The BLOG

A photographers' workshop is coming to New Orleans, Oct. 6th-8th, 2008. This is a chance to learn from 10 very talented photographers, each one with their own special style that has set them apart in the world of wedding photography.

Normally I'd avoid things like this, since I tend to (OMG! Ive been censored!)… but I love my city (what with it being the coolest city EVER) and I love noble causes. New Orleans thrives on tourism and every visitor helps give this city another breath of life.

Workshop attendees will sign up with 2 of the following photographers and spend an 8 hour day with each of their instructors. It's a great opportunity to learn from some amazing talent...like me ;)...and earn a few karma points at the same time!

On a personal note, come one or come all, any and all proceeds that I acquire through this workshop will go toward funding a local arts foundation (you know, for the kids!)

Julia Bailey Boutwell Studio Jessica Claire John Michael Cooper Gene Higa Parker Pfister Joe Photo Victor Sizemore Cherie Steinberg Jeff & Julia Woods

For anyone needing a nice little tax write off for 2007, here is a link for registration... IMAGE X 08

The song I chose for Janessa and Matthew's slideshow has nothing to do with them and everything to do with me.

Im off to edit now, and continue the endeavors for my love of the loveless. (you know, for the kids!)

Dear Julia,

Recently, our membership renewal panel conducted an evaluation of your web site and concluded that it does not meet the organization’s standards.

The reasons cited were: Excessive Photoshop Work, Details, Portraits

Respectfully,

WPJA Membership Services

(gotta love the anonymity of that signature, Thanks David!)

I felt it would be hypocritical of me to try and change my website images to portray only non photoshop manipulated images. Especially, since i edit everything. Also, rather hypocritical of me to remove any portraits. Im pretty good at portraits, why would I remove them? The real hypocrisy here is that the WPJA screams non photoshop manipulation. If that were true, then black and white images would not be allowed. Digital photos require photoshop manipulation. My artistic slant does not change the truth of the moment. I do not add or subtract elements, I simply play with colors, tones and softness/grain. Images do not come out of the camera in perfect black and white tones. Every award winning image displayed on the WPJA website has been manipulated. C'est la vie

The night that I returned home from shooting Almashea and Justin's wedding, I had an email reminding me that the AGWPJA contest deadline was a couple of hours away. I quickly edited two photos from their reception and entered...why not? I had missed the deadline for the WPJA contest. Funny enough, one of the images placed. Even funnier is that the contest results appeared today, the day that I finally finished editing Almashea and Justin's wedding. I hope this means good things are in store for them. Justin was shipped off to Iraq soon after the wedding. Thank you both for being so great, and please, stay safe!