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Category Archives: Ventura County
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ProPhotoWest Magazine: 1st Place in the Nation (Again)!
May 14, 2009 – 12:02 am
We’re so excited, and honored to be recognized this way. But we didn’t do it alone. Many thanks who all the professional photographers, vendors and advertisers out there, who helped us make ProPhotoWest what it is today. We appreciate it more than you can know. - Peg and Steve
<Begin PPA News Release>
Congratulations 2009 Affiliate Newsletter Editors and Webmasters!
Starting the end of February 2009, PPA held its 2009 Affiliate Communications Competition. Designed to improve affiliate publications and websites and recognize those involved in producing these communication tools, the competition awards every eligible entrant one PPA merit per entry. Those who place or earn an honorable mention receive an additional merit for each winning entry…and bragging rights! The winners can certainly brag, thanks to the breadth of resources they make available to members.
Qualified judges came in from the communications field, scoring the publications and websites in the following three areas:
- editorial content
- overall appearance
- service to members
Category I
Printed publication of more than 12 pages, 4-color, published at least 3 times per year.
- 1st Place: Peggy & Steven Roosa, Professional Photographers of California, ProPhotoWest
- 2nd Place: Bill Hedrick, M.Photog.Cr., Texas Professional Photographers Association, Texas Professional Photographer
- 3rd Place: Kalen Henderson, M.Photog.MEI.Cr., CPP, API, American Society of Photographers, ASP Magazine
- Hon. Mention: Donald E. Hayden, Cr.Photog., Southwest Professional Photographers Association, Southwe
Meeting a Master Coach
May 5, 2009 – 11:01 pm
When we got an urgent email requesting headshots - the same day! - we had no idea who we’d be working with. Much to our surprise, it turned out to be Sean Smith, the premier breakthrough coach, a master at helping people to achieve their full potential. It seems Sean needed the images for a book he’s about to have published (way to go Sean!)
For most of the shots, we chose a plain white background (also known as ‘high key’), thereby allowing him the most flexibility for future use…whether on the back of a hard cover book jacket, a press release, or his business cards or Web site.
For a little fun and variety, we chose to shoot the last one outside, in the soft evening light.
Afterwards, Sean’s family (Cybil, McKenna and Ecksley) came over and helped to sort through the raw files, selecting 6 for final polishing and use. Meeting Sean and his family was a real treat. They were so friendly and upbeat; living, breathing examples of the positive principles Sean teaches in his classes. We thoroughly enjoyed working with them, and look forward to a future opportunity to shoot the entire family together.
Best of luck with your new book Sean! We’re certain we’ll see it at the top of the Best Seller’s list here very soon! - Peggy and Steve
For more information on Sean Smith and his coaching services, check out http://www.coachseansmith.com/aboutss.htm, or call 805-433-5601.
Sandstone Sponsors Scrappin’ For Mammories - Fundraiser
April 24, 2009 – 1:01 pm
We here at Sandstone Photography are proud to help sponsor the upcoming breast cancer fundraiser: Scrappin’ For Mammories. Our own Joanne Buckles is one of the hosts. The event is scheduled from for this Saturday, April 25th at the Sunset Hills Country Club.
Here’s what you need to know…
Scrappin’ for Mammories - Fundraising Event
Sunset Hills Country Club
Saturday, April 25, 2009,
Tax Deductible Donation: $45
Your $45 Tax Deductible Donation Includes:
All-Day Scrapping
Continental Breakfast
B-B-Q Lunch
Goody Bag
Drinks (Iced Tea, Water, Coffee)
Other Events Planned for the Day:
Raffle Prizes
Tickets: $1 each, 6 for $5; First 20 entries receive 20 FREE raffle tickets!
Treasured Memories Scrapbook Store will be on-site selling scrapbook staples as well as other scrapbook goodies.
Massage Therapist (fee will apply).
Location
Sunset Hills Country Club
4155 Erbes Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Register | More Information
Hosted by: Joanne Buckles and Yvonne Estrada
or visit
In partnership with Helping Hands & Hearts Foundation, Inc. Tax ID#: 26-1962551
Why don’t you come out? You’ll have a blast, and help us raise money for a much-needed cure at the same time!
- Peggy and Steven
Phone: 805-531-0237
Steven Roosa Teaches Intermediate Photography Class
April 20, 2009 – 11:32 pm
[caption id="attachment_456" align="alignnone" width="416" caption="Steven discusses ‘panning’."]
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[caption id="attachment_454" align="alignnone" width="462" caption="Draggin the shutter. By Darrel Priebe. "]
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[caption id="attachment_455" align="alignnone" width="429" caption="One of Steven's inventions. By Darrel Priebe."]
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[caption id="attachment_454" align="alignnone" width="462" caption="Draggin the shutter. By Darrel Priebe. "][/caption]
- Steven’s favorite Canon camera.
Those of you who know Steven, know how eager he is to share his knowledge and passion for photography with anyone interested. On April 15th, he once again got that chance. Although Steven is a regular at the Thousand Oaks Camera Club; serving on the Board of Directors, teaching beginning photography to its members, and regularly serving as a critique judge, this was the first time he’s had a chance to teach an intermediate-level class. Attendance criteria for the students including having a good grasp of the basics: ISO, shutter speed, and depth of field, as well as a working knowledge of how to use their cameras. The first half of the 2 ½ hour class consisted of a slide show, illustrating the more advanced topics being discussed. Steven then gave a hands-on demonstration, including an introduction to intermediate PhotoShop functionality. The last half hour was an in depth question and answer session, with Steven fielding all level of questions from attendees.
Plans for a future session are already in the works. Check back here often for further details.
For more information on the Thousand Oaks Digital Photography Group, go to http://topcc.org/dnn/SIGsPrograms/PhotoGroup/tabid/65/Default.aspx
Added May 6, 2009: A news story on Steven’s session was run in the Ventura County Star. To see it for yourself, check out http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/apr/21/intermediate-digital-camera-workshop-draws-sro/
The Natural
April 9, 2009 – 12:09 am
In our line of work, we get to meet lots of models, both the amateur-kind and the pro-kind.
Despite their status, you always find some who are good, some who are great, and some who are…well…let’s just say they need a little help. Every now and then though, we come across someone who is, what I like to call, a natural. Someone who has never modeled before, but just seems to take to the camera, like a fish to water.
Meet Anju - The Natural.
[caption id="attachment_413" align="alignnone" width="360" caption="Anju Strikes a Pose"]
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We spent about three hours with Anju on Saturday, against a variety of back drops and under several different lighting conditions. We began by seating Anju in front of the Virtual Background machine, facing our soft box. Steven spent a lot of time explaining the different types of lighting equipment in our studio, and what each one does. He then talked to Anju about the types of effects he was trying to create, and about basic modeling. For the first hour or so, he talked her though the poses, helping her to understand what he was asking her to do, and why. After a set and costume change, I invited Anju into our office and showed her a series of high fashion shots taken of another model with our ring flash, and explained a little bit about each one. After about 10 minutes of semi-coaching, we shut up and turned her loose, and Bingo! A model was born!
[caption id="attachment_414" align="alignnone" width="360" caption="Look Out Giselle! "]
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This was just the tip of the iceburg, mind you. By the end of the day, Anju was striking poses all on her own, feeling for the light, sensing where to move and how. Stay tuned, as more of those images will be making their way here soon.
Thank you for a fabulous shoot, Anju. We can’t wait to get you in front of the lens again. Soon! - Peggy and Steven
Fear Me
March 30, 2009 – 11:00 pm
Okay…so most pictures need a caption or title to provide meaning. Some however, simply do not. I my opinion, this image fits squarely into the latter category.
Doesn’t the expression on my kitty’s precious little face say it all?
[caption id="attachment_408" align="alignnone" width="506" caption=""Baby" - Photo by Peggy Roosa"]
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Wow!
March 26, 2009 – 7:53 pm
Wow!” That’s the word that keeps coming to my mind when I think about this past weekend, and our time spent at the Western States Convention - ProPhotoWest Expo and Trade Show in Pasadena this past weekend.
Not only did we get to hang with some of the best photographers in the nation (like Kevin Kubota, John Woodard, Tim Myer, Phillip Abel, and Ken Sklute), but we also made tons of new friends, learn lots, and came away with more knowledge than when we arrived.
If for some reason you didn’t make it, don’t fear: PPC is holding another one in South San Francisco August 21 - 23rd. And as a last resort…there’s always next year.
Feel free to check back here for more details, or if you prefer, go straight to the source at www.prophotoca.com.
Till next time – Peg and Steve
One for the Books…
March 14, 2009 – 11:27 am
As usual, things have been crazy busy around here, and the poor blog has been somewhat ignored. Luckily, I’ve carved out a little time this morning to make some updates (Okay, so actually, I’m avoiding the day’s tasks ahead - helping our son move to a new school and apartment!)
Admit it: If given the choice between blogging and moving, which would you pick? 
One of the projects I just finished up was the creation of the Channel Islands Professional Photographers Association’s (CIPPA) annual hard cover book, featuring all their 2008 category photographers of the year, along with all the award winning photography from the membership. It ended up taking twice as long to complete, because we have so many gosh-darn talented members. Over 88 merit prints alone! In the end, the book ended up being close to 200 color pages, with a beautiful hard bound cover featuring the work of our Photographer of the Year (and dear friend): Anne Hutton.
[caption id="attachment_384" align="alignnone" width="475" caption="Compiled and Edited by Peggy Roosa"]
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It’s being printed by fellow CIPPA members: Jim and Stephanie of Image Source. Image Source is a fabulous local printing house, located close by in Ventura. They offer fine art printing, greeting cards, photographic prints, and the like. You can check them out for yourself at http://www.imagesourceonline.com/ They’ve been printing the CIPPA annual masterpiece collection for three years now, and always do a wonderful job.
Steven and I saw the proof earlier this week, and it was fabulous! We are so excited! The final copy will be available later this week, just in time for PPC’s Pro Photo West Expo Convention, in Pasadena Marcy 20-23rd. We’ll have several on display at the CIPPA booth on the trade show flow. And when Steven and I aren’t manning the West Coast Shool booth, or helping with the million and one things needed to make this event the best photography convention in the west, you’ll find us at the CIPPA both, meeting and greeting old and new friends alike.
Why don’t you stop by, and say “Hi” for yourself? See you there! - Peggy and Steven Roosa
Steven Roosa to Teach at TO Camera Club
March 2, 2009 – 9:05 pm
For those of you who might not know, Steven is a regular judge and speaker at the Thousand Oaks Personal Computer Club’s http://topcc.org/dnn/ Camera Special Interest Group. This group of avid enthusiasts meet at the Thousand Oaks Library on the first Monday of every month to discuss all things photography- related. It is a great forum for beginners and serious amateurs alike to make friends and advance their skills, while having a great time. You can check out all the cool and fascinating things they have going on for yourself at http://topcc.org/dnn/SIGsPrograms/PhotoGroup/tabid/65/Default.aspx
[caption id="attachment_379" align="alignnone" width="460" caption="Steven Roosa"]
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This evening Steven will be teaching Intermediate Portraiture, covering the subjects of composition, available lighting, and fill flash. Afterwards, he’ll also be the guest judge of the evening, critiquing the group’s Beginning, Intermediate, and Advance photography competitions. The meeting starts at 6pm, so please feel free to drop by.
If you can’t make it tonight, Steven will be teaching the group Intermediate DSLR on April the 15th. So go ahead and mark your calendars now!