I have to get something off my chest. A confession about something.

About two weeks ago I was an accomplice in a car theft. While I don’t believe in situational ethics….this really was for the good of the owner. Seriously. Besides, think of it as “borrowing”.

Okay, before I get the cops called on me, here’s the truth - one of my clients wanted to do something extra special for her fiance for Christmas. You see, he has a love affair with his mustang….so as the old saying goes, “if you can’t beat ‘em, join em”!

Between my client, her brother, some carefully planned logistics, and myself…..we “borrowed” his 2006 Mustang (with optional Pony package) and started shooting it all over town. It was chilly when we were out, but the car sure didn’t mind!

There was a lot of work that she put into getting this shoot done…..including cleaning and completely detailing his car!!! (HUGE brownie points on top of the obvious ones she’s getting for this.)

I’ve waited until now to Blog about the shoot…..because my client scheduled delivery of her fiance’s custom Mustang album for today!

So the wait is over. Bobby, if you are reading this……GO LOOK UNDER THE TREE!!!!!

Love you guys,
Mike

*By the way, the images here are not even a quarter of how many are in your private gallery!*

**I blurred his license plate on these web images for privacy reasons**

Okay, this post is going to be a little controversial for some of you photographers out there, but here goes.

I used Nikon equiptment for 8 years. I used them when I shot film, and I stayed with them when making the switch to an all digital studio two years ago. Right about here I’ve already lost a few of you.

Yes, every image you see here and on my website is digital. I’m not here to argue which is better, so whatever works for you - go for it! As for me, digital is incredible and I would never return to shooting film.

Oh, and for the very few people out there still wondering if digital is good enough…..I bet you never would have known I’m completely digital if I hadn’t said anything.

So for those still reading, here’s where a few more might drop out. I made the switch to Canon equipment earlier this year. After doing some research and hearing how incredible Canon was supposed to be, I decided to see for myself. I checked out a 5D and put it head to head against my D200. Same lens equivalent, same ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. The results were amazing!

That wasn’t enough to convince me, so I headed out shooting downtown Roanoke with a buddy of mine, Sam Dean. For three hours in the evening and into the night, we shot everything in as identical settings as we could.

The results were more than what I thought were possible. I had a few questions, so I thought I would give Canon a call and an amazing thing happened - A HUMAN answered! No recordings, no waiting line, and…..I could understand them. Several questions and another phone call later I still got the same incredible client service.

So after converting everything over to Canon gear I write them a letter telling them how happy I am with the great equipment and client service. What did they do? Wrote me a letter back thanking me and invited me to join Canon Professional Services.

To every photographer still reading this and wondering if I’m sponsored by Canon….I’m not. They’re just THAT good. They have given me several things that Nikon could not, and did not.

Before I sign off, I must say one final thought. When I spoke at the Virginia Professional Photographer Association meeting back in September I told everyone that the camera behind your eyes matters the most (your brain). That is true and I really do believe that.

A “better” camera won’t make you a better photographer.

Do good tools help?

ABSOLUTELY!

Okay, the first tip that I have for other photographers comes in the form of an awesome company I work with. Day in and day out they make sure that one of the most important parts of my business is always working. They are my website hosting company - Bluehost!

I have been with them for a few years now and I must say that not ONCE has anything gone wrong in working with them. I have recommended several others to host with them (photographers and friends) and the response has always been incredibly positive.

They offer more benefits than any hosting company I know, 24/7 customer support (who are friendly and awesome every time) and their rates are pretty incredible as well.

If you are tired of your host not meeting your needs, making you pay extra for every little thing, or you just want to be part of the best hosting company period…then get BLUE!

(They didn’t pay me for this, and probably don’t even know I’m writing it. Yeah - they really are that good!)

I just wanted to take a moment and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! I haven’t blogged in a while, but I am here and working hard!

There will be a series of posts coming up that will be for other photographers as I have been getting a lot of questions lately about how I do things. Stay tuned for lots of tips!

In the mean time, enjoy this awesome video! In case you were wondering if it is real check out this website!

Merry Christmas!