both negative and sympathetic) about her current financial problems.

I happen to be in the camp that she is, perhaps not genius, but solid, creative, and certainly determined to be at the heart of things. Some of that may have been luck, but I'm sure most of stems from her skill, her adventurous nature, and knowing the right people.

There is no denying that sheer opportunity has been a big plus for her. Working w/ Jagger, John Lennon (on the day of his death, no less), Hunter S. Thompson, Streep, Belushi, Sharpton, Jimmy Carter, William S. Burroughs, Patti Smith, Jack White, Robert Penn Warren, and the Queen of England to name just a bunch is simply amazing. The access, the approach, and the execution have to be acknowledged as an impressive body of work, even if you don't particularly like her images. And I generally do. Pick up At Work. The stories behind the images are a great read.

Mr. Randy (Random) Poochie

a random poochie from Cosmo Park this morning...

shooting owls is a hoot

Got this fellow about an hour ago in the wash at Desert Mountain Park at Ocotillo and Hawes...

hd vid on the Canon 7D

A still from a swell little movie ( http://vimeo.com/groups/22589/videos/6475938 )
shot on the new Canon 7D at 1080p at 24fps by Philip Bloom.

handsome beast

OK, well maybe I like this little fella, too...

safari hut

Went shooting at the zoo today. And what was the most interesting thing I saw there? Well, it wasn't an animal. It was this odd little room that I have decided to call the Safari Hut. It is steeped in mystery, indeed.

becky and shane

One of my favorite shots from Becky and Shane's engagement photo shoot from Tuesday. It was hot and humid out, but they were troopers. We started near the Val Vista Lakes Clubhouse and then worked our way over to Freestone Park in Gilbert. Catching that golden hour means working fast. We called it a night when the last orange glows of sunlight dipped behind the palm trees. Thanks for a great shoot, Becky and Shane!

Canon 7D announced....

Canon just announced a new prosumer DSLR to cover the market between the 50D and the 5D Mark II, although early opinions are that is is closer to the 5D, what with HD video at various frame rates and weathersealing. Here are some specs:

• 18-megapixel CMOS sensor (halfway between the 50D's 15mp and the 5DMII's 21mp)
  
• Dual DIGIC 4 image processors (you have to go up to the D1's for that)
  
• 8 frames per second (max 126 JPEG / 15 RAW images)
  
• ISO 100-12800 (in ISO expansion mode)
  
• 19 point cross-type AF sensors (fancy)
  
• Center AF point is 8-directional double cross-type
  
• 100% viewfinder coverage
  
• 1.0x viewfinder magnification
  
• TTL full aperture metering with 63 zone Dual Layer SPC
  
• 3″ 920k dot resolution LCD display
  
• 1080p HD video (30fps, 25fps, 24fps)
  
• 720p HD vidoe (60fps, 50fps)
  
• Live view mode
  
• External mic stereo mini jack input
  
• HDMI output
  
• Pop-up Flash (that I hear can control your Canon speedlites)
  
• E-TTL II auto flash with EX-series Speedlites
  
• 150k actuation rated shutter

Rumored to sell for $1700 body only, or $1900 w/ a kit 28-135mm. It all sounds good to me!