It's 'Video Nation' in Manhattan Beach

Need some great video to promote your business? Want to do a vlog or produce a parody?

Then "Video Nation: A DIY Guide to Planning, Shooting and Sharing Great Video," a new Peachpit Press book by Manhattan Beach resident Jefferson Graham, is a must have.

Better yet, if you'd like to meet the author, buy a book, have him sign it or ask questions about making video, be sure to attend his book launch party Thursday beginning at 7 p.m. at in downtown MB.

The veteran tech reporter and host/producer of USA Today's Talking Tech and Talking Your Tech video shows has put years of hands-on experience into a do-it-yourself guide that explains how to plan for, shoot and share great video using any of today's tech tools. The book also has video supplements (for buyers of the book) available online at peachpit.com/videonation. 

He says that the proliferation of point and shoot cameras, iPhones, iPads and other technological devices, including DSLRs, means that virtually anyone can shoot video. 

Graham, who praises the work of MB real estate agent Ed Kaminsky in his book, has drawn some other locals into his book, as well: Cris Bennett, the owner of the Good Stuff restaurants, Reza Hosseini of Tiffany Dry Cleaners and Margot Farris, Linda McLoughlin Figel and Patty Gibson, the partners of [pages], all posed for Graham to demonstrate lighting and camera set-up techniques. Other locals include students Taylor Chavez and Julia LeVee of Manhattan Beach. 

Graham booked a personal record of 50 weddings and bar mitzvahs in 2011 [he and his son Sam operate Graham & Graham Photography], in addition to hosting Talking Tech on Wednesdays, featuring gadget reviews, interviews and company profiles, and Talking Your Tech on Sundays, featuring interviews with celebrities talking about how they use technology.

You can read more about Graham in this Easy Reader article.