Wow…I am glad that I don’t have to do that very often.  I think I have spoken with 5 techs and finally have everything back to normal and all of the additional sites all set up and ready to go.  Well not quite ready to go, but I am excited to release two new websites here in the next couple of months.  So check back and see what is in store.  Just as a little bit of a hint.  I am going to be releasing a website geared towards teaching people more about their cameras and how to take better pictures.  I am constantly being asked either questions about cameras or if I do any private tutoring, so I am going to be announcing some workshops for beginning and intermediate photographers.  If you are interested and would like more information just send me an email and I can fill you in on more of the details before I get the site up and running.  These photography workshops will be limited in numbers so they will be based on a first come first serve policy.

Here is a shot that I grabbed yesterday while I was on the phone.    I looked out the window and saw this double rainbow.  I think it was God’s way of saying…quit getting annoyed with something so insignificant and enjoy your afternoon.  I think it was only there for about 2 minutes.  I really want to get to a point in my life where I don’t need double rainbows to let the little stuff just slide right on by and focus on the important stuff in life.

I got to go to the Professional Photographers of Indiana conference this weekend with Jayme of Photography By Jayme and had a blast.  It would have been cool to have been able to go out and shoot some in downtown Indianapolis, but it was about five degrees and a -15 degree wind chill, so we opted not to do so.  I think the theme for this conference would be so much information and so little time.  I did get to meet some really cool photographers with some awesome ideas.  The trade show was pretty cool as well.  I was hoping that the Canon Rep would have the “yet to be released” 200 f2, but no luck.  I did get a chance to see some new album samples, so I am going to be ordering some new samples for my brides to check out and see which ones they like.  The print competition was also pretty cool.  There were all kinds of work on display, so to be able to see all of that in one place was great.

I did have one thing that really bothered me.  We were talking to this one vendor and I was so close to just walking away.  He was asking us what albums we use and what lab we use, and yadda yadda…So anyways…I liked his product, but I can tell you right now that I will never deal with this person in the future even if it means that I don’t get to use their product.  I believe that he is the Indiana rep.  He was so negative.  He basically ripped apart another photographer that I said that I had talked with about albums.  This just drives me crazy when something like this happens.  I have no problem with people “talking up” their favorites and their own choices for other vendors, but I can only imagine how many people have been turned away by this guy and others like him just because of his attitude.  I just don’t understand what benefit that this person thought that this would bring to his company.  Being positive, being humble, and being nice are three things that I think can carry over into anything that you do in your business, your personal life, and anything else that you can apply this.  Hopefully this person will find that out in the near future…

Mike Wise Wedding Photography

I thought I would share this email that I got from a parent of a wedding guest.  I think that all photographers should think about this from time to time to remember what it was like when they were young.  I saw this boy at “Bob and Erica’s Wedding…” that was taking pictures during the reception.  I think it might have been when the wedding party was dancing.  I took his picture and then it was funny because we both took a shot of each other.  We both “chimped” our photos for each other, talked a little shop, and then went about our work.  I put his picture on the blog a few posts ago and his mother sent the following email. 

 Mike,

I am the mother of the little boy who was taking pictures at Erica and Bob’s wedding. Thanks for making him feel so special. He really enjoyed trying to beat you to the good shots. He had a lot of really great photo’s that night, but there were two that he wanted me to send your way that he was especially proud of. He really has a passion for taking pictures and having an adult be respectful of that just encouraged it more. Thank you for being kind to him and not telling him he was in your way. That is what he would have heard from most photographer’s. I appreciate your kindness and so did he.

God Bless,  HT

I appreciate things like this so much.  There are two words that really stand out for me in that letter.  Passion and respect.  I think that is probably what caught my eye about this little guy.  Those are both things that are huge qualities in the wedding industry.  Here is a shot from my friend.  Keep practicing and maybe in a few years you can be my assistant.  Best wishes!

Wise Photography – Kokomo, IN

I thought I would write a short review for the new Boda Bag that I just got.  It is awesome!  So now I can check off two things off of my Christmas list.  The other thing that I got the other day was a Starbucks gift card from Karen Peelle (awesome Kokomo florist for those who just got here ).

First off…the look.  Niiice…black, sleek, and very ninja-like.  I like the fact that it has so many different areas to the bag, but yet it looks very simple and compact.  It easily will hold my 70-200f2.8IS without feeling like I have to have this huge garbage size bag on my back, so right there I am impressed.  I usually shoot with the 5D and the 85L, so now I can also put the 24L in my bag with the fisheye and the 100 macro in there as well as extra battries, an extra 580ex, more flash cards, etc.  I really don’t think there is anything that you couldn’t keep in here unless you are wanting to carry around a 300f2.8 or bigger.  Maybe I should try that?:) 

I am looking to use this more for a destination wedding scene than to use this every weekend for weddings.  I usually carry three cameras with an 85L, one with the 70-200, and either the 24-70 or a 24L.  I usually have my gear close enough that I can get to it without having to carry it around all the time.  But that is possible that this might change after using this a couple of times.  I am guessing that on a Florida beach this would rock because then I would be able to keep everything that I would need right on me.  But honestly it would rock even more on a Maui beach.  For those of you out there planning your honeymoon…my wife and I went to Maui and it is awesome.  The Maui Downhill bike ride is one thing that you have to do.

For wedding photographers I can see that this bag would be awesome for engagement sessions to be able to have your lenses right there with you and not feel as though you have to carry around a backback or rolling case.

The bag also includes a little metal case with Boda cards in it.  This is a nice added touch to be able to keep your business cards in this for when you are out shooting.  I also like the card wallet to keep your memory cards.  This is very easy to access.  There are also two straps included.  One is for the shoulder and the other is to strap this around your waist.  There are some nice cushions to help steady this on your hips whether you have this on the shoulder or down low.  That was a nice addition.

As far as cost…right now you can get 25% off the Boda bag, so that is cool.  So if you are looking for an awesome bag for your shooting I would highly recommend this for you.

I found this picture the other day that I shot in Indianapolis when I was waiting for the bride and groom to come out to get in the limo.  Most photographers are not that fond of being in front of the camera, so I combined the best of both to get a picture of me while still being behind the lens.

Wise Photography – Fanatic Boda Bag User