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Les Chefs de France – fine linens, luxurious table settings, and tourists in cargo shorts. One of these things is not like the other. As much as I would like to try the experience of dining there, I’ve never ventured inside. Can’t understand the damn menu. It’s like those French have a different word for everything! That, and I’m allergic to mushrooms. One thing I remember from working at Le Cordon Bleu – classically trained chefs love their mushrooms. It’s as if they’re trying to kill me.

So, I stand outside and watch. There’s a bakery nearby and the smell of bread fills my senses. That, along with the warm glow of the lights, just makes this a comforting place for me after the sun falls. Even if I can’t understand a word on the menu and they’re trying to kill me with mushrooms. The French can be charming in an irascible way, so you can’t help but forgive them.

Please visit the blog at williambeem.com

I think this qualifies as my first concert photo opportunity. Back in 2006 at Orlando Harley-Davidson, Cheap Trick was playing for Bike Week crowds. Yes, I am a biker and I love free concerts. My boss at the time was not a biker, but he loves concerts. I didn’t realize it, but he ended up in one of my shots over the crowd – talking on his Blackberry. That just isn’t right. You can’t go to a concert and talk on a cell phone. If there’s a law against writing on the sidewalk in chalk, there should be a law against using cell phones at concerts.

There was no photo pit or special access. I was just a guy in the crowd with a Nikon D70 and a cheap 70-300mm lens that I bought for $150, trying to shoot over the crowd. No glamourous stage lights or explosions, but a bit of nice light coming from the sunset. Most of my shots didn’t come out because I honestly didn’t know a thing about concert photography.

Music Photography

If you ever wanted to get photos of your favorite musicians, it may have seemed impossible. The good news is that it’s not impossible. People are doing it all the time. You just need to know what they know. That’s where you’re in luck. Alan Hess just published his book on concert photography – All Access: Your Backstage Pass to Concert Photography. If you’re curious what you get, check out my review of his book. I wish I’d known then what I know now – particularly at an open even like that one! The good news is that I can try again. Only a little over a month until Bike Week comes back.

williambeem.com/cheap-trick/

I admit, I’m kind of jealous of spending a lazy day on the grass reading a book. It’s been a while since I’ve had a lazy day outside and I think I’m due for one. However, I don’t think I’ll do it in front of the Orlando City Hall. They just put a man in jail for writing a protest in chalk on the sidewalk. Jail? Seriously, couldn’t they just cite him for some misdemeanor and let him contest it in court if he doesn’t want to pay a fine? Should we really be putting people in jail for chalk offenses? I digress.

Anyone know a safe place to spend a lazy day? I promise, I have no chalk.

Please visit the blog at williambeem.com

Girl on a Beach

I took this photo of Flavia walking on the beach, daydreaming in a world of her own. It was the last beach photoshoot of the summer at Ponce Inlet. Summer was over, no more bikinis. Wait, who am I kidding? It’s always time for a bikini in Florida.

Kelby Training Review

I just posted my review of Kelby Training. It surprised me to discover I’ve been a subscriber there going on four years now and I’m still finding new material all the time. The best investment you can make to improve your photos is to improve your skills, both behind the camera and in post processing. You can’t get better from buying a new piece of gear – you need to know how to use your tools. Check out the review and see why I think Kelby Training delivers on education.
williambeem.com/reviews/kelby-training/

Spaceship Earth is the centerpiece of Walt Disney World’s Epcot. All of the parks have something like this one, which means it’s often a perfect backdrop for people who want to take their snapshot to say “I was here.” In fact, just as soon as I setup for this shot and was about to press the shutter, a woman jumped in front of me with her child and ordered her husband to take a shot.

I get used to that happening and have developed a sense of patience, though perhaps I mutter things while I’m waiting. Of course, it would’ve taken less patience if her husband didn’t say “OK, now let’s get one more.” If you’re going to interrupt someone else’s photo, you need to get in and get out. That’s why it pays to know how to use your camera.

No harm done, though. Their child wasn’t paying attention and frustration caused them to leave. That’s the lesson that helps me stay patient. Everyone leaves, so just wait a few minutes.

Please visit the blog at williambeem.com