Al Diaz delivers on content and insight at NYPA Spring 2014 Conference

By Jeff Cutler 
http://jeffcutler.com

Let’s get this out of the way upfront - I’m a fan of Al Diaz’. His photography is smart, gripping and professional. What I wasn’t ready for was the insight he provided during his educational sessions at a professional journalism conference in New York this spring.

At the New York Press Association Spring Conference in Saratoga Springs, NY, Diaz tackled two topics all aspiring and professional photographers would be well-served to study. He talked about shooting sports - from action, sports features and portraits; and he presented on always being prepared when you’re in the field.

The first session was a visual candy factory of images from Diaz’ time at the Miami Herald shooting professional sports, college and high school athletes. He shared the steps he took to reach out and arrange for shots as well as the particulars that went into crafting the best image from a limited amount of time with busy subjects.

Further, he showed attendees some of the ways in which he prepares for the fast pace of pro sports - from the floor at an NBA game to field-side at NFL events. He even allowed us to peek into one of his more prominent gaffs as a photographer. Specifically, the time he was dead center shooting Miami Dolphin quarterback Dan Marino’s giving his retirement speech and forgot to shut off his cell-phone ringer.

When the phone went off, Diaz was rattled but did his job and got the shot.

From a preparation standpoint, Diaz (in addition to noting the importance of shutting off your phone ringer) talked about keeping your gear ready to go, being organized and knowing how to shoot quickly in all situations.

Some of his in-the-field examples of shots he’s taken included a non-responsive baby on the side of a highway; a kneeling soldier in Normandy, France; and multi-thousand-frame time-lapse of the retractable roof of the new Marlins Park baseball stadium in Miami.

Ultimately, Diaz offered students tips and tricks that make their journalistic photography and general techniques more professional and efficient.

Winners, Herald photo editor Christina Daly and Herald executive editor John O'Connell
holding door prizes from Peak Design and Think Tank Photo.

Think Tank Photo and Peak Design door prize winners, content specialist, Jeff Cutler and Strausnews managing editor, Pam Chergotis.

Speaker Al Diaz answers questions after the session.

Speaker Al Diaz demonstrates the use of a single Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT 

with the PocketWizard Flex TT5 Transceiver  to improve your portraits.

Photography: Coral Gables Downtown Walking Tour with Leica Cameras!

Coral Gables Walking Tour with Leica Cameras!

Saturday, March 29, 11am

Downtown Walking Tour  Photo by Emilly Mayorga

Calling all photographers! Join us for the acclaimed Downtown Walking Tour, hosted by Leica Store Miami and the Coral Gables Museum. The first 12 tour registrants will be provided with Leica compact cameras to "capture" the energy and architecture of Coral Gables' historic business district during theis 1.5 hour history and architecture tour. Perhaps you will be inspired to submit one of your photographs into the 2014 Capture Coral Gables Contest and Exhibit, in which this year's grand prize is a Leica D-Lux 6! The tour starts at CGM and ends at Leica Store Miami for complimentary mimosas! Participants will also enjoy a special lunch offer at Seasons 52 with complimentary signature flatbread. This event repeats on the last Saturday of every month. Save the dates for April 26, May 31, June 28 and July 26.
 
Registrants must bring an SD CARD in order to  
keep their photos from the tour! 

Members $5;  non members $10
RSVP 305.603.8067

Carl Juste: A Retrospective – A Photo Exhibit Documenting 25 years of Photojournalist’s Career

“Through the Lens” – 60th Anniversary Alumni Artist Series: Exhibit 3

Carl Juste talks to some young guests about his photo essay, “Invictus: Haiti Unconquered” that opened in December, Art Basel, 2010 at the ACND Gallery.                                               Photo Credit IPC Visual Lab

Carl Juste (a graduate of Archbishop Curley Notre Dame Prep ’81) presents a retrospective of his work documenting the course of his 25 year career as photojournalist for the Miami Herald and past exhibits at ACND including: "Cachao" 2007; "Havana & Haiti" 2008; and "Invictus: Haiti Unconquered.”

Under threat of persecution, Haitian-born Carl Phillipe Juste fled with his family from Haiti in 1965. Settling in Miami’s Haitian community, Juste flourished academically and won a scholarship to the University of Miami. 

Although he intended to be an engineer, he could not ignore the photographic inner voice that had spoken to him since childhood. Responding to a clear relationship he shared with the visual world, Juste vigorously pursued photojournalism and since 1991, has served his community through his work at the Miami Herald. 

He has received numerous awards for his work from Picture of the Year, Pulitzer Prize, Society for News Design, Best of Photojournalism, and the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award. Juste is founder of both the IPC Visual Lab and Iris Photo Collective.

Juste has exhibited his own work and of his students from IPC Visual Lab many times at the ACND Gallery, and has exhibited at both solo and group shows at the Bernice Steinbaum Gallery, Little Haiti Cultural Center, and other galleries throughout South Florida.

“Our 60^th Anniversary year has allowed us an opportunity to welcome alums from as far back as the ‘50’s,” commented Douglas Romanik. “Carl, however, has been constantly present. Whether it is to exhibit his own work or of his students, to mentor our students, or teach, we are very thankful for his contribution. His influence upon our community cannot go unnoticed either. I hope that everyone comes out to celebrate his achievements!”

60^th Anniversary Alumni Artist Series Part 3
Exhibit Closes April 30, 2014
ACND Gallery of Art at
Archbishop Curley Notre Dame Prep
4949 NE 2^nd Ave.
Miami, FL
33137
(305) 751-8367
news@acnd.net
https://www.facebook.com/events/585695554806341

Carl Juste: A Retrospective

Opening Reception: 7:00 p.m. Saturday, March 29, 2014

CAPTURE CORAL GABLES: Photography Contest & Exhibit 2014

CAPTURE CORAL GABLES  A Photography Contest & Exhibit  Presented by the Coral Gables Museum  The Coral Gables Museum invites YOU to participate in the 2014 CAPTURE CORAL GABLES Photography Contest and Exhibit. Submit your photograph of The City Beautiful for a chance to exhibit at the Museum and win exciting prizes, including products from Think Tank Photo, Peak Design and the grand prize of a Leica D-Lux 6 camera! This is a skill-based photography contest open to teens and adults, both amateur and professional. This contest will culminate in an exhibit at the Coral Gables Museum, June 6 - August 24, 2014. Awards will be determined by a professional jury and a public vote. Submit your photos today! Entry Deadline is May 2 For Contest Rules visit CoralGablesmuseum.org/Photography  Proudly sponsored by Claire-Frances Whitehurst and Family and   Leica Store Miami  .   Interested is sponsorship? Capture Coral Gables offers great sponsorship opportunities for those who contribute to this high profile competition and exhibit that provides direct benefits to the community.  For more information, call Christine Rupp, Director of the Coral Gables Museum at 305-603-8067 or e-mailchris@coralgablesmuseum.org Images of 2013 prize winners (from top to bottom): Cindy Seip, Richard Conti, Adolfo Roa and Max Reed. About Coral Gables Museum The Coral Gables Museum is located at the corner of Salzedo Street and Aragon Avenue in the heart of the City Beautiful and is open Tuesdays through Sundays.      If you received this from a friend, please click here to join our mailing list Coral Gables Museum  |  285 Aragon Avenue  |  Coral Gables, FL 33134 305-603-8067  |  coralgablesmuseum.org

PURE – Photography Art Exhibit by Hugo Lopez

The Sense Beach House Hotel and owner Ciro Campagnoli's will host a cocktail reception to celebrate photographer Hugo Lopez's new exhibit: 

PURE on Tuesday, March 11th from 6:30pm to 9:00pm.

400 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, Fl. 33139

Guests are invited to see the exhibit, mingle and enjoy champagne and delicious hors d’ oeuvres from The Local House Restaurant.

Pure will inaugurate and introduce the new Gallery space at Sense Beach House. The space will be utilized to support artists and celebrate the Miami art and cultural scene. Pure will run until mid-May.

Mexican born Hugo Lopez has been part of the Miami art scene for 16 years. His new show Pure is a representation of his work, consisting in contrasting the realms of classic and contemporary photography in relation to the fields of fashion and landscape. Mr. Lopez’s photography usually creates a link between the two with the intention of creating a context in which both co-exist.

The artist has worked in the field of photography extensively throughout the United States and Mexico. He has exhibited his work in Miami, New York City, Mexico City and Monterrey, Mexico and has been published in significant international art publications. He is also co-founder of FIFI projects, a contemporary art gallery with spaces in Mexico and the United States. He resides and works in Miami, FL.

Please RSVP to: events@hugolopezphoto.com. Artwork will be available for purchase.

For more information about the artist and the Sense Beach House please visit http://hugolopezphoto.com and http://sensebeachhouse.com

Hugo Lopez | 786.973.9289

events@hugolopezphoto.com 

Think Tank Photo: New Product Releases

Our friends at Think Tank just announced the release of new products aimed at enhancing your workflow and increased mobility.

Think Tank Photo’s new Modular Pixel Pocket Rocket (PPR) is belt-mountable, which enables you to easily whip out CF and SD cards and to keep them securely and conveniently at hand when shooting. The Modular PPR is easily secured by a sturdy hook-and-loop panel to any Think Tank Photo modular belt or to any belt.  It holds six CF cards and three SD cards, as well as other small accessories, such as a smart phone or lens cloth.

The App House 8 and the App House 10 are two hybrid bags for quick access to a small or standard-size Apple tablets and can be used either as shoulder bags or mounted on belts. Streamlined and secure, their small size, removable shoulder strap, and double-lock belt-mount make it practically effortless for you to carry and access your tablet and stay connected around town or when traveling.  Key features include: Dedicated pockets for carrying a smart phone, device accessories, plus other small items; a dedicated, easily accessible smart phone pocket with soft liner; and an internal organizer with elastic and zippered pockets for connection cables, card readers, power cables, portable charger, pens, or other personal items.

A question I receive periodically is, “What free items do my followers receive with their orders?” Here is a list of FREE GIFTS they can receive this month with every order over $50 they place.