"Make Light Real" Seminar w. Neil Cowley & SUNSHINE!!!

Hey Blog-World!!

Just coming off the heels of an amazing workshop held right here in Rochester w. lighting guru Neil Cowley. What a great experience!! Neil is a super-accessable guy who encouraged us to pull from within and trust both ourselves and our environment when approaching a shoot. The technical focus of the workshop was lighting...hence the title "Make Light Real". We learned about contrast, color temperatures, equipment, surveying a space and the like. We touched on processing techniques, workflow, actions and other technology-related applications. But the most important lessons, in my opinion, came by way of philosophy and approach. The biggest lesson that I took from the experience...

"You have not begun to reach your potential as a photographer."

The path is open-ended...therefore, a specific destination does not exist. This rings true not only in photo, but in all aspects of life. Stay open-minded...listen to the cues around you...be adaptable...always believe that the best is yet to come. Don't ever accept complacency...always demand the most from yourself and your expericence. Thanks for re-inforcing that Neil!!
I was fortunate enough to share this experience with a small group of talented, encouraging photographers. Rachel Gracie hosted the event at her studio in the Park Ave. Area. Thanks Rachel,for your hospitality...I look forward to getting to know you better in the future. Scott McQuarrie and Tim Forbes made it all the way from Canada for the event. It was a real pleasure meeting you guys - stay in touch!! Lou Gonzalez of Steadfast Designs and, of course, my man...Mr. Erich Camping. We need to do more of these events in the future E...they recharge the batteries and get the wheels turning.

OK...a couple of photos...
Neil and Erich looking over some images...what's with that scarry fuzzy thing you're holding Neil??Inside Rachel's home...what an amazing abode!!Rock Star Headshot captured by Neil...One more thing to report....

IT'S SUNNY IN ROCHESTER TODAY!!! I REPEAT...IT'S SUNNY IN ROCHESTER TODAY!!

I was beginning to think that home would look like this forever:
I won't jinx the weather by saying that it's turning for the better...but it just might be!!

I hope this finds you all well. Remember you can subscribe to this blog by entering your email in the fancy little subscribe box on the right. C'mon...you know you wanna!!

All the best,
t

WPPI, The Decemberists and bands you need to know about...

Hey Everyone!!

I was away from my post for a bit and denied all of my loyal readers a glimpse into the wild and wacky world that is tomas flint. So here's a breakdown of how it all went down...

1st - WPPI. Huge Tradeshow/Convention/Seminar Series/Networking Event/Party in Vegas. It's held annually so if you're in the industry, i recommend it as a 'must do'. Check out WPPI Online for details. Spent 4 days strengthening bonds, forging new friendships and drawing inspiration from anything and everything represented. Photography is so freekin cool...sometimes I can't believe it!! We did manage to set the indoor 'jam into a photobooth' record while we were there. This was a crowning achievement for all of us involved. Many thanks to Tiffany Aicklen for scanning and sending this over.


Tiffany and I attended a Mike Colon Seminar together in February and I swear, she is not only one of the most talented photographers on the planet, she is one of the finest people I have ever met. So blessed by your energy Tiff. Reunion in the plans...Fall/Winter '07. Get fired up!!

2nd - I got home early Friday morning and had to hustle to Buffalo to claim my front row ticket the greatest show in live music today - The Decemberists. Seriously amazing...life altering really. I managed to sneak my camera and a few lenses in and fired off nearly 700 pics. I love shooting live music. Especially since I was hanging on every note...every kick drum. I'm a little behind in my workload right now...but will be sure to post those images as soon as I can give them a little attention. Remember, you can sign up with my feedblitz registration box along the right hand side. I won't spam, just send over a quick reminder when new posts are available.

...in other news...

just put the finishing touches on CD designs for two bands whom I admire greatly.

The Buddhahood is reissuing their 2006 masterpiece..."muddy roots".

The Buddhahood has an energy and sound all of it's own. If you EVER get a chance to check them out live, DO IT!

The other CD is "Life in a Glass House" by the Upstate New York soon-to-be next big thing...Coersion. These guys are really onto something. The audio on the CD blew me away!! Here's the visual i came up with for the front cover...



Thanks for trusting me with those projects guys!! I loved working on them.

Other than that, I've been working overtime to tweak my workflow. I'm beginning to incorporate Adobe Lightroom into the front end of my processing and it's now clear that this is what i've been missing. Thanks to all you guys who took the time with me in Vegas to explain your workflow and offer suggestions on tweaking mine. Posts forthcoming

I hope this finds you all well,
t

"When you stand in the present moment you are timeless." -Rodney Yee