Video fun

This weekend is the Denver St. Patrick's Day parade in downtown Denver. It's always a blast marching in this parade. I'll be getting some great photos and videos of the parade this year. If you're in Denver, check it out on Saturday, March 16, kickoff is 10 AM.

Here is a quick look at past parades:

And as long as we are viewing videos, here is a quick clip of other trooping fun:

Mountain Garrison Recruiting Video - Rough Cut

I'm taking a videography class at Red Rocks Community College. This is my mid term proof-of-concept. It is a recruiting video for the Mountain Garrison 501st. It still needs a lot of work, some interviews and other video, but it's getting there.

I am open to constructive criticism or feedback. My plan for the final project is to include some interviews with the Garrison Commander, probably some trooper interviews of "why I joined the 501st" and more charity work, as well as a "how to join the 501st."

LMK what you think, and I hope you like it!

I'm taking pictures, now what?

By Bill Blackburn

So you got a camera, good for you!!! Now, the question is, what do you do with the pictures that you take?

Let's face it, some photos need some manipulation.

Some need to be cropped, some need to be lightened, some darkened, some look better in black and white. And some, you just want to have fun with.

Not everyone needs a full version of Adobe Photoshop. At this time, CS6 is running about $600. Generally speaking, I don't think it is a good idea to get software that costs more than your camera. If you happen to be a student or teacher, then you can get CS6 for under $350. If you can get it, go for it.

If you have an entry-level to mid-level camera, then Photoshop Elements would be perfect for your needs. It is designed for a photo enthusiast.

Who am I? Why am I here?

By Bill Blackburn

My name is Bill Blackburn, and you guessed it --I'm a photographer. I live in Golden, Colorado, and I do a lot of costume, or cosplay photography. I am a member of the 501st Legion, the Rebel Legion and the Rocky Mountain Fan Force. I do a lot of "trooping," or costumed events, so that is a large part of my work.

I also love to do portraiture, scenic, travel, wedding and event photography.

I got a Bachelor's degree in Freelance Photojournalism from Metropolitan State College of Denver in 2008. I am working on finishing up an Associates's of Arts in Digital Media Journalism at Red Rocks Community College, and should graduate in May 2013.

Most of my training is in photojournalism, but I have since branched into studio and on-location portraiture.

I'll be covering a lot of things in this blog, ranging from advice and how-to articles, to posts about recent troops, photo shoots and anything else that I can talk about. I am currently taking a Videography class, so expect to see some videos as well.

501st Invades Galaxy Fest 2013

By Bill Blackburn

Galaxy Fest is a new, annual Science-Fiction, Comic and Pop Culture convention in Colorado. It was held at the Antler's Hilton in downtown Colorado Springs on February 7-10, 2013. This was the second year of Galaxy Fest.

It was a great convention for all things geek -- Star Wars, Star Trek, Doctor Who, Comics, Stem Punk, Anime, Horror and Cosplay. Celebrity Guests included Claudia Christian from Babylon 5, Tony Todd from Candyman, Felix Silla from Return of the Jedi, and several others.

I attended as part of the Mountain Garrison 501st Legion. The Hilton went all out in granting the 501st a lot of space for displays and sets.

The troopers of the Mountain Garrison usually put on a good show, but this time, they were able to go above and beyond. They were able to set up three separate photo backdrops, plus several droids, weapons display stations and helmet displays.

Needless to say, these photo backdrops were popular. See more after the break...

MDA Muscle Walk

By Bill Blackburn

Saturday March 2, 2013

This morning, we trooped at the MDA Muscle Walk at Colorado Mills Mall in Lakewood, Colorado. 

These troops are always easy and fun. We get kitted up, mingle with the crowd, take pictures, have fun. We make smiles and help raise money for a good cause.

Every troop always seems to have one moment that is that "ah-ha" moment, when you know you made someone's day. That moment came when this little boy in a red shirt walked up.

What digital camera should I buy?

By Bill Blackburn

Saturday March 2, 2013

Hey Bill, what camera should I buy? I hear this question several times a year. I hear it from friends, acquaintances, coworkers and from photography clients. 

For the purposes of this blog article, I will assume that we are talking about anything from $100 P&S cameras to $2000 semi-professional camera bodies

I will explain my logic in a step by step basis...