Welcome to Michael Andrew’s Blog!

Photographer Matthew Jones gave an exclusive interview to Fstoppers about why he prints mini printed pocket portfolios to hand out to prospective clients. It's pretty genius. Not only do they have an immediate visual of his work it may sit on their desk or coffee table as a reminder of who to call when they need a photographer. It's a great way to stand out from the crowd. Check out his thoughts on Fstoppers HERE.

Happy to announce that my new Nikon D550 Tutorial Training Video is now available for immediate download!

We cover everything from the basics, composition, digital basics, the D5500 features and operations, the D5500 menu system, video shooting tips and much more, all and all about 4 hours of training. Save yourself the time and frustration of trying to learn on your own! Check it out today! You can purchase the download by clicking here: CLICK HERE for Michael's Nikon D5500 Tutorial Training Video Download

Purchase the Nikon D5500 camera here.

Xiaomi is a growing and popular brand of electronics in China. They're releasing an action cam that might make GoPro a little worried. According to the specs (and at half the cost) this little camera might give them some stiff competition. List of specs via DIY Photography: - $64 vs $130 - 1080p/60fps vs 1080p/30fps - 7fps continous vs 5fps - 72 grams vs 111 grams (2.5oz/3.9oz) - Max storage: 64GB MicroSD vs 32GB MicroSD - H.264 encoding (same) - 155 degree wide angle lens (the GoPro wins this one with 170 degrees) - Built-in WiFi (100 meter range) and Bluetooth 4.0 - Optional Bluetooth remote control - Remote control handset app – allowing you to shoot, edit and share you photos and video - Travel edition comes with a selfie stick - BSI (back-illuminated sensor) - Ambarella A7LS processor - Panasonic high density lithium-ion battery - Battery indicator - 3D noise reduction- Waterproof up to 40 meters with underwater housing (not included)

This all comes at a $64 price tag. So what do you think? Would you consider purchasing this Chinese version of an action cam? [Source]

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Last year onOne Software offered their Perfect Effects 8 plugin as a free download for a short time. Now as a special promotion for 500px members they're offering their Perfect Effect 9 for free as well. Great news though! You don't have to be a 500px member to snag your free download. You can simply enter your name and email address and get your copy today. It can be used as a plugin for Photoshop or Lightroom. It's a $60 value and loaded with some really cool presets. Check out the video below where master Photoshop retoucher Matt Kloskowski shows how he uses his favorite Perfect Effects presets.

Get your free copy of Perfect Effects 9 here! [Source]

I admit I don't watch 'Modern Family' (or much TV at all) but discussions about the upcoming episode have been all over the internet. In a unique concept the entire episode would be shot on iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. The producers wanted to give a realistic portrayal of how modern families communicated with one another these days. Check out the behind-the-scenes peek of how they pulled it off below. [Source]

Here's an awesome series that beautifully shows how framing your subject in a shape can have serious impact. The series is called 'Getting People in Shape' and it's by Italian photo enthusiast thatsval. She is currently working and living in Hong Kong.

Make sure to check out the entire post here on Bored Panda. You can also check out thatsval's Instagram page HERE. It's loaded with great images.

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I did happen to see this ad run during the Oscars ceremony a couple of night ago. I thought it was a good ad and found Martin Scorsese's message in the voiceover inspiring. What I didn't realize was that the entire ad was in fact shot on an iPad. Very cool. Check it out below. [Source]