At this point in my career it takes a lot to surprise me with imaging software. I've lived through every release of Adobe Photoshop and each year take the plunge into their latest update and creation. I held out on CS5 thinking that there probably wouldn't be much of a difference. There really wasn't a lot of hype around the release either. So I was very surprised when I started using it that it was indeed a major improvement.

Speed... CS5 on an Intel based Mac just seems more responsive and smooth. Whatever is under the hood of this release is a very pleasant ride. The Mini Bridge is something I've really been waiting for. I have no need to launch the full bridge, and haven't used bridge in any release as it was always slow. But, the mini-bridge is extremely fast and intuitive.

The new quick selection tool is also a big deal. I was in need of a selection tool for a project I was working on and the quick selection tool was brilliant. The days of long choppy selections are over and this is a very welcomed new feature.

The painting brushes surprised me as well. I was off creating some pretty amazing effects and artistic renderings within moments of choosing a brush.I know these aren't the features that are being praised or talked about in great length. But, at first glance these were the features that I knew would enhance my workflow and creative offering. Amazing Adobe! CS5 is truly a work of art.

So, what about the Wonder Camera? Check out this concept camera, which could be the future.

You should be able to judge a book by it's cover. In fact that is what makes it a conversation piece. While it isn't easy for clients to often step outside their comfort zone, once we started sharing books that radiated designer elements, it has really taken off. So, take some time to design some specialty books rather than the typical boring black or brown. The cover of the book is what makes guests in your apartment, home, or studio want to pick it up. Each book should be as special as the party itself and LuxArt Books allows photographers to completely customize books in all sorts of fashions.

So, I managed to get the new iPhone 4 the day after their debut without waiting in too long of a line. I am not one to purchase technology just for the sake of spending money. In fact, I was still using the original iPhone up until now. But what intrigued me to step up to the iPhone 4 was the camera and the video camera.

Bottom line. I am absolutely blown away with the new iPhone. Unlike most technical things, the iPhone 4 is both business and personal. The first shots with the camera on the walking home on the Highline in New York and I quickly realized just how amazing it is going to be for families, parents, and friends to be able to share and connect to fluently and easily.

As a photographer, I am also a visual person. If I am going to take a picture, I want it to look worthy and usable and be of a quality I can enjoy rather than toylike. The iPhone camera and video camera deliver. I can see myself taking more pictures and sharing more with friends and family because the quality of the pictures and video are remarkable considering the fact that they are in a cell phone.

It does make me wonder what will become of the consumer camera and video camera market though. Most certainly I expect a major drop in camera sales for a lot of retailers and for camera manufacturers. Once again, Apple change the game and the playing field. 

I've been in a lot of discussions about Apple lately. I am a big fan of their products. But, I have to say Apple is getting kind of scary in some ways. They single handedly closed record stores for the most part. Now with the iPad, I expect the concept of the bookstore will soon be gone as well.

On the flip side, they may have single handedly saved the magazine industry. They open doors to any entrepreneur that wants to write a book, write a song, create magazine, create an app... And gives them a place to sell it along with advertisers built in to foot the bill. I have to admit, the FREE WEB concept we all dreamed about simply isn't working. It's a great idea gone terribly wrong. New websites and blogs are started daily and yet few of them make much if any money.

Love love love the idea of a 5 megapixel camera and full HD video in my pocket at all times. That changes things. Of course, I expect this will hammer on sales of consumer digital cameras and video cameras big time from other manufacturers.

Everything you need or want for information, news, weather, entertainment, knowledge, and your memories is sold through Apple, which is kind of weird when you think about it.

So, here we are... Hundreds, and probably thousands worldwide waiting in line for the next big thing from Apple. No other company in the world has this kind of following including entertainers. No doubt I will upgrade this time around from my old 1st edition iPhone. But, I'll be waiting till next week when the line clears.

Amazing that such a big company just keeps doing it right.

Yet today the majority of photographers are sell outs rather than artists. Sorry to those who sell out, save your bad comments and hate mail to yourself. It is so weird how people get offended by opinions. I just don't understand this shoot and burn mentality. It isn't good for your business. It does nothing for the couples you work for. It doesn't lead to referrals. And, why bother spending money to go to conventions and conferences and learn how to be good at what you do if you just plan to hand over a disk and move on to the next job.

Look... There is nothing wrong with selling a disk of images. We certainly have these as options, but first focus on creating something worthy of your name. If you are truly good at what you do couples will seek you out because your work is better than the rest. Creating value to your work starts with creating presentations that are first class. Those that are in the best in class category of the industry simply would never settle for less than the best when it comes to the presentation of their photographs, and that is why these are the busiest professionals in the industry.

There are a lot of brides, grooms, and families out there that desire having something hand crafted and special for their wedding photographs. In this economy, quality is king! And if you want to grow your business on referrals then you better start creating something that couples want to share and talk about. Who in their right mind wants a DIY approach to their wedding album?

So, with that said... Brides love designer books! Check out this stunning 60 page designer book from LuxArt Books with 6mm black core pages. The leather used on this cover is sooo elegant and soft to the touch, and you have to love the exotic texture.

So just how good is DSLR Video? How does it compare to the gold standard of 35mm film for motion picture? The reality may surprise you. Film has always had more dynamic range than video, but we are only a generation or two away from DSLR video kicking film's butt. Once HDSLR goes RAW, film won't be able to touch it. And, I have a feeling we will see 2k or 4k resolutions appearing in DSLR's in the not so distant future. When that comes of age film may finally fall of the map and die.

Already, DSLR's are blowing the doors off of film for most productions. The highest speed for quality motion picture film is 400ISO. Unless you plan on lighting your scenes or event's to the hilt, it isn't an option. DSLR's look as good as film at 1600 ISO, meaning there aren't very many situations you can't shoot in with normal room lighting. So where do we stand today?

Check out this video series created by Zacuto called the Shootout. What I love about Zacuto goes far beyond their incredible products. They also work hard at sharing without pushing their products. More companies should think like they do. Taking the time, money, and effort to produce a series of webisodes is very generous of them, and they just do an impeccable job.

On another note... The season Finale of House, the most watched show on TV, was recently filmed entirely on 3 Canon 5D Mark II's. Check out this highlight and see just how amazing the tight DOF is on these revolutionary cameras. 

But one thing he said to the group struck home... "Are you a photographer, or do you simply make a living taking pictures?" Then he stated "The photographers at this conference were probably up at 5am on their way to the desert or working the city streets in the am hours..." We were in Las Vegas of course. It was a valid point.

There isn't a lot of time in the days. If you are indeed a successful photographer, quite often you are caught up in what it takes to run your company. Things like accounting, client meetings, marketing, etc... lead to being busy. So busy in fact that you can't imagine going out at 5am or 1am with a camera and taking pictures for fun. But, I am going to go out on a limb here and say you have to if you want to grow artistically and enjoy your time as an artist. While client jobs are certainly where you need to shine creatively, they are also complimented by deadlines, carrying equipment, carrying backup equipment, etc... They count and often you don't have a second chance.

Personal work is stress free. It is freedom just to create. If you aren't doing it, your really missing out on what being a photographer is really all about. Even if you plan a huge personal production, it is still freedom. You have to find a way to make personal time, and find the energy within to get out into the world and create for the sake of creating. Take on one less assignment per week and dedicate those hours to the trill of photography. If you aren't busy, starting living your dream and take pictures! Become that photographer you want to be personally. This mindset is exactly what will allow you to evolve into the artist you want to be.

I've always been an explorer with the camera, but that statement made me aware that my camera once again should go everywhere with me. Today, if you see me in public, chances are I have a camera in hand. I don't go too many places without it. If I do, I always find myself in a situation where I regret not having it. I've also dedicated more time to personal projects, and planning ahead to things I want to create and capture. Images are everywhere, and I'm now taking the time to share the images I create in my personal time on the PhotoBlog section here as well as in Social Media, etc..

Thanks Tony for saying it so perfectly.

You can catch Tony's presentation and learn from him and other amazing friends and talents from around the world next at Skip's Summer School in Las Vegas August 8-11th at MGM Grand. We spoke there last year and it was a great experience for everyone who was present.

Here we are running two 650 Watt ARRI Fresnels flooding the background. The Main light is a 1000 watt ARRI light with a softbox. We also are key lighting the subject from the back 45 degree angle with a 300 watt ARRI Fresnel as well. So, a pretty serious four light setup. The 5D Mark II is in standard color mode and we are at a 5.6.

The clips here were captured for a corporate client's website in which they want to be able to deliver a clear message on their website that can quickly allow a visitor to understand what the company is all about. We've been working with a lot of medium and large sized companies lately on this exact scenario.