Learning With Rock Stars!

As my plane lifted off the ground and we winged our way up the Southern California coastline, the words "jewel of the coast" came to mind. San Diego is so incredibly gorgeous and on this picture perfect day, I drank it all in until the plane headed inland. I was on my way to Vegas that day to attend the Photoshop World Conference at the Mandalay Bay Hotel. I was anticipating learning a lot, but I had no idea how much there would be for my brain to soak up!

It had been miserably hot in San Diego, so I was concerned that Vegas would be even hotter, but it turned out to be perfectly lovely as my mom would say. Vegas had changed hugely since I was last there and I could easily see why it is called a playground for adults. The hotels are huge! And they are decorated with themes like "Paris" and "New York, New York." At night the strip sparkles like the costumed dancers in the nightly shows. It's magical! And if you don't pay too much attention to those that have had a bit too much to drink who are acting like fools, it's not half bad.

But I was not there to play, I was there to learn along with 3,000 - 4,000 other photographers, designers, and printers. The lineup of instructors was like a who's who in the world of Photoshop and photography. They are rock stars in the photographer's eyes and it was incredibly exciting just to be in the same room with them.

Scott Kelby, who started the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) almost twenty years ago is a great teacher and I took full advantage of his workshops. He focused on retouching portraits so I was able to pick up some great tips. I also learned some fantastic shortcuts and new to me tips from John Caponigro who happens to be from San Diego.

Since my goal as a photographer is to give my clients the best possible portraits, I was very happy to sit in as these "rock stars" shared how to do my job better and easier. For awhile now I've been learning on-line at the Kelby training site where so many of the instructors teach. One of my favorites is Joe McNally who, like Scott Kelby, is very funny and very good at sharing concepts in a way that I can understand. So when McNally asked for a volunteer who was wearing white to come up on stage and 'model' for a lighting demonstration, I shot my hand up in the air. And since I was sitting pretty close to the stage, he picked ME! I am sooo glad I decided to wear my white blouse that day.

It was great fun having McNally 'shoot' me. He joked with me, told the crowd that I had beautiful eyes, and in the process of working with him for a few minutes I actually learned quite a bit. Photography is not an exact science, and when McNally's photos didn't come out the way he anticipated, I felt very encouraged. If the big guns still have to try a second and a third time to get the result they want, then I won't feel so discouraged when my photography doesn't go exactly the way I want it to the first time.

I still can't believe that Joe McNally took my picture, well, quite a few pictures. If you follow NASCAR, it's like Jimmy Johnson inviting you to have a driving lesson in his race car. It's huge! A woman stopped me in the bathroom after the class and said, "It's too bad you didn't get to see the photos Joe took of you." The way he had me standing I couldn't see the giant screens. I asked her if they were really terrible. "No!" she said, "They were really good." Boy, I wish I had been able to see them and even more I wish I could have had copies of them. Can you imagine the bragging rights I'd have? I'm still excited thinking about it today.

Next time more about Photoshop World and my little challenge to myself at night on the Vegas strip.

Now go forth and try try again without getting discouraged.

Time to Update the Family Photo!

Has it been forever since you gathered the family together for a family portrait? Time flies and before you know it the kids will be grown and out on their own. Updating the family portrait on a regular basis is a great idea. When you think about having your portait done, consider picking places you enjoy spending time as a family and places that have special meaning for you. In the years to come, those family photos will provide many wonderful memories.

I looked at the calendar today and couldn't believe that the year is starting to wind down. Christmas will be here before you know it. This year would be a great time to start a family tradition with an annual Christmas portrait. The family will begin to look forward to deciding where the family portrait will be each year. What fun you will have deciding on your outfits and the color scheme you will choose for each sitting. And since you're all dressed up why not add to your tradition by choosing a special place to have a meal together once the photo session is over.

Best of all you will have all your photos to chronical how your family is changing and growing over the years. I've got an idea. Why not start your new tradition today. Give me a call and we'll set a date for your family Christmas portrait. You can reach me at 619-787-4246 or email me through the contact link on my website http://www.elizabethheathphotography.com/.

Make it a day to start building memories!

Ashley, Beach Girl, Gets Her Senior Portait Done!

August 28, 2009

It was a blistering hot day, even in La Jolla. Ashley and her mom had arranged to meet me near the seal pool and we were all hoping for nice blue skies. We got our wish. The marine layer was way out to sea, which meant we'd have a gorgeous sky, blue water, and heat! But Ashley and her mom, Norma, were real troupers. I had them hiking up the rocks, down the rocks, over the rocks, well, you get the idea. We got our exercise in for the day, but we also had a ball trying different poses in all the different spots.

Ashley is a lovely strawberry blond with the most beautiful eyes. She's built like a model, which made posing her tons of fun. At her high school she is a member of the Color Guard, so we had a lot of fun trying different poses with her big red flag. She liked the poses and I think I got some nice shots. I had to get close ups of her fabulous eyes to show them off. She did an excellent job following all my directions. Way to go Ashley! Check out the photo below.

Now I can't post my blog without mentioning Ashley's mom, Norma. Wow, what a great gal. She became my willing assistant holding up my reflector and diffuser sometimes both at the same time. It's not easy getting them both in exactly the right spot to get a catch light in the eyes, but she caught on immediately and did a super job.

When our shoot was done, Norma asked if I'd like to join her and Ashley for lunch. Now no self-respecting girl who likes to eat could refuse an offer like that. It was also noon and my tummy was rumbling. I said yes almost too enthusiastically. Bubba's Barbecue, which is owned by people Norma knows, was fabulous. I love baby back ribs and sweet potato fries. Oh, my gosh. YUM! Hey, I'll be going back to try everything else on the menu and if you'd like to try it, too, it's on Prospect down towards the museum on the right hand side. It's a local fave, so you know it has to be good.

It's scary how easily food distracts me. Okay, back on track - I was writing about Ashley's senior photo shoot. I had such a great time with Ashley and her mom. I think they will enjoy the photos and Ashley will certainly have fun passing them out to her friends at school. You can check out Ashley's photos on my website at http://www.elizabethheathphotography.com/. Look for 'Senior Portraits AL' in the Gallery link.

Make it a beautiful and delicious day!