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[36:06] Ever wish you could retake that one photo—the one where someone blinked, the lighting was off, or the moment passed before you were ready? In this photo-themed episode, Toastmasters International’s visual media pros Bambi Cash and Blake Carver, the creative forces behind the stunning images and videos that define the organization’s brand share behind-the-scenes insights from global events and offer practical tips to help everyone—from club PR officers to smartphone selfie-takers—capture better, more intentional photos. Whether you're photographing a keynote speaker, a club meeting, or a group selfie, you’ll come away with helpful dos and don’ts, creative ideas, and a fresh perspective on storytelling through photography.You’ll get to know Bambi Cash, Toastmasters International’s graphic designer and lead event photographer, and Blake Carver, senior video production specialist and director of the organization’s 100th-anniversary documentary. Together, they bring decades of experience to the conversation and a shared passion for storytelling through visual media.They explain why taking a good photo isn’t just about expensive equipment—it’s about being intentional. You'll also learn key concepts help avoid backlighting disasters, and how to use everyday items (even hands!) to frame your shot creatively.You'll get expert advice on:Capturing movement in still images without cultural misstepsStaging great award shots without blocking the viewMastering group selfies using the “outside arm” trickAvoiding closed eyes with their surprising but genius “eyes shut, then open” methodUsing focus and exposure lock on smartphones for better lighting controlCreating impactful, emotion-filled photos that draw people inBambi and Blake also discuss the planning process behind convention photography, including how they craft a shot list in advance and always aim to shoot from the member’s perspective.Some of our discussion and more can be found in their article, How to Take Great Photos: The Do’s and Don’ts for Making Your Pictures the Best They Can Be, featured in the June 2025 issue of Toastmaster magazine. The article includes visual examples and real-world tips for Toastmasters looking to boost their club’s public image.About the GuestsBambi Cash is the graphic designer and lead photographer at Toastmasters International. She’s the creative mind behind many of the visual elements seen in Toastmaster magazine and at the International Convention. Bambi holds a degree from the University of Northern Colorado and has a background in wedding and portrait photography.Blake Carver is the senior video production specialist at Toastmasters International, responsible for directing, filming, and editing all of the organization’s video content. With a background in audio engineering and nearly two decades of experience, Blake recently produced and narrated Toastmasters’ official 100-year anniversary documentary.Together, they are a dynamic duo who collaborate on everything from presidential portraits to multimedia campaigns—and they’re passionate about helping you take better photos.Coming Soon: Bonus MaterialComing soon you'll be able to hear host Greg Gazin on the hot seat where Bambi and Blake give Greg feedback on a series of pictures Greg took just the previous day in Drumheller, Alberta Canada, a unique town situated in the heart of the Canadian Badlands and dinosaur capital of the world.
In this episode, we're taking you to Drumheller, Alberta—the Dinosaur Capital of the World!
In this episode; Travel Expert and Author Russell Hannon will join us to chat about his latest blog Hotels That Give Free Drinks. Plus we'll visit the Spa Retreat in Negril Jamaica and we'll share our day in the Canadian Badlands of Alberta and our visit at the Royal Tyrrell Museum. Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/
In this episode; Travel Expert and Author Russell Hannon will join us to chat about his latest blog Hotels That Give Free Drinks. Plus we'll visit the Spa Retreat in Negril Jamaica and we'll share our day in the Canadian Badlands of Alberta and our visit at the Royal Tyrrell Museum. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hemant only had the time to watch one film this week, mostly because he was gone for a family vacation to the Canadian Badlands in Alberta, Canada. In this episode he talks about some highlights from his family getaway including a visit to the Great Wall of Saskatchewan, exploring Alsask, the village his family lived … Continue reading "Episode 36: Like Father"
Tom Abrahams, is author of The Jackson Quick Adventures, ALLEGIANCE & ALLEGIANCE BURNED."A sniper team takes aim at a gubernatorial candidate. A political aide is kidnapped and interrogated about the encrypted iPods he’s carried around the globe. A research scientist on the verge of an earth-shaking breakthrough disappears from his secretly funded university lab. All three are connected in a battle over something microscopic. As the pieces of a Texas-sized conspiracy collide, will the unwitting hero at the center of it succeed in saving his life and the Republic? Or will those trying to silence him prove too powerful in a world where there is no allegiance".The third book in the trilogy, "HIDDEN ALLEGIANCE", will be out in May of 2016.Tom is a veteran television journalist and author who's spent the last 20-plus years covering the biggest stories of our time. He's interviewed Presidents, cabinet members, and leaders in congress. He's reported live from the White House and Capitol Hill, Chernobyl, The Canadian Badlands, the barrios of Mexico City, Central America, and the Amazon Jungle. Tom's covered five national political conventions. He has flown with presidential candidates, gone backstage at their rallies, and broken stories about them on television and online. He was at the Pentagon while smoke still rose in the hours after 9/11 and was in the room when Secretary Colin Powell made his case to the U.N. Security Council for war against Iraq. Tom lives in the Houston suburbs with his wife, Courtney, and their two children.
[Episode 40 - February 22, 2014] Canadian Badlands in the spotlight Continued discussion on the advantages of Cast Iron Cookware Special Guest: Owen Bjorgan of biophilicworld.com
Matter Stream: Science, Creativity, and the World Inspired by Star Trek
Catherine Pooley: City of Vulcan. Vulcan may have been destroyed in the 2009 J.J. Abrams Star Trek film, but never fear—you can still visit. And the best part is that you don’t even have to leave Earth to do it! Imagine a landscape stretching from horizon to horizon, the scenery changing unexpectedly, highlighted by breathtaking sunsets. Only it’s not quite as far away as 40 Eridani, the real-world star system that is home to Spock’s birthplace. No, this Vulcan can be found right here on Earth. In this episode of Matter Stream we hop into our shuttle and make the short trip to the Canadian Badlands to talk to Catherine Pooley, Tourism Coordinator for the Town of Vulcan and Vulcan County in Alberta.