As I mentioned in a previous blog - last November, Cinematic Studios produced a reality TV mini series for the Web starring "24 of the hottest professional photographers in the industry". The series is this year's pre-WPPI buzz builder.  We were split into two teams and given 24 hours to complete a "mystery" assignment.  Full videos will be uploaded shortly, in the meantime, enjoy the trailers'!

Take a look in this year's PDN Wedding and Portrait Event Guide to see me featured in the "what to wear" article.  

"What you wear to shoot a wedding not only sets the tone, but can also ensure future
business...."  Read rest of article here.

The above image earned an "Honorable Mention" in the Women In Photography International   2008 Juried Competition.  Please visit WIPI online exhibition to view all winners.

On Thanksgiving I made my way from Turkey to an amazing adventure in Salvador, Brazil. I have been told that Salvador is the cultural mecca of Brazil, with music and dance constantly spilling out into the streets, but nothing could have prepared me for this. The culture here is incredibly rich, and Brazilians are incredibly kind people (sometimes too kind).

I came to Brazil for two reasons. First, to work on a photo project, and second to learn Samba. The dancing was just as important to me as the photography. I find that expressing myself in artistic ways beyond photography (especially dancing!) helps me grow as a photographer. How? It's simple; dancing makes me put my guard down, try new things, be creative, and move out of my comfort zone. Photography is the same thing; as is all art, and the more we practice it (regardless of the genre) the better artists we become.
 
Dancing also helps me understand cultures better. Just as you can learn a lot about a culture by what people eat, you can learn by how they move. Dance is a way to immerse yourself in other people's self expression that no other experience can give you. And when you're all out there having fun, everyone feels more at ease and more connected than if there was no music and movement. I love interacting with people on this level and pushing myself to join in, even when I think I look silly or mess up the steps!  

And while I am enjoying dancing here in Brazil, I must remember that it's not the only thing that attracted me to this magical place. As always, my journey began with a desire to photograph people and experience cultures through the eyes of my camera lens. I already have many great images that I'm excited to share, so though the book project has not been formally announced, I will be posting some images from the trip on my blog. Please stay tuned for image updates.

Jennifer and Travis had a wedding that anyone would envy! The couple was married at the West Shore Cafe, in beautiful Lake Tahoe, on a day with perfect weather. Impeccable attention to detail wowed everyone in attendance, including the couple's amazing friends and family, and sweet and fun wedding party. Guests enjoyed majestic lakefront and mountain views throughout the ceremony and reception. The day turned out to be as memorable as the surroundings.

Thanks to West Shore event coordinator Lulana, for ensuring the day ran smoothly and for creating such an unforgettable event.

Jennifer and Travis's Fantastic Vendors:
Dress Designer: Carolina Herrera
Florist:  Wanda's Flower Shop
Cake Designer:  Tahoe House Bakery
Caterer: West Shore Cafe
Hair:  Judy
Coordinators:  Judy Lingle and Lulana Calhoun

I just found out that one of my images was a winner of PDN's prestigious World in Focus Contest.  Winning images will be featured in winners gallery in PDN's February 2009 issue and online at www.pdnonline.com.

2008 World in Focus Winner

Mikkel Aaland's Photoshop Lightroom 2 Adventure book recently hit the stand is available through Amazon today!  My images, along with the other 16 Adventure Photographers will be found throughout this amazing book.

Product Description
This beautifully illustrated and eminently practical book offers a complete tour of Lightroom 2, the integrated digital photography workflow application that allows serious photographers to import, select, develop and showcase large volumes of digital images. Augmented by photos and case studies from a demanding road test in Tasmania, award-winning photographer Mikkel Aaland explains how Lightroom can improve the way you work.

After watching -- and often helping -- Adobe create Lightroom entirely from the ground up, Aaland (author of Photoshop CS3 RAW) decided to try it out in the field. He organized a group of top-notch photographers for a trek to Tasmania, the exotic island south of mainland Australia, where the only studio was Lightroom on a laptop. In Photoshop Lightroom 2 Adventure, Aaland uses hands-on knowledge from the trip to demonstrate how Lightroom can help you create the best possible image under any conditions.

I just returned a from Robert Evans studio in LA where we made four videos to promote the upcoming WPPI convention in 2009 as well as to raise donations for two very worthy charities: Thirst Relief International & Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. Cinematic studios produced a reality TV mini series for the Web starring "24 of the hottest professional photographers in the industry". The series is this year's pre-WPPI buzz builder.  We were split into two teams and given 24 hours to complete a "mystery" assignment.

With collaborative effort and support from our amazing sponsors (Microsoft Expression Media 2, Triple Scoop Music, AsukaBook, Kubota Image Tools, ShowIt Sites, Photographers' Edit, and Loktah), we were able to raise over $5000 to donate to these two wonderful charities.  You will be able to view the two videos created by each team then get a chance to vote for your favorite one - the winner of the team will get a chance to donate to their representing charity. Voting will start early 2009.

Participating photographers included:  Bebb Studios, ,  Cliff Mautner,  Mike Colon, David Jay,  Alisha & Brook Photographers,  Joe Photo,  Michele Celentano,  [ b ] e c k e r,  Dane Sanders, Jasmine Star, Kenny Kim,  Amber Holritz,  Bronson,  Jessica Claire, Gene Higa, Ann Hamilton, and Katie and Chris Humphreys Photography, Jim Garner, and Bambi Cantrell

The Key Players (collage created by Dane Sanders):