Took the ferry into the city to today to visit the PhotoPlus Expo at the Javits Center in NYC! Very crowded as I anticipated. Wanted to attend several seminars, but decided last minute not to. Just too much to take in, for one day. I bumped into some folks I know. Saw Loraine from our NYC photo workshop group, on Flickr. Also saw Tom, a photography teacher at SOCAPA (Brooklyn). Met a few nice folks during lunch, and met a cool guy who collects antique cameras, particularly Leica. He owns some rare stuff. While we were chatting, I noticed Rick Sammon was sitting nearby. I wanted to introduce myself, but he was with other people and I did not want to interrupt. I also met Dave Cross and had a brief chat with him. I follow his podcast - Photoshop TV, with Scott Kelby and Matt Kloskowski. Very cool. I enjoyed meeting Dave.
Conspicuously missing from the Expo was Adobe and Apple Computer. Not surprised, since most photographers are sold on their products. I still feel it's important for those company's to be at important events like this. Shows they care, and allows people to ask questions and get demo's and tips.
Kodak was giving away free rolls of film! Wow, have times changed. You had to wait on a long line to get yours. I opted not to, although a new roll of 120 for my Hasselblad would've been nice.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Lensbaby has won me over!
I am Lensbabies biggest fan.
I cannot express enough how pleased I am with their response to the frustration I had experienced. I had purchased a Lensbaby Composer and had problems with it. Turns out it wasn't me, but a defect in the lens. Phew!
Better yet, the kind people at Lensbaby, including Sam Pardu, CEO and Kirsten Hunter, Director of Customer Happiness, who reached out to me with a personal note, and offered to send a replacement. I received it today, one day later!
WOW.
The replacement works perfect, and I LOVE it.
Thank you Sam and Kirsten!
At a time when good customer service is disapearing, Lensbabies has more than won me over and proved that there are good people, who make good products, and truly care about their customers.
I highly recommend anyone who has a DSLR to order a new Lensbaby now. You will enjoy what their lens systems can add to your creative tool box.
As for Scott Bourne who has banished me from writing him ever again, I will admit fault for venting frustration and accept that.
I am still astonished by his lack of tolerance towards me for expressing an experience with a product he endorsed. For that, I am saddened, but feel good that I handled his meanness with a cool and collected head. I never wish to anger, just inspire.
Yes. I'm guilty... of being passionate about photography and design!
Cheers,
Ivan :-)
I cannot express enough how pleased I am with their response to the frustration I had experienced. I had purchased a Lensbaby Composer and had problems with it. Turns out it wasn't me, but a defect in the lens. Phew!
Better yet, the kind people at Lensbaby, including Sam Pardu, CEO and Kirsten Hunter, Director of Customer Happiness, who reached out to me with a personal note, and offered to send a replacement. I received it today, one day later!
WOW.
The replacement works perfect, and I LOVE it.
Thank you Sam and Kirsten!
At a time when good customer service is disapearing, Lensbabies has more than won me over and proved that there are good people, who make good products, and truly care about their customers.
I highly recommend anyone who has a DSLR to order a new Lensbaby now. You will enjoy what their lens systems can add to your creative tool box.
As for Scott Bourne who has banished me from writing him ever again, I will admit fault for venting frustration and accept that.
I am still astonished by his lack of tolerance towards me for expressing an experience with a product he endorsed. For that, I am saddened, but feel good that I handled his meanness with a cool and collected head. I never wish to anger, just inspire.
Yes. I'm guilty... of being passionate about photography and design!
Cheers,
Ivan :-)
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Kelby Photowalk
Well, I did not win the local group, which means knocks me out of the competition. I had a good chance, and honestly thought my entries were strong contenders. You never know what strikes a cord with the person who chooses. I had a great time, and got some great photo's. Since then, have not done much. Took Kim to the Bronx Zoo, and she took some great pictures. I'm hoping the shutter bug bites her, but so far, only a mild interest. She set-up a Flickr account, and posted her best picks. Lot's of fun.
On another note, I was contacted by a publisher of a tourism website, and two of my photos from my trip to Austin Texas were being considered for use on their web site.
The photos were of signs from two night clubs. Of course, It was disapointing they wanted them for free, but they promised a photo credit. I have mixed feelings about my photos being used for commercial purposes, without compensation, but it felt good to know they were recognized for quality. Since I accepted, and the shots are published.
I was pleased that they asked me for permission first, and offered the photo credit. They're used quite small to, so I'm fine with that. As my photography improves, I may think twice about freebies. In this case, I did'nt mind.
Spill
The Dizzy Rooster
Cheers!
On another note, I was contacted by a publisher of a tourism website, and two of my photos from my trip to Austin Texas were being considered for use on their web site.
The photos were of signs from two night clubs. Of course, It was disapointing they wanted them for free, but they promised a photo credit. I have mixed feelings about my photos being used for commercial purposes, without compensation, but it felt good to know they were recognized for quality. Since I accepted, and the shots are published.
I was pleased that they asked me for permission first, and offered the photo credit. They're used quite small to, so I'm fine with that. As my photography improves, I may think twice about freebies. In this case, I did'nt mind.
Spill
The Dizzy Rooster
Cheers!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk is on!
I'm getting ready for tomorrow's photowalk in NYC! I'm very excited! Just picked-up a a new Black Rapid "R" strap. It's design is so simple, and it functions as advertised. I can't wait to give it a try. I have not been happy with the old standard neck straps. They dig into your neck, and the straps get in your way. I've tried the Optech neoprene strap, and found that it was too bulky and uncomfortable to.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
A Cornell Capa Story
Sometime in the late 1960's or early 70's, my father, then a graphic designer with IBM had the task of designing an important project requiring photography. The shot needed was of a high-level board meeting. Since this was an important project, he hired renowned photographer, Cornell Capa to do the shoot. The execs said "NO STROBES OR FLASH". The conditions were poor, lighting was low, so Cornell said the shots will be very grainy, and may not be acceptable. Without any other options, the shoot took place and as Cornell warned, the shots came back unacceptably grainy.
The shots were subsequently rejected by the executives, despite being warned this would happen. A big problem that now needed a big solution!
My dad liked the shots, and thought he could save the job if he enlarged them, and have a retoucher airbrush or reduce the grain from the shots.
At great expense, he proceeded with the retouching. This is pre-digital, so all airbrushing was done by guess what...an airbrush!
The large, retouched prints were reproduced to smaller sizes, tightening-up any minor imperfections.
The job turned out to be a perfect success, and my dad was commended for his solution, saving the job and a difficult situation.
Capra's photos were terrific, despite the grain, but the retouching saved them from the cutting room floor.
Cornell Capra, and his brother Robert, are important figures in the history of photography.
Here's Wikipedia info on Cornell:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornell_Capa
A cool story, I'm glad to share! Feel free to comment.
The shots were subsequently rejected by the executives, despite being warned this would happen. A big problem that now needed a big solution!
My dad liked the shots, and thought he could save the job if he enlarged them, and have a retoucher airbrush or reduce the grain from the shots.
At great expense, he proceeded with the retouching. This is pre-digital, so all airbrushing was done by guess what...an airbrush!
The large, retouched prints were reproduced to smaller sizes, tightening-up any minor imperfections.
The job turned out to be a perfect success, and my dad was commended for his solution, saving the job and a difficult situation.
Capra's photos were terrific, despite the grain, but the retouching saved them from the cutting room floor.
Cornell Capra, and his brother Robert, are important figures in the history of photography.
Here's Wikipedia info on Cornell:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornell_Capa
A cool story, I'm glad to share! Feel free to comment.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
2009 HOW Design Conference, Austin TX
Just returned from the design conference and had a great time! Heard some inspiring speakers and attended a few workshops. Had dinner with my old friend Andy Epstein. I saw Jeni H. and said hi. My friend Lisa B. from Austin couldn't make it to the conference due to important family and work obligations. Sorry we missed you Lisa!
That's me reviewing portolios on Friday evening, June 26th! I really enjoyed helping my friends from The Creative Group with the portfolio review and saw some terrific work.
(Photo courtesy of Rolaine Llanes)
Didn't get to see much of Austin, but strolled down sixth street. I wish had more time to spend exploring the city.
I had a fun chat with Russel Brown (Adobe) and his wife Jan Davis at the Hilton before catching the shuttle to the airport on Saturday.
Here's some shots from the confernce:
Conference Shots
Here's some shots from sixth street:
Sixth Street, Austin Texas
That's me reviewing portolios on Friday evening, June 26th! I really enjoyed helping my friends from The Creative Group with the portfolio review and saw some terrific work.
(Photo courtesy of Rolaine Llanes)
Didn't get to see much of Austin, but strolled down sixth street. I wish had more time to spend exploring the city.
I had a fun chat with Russel Brown (Adobe) and his wife Jan Davis at the Hilton before catching the shuttle to the airport on Saturday.
Here's some shots from the confernce:
Conference Shots
Here's some shots from sixth street:
Sixth Street, Austin Texas
