I’ve been spending the past couple days at the computer catching up on some stock image editing. In my workflow I will usually take a photo shoot and complete the editing before moving onto the next set (example). In addition though, I keep a list of smaller shoots that I can go back and pull photos to edit for stock. Today’s image is an example of one of these.

I photographed Bret & Jarica on a rainy Sunday back in March and only edited a couple of the image before moving on. Yesterday I went back through the set and found some great “keepers”, including this sidewalk capture that I really like.

Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 70-200 f/4L lens – 1/50 second, f/4, ISO 200

Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 24-105 f/4L lens – 1/80 second, f/7.1, ISO 100

Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 24-105 f/4L lens – 1/80 second, f/8, ISO 200

I spent some time earlier this week in studio with a couple of new models I will be working with. Today’s image is a quick sample of one of the models, Jane. I’ve got two outdoor stock shoots planned for next week with the models and am looking forward to photographing the Active Adult themes we will be working on.

Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 24-105 f/4L lens – 1/125 second, f/9, ISO 100

Yesterday I sold my 75,000th image from my stock photo portfolio on iStockphoto. This close-up portrait of cute little Chloe was happy to be the milestone image. iStock contributors become “Diamond Level” when they sell 25,000 images, so I guess I am now a Triple Diamond. Next up: 100,000!

Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 70-100 f/4L lens – 1/125 second, f/8, ISO 100

Scott Bourne, over at his wildly popular Photofocus blog, posted a great article today about the value of community to photographers. I’m extremely flattered to be mentioned in the piece along with Photowalking Utah and a few of my friends.

I agree completely with what Scott says in the article. In this internet focused photographic world we live in, it is far too easy to miss out on honest face-to-face relationships with other photographers. These real friendships are valuable to have. The friends I have made over the past couple years through Photowalking Utah are among my most treasured. Whether it be photography related or not, these are people that I can count on being there on both the good days and the not-so-good ones.

Scott’s post can be found here: LINK

Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 24-105 f/4L lens – 6 seconds, f/22, ISO 100

Instead of dragging out all of the pro gear to this year’s local fireworks show, I opted to keep it simple and brought only my little Canon G7 to shoot handheld. I’ve got to say, it held its own quite well. And in an effort of full disclosure, I admit that I didn’t follow any of Nicolesy’s fireworks shooting tips and instead simply put the camera on “Fireworks” mode :)

Canon G7 – 2 seconds, f/8, ISO 100

…and this shot ends my weeklong trip through the archives to revisit flag photos. This is an oldie that was shot with my original digital SLR, a Canon Rebel XT. Wow, how time flies.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July holiday.

Canon Rebel XT, Canon 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 – 1/320 second, f/9, ISO 100