Thursday, January 04, 2007

New house updates & more…

Tonya and I just finished moving into the home we purchased here near downtown Tarpon Springs. It’s so huge compared to what we’re used to. I finally have enough room for a dedicated client meeting/presentation area and I’m very excited about that. I’ll be posting some of the before and after remodel photos to show all the work done to the house.
The photos and more news about the move and home improvements will be posted on my new personal blog at http://www.edwardholtzman.com
Stop by for idle chit-chat & ramblings.

Monday, September 11, 2006

Always the bridesmaid, never the bride

I’m not really big into entering photocontests. Some people live for it. Me, as long as my clients and myself enjoy my photos… that’s more than enough validation for me

About once a year though I’ll get that bug and submit a photo to some contest for giggles.
Well I did that recently for a photo contest run by a software company named Evrium. They are the incredible designers that design that absolutely cool flash photogallery you see on my home page. 1st place winner receives a copy of the gallery software valued at $429.99.

I know, I know, dont get me started on the fact that
A) I paid $430 for a gallery to integrate into my site and
B) I’m entering a contest to win something I already own.

I’m an artist, I’m allowed to be quirky, next issue LOL

Well they announced the winners and I was quite surprised to see my photo on the Evrium homepage. (Screenshot below, my photo is 2nd from left)

My prize? well, nothing. I was 1st runner up. 2nd place if you will, and only FIRST place winners actually win anything. Ah well, it was still very nice in the morning to see my photo featured on the Evrium homepage.
I titled the photo “Bathe in the Light” because thats what we artists do. We give our little babys cryptic little names so that it seems more “artsy-fartsy”. Had it been up to me I’d have just called it what it is… “060710-164323.jpg” but that just doesnt sound very “artsy-fartsy” now does it?
So I made first runner up. Who cares. The bottom line is thousands of photographers sent in images and they liked mine enough not only to be in the top 5 but to be 2nd place.
Bottom line.... people liked it, therefore to me… I WIN.
Here is the file I sent them more accurately titled “060710-164323.jpg”

Click here for the page with the details of all the winners… I’m the guy named Edward Holtzman AKA 1st runner-up

Congratulations to the 1st prize winner! Since he was on the mailing list he likely already owns the gallery software as well and is wondering what to do with this new second coppy.
Did I here someone say Ebay? LOL

Sunday, September 03, 2006

HOW TO STARVE YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER: A FIELD GUIDE

This is quoted from Wed-Pix Magazine, a publication of the WPJA of which I’m a member.
Ever have that reception coordinater or caterer tell you that your Photographer and DJ will be well fed for a nominal sum? Here’s the sad truth about what they really do without ever telling the bride and groom. Highly recommended reading!

- by Jeff Corriveau for the Wedding Photojournalist Association

Stomach staples are for sallies. If you really want to shed some pounds, become a wedding photographer.

It’s a sad truth about receptions: Photographers are so low on the food chain, they’re rubbing chest hair. Millions of plates of fatty beef and dried chicken are served at wedding functions each and every year. With all that nutritious booty, it should be a no-brainer that the photographer would get fed, right? Not so. Booty is in the eye of the withholder. And some banquet halls have turned food denial into an art form. When it comes to dietary relations with reception sites, photographers traditionally receive a swift kick in the pork medallions.

And brides and grooms are none the wiser.....

I highly encourage all brides and groooms to read the rest of this enlightening artice on what REALLY happens when you are charged for "vendor meals".

Click here to read the full article at Wed-Pix Magazine!