After our trip every year, I look back and try to work on something for next year – – developing better technique, buying better gear, trying new things. This year, I’m trying an old thing – – film. My first “real” camera was a Canon Elan II, a gift from my husband when our children were young. I moved up to a Canon Elan 7n, and resisted moving to digital. I finally took the plunge into digital in 2007 with the purchase of a Canon 40D. Luckily, all of these cameras, and my current camera, a Canon 5D Mark II, use the same lenses, so I was able to move…
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I have had the fortune to live in a relatively small community with a wealth of photographic talent. When you think of great photography, Milwaukee probably isn’t the first city to come to mind, but I am constantly impressed by the level of professionalism and skill we have locally. You can share in the wealth by participating in a wonderful class sponsored by Milwaukee’s own JsKool. JsKool is the creation of Jessica Kaminski, an amazing local photographer who, in addition to professional shoots and exhibits, hosts classroom and online education in her JsKool. The class I am so excited about is entitled “A Travel Story with Kevin J. Miyazaki.” Kevin…
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Join us for the 9th Annual Coalition of Photographic Arts (CoPA) Members’ Exhibition! CoPA is an organization of photographers, ranging from long-time professionals to novice hobbyists. Founded in 2004, the organization’s mission is to “develop appreciation, promote growth and support the creation of photographic arts in the Greater Milwaukee Region.” The group hosts monthly meetings, oftentimes featuring guest speakers, to address issues important to the photographic community. Aside from the serious stuff, it’s a great way to meet some really nice people. For more information on CoPA, read here, and consider becoming a member. Annual memberships for students are $25 and are $55 for the big kids. Members have the…
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It’s National Beer Day here in the United States, the day we celebrate the Cullen-Harrison Act, signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, which went into effect on April 7, 1933. The Cullen-Harrison Act legalized the sale of 3.2% beer and wine, which had been prohibited by the 1919 Volstead Act. Subsequently, Congress passed the Blaine Act, which enacted the 21st Amendment, repealing the 18th Amendment’s prohibition on alcohol sales on December 5, 1933. Our celebration today is with a Bahamian beer, Sands. Sands, marketed as a “Truly Bahamian Beer,” was launched in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island on December 15, 2007. If you happen to be on Grand Bahama…
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Welcome back to Eleuthera, as “Spirits of the Caribbean” enjoys a Goombay Smash at Tippy’s. Made from a mix of pineapple juice, orange juice, and coconut rum, this refreshing cocktail will remind you you’re in the islands. Said to be the national drink of the Bahamas, the Goombay Smash was created by Miss Emily of Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar, Green Turtle Cay, Abaco, Bahamas. Not in the islands at the moment? Try making one at home with this recipe from Bon Appetit. Ready for another island cocktail? Choose from our collection of “Spirits of the Caribbean” here. Interested in the island of Eleuthera, Bahamas? Read our six-part trip report…
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Traveling light is becoming a priority for me with my camera gear, particularly once you realize how much difference good equipment makes to an image. With the Westcott Rapid Box Softbox, I was able to get the best of both worlds: a soft fill light for portraits which is lightweight and easy to carry. First, a bit about the need for a softbox for travel. People love shots of beautiful sunsets and gorgeous beaches, and love photos of themselves, friends or family experiencing them. However, they oftentimes find that they are in darkness as they find it difficult to expose both the backgrounds and the subjects properly. To properly expose…
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Today’s “Taste of the Caribbean” takes us to the Bahamas, specifically to the island of Eleuthera, for a helping of stone crab claws from Tippy’s, located on Banks Road in Governor’s Harbour. Stone crabs regrow their claws, whether they are lost in battle or harvested by fishermen, so long as the joint which linked the claw to the body is left intact. Fisherman must be careful to properly remove the claw, and fishing regulations require that the claw be a minimum of 4 inches to be harvested. Stone crab season is closed from June 1 to October 15, so, if you happen to be in the Bahamas when they are…
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Taste of the Caribbean takes us to Harbour Island in the Bahamas, a short 10-minute boat ride from the northern end of Eleuthera. This island known best for the famous Pink Sand Beach on its eastern shore, is also home to some fantastic restaurants, including Sip Sip, known for cocktails and gossip, “sip sip,” but also for delicious food by chef Julie Lightbourn. The spicy conch chili can be found on the menu every day at Sip Sip, but don’t come for dinner. Sip Sip is open for lunch only, and is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so plan ahead. It should not be missed. For more on our trip to…
