Zenfolio and BlackRapid! What a pair!

So what are the two most important accessories you would say a photographer has?  I would argue that the strap/sling for the camera, and the way you display your art would fall into the top ten!  In the list, Zenfolio has to rank toward the top with an easy to use interface for web-based display.  The ability to compose galleries, custom price lists, send links and emails to customers, change and customize your orders.... love it!  The vendors in the background are national superstars of print (MPix Pro is one of my favorite print services).  Head over to my site, www.tblphotography.com, select a photograph you like, hit buy and try out all the different things you can add to your favorite wall!

The strap comes next in this.  I have had my eye on BlackRapid for some time, and would dearly love to try one out.  I have looked at several, and spoke to several photographers that use them.  I have not heard one bad thing about them.  I think if you knew that you were not going to be going back and forth to a tripod, this would be the sling for you!

First Fridays

The Start of a new month is here.  With it, a new First Fridays in the Crossroads Art District in downtown Kansas City, Mo.  Several things have changed over the last month.  One, my lovely wife gave me a healthy baby girl.  Two, I have added seven prints for display at the El Patron Restaurant.  Tricia Cronk, owner of Ethan Cole Desgins, contacted me about the possibility of displaying some of my work for the restaurant.  I took her up on her idea, and we will see what the first First Fridays brings.

The works are of various iconic areas and views of Kansas City.  Feel free to stop by the Facebook page with the album El Patron images.  While you are there, hit the like button to be able to follow updates for TBL Photography on Facebook.

Also, for those of you who love to adorn your walls with photographic art... Fracture is a very unique way of getting your favorite shots up on the wall.  I have a couple of these (soon to be more), and love them.  The photo is uploaded to their website (give it a minute as there is not an upload monitor) and then the process begins.  Pick the size you want, add a fancy digital frame around the pic, and order.  

The idea behind this is one of simplicity.  The photo is adhered to the back of the glass so that you can scrub away those pesky toddler fingerprints, and there is no worry of scratching your photo.  Also, the back has your mounting already as part of the backing.  Pull out the provided screw when you open it up, screw it in the wall, and you are set. 

One of the interesting things about this item, is the size is measured from corner to corner (like your television).  There are some estimates as to size comparison on the website.  Also, you can email the company for custom works (i.e. three panel splits).  I think that will be one of my next orders.  All in all, I really like the product.

Hope to see all of you at the First Fridays tonight.  Don't forget to stop by 2010 Gallery KC (located at 2010 Main Street, KC, Mo) for some great artwork.  Currently I have one gallery piece there, and it looks great.  A 20x30 framed print of the Liberty Memorial (Happy Easter from the Liberty Memorial).

Have a safe and fun weekend,

Jason

TBL Photography

Been interesting around here...

Well, the last few days have been intersting. You would think that a guy (or gal) could go out on a photo-walk, and not have that many major incidents.  I get home the other night, and end up having to run in with my wife.  This is what happened...

Now let us talk about baby photography.  Shallow depth of field seems to be the norm in the industry that is baby photography.  The dreamy soft edges and the loving gaze of mom and dad are what we are going for.  Shoot for the eyes, and make them sparkle!  The depth of field is great, but if you can not nail the eyes you have lost the shot. 

This is where I love the focus lock, and then recompose the shot.  Focus on the eyes, hold the focal point, then readjust and put the subject just off center.  This will make the shots pop!  

Oh, and welcome to the world Mackenna! 

The Kauffman Center for Performing Arts

It has been awhile since I have been on here, and things have been busy.  I just placed some art in the El Patron Restaurant located at 29th and Southwest Blvd in Kansas City, Mo.  Stop by on your way downtown for great food and margaritas.  I also have placed a 20x30 print of the Liberty Memorial downtown at the 2010 Gallery Kc (2010 Main Street) for First Fridays.

Over the last few months, the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts has received some substantial publication coverage.  The building is a noticeable change to the skyline of downtown Kansas City.  The newest addition to the downtown area, shows the lines much akin to the Sydney Opera House.

I have been waiting, in between catering to my pregnant wife, for some night outings downtown to see what it looks like lit up.

As soon as I can make it down there, I will be sure to post more shots. 

In the meantime... be sure to stop by my website at www.tblphotography.com and see what prints you would like to order.

The Tallgrass Prairie of the Flint Hills

Tallgrass Prairie Gallery

I made a drive the other day that ended up being about 400 miles by the time it was all said and done. I went from the industrial, downtown area of Kansas City...

 and ended up in the Flint Hills of Kansas.

The Konza Prairie just south of Manhattan, Kansas offers excellent hiking opportunities.  The rolling hills and gentle slopes of the area make for a wonderful day out.  Please be sure to pack out what you bring in.  There are numerous scientific studies being performed on the prairie, so please stay on the trail. OH!  No pets, bikes, or horses are allowed on the trails... and don't forget the minimal $2.00 trail fee at the trailhead... its worth the experience.

Further south on Highway 177, and a slight jog off the paved road, is the Fr. Padilla monument -

Further south on 177, and you come to the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve just north and a little west of Strong City, KS.

"The preserve protects a nationally significant example of the once vast tallgrass ecosystem. Of the 400,000 square miles of tallgrass prairie that once covered the North American Continent, less than 4 percent remains, primarily in the Flint Hills of Kansas.

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is a new kind of national park. The preserve is 10,861 acres, but most of that land will remain under the ownership of the Nature Conservancy, which purchased the land in 2005. The land was originally purchased by the National Park Trust in 1994. The National Park Service may own up to 180 acres, yet the legislation calls for the entire acreage to be managed cooperatively by the National Park Service and the private land owner.

On September 20, 2002, approximately 32 acres were donated to the National Park Service from the National Park Trust. This area includes the 1881 historic ranch house, limestone barn and outbuildings, and one-room schoolhouse." - Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve [National Park Service - US Dept of the Inerior]

Go to the Gallery - Tallgrass Prairie Gallery