Archive for September, 2011
TWiT Photo Ep. 23 Playboy Legend Arny Freytag
TWiT Photo 
0
Fri 09.09.2011
Don’t miss a chance to watch or listen to your favorite photographers – download the TWiT Photo podcast on iTunes for free :)
Much of the excitement during the TWiT Photo live show is in the chatroom. This week, Dan our super moderator had a tough time because the viewers were all hot and heavy and abuzz with a stream of questions and comments. This was not just because our guest, Arny Freytag, is a Playboy legend who rubs shoulders with Hef and has shot Pamela Anderson, Carmen Electra and Anna Nicole Smith. People were genuinely blown away – and some in disbelief – by his revelation that he doesn’t use Photoshop! Watch the video to learn Arny’s invaluable lessons on posing and communication; here are his top three tips:
“Communicate with your models – all too often the photographer stands there and freezes or doesn’t know what to say. Most of my models are non-professionals and have NEVER been photographed. It is up to me to make them comfortable and turn them into models very quickly.”
“Choose your lens based on compression and foreground to background ratio – not based on how far you are from your subject.”
“The secret to great photography is heavily related to the photographs you do NOT take.”
Find out more by watching the video here or on iTunes. Next week’s guest: Product and Advertising Photographer Alex Koloskov.
Have questions, suggestions or praises? Please email photo@twit.tv.
Even amid her bevy of gorgeous cobalt-blue-clad bridesmaids, Julia was resplendent and all eyes inevitably centered on her. It’s not just her breathtaking classic beauty and effortless elegance – Julia exudes an incredible warmth that makes you feel like you’ve known her for years and you can’t help but be captivated by her energy. Julia and her handsome groom, Mark, are one of the warmest and most stylish young couples I’ve ever met – and while some brides and grooms may be nervous on the wedding day, they were fun and relaxed, and just really excited for the big day. Together with celebrity event planner Joannie Liss, Julia designed her classic San Francisco wedding, and every single element, from the artful details of the black-tie event to her gorgeous Monique Lhuillier dress to the smashing cocktail hour made it a sensational affair. Everyone – including the bride and groom and their wonderful, gracious family members – danced until 2 a.m., surely a sign that the grand affair was a runaway success. Here, the bride recounts how she met Mark:
“Mark and I grew up only 15 miles from each other. We have so many friends in common, have been at the same events just minutes apart from each other, yet it took us travelling over 300 miles to be introduced at one of our favorite places: Chamber’s Pier in Lake Tahoe, CA. While celebrating the 4th of July we noticed each other on first sight. Friends introduced us and from our first conversation on the pier, we were inseparable. We literally spent the entire weekend together – we had our first kiss under the fireworks on the beach, and went on our first date only one day after we returned home. Since we met we have travelled the world, spent relaxing nights at home, and long days at the office, but one thing never changed, we did it all together. Now we share one last name and are loving starting our life together.”
Event Planner: Joannie Liss | Photographer: Catherine Hall Studios | Videographer: Weddings On Film | Floral Designer: Jane’s Roses | Invitation Designer: Alpine Creative Group (bride’s design) | Cake/Desserts: Cake Coquette | Wedding Gown Designer: Monique Lhuillier | Bridesmaid’s Dress Designer: BCBG | Jewelry: Bride wore her mom’s family heirlooms
The HDR Star Wars Incident
Guest Posts 0
Wed 09.07.2011
Lately, I’m convinced that Scott Kelby is a genius who has somehow devised a system to attract all the nicest and most talented people in the industry to work with him. Case in point: R.C. Concepcion. R.C. is an inspiring education and curriculum developer for the National Association of Photoshop Professionals, co-host of the D-Town TV videocast for DSLR shooters, and a best-selling author of Get Your Photography on the Web. R.C.’s laundry list of accolades is enviable – but he’s also a really nice old-school gentleman who enjoys connecting with people through their passions and of course, photography. Here, R.C. muses on his experience navigating through Princess Leias and Tie Interceptors (don’t ask me!) at a Star Wars Convention.
Follow RC on Twitter.
Post + Photos By RC Concepcion
I was chatting with Scott a couple of days ago about my experiences at the Star Wars Celebration that just happened in Orlando, FL – and he thought it a good idea to share them in a post. I walked into this opportunity not really being a Star Wars fan. I’d seen the second half of the movies as a kid, but never really got around to watching the three prequels. For the most part, I don’t watch a lot of movies, so it wasn’t something that I felt I was missing out on.
Why I Went
I’m a passionate person by nature – because of that, I find myself attached to people who are really into being passionate about things. I don’t follow sports, but I’ve always wanted to be friends with one of those superfans who paint themselves with the letter D and hang out by a stadium.
I’m the guy who drove by myself a ton of hours to go to the “RC Cola Moonpie Festival.” I love talking to people about the things that they love talking about. The sparkle in a person’s eye is just awesome – I guess it’s why I enjoy environmental portraiture as much as I do. To be able to go to a place where people get dressed up to pay tribute to something that they love was just something I couldn’t pass up.
I packed a bunch of lights in my car and headed out to the convention. I was prepared for anything – from small lights to a pack and head scenario. More often than not, I’m usually the guy that’s packing six strobes so this isn’t entirely out of character. It’s the McNally in me. Last minute – I threw my tripod in the car, not really knowing why.
The Reverie of the Desert Nymph
Photo of the Week 2
Tue 09.06.2011
Last week was Burning Man and this is the first year I’ve missed it after having been there for several consecutive years. In honor of the desert festival, I’m happy to share an image representing the eclectic and bohemian environment. This was created during my first time at Black Rock City.
Since I started experimenting with artificial lighting, I’ve become a fervent evangelist of Profoto – known for creating and shaping absolutely gorgeous light. I am extremely excited to be interviewed and have my work featured on Profoto‘s blog. Thank you, Ron Egatz, for the wonderful and insightful article into my background and lighting journey. Here’s an excerpt:
“I was relying on natural light because I was actually scared of strobe,” she says. “I wrote about my lighting journey on my blog. It’s basically about the fact I was scared of strobe and used natural light as a crutch more than anything.”
Quick to point out she feels strobe isn’t better than natural light, nor vice versa, Hall believes every individual environment, situation, and shoot is unique. “To be the best photographer you can possibly be, you need to have all the tools at your disposal,” she says. Using artificial lights in ways she hasn’t before continues to revolutionize her approach, ability, and things she can do.”
Read the full article here.
