Ciaotutti

Bella Italia Summer of 2011

2011-10-27T22:00:00.001-04:00

I uploaded new photos from Bella Italia Summer of 2011

http://nicdeco.smugmug.com/

On the Road Again

2011-05-29T03:04:00.004-04:00

Finally a speck of good weather ahead. got the bike inspected yesterday and cruised the suburban landscapes of my surrounding. and finally another hint in the air of bike and car shows starting and meeting friends from the past. Septembers Lounge in Chicopee is starting a car and bike show this coming Wednesday June 1. So come on down there and check it out.

PDN Photo Contest

2011-04-13T15:04:00.001-04:00

1 GRAND PRIZE WINNER will receive the NEW 64GB Apple iPad 2 and $500 gift certificate from Adorama.
A FIRST PLACE WINNER will be selected for each category.
3 FIRST PLACE WINNERS will receive a $100 gift certificate from Adorama.
ALL FIRST PLACE WINNERS will each receive a digital camera,
a PhotoServe portfolio (worth $860), a PDN PhotoPlus International
Gold Expo Pass, A one-year subscription to PDN, A two-year subscription to
Rangefinder and a two-year membership in WPPI, and a Crumpler bag.

THE WINNERS WILL BE
PRINTED IN THE AUGUST 2011
ISSUE OF PDN AND IN AN
ONLINE GALLERY

PDN has expanded our distribution to include over 5,000 creatives!
Winning work will be seen by industry photo editors, art directors
and art buyers!

• CELEBRITY/EDITORIAL PORTRAITS(STUDIO)
• ENVIRONMENTAL PORTRAITURE
• SELF-PORTRAITS
• ANIMAL PORTRAITS

or

go to facesphotocontest.com

Photos Top: Ann Hamilton. Left: Ryan Scott, Mark Zibert, Kevin Horan,
Raul Schefz, Roth and Ramberg Photography, Anya Chibisova.

Springfield Photographic Society Exhibit

2011-02-15T14:05:00.001-05:00

Valley Photo Center Events

Opening Reception for the Springfield Photographic Society Show

Please join us at The Valley Photo Center

DATE: Wednesday, February 16, 2011

TIME: 5 - 9 p.m.

LOCATION: Tower Square mezzanine, 1500 Main Street, Springfield, MA

The Springfield Photographic Society has been celebrating the photographic arts since 1937. The show runs through April 22, 2011, Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Join Our Mailing List!

Valley Photo Center

Tower Square Mezzanine, 1500 Main Street

Springfield, Massachusetts 01115

Germany Photos

2011-01-13T23:44:00.001-05:00

http://nicdeco.smugmug.com/Travel/Europe/15441176_UHewB

VPC New Show

2010-11-23T19:43:00.001-05:00

Valley Photo Center Newsletter

November

2010

Open Submission Show

Show your work at the Valley Photo Center!

Drop off deadline for the fall/winter open submission show has beenextended through Friday November 19 at In A Flash, 477 Breckwood Blvd. Springfield, Hunt's Photo in Hadley, and Giclee of NE Main St, Palmer or drop off your framed photos at the Valley Photo Center on Saturday November 20, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Download the submission form here

Dear Fellow Artists:

It's that time of year again to prepare for our

Annual Open Submission Show.

Your best images...on view...cash prize of

$300 for Best of Show.

$25 for first 2 images, then just $10 per additional image. Submission forms can be found on our website via the quick-link above, or at drop-off locations.

Submissions will be taken until November 20, 2010 at the Valley Photo Center during our open hours Tues-Fri 11 am-2 pm weekdays during exhibits as well as at the following locations until Nov 19:

IN-A-FLASH Photo and Video
Breckwood Blvd, Spfld
413-782-0868

HUNT'S Photo and Video
Rte 9, Hadley
413-585-9430

GICLEE OF NEW ENGLAND
Main St, Palmer
413-284-4344

The Valley Photo Center is a non-profit organization

located at:

1500 Main St Springfield, MA Tower Square - Second Level.
Phone 413-781-1553
Hours Tues-Fri 11 am-2 pm during exhibits

Quick Links

www.valleyphotocenter.com

Upcoming Shows at The Valley Photo Center

Open Submission Show
November 23 - December 23, 2010
Entries drop-off/due date: Saturday Nov 20, 2010

Large Format Show: Gene LaFord, Jack Holowitz, Steve Sherman

January 4- February 4, 2011

Artist Reception Sunday January 9, 2011 1 - 4 pm

PhotoPlus

2010-10-26T16:53:00.000-04:00

Unique Photo® Booth #713

PHOTOPLUS BASH ON THE INTREPID
UNIQUE PHOTO® VIP ACCESS
Friday, October 29th (8 - 11PM) | For more info, Click Here

In addition to the attractions offered at the PhotoPlus Bash on the Intrepid, sign up for Unique Photo's VIP Access to receive special access to unique photographic opportunities, free drinks, free gift bags, and more!

Live Performance by The Dirty Urchins
The Dirty Urchins will be the featured act at the Bash. A world-wide premiere of their music video will be followed by a live performance. A workshop on Lensbaby lenses will be free for the first 25 people to sign up and prizes will be raffled off throughout the night.

Photo Shoot with Body-Painted Models
Models will be sporting designs by Athena ofwww.athenabodyart.com and may be photographed by VIP attendees at the Bash. Full lighting setups featuring Profoto and PocketWizards will be available along with a professional photographer to assist with tips and techniques.

Click Here for more information about the PhotoPlus Expo and how to Register for FREE!

Stop by the Unique Photo Booth #713 at PDN's PhotoPlus International Convention and Expo! Several renowned photographers will be presenting FREE LECTURES at our booth across all three days and you can also enter our raffles by getting your badge scanned!

Cash for Cameras at KEH Booth #712: KEH will also be right across our booth at Booth #712, so bring your old camera equipment for trade-in! If you choose to take Unique Photo credit for your trade-in, you'll also receive an extra 10% on your valuation.

LINDSAY ADLER Lindsay Adler is a fashion and portrait photographer based in NY. Her images have been featured in Rangefinder and many other publications.		DIGITAL PHOTO ACADEMY The Digital Photo Academy offers workshops to help people of all levels all across the country learn how to optimize their digital photo experiences.
VICTOR HA Victor Ha of Nik Software takes a practical approach in applying all that Nik Software has to offer to his workflow and showing others how to do the same.		ED HEATON Ed Heaton is an award-winning and published professional photographer who specializes in landscape, nature, and travel photography.
NEIL VAN NIEKERK Neil, a professional wedding and portrait photographer, has instructed several workshops and seminars on digital photographyand lighting.		CLAIRE ROSEN Claire Rosen's photos have appeared in Communication Arts Photography Annual, Sony World Awards, The Art Project: W Magazine, and many more.
RICK SAMMON Rick Sammon, a Canon Explorer of Light, has photographed in nearly 100 countries around the world and holds more than two dozen workshops each year.		CHRIS USHER Chris's photos have appeared inTIME, Sports Illustrated, Forbes, and more. He is a member of the WHNPA (White House News Photographer's Association).
DAVID H. WELLS David specializes in intercultural communications and the use of light and shadow to enhance visual narratives. He has taught several workshops.		RON WYATT Ron has covered the NBA, NFL, MLB, and two summer Olympic Games. His photos have appeared in Time Magazine,Newsweek, ESPN, and more.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28TH (10:00AM - 5:00PM): FREE Lectures at Unique Photo Booth #713
10:30AM - 11:15AM . . . Ron Wyatt (Sigma)
11:30AM - 12:15PM . . . Neil van Niekerk (Nikon): Well, Sometimes It Really IS the Camera
12:30PM - 1:15PM . . . . Digital Photo Academy with The Dirty Urchins
1:30PM - 2:15PM . . . . . Chris Usher (PNY): Make, Don’t Take, Better Photographs
2:30PM - 3:15PM . . . . . Victor Ha (Nik Software): Digital Editing Made Easy with Nik Software
3:30PM - 4:15PM . . . . . Rick Sammon (Canon): Exploring HDR Photography

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29TH (10:00AM - 5:00PM): FREE Lectures at Unique Photo Booth #713
10:00AM - 5:00PM . . . . Athena Body Art Paints "Unique® Models"
10:30AM - 11:15AM . . . Claire Rosen: Dresses and Chandeliers
11:30AM - 12:15PM . . . Chris Usher (PNY): Make (Don’t Take) Better Photographs
12:30PM - 1:15PM . . . . Digital Photo Academy with The Dirty Urchins
1:30PM - 2:15PM . . . . . Lindsay Adler (Sigma): Studio Lighting 1-3 with "Lady Gaga"
2:30PM - 3:15PM . . . . . Rick Sammon (Canon): Exploring HDR Photography
3:30PM - 4:15PM . . . . . Neil van Niekerk (Nikon): Well, Sometimes It Really IS the Camera

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30TH (10:00AM - 4:00PM): FREE Lectures at Unique Photo Booth #713
10:30AM - 11:15AM . . . Ed Heaton (Tamron): Learning to Capture Light
11:30AM - 12:15PM . . . David H. Wells (Olympus): Introduction to the Photo-Essay
12:30PM - 1:15PM . . . . Digital Photo Academy with The Dirty Urchins
1:30PM - 2:15PM . . . . . Lindsay Adler (Sigma): Fashion Flair for Portrait and Wedding
2:30PM - 3:15PM . . . . . Rick Sammon (Canon): Exploring HDR Photography

Follow Unique Photo®

NJ's Camera & Video Superstore · We're All About You, Since 1947®
123 US Hwy 46 (west) · Fairfield, New Jersey 07004
Tel: 973-377-2007 · 3 minutes west of the Willowbrook Mall

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Weekly-Happenings-at-Hallmark.html?soid=1101485236435&aid=6WrppD84ovY

2010-09-16T19:09:00.000-04:00

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Weekly-Happenings-at-Hallmark.html?soid=1101485236435&aid=6WrppD84ovY

A Vietnam Vet's Story

2010-09-06T20:35:00.002-04:00

Way to go Congress . I now have even a bigger respect for Arizona !

Born and Raised�this is so wrong!!!

My name is d'Lynn. I'm a disabled Vietnam vet. I don't look too bad for a beat-up old fart, do I? And that's my ride. She's looking pretty good also, especially when you consider that she'll turn twenty this summer. That's right, it's a 1990 with a 1990 sidecar. I can't ride a solo bike, ergo the sidecar rig. It's my sole means of transportation - rain or shine, snow or wind, and this summer also marks a milestone in both of our lives, as I will finally be able to pay her off. Twenty years old? What? Why did it take so long? You weren't paying attention, were you? It's right at the beginning of this paragraph.

I am a disabled vet, which means I receive a veterans administration disability pension, which also means "I'm broke!" Just one step ahead of being homeless every month, and that's not an idle statement or an "Oh, woe is me" dire complaint. There's a point to this, so hang in there a minute or two and read on.

There's a 25-year-old illegal immigrant woman living in Florida , with eight kids. Yes, eight "anchor babies" and she receives just shy of $1,500 per month per kid, plus medical, plus food stamps.

Oh, wait. I've been informed that I shouldn't call them Food Stamps anymore. That's not PC. It's all called 'Social Assistance' now. You do the math on that yourself. I'd say that she was schooled early in how to make it in the system. Twenty-five years old, eight kids . . . . . yep, she started early.

You can whip out the calculator if you want, but this woman, who never has paid a dime in taxes of any kind, (and still doesn't she's 'illegal,' remember?) is here in this country illegally. She hasn't paid out one cent in medical for all the 'anchor babies', makes more in one month, legally, than I receive in over a year and a half in disability payments and I can't even get food stamps! Oops, I mean Social Assistance.

Technically I am eligible for 'Social Assistance'. I was told it would be a walk through a gimme, being disabled. No problem, and in the very next breath I was also informed that under the law the amount I received in 'Social Assistance' would be deducted from my disability pension.

Let's say I take a great photograph. It was just luck, a one of a kind accident, in the right place at the right time shot. My local newspaper offers me fifty bucks to use the photo in a featured story. (I live in a small town and fifty bucks is all they could afford.) I have to report that fifty dollars to the VA as earned income, which will immediately be deducted from my next month's disability check. If I don't report it I'm in violation of federal law and technically they can stop my disability pension and prosecute me under a federal felony. Pretty cool, eh? For fifty bucks.

I see no point in dealing with two federal bureaucracies, so I don't bother. What's the point?

She's here illegally and with just one kid would make over twice what I receive per month. She has eight and she�s not a stand-out case. She's not alone. That's the way the system works. Millions of illegal immigrants know this, know how the system works and know how to use it. (Haven't you seen the pamphlet? It's handed out all along our borders, "The Illegal Immigrants' Guide to Keeping America Just The Way It Is.") and that's just the way it works.

Did you know that the federal government provides a �refugee� in this country with a monthly 'stipend' of $1,890, plus $580 a month in 'Social Assistance?' That's $2,470 a month, tax-free. That's two and a half times what I'm allowed to receive as a disabled vet. And just what did they do to earn this? All you have to do is show up on our collective doorstep, raise your right hand and swear that you're a refugee and, bingo, receive $30,000 a year, tax-free. That's more than someone making $15 an hour, and they have to pay taxes to boot!

Now, in defense of the Veterans Administration, they are doing what they can with what they've got. This is precious little compared to what they should have to get the job done. At least this country has a VA.

It's the Senate that keeps passing laws, rules and guidelines, cutting their budget, denying requests for more staff and computer systems to handle the massive work flow. Their hands are tied by the very government that's supposed to give them what they need to get the job done, by the government you voted into office. Don't scream at the VA. I have. It's misguided anger.

The point to this story? Just why are you paying such high taxes to support this incredibly screwed-up government? Why? And I'm not proposing you stop paying your taxes. That's wrong. There are good programs and reasons to pay your taxes and support our government.

What am I proposing? It's quite simple. Vote.

The government, our government, is broken and we as the voters serve as the maintenance crew. We fix it . . . . . by voting. If your state Senator has been in office more than two terms, vote 'em out at the next election. If your state representative has been in office more than two terms, vote 'em out of office. We put term limits on just about every publicly-elected official in the country except the House and Senate.

Why? Believe me, they know this and love it! Ahhh - the power!

I don't care how much you believe your Senator or Representative is doing a good job. They're not! Look at the government you have....that we have. How can you state they are doing what you want as the voter that put them there? How?

Vote them out of office. Do it.

Change the course of this country's history by what you are granted and guaranteed under the law. Vote! And if you have the guts, the anger, the outrage, start a petition in your state for a state-wide initiative to be placed on your next state ballot. Limiting the terms of office for your state senators and state representatives to your federal government to two terms.

The federal government will never pass such a law, but you can. You can get it done. You can force it. You can make it a law.

This is the first step in 'getting it right.' Just vote. It's simple. It's easy, dammit!
This first step will send a very clear message. It'll work. It'll put 'us' back in control of 'them'. As it should be. As it was intended in the first place.

Are you an American? Born and raised? Then vote!

Hallmark Update for August

2010-08-06T18:32:00.000-04:00

What's Happening at Hallmark...

Summer Session

Braden Chattman photo

Students take advantage of the gorgeous summer weather in New England by taking a break at the local Creamery. This week, students are busy planning shoots and creating a collection of personal submissions that will round out their Phase III portfolio. They are exploring work that interests them and refining skills in outdoor portraits, still-lifes and studio shoots. In the business side of things, students gave presentations on a variety of jobs in the photo industry and are beginning research on a range of photographers with historical significance. Pictured: Current student Lena, enjoys her cone and her break.

To follow the class week by week, visit http://hallmark.edu and then click on the "Follow our current class week by week" link on our home page.

Appalachia,
Families and Faces,
1971-1975

A photographic exhibition by Vern McClish

July 16 - September 5, 2010

Fridays - Sundays
1:00pm to 5:00pm

85 Avenue A, Turners Falls, Massachusetts.


© Vern McClish	© Vern McClish

Kim Kellan
Vice President of Student Recruitment
kim@hallmark.edu

About Hallmark Institute of Photography
Hallmark Institute of Photography was established over 30 years ago to provide an accelerated academic path to a career in professional photography. Our unique ten-month in residence program is designed to equip the motivated student with all of the tools that he or she will need to successfully launch a career in the very competitive imaging marketplace.

hallmark update

2010-08-04T19:45:00.001-04:00

At age sixteen, Lauren Mazzotta already knew she wanted to be a photographer when she grew up. She wanted to create stunning images, and get paid to do so.

She dreamed of waking up every day to a job she loved and the knowledge that she was pursuing her passion.

At age seventeen, Lauren graduated from Hallmark in the top 10% of her class. Less than a month later, using images likes these for her comprehensive and sophisticated year-end portfolio, she started her first job as a professional photographer.

Do you remember what you wanted to be when you were 16?

The world was your oyster and the sky your limit. Many kids dream of becoming a teacher, a doctor, an athlete, a veterinarian, a chef, the President!

My guess is that somewhere along the way, you dreamed of becoming a professional photographer... so what happened???

It is never too late to realize a dream. It is never too late to finally decide what you want to be when you grow up.

Limited seats are available for classes beginning September 8th, 2010.
Call me at 413.863-2478 or send me email and we will help you get started!

Kim Kellan
Vice President of Student Recruitment
kim@hallmark.edu

VPC Spring Newsletter

2010-03-30T18:40:00.000-04:00

Valley Photo Center Newsletter

March/April

2010

In This Issue

New Exhibit

Spring Open Submission

Quick Links

www.valleyphotocenter.com

www.alleephotography.com

Dear Fellow photography enthusiasts,

Spring is slowly bringing its warmth and sunlight to the valley, birds are singing their spring renditions, and yes, I've even seen some frogs hopping about!

As you shake off the winter doldrums, we hope you will join us for next two exhibits of the season. First, the wonderful work of Alfred and Lee Hutt, whose combination of photography and sculpture is stunning. Second, our Spring Open Submission show celebrating Life in our Valley.

Please stop by and say hello! We're looking forward to seeing you!

Sincerely,

Christine Pratt

New Show Opens March 30!

Photography and Sculpture : A Marriage

Work by Alfred and Lee Hutt

Exhibit runs March 30 - April 30, 2010

Gallery Hours are Tues-Fri 11am - 2 pm

Please come join us and meet this talented husband and wife team for an opening reception on Sunday April 11 from 2-4 pm.

Photography and Art were two of the forces that drew Alfred and Lee to each other when they first met. They married and together have traveled widely, pursuing these interests.

The show represents a selection of images that reflect the content of their work...mostly it is about people...a person, who captures the imagination by revealing a compelling aspect of themselves. Caught in the instant the shutter is pressed and then put on paper...or translated into clay in a longer but no less focused way.

Are you ready for the Spring Open Submission Show?

Exhibit: May 11-June 11, 2010

Theme: "Life in the Valley"

People, places, events? Show us your vision of life in our unique valley.

Reception: Friday May 14 from 6-8 pm

Remember - we will have a $300 BEST of SHOW award!

First 2 submissions are $25/2, then just $10 each for additional images.

You may submit at the following drop-off locations until April 30:

IN-A-FLASH PHOTO Breckwood Blvd Springfield, MA

HUNT'S PHOTO AND VIDEO Rte 9 Hadley, MA

GICLEE OF NEW ENGLAND Main St Palmer, MA

Or drop in by April 30 at the Valley Photo Center during gallery hours Tues-Fri 11am-2pm. Be sure to see "Photography & Scultpure: A Marriage" by Alfred and Lee Hutt!

Drop-off in person Sat May 2 from 10 am - 12 pm

Pick-up Sat June 12 from 10 am - 12 pm

Submission forms are also available at drop-off locations or

on our website at www.valleyphotocenter.com

Looking forward to seeing you on our walls!

Save the Date!

We are having a special celebration on Friday May 14 from 6-8 to honor the founder of the Valley Photo Center, Mr. Keith Sikes.

More information will follow in the next newsletter!

Mark your calendars now! You won't want to miss this party!!!

The Springfield Motorcycle Show

2010-03-06T22:17:00.011-05:00

Global Products and Services

2010-02-18T01:18:00.001-05:00

http://globalproductsandservices.com/

Global Products and Services

2010-02-11T20:13:00.001-05:00

Check out this NEW website.It has links to many well known companies
http://globalproductsandservices.com/

Motorcycle Show at The Big E

2010-01-25T19:34:00.002-05:00

Photos and write up coming soon about the Motorcycle show at the Big e last weekend

Global Products and Services

2010-01-12T22:46:00.000-05:00

http://globalproductsandservices.com/

Check this website out

2010-01-06T19:27:00.004-05:00

I just talked to The Talented (Easy Rider) Artist Craig H.Smith from Connecticut and he said that he will be at this show with his new project that he is working on.

The Springfield Motorcycle Show is almost here

2010-01-06T19:15:00.002-05:00

Oh yeh, the Springfield Motorcycle Show is just around the corner. Here is their website for more info.
http://www.osegmotorcycle.com/

Mass.& Vermont Motorcycle Trip

2009-12-04T18:15:00.000-05:00

http://nicdeco.smugmug.com/Travel/Vermont-Trip-via-Motorcycle/10536801_MZNaG/1/731773762_YPcj9

Brightside Toy Run

2009-10-10T03:15:00.003-04:00

After party at Septembers in Chicopee. On View Street

View Larger Map

Brightside Toy Run

2009-09-26T20:30:00.004-04:00

Brightside Toy Run

Sunday, October 11, 2009

2009 marks the 20th Anniversary of the Brightside Toy Run!
Click on Memorial Drive in starting location to see Map of Location.

Starting Location: WalMart Parking Lot,Memorial Drive,Chicopee,Mass.
Line Up: 9:00 a.m.
Departure: 12:00 p.m.

Ending Location: Brightside for Families and Children, 2112 Riverdale Street, West Springfield

There is no cost to participate in the ride. Instead, participants are asked to please bring cash, gift cards or new, unwrapped toys for children aged 10 or older. Gift ards and cash donations are especially helpful, as they allow staff to purchase holiday gifts personalized to the children's' needs and wishes.

All the proceeds from the Toy Run will be donated to Brightside for Families and Children. Brightside needs community support now more than ever, helping thousands of children each year that are in crisis from severe abuse, neglect and abandonment. Brightside offers the compassionate care, treatment and skills to encourage the possiblities of a better life for these children.

With many obstacles to overcome, including a weak economy, your support is greatly apprecaited. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children served by Brightside. If you have any questions or need any additional information, please call Deidre Treanor at (413) 748-9997.

Toys for Tots Run

2009-09-23T14:53:00.006-04:00

I just found out that the Brightside Toys for Tots Run will be on Sunday October 11th 2009. Pass the word lets try to beat the 5000 mark this year. remember it's for the Children. More info to follow of the after Parties.
Ciao
Nick

2009-08-26T20:27:00.004-04:00

2004 Harley Davidson Sportster Roadster for Sale
Mint Condition with less than 1000 Miles. New removeable Sissy Bar
Contact Dan Cell # 413 537-5496
$6999

Smith & Wesson Run

2009-08-19T20:33:00.001-04:00

Reminder

The Smith & Wesson First annual Take Aim At Cancer is the following Sunday August 30th.
See you There. Check out their website

http://home.comcast.net/~smithandwessontakesaimatcancer/