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Michael [mahy-kuhl] – noun
1. A male given name. 2. A witty, charming professional wedding photographer who enjoys movies, exercise, romantic walks on the beach and large pepperoni pizzas.
Maven [may-ven] – noun
1. A connoisseur or trusted expert in a particular field who seeks to pass his knowledge onto others. 2. An intense gatherer of useful information. 3. An individual who demonstrates passion for learning and teaching a specific topic, particularly through a well connected social network.
Thank you for coming to my blog! I update it regularly, so if you ever want to know what I am up to, please come by and take a peek. Feel free to leave your comments below.
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Win a free Michael Andrew Shoot / DVD- Where are you all from? |
I was checking my stats tonight for the blog and I realized there are people from all over the world visiting! In the last week alone, Ive had visitors from Austrailia, Estonia, the Phillipines, the UK, Ireland, Iceland, Romania, Malaysia, Moldova, Estonia, Germany, Canada, Honduras, as well as most the states in the US. The funny thing is, I know I have a lot more visitors than what my stat page is showing, for example, I know both my parents check, but I have no visits from where they live....so......
I thought I would throw this out there:
If you post your name, email address (to contact you), and where you are visiting from, you will be entered to win one of the first finished copies of my new photography DVD. It includes the best advice I can possibly give to beginning photographers, and I go into detail how I think when I approach images. While the DVD is specifically for the Canon 40 D, it covers so many topics....ANY beginning or intermediate photographer using ANY camera will benefit from it. I will draw names and send the winner a copy at no charge to them.
If you live in Alabama, you will be entered to win a free 1 hour photography shoot, by yours truly, thats...me. (A $250 value) Even if you are a recent client and you are good on the photos, you may give it to someone you feel would benefit from it.
I will draw winners one week from today, Feb 7th 2008 and announce the winners on the 8th.
Dont be shy, please say hi!
:)
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Mentoring Lunch with Michael - |
This next Monday from 2:30-3:30 there will be a mentoring / networking lunch with me, Michael Andrew, at Logan's Roadhouse in Tuscaloosa. I get a lot of requests from beginning photographers for input on how they can improve their photographs and business models, and these lunches provide an opportunity for you to pick my brain. Attendees split the cost of my meal, and in return, I will answer any questions you have related to the wedding photography business in Alabama. (I dont need anyone to buy my meal, it's just a traditional courtesy in exchange for my time.)
I have done these before and they are fantastic opportunities for you to meet other photographers in the area and develop your network. You will be surprised how many photographers are game for this.
The more the merrier, I also request that you please do not bring any albums for me to look at, but it is ok to bring your camera if you have any questions about them. Please RSVP: shiffler@gmail.com so I can get a count on everyone who plans on attending, as well as a way to contact you in the event the time or location should change.
Talk with you soon! |
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Bush Bloopers |
I watched the State of the Union address tonight. I found it fascinating how the Democratic Party wouldn't stand at certain periods, and on a few occasions Nancy Pelosi was looking around because she didnt know whether to stand or not.
I am truly grateful for President Bush. He isnt perfect, but I do believe him to be a good man. He has made many tough decisions and has protected our country.
Love him or hate him....this will make you laugh. I was in tears! |
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What are Extension Tubes? |
All lenses have a minimum focusing distance. When shooting Macro (or very close up photography) it requires that we get really, really, close to the subject. The problem is, in order to get close enough for a good shot, we are TOO close (outside the minimum focusing range) and therefore, cannot get a good tight focus.
There are many lenses designed specifically for Macro photography, like the Canon MP-65 ($800) which I tested (not practical unless you have something called a focusing rack and TONS of light). The Canon 100mm 2.8 is a good macro lens, but it is also pricey at about $450.
Extension tubes were the best solution I found for beginning photographers who dont want to spend a ton of money on a good macro lens, but still want to experiment. Extension tubes add space between the lens and the camera body and allow for shorter focusing distances. A set of three Kenko (Canon Compatible) are about $170, and will work on any EOS mount. A few rules to remember with Macro photography:
1. You will need a TON of light if you want a depth of field thicker than a tenth of a millimeter. Remember, the closer you are to your subject, the shallower the depth of field. The result is that you will have to shoot at say f22 if you want to get a deeper depth of field. If you are going for thicker depths of field.....
2. You will need a tripod because the in order to compensate for the small aperture, you will need a slow shutter speed.
3. You will need a lens release cable, infared transmitter or use the timer (the camera can shake if you push the shutter release with your hand).
There are some "macro" type lens filters. They are expensive, give about the same results as the tube extensions, and can only be used on specific size lenses.
If you are beginning Macro photography, try the extension tubes first. This will give you a good taste of what its all about before you invest in an expensive lens. Besides, they may do the trick you need anyway.
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My answer to the Case of the Careless Accident-er... |
I will give you my short answer first: (for those of you that missed the original question, it was asked on Jan 11-2008)
The Case of the Careless Accidenter is interesting because the reader assumes the question is from the perspective of the person being hurt, when it can be asked about both involved.
We must do everything in our power to conduct ourselves in such a way that nothing we ever did or said would harm the innocent and in the event we fail to do this, we must be willing to correct our mistakes.
Long Answer-
The Criteria for measuring a case of "careless accidenting":
1. Extent of damage done
2. Intention
3. Ability to self correct
This question has been debated for 1000s of years, it is even covered in the old testament, when cattle owners were held responsible for their oxen should they damage people/property. How often do couples accidentally say something they don't mean and hurt the person they love? On the other hand children often do not understand consequences for misbehavior and they really cant be held accountable, so it's not always so black and white.
The truth of the matter is, there is consequence for damage/injury to others, wether it was intended or not. We should remember that even words can hurt people, even if we didnt mean to hurt them. I know some will blame the person being hurt for "taking it the wrong way" but I really think that if our words hurt innocent people (meaning they didn't deserve it), even when not intended- we have a responsibility to bear.
I guess the whole reason I was thinking about this is the fact that I have cut people out of my life when I felt they were mistreating our relationship. Its happened more than once. Im not proud of it because its an awfully mean thing to do, on the other hand....I really felt there was no other choice, especially after trying to explain to them how they were hurting our relationship.
I know some of these people read this blog. Hopefully you can see where I am coming from.
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Checking and Cleaning Your Sensor |
Ive been meaning to add this video for like....months. Checking and cleaning your sensor can be extremely nerve racking for photographers who have never done so. Just watch me clean one of my 20 D's and you will feel a lot better about it. Get comfortable doing this regularly if you own a DSLR camera.
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Best Ending of a movie based on Character Development |
I am open for debate on this, as there are many great examples of wonderful character development. I actually have two favorites:
The first, is ending of The Karate Kid, which I have posted here. I know there are many critics who will roll their eyes at this, but in terms of an engaging character who spends nearly the entire movie getting beat up in so many different ways....its hard not to feel good at the end of this movie, as Mr. Miyagi is smiling, you just FEEL GOOD. When I saw this movie for the first time, I realized, movies can change how we feel. If movies can change your feelings, then yes...they do matter. The beauty of the Karate Kid is that everyone understands it and can relate to Danielson immediately. This movie is awarded as an "All Time Michael Andrew Classic". It ROCKS!
2. The second, Back to the Future, specifically the scene where Marty McFly punches Biff. Again, we have someone we may be able to relate with, bullied and pushed around his whole life, (in different sets of realities) who finally changes everything by making a stand for once. Classic.
Enjoy this clip of Karate Kid and make note of how you feel at the end. I wish more movies were like this. :) |
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The Watchmaker |
This link was sent to me my by good friend Oleg who lives in Moscow, Russia. Its outstanding. If any of you come across any cool websites you think I would like, just send me an email!
The Watch Maker |
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Michael The Mentor on YouTube |
In addition to my photography school at Michael The Mentor I have started a channel on Youtube, : Michael's Youtube Channel
In the past few days I have had a lot of hits, and it seems like a good way to get interest in the photography school, and hopefully the Canon 40D DVD. It takes some time to upload the videos, so I am just posting one or two a day, but right now I have about 40 completed lessons that I will eventually upload. I am also taking these same lessons and posting them on my Photography School, so I would imagine it should be finished in the next coming weeks. The main difference between the School and Youtube is: 1. Youtube is getting TONS of hits, 2. My site offers the homework.
Ive even had some random person leave some nice feed back for me on the Aperture lesson, and another post it in his own photography website. Its a good start.
:)
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| I love how subtle Youtube is about friendship issues. |
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Ironman Teaser Trailer |
| This is the trailer for all those readers who dont go to the movies anymore...(Thad, Dad, etc). Im thinkin this is looking pretty sweet! |
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