Wednesday, May 31, 2017

young photographers explore the diversity of beauty today: part two

"What does beauty mean to me? Freckles!"Evan Browning

Photography Evan Browning

"There's beauty when you accept your body and you move around without shame, without pretending to be skinnier or rounder. Without believing what you see on social media as a rule, just being proud of your body shape in a natural and desexualised way, accepting your nature, your tits, your bottom and your nose, enjoying the beauty of your body's folds." Anabel Navarro

p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 15.0px; font: 12.8px Arial; color: #232323} span.s1 {letter-spacing: 0.0px}

Photography Anabel Navarro 

"Beauty isn't a description, it's a connection." Amber Nixon

Photography Amber Nixon

"I wish to encourage people with my photography to find beauty in themselves. Presently, I believe that nothing makes a girl so beautiful, as regular sex and a tiny bit of drugs. Just mystic guide on beauty as it is. Just a wave of current flow." Anastasiya Lazurenko 

Photography Anastasiya Lazurenko


Source: young photographers explore the diversity of beauty today: part two

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Ah, the Elusive Woodpecker! And the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Wreaks Havoc on Finland IPT Photographers/Part II

What's Up

On Saturday, younger daughter Alissa, the younger of her two autistic sons — my grandson Idris, Jennifer's two kids — grandson Sam and granddaughter Maya, and I, went to Disney's Hollywood Studios. What a great way to get some serious airline miles. Sam had a season pass; the cost for the three adults and one child — Idris is eight, was more than $500. Lunch was a nifty $230+ (with a 20% discount thanks to Sam's annual pass). In any case, we had a fun time. It was not too, too crowded and, with the nice breeze, not too, too hot. The Star Wars characters were the big hit for Idris and I thought that they were pretty neat as well (even though I have never been big Star Wars fan).

I was pleased to learn that girl-Kerry Morris's old 400 DO sold after being listed for many months.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of folks whom I see in the field, and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail.

Please Don't Forget …

As always–and folks have been doing a really great job for a long time now–please remember to use our B&H links for your major and minor gear purchases. For best results, use one of our many product-specific links; after clicking on one of those you can continue shopping with all subsequent purchases invisibly tracked to BAA. Your doing so is always greatly appreciated. Please remember: web orders only. And please remember also that if you are shopping for items that we carry in the BAA Online Store (as noted in red at the close of this post below) we would of course appreciate your business.

BIRDS AS ART June 3-4 Gatorland In-the Field Instructional Meet-Up Sessions

Last of the Season!

Join me in Kissimmee, FL for all or part of the weekend of June 3-4, 2017. We should get to photograph several species of nesting herons and egrets as well as Wood Stork, American Alligator (captive), and more. We should get to make lots of head portraits of all the bird species and to photograph both small chicks and fledged young. Learn to see, find, and make the shot in cluttered settings. Learn exposure and how to handle WHITEs. All of the birds are free and wild. These inexpensive sessions are designed to give folks a taste of the level and the quality of instruction that is provided on BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-tours. I hope to see you there.

June 3-4, 2017 Schedule
  • Saturday June 3 Meet-up Morning (early entry): 7:30 till 10:30am: $99.
  • Lunch and Image Review: $99.
  • Saturday afternoon till closing (late stay): $99.
  • Sunday June 4 Meet-up Morning, (early entry): 7:30 till 10am: $90.
  • Cheap Canon lens rentals available: 600 II, 500 II, 400 DO II, or 200-400.

    To pay for one or more sessions in full via credit card, call Jim or Jen in the office weekdays at 863-692-0906. You will be responsible for the cost of your Gatorland Photographer's pass or passes. Please shoot me an e-mail with questions.

    This image was created on the 2017 Finland IPT with the Wimberley V-2 mounted Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM lens, the Canon Extender EF 1.4X III, and my favorite bird photography camera body, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. ISO 800. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop as framed: 1/100 sec. at f/6.3 in Manual mode. AWB.

    LensAlign/FocusTune micro-adjustment: -3.

    Four AF points up from the center AF point/AI Servo/Expand/Shutter button AF was active at the moment of exposure. The selected AF point was on the center of the bill/neck stripe.

    Great Spotted Woodpecker in snow Ah, the Elusive Woodpecker!

    It was a somewhat strange situation — we photographed from inside a large blind, actually a room on the side of a house, through special one-way glass. We could see the birds coming to the feeders just fine, but the birds could not see us. We quickly realized that you needed to be close to perfectly square to the glass in order to produce a sharp, distortion-free image. Even at that, many images were less than razor sharp. My thoughts are that the glass messes with the AF … In any case, this one was very sharp on the eye. Most of the time we went with the 600 II with the 1.4X III TC for the smaller birds like Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Brambling, and Yellowhammer. But as the perches were close we needed to ditch the TCs when the Great Spotted Woodpecker came in. Continued below …

    Wind Question

    Was the wind constant or swirling? How do you know?

    Snow Shutter Speed Comments …

    Lot of folks like to quote the best shutter speeds for photographing birds in falling snow. This shutter speed will give you specks, that shutter speeds will give you nice streaks. Nobody ever talks about the distance to the subject. The fact is that the distance to the (accurately focused) subject is as big a factor as the shutter speed when it comes to determining the look of the falling snow. So my advice is to vary your (relatively slow) shutter speeds and hope for the best. I have had pretty good success with shutter speeds ranging from 1/60 to 1/320 second.

    Do understand that a single large snowflake close to the front of the lens will appear as a big white blob and will totally ruin most images. Another problem can be AF grabbing the snow in front of the subject; depending on the situation switching to rear focus or even One-Shot AF can help. There was no snow at Disney today as the temps today were in the mid-nineties.

    This image was created on the 2017 Finland IPT with the hand held Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens (at 105mm)and my favorite foot photography camera body, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. ISO 1600. Evaluative metering +1 stop: 1/50 sec. at f/6.3 in Av mode. AWB.

    Two rows down and two AF points to the left/AI Servo/shutter button AF was active at the moment of exposure. The selected AF point was right on the purple toe …

    Anita North's broken toe 🙁 The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Wreaks Havoc on Finland IPT Photographers/Part II

    As is usual with feeder birds, they came in waves. Nothing for ten minutes, then lots of birds. For most of the day, the woodpeckers were scarce. In the mid-afternoon as it began to snow a beautiful great-spotted flew in and landed right in front of Anita and I. We both struggled to remove our teleconverters quickly. I turned off my 5D IV, removed the body, and then dropped it. It hit the table in front of me, bounced once, and fell toward the floor. It squarely struck the first joint of the second toe of participant Anita North who, in the warm comfort of the in-home blind, had removed her sneakers. She went down screaming as if she had been struck by an axe. I knew from her scream that I had broken her toe — it was not the first time I had broken someone's toe … I felt beyond terrible of course.

    Right from the get-go she was such a good sport that it was hard to believe. And in the days that followed she limped around improvising footwear and photographing with a smile. Three weeks later her toe is nearly perfect.

    palouse-card-2017layers

    Palouse 2016 Horizontals Card Why Different? Announcing the 2017 BIRDS AS ART Palouse Instructional Photo-Tour

    In what ways will the 2017 BIRDS AS ART Palouse Instructional Photo-Tour be different from the most other Palouse workshops?

    There are so many great locations that a seven-day IPT (as opposed to the typical three- or five-day workshops) will give the group time to visit (and revisit) many of the best spots while allowing you to maximize your air travel dollars. In addition, it will allow us to enjoy a slightly more relaxed pace.

    You will be assured of being in the right location for the given weather and sky conditions.

    You will learn and hone both basic and advanced compositional and image design skills.

    You will learn to design powerful, graphic images.

    You will visit all of the iconic locations and a few spectacular ones that are much less frequently visited.

    You will learn long lens landscape techniques.

    You will learn to master any exposure situation in one minute or less.

    You will learn the fine points of Canon in-camera (5D Mark III, 5DS R, and 7D II) HDR techniques.

    You will learn to create this look in Photoshop from a single image while winding up with a higher quality image file.

    You will be able to share a variety of my exotic Canon lenses including the Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM lens and the Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM lens, aka the "circle lens."

    You will learn to use your longest focal lengths to create rolling field and Urbex abstracts.

    You will learn when and how to use a variety of neutral density filters to create pleasing blurs of the Palouse's gorgeous rolling farmlands.

    As always, you will learn to see like a pro. You will learn what makes one situation prime and another seemingly similar one a waste of your time.

    You will learn to see the situation and to create a variety of top-notch images.

    You will learn to use super-wide lenses both for big skies and building interiors.

    You will learn when, why, and how to use infrared capture; if you do not own an infrared body, you will get to borrow mine.

    You will learn to use both backlight and side-light to create powerful and dramatic landscape images.

    You will learn to create the very popular detailed, slightly grungy, slightly over-saturated look in Photoshop.

    palouse-2017-card-layers

    Palouse 2016 Verticals Card The 2017 BIRDS AS ART Palouse Instructional Photo-Tour. June 8-14, 2017. Seven full days of photography. Meet and greet at 7:30pm on Wednesday, June 7: $2,499. Limit 10/Openings: 5.

    Call 863-692-0906 or e-mail for Late Registration Discount Info

    Rolling farmlands provide a magical patchwork of textures and colors, especially when viewed from the top of Steptoe Butte where we will enjoy spectacular sunrises and at least one nice sunset. We will photograph grand landscapes and mini-scenics of the rolling hills and farm fields. I will bring you to more than a few really neat old abandoned barns and farmhouses in idyllic settings. There is no better way to improve your compositional and image design skills and to develop your creativity than to join me for this trip. Photoshop and image sharing sessions when we have the time and energy…. We get up early and stay out late and the days are long.

    Over the past three years, with the help of my friend Denise Ippolito, we found all the iconic locations and, in addition, lots of spectacular new old barns and breath-taking landforms and vistas. What's included: In-the-field instruction, guidance, lessons, and inspiration, my extensive knowledge of the area, all lunches, motel lobby grab and go breakfasts, and Photoshop and image sharing sessions. As above, there will be a meet and greet at 7:30pm on the evening before the workshop begins.

    To Sign Up

    Your non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to hold your spot. Please let me know via e-mail that you will be joining this IPT. Then you can either call Jim or Jennifer at 863-692-0906 during business hours to arrange for the payment of your deposit; if by check, please make out to "BIRDS AS ART" and mail it to: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL, 33855. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via e-mail: artie.

    Travel Insurance Services offers a variety of plans and options. Included with the Elite Option or available as an upgrade to the Basic & Plus Options. You can also purchase Cancel for Any Reason Coverage that expands the list of reasons for your canceling to include things such as sudden work or family obligation and even a simple change of mind. You can learn more here: Travel Insurance Services. Do note that many plans require that you purchase your travel insurance within 14 days of our cashing your deposit check. Whenever purchasing travel insurance be sure to read the fine print carefully even when dealing with reputable firms like TSI.

    Please Remember to use my Affiliate Links and to Visit the New BAA Online Store 🙂

    To show your appreciation for my continuing efforts here, we ask, as always, that you get in the habit of using my B&H affiliate links on the right side of the blog for all of your photo and electronics purchases. Please check the availability of all photographic accessories in the New BIRDS AS ART Online Store, especially the Mongoose M3.6 tripod head, Wimberley lens plates, Delkin flash cards and accessories, and LensCoat stuff.

    As always, we sell only what I have used, have tested, and can depend on. We will not sell you junk. We know what you need to make creating great images easy and fun. And please remember that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail.

    I would of course appreciate your using our B&H affiliate links for all of your major gear, video, and electronic purchases. For the photographic stuff mentioned in the paragraph above, and for everything else in the new store, we, meaning BAA, would of course greatly appreciate your business. Here is a huge thank you to the many who have been using our links on a regular basis and those who will be visiting the New BIRDS AS ART Online Store as well.

    Amazon.com

    Those who prefer to support BAA by shopping with Amazon may use the logo link above.

    Amazon Canada

    Many kind folks from north of the border, eh, have e-mailed stating that they would love to help us out by using one of our affiliate links but that living in Canada and doing so presents numerous problems. Now, they can help us out by using our Amazon Canada affiliate link by starting their searches by clicking here.

    Facebook

    Be sure to like and follow BAA on Facebook by clicking on the logo link upper right. Tanks a stack.

    Typos

    In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).


    Source: Ah, the Elusive Woodpecker! And the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Wreaks Havoc on Finland IPT Photographers/Part II

    Monday, May 29, 2017

    Call For Photographers: ART Studio Café hosting exhibit, “It’s a Beautiful World Out There”.

    The ART Studio Café is located at 410 2nd Ave. North. Show opens Friday, June 2nd. More details below. Photo credit: Shawn Moss‎ titled, "Light painting with the cars 2".SHOW OPEN TO ALL. Non-professional photographers welcome. Submit 2 pieces for approval to exhibit. Show will open Friday, June 2nd, at 6:00 with a wine & cheese reception. All pieces exhibited will be for sale for 3 weeks (studio takes 20%).
  • Submit/exhibit fee is $35 (limit 2 pieces per person).
  • Pieces need to be submitted no later than Wednesday, May 31st.
  • Questions please call 561-667-3923.
  • Photographs must show "It's a Beautiful World Out There", e.g., if it's a park bench with pigeon you have to illustrate "where".

    All works must be titled, signed, labelled with photographer's name and brief description.


    Source: Call For Photographers: ART Studio Café hosting exhibit, "It's a Beautiful World Out There".

    Sunday, May 28, 2017

    Rookie photographers take on the 2017 Indy 500

    Makayla Stewart (left), 14, and Kaeleena Stewart (right), 14, blow up balloons while Kenadie Stewart, 10, of Terre Haute, Ind., reaches to grab one in the balloon tent at the 101st running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28, 2017. Sarah Stier/IndyStar


    Source: Rookie photographers take on the 2017 Indy 500

    Saturday, May 27, 2017

    Capturing the Bronx: Bronx Photographers Explore Bronx Neighborhoods is exhibited at Metropolitan College of New York

    Photo by Laura Stone

    (l-r) Exhibited photographers Fernan Luna, Clarisel Gonzalez, Mitch Bleier, Walter Pofeldt, Dinorah Capota, Sorin Capota, Eileen McNamee, Miriam Quin and Lora Frisch.

    By Robert Wirsing

    Bronx Times

    Subscribe

    Get our stories in your inbox, free.

    Like Bronx Times on Facebook.

    The opening reception for the 'Capturing the Bronx: Bronx Photographers Explore Bronx Neighborho­ods' was held on Friday, May 19 at Metropolitan College of New York's Bronx Community Commons Second Floor.

    A group exhibition by the Bronx Photographers Collaborative, the visually stunning display features masterful works from local photographers Mitch Bleier, Silvia Blemenfeld, Dinorah Capota, Carol Foresta, Clarisel Gonzalez, Evelyn Katz, Debby Kawalick, Alex Krstevski, Fernan Luna, Eileen McNamee, Ira Merritt, Walter Pofeldt and Miriam Quin.

    The exhibit runs until Tuesday, August 15.

    Posted 12:00 am, May 27, 2017

    Subscribe

    Get our stories in your inbox, free.

    Like Bronx Times on Facebook.


    Source: Capturing the Bronx: Bronx Photographers Explore Bronx Neighborhoods is exhibited at Metropolitan College of New York

    Friday, May 26, 2017

    I want to help new photographers have a real breakthrough…

    If you have a friend, co-worker, or family member that is new to photography, and you want to see them make a real leap to where they're making much better images right away, have them watch this one minute video below – I think I can help (and it's 100% free).

    I'm going to share some things I believe can really make a difference in their photography right away. It's free and open to everyone, so I encourage you to invite your friends (just send them a link to this post).

    Here's the link to register for the Webinar.

    Thanks for sharing this with your new photography friends. :)

    Here's wishing you a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend, and we'll see you back here on Tuesday. :)

    Best,

    -Scott

    Related Post

    How Does He Do It? In Camera or In Photoshop? You Gotta See This Guy's Stuff! Scott Kelby's "Location Lighting Kit
    Source: I want to help new photographers have a real breakthrough…

    Thursday, May 25, 2017

    Snapseed Review: Best Photo-Editing App for Serious Photographers

    Editor's choice

    The good

  • Superb photo-editing tools
  • Nondestructive editing
  • Selective edit brushes
  • Nice selection of photographic filters
  • The bad

  • Requires a certain level of photographic expertise
  • No auto-save
  • Verdict

    Snapseed's superb traditional tools and nondestructive editing make it the number one choice for serious photographers who want or need to spend time fine-tuning their pictures.

    Snapseed (www.snapseed.com, free) surpasses all other general photo-editing apps we've tested in terms of professional quality and control, and it's the closest to a Photoshop CC for mobile devices. Snapseed isn't for the casual user, but for serious photographers who want or need to spend time creating the best possible image while on the go. As such, it has a full array of top-notch editing tools, including selective edit brushes, plus a nice collection of film-related filters (such as Lens Blur, Retrolux and the new Double Exposure).

    Specs

    Version: 2.17 (on both Android and iOS)Devices: iOS, AndroidFile types supported: DNG (on Android), over 140 RAW formats (on iOS), JPEGSharing options: None natively in the app, but shares easily enough to installed apps, such as Facebook and Instagram, as well as via email and text messaging.

    A photographer's tool

    For detail-oriented photographers, Snapseed can be not only fun but also addictive. We found ourselves enjoying just wandering through its range of exposure, color, masking and reshaping tools, brushes, and filters as we experimented with different settings. Because the editing is nondestructive, you can always go into the Stack (the layers of edits) and adjust or eliminate any edit (including correcting misspelled text). Or you can use a Stacks brush to apply an effect to only a portion of your picture. For instance, if you use a B&W filter on your entire picture, in the Stack you can paint back all or a percentage of the color in specific areas.

    Credit: Tom's GuideCredit: Tom's GuideYou can now save the Stack of edits you've applied to a picture as a "Look," which can then be applied to other photos and shared with other users. This is a great advantage when you have a series of photographs taken at the same time under similar or identical conditions. But it can also be useful when you've defined a creative style that you will want to use again.

    MORE: The Best Photo Editing Apps for iOS and Android

    Snapseed continues to add to its arsenal of photo tools. For the most part, they are quite useful and effective, such as the new Curves exposure dialog. However, we had mixed results with the new Expand tool, which enlarges a picture by copying image data to fill space on the new outer edges. The problem with the Expand tool is that it can't invent data it doesn't have. So it will work only on those photographs in which there's a certain uniformity along the edges, such as a field of grass or a clear blue sky.

    Credit: Tom's GuideCredit: Tom's GuideMore interesting is the new Face Pose tool, which can pan and tilt a portrait to create a slightly different pose, or correct focal length-type distortions. It works only on images with a single face, which it maps onto a 3D model. It also uses facial recognition, which allows you to independently adjust the person's pupils or smile. Our results with Face Pose were subtle and quite appealing.

    Using Snapseed

    Snapseed uses gestures to make edits to photos. For instance, in the Tone tool, swipe up or down to select from among Brightness, Contrast, Saturation, Ambience, Highlights, Shadows and Warmth. Then swipe left or right to increase or decrease the intensity of that effect. While this is the kind of information that is well-documented in Snapseed's generally helpful tutorials, other key controls and gestures — such as pinching to resize the brushes — are not as clearly explained and are often discoverable only by talking with other users or by experimenting.

    Credit: Tom's GuideCredit: Tom's GuideBecause Snapseed is now owned by Google, we were surprised to find that the iOS version of the program is a peg above the Android version. For instance, the iOS version can use your phone's camera to create a new image, while the Android version can't do this. Both can import RAW files (as well as JPEGs) from folders on your device (including the camera roll), but on Android, the RAW import is limited to DNG. The iOS version imports over 140 different RAW formats. On the other hand, the Android version accesses Google Photos in addition to the camera's gallery; iOS is limited to the device's albums.

    The biggest problem we had with Snapseed is the lack of an auto-save as you work. So if you accidentally tap the back button before you save, you will lose all your work. Sharing is an afterthought, because that activity isn't photocentric in the traditional sense. However, we found it quite easy to post images to Facebook and other apps installed on our devices.

    What users are saying

    Snapseed has a very loyal following among serious photographers, who tend to rave about it being the best "must-have" photo app. Many users claim they no longer (or seldom) use Photoshop. The more than half a million reviews on Google Play rate Snapseed an average of 4.5 stars, while on iTunes, the 8,000+ reviews average 4 stars. Most of the complaints are requests for more control, such as a brush to soften or erase portions of the new Double Exposure filter (though that can be done with the Stacks brush). On the other hand, some longtime users have expressed dissatisfaction with the app since Google took it over, saying that the simplified interface has taken away some creative options.

    Bottom line

    Of all the photo apps we've tested over the past several years, Snapseed is by far the best for serious photographers working on their libraries of photos. For consumer photographers who seek fun and sharing more than precise editing, we recommend PicsArt. And for portrait retouching, we recommend Facetune for its diversity of intelligent high-quality tools. But Snapseed is a requisite app for pros who want to work on their photos while on the go.


    Source: Snapseed Review: Best Photo-Editing App for Serious Photographers

    Wednesday, May 24, 2017

    What Photographers Need to Know About Public Domain Images and Stock Photography

    In 2006, Leah Caldwell was eating at a Chipotle near the University of Denver when a photographer took her picture. When she got up to leave, the photographer asked her to sign a release form for use of the images, but she said no. Eight years later, when Caldwell went into a Chipotle in Orlando, Florida, she saw her picture on one of the restaurant's walls, and subsequently in two other locations in California.  

    A few months ago, Caldwell sued Chipotle for over $2 billion, claiming that the company used her image in promotional material without her consent. And not only that, the company had added bottles into the photo, which Caldwell said, "put a false light upon her character associated with consuming alcoholic beverages." This story makes it clear just how risky it is for businesses to use images without vetting them carefully first.

    The rules around photo usage can be tricky, particularly in the era of Instagram. Today, anyone with a mobile device can take and share photos. This has created an image hungry world where businesses need to integrate "authentic" images into their website, social media and marketing materials. However, the proliferation of images has also made best practices around image usage more complicated.

    Take public domain images. Public domain images are free from copyright, either because they expired or never existed in the first place. Just about anyone can use them for personal and commercial purposes, and a quick browse around the internet makes it clear that interest in public domain images is on the rise. Why? Because free content is always in-demand and fresh images suit modern business needs better than traditional stock photography.

    However, public domain images and stock photography are not the same, and cannot always be used interchangeably. For instance, public domain images do not include all the security factors of a stock photo. Most businesses are aware that they can't use people's work without their consent, but they may not be aware of the risks involved in promoting public domain images as stock photos. Just because an image is in the public domain does not mean it's free from risk of copyright infringement.

    Despite these risks, companies are promoting public domain images as if they are stock photography. One big example is Google, which has started to promote public domain content more aggressively in its organic search. By listing public domain images for stock photo searches, it manipulates the subject. Promoting this type of content at a large scale can be toxic for photographers, who don't receive any income and lose their copyright if their images are in the public domain. It can also be toxic for designers because of the high-risks involved. Anyone who uses public domain images needs to understand the risks.

    Public domain images are provided with little warranty. The images are not model-released nor property released, so they must be used with care. Because they do not require a model-release, using these images commercially comes with high risks. The photographer is the one who gives the rights — not the model. This means that the model can sue the designer if the image is used commercially. It's why a multinational band like Coca Cola is not likely to use public domain images, despite the fact that they might match the look and feel of these ads. They don't want to get hit with a lawsuit.

    "None of this is to say that businesses should not take advantage of public domain images, but rather to emphasize the importance of understanding the risks," said Viorel Dudau, one of Dreamstime's experts in image usage rights. "Public domain images should only be used after conducting due diligence to mitigate the risks."

    There are a number of considerations to be aware of when vetting content. The first is to make sure that the image was really uploaded by the author and not "stolen." Businesses also need to ask questions: Is the site available to everyone? Are the images reviewed? What incentives does a photographer have to provide a great image collection for no fee?

    Companies also need to consider the model. Did the person in the image signed a model release? Without one, any commercial usage may be challenged as Caldwell did with Chipotle, and damages can run as high as tens of millions for a single image, even when the model is paid.

    Another consideration is whether the image contains trademarked items. It's obviously a good idea to stay away from using logos of famous brands, but what about trademarks such as Adidas' signature three-stripes on a piece of wardrobe?

    Finally, if you are a photographer, be aware that uploading an image under public domain means anyone can do anything with that image, including reselling it. This is what led Getty Images to get hit with a $1 billion lawsuit from photographer Carol Highsmith, who found out that Getty was licensing some of her public domain images and, to make matters worse, sent her a letter demanding payment for using one of her own public domain images on her website. Highsmith claimed gross misuse and false attribution of nearly 19,000 images. The courts ultimately sided against her.

    There is no doubt that public domain images can be a great resource, whether it's to spice up a blog post or create a product label. However, images should never be used without carefully thinking through all the possible variables and understanding the risk. It's better to vet images upfront than cope with a lawsuit later.

    Written by Serban Enache.


    Source: What Photographers Need to Know About Public Domain Images and Stock Photography

    Tuesday, May 23, 2017

    Manfrotto Has a New Camera Bag Collection for City-Dwelling Photographers

    Manfrotto's new Manhattan line of camera bags are feature-rich and highly adaptable based on what's in your kit. As lifestyle bags for the city, presentation and durability are also key elements in their design. Here's a closer look at the three introductory options of the Manhattan collection, the Mover-50 backpack, the Speedy-10 messenger, and the Changer-20 shoulder bag.

    The Manhattan bags have an exterior that is water-resistant with a coated material on the bottom side that can be wiped clean. They use resistant ballistic fabric with premium zippers and pulls. All three come with an removable rain hood that can be deployed during inclement weather on your commute.

    Each bag has padded media compartments, hidden pockets, and straps for securing travel-sized tripods or other items. The new Flexy Camera Shell removable insert is used to store your camera kit in the bags and are secured by Velcro straps.

    Manhattan Changer-20 Camera Shoulder Bag
  • Three-way bag: shoulder sling, tote bag, and backpack.
  • Fits DSLR with 70–200mm f/2.8 lens attached plus two additional lenses.
  • Fits 15-inch laptop and iPad Pro 9.7-inch tablet in dedicated compartment.
  • Many pockets for personal belongings.
  • Priced at $119.99, available now.
  • Manhattan Mover-50 Camera Backpack
  • Fits DSLR with 70–200mm f/2.8 lens attached plus four additional lenses, flash, and compact system camera with lens.
  • Fits 15-inch laptop and iPad Pro 9.7-inch tablet in dedicated compartment.
  • Back and top access design.
  • Priced at $159.99, available now.
  • Manhattan Speedy-10 Camera Messenger
  • Fits DSLR with regular lens attached plus two additional lenses.
  • Fits 12-inch laptop and iPad Pro 9.7-inch tablet in dedicated compartment.
  • Features a chest strap for added stabilization and doubles as a trolley strap.
  • Priced at $99.99, available now.

  • Source: Manfrotto Has a New Camera Bag Collection for City-Dwelling Photographers

    Monday, May 22, 2017

    Three Ways to Separate Yourself From Other Photographers

    Social media consumption is at an all-time high and is on pace to increase at an exponential pace for the foreseeable future. We all seem to have capable technology on us always, whether it be a cell phone or dedicated interchangeable lens camera. With this rapid rate of consumption and the accessibility of technology we are living in a world saturated with quality content everywhere we look. Standing out among other photographers is getting more challenging daily and that's why I put together these three ways to help separate yourself from other photographers.

    Style

    Developing a personal style that is unique to ourselves is a culmination of everything we've learned about the art of photography. This isn't a one size fits all application of a preset, it's the way in which we conceptualize each picture from the angle, the lens, the environment, and post processing of our work. This is what causes people to be able to recognize your work out of the crowd.

    In many ways developing our own unique style is a never-ending journey that we began when we first picked up the camera but it's what going to cause people to buy into what you're selling as an artist. It also helps create a cohesive feed on your social media platforms and through your portfolio. Once you've truly pinpointed the look and feel you're trying to portray you'll have a solid foundation of your personal style and you'll be able to evolve as an individual and artist from it.

    Being Resourceful

    Sometimes the difference between a failed photoshoot and a successful one is being able to utilize the resources to our advantage. There are many factors that control how a shoot is going to go whether it be lighting, location, model, or equipment available, but being able to get a quality product out of a not so ideal situation is paramount to separating yourself from others. Now being able to adapt with changing factors isn't the only thing you need to be good at.

    You need to always use the tools at your disposal to be prepared. Nowadays, we can look up 360 degree views of practically any location with Google Maps to plan a shoot. If you are an astrophotographer, there are multiple apps that are going to show you an AR view of where in the sky the milky way is going to be. PhotoPills will show you the exact lighting for any time of the day anywhere in the world.

    With all this information at our fingertips there is no excuse to not be fully prepared for any given scenario. Putting together preparation and the ability to adapt will make you a dependable and resourceful photographer that will be remembered when it comes time for a client's next job. When a client knows that at the end of the day you'll be delivering quality work regardless of circumstance they are likely to be keeping your information on hand for any photo work in the future.

    Time

    We are all limited to the same amount of time in a day but do we all make the most out of this limited schedule we have? Time is our worst enemy but it can be used to be our greatest asset and given that we all have the same amount of it the utilization of time is a valuable thing to be in control of. When being efficient you can fit in a 4-hour job into a 2-hour time block, you can spend more time developing your style, and you can spend more time learning how to use the given tools to be resourceful. It truly opens a world of possibility when you can get more done in less time and allocate more time to developing as an artist further separating yourself from others in the industry.

    Conclusion

    Now these three things are not foolproof methods; developing yourself as a photographer is a journey and not a destination. Even though it's as cliché as it sounds, it still rings true that we will never be perfect in the subjective world that we live in but, can all strive to be recognized as a true individual in our craft. It could take years of hard work and dedication to get to the point where people know who you are and what you stand for. In the end, the process is an adventure and that's why we all picked up the camera in the first place right?


    Source: Three Ways to Separate Yourself From Other Photographers

    Sunday, May 21, 2017

    Photographers capture the Bronx in new exhibit

    Photo courtesy of Miriam Quin

    Quin poses in front of her 'winter walk' photo at last year's exhibit on City Island.

    By Steven Goodstein

    Bronx Times

    Subscribe

    Get our stories in your inbox, free.

    Like Bronx Times on Facebook.

    The Bronx has been captured through photography and will be displayed at a new exhibit.

    This Friday, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., the Bronx Photographers Collaborative invites you to the opening reception of the 'Capturing The Bronx: Bronx Photograph­ers' exhibition.

    The exhibit's opening reception, which will take place on the second floor of the Community Commons at Metropolitan College of New York's Bronx campus, 463 E. 149th Street, will showcase several dozen photos that represent different neighborhoods and themes of the Bronx.

    The 41 photographs will cover topics such as architecture, culture, education, history, landmarks, transportation, and more.

    "Each neighborhood of the Bronx has a different identity with different themes - and we wanted to showcase that," said Walter Pofeldt, who began working as a full-time photographer for the Bronx Times in the early 2000s after working for the NYC Housing Authority for nearly a decade. He has lived in the Bronx for over 15 years. "It's fun for photographers who take pictures of different parts of the Bronx, each with different perspectives, to bring their ideas together in an exhibit setting."

    Pofeldt said his interest in photography began as a child, when he would look at the pictures in Life Magazine, which his parents purchased through a subscription.

    In August, Pofeldt held a one-man exhibition at Edgar Allan Poe Cottage, where he showcased photographs he took after visiting Cuba earlier on in the year.

    "The Bronx has always gotten somewhat of a negative reception because of its history," said Miriam Quin, who began her career as a photographer covering events for MAS Productions in the late 2000s and now works for the Bronx Times. "This exhibit will show visitors the positive, uplifting side of the Bronx that they've never seen!"

    Over the years, Quin has lived in many Bronx neighborhoods, including Longwood and Bedford Park. She also attended James Monroe High School and Lehman College, and has won awards at various Bronx photograph contests, including events at Edgar Allan Poe Park and Pelham Parkway.

    For both Pofeldt and Quin, photography began as an hobby that led to a career and a new way of life.

    Other local photographers who will also have their pictures on display in the exhibit include Mitch Bleier, Silvia Blumenfeld, Dinorah Capota, Carol Foresta, Clarisel Gonzalez, Debby Kawalick, Evelyn Katz, Alex Krstevski, Fernan Luna, Eileen McNamee and Ira Merritt.

    Quin personally thanked Bleier, who purchased the frames for her photos. Without the frames, Quin's photos couldn't have been displayed in the exhibit.

    Each of these established individuals are members of the Bronx Photographers Collaborative, a club/organization of photography enthusiasts that was started two years ago.

    In April 2018, the Bronx Photographers Collaborative will hold another photo exhibit at Edgar Allan Poe Park, with the assistance of Lucy Aponte, head of the Friends of Soundview Park.

    The organization plans to hold other exhibits at different Bronx venues in the near future.

    The exhibit will run until Tuesday, August 15.

    Posted 12:00 am, May 21, 2017

    Subscribe

    Get our stories in your inbox, free.

    Like Bronx Times on Facebook.


    Source: Photographers capture the Bronx in new exhibit

    Saturday, May 20, 2017

    Flint Teens Matter recruiting photographers to help high school seniors

    Posted: Sat 1:03 PM, May 20, 2017

    FLINT (WJRT) - (5/20/17) - Calling all photographers who'd like to help out some local students affected by Flint's Water Emergency while also adding to your portfolio.

    The project is called Flint Teens Matter, and any Flint High School senior in need can participate.

    Founder and photographer Charles Ruggles hopes to capture their individual essence during a senior picture photo shoot.

    "There's a lot of kids that are being overlooked. A lot of parents don't have the money to provide this service for their kids."

    With pretty Stepping Stone Falls as the backdrop, Ruggles photographed Flint Northwestern High School honor student Leilani Clay Saturday.

    "It's expensive for senior pictures. I wasn't really looking forward to senior pictures because we didn't have the money for it," Clay explained. "And it was kind of nerve-wracking seeing everybody else's, and I didn't have any, but I'm glad I got this opportunity to take some."

    It's now the second consecutive year that Ruggles has done this free of charge with just a handful of other photographers to help. His work has been honored by Congressman Dan Kildee (D-Flint) for service during Flint's Water Emergency, but Ruggles wants the spotlight to be on the students.

    Clay is a Flint-trained dancer and singer. She'has also performed for former President Obama, among many other accomplishments.

    "The performances that got me many opportunities was tap. It got me a $25,000 scholarship. I went to New York, D.C., New Jersey for performances, especially for the Flint Water Crisis."

    Soon she will be auditioning in New York for the stage show Stomp. Meanwhile, Ruggles will be finishing up the rest of his sessions in Flint. By the time he's done, he will have had around 25 sessions. He's already planning ahead to next year.

    "Looking for local photographers that want to spotlight their ability, their talent and give back to the community," Ruggles said.

    Photographers will receive photo credit on the Flint Teens Matter website.

    You can click here for more information.


    Source: Flint Teens Matter recruiting photographers to help high school seniors

    Friday, May 19, 2017

    Classic Photographers Named Winner In The Knot Best Of Weddings 2017

    LONDONDERRY, N.H. - May 19, 2017 - PRLog -- PRESS RELEASECLASSIC PHOTOGRAPHERS NAMED WINNER IN THE KNOT BEST OF WEDDINGS 2017

    Eleventh Annual Best of Weddings Awards Honor the Top Wedding Vendors Across America

    USA/January 1, 2017—Classic Photographers is pleased to announce that they have been selected as a 2017 ­­winner in The Knot Best of Weddings (https://www.theknot.com/ vendors/best- of-weddings) , an award representing the highest-rated wedding professionals as reviewed by real couples, their families and wedding guests on The Knot (http://www.theknot.com/) , the leading wedding brand and marketplace. This is the 2nd year Classic Photographers has been selected for The Knot Best of Weddings.In 2017, only 2% of the 300,000 local wedding professionals listed on TheKnot.com have received this distinguished accolade. In its eleventh annual year, The Knot continues its longstanding tradition of supporting local wedding vendors with The Knot Best of Weddings 2017, an ann ual by-couples, for-couples guide to the top wedding professionals across the country. To determine the winners, The Knot assessed almost one million reviews across the various vendor categories—venues, musicians, florists, photographers, caterers and more. These winners represent the best of the best for wedding professionals that a bride or groom would want to consider in order to inspire, plan and book their own unique wedding.

    "As a team, Classic Photographers is honored to be receiving this award! We work extremely hard to provide the best service to our brides & grooms; we wouldn't have gotten this far without them and their support. Our team promises to continue providing the best services, prices and value to our couples in 2017." – Brittany Ault, Assistant Marketing Manager, Classic Photographers.

    The Knot has inspired approximately 25 million couples to plan a wedding that's uniquely theirs. With a rich history of providing quality content and inspirati on to couples, The Knot is making it easier for couples to connect with and book just the right wedding professional to create their perfect wedding day. Eight out of 10 couples come to The Knot where they can be connected to any of 300,000 local wedding professionals across the country. The Knot marries great technology with trusted content–and a little love–to make planning for the most important day of a person's life easier and more enjoyable.

    For more information about The Knot Best of Weddings and a complete list of winners, please visit https://www.theknot.com/ vendors/best- of-weddings.

    # # #

    About Classic Photographers

    Classic Photographers provides professional wedding photography & videography services in the U.S. Our Approach is designed to take the guess work out of choosing a wedding photographer and to make the wedding photography experience stress-free. Our primary goal is to bring to you quality wedding photos at reasonable prices. We have a team of experienced wedding photographers ready to capture the memories of your special day our process is designed to take the hassle out of the wedding photography we will give you affordable wedding pictures and a custom designed storybook themed wedding album.

    About The Knot

    The Knot is the nation's leading wedding resource and marketplace that seamlessly engages, matches and connects couples with the right products, services and local wedding professionals they need to plan and pull off their wedding. The trusted brand reaches a majority of engaged couples in the US through the #1 wedding website TheKnot.com, its mobile apps, The Knot national and local wedding magazines, and The Knot book series. The Knot has inspired approximately 25 million couples to plan a wedding that's uniquely them. The Knot is the flagship brand of XO Group Inc. (http://www.xogroupinc.com/ ) , which helps people navigate and enjoy life's biggest moments—from getting married to mov ing in together and having a baby. Please visit The Knot online at TheKnot.com and follow on social media: Facebook.com/ TheKnot and @TheKnot on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/ theknot), Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ theknot) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/ theknot).

    End


    Source: Classic Photographers Named Winner In The Knot Best Of Weddings 2017

    Thursday, May 18, 2017

    News Photographers Association of Canada Concerned About Arrest of Hamilton Freelance Journalist

    News Photographers Association of Canada Concerned About Arrest of Hamilton Freelance Journalist

    VANCOUVER, May 18, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - The News Photographers Association of Canada (NPAC) is gravely concerned about the arrest of Hamilton area freelance photojournalist David Ritchie on Tuesday night at the scene of a crime, echoing yesterday's statement from the Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE).

    On May 16, 2017 at approximately 7 PM local time, freelance photojournalist David Ritchie and Global News photojournalist Jeremy Cohn were arrested by Hamilton Police Services at Evans Rd. and Highway 5, where a 10-year-old girl died after being struck by a car. Ritchie is facing a charge for obstructing police.

    Ritchie is a freelance photojournalist who is well known throughout the Hamilton area. He has stated that he was respecting the standard crime scene protocol for media by waiting behind the perimeter that had been put up by law enforcement officials.

    NPAC is deeply concerned that this type of police aggression is an infringement of the freedom of the press and believes that a free and independent press that holds public authorities accountable is the foundation for rights and freedoms of all Canadians.

    SOURCE News Photographers Association of Canada


    Source: News Photographers Association of Canada Concerned About Arrest of Hamilton Freelance Journalist

    Wednesday, May 17, 2017

    Photographers' visions run in tandem in 'Sentience'

    Photo from the "TreeSong" series by Mikhail Yusufov, on view in "Sentience" at the Morton Library in Rhinecliff.(Photo: Courtesy photo)

    Editor's note: Portrait of the Artist is a regular feature in Enjoy! that spotlights artists with exhibits in the Hudson Valley. If you are an artist in a current or upcoming exhibit and would like to be included in this feature, email bfarrell@poughkeepsiejournal.com. This week's Portrait of the Artist features Arlene Becker and Mikhail Yusufov, whose work is on display at the Morton Library in Rhinecliff through June 1.

    Tell us about your photographs in "Sentience" and what inspired you to select them for the joint exhibit.

    A.B. There are two bodies of work. The photographs are images taken at the recent Women's March on Washington, observing women and men being proactive to make their voices and issues heard. The photo-collages are observing people doing everyday, commonplace activities while simultaneously experiencing the vastness of their reverie.

    PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST: Muse of 40 years inspires solo show in Kingston

    M.Y. I selected my 'TreeSong' pictures because the documentary style utilized in the photographs would play well off Arlene's protest pictures, providing an excellent complement while simultaneously giving us a little contradiction. The 'NightSong' photos are a great juxtaposition to Arlene's collages in terms of color and concept of a personal mental space.

    "Hear Our Voice" by Arlene Becker, on view in "Sentience" at the Morton Library in Rhinecliff. (Photo: Courtesy photo)

    Do you each stick to a certain theme in your work or like to explore new techniques and subjects?

    A.B. Both. There is always the underlying attempt to get into people's heads while they are activated in some way.

    M.Y. I would agree with Arlene. Usually, one project leads into another, either as a continuation of an idea or a complete opposite reaction to the idea.

    Photo from the "Nightsong" series by Mikhail Yusufov, on view in "Sentience" at the Morton Library in Rhinecliff. (Photo: Courtesy photo)

    What do you hope viewers come away with after seeing your work?

    A.B. Further insight into the workings of our minds and the greater and lesser extent that this is revealed in one's actions in our society.

    M.Y. With 'TreeSong,' I am hoping that my viewers gain a greater appreciation for the subtleties of the natural world, and with my 'Nightsong' pictures, I am hoping that I can disorient my viewers a little.

    Do you see yourself in your photographs? How?

    A.B. Yes. In that I am just another person with my internal and external life, sometimes very public and sometimes quite private.

    M.Y. I like to think that I am the thing I am photographing.

    "Walking to See II" by Arlene Becker, on view in "Sentience" at the Morton Library in Rhinecliff. (Photo: Courtesy photo)

    How have you handled the business side of being an artist?

    A.B. The most important thing is the art itself. People seeing and experiencing my work is like "hearing the tree in the forest — was there a sound if nobody heard it?"

    M.Y. So far business has been one-side. Mostly, I am trying to figure out how to keep expenses low without sacrificing quality of my work.

    What are you each working on now?

    A.B. Continuing what is in the exhibit, and also, people being both social and private in diners.

    M.Y. Currently, I am drafting ideas for a project this summer when I plan to take a couple of months off to photograph.

    What type of art decorates your homes?

    A.B. Mostly, the results of of trades with friends as well as my own work.

    M.Y. A lot of art that I made, some pieces I traded with friends who make art, and tons upon tons of photography books! Arlene is definitely my inspiration on how a collection should complement a home.

    How does your background contribute to your process as an artist?

    A.B. I used to be a sculptor, and this contributes to use of materials in the collages. But mostly, having lived a lot of life has whet my appetite to always explore more of it.

    M.Y. I studied at Bard College where I received my bachelor's in photography. The program really comes out of the straightforward documentary style of the 1970s, and I love this way of photographing because it is so simple, unpretentious and clear. These ideas from the past definitely have a strong influence to how I think and photograph.

    What excites you about photography — what keeps you interested?

    A.B. As long as there is life, there is subject matter to be explored.

    M.Y. I really love to discover new places and photography is the tool that gets me out of my house, out of my comfort zone and teaches me about my environment.

    Arlene Becker, who earned a master's degree in Fine Art in 1978 from the Art Institute of Chicago, lives and works in the Hudson Valley. She has exhibited her work throughout the U.S. Mikhail Yusufov lives and works in Brooklyn and earned a bachelor's degree in photography from Bard College.

    Arlene Becker (Photo: Courtesy photo)

    Mikhail Yusufov (Photo: Courtesy photo)

    Read or Share this story: http://pojonews.co/2rqU4lG


    Source: Photographers' visions run in tandem in 'Sentience'

    Tuesday, May 16, 2017

    Eric Kim Proves the Value (and Fallacy) of SEO for Photographers

    In nearly every industry, the web has enabled a cadre of internet-famous individuals, who on the merits of their marketing prowess have gained massive followings without necessarily acquiring the skills that has traditionally defined an "expert." At the surface, the phenomena seems entirely meritocratic – use hard work to circumvent the traditional gatekeepers, thereby building an audience that one can then monetize. But the insidious by-product is a "fake news" quality to the content. Should we believe and/or value the information?

    One of the more polarizing figures in the photo industry is street photographer and workshop instructor Eric Kim, whose website frequently appears as the #1 result when searching "street photography" (search result position can vary by who is executing the search, so experts often refer to the average position which can be gleaned through Google Search Console).

    While other photographers have spent time building up followers on Instagram, Kim has focused on creating massive amounts of blog content for the simple reason that the web is arguably a better mechanism for discovery and "intent." Instagram's discovery mechanism uses keywords, hashtags and network associations to uncover other images and accounts that you might like – but the user's intention is usually just to find similar content. By contrast, the web offers users to act upon more specific "intent." A user can go from broad intent (e.g. "Nikon D810") to more specific intent (e.g. "Nikon D810 vs Canon 5D") that leads to conversion (e.g. the purchase of a camera). For Kim, this means using his high position in search results to introduce himself as an expert in street photography, which can can potentially lead to a user shelling out thousands of dollars to attend his workshop.

    To "win" at search, websites need good Search Engine Optimization (SEO) – the practice of creating content then building links, social activity and domain strength so that a given page comes up higher in search results. Kim exploits a few well-known techniques to build a large ground-covering of content, including:

  • Click-bait headlines
  • Use of listicles
  • Controversial topics & a quirky writing style that cause his content (all open-sourced) to be reposted by sites like DPReview, PetaPixel, Flipboard, etc – which helps him build inbound links, strengthening his SEO.
  • Kim's content is prolific and well-positioned. Here's a list of search terms and their search result position:

  • street photography: #1
  • street photographer: #7
  • Street photography workshop: #4
  • Joseph Koudelka: #4
  • Bruce Davidson: #5
  • Bruce Gilden: #6
  • Martin Parr: #5
  • Alex Webb: #5
  • David Alan Harvey: #6
  • Henri Cartier-Bresson: #5
  • Elon musk photography: #1
  • Now imagine you have an interest in photography, and come across a piece on Bruce Gilden. You search for "Bruce Gilden" and see Kim's "5 Lessons Bruce Gilden Has Taught Me About Photography."

    In Google's "People also search for" box, you click on "Martin Parr," and you see Kim's "10 Things Martin Parr Can Teach You About Photography." As you move down the rabbit hole of street photography, you keep coming across Kim's content which leads you to believe that he is an expert in street photography.

    Is he?

    From the viewpoint of building a business around photography, the answer is irrelevant. Whether you like him or not, he has been as successful as any of his internet-famous photography peers, and is doing what he set out to do, namely make a living through photography (that his income comes from teaching might concern you, but it certainly doesn't bother Kim). More photographers should be building textual content (i.e. blogging) on their websites.

    The fallacy of his SEO conquest is that he is, by his own admission, "not the best photographer out there." Although well-read and erudite, his writing skills are mediocre – partially because he never edits his work – relying on a stream-of-consciousness style that allows him to be prolific, but not insightful. Thus the way he represents photography is not that of either a professional photographer, nor a thoughtful critic of photography. He is playing the SEO game with great success, and building resentment from a large part of the community – both professional and amateur – who view him as a charlatan.

    Kim mostly participates in the "long tail" of SEO, building content against niche topics. He isn't trying to rank for terms like "Canon DSLR," instead writing about content within the street photography realm. An analysis of his most popular post reveals 1100 backlinks – that is, 1100 links from other sites reference his content. It is a relatively large, but not insurmountable number of backlinks, which means that the next Eric Kim could be around the corner if he/she committed to creating regular content. Why not a photographer like Andre D. Wagner, Issui Enomoto, or Che' Ahmad Azhar?

    As more professional photographers diversify their revenue streams away from strict picture taking, they ought to take a cue from people like Kim. They might never respect his photography, but they could learn from his marketing acumen. In the world of SEO, content is king, and for better or worse, Kim rules the streets.


    Source: Eric Kim Proves the Value (and Fallacy) of SEO for Photographers

    Monday, May 15, 2017

    10 Photographers Who Have Elevated Pet Photography into an Art Form

    If you've got a pet, chances are you have countless pictures of them stored on your phone or computer. Like children, pets are constantly doing something that's photo worthy—even when they're being naughty. But, quantity doesn't always equal quality. Often, it's better to have a small collection of incredible pet photography that artfully captures the true essence of your furry friend. Going beyond a smartphone camera, photographers have elevated the subject matter with their professional equipment and above all, a keen eye. Paired with creative thinking, these images of animals become unforgettable.

    What makes a good pet photo?

    Some of the best pet photography goes beyond "cute" and looks into the soul of an animal. Photographer Robert Bahou is a fantastic example of this; he's interested in what's beneath the fur and has captured creatures' honest gazes for his series called Animal Soul. "I've avoided all distraction by limiting the photographs to medium shots with a black background," he tells us in an email, "and I have purposely avoided humor as a selling point." Continuing, "I want people to look at animals in a way that they don't normally do. I want to show the animals they're so familiar with in a way they haven't seen them before." With these minimalist shots, the creatures' idiosyncrasies—like small smirks and poignant expressions—are revealed.

    While Bahou focuses on an animal's inner world, photographer Seth Casteel goes deep down in a different way. His brand of pet photography is playful and makes a splash for anyone who sees it. The California-based creative first gained praise many years ago with the series Underwater Dogs, which features energetic pooches diving into the depths of a pool to retrieve their favorite toys. Since then, he's created similar series about puppies and kitties (although they weren't underwater). The results are hilarious and technically awe-inspiring—both image-wise, and the lengths that Casteel has gone to make these shots happen. For his sensational Underwater Puppies, he says, "I taught swimming lessons to over 1,500 puppies, helping them build confidence and safety skills in the water."

    Photographer Sophie Gamand straddles the line between poignant, conceptually-based animal images and playful costuming. Her series Wet Dog is self explanatory—it showcases portraits of sopping wet pooches as they're being washed during their grooming sessions. With silly hairstyles, the mid-bath looks will make you chuckle—but Gamand also hopes they'll make you think. "I want others to see dogs for what they are: more than just animals. Our bond is so strong and unique that they really have a special place in the human lifestyle. They are more than animals, they are life companions. So when I photograph dogs, I look for the human in them: an expression, the life in their eyes, a smile."

    This idea of appearance is also a driving force behind Gamand's Flower Power: Pit Bulls of the Revolution. Here, she adorns stigmatized pit bulls with soft, gorgeous florals as a way to challenge our perception of the breed. "The series is inspired by Baroque and Rococo's aesthetics, using the traditional codes of portraiture," she explains."The flowers symbolize the ephemeral quality of life, reminding us that these creatures are fragile and precious."

    Pet photography tips from the pros

    Like other facets of photography, there are tips and tricks that professionals use to make sure that they're getting the most from their animal subject. Over the years, we've heard from pet photographers who've given us insight into their process. Much of their advice isn't all that different from any other subject.

    "Think outside the square," creative pet photographer Serenah tells us. "Practice your techniques." But, she adds, "Most importantly, keep it fun for the animal."

    Pooch photographer Elke Vogelsang offers more technical advice and says, "Every individual dog is so very different." Keeping this in mind, what works for one animal might not entice another. "Some dogs react to noises quite well. There are dogs who do the cutest head tilts whenever you say one of their favorite words. Yes, dogs have favorite words and they understand quite a lot." Treats work well in most cases, but toys can be a problem. "Some dogs get overly excited when presented with their favorite toy." Mimicking Serenah, she reminds us to make it fun for the animal. And, be calm. "The art lies in finding the interesting pictures among the shots you did."

    If you'd like to learn more about pet photography, check out these online classes: Scroll down for an inspiring look at 10 professional pet photographers elevating the practice of pet photography.

    Although we've covered a few contemporary pet photographers, there are many others that elevate the ordinary animal portrait into something compelling and spectacular.

    Stephanie McCombie Best Pet PhotographyBest Pet Photography

    R ead more: Funny Photos of Dogs Licking Peanut Butter Off Their Faces

    Sarolta Ban Pet PhotographyBest Pet PhotographyPet Photography

    Read more: Artist Continues to Photoshop Rescue Dogs to Help Find Them Homes

    Elke Vogelsang Best Pet PhotographyPet PhotographyPet Photography

    Read more: Interview: Expressive Human-Like Portraits of Dogs by Elke Vogelsang

    Andrius Burba Pet Photography TipsPet Photography TipsPet Photography Tips

    Read more: Adorable Photos Reveal the Fluffy Under Belly of Playful Pups

    Ralph Hargarten Pet Photography TipsPet Photography Tips

    Read more: Portraits of Dogs With Human-Like Expressions

    Ron Schmidt Professional Pet PhotographyProfessional Pet PhotographyProfessional Pet PhotographyProfessional Pet Photography

    Read more: Wonderfully Witty Dog Portraits by Ron Schmidt

    Serenah Photography Professional Pet PhotographyPet PhotographyBest Pet Photography

    Read more: Exclusive Interview with Serenah, the Creative Pet Photographer

    Robert Bahou Professional Pet PhotographyProfessional Pet Photography

    Read more: Intimate Animal Portraits Capture Unique Quirks and Personalities of Cats, Dogs, and Horses

    Seth Casteel Pet Photography

    Read more: Playful Photos of Adorable Puppies Swimming Underwater

    Professional Pet PhotographyProfessional Pet Photography

    Read more: Playing Catch with Dogs Underwater

    Pet PhotographyPet Photography

    Read more: Adorable Rescue Cats and Kittens Hilariously Captured in Mid-Pounce

    Sophie Gamand Pet PhotographyPet Photography

    Read more: Funny Po rtraits of Wet Dogs by Sophie Gamand

    Pet PhotographyPet Photography

    Read more: Colorfully Drea my Portraits Show Pit Bulls in a Softer Light

    We hope this helps inspire you in your own pet photography!
    Source: 10 Photographers Who Have Elevated Pet Photography into an Art Form