photography forum

May 2006 NoBs Photo Success
Photography Forum Newsletter
To all Inner Circle Members
(Click Here To Read More About Our Digital Photography Forum)
PHOTOGRAPHY NEWS AND OTHER STORIES
FROM THE DIGITAL DOG BOWL

-STAND AND APPLAUD-

THANKS to all the members who participated in our link back program. If you missed it, it's simple really. Put a link on your website that links back to ours and we will bribe you will one of three free gifts worth about $149.00 each. Read all about it in the forum, first post every forum.
NOTE: You need to use a specific html code/key words thingie, not banners.
Details insid e
We really appreciate your efforts.

URGENT NOTE:
There is room left in the 5 day Niagara School Of Imaging Workshop. Rob and James taught there last year and are back again. You will not find better value and bang for your buck. The tuition, the food deal, the grounds, the other students and the teachin..all worth taking note and getting up to dance for!
(NOTE: So far three attendees from last year enjoyed us so much they signed up AGAIN for a second round of insanity with your two No Bs Founders, Rob Provencher and James Hodgins.)
GO HERE AND WATCH THE TESTIMONIALS FROM SOME OF THESE STUDENTS

HERE A QUICK VIDEO OF RICK BELL, THE FOUNDER OF NIAGARA SCHOOL OF IMAGING
In this video he calls it Image Explorations, which is the old name.

****************************************************************************
Sorry folks.
This has taken so long to get out, but I have been extremely busy in the last 2 months.
I am talking about being SWAMPED.
All my time has been taken up trapping, training, and selling beavers.
It's a ludicrous job, but you know, it pays the bills.

What have I been doing? Well, for the past month we (myself, and my cousin John)
have been shooting
Graduation Photos
(Get the whole scoop on what we do for this profitable account)

Hey, $32,000.00 in ONE months' work. And it's GROWING....

Convocation Photos

Semi-Formal Photos

and I have also been busy with some Industrial/Mining Images

And Rob has been busy too
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE MAN IN ACTION!

*****************************************************************************
Some Recent News From Our Members

Congratulations to Natalie Boisvert who received her Master Of Photographic Arts
and her first Bar from the Professional Photographers Of Canada Associatoin!

Congratulations to Tabitha Norris who has just acquired her own Photography Studio Woohoo!!

Congratulations to Shawn (RIFF) who trekked 500 miles from Holland MI to assist James on a Friday wedding and Rob on the following Saturday.
Plus, while he was here, he hung out at Rob's studio and saw Rob work his magic with some two year old sessions.
AND, Shawn shot many videos that we are going to edit out all the cuss words from, and put em all in the Dangerous Dowloads as part of the photography tutorials that are always on-going in that forum.

*****************************************************************************
New: FreeStyleWedding Videos In Production

The new NoBs FreeStyle Wedding System is in the works. This DVD includes a complete wedding from James (hodgy) Hodgins and Rob (Fineart) Provencher. Real brides, real people, a real wedding. Nothing is staged, nothing is planned, we just showed up and did our jobs, and you get to see it all.
The ride down, the preparation, the planning....everything.

You know, it sort of drives us bonkers. You watch these guys shooting their $30,000.00 weddings and the bride and groom look better than Ken and Barbie, and there's awesome architecture EVERYWHERE, and you say "that sucks!" I never see those brides, and in our town we have nothing but union halls and mines.

I bet most photographers are like us.

And most photographers would love to know how to make their towns look great. Their brides look like stars and all the photos so picturesque and appealing, without the beautiful drop-dead gorgeous couple and amazing roman pillars. Just by shooting freestyle

That's us. Real education for the real world. Keep your ear to the rail and nose to the wind.
More news coming very very soon.

****************************************************************************
Some Interesting Photoshop Tutorial Articles found within the Depths of the NoBs Inner Circle Forum.
If you haven't read these yet, I suggest you do, as they just could save your life.
(You must be logged in to view these)

Bill Guy's - Histogram: What the heck is it?

Robin Spencers Fast Time's At NoBs High!: A must read!

Lance Nichols : The Killer Digital Photographers Computer
(Public Article)

*****************************************************************************
We Never Promised You A Rose Garden

"After perusing this site since Monday or Tuesday I find that it is not worth the price that is offered on a per monthly basis. I was actually disappointed with the site for the most part. I really did not see much difference with this site since going “private”. Please refund my monies as I am not 100% Blown Away.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR REACTION

******************************************************************************

KC Rule # 16
Breaking Barriers
....."they booked me because of my attitude and the confidence that I had in my craft...."
Hi yall!

We have all been through this when booking weddings. The bride adores your work and the groom has the poker face because everything is serious when talking dollars. He tried everything to break me. Gave me the ole line -- photography is so expensive etc.
I said it sure is but I'm much cheaper than many for what I do. He said explain... I said well.. Let's go to Mike Colon's site (www.mikecolon.com). I said he starts at 20 grand.
I said Mike is a good photographer and I met him on a few occassions but to say I'm 1/7 the photographer that Mike is would be up to debate. I mean give me a few beautiful brides that get dresses at the Ritz, get married in an exotic
garden and have there receptions in some super high end reception hall and I think I could create magic too!
(No knock to Mike because I look up to someone that has his biz intact like that. Can you tell that I'm jealous of Mike?? )

Anywho - Back and forth he went on questions and I kept blasting off with calm answers until I kinda got fed up and said. "#1, if I was no good, you wouldn't be here. Because you have seen my work and seen me work. #2,
you had my price list a week before you showed up, and #3, I shot weddings for 2 people that referred you to me.
Now, I'm only shooting 25 weddings this year and I only have 4 more to book, it's your call".

Normally, I wouldn't say anything remotely close to that but I wasn't going to continue the let this guy bash
photographers on my behalf session. He backed off and was just as loose as he could be the whole way through.
They didn't book that daybut booked 2 days later.

So.. fast forward to today's engagement shoot. He was totally different and cool. The first thing the bride said
to me was that they didn't book me because of my work.. they booked me because of my attitude and the
confidence that I had in my craft.

It was more of a test. Why?? Who knows.. some people feel that you may have to work extra hard for the money. I told them that I have fun with games like that BUT don't play with me on the wedding day!! They both said you have FULL control. Not that I need it at all, just during MY time (after the Formals.. the fun creative stuff that they see in my studio).

The bottom line is that you have to crack the barriers and not bend. You never know the agenda. You can say no.. you can say I disagree and you can defend your profession. Sometimes being serious about what you do is ok.

The engagement session was one of the funnest that I've ever had. He played to the camera and let it all hang out. They laughed at my crazy jokes -- my kind of folks. They are a bit older but they liked my non-traditional style.
KC

****************************************************************************************
2 + 2 = 4 Doesn't it?
(why complicate the uncomplicated?)
By Hodgy

Digital photograpy is easy. Plain and simple, in fact, that is what makes it easy, when you make it simple. Why would you want to make your life more complicated than it already is? The digital learning curve can be as easy, or dramatic as you want.

The trick is to know what to look for, and to know what your clients are looking for. There are 100 ways todo
everything in digital and with photoshop and all you need to know is what get's the job done right? Right.

We always preach "proper capture, proper white-balance, and the job is 99% done."

This is sooo true, once this is achieved, your all set. Image worklow is basic, a few steps, and your all finished. This image was processed in less than 2 minutes. Yup that's correct, why? Because nothing was complicated. Hey it's NoBs right? What did you think it stood for...... K-nobs?

Take a look at the workflow below!

Image #1 - is right out of the camera, it has a good exposure, and a good white balance Yippeee!!!

Image #2 - has a simple Defog to remove "digital haze" using the unsharpmask.

Image #3 - uses the clone stamp in various modes to remove shine and bags under the eyes. I also used the dodge tool to highlight the catchlights in the eyes.

Image #4 - has a minor contrast adjustment using curves.

Image #5 - was burned around the edges using the Burn tool (yes the burn tool, that's what it's there for!

Image #6 - has a quick softening action, and sharpening.

************************************************************************************

Tim West Backgrounds
is pleased to announce a time-limited special
just for members of the NoBs Inner Circle Members Forum.

From Saturday June 10th to Sunday June 18th, it's the 4 x 4 Sale! Purchase your choice of Soft Flow or Soft Flow Solids backgrounds and pick up 4 - 10x20 size for only $ 400.00! S&H is $ 18.95 extra per background and taxes will be applied for Canadian residents (15% in Ontario and 7% elsewhere in Canada). There are no Canadian taxes due, or import duties, for American residents.

Shop directly on the Tim West Backgrounds website - www.timwestbackgrounds.com and use
Coupon Code: - nobs4x43812acB15
at check out to receive your discount from our regular price.

Most backgrounds are in stock and available for immediate delivery. We will notify you if one of your choices is temporarily out of stock. You say you already own some Tim West Backgrounds? No problem; use this opportunity to add to your collection. If you feel you don't need all 4, buddy up with another NoBs friend and take two each. There are lots of ways of making this work to everyone's benefit.

I am looking to beat our previous sales record with this 4x4 Sale! Please have a serious look at this one and help push us over the top!

**********************************************************************************

Craig Minielly's
Surfer Girl Shot
Craig explains his whole Digital Photography Techniques on his Photography Tips & Tricks Page.
(Click Here to see the whole tutorial)

Equipment Used:

Nikon D200
Nikkor 24-85 f3.5~4.5G DX Lens
Nikon SB800 Speedlights ( 3 )

Quantum Turbo 2+2 Batteries ( 3 )
Chameleon Reflector
Tamrac Location Cases
Manfrotto LightTite (Swivel Assembly ),
Stands, & Brass Screw Thing...
Kaiser Hot Shoe Swivel Mount

Location : IberoStar Dorada Resort - Puerto Plata DR

Place your cursor over image to see Before/After

*****************************************************************************

Increase Your Available Light Without Destroying It.

My wedding this past Saturday had me in a house packed with people. Every room had someone in it, and the lighting was very very low. Now you can always beef up the ISO and lower your aperature, but sometimes that is not enough. So what do you do?

Your break out the flash. Now some might think that using a flash will destroy the "mood/feeling/ambience/documentary style....) and yes, it can if done incorrectly. Over and over we see photographers ruining good light with flash on camera aimed directly at the subject.

Why not get it off camera? Why not bounce it? Bouncing your flash off a ceiling or wall will yield you beautiful results, and still remain soft. I like to take my flash off camera via "chord" and bounce it of anything I can. Add a slower shutter speed to pickup whatever ambient light is present, and you can get a very pleasing image that will not look like you used flash.

Click Here to watch a quick clip from this past weekend, showing me doing exactly that.

**********************************************************************************
New Creation Photo Supply
June NoBs Super Special
32" Moon $ 175.00 Reg. $ 310.00
4' Moon $ 225.00 Reg. $ 395.00

Please Contact
www.newcreationphoto.com

*************************************************************************************

Flip It!

The Demb Flash Diffuser Pro is now a reality. The initial reception has
been outstanding, with rave reviews from new users as well as Flip-it
customers who have taken advantage of the freebie upgrade offer. In case
you are a Flip-it customer & missed the offer please go to
http://www.dembflashdiffusers.com/flipituser The offer goes till the end of
June. I would love to have you on board. DFD Pro is now outselling
Flip-it. I would never have believed how fast this could happen.
Apparently a week is a long time in the world of digital photography.
Please check out my forum for the latest examples and tips.

*************************************************************************************

BUYING & SELLING

If your doing either, why not do it in the
NoBs Inner Circle Hockshop

Buy/Sell/Trade your digital photography equipment!! Keep checking in, as there are always some good deals!
Click HERE to see what's in there today!

Well, that's it for this edition of the NoBs Digital Dog Bowl. See you all on the inside.

Robert Provencher & James Hodgins

HOME



		May 2006 NoBs Photo Success Photography Forum Newsletter To all Inner Circle Members (Click Here To Read More About Our Digital Photography Forum) PHOTOGRAPHY NEWS AND OTHER STORIES FROM THE DIGITAL DOG BOWL
		-STAND AND APPLAUD- *THANKS* to all the members who participated in our link back program. If you missed it, it's simple really. Put a link on your website that links back to ours and we will bribe you will one of three free gifts worth about $149.00 each. Read all about it in the forum, first post every forum. NOTE: You need to use a specific html code/key words thingie, not banners. Details insid e We really appreciate your efforts.
*URGENT NOTE:* There is room left in the 5 day Niagara School Of Imaging Workshop. Rob and James taught there last year and are back again. You will not find better value and bang for your buck. The tuition, the food deal, the grounds, the other students and the teachin..all worth taking note and getting up to dance for! (NOTE: So far three attendees from last year enjoyed us so much they signed up AGAIN for a second round of insanity with your two No Bs Founders, Rob Provencher and James Hodgins.) GO HERE AND WATCH THE TESTIMONIALS FROM SOME OF THESE STUDENTS HERE A QUICK VIDEO OF RICK BELL, THE FOUNDER OF NIAGARA SCHOOL OF IMAGING In this video he calls it Image Explorations, which is the old name. ************************************************************************** Sorry folks. This has taken so long to get out, but I have been extremely busy in the last 2 months. I am talking about being SWAMPED. All my time has been taken up trapping, training, and selling beavers. It's a ludicrous job, but you know, it pays the bills. What have I been doing? Well, for the past month we (myself, and my cousin John) have been shooting Graduation Photos** (Get the whole scoop on what we do for this profitable account) Hey, $32,000.00* in ONE months' work. And it's GROWING.... Convocation Photos* Semi-Formal Photos and I have also been busy with some Industrial/Mining Images And Rob has been busy too CLICK HERE TO SEE THE MAN IN ACTION! *************************************************************************** Some Recent News From Our Members Congratulations to Natalie Boisvert who received her Master Of Photographic Arts and her first Bar from the Professional Photographers Of Canada Associatoin! Congratulations to Tabitha Norris who has just acquired her own Photography Studio Woohoo!! Congratulations to Shawn (RIFF) who trekked 500 miles from Holland MI to assist James on a Friday wedding and Rob on the following Saturday. Plus, while he was here, he hung out at Rob's studio and saw Rob work his magic with some two year old sessions. AND, Shawn shot many videos that we are going to edit out all the cuss words from, and put em all in the Dangerous Dowloads as part of the photography tutorials that are always on-going in that forum. ************************************************************************* New: FreeStyleWedding Videos In Production The new NoBs FreeStyle Wedding System is in the works. This DVD includes a complete wedding from James (hodgy) Hodgins and Rob (Fineart) Provencher. Real brides, real people, a real wedding. Nothing is staged, nothing is planned, we just showed up and did our jobs, and you get to see it all. The ride down, the preparation, the planning....everything. You know, it sort of drives us bonkers. You watch these guys shooting their $30,000.00 weddings and the bride and groom look better than Ken and Barbie, and there's awesome architecture EVERYWHERE, and you say "that sucks!" I never see those brides, and in our town we have nothing but union halls and mines. I bet most photographers are like us. And most photographers would love to know how to make their towns look great. Their brides look like stars and all the photos so picturesque and appealing, without the beautiful drop-dead gorgeous couple and amazing roman pillars. Just by shooting freestyle That's us. Real education for the real world. Keep your ear to the rail and nose to the wind. More news coming very very soon. ************************************************************************** Some Interesting Photoshop Tutorial Articles found within the Depths of the NoBs Inner Circle Forum. If you haven't read these yet, I suggest you do, as they just could save your life. (You must be logged in to view these) Bill Guy's - Histogram: What the heck is it? Robin Spencers Fast Time's At NoBs High!: A must read! Lance Nichols : The Killer Digital Photographers Computer (Public Article) *************************************************************************** We Never Promised You A Rose Garden** "After perusing this site since Monday or Tuesday I find that it is not worth the price that is offered on a per monthly basis. I was actually disappointed with the site for the most part. I really did not see much difference with this site since going “private”. Please refund my monies as I am not 100% Blown Away. CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR REACTION ******************************************************************************


KC Rule # 16 Breaking Barriers ....."they booked me because of my attitude and the confidence that I had in my craft...." Hi yall! We have all been through this when booking weddings. The bride adores your work and the groom has the poker face because everything is serious when talking dollars. He tried everything to break me. Gave me the ole line -- photography is so expensive etc. I said it sure is but I'm much cheaper than many for what I do. He said explain... I said well.. Let's go to Mike Colon's site (www.mikecolon.com). I said he starts at 20 grand. I said Mike is a good photographer and I met him on a few occassions but to say I'm 1/7 the photographer that Mike is would be up to debate. I mean give me a few beautiful brides that get dresses at the Ritz, get married in an exotic garden and have there receptions in some super high end reception hall and I think I could create magic too! (No knock to Mike because I look up to someone that has his biz intact like that. Can you tell that I'm jealous of Mike?? ) Anywho - Back and forth he went on questions and I kept blasting off with calm answers until I kinda got fed up and said. "#1, if I was no good, you wouldn't be here. Because you have seen my work and seen me work. #2, you had my price list a week before you showed up, and #3, I shot weddings for 2 people that referred you to me. Now, I'm only shooting 25 weddings this year and I only have 4 more to book, it's your call". Normally, I wouldn't say anything remotely close to that but I wasn't going to continue the let this guy bash photographers on my behalf session. He backed off and was just as loose as he could be the whole way through. They didn't book that daybut booked 2 days later. So.. fast forward to today's engagement shoot. He was totally different and cool. The first thing the bride said to me was that they didn't book me because of my work.. they booked me because of my attitude and the confidence that I had in my craft. It was more of a test. Why?? Who knows.. some people feel that you may have to work extra hard for the money. I told them that I have fun with games like that BUT don't play with me on the wedding day!! They both said you have FULL control. Not that I need it at all, just during MY time (after the Formals.. the fun creative stuff that they see in my studio). The bottom line is that you have to crack the barriers and not bend. You never know the agenda. You can say no.. you can say I disagree and you can defend your profession. Sometimes being serious about what you do is ok. The engagement session was one of the funnest that I've ever had. He played to the camera and let it all hang out. They laughed at my crazy jokes -- my kind of folks. They are a bit older but they liked my non-traditional style. KC ************************************************************************************** 2 + 2 = 4 Doesn't it?** (why complicate the uncomplicated?) By Hodgy Digital photograpy is easy. Plain and simple, in fact, that is what makes it easy, when you make it simple. Why would you want to make your life more complicated than it already is? The digital learning curve can be as easy, or dramatic as you want. The trick is to know what to look for, and to know what your clients are looking for. There are 100 ways todo everything in digital and with photoshop and all you need to know is what get's the job done right? Right. We always preach "proper capture, proper white-balance, and the job is 99% done." This is sooo true, once this is achieved, your all set. Image worklow is basic, a few steps, and your all finished. This image was processed in less than 2 minutes. Yup that's correct, why? Because nothing was complicated. Hey it's NoBs right? What did you think it stood for...... K-nobs? Take a look at the workflow below! Image #1 - is right out of the camera, it has a good exposure, and a good white balance Yippeee!!! Image #2 - has a simple Defog to remove "digital haze" using the unsharpmask. Image #3 - uses the clone stamp in various modes to remove shine and bags under the eyes. I also used the dodge tool to highlight the catchlights in the eyes. Image #4 - has a minor contrast adjustment using curves. Image #5 - was burned around the edges using the Burn tool (yes the burn tool, that's what it's there for! Image #6 - has a quick softening action, and sharpening. ********************************************************************************** Tim West Backgrounds is pleased to announce a time-limited special just for members of the NoBs Inner Circle Members Forum. From Saturday June 10th to Sunday June 18th, it's the 4 x 4 Sale! Purchase your choice of Soft Flow or Soft Flow Solids backgrounds and pick up 4 - 10x20 size for only $ 400.00! S&H is $ 18.95 extra per background and taxes will be applied for Canadian residents (15% in Ontario and 7% elsewhere in Canada). There are no Canadian taxes due, or import duties, for American residents. Shop directly on the Tim West Backgrounds website - www.timwestbackgrounds.com and use Coupon Code: - nobs4x43812acB15 at check out to receive your discount from our regular price. Most backgrounds are in stock and available for immediate delivery. We will notify you if one of your choices is temporarily out of stock. You say you already own some Tim West Backgrounds? No problem; use this opportunity to add to your collection. If you feel you don't need all 4, buddy up with another NoBs friend and take two each. There are lots of ways of making this work to everyone's benefit. I am looking to beat our previous sales record with this 4x4 Sale! Please have a serious look at this one and help push us over the top! ********************************************************************************


Craig Minielly's Surfer Girl Shot Craig explains his whole Digital Photography Techniques on his Photography Tips & Tricks Page. (Click Here to see the whole tutorial)
	Equipment Used: Nikon D200 Nikkor 24-85 f3.5~4.5G DX Lens Nikon SB800 Speedlights ( 3 ) Quantum Turbo 2+2 Batteries ( 3 ) Chameleon Reflector Tamrac Location Cases Manfrotto LightTite (Swivel Assembly ), Stands, & Brass Screw Thing... Kaiser Hot Shoe Swivel Mount Location : IberoStar Dorada Resort - Puerto Plata DR


			Place your cursor over image to see Before/After
*************************************************************************** Increase Your Available Light Without Destroying It. My wedding this past Saturday had me in a house packed with people. Every room had someone in it, and the lighting was very very low. Now you can always beef up the ISO and lower your aperature, but sometimes that is not enough. So what do you do? Your break out the flash. Now some might think that using a flash will destroy the "mood/feeling/ambience/documentary style....) and yes, it can if done incorrectly. Over and over we see photographers ruining good light with flash on camera aimed directly at the subject. Why not get it off camera? Why not bounce it? Bouncing your flash off a ceiling or wall will yield you beautiful results, and still remain soft. I like to take my flash off camera via "chord" and bounce it of anything I can. Add a slower shutter speed to pickup whatever ambient light is present, and you can get a very pleasing image that will not look like you used flash. Click Here to watch a quick clip from this past weekend, showing me doing exactly that. ****************************************************************************** New Creation Photo Supply June NoBs Super Special 32" Moon $ 175.00 Reg. $ 310.00 4' Moon $ 225.00 Reg. $ 395.00 Please Contact www.newcreationphoto.com ********************************************************************************* Flip It! The Demb Flash Diffuser Pro is now a reality. The initial reception has been outstanding, with rave reviews from new users as well as Flip-it customers who have taken advantage of the freebie upgrade offer. In case you are a Flip-it customer & missed the offer please go to http://www.dembflashdiffusers.com/flipituser The offer goes till the end of June. I would love to have you on board. DFD Pro is now outselling Flip-it. I would never have believed how fast this could happen. Apparently a week is a long time in the world of digital photography. Please check out my forum for the latest examples and tips. ********************************************************************************* BUYING & SELLING If your doing either, why not do it in the NoBs Inner Circle Hockshop Buy/Sell/Trade your digital photography equipment!! Keep checking in, as there are always some good deals! Click HERE to see what's in there today! Well, that's it for this edition of the NoBs Digital Dog Bowl. See you all on the inside.** Robert Provencher & James Hodgins HOME