PixelatedImage Blog

A couple things today. I still can’t bring myself to talk about gear, so I’ve put it off for another day.

My friend Gavin Gough has just announced his BHUTAN PHOTO EXPEDITION for two weeks this September and you can get all the details HERE. Gavin is a good soul masquerading as an excellent photographer and two weeks with him is bound to be an exceptional experience, though I should warn you now the man is chemically dependant on tea and you’re bound to be drinking the stuff until you have gills if you join them. Still, it seems a small price to pay. If you’re looking to see something off the beaten path and be guided there by experienced photographers, this could be just the tour you’re looking for. I’d love to be able to join them.

If you liked my series on self-promotion (this link will take you to the whole series of articles in the marketing/self promo category) then you need to head over to Zack Arias’ blog and check out the critiques he’s doing these days. He’s brutally honest in the gentlest way as he looks over portfolios and points out the good, the bad, and the ugly. Excellent stuff from a talented man with great vision. I know I’m not the only one that’s been inspired to put my money where my mouth is and give my online portfolio a good editing. Hasn’t happened yet, but it’s coming. Check out Zack’s blog HERE.

A number of months ago I pointed readers to Bruce Percy, an excellent photographer who has since become a friend. We met in Kathmandu and shared a couple meals and I can tell you this guy is the real deal. He’s also got a voice that could woo a deaf woman (I have NO idea what that means, sounded funny though). He’s Scottish and just listening to his podcasts makes me want to join him for a workshop or emigrate to Scotland immediately. If it’s been a few months between trips and the only way to scratch the itch is as an armchair traveler, take some time to watch and listen to one of Bruce’s podcasts. Inspiring.

I made the decision today to make Photoshop World a priority this fall. It’s in Vegas, early September and at this point I’m going to be there. I’ve been meaning to go for a couple years and keep putting it off. Great place to meet your heroes and learn some great stuff to improve your craft, polish your vision, and – ahem – see some cool gear. I’d love to do a Pixelated Image Blog Gathering: Las Vegas. So if you’re going too – and you should be – let’s plan to connect and have a pint or something. I’ll announce details closer to the time.

Finally, last week was Vision Week. Lots of talk about who we are, how we see things, the need to shoot with passion and inspiration. One of my inspirations for the last 15 years has been singer/songwriter Bruce Cockburn. Joe McNally’s a fan too. I’d be willing to bet Steve McCurry listens to him. Cartier-Bresson would have. I dedicated my coffee table book to Bruce (we just call him The Bruce in my home). Anyways, his new album – Slice O Life: Life Solo – is due out on March 31. He didn’t tell me this in person, I had to read it on his website. But ever since the whole restraining order thing, he’s been quieter than usual…Bruce has been ranked with the best guitarists in the world, a man whose commitment to craft is obvious and who’s got something to say. We love the Bruce. We once drove from Vancouver, B.C. to Olympia, WA, watched his concert and drove home. It was a long day, and so worth it. If you’re looking for me on the 31st I’ll be hanging out with The Bruce. On my iPod.