dsm’s blog

I was recently sent a link to a site for high res textures PhotographyTextures.com

The images are beautiful.  They are great for adding texture to photos or integrating into web or design projects.  The DVD with 500+ categorized textures is available for ordering.  The price is low enough that it's well worth adding to your collection.

Check them out at http://www.photographytextures.com/

I figured I might as well post here occasionally if I happen to have something iStock related to say.  Anyway, I've had a few more pictures moved to the Dollar Bin so if you are looking for a deal...check them out.

My Dollar Bin Pics

Looks like my vox days are numbered.  I've setup my WordPress blog on my server and I'm pretty happy with it so far.  I'm a bit of a control freak when it comes to computers and web sites...ok, I'm a lot...so this will likely serve me better.  The plugins and extras look like I'll be able to customize my new blog to exactly what I need.  Plus I can match my site design by customizing the WordPress CSS.

I might post here a little but I am going to make an effort to keep my blog.dsmphoto.com current.

I just noticed that I hadn't posted here in far too long.  I really would like to have the chance or content to post more often, but I don't.

I've been crazy busy lately with work, photography, family and life.  A few of the little things are getting left behind as the big things take over.  My current primary contract is going great and the people have a huge influence on that.  They are lots of fun to work with and make it easy to go in everyday in spite of the technical problems. 

In a brief moment of boredom, and rare downtime, I redesigned my photography website...again.  This time I think I'm pretty happy with it.  Feel free to comment if you can.  I think it showcases my images more and points me in the direction I should be going.  Of course, it needs some more work, but so far it's been relatively effective in attracting new requests and business.

I've also had a chance in the last couple weeks to help out a longtime model with a photo project and it was a blast.  Her ideas were great and the results really did hit the mark.  I'm really please with how everything turned out.

What's next?  I'm not sure.  More photography, more work, more family time, more life...I guess I can't really complain.

...how some of the simplest shots can be so time-consuming.  Take this picture frame for example, a quick shot, quick processing and up it goes...but wait, it's a design element so I should try and make it perfectly square and the isolation needs to be bang on and...you get the idea.

I thought this would be a simple but when I started trying to make it the best I could with the careful eyes and patience of some designer/photographer friends I ended up learning a lot.  Hopefully the time put in pays off, not just on this image but on the ones like it that will follow.

I'm very happy with how it turned out and it seems to be getting interest, both in views and sales.  That's good.

Ist2_7583474-antique-picture-frame

Trying to think ahead a little this year I've begun adding Christmas images to my portfolio.  Just a few simple shots that I hope designers will find useful.

This shot can be found here.

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I'm continuing to add to my Healthcare Professionals collection on iStockphoto since they seem to generate interest and some sales.

My latest series involves one of my favorite models.  White on white is definitely a challenge but I think I was able to capture some texture and depth while still isolating the shot.

Ist2_7341707-smiling-doctor

I had a great opportunity present itself but in order to make the sale I needed to shoot some karate poses for the marketing piece.  With the time of year and all the other projects on the go I didn't have the space to setup my lights at home.   A big thanks goes out to Dale Hogan for giving me access to his studio and lights on such short notice.

I'm really happy with the results.

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What happens when I order a new lens AND it arrives on time?  I end up spending most of my time processing.  Oh well, the images have to get done somehow.

Here's a new one from a recent stop that had rustic barns.  I think the processing fit the image well.

6778316-old-barn

Available here.

I research, save up, ask around, find the best price and service then I buy something online saving money.  That sounds great, right?  All except the waiting for it to arrive part and to top it all off they have the nerve to send me a tracking number so I can check the status online at any time day or night.

Now begins the process of pacing, checking the status, dreaming about the item, pacing, refreshing the delivery status page, listening for the door bell, checking to see if the door bell is working, refreshing the delivery status...

I can only hope that the 2-4 day shipping will fall on the 2 and not the 4.

Wish me luck.

P.S.  I'm also researching another couple products that will be ordered online and tracking some eBay options...so this is going to be a stressful week. ;)