Sunday, December 29, 2013

Someday You Will See.c/l

No, I have not recorded the song yet. Sometimes my life in retirement is at least as busy as it ever was when I was a trucker. I do not think I will have much of a chance to work on my music for the next few days. Here are the lyrics to the latest song I have written.

Someday You Will See
By Keith Birmingham

 G                          EM
Rollin’, just keep rollin’
 G                          EM
Rollin’, just keep rollin’
 G                          EM
Rollin’, just keep rollin’
                  C           D          G
And your road will set you free.

 G                          EM
Hopin’, just keep hopin’
 G                          EM
Hopin’, just keep hopin’
 G                          EM
Hopin, just keep hopin,
        C             D               G
For what your life should be.



 G                          EM
Tryin’, just keep tryin’
 G                          EM
Tryin’, just keep tryin’
 G                          EM
Tryin’, just keep tryin’
          C           D          G
And, some day you will see.
        C             D               G

 G                          EM
Searchin’, keep on searchin’,
 G                          EM
Searchin’, keep on searchin’
 G                          EM
Searchin’ keep on searchin’
        C             D          G
For what you hope to see.

  D                                            G
You must give life your very best,
  D                                     G
You must believe in yourself
  D                                           G
You must have faith to be set free
          C            D          G
And someday you will see.
 G                          EM
Giving, keep  on giving,
 G                          EM
Giving, keep on giving,
 G                          EM
Giving, keep in giving, 
         C            D         G
And, life will give to you.

 G                          EM
Trusting, keep on trusting,
 G                          EM
Trusting, keep on trusting, 
 G                          EM
Trusting, keep on trusting,
                C           D          G
And, the life you seek will be.  

  D                                           G
You must give life your very best,
  D                                     G
You must believe in yourself,
  D                                           G
You must have faith to be set free,
         C             D          G
And someday you will see.
         C             D          G
And someday you will see.
         C             D           G

Ready, Set, Frown: Portrait Photography for Emotional Response – PictureCorrect

Ready, Set, Frown: Portrait Photography for Emotional Response – PictureCorrect

Planning and Packing Camera Lenses for a Holiday or Trip – PictureCorrect

Planning and Packing Camera Lenses for a Holiday or Trip – PictureCorrect

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Still Life Photography – PictureCorrect

Still Life Photography – PictureCorrect

New Song




Yep, I found a sweet chord progression late, late, late Monday evening, wrote lyrics Tuesday afternoon, and hope to record to sometime after I get out of bed today. I just finished a 17 hour day, and may be quiet busy after a nap. 

Friday, December 20, 2013

When You Say Nothing At All

This is an Alison Krauss cover tune.
This is an Alison Krauss cover tune.

Storewide Drastic Price Reductions

 
**********

 DRASTIC, DRASTIC, DRASTIC, PRICE REDUCTION on everything in my online studio. This includes prints of all sizes and finishes, gifts for the household such as (like what you would buy from an online "print on demand" store like Cafe Press or Zazzle) refrigerator magnets, tote bags, post cards, photo stickers, and more. Need a T-shirt, apron, button with your favorite photo from my FINE ART GALLERIES!!! Yes, the company I work with finally heard me yelling and screaming. I have been telling them that I wanted to work on the quality of my product, and let them worry about the quantity sold. So, finally they made my website so that I could set my own prices. I have slashed them down to the bottom to help me build my client base. I can’t do this for every, but I would like too. CHECK OUT MY ENTIRE SITE! But, take a close look at the FINE ART GALLERIES. They will be growing over the next few days.

Storewide Drastic Price Reductions

 
**********

 DRASTIC, DRASTIC, DRASTIC, PRICE REDUCTION on everything in my online studio. This includes prints of all sizes and finishes, gifts for the household such as (like what you would buy from an online "print on demand" store like Cafe Press or Zazzle) refrigerator magnets, tote bags, post cards, photo stickers, and more. Need a T-shirt, apron, button with your favorite photo from my FINE ART GALLERIES!!! Yes, the company I work with finally heard me yelling and screaming. I have been telling them that I wanted to work on the quality of my product, and let them worry about the quantity sold. So, finally they made my website so that I could set my own prices. I have slashed them down to the bottom to help me build my client base. I can’t do this for every, but I would like too. CHECK OUT MY ENTIRE SITE! But, take a close look at the FINE ART GALLERIES. They will be growing over the next few days.

Winter Photography: 12 Examples of How to Photograph the Cold Season – PictureCorrect

Winter Photography: 12 Examples of How to Photograph the Cold Season – PictureCorrect

Beginners Guide to Waterfall Photography

http://digital-photography-school.com/beginners-guide-waterfall-photography

Slow Down to Improve Your Photography

http://digital-photography-school.com/slow-take-better-photos

Working With Off Camera Flash

http://digital-photography-school.com/working-off-camera-flash-ttl

5 Uncommon Snow Photography Tips

http://digital-photography-school.com/5-uncommon-snow-photography-tips-that-can-transform-your-winter-scenes

How to Choose a Location for Your Photo Shoot – PictureCorrect

How to Choose a Location for Your Photo Shoot – PictureCorrect

Thursday, December 19, 2013

FINE ART GALLERY: Trucks - Truckers - Trucking

On the advise of some of my local peers I have decided to include this gallery of working trucks in the Fine Art section of my online studio. These prints are very suitable for private and commercial use. You can order prints, gifts and/or downloads directly from my Bad Habit Photo site at very reasonable rates. Trucks at Work

FINE ART GALLERY: Trucks - Truckers - Trucking

On the advise of some of my local peers I have decided to include this gallery of working trucks in the Fine Art section of my online studio. These prints are very suitable for private and commercial use. You can order prints, gifts and/or downloads directly from my Bad Habit Photo site at very reasonable rates. Trucks at Work

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Drastic Price Reductions

DRASTIC, DRASTIC, DRASTIC, PRICE REDUCTION on everything in my online studio. This includes prints of all sizes and finishes, gifts for the household such as (like what you would buy from an online "print on demand" store like Cafe Press or Zazzle) refrigerator magnets, tote bags, post cards, photo stickers, and more. Need a T-shirt, apron, button with your favorite photo from my FINE ART GALLERIES!!! Yes, the company I work with finally heard me yelling and screaming. I have been telling them that I wanted to work on the quality of my product, and let them worry about the quantity sold. So, finally they made my website so that I could set my own prices. I have slashed them down to the bottom to help me build my client base. I can’t do this for every, but I would like too. CHECK OUT MY ENTIRE SITE! But, take a close look at the FINE ART GALLERIES. They will be growing over the next few days, weeks and months.

Drastic Price Reductions

DRASTIC, DRASTIC, DRASTIC, PRICE REDUCTION on everything in my online studio. This includes prints of all sizes and finishes, gifts for the household such as (like what you would buy from an online "print on demand" store like Cafe Press or Zazzle) refrigerator magnets, tote bags, post cards, photo stickers, and more. Need a T-shirt, apron, button with your favorite photo from my FINE ART GALLERIES!!! Yes, the company I work with finally heard me yelling and screaming. I have been telling them that I wanted to work on the quality of my product, and let them worry about the quantity sold. So, finally they made my website so that I could set my own prices. I have slashed them down to the bottom to help me build my client base. I can’t do this for every, but I would like too. CHECK OUT MY ENTIRE SITE! But, take a close look at the FINE ART GALLERIES. They will be growing over the next few days, weeks and months.

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Best of Small Concert Photos

Here is one gallery of my "Best Of" small concert photos. I like shooting in small venues. Currently, due to time and physical constraints, I am not getting out like I need too. That should change before long. I am trying to smooth out my workflow. E-String Bar and Grill, Henderson, NV. Performances by Jinxemgood, Scarlet, TrapKey, Waiting on Zombies, The Mass Distractors.

Best of Small Concert Photos

Here is one gallery of my "Best Of" small concert photos. I like shooting in small venues. Currently, due to time and physical constraints, I am not getting out like I need too. That should change before long. I am trying to smooth out my workflow. E-String Bar and Grill, Henderson, NV. Performances by Jinxemgood, Scarlet, TrapKey, Waiting on Zombies, The Mass Distractors.

Top 10 Tips for Family Photo Poses – PictureCorrect

Top 10 Tips for Family Photo Poses – PictureCorrect

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Scenes From My "Around Town.Vegas" Photo Gallery

One of my projects that I am currently working on is collecting shots from all over Las Vegas to be used as "stock travel" photography. I post these photos on this on-line studio, and will soon be posting them in sets and collections on my Flickr site. They are available for licensing for use on blogs, and for hard print publication, or for private use from this site at very reasonable rates. Or, you can contact me at maddadkeith@yahoo.com or 702.561.4238. M Resort and Spa, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Scenes From My "Around Town.Vegas" Photo Gallery

One of my projects that I am currently working on is collecting shots from all over Las Vegas to be used as "stock travel" photography. I post these photos on this on-line studio, and will soon be posting them in sets and collections on my Flickr site. They are available for licensing for use on blogs, and for hard print publication, or for private use from this site at very reasonable rates. Or, you can contact me at maddadkeith@yahoo.com or 702.561.4238. M Resort and Spa, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Ten Years Later

There is a simple purpose behind me posting all of my videos on this blog. Storage. It's that simple. Now I can quickly access them to post them on other sites.

Good Mornin'

Another original tune by Keith Birmingham. The tune came first, then the lyrics just sort of came naturally. It is another 20-30 minute wonder.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Wedding Photography – PictureCorrect

The Do’s and Don’ts of Wedding Photography – PictureCorrect

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Photography, Writing, Music and Travel: Love Your Profession, or Leave It

Photography, Writing, Music and Travel: Love Your Profession, or Leave It: It is not all fun and games ********** In my 35 year career as an over-the-road trucker the prayer I most used was one asking for a ...

Love Your Profession, or Leave It


It is not all fun and games
**********
In my 35 year career as an over-the-road trucker the prayer I most used was one asking for a shorter day. If you don’t know trucking you may not know what a long day is really like. Many is the time I watched the sun come up more than once before getting some sleep. But, I retired 4 years ago, and for more than 3 years I have been working hard, and learning 2 new professions, photography and music. And, these days I am asking God for more time in my day. But, the length of day never changed through 35 years of trucking, and it has not changed since my retirement. But, I know God is out there, because I am still alive. There has been a few times that I thought I would never watch another sunrise or sunset. Truthfully, I do get some sleep almost every night now. But, often I am too keyed up to get much sleep. And, when I climb out of bed I do two things. First, I grab a Pepsi for my dose of caffeine. Then, I head straight for my desk. So, I am back to working long hours. I will not lie and say that I never wish that I was back in a truck and rolling down the highway. I will say this: find something you love doing to make a living, and you will never complain about going to work again.


But, you can meet a lot of interesting, uh, people.
**********
Actually I did have about 2.5 hours of down time today. I went with my roommate, and sat in his car for about 1.5 hours listening to radio while he attended a class to renew his certification for his job. And, my camera was in my hand the whole time. I clicked a few photos (these are not them), but most of the time was spent re-familiarizing myself with my camera.


By the end of the day you have earned your keep, but there is still work to be done.
**********
It is evening now, and the television is behind me. “The Big Bang Theory” is on. I recognize the voices, but have no idea whether it is a re-run or not. Are they still producing this show? While traveling to and from  the class that my roommate attended today I told him that after 4 years off of the road I am still lost as far as knowing how to live like a normal human being. Sometimes he thinks I am really strange. Most times I know that he and everyone around me act like pampered, spoiled rotten little children. It is the same way I felt when watching grumpy old truckers complaining about whatever. It is the same way I felt when listening to newbie truckers whine about having to work more than an 8 hour day. I often told the grumpy old truckers and the newbie truckers the same thing: Actions speak louder than words. Stop your whining, do your job, or get out of the way.

You will have to find the profession you love. It is not even interested in looking for you. Don't wait. Do it.
**********
Author: Keith Birmingham
I click as a Photographer/journalist/writer.
I busk as a Musician/singer/songwriter.
I travel as a Photographer, Musician, Teacher and Student of Life.
E-mail Keith at maddadkeith@yahoo.com, or phone at 702.561.4238.

Love Your Profession, or Leave It


It is not all fun and games
**********
In my 35 year career as an over-the-road trucker the prayer I most used was one asking for a shorter day. If you don’t know trucking you may not know what a long day is really like. Many is the time I watched the sun come up more than once before getting some sleep. But, I retired 4 years ago, and for more than 3 years I have been working hard, and learning 2 new professions, photography and music. And, these days I am asking God for more time in my day. But, the length of day never changed through 35 years of trucking, and it has not changed since my retirement. But, I know God is out there, because I am still alive. There has been a few times that I thought I would never watch another sunrise or sunset. Truthfully, I do get some sleep almost every night now. But, often I am too keyed up to get much sleep. And, when I climb out of bed I do two things. First, I grab a Pepsi for my dose of caffeine. Then, I head straight for my desk. So, I am back to working long hours. I will not lie and say that I never wish that I was back in a truck and rolling down the highway. I will say this: find something you love doing to make a living, and you will never complain about going to work again.


But, you can meet a lot of interesting, uh, people.
**********
Actually I did have about 2.5 hours of down time today. I went with my roommate, and sat in his car for about 1.5 hours listening to radio while he attended a class to renew his certification for his job. And, my camera was in my hand the whole time. I clicked a few photos (these are not them), but most of the time was spent re-familiarizing myself with my camera.


By the end of the day you have earned your keep, but there is still work to be done.
**********
It is evening now, and the television is behind me. “The Big Bang Theory” is on. I recognize the voices, but have no idea whether it is a re-run or not. Are they still producing this show? While traveling to and from  the class that my roommate attended today I told him that after 4 years off of the road I am still lost as far as knowing how to live like a normal human being. Sometimes he thinks I am really strange. Most times I know that he and everyone around me act like pampered, spoiled rotten little children. It is the same way I felt when watching grumpy old truckers complaining about whatever. It is the same way I felt when listening to newbie truckers whine about having to work more than an 8 hour day. I often told the grumpy old truckers and the newbie truckers the same thing: Actions speak louder than words. Stop your whining, do your job, or get out of the way.

You will have to find the profession you love. It is not even interested in looking for you. Don't wait. Do it.

C.C. Rider - cover

Every musician over 30 years of age has used this as a cover song in their acts. It has been recorded by many, many, many. However, I did cheat on the sheet music I found. The second verse was written by me. 

10 Tips for Taking More Interesting Photos – PictureCorrect

10 Tips for Taking More Interesting Photos – PictureCorrect

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Lessons Learned

Another original tune of mine. I am trying to learn how to market my work for others to record.

Monday, November 25, 2013

The Biggest Mistake a Photographer Could Make – PictureCorrect

The Biggest Mistake a Photographer Could Make – PictureCorrect

The Purpose Remains the Same

Lest we forget the purpose of this blog is still to promote the professions of photography, writing, music, and travel. I have relocated, for now, my residence to Las Vegas, Nevada to be in one city that could give me an abundance of subjects in each field to photograph and write about. Things have been a little slow to progress due to some physical problems I have had for the past few months. But, they are getting better, and I am getting more organized in my work.





Much of my work is done on The Strip, or Las Vegas Blvd., in Las Vegas, known world wide as the entertainment capital of the world. I have done some street photography here, and much more of it is in my future. Three things make the city of Las Vegas click: (a.) the locals that serve the public that visits here. (b.) the attractions that bring the visitors here. (c.) the people that visit here.

The Purpose Remains the Same

Lest we forget the purpose of this blog is still to promote the professions of photography, writing, music, and travel. I have relocated, for now, my residence to Las Vegas, Nevada to be in one city that could give me an abundance of subjects in each field to photograph and write about. Things have been a little slow to progress due to some physical problems I have had for the past few months. But, they are getting better, and I am getting more organized in my work.





Much of my work is done on The Strip, or Las Vegas Blvd., in Las Vegas, known world wide as the entertainment capital of the world. I have done some street photography here, and much more of it is in my future. Three things make the city of Las Vegas click: (a.) the locals that serve the public that visits here. (b.) the attractions that bring the visitors here. (c.) the people that visit here.

How to Take a Self Portrait – PictureCorrect

How to Take a Self Portrait – PictureCorrect

Saturday, November 16, 2013

E-String Bar and Grill

E-String Bar and Grill, Henderson, Nevada
E-String Bar and Grill
**********

This is a re-post of an earlier article that was accidentally deleted. On 09/27/2013 I photographed 5 performances at E-String Bar and Grill in Henderson, Nevada featuring: Jinxemgood, Scarlet, Trapkey, Waiting on Zombies, and Mass Distractors. These are some of the photos from that night.

E-String Bar and Grill

E-String Bar and Grill, Henderson, Nevada
E-String Bar and Grill
**********

This is a re-post of an earlier article that was accidentally deleted. On 09/27/2013 I photographed 5 performances at E-String Bar and Grill in Henderson, Nevada featuring: Jinxemgood, Scarlet, Trapkey, Waiting on Zombies, and Mass Distractors. These are some of the photos from that night.

Friday, November 15, 2013

My Name in Photography is Getting Out There

Sam Ash Open Mic Night, Las Vegas, NV.

I must be doing something right with my photography. It has taken awhile due to physical ailments, but I am starting to get out more since I arrived in Las Vegas back in June of this year. I have done a few open mic nights along with some street photography on The Strip. And, evidently, someone is noticing them. I am getting invites to other open mic nights, and the bar and club scene. The good thing about it is that I think my work is improving with every outing that I go too. Mistakes, yeah I make them. But, I learn best if I make some mistakes along the way.

My Name in Photography is Getting Out There

Sam Ash Open Mic Night, Las Vegas, NV.

I must be doing something right with my photography. It has taken awhile due to physical ailments, but I am starting to get out more since I arrived in Las Vegas back in June of this year. I have done a few open mic nights along with some street photography on The Strip. And, evidently, someone is noticing them. I am getting invites to other open mic nights, and the bar and club scene. The good thing about it is that I think my work is improving with every outing that I go too. Mistakes, yeah I make them. But, I learn best if I make some mistakes along the way.

4 Tips for Creating Better Travel Photos in Crowded Tourist Locations

http://www.herviewphotography.com/2013/11/14/tips-travel-photos-crowded-locations.html

Everything You Need to Know about Posing

http://digital-photography-school.com/everything-need-know-posing

Model Releases: What You Need to Know

http://digital-photography-school.com/model-releases-need-know

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Shooting Performers in Small Venues - The insanity of it all.

Performances on this night provided by: (1.) Jinxemgood, (2.) Scarlet, (3.) TrapKey, (4.) Waiting for Zombies, (5.) Mass Distractors.
********** Shooting Performers in Small Venues - The insanity of it all.
By Keith Birmingham

In July of this (2013) year I embarked on a project that will, hopefully, move me into the photographic specialty of concert performances.  I have started shooting musicians performing at the smaller venues, like the neighborhood bars where open mic nights are held, and were performers play on their way up the ladder. My friend, it is rough work. The beer, the drunks, the stage lights, and even where you shoot from are all working overtime to make your job hard to do. But, my friend, it is a blast.

Why work in the smaller venues? Because, like me, the people that perform at these venues are learning their trade. And, I might add, busting their butts for little and no money. Just like me. And, they all crave attention for their art, just like me. Meanwhile, the beer flows, the bar gets more and more crowed. The noise becomes deafening. The drunks are always looking over your shoulder, or getting in your face, and asking, “Whatcha doin’ der bub?” Meanwhile, your always looking for the next shot, changing camera sitting, checking to see what your histogram is telling you, and getting thirstier.

When I purchased my equipment in 2010 I had little hope of doing anymore than using it for a hobby. My equipment is nice, a Nikon D700, but it is only meant for someone at entry level into the professional ranks.  But, I know the camera well, even though I am very frequently reading the owners manual. I have a smaller camera for backup. Until I relocated to Las Vegas I did not need any better equipment than I have now. Not having the equipment now is a challenge, but I thrive on that challenge.

Before coming to Las Vegas I did own a couple of the high dollar, f/2.8 lenses. They were great for shooting in low light situations, but too heavy to work in the conditions I now work in.  Now, I have a 60mm portrait/macro lense, and a 28-300mm f/3.5 lense. Yes, I have flash units, but I do not even carry them into my music venues. They are distracting to the musicians, and they make the drunks in the crowd even more bothersome. I keep my equipment to a minimum, and I make do with what I have. I just have to remember that the first photo I ever sold was shot with a Kodak instamatic camera.

Know you equipment inside and out. And, read your manual again, and again, and again. Do not expect to get usable photos with settings that you use at home for “no flash” work. Your ISO will seldom be set slower than ISO-3200.  If your f/stop is faster than f/3.5 at 1/200 seconds you have a nice setting. I often have to go all the way up to ISO-6400, and even on up to H2 for an ISO. Even then my f/stop and shutter speed drops to f/5.5 at 1/60 second. So, STAYING SOBER IS A TOP PRIORITY. (Although, there was one time that I lived off of photos taken while drunk for 3 months without ever leaving my apartment comples.) You will need to be able to hold that camera steady.

When I started writing this article I was browsing publications to see what I should be doing for “color corrections” on my bar room photos. I normally “batch edit“, do a minimal of custom editing, and post the photos to my (http://keithbirmingham.smugmug.com/)
web site. What I realized is that the photos you buy off of the rack use photos that normally are not shot in the lighting conditions I shoot in, or the lighting conditions are “color corrected“. If the shot are at live performances the photos are often “color corrected”. And, to me, that takes away from the mood the photo should seek to set.  So, now I will do both to my photos. I plan to batch edit and post to a folder designated for the event, and “custom edit” for a CUSTOM FOLDER.  That way my clients will have a choice.

Shooting Performers in Small Venues - The insanity of it all.

Performances on this night provided by: (1.) Jinxemgood, (2.) Scarlet, (3.) TrapKey, (4.) Waiting for Zombies, (5.) Mass Distractors.
********** Shooting Performers in Small Venues - The insanity of it all.
By Keith Birmingham

In July of this (2013) year I embarked on a project that will, hopefully, move me into the photographic specialty of concert performances.  I have started shooting musicians performing at the smaller venues, like the neighborhood bars where open mic nights are held, and were performers play on their way up the ladder. My friend, it is rough work. The beer, the drunks, the stage lights, and even where you shoot from are all working overtime to make your job hard to do. But, my friend, it is a blast.

Why work in the smaller venues? Because, like me, the people that perform at these venues are learning their trade. And, I might add, busting their butts for little and no money. Just like me. And, they all crave attention for their art, just like me. Meanwhile, the beer flows, the bar gets more and more crowed. The noise becomes deafening. The drunks are always looking over your shoulder, or getting in your face, and asking, “Whatcha doin’ der bub?” Meanwhile, your always looking for the next shot, changing camera sitting, checking to see what your histogram is telling you, and getting thirstier.

When I purchased my equipment in 2010 I had little hope of doing anymore than using it for a hobby. My equipment is nice, a Nikon D700, but it is only meant for someone at entry level into the professional ranks.  But, I know the camera well, even though I am very frequently reading the owners manual. I have a smaller camera for backup. Until I relocated to Las Vegas I did not need any better equipment than I have now. Not having the equipment now is a challenge, but I thrive on that challenge.

Before coming to Las Vegas I did own a couple of the high dollar, f/2.8 lenses. They were great for shooting in low light situations, but too heavy to work in the conditions I now work in.  Now, I have a 60mm portrait/macro lense, and a 28-300mm f/3.5 lense. Yes, I have flash units, but I do not even carry them into my music venues. They are distracting to the musicians, and they make the drunks in the crowd even more bothersome. I keep my equipment to a minimum, and I make do with what I have. I just have to remember that the first photo I ever sold was shot with a Kodak instamatic camera.

Know you equipment inside and out. And, read your manual again, and again, and again. Do not expect to get usable photos with settings that you use at home for “no flash” work. Your ISO will seldom be set slower than ISO-3200.  If your f/stop is faster than f/3.5 at 1/200 seconds you have a nice setting. I often have to go all the way up to ISO-6400, and even on up to H2 for an ISO. Even then my f/stop and shutter speed drops to f/5.5 at 1/60 second. So, STAYING SOBER IS A TOP PRIORITY. (Although, there was one time that I lived off of photos taken while drunk for 3 months without ever leaving my apartment comples.) You will need to be able to hold that camera steady.

When I started writing this article I was browsing publications to see what I should be doing for “color corrections” on my bar room photos. I normally “batch edit“, do a minimal of custom editing, and post the photos to my (http://keithbirmingham.smugmug.com/)
web site. What I realized is that the photos you buy off of the rack use photos that normally are not shot in the lighting conditions I shoot in, or the lighting conditions are “color corrected“. If the shot are at live performances the photos are often “color corrected”. And, to me, that takes away from the mood the photo should seek to set.  So, now I will do both to my photos. I plan to batch edit and post to a folder designated for the event, and “custom edit” for a CUSTOM FOLDER.  That way my clients will have a choice.

Friday, November 1, 2013

Gondola Rides at the Venetian in Las Vegas




No trip to Venice — or The Venetian — would be complete without a graceful and romantic glide down the Grand Canal in an authentic Venetian gondola. Float beneath bridges, beside cafes, under balconies and through the vibrant Venetian streetscape as your singing gondolier sweeps you down the Grand Canal for a ride like no other.

Gondola Rides at the Venetian in Las Vegas




No trip to Venice — or The Venetian — would be complete without a graceful and romantic glide down the Grand Canal in an authentic Venetian gondola. Float beneath bridges, beside cafes, under balconies and through the vibrant Venetian streetscape as your singing gondolier sweeps you down the Grand Canal for a ride like no other.

The 10 Golden Rules of Wildlife Photography – PictureCorrect

The 10 Golden Rules of Wildlife Photography – PictureCorrect

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Out Among the Stars

A Merle Haggard cover tune.

Out Among the Stars

A Merle Haggard cover tune.

Slightly Battered and Abused

An original tune by Keith Birmingham

Slightly Battered and Abused

An original tune by Keith Birmingham

Photography, Writing, Music and Travel: 5 Tips to Add Flavor to Your Landscape Photography...

Photography, Writing, Music and Travel: 5 Tips to Add Flavor to Your Landscape Photography...: 5 Tips to Add Flavor to Your Landscape Photography – PictureCorrect

Photography, Writing, Music and Travel: Photo Editing is No Substitute for Photography Tec...

Photography, Writing, Music and Travel: Photo Editing is No Substitute for Photography Tec...: Photo Editing is No Substitute for Photography Technique – PictureCorrect

Photography, Writing, Music and Travel: Abstract Photography Tips and Techniques – Picture...

Photography, Writing, Music and Travel: Abstract Photography Tips and Techniques – Picture...: Abstract Photography Tips and Techniques – PictureCorrect

Photography, Writing, Music and Travel: How to Use a Neutral Density Filter for Dynamic La...

Photography, Writing, Music and Travel: How to Use a Neutral Density Filter for Dynamic La...: How to Use a Neutral Density Filter for Dynamic Landscape Photography – PictureCorrect

Photography, Writing, Music and Travel: New: Living Landscapes – A Guide to Stunning Lands...

Photography, Writing, Music and Travel: New: Living Landscapes – A Guide to Stunning Lands...: New: Living Landscapes – A Guide to Stunning Landscape Photography – PictureCorrect

Saddles and Spurs Open Mic and Jam Night

Saddles and Spurs Open Mic and Jam Night

Friday, October 25, 2013

Home :: Canon - Long Live Imagination

Home :: Canon - Long Live Imagination

Home :: Canon - Long Live Imagination

Home :: Canon - Long Live Imagination

Ring of Fire - a Johnny Cash cover tune.

Summer Wine - a multi-artist cover tune.

Pricing in a Recession


*****
To be an entrepreneur you have to be willing to take risks. A few weeks back I took a risky path by raising my prices to what would be the minimum I figure I should be working for in a decent economy. As a result I have not been half as busy as I was before the price change. I am confident that my work in my specialties are as good or better that other photographers in my area. Yesterday I done the research. It does not appear that my competition has changed there pricing structure. Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that "I goofed it". And, if I want to survive I had better make get back in line with today's market. So, I did.

The pricing structure that I now work under, like my competition, is not a pricing structure that allows us to put money aside to make repairs, or buy new equipment. It pays our personal bills, but not the bills that allow a business to make a profit. In other words, we are not in a depression, but we are most certainly still in a recession.

Lesson learned.

Education Stored Here: 5 Things Your Clients Need to Hear

http://school.smugmug.com/Business-Resource-Center/Your-Client-Needs-to-Hear/

Education Stored Here: 5 Things Your Clients Need to Hear

http://school.smugmug.com/Business-Resource-Center/Your-Client-Needs-to-Hear/

5 Things Your Clients Need to Hear

http://school.smugmug.com/Business-Resource-Center/Your-Client-Needs-to-Hear/

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Sunday, October 6, 2013

The Chosen Ones

The Chosen Ones
Copyright 2013, Keith Birmingham

He was working in the coal mines.
He was tired, and he was beat.
His was bruised and he was callused.
From his head down to his feet.

His paycheck was meager.
His cupboard was bare.
He was a victim.
Of ruin and despair.

As he stood in the doorway.
And, looked to the sky.
He whispered a prayer,
To ask God “Why?”

Why do some men suffer
To feed their family
While some men live
With no clue of poverty.

Why do some men suffer
Why must some men die.
To pay for the ones
That never seem to try.

And, why must men suffer
The agony and pain
While rulers and con men
Share fortune and fame.

Some men are chosen,
Or, so it seems,
To take from others,
To steal hopes and dreams.

While others live with hardship,
Day in and day out.
Some men live in houses,
And mansions by the sea.

Sometimes God answers
But, man cannot hear
The words that God speaks
Ever so clear.

Someday the meek
Will inherit the earth.
Someday my son
You’ll stand beside me.

But, now you must listen
To the words that I preach.
Learn of their meaning,
Your children you must teach.

For God he did send us
His one and only son.
And. those who believe in him,
Shall be the chosen ones.

Common Mistakes in Wildlife and Nature Photography – PictureCorrect

Common Mistakes in Wildlife and Nature Photography – PictureCorrect

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Buckles and Barrels for Bailey

Buckles and Barrels for Bailey is an annual barrel race held at the South Point Equestrian Center in Las Vegas, NV. All proceeds from this race benefit the Las Vegas Spring Valley Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Buckles and Barrels for Bailey is an annual barrel race held at the South Point Equestrian Center in Las Vegas, NV. All proceeds from this race benefit the Las Vegas Spring Valley Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.