Fitness blog, Feb. 27, 2009

Well work has slowed down a bit so I'm keeping myself busy at the gym. I go to Snap Fitness in my neighborhood and I really love it. Today I did my first true five mile run and it took 53 minutes going between 5.2-6.2mph. I run with an incline of .5-1.0% which recreates running outdoors with small hills and wind resistance. According to one article on Runner's World Magazine online I burned 488 calories on the treadmill. Not bad for an hours work!

Recent stock photography

I've been spending more time shooting work for stock since I've noticed an increase in sales in the last two months or so.



Close up of a Microphone on iStock
For this shot I put the microphone on a daylight balanced lightbox and additionally lit it from above with a softbox. To get the bottom light to be effective it has to be balanced with the light from above. Since my aperture is already predetermined (f/13) as is the ISO (100) light balance is accomplished with the shutter speed. In this case 1/30 second worked perfectly in achieving a pure white background without blowing out highlights on the edges of the mic. I used my 70-200mm 4.0L along with an extension tube in order to really get up close and personal with the microphone.



Rad boombox on iStockphoto
This shot was also shot on my lightbox. In order to keep the highlights from blowing out on the chrome knobs I keep the dynamic range of the image in check and cut the product out from the background in post-production using the pen tool. Since the boombox doesn't have an overly-complex shape it was fairly quick and easy.




Wisconsin State Capitol Building in winter on iStock
I've wanted to get some photos of the capitol in the winter after a fresh snow. I went to my favorite vantage point and shot this at 200mm. The sky is quite gray so I'll have to go back and reshoot this sometime when there's a nice deep blue sky.

My first (official) photo on Getty Images

I'm excited to announce I've been accepted to submit royalty-free photos to the Photodisc Collection. Although I have several shots already in Getty Editorial, those are as a second shooter and are not registered to me. Here is my shot: [link]

Roller Derby photos: Feb. 1, 2009

MADISON, WI - FEBRUARY 1, 2009. Mad Rollin' Dolls roller derby league plays its second bout at the Dane County Memorial Coliseum. Final scores were as follows: The Reservoir Dolls, 73; Quad Squad, 68
The Chicago Outfit, 100; Unholy Rollers, 52

1st Model Open Call for Madison Fashion Week

FWD BULLETIN

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The 2nd Annual Madison Fashion Week is back! This year, the series of runway shows, workshops and shopping experiences will be from May 19-24 in various stylish places around the city.

Last year we held our first model competition and awarded 3 top models some crisp C-Notes thanks to Prep Cosmetics. This year we've got some great upgrades in store for the competition.

Interested in rocking the runway? Come out and meet us and learn more about how we can make you an official diva/divo.

HOW TO DRESS:
- heels for women, dress shoes for men
- slim-fitting clothes
- light make-up
- stylish look... we want to see your personality

WHAT TO BRING:
- portfolio
- 5 comp cards or photos with contact info and measurements clearly written on the back with a permanent pen/marker

WHAT TO EXPECT:
- to have your picture taken
- to give your best runway walk

This is a COMBINED event with our non-profit partner for Madison Fashion Week - the Go Red for Women campaign from the American Heart Association.

FROM GO RED FOR WOMEN:
"We want to hear compelling stories of choice and will select women who can help ignite action and inspire others. Join your local American Heart Association, City Goes Red Sponsor UW Health and NBC 15 News featuring anchor Carleen Wild for a chance to become a spokeswoman for the cause – representing Go Red For Women on our Web site, in our marketing materials, at events and possibly in our upcoming NBC television special. One local winner will receive a ticket package for the 2009 Madison Fashion Week.

If you can't come to the casting call, but would still like to share your story with others, click here [link].

Go Red For Women, powered by the American Heart Association’s research, educates and connects millions of women of all ages. GoRedForWomen.org is the No. 1 online destination where women can learn how to make heart-healthy choices every day.

The Go Red For Women movement is nationally sponsored by Macy’s and Merck & Co., Inc, with additional support from the local ‘City Goes Red’ cause sponsor, UW Health and local media sponsors NBC 15 and WOLX 94.9."

Fashion runway show photos

MIDDLETON, WI - JANUARY 30, 2009. The Rock Agency and Wisconsin Early Autism Project [link] presented a benefit fashion show for the Autism Society of Greater Madison [link]. UW Drumline performed before the runway show and J. Lamore and Ranghart provided the clothes. Location: Scatz Nightclub, 2248 Deming Way, Middleton.
More images from the show are now online [link]