Found these self-portraits on My Modern Met by model/photographer Lauren Peralta. She definitely takes the GPOY to new levels. Check out the rest of Lauren's photo work on Flickr. … [Read more...]
Are Photographers a Necessity to Make a Good Magazine?
June 25, 2012 by 3 Comments
NOTE: Many of my magazine related posts have been moved over to my other blog, MagazineDesignShop.com. If you would like to read more posts on how to start your first magazine, please head over to that site. Last week when I wrote about the 5 People You Need to Make a Magazine, I took a pretty hardline stance on some of my points of view, and I knew I was going to fluster a few people. I thought my post on Publishers would be the one to get me in hot water, but it turned out to be the post on Photographers which drew the most attention, both online and off. My friend Rebecca of Atomic Cowlick had a lot to say, but instead of posting it as a comment in that blog post, I asked if she'd be ok with me sharing it here as a rebuttal to my point of view. Just to recap, I essentially called photographers a bunch of egomaniacs, but before I clarify, this is what Rebecca had to say. After reading this post, I had a brief conversation with some friends and a business partner about this … [Read more...]
Digital Cameras, Because Sometimes You Just Need a Shinier Hammer
June 5, 2012 by 4 Comments
When it comes to photography, I consider myself a proficient amateur. I'm far from stellar, especially with my lack of patience for the different camera settings, but I am pretty good at composing a decent shot. I still agree with Chase Jarvis that the best camera is the one you have with you; in a pinch, the camera phone is as good as any. However, since I'm doing a considerable amount of my own photography for the blog, it's probably best I have adequate tools on hand. Granted, I do have a very solid and competent Canon DSLR with some good (and expensive) lenses at my disposal. The camera takes excellent shots, and I'm learning how to use it better with each go-round, but it's not exactly fun to carry. It's so bulky and heavy around my neck, I've nicknamed it The Albatross. Also, it doesn't shoot video, so I have to bring something else along for that task and switch out every time the mood suits me. The last couple shows, I've used only my iphone, and that was sufficient, but … [Read more...]
Allison Pistohl Kills it With an Iphone
June 4, 2012 by 2 Comments
Famed photographer and video podcaster, Chase Jarvis, is known for stating, "the best camera is the one you have", meaning that no matter the capabilities or limitations of the camera you have on hand, photography is about taking the best possible photo with the camera you have on hand, even if that's an iPhone. There's a few folks on Etsy that sell their iPhonography photos, and some do fairly well, but I'm not nearly as impressed usually. On the other hand, LA native, Allison Pistohl is the exception, not the rule. Her photos, and what I can assume is extensive post-processing work, are exceptional and worthy of hanging on any wall. I love the rustic, almost tintype feel to these prints. When I first posted the Golden Gate image below to the Fresh Rag Pinterest account, the photo got a lot of attention really quick. Obviously, Allison has tapped into a nerve with this image, and I'm shocked she hasn't sold more, but she's only been on Etsy less than a year, so I'm sure she's just … [Read more...]
New Photo of a Netted Toucan by Todd Forsgren on 20×200
May 31, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Just released today on 20x200 is this "Collared Arcari" print by Todd Forsgren. I sometimes wonder if I should have been an ornithologist because of my fascination with birds, especially the tropical breeds. Don't fret, the bird is not in any danger, merely caught up in a net so a scientist can tag and photograph it for research purposes. As cool as the print is by itself, read through the artist statement. It's compelling and I'm even more intrigued by the process now. Ornithologists now use mist nets. These nearly invisible nets are set up like fences and function as huge spider webs, catching unsuspecting birds. The researcher carefully extracts the bird from the net. Each bird is measured, aged, sexed and banded with an individually numbered anklet. Then the bird is released. I photographed these birds while they are caught in mist nets, moments before the ornithologist extracts them. Here, the birds inhabit a fascinating space between our framework of the bush and the hand. … [Read more...]
