Photography by Brent Michael http://photobrent.shotblogs.com "I'll shoot anyone or anything from any angle!" Photography on the edge Sun, 01 Mar 2009 22:48:19 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 en Moving on… http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/2009/03/01/moving-on/ http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/2009/03/01/moving-on/#comments Sun, 01 Mar 2009 22:48:19 +0000 photobrent http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/?p=349 Okay, I’m just frustrated by the issues with posting photos here (and lack of response to my concerns), so I’m starting a new blog at http://aimzoom.blogspot.com/ I hope it’ll be less problematic; I just can’t afford to spend an hour posting photos and putting up information to have it disappear or get garbled. I’m sure I’ll drop by here from time to time just to see what’s up….<G>

]]> http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/2009/03/01/moving-on/feed/ Playing tourist http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/2009/02/22/playing-tourist/ http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/2009/02/22/playing-tourist/#comments Mon, 23 Feb 2009 03:47:49 +0000 photobrent http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/?p=335 Okay, can’t leave Vegas without getting a few night shots!

First, while we waited for his flight time, Aaron & I strolled through a few of the nearby hotels...low light, a little blur...

First, while we waited for his flight time, Aaron & I strolled through a few of the nearby hotels...low light, a little blur...in the mirror.Hey, we're in New York! Sorta.Ta daaa! Tis I!In the Luxor. Stayed there a couple of years ago, it's a unique place.A very "cool" bar between the Luxor and Mandalay Bay.Time for night shots! After dropping Aaron off at the airport, I went for another stroll, for night shots!In Vegas, even Mickey D's has bling!Paris! Stayed there a couple years ago, Bally's (connected) a couple years before.The dancing fountains at the Bellaggio put on nightly shows.That's one big hog!A little spray paint & matching makeup and you too can become a Vegas performer!This is where I stayed, in the room with the light on.

]]> http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/2009/02/22/playing-tourist/feed/ Leaving Las Vegas http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/2009/02/22/leaving-las-vegas/ http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/2009/02/22/leaving-las-vegas/#comments Sun, 22 Feb 2009 20:23:19 +0000 photobrent http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/?p=326 Actually, I’m gone, but I’ll post a few of the photos I took before I left. And, someday, they’ll update the Flash Uploader so I can upload them more than ONE AT A TIME!!! It hasn’t worked since I updated Flash on my computers!

Scary, yes...just me sitting in a seminar...and yes, I got lei'd!

Scary, yes...just me sitting in a seminar...and yes, I got lei'd!

 

No, this was NOT my ad. OTOH, maybe it shoulda been....wonder if it worked?

No, this was NOT my ad. OTOH, maybe it shoulda been....wonder if it worked?

Sure, entice me....

Sure, entice me....

 

Trade show teardown...

Trade show teardown...

C-ya! Yep, it's over!

C-ya! Yep, it's over!

]]> http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/2009/02/22/leaving-las-vegas/feed/ Left behind! http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/2009/02/19/left-behind/ http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/2009/02/19/left-behind/#comments Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:24:01 +0000 photobrent http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/?p=324 My cell phone, that is. Here it is, the last day of the conference, one more session coming up, sightseeing later, then I fly out tomorrow afternoon. An exhausting week, but fun, and - my brain is full! Full of new ideas, new concepts, new directions, new hope for the new year. (Sorry, but all the parties & resolutions on NYE never did a thing for me as far as changing anything, perhaps because I need to really want changes, not just resolve to make them because everyone else is.)

More photos to come, for sure, dedicating today/tonight to getting shots I didn’t get in the previous few days. Well, it’s off to the final session and other stuff!

BTW, if you happen to be one of the two or so people reading this (Hi Mom! Hi Dad!), leave me a comment sometime! <G>

]]> http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/2009/02/19/left-behind/feed/ Vegas, Baby! http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/2009/02/18/vegas-baby/ http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/2009/02/18/vegas-baby/#comments Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:54:51 +0000 photobrent http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/?p=306 Okay, a few pix to fill the page!

The rental car. Don't get one, they suck. Rides like a truck, awkward, my car has much more room. Designed for teens who want to look cool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The rental car. Don't get one, they suck. Rides like a truck, awkward, my car has much more room. Designed for teens who want to look cool.

MGM Grand - This is where the conference is`actually happening, as viewed from my hotel room across the street.

MGM Grand - This is where the conference is`actually happening, as viewed from my hotel room across the street.

We are staying in Hooters Hotel, so the downstairs restaurant is convenient, the fish sandwiches (& wings, of course) are great, and the ambience is pretty good too - delightfully tacky, yet unrefined!

We are staying in Hooters Hotel, so the downstairs restaurant is convenient, the fish sandwiches (& wings, of course) are great, and the ambience is pretty good too - delightfully tacky, yet unrefined!

Girls just wanna have fun!

Girls just wanna have fun!

Scenery in MGM Grand isn't bad either!

Scenery in MGM Grand isn't bad either!

 

Friend Ernie, always on the phone.

Friend Ernie, always on the phone. Another friend, Aaron of VHVideo.com

Another friend, Aaron of VHVideo.com

Another friend, Aaron of VHVideo.com

]]> http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/2009/02/18/vegas-baby/feed/ Holy WPPI, Batman! http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/2009/02/17/holy-wppi-batman/ http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/2009/02/17/holy-wppi-batman/#comments Tue, 17 Feb 2009 20:02:52 +0000 photobrent http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/?p=304 That’s where I am, WPPI Vegas, 10,000+ photographers, MGM Grand, I’m guesing 500+ exhibitors, just overwhelming! I’m working my way through the trade show, will have photos for the next post but right now I just wanted to get bonline and check the 1,300+ e-mails - mostly spam - I’ve received since Saturday! Sheesh!

]]> http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/2009/02/17/holy-wppi-batman/feed/ Darwin’s Birthday Bash http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/2009/02/14/darwins-birthday-bash/ http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/2009/02/14/darwins-birthday-bash/#comments Sat, 14 Feb 2009 05:05:50 +0000 photobrent http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/?p=288 Had a few friends at USF involved in putting this on, so I popped out to take some photos; all done outdoors, no flash, Canon 5D with 70-200 f2.8 IS L glass. BTW, I’m going minimal on my WPPI-Vegas trip, I’m only taking my 50mm f1.8 lens & one 5D body, and a single 16GB card in the camera. It’s not like I’m shooting anyone’s wedding…<G>



Darwin Day speakers

Rob chats with visitors

Rob chats with visitors

 

 

John makes his point

John makes his point

Entertainment too!

Entertainment too

John & Rob

Publicity is a must!Publicity is a must!

]]> http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/2009/02/14/darwins-birthday-bash/feed/ Los Wages…WPPI http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/2009/02/11/los-wageswppi/ http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/2009/02/11/los-wageswppi/#comments Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:38:23 +0000 photobrent http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/?p=278 Soon, I’ll be leaving for the WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International) Conference in Las Vegas. Here are a few shots from last time, which was in the Paris/Bally’s complex; this time, it’s at MGM Grand!

Of course, last time I drove out, so there was more opportunity to take scenic views on the way there…

Nick Vedros

Nick Vedros

 

Once you’re there, it’s a whirlwind of seminars and a huge trade show, plus networking opportunities with people you meet from all over the country/world, and a chance to reconnect with those you know but just can’t remember where from. (Nick & I recognized each other, but never did figure out where we worked together.)

 

 

 

Of course, the scenery in the hotels is pretty attractive as well. Not that I wasn’t taking photos for purely professional purposes, of course!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chillin'
Chillin’

This was the third time I’ve been to the Grand Canyon. What a view, hmm? I’ve still never seen it - the first two times were at night!
This time I’m flying. Maybe I’ll fly over it and see it!

]]> http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/2009/02/11/los-wageswppi/feed/ City Streets Sweets - again! http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/2009/02/11/city-streets-sweets-again/ http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/2009/02/11/city-streets-sweets-again/#comments Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:42:22 +0000 photobrent http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/?p=271 Once again, Bullseye Business Builders (http://www.meetup.com/Bullseye-Business-Builders/) sponsored an Open House at City Street Sweets, located on Snow Circle in Hyde Park. The theme, of course, was pre-Valentine’s Day, but that didn’t mean that hose lacking a recipient for gifts couldn’t indulge themselves!

Sign up for Steve's E-mail list, get coupons!

Sign up for Steve's E-mail list, get coupons!

Gayle Santonelli, one of Bullseye’s organizers, did her usual great job of signing up passersby for the mailing list - and recruiting people to step inside and try the free samples of fudge and chocolate covered strawberries. (Yeah, a tough sell I know! <G>) But seriously, besides the casual walk-by visitors there were also quite a few who came because of the event publicity Gayle generated.

 Of course, City Street always has a couple of convenient tables outside for those who want to enjoy their chocolate or other treats outside.

Naturally, Steve had a few theme-specific items on hand for those looking to spice things up with out-of-the-ordinary treats.

LOVE-ly treats from the Norman Love Collection
LOVE-ly treats from the Norman Love Collection

The crowd was filling up the store, and Steve was actually running short of a few items - but, fortunately, most of their items are made on-site, and Steve not only helped several clients by putting together custom treats to fit their needs but also filled my own order for a couple of those tasty caramel pecan apples. One for supper last night, one for lunch today, who needs fast food? And apples count as health food, right? Especially when they are huge, Steve has to order them special, he can’t get them in grocery stores. Stop by and see for yourself! Details on the web: http://www.citystreetsweets.com/

]]> http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/2009/02/11/city-streets-sweets-again/feed/ Massage anyone? http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/2009/02/11/massage-anyone/ http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/2009/02/11/massage-anyone/#comments Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:10:03 +0000 photobrent http://photobrent.shotblogs.com/?p=265 Okay, on to work things I’ve been working on. One of my latest projects has been helping a local masseuse develop her business. She’s recently located in Salon Osiria, a New Tampa salon that offers full-service hair, facial, manicure, and body services. Joyce offers Ashiatsu, Esalen, Sports, Swedish, and Deep Tissue massage, as well as Trigger Point Therapy.

Guys enjoy it when she walks all over them!
Guys enjoy it when she walks all over them!

Landscape mode shotOne challenge photographically was maintaining a sense of the room’s atmosphere while properly lighting Joyce so people could see her face. The room is not large so there was no way to use multiple studio lights without them getting in the way, so I used just a single flash with, of course, Gary Fong’s Lightsphere II diffuser. The flash power was cut way down, and the shutter speed was very slow to let lots of room light in. It helps to have a fast lens; this one is Canon’s 16-35mm f2.8 L on a 5D, the full-frame sensor eliminating the 1.6x crop factor of the typical APS-C cameras like the Rebel or 10/20/30/40/50D series. That means 16mm gives it the equivalent field of view of a 10mm on the smaller sensors. It also allows me to use a wide aperture while still keeping decent depth of field in the shot, I wasn’t looking for bokeh here.

Naturally, I took a wide variety of both landscape and portrait mode shots, since we weren’t sure what would be used for what. Later I returned to take shots of standard massage and chair massage as well.

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