PShizzy: The Blog

32 points from Diana Taurasi, plus some smothering defense, led the Phoenix Mercury to victory against the Eastern Conference leading Connecticut Sun. The Mercury are 3-6, but have won 3 of their last 5 games.

Taurasi was very active in the game, not only scoring, but helping out on the boards and creating opportunities for her teammates.

The rest of the team did a great job on double teams and smothered anyone in the paint, forcing the Sun to shoot from outside. During the first half, the Sun kept it close with three point efficiency, but could not sustain it into the second half.

More, including a link to the gallery, after the jump. (more…)

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EDIT 06/17/08: The Free Download is over. From the site itself:

This software was available as a giveaway on June 16, 2008, this giveaway is not available any more. You can download the trial version of this software at http://www.macrium.com.

They have a “free” edition that’s a bit more feature limited. I’ll be looking into alternatives. Thanks!

I found this on Lifehacker, an excellent resource for random tips and tricks that can make life easier. I get at least one time saver a week, if not more, by checking out the site. It’s not a site everyone here will like, but sometimes the Lifehacker world will crossover into photography related subjects. Like today, and today only, Macrium Reflect is offering their full version (not the free version) of their software, totally free, but today only. I’m sure you have to sell your soul (give them your email address, or a kitten), but it is a $40 piece of software. (more…)

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Remote cameras open up a lot of possibilities for photographers. Whether you want to capture a moment from two different angles, or with two focal lengths, remotes can provide us with images that otherwise wouldn’t be possible for us. But, for the most part, remotes are thought of as a difficult task, and so we think remotes are only for magazines like Sports Illustrated or ESPN the Magazine. They’re not.

While covering a game between the Phoenix Mercury and Detroit Shock, I did a video segment on remote setup basics. It’s easier than you think, so read on, and check out the video. Before you know it, you’ll be able to set up your own remotes. (more…)

Tags: equipment, photography // 49 Comments »

The Phoenix Mercury fall to the Detroit Shock in a WNBA Finals rematch. Without key players Penny Taylor and Tangela Smith, coupled with poor performances by Diana Taurasi (1-13) and Cappie Pondexter (4-24), the Mercury trailed the majority of the game. The Mercury are 2-6 in regular season play.

I tried a few different things for today’s game. I set up a remote camera, as I usually do for Phoenix Suns games. While the WNBA players won’t sky to the rim like the NBA players, they tend to be very aggressive on the boards, and will scrap in the paint to force and gather up loose balls.

And while I was at it with the remote, well let’s just say I brought a video camera. More info on that, and the full game gallery link to follow! (more…)

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From Zander, on FredMiranda.com:

Thanks for taking time to do this, I really appreciate it.
Right now I have:

• 20D, nearing the 50k shutter count.
• 28-105 3.5-4.5
• 50 1.8
• 70-200 2.8

My budget is roughly $2200. I could come up with a few extra hundred dollars if needed. I use my 70-200 by far the most, and often it is not long enough. I was thinking that I would pick up the 300 f/4 non-IS to cover the longer focal lengths. (more…)

Tags: equipment, photography // 1 Comment »

The majority of non-profit organizations survive by receiving tax deductible cash and property donations. Many non-profits also survive by having professionals “donate” their time and/or services. However, this type of donation, while benefiting the non-profit, is not tax deductible by the individual or business.

Internal Revenue Service guidelines strictly prohibit deducting the value of services rendered. Why is this? Because while everyone’s time is valuable, there is no standard in determining what that time is worth.

(more…)

Tags: business // 6 Comments »

So my friend Joseph Tames is not only a fellow photographer and good friend, but also happens to be my accountant. Being able to pick his brain has really enlightened me as to best practices for my business. But me being me, I’ve asked more of him. I hoped he could occasionally write an article with tips for small business owners, who only hire an accountant on a limited basis, as well as prospective small businesses who want to start off on the right foot.

Joe will be posting an article very soon, so stay tuned!

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Ok, so we already talked about the commitment to a budget. We talked about the differences between needs and wants. We even talked about where to get the stuff you need or want. But what do you need or want? And how can you tell the difference?

In this article, we’re going to look at some questions you can ask of yourself to really get the appropriate equipment for your needs. key word: Needs. Sure anyone can rationalize a purchase, but those rationalizations are just lies we tell ourselves so we can feel better about the buy. The sad truth is that we often have more money than we think we do. We just spend it wrong. Ever seen someone with a nice car and expensive rims, but is broke and lives with their parents? We all do it, to different degrees.

So, read on to find out more about what you can do to really assess your needs (more…)

Tags: equipment // 2 Comments »