Thursday, October 26, 2017

@Techlicious @CTATech #CTAPhotoNYC Lunch and Learn @QualityMeatsNYC #Photography Gear and Pro Tips!

NOT a compensated post, however it does earn me an entry into a special competition!

@Techlicious @CTATech #CTAPhotoNYC Lunch and Learn at QualityMeatsNYC New York City Event Recap

















This Butterfly about town is currently attending the Photo Plus Expo (which you can best believe I have already been tweeting about and will bring you highlights from the show as soon as possible) in New York City, so since this is going to keep me wrapped up for a few days I thought I would warm you all up on the idea of me talking some heavy tech and photography by sharing about a great "Lunch and Learn" event I attended recently hosted by Techlicious, The Consumer Technology Association, CES and Lifestyle Blogger Danielle Wilson

The Venue: Quality Meats in New York City

@Techlicious @CTATech #CTAPhotoNYC Lunch and Learn at QualityMeatsNYC New York City Event Recap


@Techlicious @CTATech #CTAPhotoNYC Lunch and Learn at QualityMeatsNYC New York City Event Recap

@Techlicious @CTATech #CTAPhotoNYC Lunch and Learn at QualityMeatsNYC New York City Event Recap
Above: You know I am all in when it comes to a nicely set table that is welcoming, inviting and filled with ambience and warm glow!

The Menu:

@Techlicious @CTATech #CTAPhotoNYC Lunch and Learn at QualityMeatsNYC New York City Event Recap
Above: Appetizers included: Green Goddess Chopped Salad, The QM Crabcake, Hamachi Sashimi; Entrees Included: Filet Mignon, Tuna Au Poivre and East Coast Halibut; Desserts Included: Chocolate Cream Pie, Passion Fruit Tart and Bellini Sorbet

@Techlicious @CTATech #CTAPhotoNYC Lunch and Learn at QualityMeatsNYC New York City Event Recap
Above: They brought out all three apps to the table and we were able to try a bit of each one!

@Techlicious @CTATech #CTAPhotoNYC Lunch and Learn at QualityMeatsNYC New York City Event Recap
Above: All about that Halibut!

@Techlicious @CTATech #CTAPhotoNYC Lunch and Learn at QualityMeatsNYC New York City Event Recap
Above: YES to that Chocolate Cream Pie which I wish I had right now!

The Speakers:

@Techlicious @CTATech #CTAPhotoNYC Lunch and Learn at QualityMeatsNYC New York City Event Recap
Above: Suzanne Kantra of Techlicious

@Techlicious @CTATech #CTAPhotoNYC Lunch and Learn at QualityMeatsNYC New York City Event Recap
Above: Tyler Suiters, Consumer Technology Association

@Techlicious @CTATech #CTAPhotoNYC Lunch and Learn at QualityMeatsNYC New York City Event Recap
Above: Alex Podstawski, Nikon USA

This was one of my favorite tips: VR is useful, but a tripod is better for very long exposures (I totally agree!). Use low ISOs for best quality and use high ISOs to stop movement at night. (Don't you love that effect?)


The Products Featured (and showcase sponsors):

Shutterfly Framed Shadow Box
Shutterfly Framed Shadow Box

Shutterfly Watercolor Patterned Frames Coaster
Above: Shutterfly Watercolor Patterned Frames Coaster

Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II Silver

Nikon D3400
Above: Nikon D3400

Panasonic Lumix ZS70



Epson Expression ET-2750 EcoTank Printer


Tiffen Steadicam Volt
























Tips For Taking Better Photos:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Use Burst Mode to ensure you get the shot - In Burst Mode you are able to take multiple shots with one press of the shutter button.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Use Sports Mode To Stop Action - While this mode is not always as good at capturing true-to-life skin tones, it helps you capture a moving object with more vibrant color.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Use HDR Mode- In this mode your camera takes two or more shots at different exposures and then combines them so both the light and dark areas of your photos are shot properly yielding in a much better end result than if you didn't use High Dynamic Range Mode.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tripod - Holding a camera or phone still long enough to get a clear, crisp shot is difficult no matter how steady of hand you may think you are, start using a tripod and you will notice a difference in your images. I do have one, I need to find the right carrier, and I saw one at Photo Plus Expo that I really like!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - "Fast Lens"- A fast lens will let more light through, enabling you to take pictures faster, and reducing the potential for blur. How can you tell how 'fast' a lens is? Look at the maximum aperture (the shutter behind the lens) called the "f-stop". The lower the number, the wider the aperture and the more light the lens will let in. A good camera choice will come in at f/2.8 or lower.

@Techlicious @CTATech #CTAPhotoNYC Lunch and Learn at QualityMeatsNYC New York City Event Recap
Cool Halloween Trick Shots:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Create Ghosts in your photos with multiple exposure mode- Take a shot of a scene, and then another shot with a person in it - the multiple exposure setting will combine the two shots, making the shot with the person somewhat transparent - Ghostly! The key here is to use a tripod so the background remains EXACTLY the same in each of the two shots.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Add Ghostly Writing to a Scene - You can add Ghost Writing by using a Long Exposure, ideally 30 seconds, again you want to use a tripod here to keep your camera steady, a light source (flashlight or glow stick) and black gloves to hold the light source. Once you've started the exposure, draw shapes or words with the light source. With your hands in the black gloves they won't be visible in the final shot. If you're writing words, they'll show up backwards in the image, but that's easy to fix by flipping the image afterwards!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Create Spooky Silhouettes - Find a spot with a clear line of sight to the western sky and have your subject stand in front of you with the bright sky behind them, turn off your camera's flash about 20 minutes before sunset for a perfect Halloween Backdrop.

 My Take:

I consider this more of a 'who I met' and 'what I got to see', these are NOT product reviews! You all know my motto on events is this: SEEING product is NOT the same as me putting it through its paces. And I have gone back and amended reviews if a product failed me while still in warranty. This butterfly is always going to be transparent, honest and just plain 100%.

I have followed up with everyone and offered them a shot at an actual product review and also the offer of doing something neat for my butterflies too!

We were provided with the Tiffen Steadicam Volt, which I have not yet had the opportunity to test as I tend to carry my DSLR to document most events. I will try to test it as soon as possible and come back to you guys with a full review.

Lunch at Quality Meats was fantastic, and I enjoyed getting the tips as well as I am constantly striving to improve my photography skills as a Lifestyle Blogger and Social Media Influencer it is a critical skill set. So while I am at the Photo Plus Tradeshow, I leave you with some homework of your own:

Visit the websites and read the product specs, then come back here and let me know which of the products featured above would you most want Santa to slip into YOUR stocking this year and why?

˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored or compensated post, this was a press event one not open to the public, this is an event recap. All opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

31 comments:

  1. I need that steadycam in my life! I could do some amazing videos with that bad boy.

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  2. That Cannon Powershot looks like an amazing camera. I love the brand, and that old school look is really cool.

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  3. AWESOME! I want that steadycam. I was a reporter for years, so I love the idea of a camera that will give me more video options.

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  4. I need to go to the photo expo. My photos could use improvement and I am always up to learning more about photography. Love the Halloween photo tips! That's awesome.

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  5. This is such an interesting post! I love the Halloween photo tips ideas! Going to try these out.

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  6. So glad you could join us, Tracy. We're taking more photos than ever - and now we can do more than ever with all those pics! More innovations to come.

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  7. I love the Halloween pictures and the tips. Will come in handy next week. Great tech tips!

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  8. This looks like such a great lunch date meetup with so much to learn. Love the dining, looks like elegant dining!

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  9. This camera advice is really good! I think the Lunch and Learn event sounded awesome!

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  10. I like the personalized candles with the photos. I have some friends who have given those as gifts.

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  11. I try to make it a practice to carry my tripod now. I also tend to take burst shots. Great tips!

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  12. That Nikon looks really cool. And what a delicious sounding lunch!

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  13. I would like the Nikon D3400, I dropped my camera so the screen is slightly cracked. I still use it but could use an upgrade and the D3400 looks awesome.

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  14. I have been trying to learn how to take better photos so these tips will definitely be helpful. That Chocolate Cream Pie looks so delicious. I wish I could have some right now.

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  15. That's an amazing lunch, it would be so nice to dine there when I find myself in NYC! I think it's nice to be a part of this, especially since you get to learn photography tips and see the newest products!

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  16. I'd love to be part of that event, especially since you get to learn more about taking photos! I think the cameras are all pretty amazing! The food is definitely a stunner!

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  17. I'm drooling over the menu. Sounds so posh! These are great pointers on taking better photos. I need to up my photography game and these tips will help!

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  18. I am loving that Nikon D3400. I am totally a Nikon girl and drool over their stuff.

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  19. I LOVE when a menu isn't long and complicated. They give you a great list of foods to choose from but keep it short and simple. That's my kind of place.

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  20. So many fun gadgets! I love my photography equipment but, as I'm sure you know, it's always fun getting new stuff.

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  21. I love that Canon! I love the vintage styling and can't wait to see what the photos look like. All of the tech you got to check out look awesome.

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  22. I have been thinking of upgrading my DSLR. I am wanting to have a Canon Rebel T7i. Now that the holidays are fast approaching, I would love to get good, professional looking family photos!

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  23. Wow! These are really awesome tips and tricks for that perfect holiday shots! Thanks so much for sharing! Good luck on the competition!

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  24. I am i the market for a new camera that is small but takes awesome photos! Harder than it sounds. I need something that will take awesome travel photos!

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  25. I love the shadow boxes. A camera is one thing that I want to invest in one of these days. Right now I use my cell phone for my photos.

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  26. I really need to attend a photo expo. The food alone is worth photographing lol. I hope you learned a lot! I'm hoping I can treat myself to a better camera this holiday season.

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  27. I need to buy a good camera. Mine broke and I got a different kind and it's crappy even though I spent more. I'd love to go to the expo. I bet I'd learn a lot.

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  28. I have two tripods I like.. One for quality and one for convenience. They are both never far from my reach.

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  29. Oh wow! So much fun. I want that Tiffen Steadicam Volt!!

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  30. This looks like such an amazing event. I just clicked the link and I really would love to attend next year!

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  31. Looks like a great event. Wish I could have been there to hear about the amazing cams.

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