A few weeks go, I received an email from a local photographer asking me if I would like to participate in an upcoming project called “Help Portrait.” The email didn’t give a huge amount of detail, but a quick GOOGLE search led me to the official site and some YOUTUBE videos that told me everything I needed to know. I then responded back and accepted the invitation to be a part of this wonderful opportunity.

Here is a link to the official promo video which offers a basic overview:

And here is an example of the project in action:

I am posting this call upon anyone and everyone who can assist. Please take time to make contact with your local Help Portrait project, or start one of your own. This project is going on in locations all over the world and will need assistance and volunteers for many aspects including photography, hair, makeup, food preparation, printing, errand runners, and more. It can be as small and simple or a community effort with all the extras. Trust me when I say there is something you can do to help…no matter how big or small it may seem. Even donating time, supplies or transportation is needed and appreciated. Please GOOGLE “Help Portrait” and your city name to find the closest event near you. You can also find FACEBOOK and TWITTER updates on the HELP PORTRAIT Projects for the latest info.

This Holiday, I am thankful for my family and the opportunity to be a part of HELP PORTRAIT. Check out the official site here:

OFFICIAL SITE OF HELP PORTRAIT

I urge you to call upon your friends, family and colleagues and make a difference this Holiday season. For those in the Hampton Roads area who would like to participate, please see our community discussion and planning here:

VA BEACH GROUP DISCUSSION

Have a happy, safe and blessed Holiday Season,

KristineMarie

WOOO music photography! I just love it.
Any who, I found another music photographer that took photos for the magazine, Alternative Press. His name is Ryan Russell. I like his style because its not a “HEY, look at me!”, as a lot of photography I see. It seems more down to earth and chill. I like that. So check Ryan Russell out!

Image of The Gaslight Anthem.

The forerunner to photography was the ability by artists to trace scenes onto canvas with the aid of projected images. They were able to do this from as early as the 16th century using the camera obscura and the camera lucida.

These early cameras were not able to fix an image. That did not happen until 1826 when a Frenchman named Nicéphore Niépce produced an image on a polished pewter plate covered with a petroleum derivative. The exposure time as an incredible eight hours and he later went on to improve his photographic technique using a silver and chalk mixture which darkens when exposed to light.

Niépce refined the process further when he formed a partnership with Louis Daguerre. When  Niépce died in 1833, Daguerre carried on his work.

Louis Daguerre, a former collaborator with Nicéphore Niépce in early photographic techniques, made a major break through in 1839 developing a process called daguerreotype.

This used silver on a copper plate and is still the basis of the process utilised today in Polaroids. The French government seized on the development and bought up the Daguerreotype patent.

There were also developments across the English Channel where William Fox Talbot was working on a similar process to the daguerreotype, but had kept his findings a secret. By 1840 he had invented the calotype process,which enabled him to produce positive prints.

Constant battles defending his patents saw Fox eventually give up his research in photography.

One of the early innovators in photographic technology was Slovene Janez Puhar who invented the process for putting photos on glass in 1841. This earned Puhar recognition at the French Académie Nationale Agricole, Manufacturière et Commerciale on July 17th 1852.

A year earlier Frederick Scott Archer developed the collodion process, which was used by children’s author Lewis Carroll, whose photos are popular to this day.

Meanwhile,the daguerreotype photographic process,developed by Louis Daguerre in the late 1830s, was enjoying continuing popularity as the demand for photos continued to grow.

But Daguerreotype photos were expensive to produce. This led to a revival in William Fox Talbot’s inspired, but secret process.

The popularity of daguerreotype photographs was because they could provide portrait pictures far quicker than the traditional oil painting. Also the growth of the middle class, with artistic pretensions and the cash to spend, led to growth in demand for portraits. But the cost of a photo was very high, exceeding £1,000 at today’ prices.

As well as the expense there were other problems with daguerreotype photographs. Copies of these photos were difficult to produce and they were also fragile, meaning that as well as costing a small fortune they could be easily destroyed.

The solution to this problem was to be handed to the chemists who sought to improve the process of producing photographs.

The move to photography as we know it today occurred in the late 19th century. George Eastman developed a process which removed the need for photographic plates and toxic chemicals to be carried around by photographers. The new format involved dry gel on paper or film.

With the launch of the Eastman Kodak camera in the summer of 1888, virtually anyone could take photographs. The slogan was “You press the button, we do the rest” and in 1901 the first mass appeal camera – the Kodak Brownie – was put on the market.

Quality improved with the introduction of 35mm film – the 35mm Leica camera was introduced in 1925.

Subsequent developments in photography have been remarkable, as colour film, automatic focus and digital cameras have achieved popularity.

Insight are Hull commercial photographers specializing in producing Hull corporate photography for businesses in Hull and Yorkshire.

Hi everyone,

I have to go away from the computer for a few weeks, so I thought I’d give you a full list of all the competitions posted so far. Enjoy and make sure you pass the link on to your friends.

From Canon Australia:

Canon EOS photochains these are chains of photo’s where you are required to use the very brief photo brief (a keyword really) to upload the next photo in the chain, these are voted on by other users before the selected image is uploaded with the new brief. If you would like to win yourself a Canon EOS500d single lens kit, then take a look at the ‘hero chain’ and submit a photo for that one. All the others are just to see your photo’s on the canon website! The hero chain is an ongoing competition so you can check back and enter at a later date if the current brief doesn’t suit your tastes. Please note this Canon competition is only available for residents of Australia and New Zealand.

Step out and step up to the Canon S90 Street Photography Challenge. In the spirit of Henri Cartier-Bresson, the genre’s most famous proponent, it challenges you to pit your wits against the streets and capture that ‘decisive moment’. Judged by an esteemed panel of professionals and avid photographers, three winners will each receive a new Canon S90 PowerShot digital camera. Visit the competition pages here. You must be a resident of Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, or Vietnam to be eligible.

The Sony World Photography Awards:

Sony has been running the world photography awards for some years now and it attracts a lot of attention from both amateur and professional photographers.

There are multiple categories for you to enter and you can view the list for amateur photography here. Don’t forget to take a look at the bonus Angels and Demons competition for a chance to win a return trip for two to Rome.

Both competitions are open until the 4th of December, 2009 so have a look today so you still have time to plan the perfect shot. As per usual, make sure to read the terms and conditions for each competition.

From Nikon:

Check out the Nikon Small World Photomicrography competition. Entries close 30th of April, 2010.

Some miscellaneous competitions:

Photoenter is a site which has weekly photography competitions, checking the terms and conditions shows that there may be some competitions which they charge for, but the two viewers vote competitions are free. This may be a good starter as there appear to be few votes for the winning entries. First place for each section is awarded $50.

This one is not really a photography contest, but well worth the visit if you are thinking about gear… Scott Bourne from photofocus is giving away quite a few nice bits of kit. Check out the blog post using the link above and enter. Once again, don’t forget to check the T’s and C’s.

Prestigio Art Gallery is currently running a competition called the  2009 Photo Contest: “Elegance. Performance. Inspiration”

The competition is open until 30th November, 2009. Don’t forget to read the terms and conditions.

This one is not quite a photo competition as much as an ongoing promotion for WeSay.com it looks like a fantastic chance to improve your photojournalism skills. All you need to do is register as a member on the site and there are multiple prizes awarded each month. As always remember to check the terms and conditions.

The photo of the year competition is on again. Submissions are open until January 6 2010 and there is a charge to submit your entries. Check the website for full detail. You can read the rules and regulations here

The Linkdelight 2009 photo contest offers you the chance to win a Olympus E-P1 Camera with M.ZUIKO Digital 17mm f2.8 Lens. You must register to enter the competition. Entries close December 31, 2009.

Ephotozine is open for entries to its November Outdoor Competition. Entries are open to all photographers worldwide, so get in for your chance to win some awesome prizes.  Entries close November 30, 2009.

Demotix in association with Moo and Blurb are launching Viewfinder. Upload your documentary photojournalism photo’s for your chance to win some nice prizes. Check the website for more details.

For the maritime buffs, Amateur Photographer and Old Pulteney Single Malt Whisky are offering you the chance to win £2,500. All you need to do is submit your entry using the brief ‘life on the ocean wave’. Entries close January 24, 2010

Document 2010 The War on Want Photography award entry is free, closing date is the 16th of December 2009

Pictures2Win Beautiful Scenery Photo Contest entries close 6th February 2010.

The LifeBlob ‘People of the world’ competition entry is free and entries close 15th December 2009.

Check out the Renaissance Photography Prize 2010 open to world wide entries. Competition closes 11th January 2010.

If you’re looking for something a bit different you can always try the HUGYCUP photography competition. Of course you do need to Scuba dive and be at the HUGYCUP days at Scuba Seraya resort – Bali which are between 21st of June 2010 and 13th of August 2010. Check the website for more information.

Check out Icon Photo 09 it appears that the competition is open to worldwide entries but please check the terms and conditions using the above link carefully to be sure. There is a charge to enter this competition but the prizes are very worthwhile if you win!

Another site which offers competitions on a monthly basis is Passion For Pixels you need to register to enter the competitions.

If you’re a parent like me, enter your child in the cute kid of the year contest it’s free to enter after you register and you could win a $25,000 scholarship for your child.

Don’t forget to take a look at the International Photography awards for 2010 and you could win up to $10,000 cash! Check the website for more information.

A few from the Flickr Groups:

The first is from the flickr group ddn. Theme: Choose a Room

This competition will run until 30 November and is open to entries from today onwards, giving a full 6 weeks to come up with an entry or two Check the rules in the competitions forum.

Another from ddn. Theme: Autumn

This competition will run until 31 December.

From Foto Competition Get your photo’s voted on by other members of Flickr. No time frame for these competitions and no prizes but with only four entries per compeition you have a good chance of being awarded some brownie points!

Check out Portrait Classics if you have an interest in portrait photography. No current competitions until December 6.

For the British Flickr Photographers

Take a look at the British Photographers Group to have a look at their november competition the theme is rough/smooth.

Australian Competitions:

This one is for residents and visitors to Frankston, Victoria. There are 10 categories and prizes worth over $10,000 total. So visit the Focus on Frankston website for more information. Entries close January 29, 2010.

WetlandCare Australia National Art and Photography Competition 2010 prizes include $1250 for the open category and also a $1000 prize for the children’s category (age 4-17) so get your kids shooting! Entries close 4th December 2009.

For the UK Photographers:

TNT Magazine is offering you the opportunity to win a return flight to eitherAustralia, New Zealand or South Africa with Etihad Airways.

You can get more information at the TNT website.

Once again don’t forget to check the Terms and Conditions.

Fujifilm Student Awards 2010 is offering the chance to have your photograph on the cover of a Penguin Modern classic, best of all the competition is free. The catches are, you have to be 16 years or over and currently studying full or part-time professional photographic training. You also have to shoot the image using Fujifilm Professional or consumer Film. No digital images will be accepted. For more information you can check the website here.

Here is a competition that rewards talented students across the north of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for their work in the creative arts. Visit the Northern Design Competition website for more details. Entries are open until Friday 23rd April 2010.

Virginmedia has a Christmas photo competition. Got a cute, funny or just plain silly Christmas picture to share with us? It could be of your dressed up pet, it could be of your nana, it could be of your Christmas lights from last year, or your baby wearing a silly hat. Send in your photo and you could be in to win one of five Love2Shop vouchers, worth £100 each. Visit the website here. You must be a resident of the UK to enter.

If you live in British Columbia:

CTV, Broadway Camera and Canon are giving you the opportunity to win a Canon PowerShot G11 digital camera. All you need to do is send us your “My BC” photo and if it is featured during CTV News at Five by Tamara Taggart during the new “MY BC” Photo Feature then you’ll automatically be entered to win. Upload your photo and make sure it’s a photo taken within British Columbia. You can choose the content of the photo but it must be a picture taken within BC. Visit the website here.

And don’t forget:

If you start to miss your competition fix, you can always go and visit these other great sites for more competition information while I’m away.

http://www.photocompete.com/ offers information on photography competitions around the globe. Listing competitions for both Amateur and Professional photographers, I find it a good source of information for some of the more illusive competitions.

http://www.photographycompetitions.net/ another great source of currently open photography competitions.

© Tom Parker

Tom Parker’s weblog, Dispatches from Kansas, is just packed with great photography. His Winter Solstice project is truly inspirational. He’s not a bad writer either.

NY is a place where anything is possible. A city where there are surprises around every corner and where an event, that may be a little too out there for most places, is just another way for us New Yorkers to have fun. Newmindspace, created by Kevin Bracken in order to create bonding experiences among city dwellers, recognizes this. Thus “Photograph” was born.

I guess the most important thing about “Photograph” isn’t the where (South Street Seaport), the when (Sept. 19th), or the why (simply because). What’s most important is the “who”. Kevin noted the oft commented fact that Newmindspace events have such a large amount of photographers present that they almost outnumber the average participants! Why not, he thought, stage an event solely for them? Why not have a free for all where the main goal is to have photographers photograph photographers photographing photographers?! If this sounds somewhat confusing, allow the pictures to speak for themselves as they’re meant to.

Bulls Eye!

Finally comfortable in front of the lens

We decided to hold our cameras up, snap away, and see what we would capture

It has to be said that this very idea is the photographer’s equivalent to Christmas or, you know, a huge sale at B & H Photo Video down by Penn Station. A whole event that allows us to indulge in one of our most secret pleasures i.e. photographing each other?! More than just a chance for fun, it was also a way for a community of individuals, who usually work alone, to come together and bond over their common love of “moment capturing”. A space where you could have a DSLR in one hand, a blackberry/iphone set in camera mode in the other, and a point and shoot hanging from your neck without anyone wondering when you escaped from Bellevue. After all, you were surrounded by folks who understood!

As with all Newmindspace events as well as other flash mob activities that happen here, there were the inevitable bystanders (tourists and locals alike) who were either confused or drawn into our antics. That happens to be one of the best things of all; watching complete strangers loosen up and be spontaneous.

One can’t be fooled into thinking that a bunch of strangers showed up, cameras in tow, and just started shooting each other without some semblance of awkwardness. Photographers, by nature, feel more comfortable on only one side of the camera. So for a good 15-20 minutes, we pretty much milled around in a concentrated area, giving each other the awkward side-eye as we wondered whether or not we truly wished to let our respective dork flags fly. It was finally a select few who threw caution to the wind and brought their camera up to their faces. “Photograph” had officially begun.

Mutual admiration in full effect

Sometimes, a great shot serves the same purpose as a box of chocolates

Partial aerial view

Keep? Discard? The eternal debate continues.

There were shared jokes and nods of understanding that, yes, we were oddballs but we were in NY and being odd was not only okay but encouraged. One participant came dressed as a Hasselblad camera while another sported a shirt that asked, “what the f-stop?” Before long, people were exchanging number, emails, flickr handles/screen names, websites, and facebook addresses. It was the most in your face networking I had ever seen and it turned out to be pleasant rather than chock full of pressure.

I’m not sure Kevin knows exactly what he’s done with this event but I feel, right in my trigger finger, that “Photograph” was only the first of many. After all, this is how we have fun, this is how we keep it fresh and blow off steam in the city that never sleeps. Or…is this why we never sleep?

Hi All,

Here are a few more photography contests for you to enter. Tomorrow I will be adding a summary of all the photo contests to date so stay tuned for that one!

First up, check out Icon Photo 09 it appears that the competition is open to worldwide entries but please check the terms and conditions using the above link carefully to be sure. There is a charge to enter this competition but the prizes are very worthwhile if you win!

Another site which offers competitions on a monthly basis is Passion For Pixels you need to register to enter the competitions.

One for the parents…

Enter your child in the cute kid of the year contest it’s free to enter after you register and you could win a $25,000 scholarship for your child.

Lastly for today, take a look at the International Photography awards for 2010 and you could win up to $10,000 cash! Check the website for more information.

All the best,

Scott

I’ll admit it. I’m an absolute Chadwick Tyler groupie fan girl.

Cushnie et Ochs lookbook Spring 2010.

fashioncopious

Is it not a wonderful outfit ??

The Pepita dress from B!Fashion comes complete, yes you well read, it means with the arms bands and necklace, then with the hair blonde or brunette !

A long ponytail will give you an harmonious silhouette.

The top is very well detailled and textured, the shirt semi transparent give it a special finish touch. It is exotic and elegant:)

Model and Photographer : Lilly25 Connolly

Location shop : http://slurl.com/secondlife/ISOLA%20DI%20GIOVE/152/210/22/

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The Michael Hoppen Gallery in London is exhibiting the works of Weegee until 9th January 2010.

This is an opportunity for all photographic fans in the capital to appreciate the stark work of a photojournalist who was always there. The story goes that Weegee (real name: Arthur Fellig) gained his photo-moniker after being compared to a ouija board: always in the right place, at the right time, to capture crimes moments after they happened. Weegee captured New York during the 1930’s and 1940’s unlike any other photojournalist.

An absolutely seminal photographer from one of the greatest photographic eras of the 20th century.

A fantastic photographer is essential to us.  Someone who captures the little details and spontaneous moments.  Someone who is able to take a great photo without photoshopping the heck out of it.  And someone who gives us all the images they captured in digital form, edited and unedited.  I worked with a girl who had to pay their photographer for every image – and if they wanted reprints it was back to the photographer with their hand in their pocket.  No thanks!

I’ve been scouting loads of wedding photos and websites and asking advice for photographers around the Brissi area.  Basically we want someone we can trust (and afford, ha) – and someone who we don’t know personally.  If something went wrong or we didn’t like the photos then it would be an awful situation to be in with a friend.

A lot of people I know have been using Jennifer Oliphant, Sunshine Coast Wedding Photographer.  Apparently next year she is joining Calli B Photographers, but that doesn’t really matter, what matters is that I like her photograph style and her editing isn’t too tacky.  (Oh boy, some of the photoshopping I’ve seen has been so awful, I really hope the poor people got unedited digital prints as well.)

Another friend recommended Studio Sixty but they are pretty much out of our price range, despite being really amazing and one of the best in Brisbane.  I think she paid $8,000 for her wedding photos a few years ago.  Did I mention they’re now divorced?!  Definitely not paying the price of a small car for our photos.

I also look to photographers’ sites for wedding ideas.  An amazing photographer is Elizabeth Messina, USA.  I am completely inspired by the French wedding under Nuptials > France.  Here is a screen-grab of a photo of their reception:

I love this relaxed, romantic, wistful atmosphere created by all the decorations, furnishings and lighting.  But more of that in another post…

Photography is supposed to be fun! ThePhotographySpace.com is a photography forum dedicated to photographers bitten with the photography passion that believe photography is supposed to be fun. ThePhotographySpaceBlog keeps you up to date.

National Geographic’s International Photography Contest attracts thousands of entries from photographers of all skill levels around the world every year.

While this year’s entry deadline has passed, there is still time to view and vote for your favorites in the Viewer’s Choice competition.

Source:
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/11/national_geographics_internati.html

They say about him that´s one of the most famous ” not famous” photographers in the world. I don´t know if you´ll understand the expression, because it´s a bit weird, but i´ll try to explain it.

Born in Winona (MN), and with no formal formal training in photography, Tony Duran managed to travel around the world and to take many interesting photos. They say about him that´s “not famous” because, even if he had photographed many celebrities, many people never heard his name before. There is one fact that anyone who HAD HEARD about him before is that he photographes celebrities the way he photographs people on the street, and surprisingly, anyone who “goes through” his camera comes out better than before, they always look perfect and the ideas he uses for his photos are awesome! Moments and places you´d never expect to see, original poses and a wonderful collection !

Among the celebrities he had photographed: Tom Cruise, Cindy Crawford, Orlando Bloom, even Paris Hilton! .. Victoria Beckam, etc. Do you remember those wonderful pictures of Jennifer Lopez with her twins, just after they were born ? Well, Tony Duran is the photographer for those and many more photos. Why do celebrities like his style ? Because of what i´ve said before, and because the fact that he is the photographer of some of the well-known magazines around USA, and not only.

just… enjoy!

Video

Photos :

Here is where you can find him :

His Website

Youtube

 if any of you knows if he has twitter account, facebook or other things, please let me know. I didn´t find him on twitter, neighter on flickr, but as soon as i find out anything more, i´ll edit the post.

Thanks for reading!

It’s always so great when I get to see children grow up through my photography, and I was really happy to do this recent shoot with a regular client, and now see a new baby in the family! Here are some shots from that session

Child & Baby photography

Child & Baby photography

Child & Baby photography

Child & Baby photography

Child & Baby photography

Child & Baby photography

Child & Baby photography

Here is a pic for the next Flavor! Calendar

You either dance or you hide. I want to dance.

fashiongonerogue

CHECK OUT TERRY RICHARDSON DOING WHAT HE DOES BEST JUST AN NIKON SLR AND A HOTSHOE FLASH

FOR THOSE WHO DONT KNOW  RUSSELL JAMES WAS THE ONE THAT SHOT TYRA BANKS FOR THE COVER OF SPORTS ILLUSTRATED AGES AGO AND WHICH WAS THE FIRST TIME A BLACK MODEL GRACES THE COVER .. FEWER PEOPLE KNOW THAT IT WASNT A PAID GIG IT WAS A MAYBE YOU MAY GET IN OR MAYBE NOT.

Russell James became interested in photography quite late in life, not deciding what to do as a career. “When I finally discovered photography it was like finding the right partner; you just know it’s for life”. Russell’s major clients have included Hermes, Victoria’s Secret, Rolex, Revlon, Ralph Lauren and the like. He has been published in magazines ranging from W and Vougue to American Photo, Elle and Marie Claire. Russell is inspired by many photographers and his idol is Irving Penn.

THIS IMAGE BELOW WAS THE BIG BREAK HE NEEDED.

SOME OF HIS OTHER WORK

WORDS THAT INSPIRE

Meticulous planning is also crucial to the success of Russell’s assignments as he explains: “I start with the concept. I look at it, ask questions and digest it. Then I choose a producer and start working through the logistics like where to shoot it, which models we should work with, how we will execute the shoot. It only takes between 2 seconds and 1/500th of a second to capture a great image, but it takes days and sometimes weeks to plan it properly.

Russell offers young photographers who are starting out on their careers the following advice: “Stay open minded. Listen, learn and don’t decide early that ‘this is the best way’ or ‘this is the best light’. Don’t get depressed by the rejections and don’t get too high on the success. Try to keep focussed on making pictures and leave the glamour stuff to everyone else.”

When They Came to Take My Father. This is a book by Mark Seliger about survivors from concentration camps from World War II. I really like the images the first time I saw them. I still do. I finally looked at the rest of his images. They’re awesome. I enjoyed them, but the images from his book will always be my favorite. Therefore, I suggest checking out Mark Seliger.