I recently learned about an extraordinary organization called PhotoPhilanthropy.  Their mission is to promote, support, and connect photographers with charitable organizations around the world.  Their website features a convenient tool that lets you search for volunteer photography opportunities in your area.  If you want to use your photography skills to give back to the local community while building your portfolio, this is an excellent way to do it.  If you work with a group that's considered a charitable organization (501c3), you can even submit a photo essay here.  For inspiration, check out last year's entries.  Take a few minutes to navigate their website and see how photography can make a difference one photo at a time. 

Here in New York, myself and a few other staffers at NYIP have been volunteering with "Rehabilitation Through Photography".  We made a short video which really shows the joy photography brings the group.  You can watch it here. 

If you get involved with a program in your area, I'd love to hear about it.  Please share it here, or with the community on Facebook.

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In recent news, there's talk about banning Hula Hooping on Fremont Street in Vegas.  Seriously, here's the  article. 

People usually fear what they can't understand so I'm guessing the lawmakers are simply not educated as to the finer points of Hooping. Perhaps they should watch the film I made with Ted Fisher, Linda Goldman, and Maya Mumma. 

Here it is: "Hoop Springs Eternal"

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I'm very honored and humbled that National Geographic has selected one of my Puffin images to appear on their website!  Below is the screen grab, and you can also find it here under August - Week 1.  Best of all, there's a chance it could appear in their magazine.  Congratulations to the others who were also selected.  If you have an image that you would like to submit to National Geographic, you can do so here.

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Charge your camera batteries, and get ready for a road trip to the beautiful shores of Long Island.  On Sunday July 18th, I am offering a special sunrise workshop to photograph nesting colonial birds!  This special location is a hot spot for Black Skimmers, Oyster Catchers, Terns, and the endangered Piping Plover.  I will be by your side to answer any photography questions, and help you get the shots you're looking for.  To further maximize your opportunity, a wildlife biologist will be on hand to explain the birds unique behavior.  This outing is limited to six people in order to provide each participant with personalized instruction.  Please read the details, and register below.  I hope you can join us!

• When: Sunday July 18, 2010.  We will gather in the parking lot for coffee, donuts, and gear set-up at 6:00am.  We will then have two hours of fast paced shooting from 6:30am - 8:30am. 

• Where: A conveniently located beach just off the highway in Nassau County, New York.  Exact address will be provided after you register.

• Cost: $150 USD per person payable through PayPal.

What to Bring:

• DSLR or Advanced Point & Shoot - Canon, Nikon, etc.

• Telephoto Lens - A focal length of 300 or 400mm is ideal.  (a 70-200 f2.8 with a 2x extender will also work)

• Tripod

• Extra Memory Cards - We will shoot hundreds of photos.

• Cable release (optional)

• Extra Battery

• Wear muted colors to avoid startling the birds

Cancellation Policy:

• If you withdraw from the workshop more than 48 hours before the starting date (July 18th, 2010 at 6:30am EST), your payment will be refunded in full via PayPal.
  

• If you withdraw from the workshop less than 48 hours before the workshop begins (July 18th, 2010 at 6:30am EST), 100% of your total fee will be forfeited.  
  

• You must notify us of your withdrawal and cancellation via email.  The date and time-stamp of your email will be deemed the date you gave your notice to cancel.

Late Arrival:

• If for any reason a participant arrives after 6:30am, it will be your responsibility to catch up with the group.

In Case of Rain:

• If we cancel the workshop due to rain, the makeup date is Sunday, August 1, 2010 from 6:30-8:30am. 

Terms and Conditions:

•  Before the workshop begins, all participants must sign a release of liability, voluntarily releasing us from all liability including but not limited to injury, illness, death, loss, or damage to personal property, which may be caused by forces of nature, negligence or actions of others, or other agencies.  You understand and agree that medical services or facilities may not be readily available during the workshop.  We assume no responsibility for medical care or any special dietary requirements you may have.   You are personally responsible for being in sufficiently good health to undertake the activity. By registering for the workshop, you certify that you do not knowingly have any physical or other conditions or disability that would create risk for you or other participants.

 

Participants

Individual $150.00 Two Participants $300.00 Three Participants $450.00

 

My how-to article on "Dramatic Landscape Photography" is now available as a free download from Photography BB Magazine.  

Editor in Chief, Dave Seeram had these comments regarding this recent release:

“The theme of this edition is Learn, Practice, and Grow. The team has put together a great issue with plenty of tutorials and tips to learn from, put into practice, and ultimately grow as a photographer." 

Download your free issue here.



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Michelle Lynn Taylor! 

Her photo which represents the letter W received the most likes and comments on my Facebook wall.  Congrats to her on a job well done!  I've sent her a signed copy of my book.

I asked Michelle to talk about her experience with this exercise.  Here's what she said:

"The alphabet exercise was a real eye-opener for me. I started viewing things that I normally would not photograph as potential subjects. There are so many things out there that I look at every day, but never really pay attention to. Your exercise helped me to SEE these items in a new way. Thank you for issuing the challenge. It was a lot of fun to participate!"

Besides Michelle's winning image, there were also several dozens of really creative entries.  Here are just a few of the highlights. 

The letter M by Samantha Gonzalez

The letter A from Cassie Rudishyn

The letter N by Angie Garica Cragwick

B from Audrey May

The letter P from Daniel Perez-Gomez

To view all of the entries, click here.

I want to thank all of you for making this a fun, and educational exercise! 

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Of all the new technology added to the next iPhone, perhaps the most exciting addition is the HD video camera and iMovie app.  For five bucks, this app will allow you to edit HD movies on the road with similar functionality to the desktop version!  Once you've completed your movie, you can upload it to the web at various sizes.  With this amazing functionality, I'm wondering if I'll ever need my Flip video again?  The still camera will have 5 megapixels and a flash.  Supposedly it will be available in late June.  In the meantime, here are some recent shots taken with now ancient iPhone 3G and it's 2 megapixel camera.

Escalator in New York City

Cubism

The Metro in Washington DC

T-Rex in DC

Rainbow colored happy face created by the sun streaming in a window

For more technical specs of the iPhone 4, check here: http://gizmodo.com/5557101/iphone-4-the-definitive-guide

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Using the voice recorder on the iPhone and a nifty little two dollar app called  "Tweet Mic", I can now post audio clips to  Twitter and Facebook.  I'm excited about the different ways this can be used to share photography information, tips, and more.  You can listen, and even subscribe to the RSS feed here: http://audioboo.fm/users/47426/boos.atom

Your feedback is important to me.

If you have topics you would like me to cover, or suggestions for future audio tweets, please let me know.  I'm all ears.

Also, since this is my first attempt with this technology, I appreciate you reporting any bugs or kinks that may pop up.  Thanks for tuning in!

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I'd like to announce a new photo exercise that forces you to look beyond the obvious, and see in a creative way. It's a simple idea, but can be surprisingly tricky and somewhat addictive. It's also a lot of fun, and is guaranteed to sharpen your eye.   

Here's how to participate:

Find and photograph something that looks like a letter in the English alphabet.  Then, post it to my Facebook Page wall with "Alphabet Exercise" written in the caption. It doesn't have to be an exact match, so use your imagination. The only thing that's not allowed are photographs of actual letters such as billboards, signs, etc. 

You decide the winners:

The five photos which receive the most comments and/or "likes" will be featured in a future blog post.  The image with the most comments/likes will also win a copy of my book.   

Deadline: Memorial Day, May 31st, 2010.

Here are some examples I took in the past few days.

Above: The shadows of two poles and someone's leg create the letter N.

Above: Shadows from a fence create the letter X.

A discarded beverage lid and straw work to create the letter Q.

I look forward to seeing your entries!  Add your letter here.