Fridays at Five - T-Shirts, WWPW Sign-Up, On Assignment

Congratulations, you've made it to another Friday! Here are a couple things to add to your list of things to do this weekend.

Register for Scott Kelby's Worldwide Photo Walk 2010

Scott Kelby and company have once again organized the "largest worldwide photo event" for July 24th, 2010. That's only a week away!!! Head over to the official Worldwide Photo Walk page and sign up.

My walk in Charlottesville, VA is technically full, but you can get on the waiting list by signing up here.

Buy a Worldwide Photo Walk T-Shirt

Like last year, Towner Jones Photography is happy to partner with NAPP in selling official WWPW apparel to benefit the Springs of Hope Orphanage in Kenya. Head over to our cafepress store and buy your official swag.

On Assignment with Towner Jones Photography 2010 - Summer Photo Contest

Don't forget to register your theme for this year's On Assignment summer contest. The prizes are bigger, and there's more of them!! You don't want to miss out on this!

This year's contest is brought to you with the generous support of these companies - please show your appreciation and ours by supporting them with your business.

That's it, gang. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Fridays at Five - Worldwide Photowalk, TJP June Contest

Your assignments, if you choose to accept them...

Register for Scott Kelby's Worldwide Photo Walk 2010

Just in case you haven't read any photography related blogs in the last two weeks, Scott Kelby and company have once again organized the "largest worldwide photo event" for July 24th, 2010. Head over to the official Worldwide Photo Walk page and sign up.

If you want to come on my walk in Charlottesville, VA - there's still plenty of room. Sign up here.

Buy a Worldwide Photo Walk T-Shirt

Like last year, Towner Jones Photography is happy to partner with NAPP in selling official WWPW apparel to benefit the Springs of Hope Orphanage in Kenya. Head over to our cafepress store and buy your official swag.

Participate in the June TJP Photo Contest

I've only received a couple entries so far for this month's contest. Go snap a few shots for a chance to win a B&H Gift Card. All the details are available right here.

That's it, gang. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Fridays at Five - Epson, Professional Photographer Contests

Heading into the weekend, I wanted to make you aware of two cool contests that you might want to participate in - brought to you by the folks at Epson and Professional Photographer Magazine.

Professional Photographer Cover Contest 2010

Professional Photographer Magazine is holding their annual contest that just might land you on the cover of one of the most popular photography magazines out there. Not to mention, there's a mess of prizes from a list of great sponsors including, Canon, Elinchrom, Kodak, and WHCC. You should definitely give this a shot.

Here's the link: http://www.ppmag.com/cover-contest-2010/enter.php

Epson International Photographic Pano Awards

The folks over at Epson have put together a really neat contest featuring only panoramic photography. However, you need to act fast because the contest closes on April 30th! 

Here's the link: http://www.thepanoawards.com/

Towner Jones Photography

So do you guys want me to start the monthly contests back up here? If so, give me some feedback as to what you'd like to see, or how I might spice things up a little bit.

That's all folks!

Fridays at Five - Downtown "Snowfari"

If you're in the DC-area make sure to take advantage of a sudden spur-of-the-moment snow safari, from the folks at Washington Photo Safari!

Don't miss out, the folks at Washingotn Photo Safari are leading a tour around the White House and monuments to capture images from the DC Snowpocalypse! You can find out details and sign up, here.

Food Photography 101 by Michael Palmer

There is really an element to good food photography that fires the pleasure centers of my brain.  I am a new foodie, and with that new trend in my life I have incorporated it with my passion for photography.

The basics to getting a good food shot.

1. It’s all about the natural light.  When setting up in a restaurant I find the best light I can use that will showcase the food and setting. 
2. Use the lowest ISO you can, that means a tripod and trigger is a MUST for slower shutter speeds.
3. Choose an aperture that showcases the food, on my first couple shoots I shot wide open at 2.8.  I find now that 5.6 and 8 are more suitable when I view them in post production.  The shallow DOF from 2.8 works great for small elements of food on a plate, but most entrees will look better at 5.6 and 8.
4. Be creative with angles, backgrounds.
5. Bring fill cards to surround the food and balance the light and even give highlights.  White plates work in a pinch.
6. Lastly, but probably the most important nugget I can give you, you must eat before you go on the shoot. 

Good luck and happy shooting!!

Michael Palmer is a good buddy and an awesome Washington DC-based photographer and blogger who runs - Michael Palmer Photography.

Thank you, Mike for the lesson on food photography, your friendship, and your support. I look forward to shooting with you sometime soon!