i very much wanted to go this year....for the first time, but schedule does not permit.  but what is the real kicker is that PDN calls on the day i decide not to go and licenses one of my images for their booth graphics!  ha!  so if someone is there, and you see some chick diving for a volleyball on their booth, can you snap a shot of it for me, would love to see what it looks like in life size...or they say its gonna be large...so we shall see.

hi all, just announcing that i was featured on a new photography blog with roots and interests in la/california and generally speaking the west coast.  kinda cool stuff.  nice to see a little community in the commercial world of photography.  does not seem to exist as much in other areas of image creating.  

since everyone really liked the lucy shot, here are outtakes with gummy bears.



and for future post, by request...i am working on 1) lenses i am using, 2) the underwater equipment i suggest, 3) QandA with lisa keeping, my makeup artist/guru. stay tuned!

these past few shoots i have had the pleasure of having michel sandy join me for some hd shooting. man i luv it! he has a great eye, fantastic sense of editing and timing and i just really enjoy seeing the finished cut. also nice that he has found a little room for some of my pics! we are becoming a well oiled machine. You can see my underwater technique in this video, plus a really cute family, as if you can forget them...
The Whitney Clan from Michel Sandy on Vimeo to contact michel about video projects: www.michelfilm.com mjsandy@gmail.com

hi all!  i am excited to announce all the photography/creative professionals that will be helping judge the contest.  so without further ado:


PETER DENNEN
Aurora Photos
Director of Photography
http://www.auroraphotos.com
http://www.peterdennen.com

Hello Summer People, I am pleased to be part of this photo contest as a judge and panelist.  Summer is without my favorite season and as we reach the end of the line here before fall completely takes over, I welcome all these warm season visuals to keep the vibe alive as long as we can.  Jay (the host of this fun photo contest) and I are connected through our relationship at Aurora Photos.  I am the Director of Photography for the agency and have been working with, representing and editing photography since 1995 here in the great state of Maine.  I also thoroughly enjoy being behind the camera which gives me a slightly unique perspective on the photography biz.  I currently work with hundred of the best photographers in the United States and I am stoked to see what freshness is brought to the table via new shooters I have not crossed paths with.   Alright folks, keep it real, get creative and fire off some of your absolte best summer photo sessions. 


SAMANTHA  ROCKMAN
Freelance Art Buyer, Producer, Art Consultant
http://www.rockmanreps.com
http://www.rockmanpro.com
310.709.3327

Samantha is an industry professional who has worn many different hats in her career. Her experience started as an art buyer at the Agency at Fidelity Investments followed by working in educational publishing. She has produced for a number of photographers on both coasts as well as worked as an account executive for Corbis Images. Samantha enjoys being freelance so she can collaborate with a wide range of creatives, both on the client and talent side.  She resides in Los Angeles and dreams of repping a killer talent roster.


JOHN MCKUSICK
EVP - Co-founder | Geary Interactive
http://www.gearyi.com
http://www.gearyi.com/fresh

A talented creative and industry veteran, John built Geary's creative, technology, and search marketing departments; he currently heads up the Performance Marketing Group.  Accruing more than forty design awards and thirteen years of digital marketing experience, John is an interactive expert and pioneer. His determination stems from a passion for the digital world and the influence it has over behavioral change. As an innovative thinker, John inspires clients and colleagues to create engaging experiences that generate responses.


HEATHER MORTON
Art Buyer/Photographer Consult
http://www.heathermorton.ca/

Heather Morton has worked with photography in advertising for almost 10 years. Having assisted for various photographers, she found her niche with Tom Feiler and served as his first full-time Producer- becoming one of the first dedicated Photography producers in the city. Still grateful for the opportunities she was given, Heather learned tremendously from one of the most innovative and hard working photographers in the industry. At the same time she helped define the importance of the Photography Producer and how it would be practiced in Toronto.  full bio - http://www.heathermorton.ca/


EMY REILLY - WILD CARD JUDGE
ICU RN, Mother of 2, wife of professional photographer

Over the last 8 years, I have honed my photography critiquing skills by reviewing in fine details the images my husband has created and determining with some mathematical cerebral insight as to whether or not I will be able to enjoy a sustaining comfortable life married to a professional photographer.  Am I qualified to tell you whose image is the best?  Probably not, but I am going to tell you anyway.

summer is NOT over yet!  gather up your summer photos and submit your favorite for a chance to win some of the exciting new photographers tools from ITDR.  details below!

i was pretty excited when summer came along because there was so much to shoot and enjoy that i really did not want it to end!  i felt that the contest would be a great way to see how others were enjoying their summers and showcase some great image makers.  its a bit of a challenge to capture the feeling of summer with one image but thats what we are asking you to do!  submit one photo that really captures the summer feeling.  we are looking for images that really tell a summer story.  make you feel like your 10 again with a jar full or lighting bugs in the backyard.  beaches, pools, hot dogs and bbq, whatever your summer is, share it for a chance to win.  a panel of photography professional to be showcased will judge the submissions and award 3 winners.

what you can win!!
FIRST PRIZE: Rockstar Blog, PPMAX, SSMAX value of $3350
SECOND PRIZE: HYPERLYTE BLOG, PPMAX, SSMAX value of $1950
THIRD PRIZE: PPMAX, SSMAX value of $1050

all prizes have been generously donated by ITDR, please visit their site and support their commitment to the photography community.  http://www.intothedarkroom.com


how you can enter!!
use the application above, and click on "Submit an Entry".  try to keep the image under 1 mb.  the deadline to enter is 9-30-2008 at midnight.  1 entry per person.

winner announced!!
in the week after the deadline, all images will be featured in a slideshow for the readership to enjoy and share.  on 10-6-2008 - the winners will be announced with their images posted on the blog and their respective names next to the images.

the rules of the contest
by submitting the your photo you agree to all the terms and conditions of the contest.  to review the rules, click here> rules to be posted very soon! ;-)

one request...please share with your photo buddies.  no far if your the only one that knows about it! 

so who is entering??

relaxed rules:
* anyone can enter, any age, and country, you may not enter if there is a conflict of interest in with the judges, family or employees
* no over digital processing, no borders, no logos, no black and white
* you must have taken the photo, can not submit for someone else
* content should be summer feeling, any deviation may be rejected
* content should be suitable for posting on mycameraisbiggerthanyours.com, no questionable material
* deadline for submission is midnight, pacific standard time on 9-30-2008.  winners announced 7 days after the deadline.  judges will award winners and their will also be a viewers choice award
* we reserve the right to remove any photo for any reason at any time for non compliance of the above rules
* images must be submitted via the submission application on the blog, email jay with questions
* you should get a submission received email back confirming you entered.  if you do not see your photo on the viewer, email jay and confirm its been received.
* image use for the photos will only be used for the contest and promotion of the contest and perhaps future contest, will post the photos as the winners, on this blog and perhaps ITDR's web site.  you maintain copyright and ownership!