Dixie Dixon – A Lifestyle Tutorial for Photographers

Posted on December 13, 2016 by ShutterBug
Images copyright Dixie Dixon. All rights reserved.

Picture

alJust a few weeks ago Dixie Dixon was featured in a new episode of “Why?” Dixie’s “Why?” image was part of a shoot she was doing in Brazil. The trailer for her Lifestyle Photography Tutorial adds a little more about Dixie’s philosophy and her never-ending quest to capture the ultimate image. 
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I’ve shared a number of Dixie’s videos here on the SCU blog over the last few years. Her behind the scenes videos, which started as simply a fun way to document a project, evolved into one of her most popular products for many of her clients. 

Think about the concept. The more I think about it, the stronger the idea of BTS videos becomes for virtually any client. As two other examples: Kirk Voclain has done them for years with high school senior sessions, and Suzette Allen has turned them into video holiday cards for clients. 

Now Dixie’s sharing something new, with 22 hours of education content to help you raise the bar on your skill set. As you watch the video, first pay attention to how well Dixie shares her story. Second, think about how bringing a stronger approach to lifestyle photography might just be the inspiration you need to extend your work in a stronger direction. Check out the video and then click on either of Dixie’s images above to link to this new educational series.

SkipCohenUniversity – SCU Blog

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9 Netflix Travel Shows to Download for Your Next Flight

Posted on December 13, 2016 by ShutterBug

Travel days are brutal bookends for any amazing adventure. You choke down terrible airport food, waste hours waiting in lines, pay extra for everything, and nine times out of ten, you share your airborne sardine can with a screaming infant.  Don’t add to your suffering by watching the latest terrible rom-com edited for time and content on a shmutzy TV four rows away — not when you can pre-download offline content from Netflix!

Just launched at the end of November, Netflix Offline Viewing means you can spend the long hours of purgatory on international flights getting amped up for your adventure. Our Editor-in-Chief Michael Bonocore and I teamed up to help you know what to download before you forget to check in properly and get sandwiched in the middle seat on the 16-hour San Francisco to Dubai flight.

Only some movies and tv shows are available to download, so we scoured the list to find the best candidates for your next travel day:

Jordana’s Picks

Tales by Light

You may have seen us mention this series before… With brilliant cinematography, interesting international stories, and behind the scenes access to acclaimed travel photographers, Tales by Light is an obvious choice for your travel day entertainment.

Wildest Islands

With ten episodes to watch, this series introduces islands all over the world, highlighting the various relationships between man and nature from location to location.  Whether you’re traveling to the Caribbean or the Falklands, there’s a relevant episode waiting to get your geared up for your adventure.

Chef’s Table

Foodies rejoice!  Prep for the culinary delights of international travel with this Netflix original series! Follow international chefs as they prepare and introduce regional foods that will make your airplane tuna sandwich look like cat food and cardboard.

Last Chance to See

From the BBC, this series follows Stephen Fry and zoologist Mark Carwardine as they travel the world in search of animals on the verge of extinction.  Last Chance to See is a follow up to a radio series and book by the same title produced almost 30 years ago by Carwardine and author Douglas Adams.  With incredible access to such rare animals, this series just might empower you to help fight for the natural areas along your adventure.

An Idiot Abroad

Step into the shoes of a bad tourist for this wonderfully un-PC show.  Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant send their vapid friend and a completely inexperienced traveler, Karl Pilkington, on wide-ranging international adventures.  His intimidation by street foods in China and fear of getting hooked on eating toads will keep you laughing the whole flight.  Settle in for some easy, light-hearted watching.

Bonus Viewing: Sense8

Ok, this one isn’t exactly a travel show, but if you’re looking for binge-worthy, action-filled viewing for a long day of travel, this visually astounding series is the perfect escape.  It follows the lives of eight psychically connected characters living in amazing locations all over the world.  This show will make you long to visit all of the filming locations, from busy colorful streets in India, to starkly beautiful mountaintops in Iceland.  

Michael’s Picks

Unbranded

What happens when four college buddies decide to ride 16 wild mustangs from Mexico to Canada? Unbranded is the film festival acclaimed documentary that documents the challenging 3,000 mile ride through some of the harshest terrain in the American West. Being a west coast, mountain-obsessed photography, this film is right up my alley.

India’s Frontier Railways

For years, India’s railway system has been romanticized in Hollywood films like ‘The Darjeeling Limited’, but India’s extensive and historical railway system is full of real people, real stops, real stations, and most of all, real life. This hard to stop watching documentary series gives viewers a glimpse at the railway behind the Hollywood glamor.

Wild North

I am pretty much obsessed with anything Norway. But in two trips to the Arctic country, I have yet to see much wildlife. Obviously, I am looking in all the wrong places, as the filmmakers behind Wild North show us that Norway is home to some of the world’s most amazing and diverse wildlife.

 

The Cuba Libre Story

I may be biased, since I just returned home from my second trip to Cuba. This trip came at a historic time, as I was in the country during the nine-day mourning period for Fidel Castro’s death. During this time, alcohol, music, and dancing were outlawed by the government. It was a surreal scene walking through Havana and not hearing the constant beat of Sol music and seeing the sidewalk cafes full of tourists drinking Mojitos. But either way, for anyone who has been to Cuba, it’s a fascinating country with a fascinating history, from both the good and bad. This 8-part series digs into the history of the small island nation just 90 miles south of Florida.

Bonus!

180° South

This is only on the bonus section because it isn’t available for download yet. But BEFORE you embark on your next epic adventure, this film follows a group of mountaineers (who also surf) as they retrace the 1968 journey of  Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins to Patagonia. It’s an inspiring and fun film that shouldn’t be missed. But hopefully Netflix makes this available for download soon, as this is one that was meant for the window seat of a Dreamliner because you can’t sleep from all of the adrenaline rushing through your veins.

Bonus! Bonus!

Anything Anthony Bourdain

Again, not available for download…but anything with his face in it needs to be seen by everyone with an itch for travel, food, humor, and adventure.

So, how did we do? Did we miss any must-see wanderlust? Let us know your favorite travel shows on Netflix and we might include them in our next installment!

Resource Magazine

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7 tips for taking photos during your Disney vacation

Posted on December 12, 2016 by ShutterBug

Disney World is really the most magical place that my entire family likes to soak up as much as we can.

I’m fortunate enough to live in Tampa, which is a short one hour drive to the Mouse House (as my dad used to call it). Being that it’s so close, we have annual passes and go there A LOT! I mean, wouldn’t you? I’m going to share some of my favorite photography tips that I’ve learned through my many trips to The Happiest Place on Earth!

1.  Make breakfast reservations

This is my favorite tip!! Make breakfast reservations BEFORE the park opens. During our last trip, we had breakfast reservations at 8:20 and the park didn’t open to the public until 9. This means that we had the entire park to ourselves for a whole 40 minutes!

Okay, okay, so we didn’t have the entire park to ourselves because there were other people there for breakfast too, but it was significantly less packed than when it’s open to everyone. This is the perfect time to get those perfect shots without millions of people photobombing that magical walk down Main Street toward the castle. I have yet to try this at the other three parks, but don’t you worry, I will!

pic of two girls holding hands in front of the Disney World castle by Dana Nicole Photography

2.  Take one lens

Being a mommy of three little ones, we always bring two strollers which can be nice for the storage underneath. However, we have to carry a cooler, a full backpack, and of course all of the souvenirs that our kids con us into buying. This leaves little room for anything else.

To save precious space, I’ve learned to only bring one lens with my camera. Which lens you ask? Well, that’s completely up you. I’ve tried bringing a different lens each time to get different perspectives. The 50mm is nice because it’s so light! The 24-70mm is also a good choice because it’s so versatile and my current favorite is a 15mm fisheye. I was able to get some really creative shots with it! Oh, and don’t forget to bring a big memory card to hold the hundreds of images you’ll end up snapping! A 32 gb would be perfect for that.

picture of girl looking at Disney World Sleeping Beauty art by Dana Nicole Photography

3.  Be present

Don’t let your camera hold you back! I like to let my camera hang at my side so I can pick it up whenever I want rather than constantly have to go digging into the camera bag for it. This is perfect for snapping those special moments when they are actually happening rather than asking them to pause while I go stroller diving for my camera! I even wear my camera on the rides with my kids. Not only do you get great candid shots, but you also get to enjoy it with your kids.

pic of girls riding dumbo at Disney World by Dana Nicole Photography

4.  Get in the shot

Yes, I am always the one behind my camera because I just don’t trust my hubby to get the perfect shot. I mean, if I want to be blurry and have a sharp background, he’s my go-to guy, but if I’m going for a more traditional picture, then it’s up to me to take it!

After our last vacation to the Florida Keys, I uploaded the photos I took and was so saddened because I was not in one. single. photo! This means when my kids look back at those vacation images, they won’t see me making those memories WITH them. So yes, definitely shoot pictures, but remember to get in the picture too even if the picture may not come out perfect. Note to self – teach hubby how to focus!

picture of mom with kids at Disney World

Clickin Moms photography forum

5. Give your camera to the Disney PhotoPass photographers

While you walk around the Disney parks, you’ll frequently run into Disney PhotoPass photographers. You’ll see them in certain picturesque spots and also when you meet the characters.

Not only will they use their own cameras to snap those special memories for you, but they totally don’t mind snapping those same memories with YOUR camera. There’s not a camera they haven’t seen or used, so don’t be afraid that they won’t know how to work it. This is a perfect way to save money because you won’t need to buy the photos from them, you’ll already have them on your own camera!

picture of girl looking at Disney World Sleeping Beauty art by Dana Nicole Photography

6.  Look for interesting perspectives and angles

You can get overwhelmed at Disney because they have so many beautiful details all around you! Yes, we all want that shot of our family in front of the castle, but Disney has much more to offer than the cliche castle and Epcot ball pictures. Open your eyes to see all of the little details that Disney is so famous for.

picture of Disney World by Dana Nicole Photography

7.  Candids

Not everything needs to be posed! In my opinion, the candid shots are the absolute best. That smile when you buy them a ridiculously overpriced Mickey Mouse balloon, or the pure joy when Mickey waves to them at the parade is actually priceless, so be ready to shoot those special moments!

kids picking out treats at Disney World by Dana Nicole Photography

So there are my favorite tips I have learned along the way. Now, go plan your trip to Disney and have fun! I’d love to see some of your favorite images that you’ve taken on your Disney trip(s). Feel free to post them in the comments!

We have annual passes to Disney and go there A LOT! I mean, wouldn’t you? I’m going to share some of my favorite photography tips that I’ve learned through my many trips to The Happiest Place on Earth!

The post 7 tips for taking photos during your Disney vacation appeared first on Clickin Moms.


Clickin Moms

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Alzheimer’s, Caregiving and the Holidays

Posted on December 12, 2016 by ShutterBug
I always go off track on Sunday mornings, but yesterday I just couldn’t seem to get it together to finish this post. While this has little to do with photography, it has everything to do with life. There are so many artists who I’ve talked to over the last year who are dealing with the challenge of Alzheimer’s somewhere in their family. So, at the risk of violating one of the supposedly sacred rules of blogging, I’m starting the week completely away from the primary SCU theme.

For the last two years, I’ve managed and written the blog for the Friendship Centers here in Sarasota. The Friendship Centers are a non-profit 501c3 providing support to the community through Health Services, the Caregiver Resource Center, the Senior Centers and an extensive list of events and activities. Their slogan “People Helping People” couldn’t be more appropriate.

In November of 2011, my Dad and I attended our first support group meeting at the Caregiver Resource Center. It was for caregivers dealing with Alzheimer’s, and the battle was raging for my mother. Our Thursday morning meetings became a weekly tradition, always finishing with lunch at a local favorite. We’d sit outside and always take a trip down Memory Lane, talking about fun memories of the past and his love for Mom. They were together sixty-six years.

Alzheimer’s is a horrible disease that robs a family of a loved one, little by little. My Dad was determined to keep those precious moments of the past alive and make a few new memories as well. I remember him once saying, “No matter how bad this gets I’m going to keep squeezing every precious memory out the good moments that come along and hang to them.”

Last week I shared a post on the Friendship Centers’ blog with tips to help Caregiver’s get through the holidays.  If this helps just one of you to remember you’re not alone, then this post served a purpose.

The holidays are an especially challenging time of year for caregivers. I remember times with my mother when my Dad wanted to go back to some of the holiday traditions, but he just couldn’t find the path. Frustrated, because things had changed so much in his life with my mother’s Alzheimer’s, we had to create new “traditions” and ways to celebrate.

My wife Sheila and my mother had a special bond, because of the trust Sheila had established with Mom. She never argued with her, corrected or contradicted anything Mom said. Instead, she just worked to appreciate the moment. That’s Sheila with Mom in the image above at dinner one night at holiday time. In a lucid moment, Mom had a mini-panic attack when she realized how much things were changing. Two minutes later, just because of the love Sheila shared, Mom was smiling and back on track enjoying the evening.

The seven tips below were recently published in the Caregiver Resource Center’s newsletter, and are so crucial to helping caregivers through the holidays. There was just one more point I wanted to add: Remember you’re not alone in your feelings, the anxiety of the holidays or in dealing with the challenge of stress. Most important of all, as a caregiver you’ve got to put yourself first, especially with your health. You can’t help your loved one if you’re not taking care of yourself.

Seven Tips to Reduce Holiday Stress for Caregivers

Put together a support network: Include family, friends, community agencies and service providers and get comfortable delegating.

Learn to say ”No:” ‘ No ’ as being self empowering to allow yourself and your care partner the ability to enjoy the holidays in a new way.

Don’t aim for perfection: Be flexible when you need to be and change your expectations to fit the current situation.

Maintain your health: Take care of yourself, take your medications and doctor appointments, exercise when you can and enjoy a moderate holiday menu.

Start your own traditions: Find an alternative way to ease your burdens; create new holiday traditions that respect your needs and your care partner’s needs.

Prepared for the unexpected: It’s the holidays and plans may change and probably will, so what to do?…. change it if you can and if you can’t, accept it and move on. There is so much we are no longer able to control.

Remember to breathe: Some deep breaths will help relieve stress and may help you to find the humor in some situations.

SkipCohenUniversity – SCU Blog

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Life Cover 10-30-1939 Featuring Frank Veloz & Yola Paper Framed Print 1 5/8″ White 22×26 Photo On Paper

Posted on December 11, 2016 by ShutterBug

Life Cover 10-30-1939 Featuring Frank Veloz & Yola Paper Framed Print 1 5/8″ White 22×26 Photo On Paper


life cover 10-30-1939 featuring Frank Veloz & Yola” is an art print by Gjon Mili from The Life Picture Collection. Get photo prints of “life cover 10-30-1939 featuring Frank Veloz & Yola” in a variety of frames, styles, and materials. Photographer Bio Emigrating to the United States from Albania in 1923, Gjon Mili is regarded as the first photographer to use electronic flash and stroboscopic light to create photographs outside of a scientific context. A true pioneer of the artform, Mili’s photographs of dancers, athletes, and pictures or performances have shaped our understanding of how movement too rapid or too complex for the eye to discern is captured in the still image. Mili’s career as a photographer for Life Magazine spanned four decades and saw the publication of thousands of his photographs, taking him around the world; from collaborations with Pablo Picasso, to the incarceration of Adolph Eichmann, to original photos from Broadway plays. The Life Picture Collection From one of the most iconic magazines ever to hit the shelves comes The Life Collection – an archive of some of the most recognizable imagery of the 20th Century. Documenting events in politics, culture, celebrity, the arts and the American experience, these compelling and provocative photographs include the works of some of the greatest photographers capturing some of the greatest moments in history.

Price: $
Sold by Photos.com by Getty Images

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