There are so many features on today’s digital cameras and to really start making some great photos, it starts with knowing how. In this class/photo walk we’ll be talking about the different primary modes of each camera, what they do differently from each other, and when and why you would want to use those modes. We’ll cover the basics of all cameras: aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and even focus. Many great photos are all about luck; having the camera up to your eye at just the right time and clicking the shutter release, hoping everything is set right for proper exposure. I’ve made many lucky shots but if I know how to set my camera up for different situations I can increase my ratio of “keeper” shots to throw-away shots. And that’s exactly what this photo walk is about, helping you make better photos.

Saturday, March 5th we’re going to meet at the very southern most end of the Bricktown canal at 9am. We’ll talk about the main ingredients of photography (aperture, shutter speed, and ISO) then take them each individually and go out to do a shooting exercise working with just that one aspect. We’ll adjust that setting to each extreme and see How that affects the photo. Once we understand that setting, we’ll move to the next setting and have another shooting exercise exploring the effect of it’s changes. All the while, we’ll be walking along the canal and working our way further into Bricktown. We will finish the day with a lunch meeting where we can talk about what we learned, ask more questions, and show off the photos we’ve taken along the way.

The class is limited to 10 people so we need everyone to sign up quickly to reserve their spot. I think we already have 4 people committed and I’m just now getting the word out! The cost is $40 per person and lunch is on your own. I’ll provide you with what I call a camera cheat-sheet that you can keep in your camera bag that shows what each of the settings does and gives examples.

Give us a call to reserve your spot. We can take credit cards or checks/cash.
S&S Productions
405-301-4251

Meet us at 10am at the fountain under the mini St. Louis Arch. It’s to the East of the space needle. Bring as much stuff as you think you’ll need but remember that more lenses/flashes/megapixels don’t make better photos; you do. Point-n-shoots are welcome!

This is a great opportunity to bring the family along and get everyone involved. If you have a big DSLR then hand the kids a point-n-shoot and let them play along as well. This is the time to put all of the things from the previous photo walks into action. Remember, you’re going to be judged by your peers. The best, most creative photo for each scavenger item gets a point. The photographer with the most points wins. Post any questions to the blog so everyone can get the answer. Charge your batteries, empty your memory cards, and grab some rolaids to battle the fair food because it’s that time again!

Thanks so much guys for letting us be a part of such a special moment in your lives. We hope you love the photos as much as we do.

Do you have a DSLR camera that shoots video? Did you buy it because it shoots pictures or did you buy it because it shoots video. There’s a trend right now to buy one of the new crop of DSLRs for vide production. They can make some absolutely FANTASTIC looking video but I’m getting a little sick of hearing about people who can barely shoot video with a video camera wanting to buy a DSLR to shoot video with. THESE ARE NOT VIDEO CAMERAS! All of the things you like about the video shot with a DSLR make them hard to shoot with. The only practical reason to shoot video with a DSLR is because of the short depth of field you can achieve with a $99 50mm lens. If you want to shoot with that kind of look, be prepared for blurry video. It takes a skilled operator who understands all the intricacies of regular video production to overcome the limitations of DSLR video production.

You do have a good video tripod, right? Don’t plan on getting many good shots from a DSLR while shooting handheld. It’s possible but it’s tough. You didn’t actually want to pan from side to side did you? Do so carefully and slowly with a wide angle lens if you do. If you haven’t heard of jello video you’ll experience it soon enough. Oh, and audio. You do have a way to adapt balanced XLR mics down to an unbalanced 1/8″ connection, right? Or maybe you’re willing to just do without audio altogether. Of course you can use the mic built into the camera if you want to hear every sound YOU make while you’re shooting video of someone/thing else. And of course you know going into this thing that you have to manually focus all of your shots while dealing with a focal plane that’s no more than a few inches deep if you’re going for that “DSLR look” with your shots.

Of course it’s not all doom and gloom. If you actually know what you’re doing you can make some gorgeous moving pictures with a DSLR. For an example of what it looks like when done correctly check out some of Mike Jones’ stuff over on Vimeo. He’s getting it figured out and has some really nice looking examples here: http://vimeo.com/9790902 You can also check out his Twitter feed by following him @votemikejones.

I like the look you can achieve with DSLRs. I really do. Just keep it in perspective. If you are already a video guy, go buy one and put it in your toolbox. It’ll be the cheapest video camera you’ve ever purchased! But remember that it’s just that; a tool in your video-making toolbox. It’s not going to replace your video camera and it’s not appropriate for every shot. Do not start a company saying you do video production if this is your only camera. You’re hurting the established shooters and businesses out there. You’re not a professional photographer because you own a DSLR (although some people think they are) so you’re not a pro videographer because your DSLR has a video button on it. Find someone who will mentor you if you’re interested. Watch them, ask them questions, and learn from them. Don’t butcher their market.

On the day of the wedding, we were blessed with fantastic December weather. It was a bit chilly, but nice enough to get some outdoor shots with the beautiful architecture of the Dominion House as our backdrop. After the ceremony everyone moved upstairs to the ballroom for a full catered dinner and chocolate fountain. DJ Connections kept the party rolling and even got the kiddos dancing with some Miley Cyrus “Party in the USA”.

After the cake and toast, the dancing really began in earnest. Amy and Steven had a lot of family and friends in attendance, including a lot of children. Because of this, Amy did a teddy bear toss along with the bouquet toss so the little ones wouldn’t feel left out. I’m sure it was a night everyone will cherish forever. Congratulations Steven and Amy!

It all started with a Tea Ceremony at Christine’s parent’s house. This was a touching tradition where Christine’s grandfather shared with them some of the secrets of a long and successful life together but less than half of the audience caught the secrets; it was all in Vietnamese!

A full Catholic mass during the ceremony followed the Tea Ceremony. There was a long break between the ceremony and reception so we took that as an opportunity to shoot the fashion session during the day while the sun was still up (very unusual for me .

There’s a little story to the fashion session. We decided to stop in at the Skirvin Hotel to have a drink and snap a few pictures with the red piano in the bar. While there, I asked to shoot a couple photos in the (closed) restaurant. I was promptly told no and that I was not allowed to shoot in the hotel if the bride and groom didn’t have their ceremony or reception there. We were basically kicked out. So we went across the street to B.C. Clarks and snapped a few pictures along the sidewalk. Christine wanted to go in and have her ring cleaned so we followed her in. Once inside, I asked if I could take a few pictures of the bride and groom in the store. They agreed and stood around smiling at the happy couple while we shot. I asked if we could step over to the safe door and shoot there since it had such beautiful reflections on the brushed metal surface. Not only did they agree, but the security guard asked if we wanted to shoot INSIDE THE SAFE! I certainly didn’t turn down that opportunity. My favorite from the set is the one below with Christine looking like she’s sneaking into the safe. So basically, we were kicked out of the Skirvin for taking photos but invited into the safe of one of the cities top jewelers. Ironic and funny…

We went from our shoot downtown to the reception at the Palace Events Center in Yukon. That’s where the party really got jumpin. It was a crazy night and a VERY long day. In all, we spent right at 14 hours shooting with Jed and Christine and I wouldn’t trade a minute of it. You two are so much fun to be with and we wish you many blessings in the future!

Shawn

When we set out to do the fashion shoot I knew immediately that we were going to get some fabulous pictures. Brandy kept telling me that they would do whatever I told them since the pictures were so important to them. Um, OK! We went all over Will Rogers Park and then moved down to Bricktown. We just kept shooting and shooting since we were having so much fun. Each new picture was better than the last. Here is just a small sample of my favorites. Congratulations Joey and Brandy!

In order to pull this off, I need some help. We have started an official team to raise money and would love for anyone who can come and participate to raise money certainly do so, but we need help in other areas as well. In order to cover an event of such magnitude, we need several photographers. In past years we’ve covered the event with three photographers but I’d love to up the count this year. There is an opportunity to shoot “official team portraits” in addition to the general event coverage and that’s one of the main areas I need help.

If you’re a photographer–even one in training–and are interested in getting some good practice in a “live” and fun environment, PLEASE let me know.  I will be there in Super-Duper-Training-Mode so if you’re still a little unsure behind the camera, that’s OK. It’s getting close to time for another S&S Productions Photo Walk but with all of the holidays coming up I thought we could use this as a practice session to get us through the end of the year. Besides, what better way to get some more shutter time than doing so while helping out a great cause?

Please let me know if you are interested and I’ll explain all of the details then. I would count it a great blessing to get to work with any of my highly talented friends so don’t be shy. Show us what you’ve got!

You can find out more about the Memory Walk in general and our team in particular here: Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk