Review of Manfrotto's new Tripod/Backpack

For those that are interested, Manfrotto has posted my review of their new integrated backpack and tripod system. In a nutshell, this is a very innovative system that has a lot going for it. The tripod is excellent and it fits fully enclosed in the backpack. The pack has a ridiculous amount of pockets and the styling is awesome. To get more detail on the new solution, here is a link to the review.

Manfrotto's New Website

Manfrotto has developed a new website titled "Manfrotto Experience". Their intent is to feature artists from around the world that use Manfrotto equipment. I am very fortunate to be included one of the most recent featured artists on their website. Feel free to check out the website when you have a chance: link

The Beauty of Sequioa National Park

Back in August, I was asked by Manfrotto to review a new tripod/backpack solution. This is a unique system that incorporates a carbon fiber tripod into a well designed backpack. One of the more unique features of the pack is that the tripod is fully enclosed within the pack. This helps reduce the chance of snagging things when hiking. It also doesn't draw attention to the fact you are wearing a backpack with expensive photo equipment inside. Last week, I had an opportunity to put this system to task on a trip to Sequoia National Park. Trekking over 20 miles of easy to challenging terrain, I truly appreciated this system. It is amazingly light, the tripod is very stable, and it is flexible enough to adjust for tight spots. Manfrotto has said that this backpack/tripod system will be available in October. For the photographer that travels or likes to take nature photos, I recommend you check this out. I'm pretty confident you won't be disappointed.

New Respect for Wedding Photographers

I did a favor for a family member this last weekend by photographing his wedding. I guess it was my hubris that made me assume it wouldn't be that difficult. Even though I did quite a bit of planning ahead of time, I quickly realized I had to make some quick decisions. As you can imagine, with all of the different locations (dressing room, sanctuary, outdoors, reception etc) the lighting changes were crazy. It wasn't so much making the adjustments, it was making them in a matter of seconds and not minutes. The other thing I learned is that you stand for a very long time. Who would've thought that taking photos as a wedding would be physically taxing. The last thing that really hit me was the stress level. You really only have one chance to take a shot of the first kiss, or the rings being put on and the like. If you mess it up then it's like that Southwest Airlines commercial "Want to get away?" Fortunately, the photos turned out pretty good and for my first (and hopefully last) wedding shoot it turned out to be a fun time. I have to admit though that I have a new found respect for wedding photographers.

Gotta Love That SHUTTERBUG

As promised by Joe Farace of SHUTTERBUG magazine, my website was featured in the May issue. If you don't have that issue then run out to the store immediately and buy one (yes, that is a plug for the magazine, of which I don't receive any royalties). Displayed in all its glory at the bottom of page 60 is my beautiful website (I'm a bit biased). Joe offered some very flattering prose, my favorite quote being: "His compositional mastery is only one of the reasons Hiller's haunting images will stay with you for a long while." Click the page image to the right to read the article (I apologize for the low quality scan).

Thank you Joe for the kind words and exposure!

What? Top 20% ain't good enough?

Today was the day the Laguna Festival of Arts announced the results of last weekends artistic judging competition. Based on the scoring results, I was in the top 20% of all 260+ applicants, which isn't bad. Unfortunately for me, the festival only accepts the top 10% to exhibit and sell their artwork during this summer's event. Am I disappointed? Sure I am. The festival is a great opportunity to get exposure and sell, sell sell. However, considering this is my first judged competition I don't think I did too badly. Also, like I said yesterday, the people that work at the event were fantastic and in particular, Kathy Pitts was such a huge help. Borrowing the mantra from Cubs fans, "There is always next year."

Time to move on and keep being passionate about my work. Stay tuned because I should be starting on a new series soon that I have been conceptualizing.

The Festival of Arts Judging

Last weekend I was invited to submit physical samples of my photos for the final round of judging for The Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach. Unfortunately, I was given less than two weeks notice that I needed three samples to submit so I didn't have the luxury of planning ahead. The week prior to last was pretty crazy as I rushed around trying to get the samples printed and framed. Fortunately, Mark Shima at Island Productions was a HUGE help. I've had the pleasure of knowing Mark for the last 10 years and would highly recommend him for any of your artistic reproduction needs. Mark also recommended I work with the guys at Leon Picture Frames in Anaheim, and it was the right call. I worked with Norman Meinhardt, who is a very talented photographer in his own right, and he made some excellent recommendations and jumped through hoops to get everything framed on time. He actually got it done a day early which is customer service at its best. If you need framing done in Orange County you should look up Leon Picture Framing.

On Saturday morning I took my artwork and easels down to the Boys and Girls club of Laguna Beach to set it up for judging. This was the first time I have gone through a judging process like this so I learned a lot. Everyone at the event was very friendly and overall it was a fantastic experience. There were some very talented artists showing there work so I'm not overly confident I will get accepted into the festival. Anyhow, I will find out this Wednesday how well I did so wish me luck.