Adobe Photoshop Seminar

Our recent Photoshop Seminar was a highly anticipated event led by our very own local Photoshop gurus, Curt von Diest, Greg Gerhart & Danny Hommes at the Luminary Center for the Arts. It was a very informative evening with each presenter sharing information on different aspects, techniques and applications of the powerful and complex digital imaging software. 

Greg presented information focused on selection techniques, Danny shared info focused on resolution, retouching and how they related to a real-world project and then Curt ended the evening with information on actions and layers. Each presenter did an exceptional job of sharing their knowledge so that everyone from the PS beginners to the PS veterans were able to learn a lot throughout the night. Even our presenters learned things from each other! 

As usual, the event was a great way to learn a huge amount of new info and it also gave us a chance to see some old friends and make some new ones.

April Brings Pints and Pixels

The beginning of April meant it was that time again--yes, Pints and Pixels time--a regular ASMP St. Louis event that is happening quarterly this year.  This time the handful of participants met at the Schlafly Tap Room in their Half Pint Room.  The images on show ranged from essay-style to commercial, including a story about home foreclosure and another about a fellow with a half pipe in his living room.

The evening was full of good conversation, impressive photography, and of course, great beer.  The next Pints and Pixels will be held on July 2, 2009 at a location to be determined.

Everyone's Favorite Thing About Being a Pro Photographer is...ESTIMATING! (You know it is.)

What do you charge when an Annual Report client asks for Unlimited Usage?  How about if a Corporate client wants you to travel across the country with an assistant?  And what about that job the local University wants you to bid for a day of shooting on campus?  Well, we can't tell you those answers (by law), because, frankly, there is no right answer.  What we can do for you, though, is help you to think about all the components that go into an estimate.  What kind of usage is your client asking for?  If they want people in the shots do you need to get models?  Is there equipment rental involved?  Is the retouching going to be done in house?  So much to think about!  Hence, Estimating 101.  

On Thursday, February 26, ASMP St. Louis hosted Estimating 101 at John Fedele's new studio in the Central West End, an event in which five local commercial photographers anonymously submitted one real life photography job each, and the rest of us got to bid it (also anonymously).  The jobs ranged from photographing an art piece for a gallery to a nation-wide campaign for a soft serve ice cream company.  Chapter president, Jeremy Deweese, and vice president, Jamin Leopold, dialogued as photographer and client while the members in the audience took notes on the details.  Anyone comfortable with estimating was welcomed to turn in their numbers (again, anonymously), which were then tallied and read aloud by secretary Julie Birkemeier.  The point of the exercise was not to reveal each other's secrets or get everyone to start charging the same amount.  Rather, it was to illustrate the wide range of numbers that can be estimated for any one job.  If you missed out on the night and would like to see the results click here.  You have to be an ASMP member though, so if you're not sign on up! 

ASMP ST. LOUIS KICKS OFF 2009 WITH AN OLD FAVORITE

What better way to start 2009 than with camaraderie, pictures, and beer (well, wine and soda in some cases)?  On January 29, 2009 about 15 St. Louis photographers gathered at Llywelyn's Pub in the Central West End for a night of Pints and Pixels.  The mix of ASMP members and nonmembers each brought 5 images of recent personal or commercial work and enjoyed conversation, dinner and beverages while our master of the projector, Vice President Jamin Leopold,  uploaded the files.  Once the slide show was in order the folks gathered around to watch the show.  Each photographer spoke about his or her work, to include techniques used, inspiration for the capture, and challenges faced.  

The audience definitely had questions for William Stage when his photograph of a bullet hole ridden stop sign popped up on screen.  We were assured the damage was done well before Stage happened upon the sign.  Phew! 

Once the slide show was over the group struck up conversation once again, enjoying the company of their peers.  I think it's safe to say we all walked away with a love for photography and some new ideas to try.

Our Shiny New Blog!

We're very excited about building a larger and stronger photography community for our members and non-members in St. Louis and across the country. With the launch of our blog we'll be able to keep everyone up to date on ASMP events, photography industry news, photographer education, photographer services and pretty much everything else that makes us professional photographers tick. Our goal is to create a go-to area for info and updates all served up fresh to our subscribers and followers. 

Don't be shy! We encourage you to post comments and reply to comments because it will enhance everyone's experience here. 

Please go ahead and sign up to follow our blog with the email field to the right and let's build something great for the ASMP St. Louis Community!