Josh Simons Photography

Product Review - Laptop Tripod Tethering Platform for Photographers

2010-06-23T12:38:00.002-07:00

Reprint of review received via email from a photographer using the Tether Table.

I have been having a lot of fun with my new toy, a laptop stand for tethered photography.

The Tether Table fits on all my stands and tripods, as well as Superclamps and all the other equipment in my bag. No more lugging a bulky table to shoots or having my assistant hold the computer.

Makes life a little easier and clients love working off the computer instead for the camera LCD. It is very sleek and clean looking and very professional. I have received a number of compliments from clients.

They also have some really cool accessories available. One being a plastic device called the JerkStopper. It holds the tethering cable in place so there is no stress or tension on the camera plug. Really smart idea and works great. Super easy to use and makes sense in case the cable gets bumped or snagged.

The Tether Table is a very worthwhile product and I give it my highest recommendation; not sure what that is, let's say I give it 5 out of 5 F-Stops. :)

www.TetherTools.com

What's a Record?

2010-03-22T08:45:00.001-07:00

What's a Record?, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

I had the urge to listen to some of my old record albums this weekend. I really miss holding the album art and linear notes. It's just not the same on the computer monitor. Those records sound so good.

Starting the Day Off Right

2010-03-18T08:02:00.001-07:00

Starting the Day Off Right, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Nature's Struggle

2010-03-16T08:31:00.001-07:00

Nature's Struggle, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Josh Simons will debut in Creativa's Arizona

2010-03-12T14:32:00.000-07:00

Josh Simons will debut in Creativa's Arizona 10+ book this summer as one of our architectural photographers. See more of Josh's work in the upcoming "The Arizona Photographers 10+" book or by clicking on his site from the link below.

Arizona People Lifestyle Photographers | Creativa Guides

www.creativaguides.com

Big Dig

2010-03-11T07:35:00.001-07:00

Big Dig, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

SRP digging up our streets to lay all new power lines to our neighborhood. Messy project but will be great when completed.

Hello!

2010-03-10T11:42:00.001-07:00

Hello!, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Get me out of here.

Tennis - Old School

2010-03-08T07:09:00.001-07:00

Tennis - Old School, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Imagine playing a full Match with one of these racquets today, what a different game. Even though they are not very efficient on the court they certainly have a lot of character.

Here Kitty

2010-03-06T16:14:00.001-07:00

Here Kitty, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

This kitten saw me and my dog coming a mile away and quickly took cover as we passed.

Cacti Flower

2010-03-03T10:46:00.001-07:00

Cacti Flower, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

We have had a lot of rain this year and the desert flowers are starting to bloom. This photo was taken in Arizona's McDowell Mountain Preserve.

A Golden Era

2010-03-01T09:11:00.001-07:00

A Golden Era, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

I just finished restoring an old 1940's 16MM silent film projector. It was a fun project and now I can watch old Westerns and Abbott & Costello silent films. Films before the "Talkies" came along and ruined everything. Anybody have some old 16MM home movies they want to watch? Let me know.

Lollipops Make Me Happy

2010-02-24T11:00:00.001-07:00

Lollipops Make Me Happy, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

When I was young and got scared of the dark, my parents would tell me to think about what makes me happy. That was lollipops. I would lay in bed trying to focus, not on the monsters in my closet, but on all the different lollipop flavors and sizes; some with gum in the center others with tootsie roll filling. I don't eat nearly enough lollipops today, but whenever I see one it makes me recall that warm childhood memory. This is a portrait of my neighbor's daughter enjoying her lollipop.

Back Alley Blues

2010-02-23T08:53:00.001-07:00

Back Alley Blues, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

The thing I love most about photography is seeing things that you may have missed prior. Depending on one's personal mood, you see different things. I have walked by this alley at least a thousand times. I saw this for the first time this morning at sunrise.

Bowling Shoes

2010-02-18T09:59:00.001-07:00

Bowling Shoes, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

I saw this pair of vintage bowling shoes and it brought back memories of bowling as a kid. I haven't bowled in years and I am now excited to get to the lanes and roll a few.

Happy Vantentine's Day

2010-02-14T17:17:00.001-07:00

Happy Vantentine's Day, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Happy Valentine's Day to my beautiful wife and to everybody.

A Little Needling

2010-02-11T15:37:00.001-07:00

A Little Needling, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

View from the top of a needle depository. The image really sticks with you. That may be my worst joke ever.

Breakfast Jack

2010-02-09T07:54:00.001-07:00

Breakfast Jack, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Over the weekend I made eggs for breakfast. I prepared an extra one for Jack. I let it cool and put it on the floor for him to eat. He ate the egg really fast, less than 10 seconds, so I had to work fast. It's good to be a dog in our house.

Jump & Chump

2010-02-07T14:35:00.001-07:00

Jump & Chump, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

I friend of mine from WI is in town visiting for the week. Him and I walked over to the skate park last night to check out the activities. I had him pose against the light post as one of the boarders cleared a self made jump. As the skaters landing he almost took out my buddy. The sacrifices one makes for art.

Pimp my Shrimp

2010-02-05T08:13:00.001-07:00

Pimp my Shrimp, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

A Shrimp boat off the coast in Puerto Penasco, Mexico. It is a wonderful town in the Gulf. It is a really relaxing place and all the local are very friendly. And the seafood is amazing.

Painter's Tools I

2010-02-03T07:27:00.001-07:00

Painter's Tools I, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Some of the tool's a painter uses. These images were taken at the Celebration of Fine Art event in Scottsdale. It is a really unique event were you get to meet over 100 artists working in a studio environment. The event is open from January 16 through March 28, 2010 and is located in Scottsdale, Arizona on Southeast corner of Scottsdale Rd. and Mayo Blvd, just south of the Loop 101 off Exit 34, in the big white tents.

Painter's Tools II

2010-02-03T07:26:00.001-07:00

Painter's Tools II, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Up, Up and Away

2010-01-29T09:08:00.001-07:00

Up, Up and Away, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

I had the opportunity to take a hot air balloon ride a few months ago and it was an amazing experience; so peaceful and calming. I got some great images that morning. This photo is an interior view of our balloon and was taken as we were climbing in altitude.

"It's a Little Over"

2010-01-26T18:10:00.001-07:00

"It's a Little Over", originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

It's hard to find an old school meat shop these days. Seems like all the butcher shops have disappeared and what's left are the all-in-one supermarkets; all prepackaged. I found this shop where the guys have spent their life cutting meat and have made it their career. I started to wonder how many times he has said in his lifetime, "It's a little over".

Toe Jammed

2010-01-20T20:17:00.001-07:00

Toe Jammed, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

I broke my toe last night when I got up from bed to get a glass of water. Not sure what to do. I don't think I can get a cast put on it. One suggestion I had was to submerge it into peanut butter. Not sure what that will do, but might try it. Any suggestions?

Posing

2010-01-18T07:08:00.001-07:00

Posing, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

I had the opportunity to photography this model at photography seminar a few weeks ago. My job was easy because she could not take a bad photo.

Chef Beau MacMillan

2010-01-10T10:06:00.001-07:00

Chef Beau MacMillan, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Chef Beau MacMillan, executive chef at elements at the Sanctuary Resort in Scottsdale made a quick appearance with the Travelocity Gnome at Crave Arizona.

Check out his new show, "Worst Cooks in American" on the Food Network. The show is really good and very funny - www.foodnetwork.com/worst-cooks-in-america/index.html

The Mentalist

2010-01-07T08:12:00.001-07:00

The Mentalist, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Some of my favorite photography is just walking the city streets and seeing what you find. Always great characters out and about.

Jack in the Sack

2010-01-04T08:16:00.001-07:00

Jack in the Sack, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

The holidays are draining. Jack got to spend New Year's Eve at his grandparent's house. When he returned the following night, exhausted, he curled up in Lauren's lap and immediately fell asleep.

Warren Ukah

2009-12-29T10:12:00.001-07:00

Warren Ukah, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

I was walking my dog in the park by my house Sunday and I see this guy practicing soccer drills; he is doing some really advance techniques. of course this interests me, so I stop and talk with him for a few minutes. It turns out it is the professional soccer player, Warren Ukah. He was visiting here over the holidays.

Warren is a tremendous player; he was named to the 2007-2008 MISL All Rookie Team. And a really nice guy too.

Not having my camera too far away he was gracious enough to let me snap some images of him working out. Thanks Warren.

Chalk It Up

2009-12-24T09:41:00.001-07:00

Chalk It Up, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

I was playing billiards a few weeks ago and caught this shot of an opponent chalking his cue. I really liked the way the chalk dust falls off of the cue.

Stalled Steel

2009-12-22T07:03:00.001-07:00

Stalled Steel, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

This is one of the many half built projects around the globe hit hard by the economy. Half of the 14 story building's steel has been exposed to the air and salt water for close to 3 years. Can they ever finish the project it or will it have to be torn down completely?

Balancing Act

2009-12-18T09:05:00.001-07:00

Balancing Act, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

This Egret was sitting on my neighbors roof for about 2 hours, completely motionless last week. As the sun began to set, I thought I would go into the backyard to see what I could shoot. All of a sudden the bird began to stretch and I caught a couple of images. He then when back to his motionless position late into the eventing and was gone by morning.

Gnome Drama

2009-12-17T00:54:00.001-07:00

Gnome Drama, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

It is a fairly involved story but to summarize; the Travelocity Gnome escaped from my wife's office and was a stowaway in a bag of Xmas party supplies. The supply bag ended up at our house and when Tom, our house gnome, met the intruder he freaked out. We tried to explain to Tom that he was just out exploring and meant no harm but it did not turn out well. The holiday's can be a stressful time.

Soaring

2009-12-10T06:52:00.001-07:00

Soaring, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

I saw this gorgeous bird flying and waiting for him to cross into the clouds to get the shot. Not positive on the type of bird but I think it is a hawk. Any Autobahn people out to provide some help?

The Hunt is On

2009-12-07T07:04:00.001-07:00

The Hunt is On, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Out in the park this weekend, Jack honed in some gopher scents and went looking to make "friends". Fortunately he is all bark and no bite.

Living Room Sunset

2009-12-03T07:46:00.001-07:00

Living Room Sunset, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

This was taken over the Thanksgiving holiday. The sun was setting over the ocean and I noticed the light reflecting back into the living room. That really intrigued me and I was able to capture this still life.

Garlic Mash Potatoes

2009-12-02T14:30:00.001-07:00

Garlic Mash Potatoes, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Just back from a wonderful Thanksgiving break. These are some great garlic mash potatoes my sister made. The whole meal was fantastic.

Blood Red Orange

2009-11-20T09:35:00.001-07:00

Blood Red Orange, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

An abstract. I was making salad dressing and the colors really blended. Get it?

Farm to Table

2009-11-19T05:40:00.001-07:00

Farm to Table, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

This time of year there is a different farmer's market everyday around town; great fresh food. I love the look, colors and textures of real food, just harvested (and they taste great too).

In honor of our Veterans

2009-11-13T09:58:00.001-07:00

In honor of our Veterans, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Reflecting & showing support to our Veterans.

Stopping the Break

2009-11-10T11:56:00.001-07:00

Stopping the Break, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

This is a follow-up to my billiard post last week. I caught Scottsdale Skinny's break in a game of nine ball. He went on to sink 3 balls on the break and ultimately won the game.

An Afternoon Visit

2009-11-09T07:57:00.001-07:00

An Afternoon Visit, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

I had the chance to visit with my wife's aunt recently. She was the sweetest lady and we had a wonderful afternoon. I got to hear some great stories about the family and old neighborhood. The time spent with her was a real treat.

Snowball Fight for your Life

2009-11-07T06:49:00.001-07:00

Snowball Fight for your Life, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Last winter, my wife and I took our nephews to the White Tank mountains to snowboard / ski for their first time. After a long day on the slopes we got to the cabin and an all out snowball fight erupted. I was able to get a few frame in before I was forced to put my camera away and defend myself, as they all decided to gang up on me.

Forever Welded Hand in Hand

2009-11-06T11:02:00.001-07:00

Forever Welded Hand in Hand, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

While my wife and I were walking on the boardwalk in Philadelphia over the summer, we stumbled upon this cool art pice. These metal stick people were about 40 feet tall, enormous. I thought they would make a beautiful silhouette in the setting sun.

Pabst in the Woods

2009-11-05T12:09:00.001-07:00

Pabst in the Woods, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Pabst and a campfire go together like chocolate and peanut butter.

Pretty in Pink

2009-11-04T10:47:00.001-07:00

Pretty in Pink, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

I took this woman's portrait at a park near my house. Not exactly sure why she was dressed up; I guess it was a Halloween hangover.

King Cobra

2009-11-03T14:24:00.001-07:00

King Cobra, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

This is one slick automobile. I had the opportunity to spend an afternoon with this car doing a series of shots for a book. The engine rumble shakes you to the core.

Scottsdale Skinny

2009-11-02T07:45:00.001-07:00

Scottsdale Skinny, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

I had the opportunity to photograph the legendary Scottsdale Skinny playing billiards. He was in the process of running the table when he let me hop in to snap off a few frames. He told me if I gave him a picture for his Facebook he would play me in a game of 9 ball.

Jazz Hands

2009-11-01T12:53:00.001-07:00

Jazz Hands, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Going to a club for live music is always a lot of fun and you never know what you will discover. Recently we watched an excellent jazz band perform and I was mesmerized by the saxophone player's hands. I caught this image while he was performing an improvised solo.

Foxy Zombie

2009-10-31T12:25:00.001-07:00

Foxy Zombie, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

In keeping with the Halloween spirit here is a portrait of a foxy zombie.

Man or Monster in the Moon?

2009-10-30T08:56:00.001-07:00

Man or Monster in the Moon?, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Although we only have an 89% Waxing moon for Halloween this year, I thought this full moon image would get everybody spirits in the right place. Don't get into too much mischievous tonight.

Easy Writer/Photographer

2009-10-29T08:51:00.001-07:00

Easy Writer/Photographer, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

These motorcycles were parked outside a restaurant as I was leaving. I was careful not to knock into them and tip them over, as the bikers were cautiously watching me. Of course I could have taken on the whole gang if I wasn't holding a camera.

I think the high-contrast processing really allows the focus to be directed to the lines and shapes of these gorgeous bikes.

Tropics on my Mind

2009-10-28T07:44:00.001-07:00

Tropics on my Mind, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

I just got back from walking the dog in the park and it was really cold. It got me thinking how nice it would be in the tropics right about now.

Zenfolio Referral Code

2009-10-27T17:26:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the email. Yes, I have been using the Zenfolio service for organizing and presenting my photos online. You can check out my home page here www.JoshSimonsPhotography.com

I am very happy with the Zenfolio service, and would recommend it.

You can use my referral code 8MG-4P7-AWW during sign up to save $5 off your own subscription. Here's the link - Zenfolio.com

Regards,

Josh Simons

A Night on the Town

2009-10-27T06:09:00.001-07:00

A Night on the Town, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

This portrait was taken at a cocktail party late in the evening. This striking woman caught my eye and ended up making a wonderful subject.

Carved Cutie

2009-10-26T07:35:00.001-07:00

Carved Cutie, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

It's Halloween Week. This pumpkin (sorry if it offends anyone; I thought it was funny) was one of the finalists at the pumpkin carving party I attended over the weekend. Not sure who the winner was but there were a lot of great entries.

Colorful Gecko

2009-10-25T11:34:00.001-07:00

Colorful Gecko, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Stumbled upon this gecko getting some sun on a rock while hiking in Arizona.

Clear Day in Cleveland

2009-10-24T08:17:00.001-07:00

Clear Day in Cleveland, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

This picture was taken right after we left a farmer's market in Cleveland. I was juggling a camera and a grocery bag full of goodies at the same time.

Just the Tips, Ma,am

2009-10-23T10:10:00.001-07:00

Just the Tips, Ma,am, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Whoever invented just the muffin tops needs to devise a way to create just the asparagus tips. They are the best part.

Barista

2009-10-23T08:34:00.001-07:00

Barista, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Portrait taken of the Barista while visiting a local coffee shop for my daily fix.

Dinasour's Still Roam

2009-10-22T07:41:00.001-07:00

Dinasour's Still Roam, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Taken at a local park. A T-Rex for all of your bouncing needs.

Handlebars at the Bike Festival

2009-10-21T21:08:00.001-07:00

Handlebars at the Bike Festival, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

This portrait was taken at the Fat Tire Beer & Bike Festival over the weekend. A great way to spend an afternoon. A lot of characters; Halloween comes early.

Don & Charlie's Burger Bar

2009-10-21T21:07:00.003-07:00

Don & Charlie's Burger Bar, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

These burgers were reviewed by the Arizona Republic last week. They got a big thumbs up. Great food. When in Scottsdale eat at Don & Charlie's Restaurant.

Easy Like Sunday Morning

2009-10-21T21:07:00.001-07:00

Easy Like Sunday Morning, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Nothing better then spending your Sunday morning outside on the patio with a cup of coffee and a newspaper.

The Naked City, underground

2009-10-21T12:38:00.001-07:00

The Naked City, underground, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

This image was created as the subway came to a halt in Brooklyn.

Spring Skiing

2009-02-24T10:26:00.003-07:00

Spring Skiing's come early this year. Could have worn a T-Shirt it was so warm.

Zenfolio Referral Code

2009-02-24T10:21:00.000-07:00

Zenfolio promo code, 8MG-4P7-AWW, was successfully used by Ronny Mills Studios to receive a $5.00 discount off their annual fee for their new Zenfolio web site.

I wanted to personally thank you for using my promo code to get started with the best web site solution for photographers online. You will be extremely happy with Zenfolio and its versatile service and product offering for photographers. Your clients will thank you, too.

Best regards,
Josh Simons

www.JoshSimonsPhotography.com
www.ReadyAimFrame.com

Zenfolio Discount Referral Code: 8MG-4P7-AWW

Zenfolio Referral Code

2009-02-09T18:34:00.002-07:00

Zenfolio promo code, 8MG-4P7-AWW, was successfully used by Rooted Photos to receive a $5.00 discount off their annual fee for their new Zenfolio web site.

I wanted to personally thank you for using my promo code to get started with the best web site solution for photographers online. You will be extremely happy with Zenfolio and its versatile service and product offering for photographers. Your clients will thank you, too.

Best regards,
Josh Simons

www.JoshSimonsPhotography.com
www.ReadyAimFrame.com

Zenfolio Discount Referral Code: 8MG-4P7-AWW

Zenfolio Promo Code

2009-02-03T15:46:00.006-07:00

Zenfolio promo code, 8MG-4P7-AWW, was successfully used by Chris Englund Photography to receive a $5.00 discount off their annual fee for their new Zenfolio web site.

I wanted to personally thank you for using my promo code to get started with the best web site solution for photographers online. You will be extremely happy with Zenfolio and its versatile service and product offering for photographers. Your clients will thank you, too.

Best regards,
Josh Simons

www.JoshSimonsPhotography.com
www.ReadyAimFrame.com

Zenfolio Discount Code: 8MG-4P7-AWW

Night Lights on the Canal a Success

2009-01-21T01:24:00.003-07:00

Artist David Therrien's "Beautiful Light" public art display happened over the past weekend and was a huge success.

After 6 weeks of around the clock design & construction of the art installation, the light performance went off over the weekend smoothly and to huge crowds. Each performance was about 10 minutes long and occurred every hour from 7PM to 11PM Friday & Saturday.

Here are a few pictures from the event.

All-Star Basketball League

2009-01-21T01:07:00.005-07:00

Ready Aim Frame has has partnered with the All-Star Basketball League to provide live action game day photos.

All Star Basketball League (ABL) offers an exciting and competitive basketball experience for over 1500 young people each year in the metropolitan Phoenix area. The league format will enhance the development of the players' skills while learning the many values of team sports.

Please visit their website for more information or to join a team: www.ablhoops.com

Night Lights on the Canal Rescheduled

2009-01-07T13:42:00.003-07:00

I am back to work on the "Beautiful Lights" art project with local artist David Therrien. The new dates are January 16th & 17th at Southbridge in downtown Scottsdale, AZ. Show begins at 7PM. Come on out for the show.

Battle of the Bands

2009-01-07T13:32:00.003-07:00

The College Football Bowl games where in town. Here's a few pictures from the sidelines.

Nightlights on the Canal at Southbridge

2008-12-18T17:14:00.011-07:00

I have been helping Phoenix artist David Therrien, along with many other local artists, complete a light based art project called "Beautiful Lights". It is a "one night only" exhibition at the Southbridge Canal in Scottsdale.

Although Nightlights is still happening this Thursday (Dec 18th), our project, due to weather, has been postponed until after the new year. I'll keep you posted of the new date.

Nightlights is a light-based art and music celebration alongside the canal in downtown Scottsdale, AZ. Here is more information on the project - www.nightlightsonthecanal.com

Here are a few of pictures from the studio.

1 of 4 light displays being wired up.

1 of the switchboards being created from scratch. Once completed it will become an analog computer.

David Therrien

Mill Avenue Tempe, AZ.

2008-12-17T10:30:00.006-07:00

Mill Avenue. Tempe, AZ

Juneau, Alaska

2008-12-17T10:25:00.002-07:00

Travel Assignment to Juneau, Alaska

Zenfolio Referral Code

2008-12-17T08:48:00.008-07:00

Thanks for the email. Yes, I have been using the Zenfolio service for organizing and presenting my photos online. You can check out my home page here www.ReadyAimFrame.com

I am very happy with the Zenfolio service, and would recommend it.

You can use my referral code 8MG-4P7-AWW during sign up to save $5 off your own subscription. Here's the link - Zenfolio.com

Regards,

Josh Simons
Photographer
Ready Aim Frame