Camera Cruise Blog

Camera Cruise

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 07:20:08 -0500

Camera Cruise: Travel Tip - Athleta Quick Dry Clothing

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:07:26 -0500

I've realized that most of the products I've suggested may have satisfied my geek nerd cravings. Hence, I've created this post to balance the list of items that will also satisfy wifey's interest as well.

Check out Athleta quick dry clothing line for women. In particular, their line of clothing designed for hiking and exploring.

Enjoy

Camera Cruise: Travel Tip - Life Sounds

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:57:20 -0500

Our kids are pretty good at sleeping through background noise. Ofcourse, with exception, if they hear mom and dad's voice they sometimes wake out of their sleep.

For those who have the same issues, there is a small sound conditioner product called Life Sounds by Marpac. We may pick up one before the next Camera Cruise. If there is anyone out there who has used this item before, let us know if it really works.

Camera Cruise: FAQ Update

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:08:29 -0500

Only a few more days left to take advantage of the early bird special on the April Camera Cruise. We had alot of great questions so I've included the questions and answers in this post and updated the FAQ

Is there a children rate offered?

Unfortunately, Carnival does not provide a children's rate regardless of age so your infant is being cost at our regular discount rate.

How do we sign up through KISS?

We've made things super easy to book from the site so you can click on 'Reserve' and then choose 'KISS Sent Me' to go to PayPal for the discounted rate. Your only additional costs are for travel to Mobile and gratuities while on board.

Our Amex Travel agent will then work with you for cabin selection and ticketing. If you want she can also help you with adding in friends, family or other participants to your room and getting you the best deal on flights.

What's included in the early bird special?

For the price, you would be getting all the amenities of the cruise ship along with 4 onboard workshops and 1 onshore excursion with the photog mentors. You can check our website out for some information on the presenters and the topics:

http://www.cameracruise.com/#/schedule/

Do we need passports?

Technically, a passport is not required for the cruise because it begins and ends at the same US port. You only need government-issued photo id. However, I strongly recommend you travel with a passport so that you are covered in case of an emergency, particularly if you are traveling with little ones.

With the day excursion to the ruins...are family members welcome to tag along or is it strictly for the photographers?

Yes family members can choose to purchase excursion tickets to the same location so in that sense they can come along. However, the actual session at the location is for photographers. However family would be able to participate in the guided tour or other activities included in the excursion.

Are the workshops all day long or will there be "family time" on those days as well?

On the workshop days there will definitely be family time. The workshops are scheduled in 2-3 hour sessions after breakfast and after lunch. Your meal times and evenings are free those days except for the kick-off and closing. And by the way workshops will be either held in the cruise's conference rooms so not no need to be distracted by the splashing of the pool while you are learning from your favourite Photogs Mentors.

Keep the questions coming. In fact we've recently created a CameraCruise ask us anything forum using Formspring.me but remember seats are limited!!! Also check back often for great sponsor prizes and giveaways.

Camera Cruise: Travel Tip - Stiching Postcard

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:01:21 -0500

I'm not sure if I would make use of this product but I think it's cool just the same. After a few hours of the Camera Cruise workshop and relaxing for the rest of the day, could you see yourself creating a Stitching Postcard?

Camera Cruise: Travel Tip - SeatGuru

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:55:21 -0500

I found an awesome site Seat Guru that helps you locate and select airplane seats. It can come in handy especially if you are trying to book seating with your kids or your equipment in mind.

The ultimate source for airplane seating, in-flight amenities, and airline information.

Detailed seatmap graphics
In-depth comments about seats with limited recline, reduced legroom, and misaligned windows
Color-coding to help identify superior and substandard seats
In-seat power port locations
Galley, lavatory, exit row, and closet locations

Camera Cruise - Travel Tip - Luggage Tag

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:05:02 -0500

I'm very interested in ordering a couple of these luggage tags for the family. Anyone out there have either the luggage tag or passport cover let me know?

Whether you want to make a statement, or make locating your luggage easier these colorful travel accessories are guaranteed to put the fun in function!

Introducing the launch of the Camera Cruise

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:38:28 -0500

We are stoked to announce the latest Camera Cruise for 2010.

For those new to the concept, the Camera Cruise is a workshop that allows you to combine business with pleasure.

The Skinny

The Camera Cruise includes 4 awesome in-class workshops highlighting concepts like working with children in a photosession; 5 ways to WOW your clients; marketing & branding; post production made easy-make your albums in 1 hour and much much more. Not to mention a 1 day long excursion photo walk and all the fun that Carnival Cruise has to offer.

Why is this different from other workshops?

For the last few years I've been fortunate to attend several awesome workshops to help grow my photography business. Each one I've carefully selected for it's uniqueness, it's originality and ofcourse it's level of expertise. However, what ultimately comes from that decision is the following scenarios that plague my mind.

"Wifey needs to hear this!!! I can't wait to get home and translate all this knowledge to her so we can apply it to our business. I really need to bring her next time. It's settled, the very next workshop we are going together."

"No problem, except for someone needs to watch our 3 children for a week. Perhaps I can ask my sister. With her 3 other children maybe she won't mind 3 more?"

"Even of can convince someone that is willing to watch our kids how can I continue to justify leaving our kids while we visit exotic locations growing our business. Especially as our goal was essentially designed to spend quality time with our family???"

When I researched further, I found alot of photography families were in similar predicaments. What's worse I found that the Photog Mentors leading the workshops actually had the same concern as they never have an opportunity to even bring their significant partner let alone their family members when conducting their own workshops.

So the wifey and I designed the Camera Cruise. We are not saying it's better than all the rest rather it's just designed for those who truly want an excuse to combine business with pleasure. Growing your business and enhancing your skills as a photographer does not need to take you away from your loved ones to attend yet another conference. There is no need to decide between vacation and work anymore, join the limited seats on the Camera Cruise and learn from award-winning photographers while you vacation in the caribbean.

Why else should I attend?

Oh yeah... and few other reasons listed below as well.

Get tips, advise and learn techniques from a who's who of professional shooters

Learn and use the latest equipment and technology through great product sponsors

Is not just about technique and style, it also covers many areas of running a successful photography studio

Visit and shoot awe inspiring landscapes that you wouldn't have the opportunity to otherwise

Be exposed to a multitude of styles

Whether you're a novice or a Photog Mentor, this is a great way to raise your profile as a photographer

Take a cruise, visit and exotic destination and bring the family along

What are people looking for in their Workshops?

In a previous workshop, I dared to ask the question "What is wrong with workshops?" and received a great array of advice from both Photog Mentors and Photog novices from many different sources. My fault, I should next time pose that question through one source. Here are a few of responses that are incorporated in our workshop.

"Many workshops don't live up to their hype." Ron Dawson - Agreed, we don't need to sell anything more than the obvious...exotic location backdrops.

"Most workshops overbook, and have a gaggle of photographers clammering to be a part of a model shoot" heather rivlin - Confirmed, we are offering limited seating. Really, we mean it. We are not doing this for the money folks but rather we want to focus on intimate networking with friends, family and photographers.

"Everyone wants to be a Rockstar. Look for workshops that have credible photographers." gene higa - We connected with some awesome Photog Mentors...nuff said!!!

"someone has done this for 10 years and still loves it enough to want to share" lifeimages. - Amen to that...a good mentor dosen't come by often.

"There is no better condition for people to bond than to get together with other people in the sam industry struggling with the same problems and respecting the same leaders." lan bui - We can relate.

Lastly, leeann marie sums it up best with her response "I also appreciate the idea of workshops that offer a focus on one small piece of the "photography world"

If you want to join us on our limited time early bird offer (discount enrollment ends March 19th) check out full details at www.cameracruise.com

Travel Tips: Tourist Remover

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 02:14:21 -0500

Okay I haven't tried this myself so I can't give a proper review but after the Camera Cruise I can't wait to try it. Just like the name: Tourist Remover, is a software that helps remove unwanted objects like "tourists" out of your pictures. If anyone is familiar with the software, let me know how well it works.

What is wrong with workshops???

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:48:01 -0500

It might seem strange to ask the question "What is wrong with workshops?" on a Camera Cruise workshop blog but I want a constructive comments on how this concept can be improved.

My experience? The workshops I've attended in the past were awesome. I've always enjoyed the knowledge and the network gained throughout the seminars. But often struggled with how to attend these workshop with wifey and plan around our family vacations.

So I look forward to hearing your response and comments. I'll even provide the start words for you.

"The thing about workshops are..."

Travel Tips: Stash Card

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 01:40:20 -0500

I just discovered an amazing product called Stash Card that is a secret compartment for a few personal items like keys and cash in your laptop. This and few others can be seen on the vagabondish blog entry named 26 Killer Travel Gadgets Every Geek Needs. A must read before you leave for your next travels.

Travel Tips: Services that help you travel with children

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 10:59:45 -0500

To stay true to one of Camera Cruise's main benefits "Take a cruise, visit an exotic destination and bring the family along!!!!", I found an amazing service Babies Travel lite that specializes in delivering baby products and have it waiting at your destination. What an amazing concept...take a look at their site. Their Travel guide tips are great sources of information alone.

Top 8 reasons to register for the Camera Cruise

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 05:37:25 -0500

Here are the top 8 reasons to register for the Camera Cruise ready to launch this year on April 19th - April 24th and November 27th to December 2nd.

A great excuse to combine business with pleasure
Get tips, advise and learn techniques from the who's who of professional shooters
Learn and use the latest equipment and technology through great product sponsors
It's not just about technique and style, it also covers many areas of running a successful photography studio
Visit and shoot awe inspiring landscapes that you wouldn't have the opportunity otherwise
Be exposed to a multitude of styles
Whether you are a student or a teacher, this is a great way to raise your profile as a photographer
Take a cruise, visit an exotic destination and bring the family along!!!!

Never before has an organization brought together some of North America's finest photographers to bestow their knowledge to others combining great photographers, great backdrops and great fun on a cruise ship. For an $1800 investment you can attend this star-studded line-up of photographers (David Beckstead, lifeimages, Sara France, Kevin Swan just to name a few) on a 5-day cruise to the Western Caribbean. The workshops will be intimate so seats will be limited. Register early through email and take advantage of the early bird prices ($1500), group prices ($1250) and product contests (a draw to win a Canon 5D Mark II and the new Mac iPad). For questions contact Carl Reid at info@cameracruise.com or call 1 (888) 493-4459.

Camera Cruise: Coming Soon

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:08:58 -0500

Just about to launch the Camera Cruise website. Stay tuned for more details and a chance to win a Canon 5D Mark II and dare I say a Mac iPad for those attending the sessions.

"Accounting for Taste"

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:08:27 -0500

I'm trying to catch up on some of my reading and recently read an article called"Accounting for Taste"in PsychologyToday Mag from the writer EricGardner. Psychology to Photography??? I know I know where is the transition, right? My major in University was Psychology but the transition makes sense...maybe I'll explain one day.

Anyway...Eric went on to write a brilliant article about our choices in art and music and what that says about our personality.

I've took the liberty to paraphrase the article but keep in mind there are opposite sides to each of these styles that have both positive and negative attributes. I chose to just elaborate on the positive but you can read the article for more details.

The Taste Hunters, enjoy discovering new artistic material and influencing the taste of others. Their openness correlates to a great range of taste. And are constantly sampling new music, scouring movies and visiting art museums.

The Thrill Seekers, are extroverts that are lively, active and social people that crave sensory excitement in their art. They maybe attracted to abstract or surreal art from such artists like Jackson Pollock. They also enjoy music with vocals as they are drawn to human voice.

The Self-Medicators, feeds off raw emotional songs and gravitate to emotionally turbulent art. They utilize inspirational message as self affirmation and self medication and often focus on content rather than structure. Art can regulate their moods from melancholic or uplifting through music, books, movies or pictures.

While I don't like to assing myself into any one style, it begs the question "what style best describes me"??? Based on my own perception of my self I think I would be a "Taste Hunter". But if you ask my wife I would probably be a "Self Medicator" All said and done I think I would like others to see me as a "Thrill Seeker" but I'm not sure why.

Based on the Camera Cruise Photog Mentors and their pics, what style fits them best? The Taste Hunter, the Thrill Seeker or the Self Medicator. Then let me know what style fits you and why. Who knows maybe the Photog Mentors will offer their own opinion of their style as well.