Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Statesman Journal photographers place in AP Northwest Photo Contest

SEATTLE (AP) - The winners of the 2016 Associated Press Northwest photo contest.

The Cowles trophy, awarded each year since 1952, is named for William Hutchison Cowles, former publisher of The Spokesman-Review. The Blackburn award is named for a photographer for The Columbian newspaper of Vancouver who was killed in the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens.

Sweepstakes awards:

Blackburn Award - Snowboard Silhouette - Lindsey Wasson, The Seattle Times

The Cowles Cup - Being Rachel - Colin Mulvany, The Spokesman-Review

Non-Metro 2016 Contest Winners:

Judged by the staff of the Bowling Green Daily News

Non-Metro Feature:

1st - Pee Wee Rodeo - Jarod Opperman, The Bulletin

2nd - Double Rainbow - Mason Trinca, Yakima Herald-Republic

3rd - Zombie Reaction - Ian Terry, The Daily Herald

Non-Metro Sports:

1st - Rodeo - Anna Reed, Statesman Journal

2nd - Interception - Ian Terry, The Daily Herald

3rd - PacRim Warmup - Ian Terry, The Daily Herald

Non-Metro News:

1st - Rollover - Drew Nash, Times-News

2nd - Marine Laid to Rest - Molly Smith, Statesman Journal

3rd - Distraught Man Talked Off Bridge - Bob Brawdy, The Tri-City Herald

Non-Metro Portrait:

1st - Football Camper - Mason Trinca, Yakima Herald-Republic

2nd - Pilot - Anna Reed, Statesman Journal

3rd - Tulip Festival - Danielle Peterson, Statesman Journal

Non-Metro Multiple / Photo Story:

1st - Bat Transmitters -Ryan Brennecke, The Bulletin

2nd - Wildfires - Genna Martin, The Daily Herald

3rd - From Home to Hotel - Joe Kline, The Bulletin

Metro 2016 Contest Winners:

Judged by the staff of the Nashville Tennessean

Metro Feature:

1st - Snowboard Silhouette - Lindsey Wasson, The Seattle Times

2nd - Joy Ride - Colin Mulvany, The Spokesman-Review

3rd - Slice of Banana Split Life - Dan Pelle, The Spokesman-Review

Metro Sports:

1st - Bobbled Ball - Genna Martin, Seattlepi.com

2nd - Rounding Third Heading Home - Dan Pelle, of the Spokesman Review

3rd - Untitled - Sy Bean, The Seattle Times

Metro News:

1st - Nature's Toll - Tyler Tjomsland, The Spokesman-Review

2rd - Good Samaritan - Dan Pelle, The Spokesman-Review

3rd - Untitled - Sy Bean, The Seattle Times

Metro Portrait:

1st - Transgender Girl - Colin Mulvany, The Spokesman-Review

2nd - Human Rights Activist - Kathy Plonka, The Spokesman-Review

3rd - Victorian - Genna Martin, Seattlepi.com

Metro Multiple / Photo Story:

1st - Being Rachel - Colin Mulvany, The Spokesman-Review

2nd - Pig Harvest - Genna Martin, Seattlepi.com

3rd - Rural Aging - Tyler Tjomsland, The Spokesman-Review


Source: Statesman Journal photographers place in AP Northwest Photo Contest

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

20 journalists among dead in Colombia plane crash

RIO DE JANEIRO –  Twenty journalists are among the dead in the airline crash that devastated a Brazilian soccer team, officials said Tuesday.

Colombian aviation authorities said 21 of the 81 people aboard the charter flight were journalists covering the Chapecoense team from southern Brazil and its upcoming South American Cup match in Medellin, Colombia.

Among the six survivors was journalist Rafael Valmorbida of Radio Oeste Capital, a station in the Brazilian city of Chapeco, where the team is based.

"We lost more than just a team," said the station's website. "We lost friends, partners, colleagues and family members."

The station called for prayers for Valmorbida's recovery, and for three other station journalists who died.

The journalists, all men, included cameramen, photographers, commentators and reporters from radio stations in Brazil as well as larger media outlets such as Fox and Globo, a large Brazilian conglomerate.

Among them was Globo's Ari de Araujo.

"Ari was like a brother to me," said Pedro Bassan, a sports and general news reporter at Globo who had worked with Araujo for 20 years. "I'll never have dinner with him again, or be able to get into an argument."

Bassan said Araujo was a cameraman with the "ability to shoot movie-quality video at the speed of journalism." He was traveling with the team for a special report.

Marco Guarizzo, a presenter on CBN radio in southern Brazil, said staff members were struggling with the news that director Deva Pascovicci was on the flight. The shock was so great that the station staffers had trouble producing local content, turning to material from affiliates. By the afternoon, some members of the small team, which includes two presenters and five reporters, held a meeting.

"If (Pascovicci) were here, he would want us working, and working a lot" on the story, said Guarizzo, adding that his boss was both demanding and kind.

Fox lost six journalists, including commentator Mario Sergio Pontes de Paiva, a former midfielder who played briefly for Brazil's national team in the early 1980s, and who coached for several Brazilian clubs, most recently Internacional in 2009 and Ceara in 2010.

"Amid profound sadness and consternation over what happened, we are following minute-by-minute as new information comes out," said Carlos Martinez, president of Fox Networks Group Latin America, in a statement.


Source: 20 journalists among dead in Colombia plane crash

Monday, November 28, 2016

Denver’s Green Dream Plants a Tree For Every Clothing Item They Sell

"Planting trees and slanging tees" is the motto of the eco-inspired company Green Dream Clothing Co. (GDCC) that plants a tree for every article of clothing sold. With items and clothing ranging from $5 to $60, this local charitable company ensures the environment benefits from the products they sell.

GDCC began when owner Adam Swartz was assigned a class project his sophomore year at Indiana University. As an Arts Management major, he was assigned a lot of real life projects, starting his business being one of them.

"I have always cared a lot about the environment and wanted to give back in a way," Swartz said. "TOMS was new and kicking off when I started this brand and I jumped on the wagon of one for one…at first I wasn't sure how I wanted to give back then I decided on the tree program."

Adam Swartz, Matt Brodeur Photography, Eco-friendly, Trees, Tees, Abby Hackmann, Green Dream Clothing Company, GDCC, Denver, Fashion, Local, Shop Local, Lifestyle Brand, Colorado, Planting, Charitable, Clothing Company, Buffalo Exchange, Plant-It 2020

GDCC owner Adam Swartz.

GDCC partners with a couple non-profits including Plant-It 2020 that assists in planting the trees for them. They offer a choice of 11 states throughout the US and 31 countries to plant the trees in. So far Dream Green has planted over 5,000 trees.

"We fund them to go out and plant the trees. They have nurseries all over the world from Colorado to Zimbabwe," he said. "I have also planted some trees myself with some friends."

Adam Swartz, Matt Brodeur Photography, Eco-friendly, Trees, Tees, Abby Hackmann, Green Dream Clothing Company, GDCC, Denver, Fashion, Local, Shop Local, Lifestyle Brand, Colorado, Planting, Charitable, Clothing Company, Buffalo Exchange, Plant-It 2020After graduating from IU in 2014, Swartz moved to Colorado and his business took off. He sells all of his products including hats, tank tops and tees, mugs, socks, lighters, stickers and more both online and in Boulder at the Buffalo Exchange. He is also currently looking for a few other brick and mortar locations in the Denver area to continue selling his products locally.

"Our style is very minimal, clean and modern," he said. "Two or three years ago when I was starting, there was still a little bit of the graphic tees, but I've narrowed it down to just the upside down logo."

The upside down umbrella logo that he drew junior year in the back row of his Buddhism class is the trademark symbol identifying his brand.

"A normal umbrella blocks stuff out and an upside down umbrella allows things to come in, like experiences and change, letting things happen and rolling with it," he said. The mentality is to allow all of life's experiences, good and bad, help shape who you are, what you dream of and where you dream of going.

Adam Swartz, Matt Brodeur Photography, Eco-friendly, Trees, Tees, Abby Hackmann, Green Dream Clothing Company, GDCC, Denver, Fashion, Local, Shop Local, Lifestyle Brand, Colorado, Planting, Charitable, Clothing Company, Buffalo Exchange, Plant-It 2020

Swartz is also open to new designs, as he recently teamed with a well-known local boutique that is assisting with the production of a new winter sweatshirt. The partnering boutique prefers to remain anonymous at this time.

"We are continuing to increase the quality and narrowing down the manufacturers," he said. "I've been through a ton of trial and error over the past few years and expanded the product line."

The GDCC crew just returned from Iceland where they were shooting new products, which they plan to add to their online inventory soon. In the upcoming year, Swartz plans to aim his products more towards women and outerwear and continue to find sponsors including athletes, photographers, and more retailers so that one day he can succeed in his goal to own his own store.

Adam Swartz, Matt Brodeur Photography, Eco-friendly, Trees, Tees, Abby Hackmann, Green Dream Clothing Company, GDCC, Denver, Fashion, Local, Shop Local, Lifestyle Brand, Colorado, Planting, Charitable, Clothing Company, Buffalo Exchange, Plant-It 2020

As advice for aspiring business owners Swartz recommends to just go for it and follow your dreams.

"Just do it," he said. "As cliché as that sounds, I started this with no knowledge with my computer in my dorm room and as long as you care about something enough, just get off your ass and do it."


Source: Denver's Green Dream Plants a Tree For Every Clothing Item They Sell

Sunday, November 27, 2016

'Moana' cruises with $81.1M Thanksgiving weekend

By Associated Press 5:35pm, November 27, 2016 Voice cast actress Auli'i Cravalho poses for photographers upon arrival at a UK Gala screening of the film 'Moana' in London. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) Disney's South Pacific animated tale "Moana" fell short of a "Frozen"-sized debut, but it nevertheless dominated the Thanksgiving box office with an estimated $81.1 million over the five-day weekend.

The well-reviewed "Moana," set in ancient Polynesia, earned $55.5 million from Friday to Sunday. It didn't match the 2013 Thanksgiving release of "Frozen," which opened with $93.6 million. But "Moana" scored the second-highest Turkey Day debut ever.

Falling to second was J.K. Rowling's "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," which earned $65.8 million over the five-day weekend.

Those releases far outpaced more star-driven films.

The Brad Pitt-Marion Cotillard World War II romance "Allied" opened with a mediocre $18 million over five days. Warren Beatty's first film in 15 years, "Rules Don't Apply," bombed with $2.2 million over the five-day weekend.

Copyright © Nov 27, 2016, WDEL/Delmarva Broadcasting Company. All Rights Reserved.This material may not be pub lished, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


Source: 'Moana' cruises with $81.1M Thanksgiving weekend

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Rape-accused lensman died 'a coward'

British photographer David Hamilton has died in Paris on Friday night at the age of 83 after committing suicide, according to police sources.

Mr Hamilton, who had lived much of his life in France and whose works had appeared in high-end fashion magazines, was found unresponsive in his home by a neighbour who alerted emergency services, the sources said.

It comes as a French presenter who accused the photographer of raping her and several other victims when they were teenagers said his apparent suicide had denied them justice.

"By his cowardice, (Hamilton) condemns us again to silence and the inability to see him convicted. The horror of this news will never wipe out that of our sleepless nights," said Flavie Flament.

The horror of this news will never wipe out that of our sleepless nights," said Flavie Flament. Photo / Getty ImagesThe horror of this news will never wipe out that of our sleepless nights," said Flavie Flament. Photo / Getty Images

Famed for his soft-focus portraits of unclothed girls, Mr Hamilton last week denied allegations by a French radio host and three other women that he raped them while they were in their early teens.

"Today I am the subject of no legal proceedings. This oversteps the presumption of innocence. I am innocent and must be considered so," he told Agence France Presse last week.

"The instigator of this media lynching is seeking her quarter of an hour of fame through slander. I will be filing several legal complaints in the coming days," he said.

Flavie Flament, a presenter on RTL radio, alleged the photographer sexually assaulted her when she was 13 during a photo shoot at a nudist camp in Cap d'Agde, southern France, in the mid-1980s after persuading her parents to let him work alone with their daughter.

She recounted the alleged rape in a book, The Consolation, out last month. While she did not name Mr Hamilton in the work, she put his photograph of her as a young girl on its cover.

Last Friday, she confirmed she was referring to him after being contacted by other women with near-identical allegations.

"When I chose with my publisher to put this photo on the cover, I knew that it would prompt other testimonies. And I can tell you that I wasn't the only one to have gone through this abuse, this rape by this photographer. I knew I couldn't be the only one," Ms Flament, 42, told France 2.

The case re-ignited a debate over the statutes of limitation for rape in France.

Currently, a woman cannot file for rape more than 20 years after reaching the age of 18. Ms Flamant said that the memories of the rape only returned to her when she was reaching 38 - too late to file for charges.

On Tuesday, Laurence Rossignol, French women's rights minister, announced that she had nominated Ms Flament to conduct a "mission" to look into whether the statutes of limitation should change.

In interviews with Nouvel Observateur, the weekly magazine, two alleged victims recounted how a "smiling" Mr Hamilton - then in his fifties - had approached them while they were 13 and 14 and on holiday with their parents in Cap d'Agde, where the photographer had bought a flat.

They said he could be seen every day accompanied "without fail by a very young slim blonde girl walking up and down the beach in search of models".

His posters were sold the world over and his postcards were on sale in all the seaside resort's shops.

He had by then sold dozens of photographic books with combined sales well into the millions, five feature films, countless magazine publications and museum and gallery exhibitions.

"To be noticed by him was to be the chosen one," they told the magazine.

"When he offered to do a trial shoot, my father was so proud, his eyes were twinkling," said one.

She said the first took place in a small seaside flat on a terrace in the presence of her father and Mr Hamilton's former wife Gertrude. However, for the second shoot they were alone.

"Can you keep a secret?" he allegedly whispered in her ear. "I was very uneasy and very intimated," she told Nouvel Observateur, recounting how he went on to rape her. All said they were too petrified and shocked to react. One alleged he said afterwards: "You're lucky I chose you because you're not that beautiful. The others adore what I do to them."

Ms Flament and the other women said they felt too "guilty" and "ashamed" to tell their parents.

"I thought my parents would be so disappointed if I stopped the photo shoots," said the first girl, who continued to be "under his spell".

Another girl told her parents she wanted to stop after two sessions.

The first girl told Nouvel Observateur that she had tried to forget the whole incident but that "it has had huge consequences on my sex life".

"I had suicidal tendencies," she said. In 1997, she filed a legal complaint against Mr Hamilton, who was quizzed on her allegations. He denied any wrongdoing and the inquiry was dropped.

She considered civil proceedings but was told she would have to forward 30,000 francs deposit. "I thought he was too protected that the fight was lost in advance, that it would ruin my life," she told the magazine.

A third woman subsequently contacted Nouvel Observateur claiming that Mr Hamilton raped her in 1967 when she was 14 years old. The women said they were were constantly reminded of the alleged abuse when seeing his photographs of nude, underage girls in books and magazines - including pictures of them.

"It's unbearable to see that he is still using us," the second girl told the magazine. "Ah those famous Hamiltonian looks of melancholy. Now you know why they were melancholy," she is quoted as saying.

Ms Flament and the first two girls worked out that they had crossed paths in Cap d'Agde.

"The more numerous we are the stronger we'll be," Ms Flament told Nouvel Observateur.

Mr Hamilton's work depicting early-teenage girls, often nude, he has been the subject of some controversy including child pornography allegations and bans in some countries.

"Hamilton's photographs have long been at the forefront of the 'is it art or pornography?' debate," wrote one British newspaper.

In 2005, a man was convicted for being in possession of 19,000 images of children, including photos by Hamilton. The images were found to be in the lowest indecency rating.

In response, Glenn Holland, Mr Hamilton's spokesman, stated: "We are deeply saddened and disappointed by this, as David is one of the most successful art photographers the world has ever known. His books have sold millions".

Following the conviction, a member of the Surrey Police in Britain stated that possessing Hamilton books was now illegal in the UK. Surrey Police later made a formal apology for this statement and admitted that no legally binding decision had been made on the work of David Hamilton.

In 2010, a man was convicted of level 1 child pornography for owning four books bought in a London bookshop, including Mr Hamilton's The Age of Innocence.

His conviction was overturned on appeal in 2011, with the judge calling his conviction "very unfair" and criticising the Crown Prosecution Service, saying if it "wishes to test whether the pictures in the books are indecent, the right way to deal with the matter is by way of prosecuting the publisher or retailer - not the individual purchaser".

Where to get help:

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)

• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)

• Youthline: 0800 376 633

• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)

• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)

• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)

• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155

• Samaritans 0800 726 666

• If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.


Source: Rape-accused lensman died 'a coward'

Friday, November 25, 2016

The Airbus A350-1000 Takes to the Skies

Yesterday in Toulouse the Airbus A350-1000 took flight for the first time, embarking on a yearlong flight test campaign before Qatar Airways puts the first delivery into commercial service in late 2017. The A350-1000 is the stretched sibling of the A350-900, which entered service in 2015. As of October 2016, Airbus had 195 orders from 11 customers for the A350-1000.

First Flight

The A350-1000's first flight lasted four hours and 20 minutes, covering 2,056 kilometers. Much of the flight, like many first flights, was conducted with the landing gear extended. The flight stayed close to Toulouse, flying east and west just south of Toulouse then made a low pass over the airport before landing.

In the image below, we've included the flight track and speed and altitude graph.

📼 See full playback of the flight.

Flight track and speed & altitude graph of the Airbus A350-1000's first flight

Flight track and speed & altitude graph of the Airbus A350-1000's first flight

Photos and Video

Airbus captured photos and video of the first flight from inside the aircraft and from a chase plane. The JetPhotos catalog also continues to grow, with new photos of the A350-1000 being added by photographers who were lucky enough to capture the first flight.

A350-1000 MSN 059 departing on its first flight

A350-1000 MSN 059 departing on its first flight

Future Flight Tests A350-1000 MSN 065, the second A350-1000 test aircraft

A350-1000 MSN 065, the second A350-1000 test aircraft

Airbus will use three three airframes during A350-1000 flight tests. The first two, MSN 059 and MSN 065 have been unveiled, while the third, MSN 071, is still in production. In addition to the three test airframes, Airbus is using A380 MSN 001 to test the Rolls Royce Trent XWB 97, the engine that powers the A350-1000.

Follow the A350-1000 flight test campaign with the registrations below, or use aircraft type code 'A35K' to follow all A350-1000 aircraft.

Manufacturer's Serial Number Registration Flight Test Purpose MSN 059 F-WMIL Heavy test InstrumentationOpening of flight envelopeHandling Qualities TestsSystems Tests MSN 065 F-WLXV Light InstrumentationCabin & Systems TestsEIS performances MSN 071 F-WWXL Heavy test InstrumentationPerformance Tests
Landing gear and Engine Tests

Featured image by Yvan Panas

Tags: A350, A350-100, Airbus, first flight, Flight tests
Source: The Airbus A350-1000 Takes to the Skies

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Shia Labeouf thrown out of Warpaint gig in Texas

Shia Labeouf was escorted out of a Warpaint gig in Austin, Texas, according to several fans in attendance.

The 30-year-old actor was in the city for a screening of his film Man Down last Thursday, after which he took questions from fans.

Aware the star was in town, Warpaint tweeted out an invitation to Labeouf, asking him to come to their concert at Austin's Emo's nightclub.

Fans watching the Los Angeles indie rockers alleged that Labeouf attended the gig and was removed from the venue by security staff after scuffling with several revellers.

"Shia LaBeouf was at the Warpaint show I attended last night," a user with the handle M1sterX wrote on social media website Reddit. "He was probably 10 feet away from my right and was nearly unrecognizable, save for the ponytail tucked underneath his baseball cap and his scruffy beard.

"Anyway, at the beginning of the last song (pre-encore), he began to shove his way to the front and was involved in an altercation with other patrons of the venue, as it was already full where he was shoving himself into. Guys were shoving him around as he was fighting back. Security escorted him out and the band addressed the issue (since we were up front), but kept it classy and didn't mention his name."

Others in attendance replied to M1sterX's post confirming that Labeouf, who married actress Mia Goth in Las Vegas last month, had been involved in an altercation at the gig, with one admitting to shoving the actor after taking exception to his behaviour towards a female friend.

The user, named Pashacre, wrote, "He kept magnetizing to the front, and somewhere in the mix he was pushing his leg in between my friend Livi's. She shoved him down, and that's when I tried to push him out of the crowd. Then someone stopped me because it was Shia."

The gig goer revealed the band stopped performing due to the scuffle and alleged Labeouf was then escorted out of the venue.

Representatives for Labeouf and Warpaint did not respond to requests for comment.


Source: Shia Labeouf thrown out of Warpaint gig in Texas

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Gift Guide for Photographers

It's almost that time of year when photographers everywhere start making wish-lists to hand over to Santa – or at least dropping hints to friends and family about what they might like to find under the tree on Christmas morning.  Whether you are looking for some upgraded gear, a cool new camera bag, or a new piece of gear to help your photography get to the next level, we have you covered.

Tripod:  The Manfrotto 190 Go! tripod has received nothing but raves since it was released.  The 190 Go! has an incredible new twist-lock system that makes adjustments very quickly.  Another great feature?  The center column is adjustable so once you are set-up you have the added flexibility of not needed to adjust the legs at all and instead simply move the center the column up and down.  What's more, the center column can rotate to a 90 degree angle making it possible to use this tripod for overhead shots which is can be useful to take unique landscape shots, product shots, and birds eye view portraits.  Simply put, this tripod is incredibly versatile and easy to use, which means you can be more creative in getting the shots you want.  The 190 Go! is available in aluminum or ultra-light, ultra-strong carbon fiber which can go anywhere.

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Tripod Ballhead:  Every good tripod needs a great tripod ballhead.  The Manfrotto XPro BHQ6 is popular among many photographers for good reason.  It can hold a hefty 22 pounds, meaning you can use even the your longest zoom without worrying.  No zooms now?  This is still a great choice because this sturdy ballhead will grow with you and not need to be replaced if you upgrade your equipment.   What else makes this ballhead great?  Two bubble levels to ensure your shots are level, a quick mechanism to use for 360 degree panning, and ultra-sturdy construction so you don't need to worry about using your pricey camera and lenses on a sub-par tripod set-up.

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Camera Bag:  Even the best camera won't do you much good if you don't take it with you.  A sleek bag like the Manfrotto Windsor Camera and Laptop Backpack will help you carry your expensive gear discretely and stylishly.  It's big enough to hold a DSLR with a lens as huge as the 70-200mm with plenty of room for two extra lenses, accessories, and personal items in the bag's ample compartments.  There is even a place to attach a tripod on the front.  The Manfrotto Windsor Backpack is extremely versatile as it is possible to remove the padded camera insert to either place in a different bag when needed or to convert the laptop-ready bag to an everyday backpack when you don't need to haul your gear.  It's also possible to be very discreet and fast when using this backpack since it allows for side access to your camera, meaning you can simple reach in through the side to grab your gear rather than having to sift through all of your bag's contents to find what you ar e looking for.  This bag manages to hold a ton without being bulky.

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Portable Daylight:  Heading into winter, a portable daylight balanced light should find a place on every photographer's wish list.  The Lykos LED light's temperature closely matches daylight to give you an extra boost of near-natural light when you need it or to simulate natural light even when shooting at night.  The Lykos Daylight comes with gels for times you want to match other lighting conditions and there is also a bicolor version available.  The Lykos is extremely easy to use with its simple dimmer switch and LED readout on the back that shows you the light's intensity.  It's also small enough to hand-hold by its handle, won't roll if you would prefer to rest it on a flat surface, or can easily be used on a tripod.  It's great to pair with the very affordable Pixi Mini Tripod for maximum flexibility.

09 manfrotto

Photography Education:  There is normally a class or two on the wish list of every photographer, whether it's learning from a photographer whose work they admire or a course that will go in-depth into teaching a new skill or technique.  A couple of places that offer consistently high-quality photography education in nearly every area from the technical to the creative and more are CreativeLive and Click Photo School.  There is no better way to learn than from the best in the field whether you watch a course on-demand  from CreativeLive or learn in a real-time class through Click Photo School you will gain new skills to help get you where you want to be.  No time for a class now?  Just ask for a gift card.

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A Rad New Camera Strap:  Chances are you have a camera strap that is just okay. There has been a lot of buzz about the Money Maker camera strap from Holdfast Gear for good reason.  Unlike traditional straps, it is worn as a harness which relieves a lot of the neck and shoulder pain that can come along with wearing your gear for a long time.  Plus, it works equally as well for one or two camera bodies.  The Money Maker also allows your camera(s) to hang at your side and out of the way when not in use reducing the chance that it will accidentally hit something and get damaged and it just looks cool.

Photography Books:  Most photographers love reading about photography and could sit for hours flipping through books with gorgeous images and tips about improving skills.  The Picture Perfect series from Roberto Valenzuela always receives rave reviews.  The series include Picture Perfect Lighting, Picture Perfect Posing, and Picture Perfect Practice.  These books even have companion classes on CreativeLive.  Or, flip through a book with yummy images of food in Food Photography:  A Beginner's guide to Creating Appetizing Images by Corinna Gissemann or Street Photography:  The Art of Capturing the Candid Moment by Gordon Lewis.

New Lens: Chances are there is a lens or two on every photographer's wish-list.  Many photographers consider a creative lens like a Lensbaby.  The Sweet 35 and Edge 80 are longtime favorites for both portrait and landscape photographers who want to stretch their creativity.  The Art series of lenses from Sigma are other longtime favorites, particularly the Sigma Art 35mm that has a cult-like following.

Wireless Camera Controller:  Camera remotes have come a long way.  It used to be remotes simply triggered the shutter, but new versions like CamFi go beyond the remote and allow you to not just take a photo but change all of your camera settings and even your focus remotely.  Pair a wireless camera controller with a sturdy tripod like the Manfrotto 190 Go! to take self-portraits, time lapse photos, record images all night long, and more.

Gift Card:  Not sure what the best gift would be?  There's a solution.  Go for a gift card to a favorite photography store that sells high-quality brands like Manfrotto!

Jamie Davis Smith

Jamie Davis Smith is a photographer (www.jamiedavissmith.com) and writer in Washington, DC.  She is a mother of four who usually has her camera in-hand.  Connect on Facebook and Instagram.


Source: Gift Guide for Photographers

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Thailand's Rice Farmers Are in the Election Crossfire

Each slash of Chawieng Kaewkam's sickle through his rice stalks is a reminder of how tough life has become for millions of Thai farmers who have watched grain prices tumble near the lowest point in a decade.

Chawieng can no longer afford to rent a machine to harvest his three acres of paddy in northeastern Ubon Ratchathani province, and must cut everything by hand with the help of his wife and daughter. The current market price of 8,039 baht ($227) a ton for fragrant rice is about 60 percent below the guaranteed rate offered by former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, whose government was ousted in a 2014 coup.

Chawieng Kaewkam

Photographer: Dario Pignatelli/Bloomberg

"At this price, we can't survive," the 56-year-old said, adding that even side jobs he used to take in the local construction industry have dried up. "I feel hopeless and depressed," he said. "If things remain bad, I might have to sell land to pay for debts."

Farmers like Chawieng are emblematic of wider economic woes in northeast Thailand that have the nation's military rulers anxious as they weigh holding an election next year. That now has the junta embracing similar price support for farmers that they vilified when they seized power.

Over the past decade, Thailand's generals repeatedly struggled to convince voters in the poorer and more populous northeast region to abandon support for allies of Yingluck and her brother Thaksin Shinawatra, who have won the past five elections dating back to 2001.

Rice prices are a big reason for that. While agricultural accounts for about 8 percent of Thailand's economy, rice farming employs 16 million people -- roughly a quarter of the population. When prices fall it affects the wider economy, depressing purchases of everything from property to motorcycles to consumer goods.

"Finding a quick and easy solution for rice farmers has become a proxy electoral campaign issue even though a date has not been set for a poll," said Ambika Ahuja, an analyst with Eurasia Group. "We have the government, political parties, and activist groups reaching out to farmers and providing ad hoc solutions. But these solutions are broadly similar to the extent that they are one form of subsidy or another."

$1 Billion Bill

Yingluck's government offered to buy paddy from farmers at levels that were sometimes 50 percent more than market prices, leading to outlays of about $25 billion over more than two years. That led to a 20 percent jump in rice production and a record stockpile of 17.8 million metric tons stored in government-run warehouses.

Junta leader Prayuth Chan-ocha's administration called the policy unsustainable, and struggled to sell off the stored rice. It also brought malfeasance charges against Yingluck, and last month slapped her with a $1 billion bill -- even though it hasn't provided an estimate for total losses from the program.

A few weeks later, Prayuth did an about-face and announced his own plan to spend 78 billion baht ($2.2 billion) shoring up prices and subsidizing production costs. Under the policy, the government would offer farmers 90 percent of the market price plus storage fees if they hold the rice for five months. Afterward they could either sell at market rates and pay back the loan, or surrender the harvest to the government.

In another populist move, the military government on Tuesday announced a one-time cash handout of as much as 3,000 baht to help 5.4 million low-income earners.

In Ubon Ratchatani, a province bordering Cambodia and Laos that has reliably backed the Shinawatra family in elections, farmers say the military's rice program is better than nothing but ultimately too little, too late. They say the new system is too complicated, takes too long to join and requires them to take on the risk of storing their rice.

'We Want Yingluck'

"During Yingluck's government, prices were good and farmer's lives were much better," said Kangwan Bunprachom, 40, after he sold three tons of rice at a mill rather than save it for the government program. "What I earn from selling rice now isn't enough to pay debts. When I talk with farmer friends we grieve about the price slump and we want Yingluck to lead the government."

The rice-price slump has spawned a public-relations battle between the generals and ousted politicians who are banned from campaigning as part of wider restrictions on speech and assembly. Yingluck has bought rice from northeastern farmers and sold it at Bangkok shopping malls, while the military has sent soldiers to the countryside to help some farmers harvest rice -- with photographers and promotional banners in tow.

Since seizing power, junta leader Prayuth has repeatedly warned that farmers cannot rely on government price subsidies, and has encouraged moves to switch to other crops and improve overall quality. It is a plan Prayuth acknowledged could take 10 to 20 years to implement.

Distorting Prices

"Farmers need to change their methods," Prayuth told reporters on Nov. 18. "They can't just waiting for new government to sell rice at a satisfactory level and avoid thinking about the burden that will fall on others."

In Ubon Ratchathani, that argument has some support. Boohieng Rungrachkanont said only one of his three rice mills will turn a profit this year. He blames the falling prices on the huge stockpile amassed under Yingluck's program, and says the current government's plan to avoid setting a minimum price "helps farmers without distorting market prices."

Outside of agricultural sector, the price drop is also having an impact. Sales have dropped 6 percent this year at Paiboon Jongsuwat's 165 7-Eleven stores across four northeastern provinces. Paiboon attributes the drop to the fall in crop prices, and he doesn't see this government coming up with a solution.

Also feeling the impact has been Kittisak Kiatsuranon, CEO of Kitcharoenthaiubon, a distributor of motorcycles with 27 branches in two northeastern provinces. His company's income has been cut in half over the past five years, largely due to plummeting sales of small-sized motorcycles popular with farmers. Some 20 percent of 10,000 customers who financed their purchases are now behind on payments.

"Farmers don't have money to buy," he said. "Some don't even make payments and we have to take the motorcycles back. It has become more difficult asking them to pay."

For Kangwan, he says he must accept such hardship as the life of a rice farmer.

"Even though I record a loss most of the time, I still have to do it because I don't have another job," Kangwan said. "If I don't do it, I don't have anything to eat."

Before it's here, it's on the Bloomberg Terminal. LEARN MORE
Source: Thailand's Rice Farmers Are in the Election Crossfire

Monday, November 21, 2016

Review: Samsung’s CFG70 monitor is excellent for competitive gamers and photographers alike

If you're a PC gamer, chances are the average laptop screen or monitor doesn't cut it. For shooter, strategy and fighting games in particular, the average screen is often simply too slow. On the other hand, that speed often comes at the expense of image quality.

Samsung announced its CFG70 monitors in August, and I've had the chance to use the monitor at home for a few weeks. The monitor achieves the difficult feat of mostly fitting my needs both as a gamer and a photographer.

Key Specs and details

  • 24″ and 27″ sizes (I tested the smaller)
  • 1920 x 1080 resolution
  • 1 ms response time
  • 144 Hz refresh rate
  • Curved VA panel (1800R)
  • Quantum Dots color tech with 125℅ of sRGB coverage
  • 3000:1 static contrast ratio
  • AMD FreeSync
  • 2 HDMI, 1 DisplayPort
  • No speakers
  • $349/$449
  • Hardware and design

    Setting up the monitor is easy – basically a matter of dropping it into its swiveling arm stand.

    It's the most versatile stand I've used too; though most allow for some height, swivel, and tilt adjustment, Samsung's also has convenient motion in the Z axis for bringing the screen closer or further, as well as generally a wider range in the other dimensions as well. You can also rotate the screen for use in portrait mode, which I appreciated when editing photos.

    Samsung CFG70 Monitor

    All these adjustments are easy to make with one hand. My one complaint about the arm mount is that you do have leave a fair bit of space behind the monitor, so keep that in mind if you're buying it for use in tight quarters.

    You navigate menus with a little tilting knob on the back of the display. The menus are intuitive and easy to navigate – including quick overview of your speed settings – and there are three customizable preset buttons under the display as well.

    I'm grateful the display is free of the usual gaming accents with a subdued black design. It doesn't scream "GAMER ALERT" the moment you step into a room.

    The one flashy bit is a glowing blue light under the display. You can set it to pulse, interact with gameplay sounds, or turn off altogether. I would've liked to be able to keep it on permanently, but no luck, so I just turned it off as it was otherwise distracting.

    There are no built in speakers, so you'll have to provide your own or use headphones.

    Image quality

    In a rare turn of events, the specs really do tell most of the story, without many significant qualms or caveats.

    Unlike some curved monitors that I've seen, there was basically no light leakage. Blacks have a bit of a 'glow' but are also on par or better than most IPS panels. Contrast is excellent, as are colors and viewing angles. There's some washing out at extreme angles, but this is largely mitigated by the curvature of the display.

    Samsung CFG70 MonitorThe curvature is neat and doesn't compromise image quality. You can also see how much room you need behind the stand, however.

    I didn't have the equipment for quantitative testing on hand, but it's obviously excellent performance throughout for a monitor that's not specifically aimed at photographers or other media professionals who value accuracy. Though other gaming monitors offer similar responsiveness and lower prices, I've not seen anything else with this degree of color reproduction yet.

    With an excellent stated 125 percent of sRGB coverage (Tom's Guide actually tested it at 151 percent), I just wish it included some other presets like AdobeRGB or DCI-P3 for those of us who need it.

    I used it alongside Dell's quite impeccable 4k (and $1,300) UP3216q, and the Samsung had noticeably better contrast (3000:1 vs 1000:1), with very comparable colors in most apps and games. Colors from the Dell were better with apps that could take advantage of the color management, as you'd imagine, but Samsung puts in an impressive performance for a $350 monitor.

    OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

    Then there's the matter of Samsung's choice of resolution. After staring at phones, tablets, and laptops with 1440+ screens, seeing 1080p stretched to 24 inches does accentuate the relatively low DPI – it's why I chose to review the smaller model instead of the 27 inch one. At its price, it would've been nice to see at least QHD.

    Still, most people still use 1080p TVs at home, which sit further but are much larger; it all depends on your expectations. I miss the resolution when editing photos (my Surface Book's display is 3000 x 2000), but the excellent colors balance that out.

    Gaming

    Of course, Samsung expects most of the monitor's buyers to be gamers, many of whom don't need or care for a high resolution screen, especially in the competitive arena. Speed and responsiveness come before tiny details that will likely get lost in the heat of game play anyway.

    Though they don't necessary play every game with such settings, a quick gander at this list of settings for professional Counter-Strike: Global Offensive players shows most of them play at 1024 x 768. Even in non competitive games, I'd much rather use better lighting and effects than high resolution. Point is, speed is often more valuable than resolution.

    And speedy this monitor is. If you've never used a monitor with a high refresh rate and low response time, the experience can be a little jarring at first. At 144Hz, it almost looks like your own mouse motions are being fast-forwarded. But once you're used to it, it's hard to go back.

    (For some reason only DisplayPort could hit 144hz; HDMI maxed out at 120hz, though few people would notice a difference.)

    The OSD menu is intuitive and informative. It doesn't bring lorem ipsum or a mini soldier, however.The OSD menu is intuitive and informative. It doesn't bring that lorem ipsum or a mini soldier, however.

    Most of my testing was done playing CS:GO from my Surface Book (the original 940M-based model) which can maintain framerates above 144 fps pretty smoothly at low settings. That also means I didn't get to test AMD's Freesync, but that hardly matters at this framerate. FreeSync is more useful if you're playing a slower game with higher quality settings where you can hardly hit the max FPS.

    I can't promise the monitor will make you a better gamer, but after several hours of gameplay on the Dell, Samsung, and Surface screens, I consistently fared better on the Samsung.

    Naturally, the refresh rate made motion look more lifelike. Input lag was completely imperceptible in both CS:GO and Smash Bros Wii U, and I couldn't see any ghosting with the 'Fastest' response time setting (there are three levels). Even with the slowest 'Normal' setting, you'd be very hard pressed to see any artifacts. It's also worth noting the 'Fastest' settings locks your brightness, however.

    As for that curve: I've never had strong feelings about curved displays, but I find it useful here. Your eyes are closer to the screen, and it helps everything feel just slightly more immersive, while keeping your eyes relatively equidistant from every part of the screen.

    Moreover, the stand's Z-axis motion makes it easy to pull the screen towards your face in the middle of a game, effectively making it feel larger. I'd normally say the curvature is an unnecessary feature, but given it presents no noticeable disadvantages, I'm glad to have it here.

    Conclusion

    The CFG70 does everything it claims to do, and it does it well. As you'd guess from the spec sheet, it's extremely responsive, but what's more surprising is how good the monitor is when you're not shooting pixelated people in the head.

    As long as you don't mind the resolution and don't need exacting calibration settings, the colors, contrast, uniformity and flexibility make the CFG70 one of your best options for a gaming monitor, and a pretty darn good monitor in general.

    Keep in mind there are cheaper options out there if you just need something with a fast refresh rate and decent image quality from a myriad of brands like ViewSonic, BenQ, AOC, Asus, and others, but you'll be hard-pressed to find something with quite the combination of features and quality on the CFG70.


    Source: Review: Samsung's CFG70 monitor is excellent for competitive gamers and photographers alike

    Sunday, November 20, 2016

    Photographer of the Day: Sohail Karmani

    Category: Travel

    Photographer: Sohail Karmani "Village girl"

    The village girl's eyes, as captured by Photographer of the Day Sohail Karmani, say it all.  She has experienced more than her years. The soft light pulls out her essence. The color of her head scarf blends with the background, framing her face but not detracting from it. I like the simplicity of the photograph.

    The image was taken with an Olympus E-M1, shot at F 1.2, 1/320s, ISO 100, with a 43 mm lens.

    Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on Flickr here.

    To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this article.

    Susan Kanfer A San Diego-based travel photographer, Susan loves to share the world with others, bringing subject matter from far-away places to life. Her images have been seen in numerous publications, both print and web-based, and have been exhibited in several galleries. To learn more about Susan's work visit her website at www.kanferphotography.com. Latest posts by Susan Kanfer (see all)
    Source: Photographer of the Day: Sohail Karmani

    Saturday, November 19, 2016

    Teaching How to Safely Photograph Bullets in Flight

    The high-speed imaging class in the photographic sciences department at RIT has a tradition of photographing bullets in flight. As one of the few schools that train students in the skills required to achieve images like these, I thought it would be worthwhile to explain the equipment and procedures used.

    Although the program has a history of ballistics photography, the program needed to update to new safety standards in order to have a firearm discharged in a laboratory classroom. A procedure was established where a safety officer trained in firearms was the only individual to handle and operate the firearm in the classroom. The firearm used in the lab is a .22 caliber bolt-action rifle. The bolt can easily be removed from this rifle to allow a laser to be positioned down the barrel. This is the quickest way to ensure the alignment of the bullet and the target. When not in use, the rifle is stored in a locked gun safe under the supervision of campus security and only brought to the lab when a ballistics shoot is being performed.

    apple

    apple

    A .22 caliber bullet moving at 1,200 feet per second slices through an apple in the classic high-speed shot. Photographed by Nasser Albahri at RIT.

    The rifle is securely mounted to a gun vise that keeps the barrel aligned with a ballistics sensor, manufactured by Mumford Micro Systems, which is used to trigger a time machine camera controller. The ballistic sensor is made up of two infrared (IR) detectors mounted 4 inches apart. When a bullet traverses the two IR sensors, the microcontroller trips the high-speed flash at a desired time when the bullet is down range from the rifle. The accuracy of the trigger system is so precise that the location of a bullet only varies by a few millimeters from shot to shot.

    tonysafetyofficer

    tonysafetyofficer

    Tony Yazback is the campus safety officer responsible for handling the rifle. The rifle shoots from right to left here. First, the bullet passes through the white tube, which is the ballistic sensor. A white piece of foam core stops a lot of the gun shot residue from getting in the air and basically making a mess. The peach is the target here. The bullet is stopped by the bullet trap held in place with a red strap on the table. The Spot Flash is wrapped in saran wrap to protect the lens and the flash trigger is on the tripod below the flash. The peach is viewed through a large Plexiglas shield.

    For increased safety, the bullet is stopped by a bullet trap that is only a few inches outside the camera frame. The closer the bullet trap is to the target the less the target can cause splatters. This greatly decreases the mess and allows a much easier cleanup. The high-speed flash used in these images is a Spot Flash manufactured by Prism Science Works. The flash is an air gap flash that generates a clean flash with a duration of 500 nanoseconds. It's fast enough to easily capture a .22 caliber bullet.

    After the rifle is positioned to trigger the ballistic sensor, the students are ready to shoot objects that they bring to lab. The safety officer has final approval in what can be shot. Fruits and vegetables are acceptable, while hard objects like snow globes and alarm clocks are rejected due to the chances of a ricochet bullet. To guard against any unforeseen ricochets, the students are required to stand behind two large Plexiglas screens. Students are also required to wear safety glasses and ear protection during the lab.

    Students aligning cameras and checking their exposures before a shot. They keep the shutter open and allow the fast flash to stop the action.

    Students aligning cameras and checking their exposures before a shot. They keep the shutter open and allow the fast flash to stop the action.

    Students aligning cameras and checking their exposures before a shot. They keep the shutter open and allow the fast flash to stop the action.

    The students use an open shutter technique to capture the images. The subject to be shot is placed on a stand. The position is adjusted to take into consideration the amount the bullet will slow down going through the target. The flash is triggered by hand to tests the exposure and focus. After the students all have focus and exposure set, the rifle is loaded. Everyone in the room is checked to see that safety glasses and ear protection are in place before the photography can start. The room's lights go out, camera shutters are opened, the safety officer fires the rifle, and camera shutters are closed. Only after all the camera shutters are closed are the lights turned on again and the exposure checked. Using this procedure, we are able to limit risk and safely achieve some amazing high-speed images.

    Students from this program find employment at a number of industries that utilize high-speed imagery. Former students are employed by NASA, Sandia Laboratories, and The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.

    Eggplant by David Lopez

    Eggplant by David Lopez

    Eggplant by David Lopez

    Apple by David Lopez

    Apple by David Lopez

    Apple by David Lopez

    The classic playing card shot. Photo by David Lopez.

    The classic playing card shot. Photo by David Lopez.

    The classic playing card shot. Photo by David Lopez.

    Homemade ballistics jello is just uncolored jello made at three times the normal strength. Note the bullet is moving sideways. Photo by David Lopez.

    Homemade ballistics jello is just uncolored jello made at three times the normal strength. Note the bullet is moving sideways. Photo by David Lopez.

    Homemade ballistics jello is just uncolored jello made at three times the normal strength. Note the bullet is moving sideways. Photo by David Lopez.

    I would like to extend special thanks to the following people that make these unique labs possible. Anthony Yazback (campus security), Michael Peres, Dr. Mary Mulligan, Amanda Kearney (Video supervision). I would also like to thank the students in the class for sharing images for this short article.


    Source: Teaching How to Safely Photograph Bullets in Flight

    Friday, November 18, 2016

    Photographer of the Day: Marcos

    Vanelli Robert Vanelli (Vanelli to his friends) is a working photographer, educator and author living in Florida. After a successful career as a three-time, Triple Crown Karate champion, Vanelli turned his attention to teaching the visual arts. As an experienced educator, Vanelli has created several photography and digital workflow programs including Click for Kids.

    Currently he is teaching workshops, writing for Photofocus and creating tutorials for various plug-in companies and for the Vanelli and Friends series.

    You can find out more about Vanelli at www.VanelliandFriends.com


    Source: Photographer of the Day: Marcos

    Thursday, November 17, 2016

    It Was Only A Matter Of Time Until Our Spies Caught The BMW X2 Testing

    by Jay Traugott8,920 reads

    Despite the camo, it looks a lot like the slick X2 Concept.

    It was only a month or so ago that we first laid our eyes on the BMW X2 Concept at the Paris Motor Show. Now our spy photographers have caught BMW testing an X2 development mule on the streets of Munich, Germany. Despite the heavy camouflage it is, essentially, an X1 with an even sportier body. For example, the lower roof makes the X2 look wider and more masculine. Unlike the larger X4 and X6, the upcoming X2 won't have a more coupe-like appearance and we think that's a good thing.

    After all, the X4 literally looks like a smaller version of the X6, and it would have been a shame if BMW continued that policy with the X2. Great to see something different is being done here. Like the X1 on which it's based, the X2 will ride on a front-wheel-drive platform. All-wheel drive will be optional on xDrive models as well as a possible X2 M. As far as powertrains go, expect to see the same engines offered in the X1, such as the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Euro-spec X1 has a diesel option but we're still unsure whether that'll arrive stateside. However, don't be surprised to see a plug-in hybrid variant in the near future for both the X1 and X2.

    We don't know when exactly BMW will reveal the production ready X2, but the 2017 Geneva Motor Show in March or the Frankfurt Motor Show next September are two good guesses.


    Source: It Was Only A Matter Of Time Until Our Spies Caught The BMW X2 Testing

    Wednesday, November 16, 2016

    Picture of school boy in uniform wins Swiss photographer £15,000 Taylor Wessing prize

    London's National Portrait Gallery has announced the winner of its annual Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize, with Swiss photographer Claudio Rasano scooping the top award of £15,000. The winning image, of a school boy from South Africa, was part of a series studying how people can remain individuals while wearing the same uniforms. Rasano has featured in the short list for the prize in two previous years, but this is the first time he has won.

    Second prize went to Joni Sternback for a tintype portrait of a pair of surfers which won him £3000, while the £2000 third prize went to Kovi Konowiecki for a picture of a pair of Jewish girls. Both photographers are from America.

    The competition also provides an additional £5000 prize for a photographer under the age of 35, which was won by the UK's Josh Redman. His John Kobal New Work Award grants him a commission to photograph someone from the UK film industry for the gallery's collection.

    The winning images, along with over fifty other entries, can be seen at the National Portrait Gallery in London until the 26th February. Entrance is £6. For more information visit the National Portrait Gallery website.

    Claudio Rasano won the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2016 for his portrait of a Johannesburg schoolboy, the National Portrait Gallery has announced. The prestigious £15,000 award was presented to the Swiss-Italian photographer at an awards ceremony last night (Tuesday, 15 November 2016).

    The winning portrait, part of Rasano's series Similar Uniforms: We Refuse to Compare, was taken in February 2016, in Johannesburg, South Africa and focuses on issues of preserving individuality in the context of school uniforms. The photograph was shot in daylight, outdoors and in front of a plain white paper background. The sitter for this particular inkjet print is eighteen-year-old Katlehong Matsenen.

    Rasano explains: "Children themselves have been known to rebel against uniforms, especially as they approach the awkward age characterised by the need to fit in and the desire to stand out, all at the same time. Some experts too have spoken against school uniforms on the grounds that they suppress individuality and diversity."

    Claudio Rasano was born in 1970 in Basel, Switzerland. His work has been included in numerous international exhibitions and previously featured in the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize in 2011 and 2013. Rasano's awards include the Shortlist for the Athens Photo Festival, 2016; Bieler Fototage 2015; Leica Oskar Branack Prize 2015 and a finalist in the Photography Masters Cup 2015.

    Second prize has been awarded to Joni Sternbach's large-format tintype portrait of surfers Thea Adler and Maxwell Schultz and third prize has gone to Kovi Konowiecki for his photographs Shimi Beitar Illit and Tilly and Itty Beitar Illit part of a series of inkjet prints that portray Orthodox Jews from around the world. The John Kobal New Work Award, worth £5,000, was won by Josh Redman for his portrait, Frances.

    The winning portraits will be on display as part of the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2016 exhibition from 17 November 2016 to 26 February 2017. The annual exhibition is one of the most prestigious photography awards in the world and showcases new work that has been submitted by some of the most exciting contemporary photographers. Since the international competition began in 1993, it has remained a hugely important platform for portrait photographers and offers an unparalleled opportunity for celebrated professionals, emerging artists and amateurs alike.

    The competition judges had no knowledge of the identity of the entrants, and the diversity of styles in the exhibition reflects the international mix of entries as well as photographers' individual and varied approaches to the genre of portraiture. For the second time, photographers were encouraged to submit works as a series in addition to stand-alone portraits, and there was no minimum size requirement for prints. This year, for the first time, the rules also allowed photographers to submit photographs on diff erent supports to the competition – to encourage the demonstration of a range of different photographic processes.

    The prize-winning photographs and those selected for inclusion in the exhibition were chosen from 4303 submissions entered by 1842 photographers from 61 countries.

    Dr Nicholas Cullinan, Director, National Portrait Gallery, says 'My congratulations to Claudio Rasano for his winning portrait of schoolboy Katlehong Matsenen taken in Johannesburg earlier this year. The quality and diversity of both this year's shortlist and exhibition are a testament to the engaging work being produced by international photographers. Each and every photographer who entered has contributed their part to the debate and evolution of contemporary portrait photography.'

    Tim Eyles, Managing Partner, Taylor Wessing LLP, says: 'One of the great joys and honours of sponsoring the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize for the past nine years- and being part of the jud ging panel- is having the rare opportunity to catch an intimate glimpse into the lives of people from around the world. Each winning portrait tells a different, unique story and builds a genuine connection between the viewer, the subject and the photographer. I hope that you will share our enjoyment of the photographs in this year's exhibition, and join me in congratulating the photographers whose portraits are featured.'

    American artist Joni Sternbach was born in the Bronx, New York and is a Visiting Artist at Cooper Union School of Art, faculty member at the International Centre of Photography and The Penumbra Foundation in New York, where she teaches wet plate collodion. Sternbach uses early photographic processes to create contemporary landscapes and environmental portraits, centring on man's relationship to water. Her series Surfland, features large-format tintype portraits of surfers. Her prize-winning portrait was taken in February 2016 at Davenport Landing, Santa Cru z, California, USA. Sternbach says: 'For me, this photograph represents many of the challenging aspects of creating a portrait. I was in an entirely new location and faced with people I'd never met before. In this spectacular environment, I aimed to create a dynamic complexity within the picture that was both unique to that person and also understandable to others.'

    American artist Kovi Konowiecki was born and raised in Long Beach, California. After pursuing a professional career in football, Konowiecki is in the final stages of an MA in photography at the University of the Arts, London. His work lies between documentary and fine art, often focusing on portraiture and telling stories that also reveal his identity, and his experiences of growing up in Long Beach. Shimi Beitar Illit and Tilly and Itty Beitar Illit are part of a series of inkjet prints that portray Orthodox Jews from around the world. The colours and floral background create a painting-like quality, highlig hting the mysticism of the subjects and their association with a history that many may find unfamiliar.

    Konowiecki explains: 'When I set out to photograph the faces of Orthodox Jews around the world, it was an attempt to both strengthen my ties to my family's history and shed light on the traditions of a people that seem strange to modern society. The project started by contacting members of the Jewish community from where I grew up, and evolved into travels across the world to capture Orthodox Jews who, although they live thousands of miles apart, are bound together by history, tradition and a set of values that serve as the cornerstone of the lives of many who live in today's society.'

    £5,000 John Kobal New Work Award: Josh Redman for Frances

    The £5,000 John Kobal New Work Award has been awarded to Josh Redman for his photograph Frances, from an on-going series of pared down studio portraits. Redman says, 'This was Frances's first serious photo shoot, and it's an honour to have been part of her initiation into modelling at age 83. During the 3-hour sitting we chatted over pastries about her late husband, the War, her lifelong job as a typist and her daughter Tineka.' Born in the UK in 1984, Redman was a sculptor and potter until 2012 when he decided to sell his kiln, buy a camera and move to London. Since then he has worked as a freelance photographer, winning the AOP Assistant Award in 2014 and has been commissioned by Adidas, SKY TV and The British Museum amongst others.

    The John Kobal New Work Award is given to a photographer under thirty-five whose work has been selected for the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize exhibition. The winner receives a cash prize of £5,000 to include undertaking a commission to photograph a sitter connected with the UK film industry for the Gallery's Collection.

    The competition was judged from original prints by Dr Nicholas Cullinan, Director, National Portrait Gallery; Dr Phillip Prodger, Head of Photographs, National Portrait Gallery; Carole Sandrin, Curator, Musée de l'Elysée, Lausanne; Christiane Monarchi, Editor Photomonitor; Nadav Kander, Photographer and Tim Eyles, Managing Partner, Taylor Wessing LLP.

    The exhibition also features an In Focus display of previously unseen prints from a new body of work by the award-winning Spanish photographer, Cristina de Middel. The photographs, making their international debut in the exhibition, are part of the series 'Gentleman's Club', taken of prostitutes' clients in brothels in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. By recruiting her sitters through a newspaper advert, she inverted the normal roles of the business by placing herself in a position of power. Sitters were asked about their e xperience, personal history and motivations. In Focus is an annual showcase for new work by an internationally-renowned photographer, which is exhibited alongside the images selected for the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2016. De Middel is the second In Focus artist, selected by the Gallery's curators, following last year's inaugural display which featured the work of Pieter Hugo.

    TAYLOR WESSING PHOTOGRAPHIC PORTRAIT PRIZE 201617 November 2016 – 26 February 2017Tickets with donation: Full price £6, concessions £5 / Tickets without donation: Full price £5, concessions £4 (Free for Members and Patrons) Supported by Taylor Wessing npg.org.uk/photoprize #photoprize

    PUBLICATIONA fully illustrated paperback catalogue including all photographs from this year's exhibition features an interview with the In Focus photographer Cristina de Middel and interviews with the prize-winners by Richard McClure. RRP £15 with a special price of £9.99 when purchased directly from the National Portrait Gallery shops.

    Prizes: First prize is £15,000, second prize is £3,000, and third prize is £2,000. The winner of the John Kobal New Work Award receives £5,000.

    Tour: The exhibition will tour to Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens from 18 March – 4 June 2017 and The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, Canterbury from 8 July – 29 October 2017.


    Source: Picture of school boy in uniform wins Swiss photographer £15,000 Taylor Wessing prize

    Tuesday, November 15, 2016

    Photographer of the Day: Martin Reisch

    Category: Fashion

    Photographer: Martin Reisch"Distance"

    Photographer of the Day, Martin Reisch, places two models in an out-in-the-country setting. The styling is wonderful, right down to the gloves. The blue gloves give a pop of color for the neutral colored masculine look of boots, slacks, and fur collared jacket while the brown gloves compliment the red hair of the model dressed in a subtle plaid skirt. The soft light coupled with the semi blurred background focuses attention on the models and their clothes.

    Originally shared on the Photofocus Group on Flickr here.

    To learn how your work can be featured on the Photofocus, please read this article.

    Kevin Ames Photography is life. Kevin is living it to the fullest. His practice includes fashion, editorial, architectural and corporate photography. Most of all he loves making photographs! Read his blogs here and at www.kevinamesphotography.com. Latest posts by Kevin Ames (see all)
    Source: Photographer of the Day: Martin Reisch

    Monday, November 14, 2016

    Using Instagram Stories as a Marketing Tool for Photographers

    Are you using Instagram Stories in your marketing? Are you wondering how photographers are using Stories? With new features like tagging and Boomerang being added this week as well as the possibility of links being added in the near future, Instagram Stories is quickly becoming a great tool for marketing that every photographer should take advantage of. Here is a list of ways you can start using Stories for your business today.

    What's New

    Boomerang, which was introduced last year, is now also an option next to the record button when you create a new Story. If you haven't used Boomerang before, it takes a quick series of stills and turns them into a GIF-like loop that you can use to experiment with motion in your stills. Users can now also tag or mention people in their Stories similarly to how you currently can in comments and captions. Most interestingly, Instagram mentioned it was unrolling a trial for Verified accounts to add "See More" links at the bottom. The possibility that adding links in stories has for marketing and sharing your content is huge. For all the advantages there are for marketing within Instagram, directing traffic back to your blog or portfolio has always been the biggest thing that's missing.

    Why Instagram Stories

    Stories is similar in functionality to Snapchat, but with a considerably larger audience built in. There are lots of reasons you might use one over the other, but for me, Stories have the opportunity to appear more professional and less raw. Unlike your regular Instagram feed, Stories only last 24 hours. This feature is what makes it so powerful for marketing. You don't have to worry about outdated posts being found in your feed or going back later and deleting them.

    Since they are only temporary, it's important to post them at optimal times for your audience. Just like in your feed, you want to try to produce Stories that represent your brand. For a lot of photographers, you yourself are your brand, and Stories are a great area to showcase a different side that doesn't fit in your feed. It also seems that the more you post within that 24-hour period the higher you'll place on your followers feed. Stories always seem to go in order from most to least at the top of my feed. Creating a series of Stories that work together to tell a bigger story not only opens you up to more creative options, but will get you more views.

  • Location or venue scouting: A great way to always have new content and seem like you're out shooting whether you have clients or not is to share images or video from test shoots or location scouting. If you're checking out a wedding venue or hiking in the mountains for an upcoming assignment, you can give your audience a peek.
  • A look into who you are: Depending on what type of work you shoot, this can cover a lot of ideas. If you're a family or portrait photographer, maybe you'll want to share personal parts of your life, like playing with your kids or pets. A travel or editorial photographer might tease heading out on a trip. If you want to keep it about your business, you could take video of how you pack your gear for a shoot.
  • Tease an event or Facebook live post: Chances are if you do workshops or public speaking, other photographers or potential clients follow your accounts. Have someone shoot a little video while you're speaking or create a graphic to let people know you'll be going lLive soon. Combining these two great tools gets people that might prefer following you on one or the other service to interact with the other.
  • Share blog content: You've built a great following on Instagram, but it's not sending traffic to your website. Create a series of graphics that tease and sum up your new blog post. Start it out with a call to action and end it with a great image. Until links get added for everyone, don't forget to change the link in your profile to your website or blog.
  • Announce a takeover: It may not seem useful to everyone, but even if you just lend your account to a local photographer friend, it can be a great opportunity to gain and share new followers. Maybe you work regularly with a makeup artist or are shooting all day with a client/model/business. Letting them take over your account or vice versa shares a different perspective during the shoot your audience might enjoy.
  • Share lighting diagrams. Showing a diagram alongside an image or even a BTS clip is a great way to show off your newest work. 
  • A sneak peak of a photoshoot: Before I get home and start editing, I always like to get one shot online as soon as possible. I've incorporated a whole mobile workflow using my smartphone to get something out instantly. This increases my content output on social media without having to always be posting to my feed.
  • Product launch or news: We don't all have products that we are selling, but stories are a great place to launch a new book, workshop, prints, or even contest.
  • Behind the scenes: I'm a huge fan of BTS content. I can't get enough. However, sharing BTS shots on your feed might not fit in with the brand you're trying to create. Adding video and stills together is a much better solution and the thing I'm most excited about using.
  • Your creative process: We all draw inspiration in different ways and use different tools to create our end results. Whether you're editing on your PC or flipping through magazines while having your morning coffee, there are lots of opportunities to give your followers insights into who you are as a photographer.
  • Promotional offers: This works best for more retail-oriented businesses who sell directly to their followers. If you have holiday sales on services or discounts for following you on social media, Stories is a temporary solution for getting that info out. Since it not a permanent post, you can create a sense of urgency in the promotion.
  • Share milestones: Just like on Facebook when we share personal life milestones, we can use Stories to share business milestones. These can be just about anything you deem important and worth informing your followers of. This one is very dependent on the type of work you do and your brand.
  • Turn a single image into a story: Sharing more info about a single image is a very important part of getting more engagement in the images on your feed, and it's just important when you're making Stories. Think of it like short blog posts about a single image mixing in text and video to give a more in-depth look.
  • Conclusion

    The power to post temporary insight and behind the scenes views into your photography simply and on the fly is a great tool we can all use. However, taking some time to plan and create content in advance really opens up the marketing potential of what Stories can do for your business. Using Instagram Stories as a marketing tool will also make your Instagram feed more professional-looking as well as show your followers you're keeping up with social media trends. These are just a few examples of how photographers are using Stories and each individual photographer has unique opportunities that others might not even think of. If you're unsure what you should be posting or what your followers might want to see, just ask. Use your existing engagement to guide your strategy going forward.

    Bonus Tip

    Play music on your phone before starting your Stories to add music and atmosphere to them.

    Do you have any tips or techniques you've been using to get more out of Instagram Stories or some examples of photographers that are using stories in a great way? Share them in the comments.


    Source: Using Instagram Stories as a Marketing Tool for Photographers