Archive for month: November, 2023

PhotosTM is a Dallas, TX-area photography business operated by one recently relocated man, Tsafrir Melamed. The father of two has been received the Award of Excellence after being one of the finalists in the 26th Annual College Photography Contest held by Photographer’s Forum Magazine. Melamed received his first camera at the age of 13 for his Bar-Mitzvah.

“I fell in love with photography and started documenting all the field trips at school, and experimenting with film photography,” Melamed says. “My unique style of creative lighting and angles separates me from the competition, in addition to the high quality Italian albums I personally design. I love taking the non-traditional images [with] unique angles and special lighting setups that make the images pop out of the page.”

At the age of 21, he received his first DSLR camera, which he calls a total game changer for his photography and the biggest turning point in his career. Suddenly, he was able to see an image immediately after taking it.

He no longer had to fuss with exposure settings, writing them down on a piece of paper and having to compare results after developing film. He was introduced to the digital world of photography and never looked back. It was then he started taking professional photos at a salsa dancing night club.

“It was awesome since I loved dancing salsa and taking photos, so getting in for free to dance and take [a] few photos for the clubs was a perfect combination,” Melamed says.

Melamed transitioned into photographing larger events and then weddings later. He says he loves working with a bride and groom, capturing their relationship on camera. He offers what he calls Photo Magic, retouching and editing services where he can do everything from removing a blemish to brightening and creating a black and white version of a color photo. He also photographs Bar- and Bat-Mitzvahs, public events, modeling shots, portraits and more.

“I can sum up my love [of] being a photographer with one simple line: I love capturing people at their best moments, and the best compliment I get is when someone says, “I love that photo,” Melamed says.

For more information please visit their website at www.photostm.com.

By Kelly Church

What was once thought to be a hobby of the wealthy has transformed into a family-friendly activity that just about anyone can participate in, thanks in part to Scuba Toys. The Carrollton based family business has spent its lifetime building a first class reputation and equally respected partnerships with manufacturers to bring this one of a kind sport to the reaches of the every man.

“Scubatoys.com is a family owned and operated dive shop,” states Joey Johnson, Product Manager for Scubatoys. “We pride ourselves on our reputation as well as the quality of divers and gear going out the door.” Although the dive shop prides itself on quality, they don’t seem shy away from quantity either. They currently posses one of the largest inventories in the area, given both their online and in-store options available to customers. “We typically have a larger selection of gear to choose from then most other dive shops in the area combined,” Johnson proudly announces.

With such a large variety of product, price doesn’t seem to be a concern, either, as they provide something in just about every spectrum on the price range. Not mention, they offer a solid based discount program for continual shoppers. “We offer discounts on gear through many different outlets from forums, text, emails and so much more,” Johnson says. “In fact, as soon as you sign up for class you will be handed a folder filled with coupons for instant discounts toward gear and further education.”

But, for those looking to be either hobbyists or professionals, there is more than just great gear and prices available at the Scubatoys dive shop. On their website, you can find trips and travel in addition to the in-store training courses available to those looking to kick-start or improve their skills. “Our newly redesigned website features a vast selection of gear and training as well as trips and travel,” explains Johnson.

“We try to make a point to add or update at least a few things daily to keep it relevant and useful to all types of divers from professional to the occasional weekend warrior.” He goes on, informing us about some of the interesting dive locations in the nearby area, all of which can be located on their website.

“Clear Spring Scuba Park would be one of the top,” he details. “They are equipped with many different entry points and facilities to accommodate scuba divers as well as provide a few cool features under water to look at like airplanes, boats, tunnels et cetera.”

A few other local dive destinations you can find via the Scuba Toys website would include Possum Kingdom, Lake Travis, and Lake Ten Killer; although, as Johnson enlightens us, the best perk is that the shop is located near the DFW Airport. “We are only a few hours from places like Cozumel, Bahamas, Cayman and so many other wonderful tropical dive destinations that seem to be the favorites amongst most recreational divers,” says Johnson excitedly.

The shop offers everything from beginner’s classes that take place in the comfort of a swimming pool to open water training and instructor classes. There is something for everyone- even if you’ve never before attempted to scuba. “We offer dive lessons for any level,” Johnson affirms. “Our beginner Open water class takes two weekends and cost $199.95.”

By Elisha Neubauer

Just northwest of downtown Dallas, Klyde Warren Park, like most parks, offers the public a place to escape the city and enjoy nature. Unlike most parks, just below the 37 natural plant species and more than 300 trees, runs an 8 lane freeway. As urban sprawl is ever increasing, public green space is becoming harder and harder to find. With the construction of Klyde Warren Park, Dallas has joined NYC, Chicago, Seattle, and many other large cities in finding innovative ways to preserve and create space to enjoy the outdoors, recognizing the impact this space has on surrounding communities. Park president, Tara Green says, “Public parks strengthen our communities and benefit our health, environment, quality of life, and economy. These are benefits that Dallas will enjoy for generations to come.”

The park interior features grouped concrete beams connected with concrete slabs that allow for trees and plant life to grow to their full size without compromising root growth. Klyde Warren Park, an architectural feat spanning 5.2 acres, was designed by landscape architect Jim Burnett, in a joint venture between the private and public sector. The project utilized state and private funds of a combined total $110 million. The park is now owned by the City of Dallas, and operated privately through the Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation. Green adds, “Klyde Warren Park is a great example of a public-private partnership to bridge a literal gap between downtown and uptown.”

Klyde Warren Park is a gateway into the Dallas Art District, neighbored by attractions such as the Dallas Art Museum, Nasher Sculpture Center, Crow Collection of Asian Art, AT&T; Performing Arts Center and more. The park is family oriented, offering on average 1300 activities and events annually for those looking for a quiet place to read, entertain the children, or grab a bit of local cuisine. Green adds, “Families enjoy playing at the Children’s Park, taking part in one of our fun, free fitness classes sponsored by Cigna, sitting on the Ginsburg Family Great Lawn and listening to live music, or grabbing a bite to eat at Savor, Relish or a food truck.”

Unique in its architectural design and community impact, Klyde Warren Park plays host to various events throughout the week, including Tai Chi classes, live music in the park’s Muse Family Performance Pavilion, and Saturday morning exercise programs. Klyde Warren Park is literal breath of fresh air in downtown Dallas, and a model of the success possible when communities work together to provide public space in new and innovative ways.

By Jordan Hayes