Link Roundup

     I'm sorry, as usual, I've been a little busy lately and haven't got out much to photograph or post to this.  I did take a few photos around Christmas, including the one above.  Unfortunately, I was in a hurry, took the photo handheld without a tripod, and there is more camera shake than I would like.  So you will only see this one on the web.  I believe the lights are still up, but with a early January thaw, there is no snow.  It wouldn't be the same, though I may go try.

   I'm participating in a group show starting January 19th in Kentwood Michigan.  I'm part of a small photography called the West Michigan Photography Collective.  We formed to help each other improve our work and display.  Only a year old, but we are learning every time we get together.  The show will be held at Frames Unlimited on East 28th St. near Woodland Mall.  It runs from January 19th through February 19th.  We will be having an artists meet and greet the 19th from 5 pm to 9 pm.  Light refreshments will be served.  Please stop by and say "hi" if you are in the area.   For more info:  https://wmphotocollective.wordpress.com/

    Battery management is a struggle for anyone who photographs these days.  Whether it's the batteries in your camera or batteries in your flashes, you need them.  Speedlites especially can run through a lot of little batteries.  A good article about managing all those batteries at http://www.photographybay.com/2012/12/24/batteries-and-battery-management-for-photographers/

    I follow http://photojojo.com.  Not sure why, the are usually a little kitschy for me.  But once in a while they come up with good ideas.  If  your looking for a photo project look at http://content.photojojo.com/tips/7-new-year-projects/,  there are some good ideas.

    Another good idea is a weekly photo challenge.  A good place is the weekly photochallenge.  They are on week two, but that just means you need to get your butt in gear.  https://photochallenge2.wordpress.com/

    If you're trying to do flash photography and get professional at it, and you're not following the Strobist at http://strobist.com, you're missing something.  I especially liked this article about photographing shiny black articles on a white background.   http://strobist.blogspot.com/2013/01/on-assignment-shiny-black-toys.html

That's all for now.