I gave myself a gift. I bought Rule of Nerds. I flipped to the back cover and showed my wife one of the comic strips and it even had her grinning. Yes, it is humor that is more directed towards photographers, but Aaron Johnson is so on target. Get the book. For the photographer in your life. It's the holiday season. We all could use a good laugh.

David Hobby, the Strobist has a PDF of his Lighting 101 course. Give yourself the gift of light(ing) and download it. Christmas, Diwali, Ramadan … call it what you will … is here and now. Learn and enjoy!

Ok, let me at the outset tell you that I am a Jay Maisel fan. A huge fan, but a poor one of this American master of photography. I don't have a $5000 to attend his unique workshop, but I would go if could find that kind of cash in pennies even, tucked away in the far reaches of my couch. He is worth every red cent. As far as how he makes $45k in a day, well he will only accept 9 participants to his workshop. Do the math.

“It will take place Mon. Dec. 17 to Fri. Dec. 21, from 9am to 10pm each day. All meals are included.” Be sure to mention Tiffinbox if sign up. [Link thanks to Adobe's John Nack]

This is a photography workshop for the well-heeled, Marine-at-heart types. Steven Frischling, an editorial and wedding photographer is playing host to 8 lucky people to travel the world with him (and yes, he goes by the name “Fish”) and experience the kinds of things he does when has to shoot assignments around the world. Very cool. Very interesting. And, no, while my itchy feet may start burning, I ain't going no where. Tempting, though.

Found this link through the pixelated image [where there are gobs more useful information] of Matt Brandon's arresting photographic work in Kashmir. Turn up your speakers and enjoy the show as I think you will also like the music. I did.

Matt Brandon's blog is here and his awesome website is called the digitaltrekker.

Brandon has a new book out called Catchlight. Buy it here.

Everywhere magazine is a new travel magazine. But it's no ordinary magazine because you, yes you, can contribute to it. Brought to you by the same fine folks who brought us JPG magazine, “Everywhere's website is similar to JPG, with a few important twists. With Everywhere, you add your photos to a specific geographic location. These locations are called Places, and a Place can be a hotel, a landmark, a restaurant, a quirky attraction, or any other thing to see or do in a city or town.”

Mark your spot in the world with a photograph. Saves you from peeing.