I think it was Zack Arias who lit a fire in me to think about off-camera lighting for my wedding and portrait photography. Since taking his workshop in Boston a few years back, I have been to a number of other workshops. I'll be happy to post a short list of those in a future blog post.

The one lighting workshop that always eluded me, however, was Joseph Victor Stefanchik's 1 Day Speedlites Workshop in Dallas. For a few years JVS, as he is called, only had these workshops in Texas. Now he and his lovely wife Anne are now taking these workshops on the road.

The one in Boston will be on August 26th. It will be held at LensProToGo‘s amazing warehouse space in Concord, Massachusetts. Learn more about these workshops.

JVS and Anne publish a blog called Off Camera Flash. You may want to bookmark it as it is one of my go-to-blogs for inspiration. Check out the images posted there and at his wedding website.

The word – “excited” – is a bit of an understatement. I spoke with JVS about this workshop and he promises me that he will elevate my ability to craft images with light and depth. The cost of the workshop is $500. It's a long, intensive day where you can expect to start using one-light and then two-lights and by the end of the course, three-lights. Class size will be small – no more than 15 people. The bonus is a PDF that JVS and Anne custom-design from the workshop that you attended with images, lighting diagrams and a list of equipment used for each example. This dedication to their craft and to their students alone convinced me that these guys are the real deal.

If you are interested in this Boston workshop by JVS & Anne, use this link to register. Please enter “PICSESHU” in the “Enter Promo Code” box during step one of three on their shopping cart. The cart will automatically apply a $50 discount for the first 10 people to register.

Yes, we are all inundated with requests to attend photography workshops all the time. Which ones are going to hit the mark … for you?

No easy answer to that one. However, here are the steps I usually take when I am considering a photography or lighting workshop of any kind:

1) I outline my immediate needs to grow as a photographer
2) Research the forums to see what is being said about a workshop I want to attend
3) Ask my peers if they have attended the workshop you are considering
4) Get a sense of who the instructor(s) are and what their goals for the workshop will be
5) Look for a way of following up after the workshop

Full disclosure: If I get 10 people to register using the link above, my registration fee will be complimentary. So, yes there is vested interest in plugging this workshop, but people who know me even remotely will tell you that I promote products and/or services that are only of a very high standard.

I hope you will join me in Boston on August 26th. We have much to learn … together!

Learning to light is one of those big steps that you will take as a photographer. True, there is a lot you can do with ambient light, or if night time photography is your thing, then investing in a tripod makes sense.

As a wedding photographer or portrait photographer, I am called to a variety of scenarios and I have to make quick calls to whether to use the existing light or enhance it with a flash. I recall buying two Nikon SB-800's and then asking myself, “now what?” I didn't know much about flash, how apertures and shutter speeds and ISO's all worked in tandem, or that my images would truly rock if only I took the flash off of the hot-shoe on my camera body.

Subjected to wedding after wedding where the reception lights were getting dimmer and dimmer, I was desperate to learn to light. Through the Digital Wedding Forum, I learned about Zack Arias, an Atlanta-based photographer who had cut his teeth photographing bands and music concerts. Zack was and is photographing weddings with another fabulous photographer named Marc Climie (more on him in a future post). When I heard about Zack's OneLight Workshops, I had to attend. The description matched my needs to a T. It was meant for those who wanted to learn from the ground-up, to light.

Well, some weeks back, Chase Jarvis and friends inaugurated CreativeLive.com, a website for photographers to learn from the very best photographers in the world.

On June 11, 12 and 13 (yes, this coming weekend), Zack, will be presenting at CreativeLive. If you can't make it you can buy his presentations as a digital download for $79. That, my friends, is what I call a STEAL. Get it!

And you've got to watch this by my man Zack:

I have to be on the road for that weekend, so I have ordered the download. If you are anywhere near Connecticut, bring some popcorn; we can watch it over at my place. I hope it is in HD! I am sure it will be a treat and a great learning experience. Perhaps we can even watch it and then go out and practice like real Strobists.

So, in full disclosure – I have attended two OneLight Workshops by Zack – one in Boston and the other in New York. They were both fabulous and I recommend them to anyone who is just starting out. If using your flash freaks you out (I was one of those to be totally honest), you should go. If you don't know what “off-camera lighting” means, you should go. If you want to create images with a greater depth, by using lighting, you should go. Well, you get the picture, right? [grin]

Unlike a lot of workshops where you sit and stare at an instructor and take furious notes, Zack broke it up and had us go out and shoot and practice and practice and practice. He split us into groups, had models stand in and made his equipment available for our use. He isn't just a photographer, he is a teacher. And by that I mean he talks and shows and makes darn sure you GET IT, before moving on to the next topic. One of the first things he declared was that there were no “stupid questions.” All was fair … from the very basic to the very technical. And if Zack didn't know the answer, he would say that he didn't know rather than bullshit his way through it.

Well, with this workshop now on CreativeLive.com, you don't have to travel far. The workshop comes to you online. That's bonus number one. And as I have said, if you are busy or away from your computer or you are still running on dial-up (God save you!), you will want to get that download for $79. That's bonus number two. Both will lead you to bonus number three, which is your desire to go and see the man in person at a workshop near you.

I don't make a dime for saying all this, so rest easy, sit back to watch and learn from a lighting guru. Your comments (after you watch the live event, which is FREE, by the way) would be greatly appreciated.

After the success of the “Name The Tune” contest, where I gave away two incredible photography-related books, I am doing it all over again. This time, though, I am giving something away that is much bigger.

Some months back, I randomly won a Twitter-based contest that Arizona-based photographer and teacher Mark Wallace and PocketWizard hosted.

I won the MiniTT1 (Transmitter) for Canon and the FlexTT5 (Transceiver) for Canon. They are both part of the PocketWizard ControlTL system. Here are some videos by Mark Wallace showing you how the system works.

If you are looking for an off-camera TTL flash solution, the ControlTL is one option.

Here is a video of Mark Wallace and friends pulling my name out of the hat:

Ok, so, I won. But my excitement lasted only so long until I found out that this system is currently only available for the Canon Speedlite system. PocketWizard swears that the Nikon version is coming and is in the midst of beta testing. Fingers crossed that they do deliver soon. As a Nikon shooter, I am salivating, but I also do want them to work out all the bugs before those units ship out.

Mark and I talked about this conundrum and the solution was simple – I would give it away. I finally received the NEW units and now want to spread the love. You in?

This is what I need you to do. It's not as simple as naming a tune this time.

STEP 1

I want you to sing the first three sections of the song, “Don't Stop Believing” by Journey into a video camera and share it with me/us. Are you still with me? I did say I was going to make this fun, right?

Here are the words to the first three sections of that epic tune:

Just a small town girl
Livin' in a lonely world
She took the midnight train
Goin' anywhere
Just a city boy
Born and raised in South Detroit
He took the midnight train
Goin' anywhere

A singer in a smokey room
A smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile they can share the night
It goes on and on and on and on

Strangers waiting
Up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching
In the night
Streetlights, people
Livin' just to find emotion
Hidin', somewhere in the night

(song continues)

STEP 2

After you record your video – it can be on your camera phone or a Flip video camera, or even something more elaborate – share it with me/us through Twiddeo. You will require a Twitter account to get started there.

STEP 3

Twiddeo will create a link after you upload your short video. Remember all I need to see and hear is the first three sections of the song – what you see above.

Use the link you are provided in a Tweet and follow this format:

I just sang “Don't Stop Believing” for @PicSeshu's Tiffinbox.org contest – “YOUR UNIQUE LINK” – #PocketWizard #Tiffinbox Please RT!

STEP 4

Drop a comment below saying you are in or you think this is the craziest thing you are going to do to win these PocketWizard units. Your thoughts count!

STEP 5

There is no Step 5. You are done. Go drink a beer or wash your hair out if you used way too much hair spray in the video [grin]

I'll look at every single entry and judge them for creativity, humor, quality (no, you can't totally suck and think you can win this) and enthusiasm. Cool?

Not that I am counting, but the total value of this giveaway is $425.00. Winner announced on June 3 – happens to be my parent's 43rd wedding anniversary! – so, bonus points if you create the video that wins AND sends them your wishes in the comments section below

Here are some other important things to keep in mind:

1) Only one winner will be announced (be a Canon shooter or else these units will not work for you)

2) These units are brand, spanking new and are as such the responsibility of PocketWizard if they fail to operate

3) Shipping and handling will be covered by me, so rest easy this isn't some scam to fork over $39.99. No, Ginsu knives will not be part of your package.

4) You are free to blog, Tweet or otherwise announce to the world any number of times about this contest but see #1

5) This contest is good only for those living in the US & Canada. Sorry, the frequencies may make it impossible for them to work anywhere else (I really don't know for sure) and I don't want you to be disappointed. Yes, I do care about ya!

6) The winner is obligated to share images shot with this unit for a future guest blog post (hey, you will get a link back so, it's a good thing) where she/he can also review it freely (giving it a yay or nay vote – totally up to you)

So, what do you think? Are you still in? Let's get rolling folks. I want to see what you come up with and so do a lot of other people.

If you sense there are holes in the way I have presented this contest, some kind soul please tap me and let me know so that I can correct it right away. And if I am breaking any unknown laws by conducting this contest, I ask for forgiveness now and plead complete and total innocence.

Who knows there might be more goodies to give away in the future. So bookmark the site, subscribe to the newsletter, Tweet about Tiffinbox and spread some good vibes in whatever way you would like. This site is for photographers around the world.

Thank you for playing. Don't stop believing in Tiffinbox!

For the last few weeks, I have had the honor of hosting a slew of wonderful guest bloggers – all of whom have some connection to the photography world.

Recent Guest Blog Posts

The Wedding Photography Industry: A Rebuttal
Holi, The Festival of Colors, In Utah
Photography Concentrate: Why We Teach?
Make Your Photos Sing (Part 1)
Make Your Photos Sing (Part 2)
Confessions Of An Emerging Professional Photographer
How To Grow Your Photography Business Without Pushing Customers Away?
When Did Teaching & Learning Photography Become Such A Controversy?
Dramatic Portrait Lighting For Photographers
Ethics & Etiquette For A Second Photographer
Concurrences: The Newly Global and the Eternal in South Asia

Why Would You Want To Guest Blog?

Very simply, Google loves it that you are present in spaces other than your own website. Links pointing back to your site from external sources is a GOOD thing, for you and me. You want to rank higher for keywords that are near and dear to you? Well, write a blog post using those keywords (as long as it has to do with photography I'll give it a fair shake), and the links back to your site will do its magic. This isn't some nefarious scheme to fool Google. It's an accepted practice where we can all win. So, do it!

Criteria Of Guest Blogger

Let me be frank – I am not looking for the next Hemingway. I just want to see writing and images that suggest you are serious about your craft and are committed to this journey with me. It's an exciting trip and I want you to come along.

I am always looking for photographers who can write, share their passion for photography in words and images. Are you one of them?

I have quite a few already writing their posts now and I am excited about revealing who they are what they have written. I am sure you will be just as thrilled when you read them here on Tiffinbox.

Basic Standards

Here are some basic standards that you must meet:

1) Be a photographer (I need to see an online portfolio)
2) Already have a blog (again a link is necessary)
3) Should link back to your own blog post on Tiffinbox
4) Be able to write simply (minimum 500 words, that's about a page)
5) Submit 6-10 images that have a width of 500 px
6) Submit a 300×300 px portrait of yourself
7) Deliver the text file as a .txt file not .doc file
8) Be open to have your blog post critiqued
9) Respond to blog comments in a civil manner (see no-no's below)

Blogging No-no's

– No posts/comments belittling other photographers – their work, their business models, their services or products

– No religion or political speak (don't want to have any flame wars on my site)

– No, you can't post anonymously

Topics To Write About

You may write about business, marketing, SEO, camera equipment … whatever that pushes your buttons or gets you really jazzed about photography.

Future Plans For This Site

In the next few weeks, I'll be setting up this site so that you can simply sign in and enter your post and upload your images. All I'll have to do is to hit “Publish.” Here's hoping it IS that simple!

Don't Wanna Blog, Then Comment Your Thoughts

Meanwhile, if you don't feel ready to blog here, but have been thinking about topics that are pertinent to your own business, mention it in the comments section below. It might just inspire someone who is reading this post to take it up and respond to YOU. How cool would that be to receive a customized blog post meant just for you?

I look forward to hearing from you all. Thank you!

At Dane Sander's Fast Track Photographer Workshop in Boston, I received a couple of photography-related books that are truly exceptional. I happen to own them already and so giving them away just makes sense. Yes, the ones I will send out to you are brand new.

First book I am giving away is Fast Track Photographer, by Dane Sanders. The second edition of this book reaches bookshelves across the planet on May 18. You will want to buy that one for sure.

The second book I am giving away is Digital Photography Boot Camp: A Step-by-Step Guide for Professional Wedding and Portrait Photographers, by Kevin Kubota. Kevin has a wonderful and long-running workshop called the Digital Photography Bootcamp. It's perpetually sold out for a reason. He is an amazing teacher and I am in love with his Photoshop actions and more recently his Lightroom presets. Good stuff. Well, if you can't make it to the workshop, there is the book, which is full of useful information about setting up your workflow.

Here's how you can win – name the song this bridegroom is belting out in the image you see below – yeah, that easy!

I photographed Mike enjoying his reception with his friends this past weekend at The Waterview, in Monroe, Connecticut. A fun, spirited wedding for sure.

Guessing is good. First two people to answer correctly win one book each. Sorry, I can't give away both the books to the same person. One book per person. Cool? Shipping is included. Feel free to post a link on your own blog about this contest. Tweeting about it would help too!

Use this when you Tweet: “RT @PicSeshu Name The Tune & Win Photography Books. Please RT!”

Ok, post your answer in the comments below. It's all in good fun. I'll announce a winner (if there is one) on May 7. Good luck!

UPDATE: After nearly 53 comments and 47 reTweets, there is only one person who got the right answer. To help one other astute person win the other book, I am going to drop the following hints – Think “trip” and one of the other songs in the band's repertoire had to do with the city of San Francisco. I have already said way too much! [grin]

UPDATE 2: Looks like my “hint” didn't quite elicit the right response. The winner of the first book is Lauren Lim. She nailed it with the correct answer “Don't Stop Believing – by Journey.” The first person to comment after reading this updated post wins the second book. Fair enough? Thank you all for playing. That was fun!