Bridal Show This Weekend

Don't forget the Bridal Forum this Sunday, Sept. 7th at the Sheraton in West Des Moines.

Meet the tens of vendors at this premier bridal show where you will find everything from dresses, cakes, DJ's and of course photographers.  

I will be offering $50 gift certificates from Bed Bath & Beyond for all contracts signed at the show!

Hope to see you there!

WPPI Convention in Las Vegas

I have just returned from a week spent at the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) convention in Las Vegas.
It was an incredible experience meeting the best wedding photographers in the world! I attended many lectures by the most renowned wedding photographers in the industry. I also explored the trade show, looking for the latest and coolest products to help my wedding photography look as modern and professional as possible. It is an exciting time to be a wedding photographer! I have found some new products that will dazzle the eye and truly make each wedding that I shoot a work of art to be cherished by brides for years to come.
The convention really has me "jazzed" and I can't wait to incorporate some new techniques at weddings this year!

I was able to get a photo of Bally's where the convention was held, by using a tripod that I stowed in my check-on luggage. Vegas is a fun place to shoot at night and a tripod is essential.

Paul's New Digital SLR Class Starting Jan. 24

If you just received a new full sized digital SLR camera (not a point and shoot) for the Holidays, then you may be interested in my Digital SLR class starting Jan 24 at the Des Moines Art Center.

The class is six weeks long and will cover all the basics of camera operation including shutter speed, aperture, and manual exposure as well as white balance and the all important histogram.
Imagaes will be projected onto a 30 foot screen in a multi-media presentation.

The class will begin on Weds. Jan 24 from 7-9pm. The Art Center is located at 4700 Grand Ave.

Hope to see you there!

Ken Ross Gets "Honorable Mention" With His New 30d

Ken Ross is also one of those past students that I now call not only a good photographer, but a good friend. Ken Has just purchased a new Canon 30d and used it at the "Shoot the Hills" photo contest this past month.
It was a fitting tribute that the honorable Ken Ross was awarded an "Honorable Mention" in one of the largest categories— Digital flora. His photo shows that the 30d can produce sharp images with fine color when operated by a skilled photographer.
Great shot Ken and congratulations on your efforts during that rainy weekend.

Brad Thompson Takes 2nd Place in the "Shoot the Hills" Contest

Brad Thompson is a past student of mine and has become a good friend as well. He already had the "bug" when he took my class a couple of years back. His questions were to-the-point and very perceptive. I knew he was going to do well and he has since jumped into photography with both feet. Brad loves nature photography and is even selling his photos with stock agencies online!
Since its inception about 4 years ago, I had been a judge for the "Shoot the Hills" photo contest in southern Ohio. Every year, one of my students had placed in the contest. I have been proud to regale that fact to anyone unlucky enough to ask me about the contest. I think there were about 100 photographers this year! I did miss not being there this year, but, Brad was able to keep the tradition alive by winning 2nd place in the Digital Wildlife category! Thanks Brad and congratulations!
I believe Brad used his 600mm lens for this great shot of a heron. I am sure that patience was a large factor in getting a shot this spectacular.
I 'm sure Brad, along with any other photographers shown on this blog, would like a comment or question from you about their photos.

Clark Colby Wins Sierra Club Photo Contest

Clark Colby, who attended my first SLR Digital class in Iowa at the Des Moines Art Center, has won an impressive 3 first place prizes from the Sierra Club Photo Contest! Colby was even awarded a $1000 scholarship for his shot of downtown Des Moines. Clark's art classes and enthusiasm have really been an asset to his interest in photography. I can't wait to see what this talented young artist photographs next! Congratulations Clark!

Judee Lankenau Wins 3rd Place With Butterfly Photo!

Judee Lankenau took this great shot with an 8700 Nikon camera to win 3rd place in the Franklin Park Conservatory's annual photo contest in Columbus Ohio. If I were still judging this contest, there is no doubt that I would have given her photo high marks as well. The butterfly is sitting on a glass ball that really adds flair to the photo.
It was good to hear from you Judee, thanks for sharing your photo with me and thanks for the kind words about my classes.
Keep up the good work!

Paul's Photography Students Are Winning Big!

Teaching photography is a rewarding activity. Seeing people derive so much pleasure in their ability to take great photos is what teaching is all about for me. It was always gratifying to see them enter contests and to see many of them win. I do not take the credit for their great work, I was merely an instrument of inspiration. I hinted to the possibilities available with photography, pointing them to the proper use of buttons and dials, but it is up to them to figure out where to point the camera.

Moving to Iowa from Ohio last May was an exciting adventure. Leaving behind family and friends was the hardest part. I have met many people through teaching and have developed strong friendships with many past students. I have recently received a few e-mails from past students who are continuing to improve in their photography. They have sent me photos that have won contests! It was great to hear from them and I thought that I should give them recognition for their efforts. To that end, the concept for this blog was born. I will use this blog to highlight the works of past students for all to enjoy. This blog shall also be used to spotlight recent married couples that I have had the privilege of photographing.

I hope to post not only the beautiful brides I will be photographing this year, but also work from my students at the Des Moines Art Center.
Have fun!
Paul

Kevin Craiglow Wins The Columbus Dispatch Photo Contest!

Kevin is a proud father and now a proud photographer, with his winning of the Columbus Dispatch Photo Contest earlier this year. There were hundreds of entries for the contest this year and Kevin did a great job of capturing a candid moment of his son Nathan.
Kevin told me that he has ordered the new Canon D30 camera from Cord Camera. When someone has to have the latest digital SLR, you know they have been bitten by the shutterbug!
Congratulations Kevin, and remember the "Shoot the Hills" photo contest held in southern Ohio, is coming up next month. I need a former student to win, as one of my students has won an award during the contest each year it has been held.

Brian Boggess Earns Second Place Finish In The "Shoot The Hills" Photo Contest

Brian Boggess was awarded a second prize in the "Shoot the Hills" photo contest for his very unique shot of water and rocks along the trail to Old Man's Cave. The competition was even stiffer this year and Brian should be proud of his accomplishment!

Brian has really taken to photography and has put in many hours honing his skills.
When not suffering injuries from soccer mishaps, Brian often heads out for treks in nearby parks armed with his camera and tripod.