Cliff Mautner Photography

December 18th+19th Workshop in Turks and Caicos

What an amazing experience to be flown down to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, by the phenomenal people at the Tropical Imaging Group. They're a terrific group of photographers who've pretty much monopolized the photography market on this gorgeous island. They were looking for an alternative perspective on how to use some of the incredibly harsh light they have to deal with day in and day out. Often times, photographers tend to run for shade when faced with harsh light. My philosophy is to embrace it. It creates texture, dimension, and mood, and is a gift when available. Their hospitality was unbelievable. My friend, Chris Mann, and all of the folks at Tropical Imaging gave me a few days to remember.

What a beautiful place, and I felt so fortunate to have been asked to come and give my workshop. I hope to see them again sometime, and I'll see Chris in Tampa at the DWF and PPA's convention in 2 weeks! Thanks again folks! Here are some of the images I made along with a few of me teaching.

The great folks at the Tropical Imaging Group on Providenciales

Here's me demonstrating the use of balanced fill flash with a flash modifier.

I was the lone Nikon user in the group! I hope I converted some!!!

10.21.07- Michelle and Doug- Union League Philadelphia PA

I continue to be impressed with the Nikon D3. The ceremony shots below were shot @ 6400!!!! One of my favorite new ways to shoot a precessional is to throw my 70-200 2.8 VR on the D3 and shoot long and horizontal. There's nothing like the compression of long glass when trying to capture emotion while still maintaining distance from your subject. Shooting @ 6400 allows me to do just that and still fire the shutter @ 1/125th or better to stop my action. Also, the Nikkor 85mm 1.4 on the D3 is such a great tool @ 6400. The lighting conditions for this ceremony were dreadful and I pulled out more than usable images.

Michelle and Doug were married at the Union League in Center City Philadelphia.

10.20.07- Tara and Chris- Hartefeld National Golf Club

For those photographers who read my blog, I used the D3 for all of these images. It's performance still boggles me sometimes.  I'll have a full review as soon as I get through New Years. With 8 weddings, travel, and holiday stuff going on I still haven't been able to find time to write a full review. All I can say for now is that I simply make pictures I couldn't make before.

Tara and Chris were married in Westchester PA and held their reception at Hartefeld National Golf Club in Kennett Sq. PA.

AUCTION FOR A GREAT CAUSE!!!

I've given seminars nearly each year at the Digital Wedding Forum Convention. 600 crazed photographers gather to learn, share, and network among the very best wedding and portrait photographers in the world. This year, I've been asked to speak once again, and give a full hour mentor session to be auctioned off at the convention along with a few other amazing photographers. Jen and Steve Bebb, , Jessica Claire, , Susan Stripling, , Dave and Quin Cheung, , Mike Fulton, , and myself are all involved and the proceeds will all go to an amazing charity. KEEP A CHILD ALIVE is a phenomenal organization. KEEP A CHILD ALIVE is an urgent response to the AIDS pandemic ravaging Africa. With more than 28 million dead and 15 million orphaned, the disease continues, wiping out whole societies, threatening economic infrastructure and creating tragic family devastation. They provide life-saving medication, support, and orphan care, to keep these children and families alive. I have two amazing, healthy, twin daughters. I can't really think of a better cause. This charity saves the lives of children. If you'd like to help, and you're going to the Digital Wedding Forum Convention in Tampa, bid on one of us. It will be worth your time.