The Jeffrey Snyder Experience

FlashBus 2011 – 1st half update

2011-03-30T10:58:00.002-04:00

FlashBus 2011 – 1^st half update

Meet the crew – This is my traveling family for 6 weeks

What a whirlwind tour we’ve been on…Left home on 03/08 and now it’s 03/26 and we have completed 13 of 29 cities. Don’t know how to exactly describe the experience, exciting, exhausting, invigorating, fun? Yep, all of the above. Started off in Seattle, then to Portland, San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver, Albuequerque, Dallas, Austin and Houston. Definitely had issues sleeping for the 1^st few days, now, when I climb into my bunk & close the curtain (it’s sorta like sleeping in a MRI tube) I’m asleep in minutes, and have been waking feeling quite rested. My first vision every morning, when I pull the curtain is McNally who is across from me. I hear, “Good morning sunshine”. We do begin the day laughing… Usually we pull into the venue’s parking lot or the loading dock, and that’s where we wake up, what a view.. Joe, David & I make it to a hotel nearby for showers, then get back to help unload & get set up for the day. We’ve done 4 & 5 cities in a row, so it’s become habit.

One of the drawbacks of bussing it at night is that we rarely see any of the country that we’re crossing. Did have a day off on Coronado Island-San Diego (SD is a 12 out of 10-LOVE IT THERE) and Denver, where we feasted at Hapa Sushi (Run, don’t walk to Hapa if you’re in Denver). In LA we were treated to a home cooked meal at Eric & Jeff’s home, which was gorgeous, and dinner was phenomenal, and then in Dallas, customer/friend Dr. John Tebbett’s treated us to the steak dinners of steak dinners at Al Biernat's

I cannot end this post without mentioning Phil. Phil is our driver who is amazing, and funny, and oh so cool. Phil drives at night, sleeps all day, and puts up with us. Didn’t think I was getting off on the right foot with him in Seattle at out 1^st stop, when I asked him if we could swing by Whole Foods. Phil’s response was, “This isn’t your fucking taxi, we’ll wait here, get a fucking cab” So, off I went… By the way, Phil’s gig before the FlashBus tour was driving on the Lady Gaga tour,, so yes, we are a vacation for him by comparison.

More to follow with pics

FlashBus Tour - The Beginning

2011-03-09T21:18:00.005-05:00

Ferry leaving Seattle for Victoria, BC

Pike Place Market

Grippi & Calli, tasting Tea ??

1st ever Starbucks....I def prefer this logo

Here I am in Seattle for the start of one of the most exciting "Photo" industry events ever to happen...The traveling party consists of Joe, David, Drew, Calli, Grippi, Karen & myself. 6 weeks, 29 cities, all aboard "The Bus". Pics of the actual bus will be posted tomorrow when our driver, "Cool Breeze" pulls up to the Convention Center. Almost 10,000 people are signed up to see Joe & David do their magic on stage with Speedlights, small flash. What these two guys can accomplish with a photo, simply put is amazing...and based on the crowds that have registered over the past month or so, and the calls that Margi has been fielding on the FlashBus Hotline, this is already an epic event and day one hasn't even taken place yet.
Tomorrow is a full run through rehearsal, and the first of 29 cities begins on Friday. If you haven't seen the schedule, take a look, and if you haven't signed up yet, there's still seats in a few select cities. Take a look: http://www.theflashbus.com
More pix and more tales from the road to come....Here's a few snapshots of downtown Seattle from this afternoon. Enjoy.

The Flash Bus Tour 2011

2011-01-25T08:37:00.004-05:00

Not more than a few short months ago, Joe came to me and said, "What do you think of this idea?" He hadn't finished the sentence before I said, "Ummm we're in"
As of this morning, Flash Bus is LIVE
Can you imagine? Joe McNally & David Hobby on one bus, rolling around the country, teaching one day Flash workshops in 29 cities over 6 weeks? Say it ain't so, but it is...

Sign-up begins on 01/31, so check out the schedule, make your arrangements now, start coughing, tell your boss you feel sick...BE THERE...I will be

Follow TheFlashBus here on Twitter for constant updates!

Rally to Restore Sanity And/Or Fear Washington, DC

2010-10-31T16:18:00.006-04:00

John Legend

John Legend, Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart & Tony Bennett

Kid Rock & Sheryl Crow

The O'Jays

Who would have thought? Ozzy Osbourne & Yusef Islam, aka Cat Stevens

All Images Nikon D3S, Nikkor 200-400 AFS/VRII
All images (c) Jeffrey Snyder 2010

Comedy Central brought the "Rally to Restore Sanity And/Or Fear" to the National Mall in DC yesterday, attracting upwards of 200,000 people. It was a great day, both shooting & weather wise. Read all about it here: http://www.rallytorestoresanity.com/ The performances were great, and fun . Besides hosts Jon Stewart & Stephen Colbert, the performers included: John Legend, Kid Rock, Sheryl Crow, Jeff Toddy, Mavis Staples, The O'Jays, & Tony Bennett...Not a bad line-up huh? Who woulda thought to see Ozzy Osbourne on stage with Yusak Islam (aka Cat Stevens) on stage together?
Enjoy--js

DLWS - Maine #2

2010-10-13T12:35:00.004-04:00

All images, Nikon D3S, 28-300 ED/VR & 16 2.8 Fisheye

Had a 415am alarm today, in order to be in the vehicle's by 445 to head out for today's sunrise shoot. Everyone made it, with smiles all around. We headed to the Pemaquid Lighthouse up here in Maine. Was a bit chilly, so gloves & layers were in order...Here's a few images of the early morning light. Enjoy

DLWS - Maine #1

2010-10-12T13:44:00.004-04:00

Here we are in Maine for Moose Peterson's DLWS...Alarms at 5am, and in the cars by 545am to head out for the sunrise shoot. Lots of shooting going on, 35 participants, with instructors Moose Peterson, Joe McNally, Laurie Excell & Kevin Dobler. Awesome talent surrounds us all. Granted I'm here for support, as the go to guy from Adorama, but getting out to shoot every morning & late afternoon has been refreshing to say the least.

Nikon Coolpix P7000 1st Impressions

2010-09-28T12:21:00.003-04:00

All Images: Nikon Coolpix P7000
Jeffrey Snyder 2010

Unboxed the new Nikon Coolpix P7000 yesterday, and had to immediately go out & play. It was an overcast day, and had just finished raining, but I just couldn't wait. I had played with the P7000 about a week ago, and was quite impressed. Love the control it gives you, love the larger size, love the video...Ok ok, I'm giving this a big thumbs up! These are a few samples, more to follow.

Nikon 28-300 VR - Sweet lens for sure!

2010-09-12T12:27:00.002-04:00

Here are a few more images shot with the D3S and the new 28-300 VR lens. Love that you can shoot at all focal lengths down to 18", so 300mm at 18" is awesome---Enjoy...Can't wait to use this at a Red Carpet event too

Dog Swim 2010

2010-09-11T17:36:00.003-04:00

Bella just didn't want to get wet above her ankles?

All images, Nikon D3S, 28-300 AFS/VR, Lexar 600X Media

Margi saw in the local paper that today was the end of summer Dog Swim at the Rockville city pool, so off we went with Bella for a dip...So many of the dogs were diving in, but we couldn't get Bella to swim, she was more interested in finding people that had treats in their pockets, go figure.. It was a cool sight to see literally 1oo's of dog's in every size, shape & color bouncing around in two huge pools. Didn't even see a dog fight or an dog "accident" the entire time we were there. It was a great place to play with the new Nikon 28-300 VR lens, which performed beautifully. Fast focusing and very sharp. Not a bit of sharpening was added to the above images.

Images from the Archive - Round 4

2010-08-09T15:34:00.004-04:00

All Images (C) Jeffrey Snyder 1995

Love finding old negs & slides when cleaning up my office...Found these negs of the Mike Tyson (pre face tattoo) vs Buster Mathis fight, which was held on Dec 12, 1995 in Philadelphia. None of these images were ever published as I fenagled a photo credential, and went up to shoot it. Gotta love Don King's hair...and where has he been lately?

McNally's Lighting Workshops 2010

2010-07-16T15:35:00.003-04:00

You may remember some earlier posts from last year, when I attended Joe McNally's Lighting Workshops...Well, I'm back up here in the Dobbs Ferry studio, all 8000 sq feet...All of which is not air conditioned...Lotsa fans goin all over the place to help keep the air moving. It's hot, but not horrible. The workshop is cool for sure. Lots of small flash techniques as well as big flash, from Nikon SB900's to Elincrom Rangers, and combos too! Lots of light modifiers, LAstolite TRiGrips to Deep Octa Banks.. No matter how many times I attend one of Joe's workshops, its impossible to not come out with some new knowledge, plus getting to meet & shoot with some good people as well.
Here's a few images from the past two days, with one more day to come! ENJOY

The Real Deal-Stephen Strasburg's debut for the Washington Nationals

2010-06-09T13:27:00.004-04:00

Above shot with Nikon D3S, 200-400 VR, 16 2.8 Fish, Lexar Media
All images (c) 2010 Jeffrey Snyder

Standing room only, Cheers like never before, the "MUST ATTEND" event of the year...Washington National's rookie pitcher Stephen Strasburg began his MLB career with 14 Strikeout's...YES, Fourteen in 6 innings, a club record. The Nationals came back from behind to win the game 5-2, with Strassburg's record now at 1-0. It was quite the evening, kinda brought back memories of the old Senators when I was a kid...

Images from the Archive - Round 2

2010-06-07T13:03:00.004-04:00

Images originally shot on Fuji RDP100 Slide Film, Nikon F3 or F100 probably
ALL images (c) Jeffrey Snyder

Here we are, Round 2 from my archive--

These were photographed on June 8, 1991, practically 19 years ago to the day. I remember hearing that all of these Military Aircraft were going to land on the Mall, so I made a few calls and found out it was scheduled for dawn, so up I was prior to the "crack of dawn", and on my way downtown. I saw a bunch of shooters that I knew, so I parked nearby was drinking coffee waiting with them. At one point, we heard a rumble, and it seemed as if the buildings were shaking, which they were....It was the Harrier approaching from miles away, which then dropped vertically to the ground.
This scene in my images will never happen again, at least hopefully so. Seeing Harrier's and Huey's coming around the Capitol Building was a sight that I'll never forget.

Here's the What & Why's of that memorable day:
"8 June - Operation Welcome Home paid tribute to every service member who went to Southwest Asia in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Some 1,800 Marines, 14 pieces of major equipment, and 19 aircraft participated in the Desert Storm National Victory Parade in Washington, D.C. that was led by General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, Commander of the U.S. Central Command and Desert Storm forces. Marines from the I Marine Expeditionary Force and all its major subordinate commands marched in the parade reviewed by the Commander in Chief, President George Bush. In addition to the parade, Marines manned over 30 pieces of equipment on display for public viewing on the Mall in Washington. "

Images from the Archives - Round 1

2010-06-05T16:51:00.003-04:00

ALL IMAGES (C) Jeffrey Snyder
All Images shot with some Nikon Body, prob my old EL2 & a 70-150 E on Ektachrome Film

Found myself plugging in a scanner that I hadn't seen in years...Low & behold it still worked, tho had to download drivers, & get an adapter to be able to plug it into the iMac...

So over time I'll be posting some of my collection of images from the past.

Today I begin with Bruce Springsteen. Had this box of slides on my desk for ages, but hadn't really look at them. Most of these that I'm posting are from the November 1978 at the Capital Center in Landover, MD, which is now rubble. The image of Bruce in the striped shirt is also from the CC, but, a few years later. Keep in mind that these were shot on shitty Ektachrome, hand held, some with the camera over my head, hence the blur...Even a bit blurry, I look at these and I can remember every second of these shows, and hear them. There's nothing quite like being up by the stage when the E Street Band is rockin it, & for many of us, we still crave that feeling, even 32 years later

Hope you enjoy....Round 2 to follow soon

21st Annual Memorial Day Concert - Dress Rehearsal

2010-05-30T10:24:00.003-04:00

Actesses A.J Cook and Blythe Danner

Actors Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna

Lionel Richie

Margi & I headed downtown for the dress rehearsal of Sunday's 21st Annual Memorial Day Concert, on the west lawn of the US Capitol. Turned out to be a gorgeous evening with no humidity. Many of the actual performers skipped the rehearsal, like Brad Paisley, Kelli O'Hara & Yolanda Adams, but here's a few images of those that did appear.

McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area

2010-05-28T16:15:00.004-04:00

All images: Nikon D3S, 200-400 AFS-VR

I was up early this morning, so around 5:45 in decided to head over to McKee-Beshers Wildlife Refuge to shoot Blue Heron. It's still early spring, and the water levels are not very high in the swamps, so naturally I didn't see one...It's so quiet out there, all you hear are the birds and frogs screaming, and I mean SCREAMING. One day I should record the sounds, it's eery loud...Came across the family of Geese, and PaPa Goose wasn't very happy with me being there...We had words, but all he did was stick out his tongue and hiss..Saw these birds with blue backs, and had to fire off some frames, turns out they are Tree Swallows (thank you Moose)

Central Park North, NYC

2010-05-15T11:54:00.003-04:00

Nikon Coolpix S8000

Nikon D3S, 16 2.8 Fisheye

Nikon Coolpix S8000

Nikon D3S, 70-200 2.8 AF VRII

Nikon D3S, 16.28 Fisheye

Walked the northern end of Central Park yesterday with Moose Peterson for an Adorama/Nikon all day workshop. We had a blast from 8:30- 4:30, starting at 105th & 5th, and made our way down to 81st & Central Park West. Great group of people with lots of enthusiasm & great questions all day. Northern Woods, the forest where the waterfalls is, is a truly unique place, as you'd never know that you're smack dab in the middle of New York City. Moose's wife Sharon, Stefanie Cross (Moose's Asst) were with us as well as Nikon's Mike Lopez & Chris Knapp . It's not only a fun day, but educational as well, always learning how to fine tune the craft.
Besides the D3S, I was doing some shooting with the new Nikon Coolpix S8000. Awesome images, incredibly sharp, and easy to carry, gets my 5 star review.

Woody is at it again!

2010-05-05T10:17:00.003-04:00

So, I'm working in my home office, and I look out, and who do I see? My friend, Woody Woodpecker...Kinda funny, he looks at me through the window, and starts to sing/chirp. As soon as I stand up, he takes off, so in order to capture him, I have the D3S w/ 200-400 mounted on the Flashpoint CF Tripod aimed at him. As soon as he lands on the branch, watching the window, i hit the shutter and fire off 40+ frames to get him.
Kinda fun toying with the bird...btw, the holes he making in the dead branch are leaving piles of wood chips on the ground, and the hole is perfectly round, quite amazing!

Caps-Canadiens Game 5

2010-04-24T16:15:00.005-04:00

Montreal's 1st goal in Game 5 of the series...Goal-Cam View...Fired via Pocket Wizard remotes from the Zamboni corner...cool huh?

Our Washington Capitals should have wrapped this series up with the Montreal Canadiens, but...They looked lackluster, and like 1/2 the team didn't show up to play. We lost 2-1, with the only goal scored by Ovie. I was firing the "Goal Cam" via Pocket Wizard remotes, so just a few game images from this one. Had a great place to watch the game, just off the glass in the Zamboni corner of the ice...

Nationals Opening Day 2010

2010-04-06T16:06:00.003-04:00

Hey, where's my beer?

It was a gorgeous day at National Park in DC yesterday for the home opener. That's about all it was since the Nationals lost to the World Champion Phillies 11-1, oh well....President Obama threw out the 1st pitch, in what is a tradition in DC for our President to have that honor.
Opening day always brings back fond memories for me. As a kid, I vividly remember going to every Washington Senator's opening day with my grandfather, and, being able to skip school. Maybe it because I was a kid then, but the home opener has always been a "big deal". Frank "Hondo" Howard, Paul Casanova, Eddie Brinkman & Don Zimmer, are a few of the names that pop up in my head..Baseball was "it" for a kid then, we ate, slept, and woke to baseball. Having a transistor radio hidden under my pillow to listen to the late night games was the norm...Now, my head sees the pillow, and I strike out.

Cherry Blossoms around the Tidal Basin

2010-04-01T21:17:00.003-04:00

Woke up this morning to hear that the Cherry Blossoms in DC were at peak bloom...It happened to be a spectacular day here in the Washington area, 80 & sunny with no humidity whatsoever. David & I headed down before noon, not the best time I know, but we managed to make some nice images. Enjoy, thanks for looking..

PSW Orlando

2010-03-31T07:14:00.005-04:00

Photoshop World in Orlando last week was wild...1000's of attendees in classes that lasted from early morning through the evenings. Adorama's booth in the Expo was crazy busy, and it was great to meet so many of you! I had the opportunity to tag along on the annual Pre-Con Photo Safari with Moose Peterson & Joe McNally, both of whom are crazy in their own rite, but also two of the most talented photographers in the world. The group of 65 traveled from Orlando to Tampa/Ybor City to do some street shooting, as well as visit some cool locations for shoots. 1st stop was the Ybor Museum, where we watched two "Master Cigar Rollers" roll their own, then off to the famed Columbia Restaurant for a lighting demo & shoot. Had a great time with the gang as always!!

Next stop, Photoshop World Las Vegas...See you there in September!

Here's a quick handheld video from the Columbia Restaurant
Nikon D3S, 24-70 AFS

College Hoops Double Header Game 2 - American Univ vs Lafayette

2010-02-28T10:24:00.004-05:00

So, I'm tagging along with Mitchell for Game 2 of the day....We head uptown to the campus of American University to the Bender Arena for the AU vs Lafayette game. My first time there, and its a really nice facility, except the gym is dark, like junior high school dark. Had to bump ISO to 5000-6400 to get decent images, which is certainly not a problem for the D3S to handle. All in all a fun day of shooting, without being under any pressure whatsoever....nice!

College Hoops Double Header Game 1 - Georgetown vs Notre Dame

2010-02-28T09:41:00.003-05:00

Nikon D3, 16 2.8 Fisheye...Love that lens!

Which way's the basket?

Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi enjoyed the game

Rare day for me yesterday, but fun, got to shoot two college hoops games in two different arenas...Thanks Mitchell !
Game 1, Georgetown vs Notre Dame at the Verizon Center in DC. Basically Georgetown looked horrible & got blown out

She's Out of My League

2010-02-25T08:42:00.003-05:00

Had a fun afternoon yesterday shooting two of the stars from Paramount's new film, "She's Out of My League", Alice Eve & Krysten Ritter. The set up promo was down at GW Univ in DC, and it happened just outside the student union building where the student government elections were being held, so H Street was crammed with kids. As soon as the "Curbside Cupcakes" pink truck pulled up, the line for a free cupcake, handed to you by these two cuties wound around the corner.....Alice & Krysten joked with the college kids, and posed for pics with all the drooling frat boys...

Super Bowl XLIV - Game Day

2010-02-09T08:27:00.004-05:00

We arrived at the stadium around 12:30 for the game and took in all the "hoopala".

Enjoy the images! You can see them full screen by clicking the bottom right "full screen" button on the slide show.

Super Bowl XLIV - Week of Game

2010-02-06T06:09:00.004-05:00

The view from my "Office"

On Sunday, you'll see no pavement, just 1000's of fans

This logo is about 50' tall and on the beach in Ft Lauderdale

I gotta say this 1st...I'm writing this from 72+ degree sunny Ft Lauderdale, FL, while at this moment, the snow storm of the century is pounding the Washington, DC area where we live, so to all my friends & family at home, we miss you...

I look at my son David every year when we arrive in the city, which is hosting the Super Bowl and ask, how many of these have we been to? Honestly I've lost count, but I know that I've only missed one in the past 12 years or so, they all kind of blend into one, well mostly. Some are memorable for the experience, some for the game, some for the good times. People always ask, "So, who ya want to win?", and the quick answer is that it really doesn't matter to me (being a lifelong Redskin fan and knowing this dream that hasn't happened since 87'), we just wanna have fun!

I'm lucky to be here, and I know it...I'm here for two reasons, one to do my job for Adorama, which is to make sure that the professional sports shooters that I work with daily, are ready, and have the gear they need to make their job easier, and to be supportive with technical issues as best possible. The other reason is to have a blast, and make some awesome images.

My "office" for Super Bowl week is within the Photo Compound just outside the stadium, where news outlets such as Getty Images, Sports Illustrated, The Associated Press, Reuters News Pictures, European Press Agency, Maclatchey-Tribune, UPI, and more have set up work stations for their shooters & editors to transmit the images that we all see online, and in print within moments of the cameras being clicked. Canon USA is also here, with loaner gear & repairs for the accredited photographers, plus they throw a great pre-game party every year the day before the game!

During this week I'll be posting some images here so that you can have a sneek peek from behind the scenes. You may want to also follow this on Adorama's Blog too.

David has also set up a blog for the week, where he has put an Eye-Fi card in his Nikon D300S, so that each time he "tags" an image, it's transmitted & posted live to a slide show. A must see is his time lapse from driving around the stadium with the camera mounted (with the Fat Gecko) on the front of a golf cart..

Take a look, and check back here throughout the week, weeks, & beyond.

A little bit of Red fever

2010-01-20T08:17:00.005-05:00

All images Nikon D3S, using Nikon 400 2.8 AFS, 70-200 AFS VR II & 16mm Fisheye on Lexar UDMA Media

The sold out Verizon Center went crazy last night when the Washington Capitals came back from behind and beat the Detroit Red Wings 3-2. Fun shooting from above, and from ice level, trying to capture the action. First time out at an indoor event with the Nikon D3S, & 70-200 2.8 AFS VR II lens, both of which performed flawlessly. All of these images were shot at ISO 5000 or 6400, at 25o0-3200th at f4. I was really there helping out Mitchell, checking the "NetCam" between periods, which you can see in one of the images above, in the white box mounted in the net. And yes, I did have to go out onto the ice to do this once the Zamboni passed by, and no, I didn't fall on my ass.

Woodpecker at work

2010-01-04T22:08:00.001-05:00

Woodpecker at work from Jeffrey Snyder on Vimeo.

This is my 1st video with the Nikon D3S & 200-400 AFS/VR lens. Shot through my office window on a very cold January morning.

As my friend Moose would say, "The Office"

2009-12-22T13:45:00.003-05:00

As my friend Moose would say, this was shot from my office...literally. My home office looks out the backyard, at a large oak tree, with one dead branch. Set in available light, with my Nikon D3S, Nikon 200-400 AFS Lens on a tripod aimed out the window and waited, and waited, and finally in the sunshine he appeared. Now waiting to see if there's eggs in there ready to hatch..

Happy Hanukkah & Merry Christmas to all

2009-12-18T20:24:00.005-05:00

Nikon D3S, 50 f1.4 AFS, iso 12500

Nikon Coolpix 640

Happy Holidays to all and a very Happy 2010 New Year --
We wish you all the best....Jeffrey, Margi, David & Samantha

A few images from the past week....In Washington, DC, the National Christmas Tree, and National Menorah, on the Elipse across from the White House.

Nickelodeon's TEENICK HALO Awards

2009-12-10T12:00:00.004-05:00

Image: Nikon D3, 24-70 AFS, SB900 Speedlight, Lexar UDMA Media

Haven't watched the Nickelodeon network since David & Samantha were much younger, and used to watch the show where people got "slimed"..
But, last night there was a screenng of Nick's upcoming TEENICK HALO awards here in DC at the Newseum. Big kudo's out to Nick Cannon, who conceived, hosted & exec produced this event! The HALO "Helping & Leading Others" awards were given to four very impressive teenagers from across the country who are making a significant difference in our world. Great group of kids, and I applaud them all for the hard work they are doing in their communities to help others.
Of course, having his wife Mariah Carey on his arm didn't hurt...

DLWS - NYC

2009-11-21T09:55:00.003-05:00

All Images, Nikon D3/D700, 24-70 AFS, 70-200 AFS on Lexar UDMA Media

Moose Peterson's DLWS came to NYC this week, with Joe McNally being the tour guide in his hometown. Along with Moose & Joe, instructors for the 30+ participants also included Laurie Excell & Kevin Dobler.....Quite the cast of characters to say the least. With 5am departures from the host hotel in Tarrytown, shooting sunrises in Central Park to Liberty Park, NJ, and sunsets from the Brooklyn Bridge to Weehawken, NJ and then back for more classroom time till 10:30pm, the days were long, tiring, but so very exciting too. I spoke to a former DLWS attendee on my way home, and he said, "Oh, you survived another Moose Peterson Sleep Deprevation Workshop eh?" That's it in a nutshell...little sleep, less rest, but an opportunity for so many fantastic images.

Joe arranged for us to see so many sights & views of NYC that only a native would know of. Dues to Joe's relationship with the FDNY's Engine 9, Ladder 6 house in Chinatown, we were able to visit these hero's of 9/11. The firefighters were awesome, and opened the house to us, posed for photos, and explained to us the difficulties & hazards of protecting Chinatown's population. Hats off to these guys & gals....

Hope you enjoy the images as much as I did making them...

Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO

2009-11-14T10:02:00.004-05:00

All Images, Nikon D3 &D700, Nikon 24-70 AFS, Nikon 70-200 f2.8 AFS/VR II on Lexar UDMA Media

Adorama's workshop with my friend Moose Peterson ventured across the Brooklyn Bridge from the Chamber St Station to the D.U.M.B.O area in Brooklyn. DUMBO is a very cool, newly renovated area just below the bridge, filled with galleries & restaurants. It was a very breezy day, with a chill in the air, but thankfully only a few drops rain. Great group of people who joined us for the day, and some of their images will be posted on Adorama's site very soon....Here's a few of mine. The last image of the bridge was dropped into Nikon NX2 software, which made that gray sky blue...And, BTW, the new Nikon 70-200 VRII lens is amazingly sharp. Look at the image with the Empire State bldg through the bridge...You can clearly see the bricks through the hazy day.

Bella at the Park and then to shoot some wildlife

2009-10-10T20:54:00.006-04:00

Bella had a busy day...we hit the new Dog Park this afternoon for a while, and there had to be 35-50 dogs out there running around like crazy...Then late this afternoon, the light was gorgeous, so Bella & I ran out to McKee-Beshers Wildlife Mgmt Area for sunset. Bella is such a great dog...She parked herself between my tripod legs and surveyed the situation. Needless to say, we'll be back there very soon! And, btw, Bella's images were shot w/ Nikon D700, 50 f1.4 AFS/G on Lexar UDMA Media...Bird image, Nikon D700, Nikon 200-400 AFS/VR on Lexar UDMA Media

Photoshop World - Photo Safari

2009-09-30T23:33:00.003-04:00

All Images Nikon D3, 24-70 AFS, 14-24 AFS, Lexar UDMA Media

Here at Photoshop World in Las Vegas...Went on the Photo Safari with my buds, Joe McNally & Moose Peterson (and 50 others) today, out to Nelson, NV, to an old mining town. Lots of great pics to be had...Here's a few that I processed with Nik Filters, using the Polaroid Transfer option. Thought they looked cool, and kind of old school...Enjoy.

DLWS - Bar Harbor, ME - Day 2

2009-09-22T23:17:00.005-04:00

Bass Harbor Head Light

Bar Harbor

All Images-Nikon D3/D700, 50 1.4 AFS, 24-70 2.8AFS, Lexar UDMA Media

Here's a few images from today...Very little sleep & long days, awarded by great dinners with great friends...Started at sunrise today in Bar Harbor, in town by the marina. Lobsterman going in & out all morning, as well as the cruise ship people being shuttled into town. Ended the day at sunset at the Bass Harbor Head Light, then climbed down the rocks to make the picture.
Tired-
Enjoy

DLWS - Bar Harbor, ME - Day 1

2009-09-21T14:28:00.004-04:00

The view from Cadillac Mountain at sunrise 09.21.09

Lots-O Photographers

Joe McNally holding court on Cadillac Mountain
All Images, Nikon D3/D700 14-24/24-70/70-300 VR on Lexar UDMA Media

Here we are at yet another of Moose Peterson's DLWS (Digital Landscape Workshop Series) events, this time in Bar Harbor, ME...Besides Moose as instructors are Joe McNally, Laurie Excell and Kevin Dobler. I'm here, representing Adorama, as we're sponsors, plus I too enjoy getting out & shooting with some of the worlds finest photographers, my friends.
Today is Day One...The group (bout 38), plus myself & Margi assembled at 5:20am, to drive to Cadillac Mountain for sunrise. Cadillac Mountain is the 1st place in the US that the sun rises, and it was packed with people from all around the world. Needless to say it was a gorgeous sunrise...
Off to Bass Harbor for our sunset shoot shortly, more images to follow...after an another amazing Lobstahhh dinner!

2009 MTV Video Music Awards

2009-09-14T09:11:00.008-04:00

All images, Nikon D3, Nikon 400 2.8 AFS, TC14 , on Lexar UDMA Media

Spent the entire day yesterday (2pm Rehersals then 9pm-11:30 Show) inside the famed Radio City Music Hall in NYC. Last nights MTV VMA was quite the spectacle....From Kanye West grabbing the mic from VMA winner Taylor Swift to announce to the world the HE felt Beyonce's video was in his opinion the winner, not Taylor's. How obnoxious is this guy? What a jerk....enough ink for him...
The Michael Jackson tribute with Janet Jackson was great. Lady Gaga, I don't get it (am I that old) and we could do without the blood all over you. Pink, she is just plain cool, and a great performer. Beyonce, a true lady of the arts, she was just fantastic. Green Day are you finished yet? Jay-Z with Alicia Keyes, two moguls of the industry whose duet was so-so at best...Enjoy

Nikon D300S & The Birds at McKee-Beshers WMA

2009-08-09T15:00:00.007-04:00

All images
Nikon D300S, Nikon 200-400 AFS VR, Lexar Media

Got a chance to shoot the new Nikon D300S yesterday, and was VERY impressed. At up to 7fps, I couldn't miss, plus new dual SD/CF card slots for plenty of storage...I went out to my new favorite spot to catch some wildlife, McKee-Beshers WMA. I always see some great birds here, and knew it'd be a great place to try it out. With the 200-400 f4 VR Zoom on the D300S, I had 1.5x more reach as its a DX body, which in this case was great to have in order to really capture the birds over the swampy waters.
With 720p HD Video incorporated in the camera too, its quite a package! I'll post a short video soon too! Enjoy

From Julia Child to GI Joe

2009-08-01T12:34:00.003-04:00

Well its been one of those crazy weeks...On top of my daily Adorama responsibilities, I had two assignments to shoot...

Thursday evening at the Smithsonian's Museum of American History where Writer/Director Nora Ephron donated costumes, a signed script, and props from her new film, "Julie & Julia", about Julia Child and a Bloger/Writer, starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams, both of whom did a fantastic job. Go see this film as soon as it hits the screens, it was great!

Friday afternoon/evening I was at Andrews AFB for Paramount's Premiere of "GI Joe: Rise of the Cobra". The stars of the movie were there too (though REALLY late due to storms & air traffic control re-routing their jet from BWI to Dulles). It was a star studded event for the base with Channing Tatum, Sienna Miller, Rachel Nichols and Marlon Wayans in attendance who greeted all of the wounded warriors & families.
It was a very humbling experience to see so many wounded & recovering soldiers with their wives/husbands and children. The cast donated toys and signed autographs and spent many hours with anyone & everyone who wanted to have their photo taken or just shake hands. Paramount Pictures, their cast & crew deserve some kudos for this event.

Bethany Beach, Delaware - Summer 2009

2009-07-16T12:31:00.003-04:00

All Images: Nikon D700, 14-24 AFS, Lexar Digital Media

For the 24th straight year the entire Snyder clan has been going to Bethany Beach, DE. It's always a really nice time to spend together. I'll be posting more images as I take them, but here's a few shot in HDR.

Michael Jackson 1958-2009

2009-06-25T22:18:00.004-04:00

Michael Jackson, "The King of Pop" died today, June 25, 2009....

For a few more images click here:

Michael Jackson

Joe McNally's Lighting Workshops - Continued

2009-06-24T22:58:00.003-04:00

Nikon D700, 70-200 AFS, Lexar Digital Media

Another day of Joe's Lighting Workshops in Dobbs Ferry. The building that houses the rental space for the workshops is very cool & funky. Old, bad shape, hot & sticky, but high ceilings, and grat light blasting through the floor to ceiling windows. Again, the models did a great job, put up with everyone's cameras rapid firing all day. Enjoy...js

NYC then to Joe McNally's Lighting Workshops - Dobbs Ferry, NY

2009-06-23T21:56:00.002-04:00

All images (C) Jeffrey Snyder 2009
Nikon D700, 24-70 AFS, 70-200 AFS, Lexar Digital Media

Started off the week with Margi, in Times Square, New York City for our anniversary. We had a blast, saw Susie Essman of "HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm" fame at the famous Caroline's Comedy Club on Broadway. She was hysterical....and just like her charectar on the show. From NYC we headed north up the Hudson to the Tarrytown/Dobbs Ferry area for Joe McNally's Lighting Workshops. Joe & his staff, Lynn, Drew, plus interns galore keep the sets changing for the workshop attendees, the models are filing in & out, and in a long 9am-6pm day, your mind is filled with ideas on how to take your flash images to an other level. No matter how many times, I've sat in on one of Joe's talks, I walk away with something new, not to mention alot of laughs. It was also really great to meet Syl Arena from the pixsylated.com blog, and of www.pasoroblesworkshops.com. The workshop continues this week thru Wednesday, then next week Saturday thru Wednesday. Worth its weight in gold, if you ever get the chance. www.joemcnally.com/blog

2009 CMT Awards - A new addition to the Jeffrey Snyder Experience

2009-06-18T22:44:00.005-04:00

Taylor Swift

Julianne Hough

Kellie Pickler

Dierks Bentley and Jake

Trace Adkins with T-Pain

If it's Tuesday, I must have been in Nashville right? This past Tuesday I actually was in Nashville, on the Red Carpet for the 2009 Country Music Television awards. I wasn't alone, had to be thousands of raucous fans hanging over the barriers trying to get a glimpse of Taylor Swift or Keith Urban or Trace Adkins or T-Pain. Yes, I said T-Pain, the rapper. If you can figure it out, or wanna take the time to, knock yourself out. Dierks Bentley walked the carpet with his dog Jake, who had his own Media Credential hanging from his collar, and his own seat for the show. Then Def Leopard, the metal band from the 70's came down the carpet, I knew I musta been in the wrong decade...they did a duet with 19 year old Taylor Swift, who wasn't even a gleem in her parents eye when Def Leopard was on the charts. All in all a great event, extremely well run, hats off to the CMT Staff

Randy Johnson wins his 300th MLB game

2009-06-05T20:26:00.005-04:00

Nikon D3, 24-70 AFS & 200-400 AFS, Lexar Digital Media

Had the opportunity to photograph history last night. An event that may never happen again in our lifetime. Randy Johnson, the 6'10" Pitcher for the San Francisco Giants was in town throwing speedballs against the Washington Nationals. He was pitching for his 300th win. Not too shabby for a 45 year MLB player. He was supposed to have pitched the night before, but the game was rained out. This game was the 1st of a double header, which was delayed 40 minutes for more rain, game began, and it was never called even with nonstop moisture all night long. Game and post game went fine, got the images needed. Took a fall on the way into the press conference, tripped on some loose fabric that was skirting the riser for Johnson to sit on, landed on both cameras. Trashed the 24-70 and 70-200 lenses. Evidently from what I'm told, Randy turned around to help me up. Will deal with the lenses this week.....ughhh
Here's a few images from the game, enjoy, as Randy Johnson did as soon as he saw his kids on the field.

134th Preakness Stakes

2009-05-17T18:44:00.005-04:00

The final result

Blood-Horse Cover Image: Jeffrey Snyder 2009

Nikon D3, Nikkor 600mm f4 AFS, Lexar 300x 8GB Media

Rachel Alexandra with jockey Calvin Borel

Above: Nikon D3, 600mm f4, Lexar Digital Media

(l-r) Owner Jess Jackson, Jockey Calvin Borel, Trainer Steve Asmussen

A bit of history took place at the Preakness Stakes on Saturday. Rachel Alexandra with Calvin Borel aboard was the fifth filly to win the middle jewel of the Triple Crown, the first since Nellie Morse in 1924...Yes, 1924, 85 years ago.
Pimlico Race track, a Maryland institution was the setting, with just over 85,000 in attendance, down by about 20,000. This was the 1st year that Preakness officials new rule went into effect, attendees could no longer bring in their own Beer. Where the infield was once wall to wall people partying the day away, this year you could see the grass field sparsley populated.
I was shooting on the Blood-Horse crew, my position was in the 1st turn, shooting head on with a 600mm lens as the horses headed directly at me. Always great to work with my friends Anne, Skip, Rick, Dave as well as Jerry and the infamous Jimmy McCue of the MD Jockey Club. A BIG thank you shout out to Tom Quinn for assisting me this year.
Calvin Borel rode Rachel Alexandra into the eyes of Horse Racing history.....From the Start to the Finish line to the Winners Circle.

"Night at the Museum: Battle at the Smithsonian" DC Premiere

2009-05-15T22:27:00.004-04:00

Owen Wilson, Robin Wiliams, Hank Azaria, Ben Stiller, Amy Adams

Last night at the Smithsonian's National Air & Space Museum, it looked like Hollywood. The Premiere of "Night at the Museum: Battle at the Smithsonian" took place beneath and alongside Airplanes, Space Capsules and Rockets. With an A+ Cast, consisting of Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Amy Adams, Hank Azaria, Ricky Gervais and Owen Wilson, this is sure to a box office hit. Robin Williams & Ricky Gervais were hysterical from the moment they arrived...My assignment, Red Carpet arrivals.

Caps/Penguins Playoff 's Game 7

2009-05-13T23:51:00.004-04:00

There I am, behind the glass with camera pointed up instead of towards the ice...

Caps wave goodbye to the crowd after losing

What should have been an exciting game, with the crowd goin nuts, the Verizon Center (aka The Phone Booth) was not shaking as it shoulda have been. You could have heard a pin drop. What a disappointment....Caps lose 6-2. Maybe next year?

DLWS Kitty Hawk OBX Day 4 PM

2009-05-07T09:11:00.003-04:00

What a great way to end DLWS, which is Digital Landscape Workshop Series, here in the Outer Banks. The DLWS team is simply amazing. I've been to 100's of workshops/seminars over my 30 years in this biz, and nothing compares to the DLWS series. Moose Peterson, along with his wife Sharon run a 1st class workshop, aimed at everyone with an interest in Landscape photography, Lighting Techniques (w/ Joe) , Digital Darkrrom assistance plus so much more. With a staff consisting of Joe McNally, Laurie Excell & Kevin Dobler, every participant gets as much personal attention as they'd like. It's an exhausting few days, dawn to 11pm, but worth every moment. If you have that photo bug, and would love to learn from the best, I'd urge you to check out the website for DLWS, and sign up. Don't wait, they sell out at every location.
For our last shoot, we headed to the Bodie Lighthouse for sunset. The top & bottom images above were shot in HDR, a series of 5 images, at different exposures, all processed via PhotoMatix. Once processed, the magic appears on your screen.
Next stop for DLWS, Bar Harbor in September, then NYC in October......I can't wait!

DLWS Kitty Hawk OBX Day 4 AM

2009-05-06T16:58:00.002-04:00

Todays call time was 4:30 am, for the hour drive to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. We made it there in plenty of time to see the sun rise over the ocean, and to see the beams of light from the Lighthouse, before it went off for daylight. It was a great drive to Cape Hatteras, very scenic.

DLWS Kitty Hawk OBX - Day 3 AM

2009-05-05T13:35:00.003-04:00

Another 5am call time, we all headed to Wanchese Harbor, very near Nags Head. This is a working fisherman's harbor, so it was abuzz with boats coming & going. Enjoy.

DLWS Kitty Hawk OBX Day 2-AM

2009-05-04T12:38:00.002-04:00

All images Nikon D3, 24-70 AFS & 14-24 AFS, Lexar Digital Media

Call time at 5am this morning, in the car, in line to get to the shooting location. We headed out for a sunrise shoot at the Currituck Lighthouse, near Duck, NC. Couldn't see how beautiful the area was on the way, but on the way back, with daylight, Duck looks sorta like Bethany Beach, but the homes are all lined up along the beach, many many very large homes.

DLWS - Kitty Hawk, NC OBX

2009-05-03T20:01:00.003-04:00

HDR Image - 7 Frames processed with PhotoMatix

All images, Nikon D700, 24-70 f2.8 AFS, Lexar Digital Media

Down here in the Outer Banks, Kitty Hawk, NC for Moose Peterson's DLWS, Digital Landscape Workshop Series. Amazing shooting for the next 3 days with Moose, Joe McNally, Laurie Excell and Kevin Dobler, plus 35 workshop participants from all over the USA and the world. Great group of people, all completely into learning about how to make better images. The images above are from last night, from the balcony overlooking the beach. We start shooting for real tomorrow at 5am, yes i said 5am.

Central Park with Moose

2009-04-24T20:09:00.002-04:00

What a fantastic day! You couldn't have ordered nicer weather. Adorama Workshops & Nikon sponsored Moose Peterson for a "Walk in the Park", Central Park that is, smack dab in the middle of NYC. In all the times I've been to NYC, I've not ever stepped into the park. We had twenty workshop attendees, who all had a blast listening to Moose's vision on Landscape & Wildlife photography while strolling through this oasis surrounded by skyscrapers from 8:30am till 6pm.
Here's a few images from the day...Enjoy

Wildlife - Close to home

2009-04-11T17:04:00.004-04:00

All images (c) Jeffrey Snyder 2009
Nikon D3, Nikon 200-400 VR, Lexar UDMA Memory

Last year, Margi & I discovered a Wildlife Management Area, about 25 minutes from our house. In the past few weeks, I've found myself there a few times, walking & shooting images. It's like an oasis in Montgomery County, quiet, serene, and quite breathtaking, just off the C&O Canal, near the Potomac River. The Swamp area is very cool, with geese everywhere, so many birds that I lost count, and of course snakes. The Downy Woodpecker shown above was working away at a tree, and kept staring back at me, and didn't seem to mind me firing off images. Last week on a sunny warm day, we saw no less than a dozen snakes basking in the sun on branches, just smiling at us. The one shown here is an American Water Snake, female, according to the DNR guy that happened to have been there.
When I got there yesterday, I saw this Blue Heron take off in front of me, and I could barely get my 200-400 VR lens up in time, so its a little blurred, but still cool. Enjoy.

The Cable Show 09'

2009-04-09T10:07:00.004-04:00

Last week here in DC, I had the opportunity to work with FOX Broadcasting to photograph a few of their "Stars" at "the Cable Show 2009", which was a convention of Cable networks, showing off their products to perspective affiliates. Among them were "The King" Richard Petty, Baseball Hall of Famer Lou Brock, Snowboard Champ and X Games Gold Medalist Torah Bright, and The cast of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" starring Danny DeVito

Cherry Blossom Time in DC

2009-03-30T21:15:00.003-04:00

The skies were a deep blue, the clouds bright white, and about 65 Degrees, so we couldn't resist a quick drive to the Tidal Basin, surrounding the Monuments in our Nation's Capitol. The Annual Cherry Blossom Festival is in full swing, and the blossoms are at their peak. It's quite the sight to see. Enjoy.

Bella out at the Park

2009-03-22T07:06:00.002-04:00

When the water bottle is pulled out of the kitchen cabinet, Bella jumps up and starts to talk, almost whining, that translates into "Let's GO, and let's GO NOWWWWW". She loves the Dog Park, and is one happy dog when she's out there running, playing, and romping with the many other dogs that are out there. It's a blast for her, and us.

Goodbye Natasha Richardson

2009-03-19T23:42:00.002-04:00

Actress Natasha Richardson died earlier this week from a Skiing accident. She was 45. I photographed her with her husband Actor Liam Neeson at the 2006 Kennedy Center Honors in DC. Awful tragedies remind me that I should feel lucky each and every day.

Super Bowl XLIII & the Super Bruce Halftime

2009-02-02T10:26:00.004-05:00

David & I at our 9th Super Bowl

First off, let me say how truly wonderful it is to be able to spend quality time with my son, David at what has become a tradition. This was our 9th Super Bowl. It was and is always a blast!
Super Bowl Sunday began at 1pm, boarding the Media bus from the Sheraton Suites in Tampa headed to Raymond James Stadium...The stadium is about 3 miles from the hotel, and it only took 40 minutes for the driver (who must have been imported from another state) to find it. Once there, and after making it through security, we immediately hit the field to get that 1st glimpse in daylight of what was about to be filled with 60,000 Steeler fans and maybe 15,000 Cardinal fans....Tampa was Black/Gold all week.

What is being touted as one of the best Super Bowl games ever, was just that...So exciting, even for us Redskin fans that bleed burgundy & gold.

So, OK, the game was great....but when the clocked ticked down to 1 minute in the 1st half to go, the ropes came up around the sidelines, and 500 red jacketed rent-a-security idiots lined the field to keep the media away from the impending Springsteen halftime show. Within 5 minutes, the stage was rolled out, the lights went on, the fireworks began, and Bruce launched into 10th Ave Freezeout...The sound in the stadium was terrible, well not that bad I guess...but not what we're all used to. I did the best I could to get as close as possible, but if you've ever experienced the General Admission tickets for any of the Springsteen tours, multiply that by 10 as to how many people they put on the field for his 12 minute Super Bowl show. I'm looking forward to watching it in HD on the DVR when I get home. What you probably didn't hear was, in the stadium, just after they finished playing, the music blasted Southside Johnny's version of "The Fever"... loved that. PS...Saw Nils on the sidelines, and even took his picture with his wife

A few hours post-game, we hit the Media bus again, only to find out that they are not taking us back to the hotel, but to the Media Ctr in downtown Tampa, where we had to get another bus to the hotel. The NFL totally F'd this up...One hour 45 minutes to get back the 3 miles to the hotel on another bus with a driver who should have had a GPS that spoke Spanish, because he only understood make a left turn...

YBor City - Super Bowl XLIII week

2009-02-01T11:11:00.005-05:00

YBor City just outside of Tampa is definitely the hot spot this week, leading up to the Super Bowl. There's no question that the Steeler fans outnumber the Cardninal fans by a long shot. The entire city looks like its black & gold. Kinda was like Bourbon St, bars flowed into the streets, and people screaming and having a blast...

Pepsi Smash Concert - Super Bowl XLIII

2009-01-30T17:19:00.003-05:00

Jerry O'Connell hosted this 1/2 taped, 1/2 live on VH1 concert last night at the Florida Fairgrounds, just outside of Tampa. Performances by Lifehouse, Fall Out Boy and Rhianna went pretty well. Its amazing that when there's a live TV event, such as a concert, its all so staged, timing is everything. Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy (pictured here) and Rhianna (also pictured here) were the two shining stars of the night...

Bruce + Super Bowl = Way too much fun!!

2009-01-30T16:13:00.005-05:00

Here in Tampa (yes, it is sunny & warm) for Super Bowl XLIII, and I think there is more excitement surrounding the halftime entertainment, than the game...Well at least through my eyes, or should I say ears...Had the opportunity to shoot Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band's press conference at the Media Center, which was standing room only. As soon as Bruce was introduced, he thanked everyone for coming, and then immediately said that if anyone had a Football related question, ask the Big Man, as he pointed to Clarence...

I managed to get as close as possible (can you imagine that?), front row, just off to the right, and was able to make some fun images. The entire band was very relaxed, and seemed to be totally enjoying the experience. To say I can't wait for 1/2 time is an understatement...

'Good Night, and Good Luck' at the Newseum in DC

2009-01-27T23:10:00.002-05:00

Actor George Clooney joined his dad, former journalist Nick Clooney at a screening of "Good Night, and Good Luck", at the Newseum in DC Monday night....

Next Stop...Tampa....Super Bowl XLIII...Stay tuned

Inaugural Events - Tuesday January 20 2009

2009-01-21T21:50:00.004-05:00

Wyclef Jean and Gen. Colin Powell

Wyclef Jean rockin the house

Debra Lee, Chairman & CEO BET Networks and Mary J. Blige

Inauguration Day.. An amazing time in all of our lives, serious change is happening in front our eyes, change for the better, change for all of us. Early Tuesday, I was speaking with customers of mine across the country from New York City to Indiana to Nevada, and it was evident that the excitement of what was happening in our backyard, downtown Washington, DC was enormous as it is/was. Maybe I take it for granted, growing up and still living in the DC area, having the White House, US Capitol, Smithsonian Institution, and all of the Memorials so close by, but when I was on the phone, the question I got was, "So, whats up with you today?"...Well have ya turned on the TV? Have ya read a paper? Get with the program, 2 million people expected in DC. I was glued to the TV all day, till we had to adventure out into the masses for tonight's event, the BET Inaugural Ball.

The ball didn't begin till 9pm, and we decided to head out at 4 (5 hours should be OK, right?), just to make sure we got there. Every report had horror stories of traffic jams, Metro closures and warned you to leave early. We hit the Metro at 4:15, arrived at L'EnFant Plaza around 4:45, found out that L'Enfant Plaza was an ENTRANCE only station today, and not an EXIT. No way we were dragging the gear back down the non-working escalators, and going to the next station...so, we exited through an entrance, and walked to the top, and then 6 blocks to the Mandarin Oriental for the party.

The Hawaiian Ball was in the ballroom next to the BET Inaugural Ball, and rumor was that President Obama was coming...never happened. BET knows how to throw a party, great food and lots of Grey Goose...Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Larry David, Soledad O'Brien, and Ashanti were some of the guests..General Colin Powell was REALLY enjoying the tunes of Wyclef Jean, who was fantastic and rocked the house...Party ended well after 2am, Metro closed at 2, so we had to cab it back to the car...Justa $100+ cab ride, pulled in around 3:30am...Great week, lots of long late hours, lots of fun, and some cool images. Enjoy.

Inaugural Events - Monday January 19 2009

2009-01-21T20:27:00.005-05:00

Jay-Z

Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore

Judith Light, Sharon Stone

Shakira

Larry David

First stop on Monday was the pre-show reception for the Jay-Z show at the Warner Theater. David & I left in plenty of time and got to the Warner with hours to spare. My contact wasn't there yet, so we walked aroung the back to the "Stage Door", and got waved right in, NO credentials, NO questions. Guess we looked liked we belonged. The second we got to the door, David heard Jay-Z doing sound checks and rehearsing the show....We walked in, via backstage, sat in seats in the theater, and just to our right was Beyonce, just hanging out alone, watching. Pretty cool. Beyonce was soon escorted out by two guys that made me look tiny. Couple hours later Jay-Z hit the red carpet at the reception, so I was out the door. Beyonce performed during the Jay-Z show, as well as Mary J. Blige...nice line-up

Second stop - I then headed down PA Ave to the Newseum for the Huffington Post/My Space Pre-Inaugural party. The celebs and guests poured into the building, and I mean poured in. I had no idea where they were putting this many people, tho they were piling in to see Sting, Will.I.Am and Sheryl Crow perform.

At the end of the arrivals at about 12:30am, I walked down Pa Ave from 6th back to the Warner at 13th. The streets were deserted, the barricades were up at every intersection, they lined the street from the Capitol to the White House. It wasn't an eery feeling, it was was an exciting feeling, change was in the air... knowing that in less than 6 hours more than a million people would be covering every inch of real estate along the route of the parade to the White house from the Capitol.

Inaugural Week Events - Saturday January 17 2009

2009-01-18T11:15:00.005-05:00

Mary J. Blige accepting her BET Honor from Sean "Diddy" Combs

(L-R) Joss Stone, Queen Latifah, Ne-Yo, Yolanda Adams, Stevie Wonder, M onica, Anita Baker, and Wycleaf Jean

Whitney Houston

Queen Latifa performs

On Saturday night the 2nd Annual BET Honors were held at the infamous Warner Theatre. The Warner is block off Pennsylvania Ave at 13th St, where in just a couple of days will be filled with 2 Million+ people to see history in the making, and watch the parade from the US Capitol to the White House for the swearing in ceremony of Barak Obama.
The BET Honors was being taped for broadcast on Monday, and from where I was, it went off with a hitch, although Stevie Wonder did have to repeat "Superstitious" twice. The performances were great, Stevie, Queen Latifah, Anita Baker, Ne-Yo, Monica, Anthony Hamilton (Go get this guy's CD, what a voice!), Puffy P Diddy Combs, Terrence Howard, Joss "Barefoot" Stone, and surprise guest presenter Whitney Houston...More to follow....Stay tuned

Inaugural Week Events - Friday January 16 2009

2009-01-18T10:11:00.006-05:00

Magic Johnson & Samuel L. Jackson

Gabrielle Union, B. Smith, Samuel L. Jackson

I'll be updating the blog over the next week, as I stumble in late at night after shooting Inaugural events here in the Nation's Capitol. I began on Friday at the home of Debra Lee, Chairman & CEO of BET Networks, who hosted a party for this year's BET Honrees, who include Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Tyler Perry, Mary J. Blige, B. Smith, Judith Jamison and Congressman James E. Clyburn. Actress Gabriell Union, Singers Anthony Hamilton, Anita Baker and actor Samuel L. "Pork Chopes taste Goooood" Jackson were also in attendance. Needless to say Washington DC is in lockdown mode, so for those of you reading this from afar, stay inside, stay warm, and sit back in front of your big screen TV.

A warm December night in Washington, DC

2008-12-29T00:08:00.009-05:00

Well I got the bug. After reading about and seeing some HDR (High Dynamic Range) images, I had to venture out to try some. The above image is a compilation of five images into one, run through Photomatix HDR Software for processing, and the effects are very cool. Margi & I drove downtown so that I could give it a shot...The streets in DC were quiet on the Sunday night between Christmas & New Years.

You will not see this on January 20th, 2009

2008-12-26T11:32:00.004-05:00

While sifting through mounds of old photos, I came across one from Ronald Reagan's 1st Inauguration on January 20, 1980. I was working in downtown DC, about 50' off of Pennsylvania Ave. After the swearing in ceremony at the Capitol, the procession began to the White House, down PA Ave. I remember climbing up onto a an Army flatbed truck, setting up a tripod w/ a Nikon F2 (BD-Before Digital) Film camera with a 300mm f2.8 (BAF-Before Auto Focus) and making this image of President Ronald Reagan standing through the sunroof, waving to the crowds of people.

Ya think this will ever happen again? No way any trucks let a non-credentialed photographer climb up on it, and No way President Elect Obama stands through the sunroof waving...

Times have certainly changed, and keep changing...Hard to believe that was 29 years ago

New York City - Happy Holidays

2008-12-20T18:03:00.003-05:00

No matter if you are lighting candles for Hanukkah, or celebrating Christmas, New York City this time of year is about as festive as it gets. I was in NYC this week for the annual NY Press Photographers Assn holiday party, so I walked over to Rockefeller Plaza and couldn't resist all the lights for images. A heartfelt Happy Holidays to all!

"Bedtime Stories"

2008-12-13T23:27:00.008-05:00

Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington , DC had a few special guests today, visiting troops as part of the USO. Adam Sandler with buddy Rob Schnneider made the rounds, and then surprised a full house at the AFI Silver Theater who were there for an advance screening of Disney's "Bedtime Stories", starring Sandler, with Schneider too (who announced "Don't blink, you'll miss me"). Adam Sandler was very gracious, came by, shook my hand, couldn't have been a nicer guy-

31st Annual Kennedy Center Honors

2008-12-09T17:56:00.006-05:00

The 31st Annual Kennedy Center Honors was held on Sunday 12/07/08 in Washington. This years Hororees included Barbara Streisand, Morgan Freeman, Twyla Tharp, George Jones, and The Who's Roger Daltry & Pete Townsend. The red carpet was load with many famous celebrity faces, like Clint Eastwood, Jack Black, Beyonce Knowles, Joss Stone, Chriss Cornell, Dave Grohl, Rob Thomas, Quincy Jones, Queen Latifah plus many more. The usual gang of red carpet photographers crammed into a smaller space than in the past, all pushing for the best vantage point possible. I did just fine, cuz, "Nobody bother me" as Jhoon Ree used to say in the TV ads here in DC (now I'm showing my age). More images can be seen here on my site: Kennedy Center Honors 2008

Team JS4MS is back....Please join us

2008-11-26T21:32:00.008-05:00

There are so many distractions in today's world. We're all being pulled in hundreds of directions, that sometimes we don't have time to give back. Many days I feel like the day goes by in 15 minutes, and I didn't get a thing accomplished. Last year was one of those years, where I just didn't have time to give back. For 10 years prior, Margi & I had co-Captained "Team JS4MS", our "team" in the Washington, DC area's annual MS Walk, to raise funds that go toward research to find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. In those 10+ years, we have raised just over $182, 000, and last month at an awards ceremony in Chicago I was an honored as an inductee into the National MS Society's "Volunteer Hall of Fame". Unfortunately, due to a prior commitment, I was not able to attend, so last week in DC, I visited the MS Society's office, and was given this ribbon and a beautiful engraved plaque by chapter President, Chris Broullire and Betsy O'Brien Anderson VP of Development at the Society. I really appreciated all the kind words they had to say during my visit.

TEAM JS4MS is BACK, and accepting donations, and hopefully more & more team members for the 2009 MS Walk. This year's walk takes place on Saturday April 29, 2009. Mark your calendars now. Join us...Drop me a note for more info, or for us to add you to our info emails.

We all need to make the time to give back, the funds raised for research is helping and most importantly working, I know first hand.

And again, it IS Gilbert!

2008-11-22T23:46:00.009-05:00

Caron Butler (#3) scores two over Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets.

D3, 24-70, ISO 4000, DX mode

Madame Tussauds had me follow the new wax figure of Gilbert Arenas to the Verizon Center last night for an unveiling between the 3rd & 4th quarter of the Wizards/Rockets game. The sold out crowd roared when the curtains dropped, and saw real Gilbert was with wax Gilbert. Even Yao Ming had a big smile on his face...so jealous.

It's Gilbert, maybe....

2008-11-20T20:21:00.007-05:00

It's Gilbert! or is it? You decide...Today I shot Gilbert Arenas's wax figure being unveiled at Madame Tussauds in DC. In the DC area, Gilbert Arenas of the Washington Wizards just about walks on water, although he's on IR, recovering from surgery. Everyone loves Agent Zero. From a few feet away, you'd do a double take, it's that true to life.

Marley comes to Washington

2008-11-12T20:22:00.008-05:00

Brownie aka "Marley"

I found myself amongst the dogs today, literally....Got an email a few days ago from the gang at Allied Advertising, Sara, Ivory, & Brandi, asking if I was available to shoot a promotional event for the new FOX movie, "Marley & Me" (marleyandmemovie.com). I thought the title rang a bell, and it did, Marley & Me was a book for kids that had been in my house way back when ours were young. I checked out the movie's site and saw that it stars Jennifer Anniston & Owen Wilson, and my A list star alarm went off, so I immediately emailed Allied back and said sure, count me in. Little did I know that the "talent" wasn't coming into town, but "Marley", or at least "Brownie" who plays "Marley" was there on the Ellipse across from The White House to meet with 20 or so adoptable dogs from agencies in the region. Turns out that the event was to promote Dog Adoption, aiming at President Elect Obama's statement that "the girls have earned that new puppy" for the White House. Marley/Brownie is a gorgeous Yellow Lab, which hits home, as our own Bella (Yellow Lab/Golden Retriever mix) has a sweet spot in the Snyder home. Bella is THE smartest dog ever, who rules her turf, and is being courted by the Miller/Gold Agency

Bella

Usher "The Ladies Only" Tour

2008-11-05T20:30:00.004-05:00

Nikon D3, 24-70 AFS ISO 2500

I received a last minute call from a client yesterday afternoon asking if I was available to photograph the Usher concert last night at the Warner Theater in DC and a short Meet n' Greet prior to the show. I thought about it for a second and said sure, sounds like fun, plus an assignment is an assignment. A Meet n' Greet consists of fans that have usually won a radio contest, and they have a chance to smile, hug, drool, hug some more, fawn over the performer, and then not want to let go. I'd say I knocked out each winner's photo with Usher in about 20 seconds, and then NEXXXT. It worked out well, no problems at all. The show began shortly after this (like 90 minutes...). I was lucky enough to have great access to the venue thanks to TJ, Usher's Tour Manager, Thanks again TJ. Usher is an amazing performer and dancer, and what a great artist to photograph.

Snyder's attack PhotoPlus Expo - NYC

2008-10-28T21:28:00.004-04:00

Last weekend history was made (in the Snyder family) at the annual PhotoPlus Expo in NYC at the Javits Center. Father & son working the same show. I represented Adorama, and for the 1st time, David worked the show for Nikon.
I thought our booth was busy, but when you took a look at Nikon's huge 70x70' exhibit, all you could see was a flood of people. David got quite the intro to trade shows, being asked every possible question from A to Z for three days straight.
On Saturday of the show, Dad/Grandpa (Stanley) took the train up to walk the floor with me and to see David in action. Needless to say, we were both very proud, of my son, and Dad's grandson out in the real world...Lots of smiles! Dad got a chance to meet and hear some legends of the industry speak on Saturday too, Joe McNally, Moose Peterson, Cliff Mauntner, and Ron Magill from the Miami Zoo, who brought an 8 week old leopard out on the Nikon stage.
The three of us had a great dinner together in NYC, before heading back home on Sunday, watching the Redskins beat the Lions the whole way via Amtrak on Slingbox (Slingbox is possibly the best invention since the napkin)
All in all, we had a great weekend! Oh, and thanks to my buddy, Bill Auth for snapping the image you see here.

Afternoon at Kent Island on the Chesapeake

2008-10-11T17:21:00.003-04:00

Had a great afternoon drive to Kent Island with Margi, Mom & Dad. Lunch on the water, on which may be one of the last remaining beautiful days of Fall. The boats were cruising the Chesapeake Bay, and there were 100's of sails dotting the Bay from the view on the Rte 50 Bay Bridge. The eastern shore of Maryland is really nice this time of year

Faces of Ground Zero - Joe McNally

2008-10-08T21:28:00.000-04:00

As many of you know, Joe McNally is a great photographer and self confessed "we still keep in touch to this day" kinda guy, and I'm lucky to say, a good good friend. Just so happens that Joe is married to Annie, who I've known for many years...Annie is in the biz too, and shoots a mean 400 2.8...Anyway, Joe's "Faces of Ground Zero" project is now being sponsored by Adorama, and we're thrilled to be a part of this history making group of images. Please take a few minutes to read all about it here on Joe's blog: http://www.joemcnally.com/blog/2008/07/08/welcome-adorama/

DLWS - Killington, VT - Moose Peterson

2008-10-08T18:41:00.000-04:00

Just got back from a few days at Moose Peterson's DLWS (Digital Landscape Workshop Series) in Killington, VT. Moose along with Joe McNally, Laurie Excel, and Kevin Dobler run of the most informational filled 3 day workshop that I've ever attended. From pre-dawn departures to late night editing sessions, I can't express how fantatstic of an experience the DLWS is. Vermont happened to be drop dead gorgeous, smack dab in the middle of the fall foliage season, which made for gorgeous images full of life and bursting with color.

Adorama is thrilled to anounce that we have partnered with Moose Peterson as a sponsor and we're looking forward to the coming months and years.

Read all about Moose and the DLWS series here: www.moosepeterson.com

Here are a few of my images from the DLWS

For Opener's

2007-11-14T10:20:00.000-05:00

Where to begin....I'm going to work my way backwards, and start off with the past week or so....

Wednesday Night-

I was hired by my client to shoot the arrivals of a "Quiet & Laid back" screening for some Congressmen & women as well as Senators and Government types that would be in attendance for the new film, "Lions for Lambs". Little did I know, that upon my arrival at the Uptown Theatre in DC, I was met with about 50 security guys in dark suits, all whispering into their sleeves. My immediate thought was "Secret Service", maybe the 1st Lady was coming? Or the President? Turns out they were not Secret Service, but a private security firm out of NYC, because Tom Cruise and his wife Katie Holmes, plus actor/director Robert Redford were on the way....Having shot a million screenings/premieres over the past 25+ years, when I hear "Quiet & Laid Back", I showed up with one Nikon D2XS camera, one 18-200 lens, one SB-800 flash, plenty of cards, and one camera

battery. What's the lesson here? ALWAYS bring more equipment than you think you'll need, BE PREPARED. I immedietly called my friend Bill Auth, who was gracious enough to drop off an extra camera battery for me at the hotel where the after party was being held, so that my mind was more at ease, turns out I didn't need it...Thank you again Bill. Longer story short, Mr. Cruise & wife were no shows at the after party, and Mr. Redford did a walk through, and shook hands, smiled and bolted out. Long story short, it all worked out great, my client was happy, Reuters ran 3 images, and I FTP'd 75 images to my agency.

Saturday--

A client that I had a working relationship with years ago, had moved to NYC, and she's now a VP of Marketing for a major theatre chain. When she called and asked if I could shoot the interior of their new facility in Baltimore, of course I accepted. Saturday at 7am, I left my house, and drove up to a great new section of Baltimore, called HarborEast. This time, I was prepared, all my gear, including 3 Nikon SB-800's for lighting up a dark theatre, via the greatest wireless TTL system you can find, plus a FlashPoint Carbon Fibre tripod for stability. The results were right on. Another lesson learned...Stay in touch with your clients, and treat them with the same respect you'd like to be treated with, and one day you'll get that call.

Sunday--

I left my house at 6am on Sunday morning for I an assignment I had for the Blood-Horse magazine, who I cover the Triple Crown events and other races up and down the Mid-Atlantic region. The assignment was to shoot Steve Klesaris, and his wife Lil. Steve has trained so many winning horses over the years, and is based at Fair Hill Training Center in Elkton, MD. Fair Hill is one of my favorite places to go shoot anything that has to do with the horse racing industry. It's a gorgeous facility, huge, with wildlife running rampant, and magnificent thoroughbred horses training on one of the two tracks. I highly recommend a drive up 95 to visit. I spent about an hour with Steve and Lil, finishing up with a quick portrait of them with Miracoulous Miss, their Breeders Cup winner this year.

Sunday Evening-

To say that I have been looking forward to this evening is putting it mildly...Bruce Springsteen & the E street Band were in town for the 1st of 2 nights. Now, we've probably seen 40-50 Bruce shows over the past (way too many years), and if you're a fan, there's this feeling you get the day of the show, the day can't go by fast enough. Margi & I had dinner with Jay, Ellen, Karen & Steve, and all we spoke about were the Bruce shows that we all had been to together over the years. .........The show was amazing-The E Street Band was sooooo tight

Take a look, shot with a Nikon Coolpix P50