Hello November! You’re going to be a busy month!

Has it really come to the point where photographers need to wear masks and capes? Chris Marzonie says YES!

Here we are.  November already.  Halloween has come and gone, and there is a distinct chill in the air (probably has something to do with living more than a mile high).  I remember when it was just warming into summer and that’s already gone.  Why does it seem time goes by faster and faster each year?

Anthony's Angels? Or something more sinister. You decide!

Ah well.  It’s all good.  And this month should be very interesting.  There’s a lot going on!  So let’s get to it!  Here’s what’s coming up:

Grand Staircase Here I Come!

Sorry everybody, but I will be out of town from the 5th – 8th.  A return trip to the Vermillion Cliffs and Grand Staircase area.  One of my recent workshop participants is rolling through the area in his Class A and wanted to see about getting a few days of shooting in.  Hey, great excuse to head on up.  I’ll be looking forward to seeing John and getting some more time in a few places that I haven’t covered well enough yet.

For local readers out there you’ve got an opportunity.  I have an open seat in the Titan if you’d like to come along.  This will involve camping, being cold, being dirty, taking pictures, etc.  I’ll be leaving first thing Friday morning (7 a.m.) and returning late Monday night.  What do I ask if you’d like to come along?

Gas money.  Kick in on the fill ups and you’re cool.  🙂  Get in touch if you’d like to come (Chris Marzonie)!  🙂

Upcoming Classes at the Art Store

What everyone has been waiting for.  I know, I know, about time!

• Introduction to Lightroom 3:  Since this class has been so popular we’ll be continuing it.  November 21st is our next class at the Art Store running from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.  Bring your laptop to follow along or just follow along, it’s up to you.  You can sing up at the Art store or right here with PayPal.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Basics of HDR:  This is a new class being offered.  So many people have been asking me to do HDR classes, and during other classes I’m always asked, “Are we going to cover HDR?”  Well, we’ll finally cover HDR.  It is something that I like to do.  When you sign up you’ll receive an e-mail on what’s covered (I don’t have the PDF here at home with me).  Basically we’ll cover shooting setup for HDR on Canon and Nikon Cameras.  Bracketing, tripods, monopods, or even going for the handheld HDR.  We’ll then cover HDRSoft’s Photomatix.  Creating both realistic and surreal HDRs.  Additionally, Nik’s HDR Efex Pro will be covered as well (yes, I’ve decided to purchase it).  Finally, we will talk about a full HDR workflow utilizing Lightroom 3.  Now, before I get a slew of e-mails on this one I’ll answer the questions that popped to your mind in the last few sentences.  If you don’t have Photomatix, HDR Efex Pro, or Lightroom 3 do not panic.  You can get free demos of all 3 programs.  You don’t need Lightroom for the class (I do recommend it), but you will need Photomatix and HDR Efex Pro.  Once again, free downloads of fully functional demo software……  Okay?  Good.  This class will take place on December 5th from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. at the Art Store.  Seating is limited to 8 people, so sign up soon at the Art Store or right here with PayPal.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Additional class listings for next year will be out and by mid-December.  I’ve discontinued the Photoshop for Digital Photographers workshop for the time being.  The gamut of Photoshop versions people are running has made this one a little difficult.  From Photoshop Elements to the first Creative Suite, folks have it all.  And really I’m only addressing CS4 & CS5.  I know, it’s expensive to buy the full version of Photoshop or upgrade it for that matter, so that’s why we’re going to take that class off the menu for the time being.  I will be adding a new class starting in January, and that’s all I’m saying (teaser).

Putting us out of business sale…….

This week, from Tuesday through Friday Ian and I will be doing a sale on all currently hanging canvas pieces of ours in the gallery.  See, this week the City has closed off all parking on Goodwin Street and they’re repaving the road.  So access to the shop is a little tougher.  Of course, we do have the big FREE parking garage behind the plaza, but I know that this type of stuff really impacts our business in a bad way. And if people can’t park right in front of the store we do feel it!

So, as extra incentive to folks to brave the scary construction we’re marking our canvases down.  If you’ve wanted something of ours that you’ve seen hanging in the gallery I suggest you pop in over the next few days.  30% is a good deal.  And your purchases will help ensure that the construction project doesn’t tank the start of the month for us!  Come on, support your favorite local shop!

These types of construction projects normally kill us.  The last time construction was going on in front of the gallery I really wondered why I even went to work, that’s the type of impact that happens.  I’ll be glad to see the road redone, just wish they did it at night!

Holiday Portrait Sessions?

I’m thinking about setting up a small studio space at the Firehouse Plaza after my return from the Grand Staircase.  If I do it I’ll be offering 30 minute portrait sessions right in time for the holidays!

What do you get?  For $50 you’ll get 30 minutes of shooting time.  Head shots, full shots, group shots.  It’s up to you.  And if you’d like to bring a change of clothing that’s all good as well, just remember you’ll only have a half hour.

I just thought this would be a nice idea before all the fun family stuff that we all get to do in November and December.  You’ll get a CD of all shots, plus 5 edited images and 1 8×10 Satin print of your choice.  Sound good?  Drop me a note and let me know.

Finally, my birthday is right around the corner.

I can promise you I will not be doing a funeral for my 30’s like Ian.  I’ve got one more year!  🙂  As a matter of fact, no big party or anything else is planned.  I will however be taking myself away on a holiday for Thanksgiving as my present to myself.  You know, nice hotel, big tub, room service……. Yup, that’s my gift to me for turning 39 this year!

Anyone who wants to get me a 7D for my birthday, you’re very welcome to……  🙂