In Search of the Invisible

SOPA / PIPPA - Big Guys and Thieves may have won for now...

2012-01-27T11:55:00.002-06:00

Dear Photographer,

We know that many of you have been following the developments with the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect Intellectual Property Act (PIPA). There has been some confusion over the proposed legislation, which frankly is the intent of the bills' opponents. We wanted to take a moment to correct some of the bad information, and to let you know where we stand.

We were disappointed by some of the heavy-handed tactics used by opponents of the bills. The objective of those tactics was obviously to create fear and hysteria, while at the same time spreading false information about what the bills would actually accomplish. We want you to know the following:

Both pieces of legislation (SOPA in the Senate and PIPA in the House) targeted off-shore pirating of works produced in the U.S.
We do not feel that the measures were perfect—no legislation is. But the greater good demands that measures be taken to protect the rights of creators like you.
It is true that those mega-corporations opposed to the bill could possibly have been inconvenienced by the legislation. It is their job to make money, and their actions merely represented those purposes.
It is not true that the public would have been deprived of works to which it has rights, but rather, only those works that are copyrighted and being sold illegally by rogue off-shore websites.
Particularly disturbing to every photographer should be the attempts by Google, Wikipedia and others to define copyright as censorship. The tact is both offensive and intentionally false. Of course, the word "censorship" was chosen by opponents of the legislation for its obvious emotional value. Americans in particular are born with a deep-seated aversion to anything that loosely resembles censorship. Those feelings are amplified in photographers and other creators. After all, you earn a living by SHARING your work, not depriving people of it. So when a behemoth corporate money-maker like Google attempts to stand on the backs of photographers to increase its profits, we as your association take exception. (As a side note, we appreciate all of the words of support you regularly extend to us as we defend those rights.)

It is important to recognize that Google, while it claims to be a friend to copyright, is anything but. PPA is one of several associations joined together in a lawsuit against the search engine giant for illegally scanning and posting copyrighted photographs on the Internet. A similar lawsuit filed by publishers and authors is also underway. It is our opinion that following Google's lead in defending intellectual property is something like depending on the fox to defend the hen house.

That Americans have bought into the false and misleading rhetoric issued over the past few weeks by opponents of the bills is unfortunate. We were surprised that a few creators were swayed by last week's Internet blackout. And we were disappointed that some members of Congress, who are typically more reasoned in their consideration of copyright issues, crumbled in front of the scare tactics used by the bills' opponents.

We will continue our Capitol Hill work on your behalf to educate members of Congress. Copyright is not a "Hollywood issue." The vast majority of copyright holders in the U.S. are small businesses. While Hollywood makes an easy target, the tactic is little more than a smoke screen designed to draw attention away from the true issue—online companies wanting to increase profits at the expense of mom-and-pop creators.

Americans have always valued and defended small-business rights. Each of us must work to be more enlightened about the real issues, and encourage our friends and neighbors not to be led astray by the fear-mongering of Internet bullies. In the meantime, PPA will continue its efforts to defend the rights of photographers now and in the future.

Best wishes for a successful 2012,

David Trust,
Chief Executive Officer
Professional Photographers of America

Seeing

2012-01-23T11:32:00.003-06:00

i Choose Film | ichoosefilm

2012-01-19T08:49:00.000-06:00

i Choose Film | ichoosefilm

Harvesting some ideas. Steven has some good points.

Kodak: A Thousand Words - Michael Crouser: A Mid-Career Retrospective

2012-01-11T18:24:00.000-06:00

Kodak: A Thousand Words - Michael Crouser: A Mid-Career Retrospective

Canon G1X

2012-01-09T11:17:00.001-06:00

News/2012/01/09/CanonG1X_Preview

I like the fact that you don't have to buy glass. Looks like something to investigate.

The Forgotten Lens - According to Gary Voth

2011-12-30T15:50:00.001-06:00

The Forgotten Lens - 50mm by Gary Voth

http://www.vothphoto.com/spotlight/articles/forgotten_lens/forgotten-lens.htm

I ran across this well written case for the 50mm lens while doing my own deliberations concerning Prime Lenses. Gary makes a lot of good points that mirror my own thoughts.

A friend was cleaning out their closets of film cameras and I was given a legacy Olympus OM-1 with a ƒ1.8 50mm Zuiko lens. The totally mechanical camera is an SLR icon and has been turned in for a thorough clean, inspected and renovate cycle at Precision Camera here in Austin, TX.

As I've collected different format film cameras for the last year, I've noted that each is like a fine tool, developed for a particular view and use. This influences, in a positive way, the craft with which you use the camera and the perspective you get with lens you have on the camera in conjunction with the format of the camera [2:3, 4:5, 1:1, 6:7, 3:4].

The most striking aspect of prime lenses is how much better the resolution / sharpness is over even the best zoom lenses. It gives the image dimension and helps tell your story when you can manipulate the Depth of Field and use selective focus.

Hope you enjoy Gary's thoughts.

Interesting testing - 8x10 v IQ80

2011-12-28T16:39:00.001-06:00

Large Format v Digital systems tests

Christmas Can Can - Straight No Chaser

2011-12-21T13:28:00.002-06:00

The Drawing of Portraits with Edward Povey

2011-12-04T22:05:00.001-06:00

Wonderful workshop, especially for photographers. Focused on two essential elements of portraits:

Use of Light and Shade
Lines filled with character.

I haven't drawn more than a few scratchy lines before this workshop. Looking for a way to work on my "seeing", this seemed in concert with my personal goals. It was a great artist's date. [Sub Rosa, Wimberly TX]

CNN fires all PhotoJournalists - Amateurs "good enough"

2011-11-30T16:38:00.001-06:00

cnn-fires-photogs-amateur-content - good- enough

Merry Christmas CNN PJ's

Care and Feeding of Interns

2011-11-25T16:14:00.001-06:00

I've come to appreciate that my approach to mentoring interns might be just a little different than most photographers / creatives. I guess this comes from my personal history when I've had the opportunity to lead or coach in various situations.

Once I take on the responsibility of mentoring someone, whether they know it or not, my only job is to give them the confidence to succeed and the skills to teach themselves. After all, once they're out in the world, they'll have my name on their resume and I'll be known as their Senior Seminar Supervisor. They'll be my product representing me in the market.

Once we've decided that the intern and I are going to have a relationship, I ask them to fill out a contract, a document, that outlines my responsibilities and theirs; what resources are going to be used; what goals they have; what things I feel are important to their success; and how they'll be evaluated. What usually comes to me is not what I'll call "completed staff work". I'll edit the contract, making things very clear as to what the goals are, what the methods are, and how they'll be evaluated.

I received some interesting feedback from a couple of the people on my personal board of directors on this last go 'round:

"Probably the most thorough senior internship contract I've seen, and that's a good thing! Looks good to go."

"Amazing. I'm curious as to what kind of response this will generate. If [the intern] abides by this they'll far exceed her peers."

"... Many of my other clients haven't thought as thoroughly about what they want in an intern. Most just look at the student's portfolios and then do a "gut check" on the kid's energy and then wing it. Some work out. Some don't. Nothing at all wrong with clear goals and good communication. It's just at a premium in this industry....."

An internship is not unlike qualifying in submarines, it's learning and demonstrating practical skills and a correct attitude so you can be trusted to perform alongside more seasoned people. I think it's serious business, a coming of age ritual of sorts.

I try to put the onus of success on the intern. They are asked to define their goals and then build their plan to achieve them. I put in the seasoning, maybe addressing areas that are suspect. The person who has a strong portfolio and projects confidence is going to need different things than a shrinking violet with a mediocre portfolio. Some "kids" just need to grow up and be tested.

Lastly, evaluating the intern has to be objective. Having the intern write their own goals ensures buy-in and practice in self critique; the other piece I steal from the crucible of the Marine Corps, leadership traits:

JUSTICE

Definition: Justice is defined as the practice of being fair and consistent. A just person gives consideration to each side of a situation and bases rewards or punishments on merit.

Suggestions for Improvement: Be honest with yourself about why you make a particular decision. Avoid favoritism. Try to be fair at all times and treat all things and people in an equal manner.

JUDGMENT

Definition: Judgment is your ability to think about things clearly, calmly, and in an orderly fashion so that you can make good decisions.

Suggestions for Improvement: You can improve your judgment if you avoid making rash decisions. Approach problems with a common sense attitude.

DEPENDABILITY

Definition: Dependability means that you can be relied upon to perform your duties properly. It means that you can be trusted to complete a job. It is the willing and voluntary support of the policies and orders of the chain of command. Dependability also means consistently putting forth your best effort in an attempt to achieve the highest standards of performance.

Suggestions for Improvement: You can increase your dependability by forming the habit of being where you're supposed to be on time, by not making excuses and by carrying out every task to the best of your ability regardless of whether you like it or agree with it.

INITIATIVE

Definition: Initiative is taking action even though you haven't been given orders. It means meeting new and unexpected situations with prompt action. It includes using resourcefulness to get something done without the normal material or methods being available to you.

Suggestions for Improvement: To improve your initiative, work on staying mentally and physically alert. Be aware of things that need to be done and then to do them without having to be told.

DECISIVENESS

Definition: Decisiveness means that you are able to make good decisions without delay. Get all the facts and weight them against each other. By acting calmly and quickly, you should arrive at a sound decision. You announce your decisions in a clear, firm, professional manner.

Suggestions for Improvement: Practice being positive in your actions instead of acting half-heartedly or changing your mind on an issue.

TACT

Definition: Tact means that you can deal with people in a manner that will maintain good relations and avoid problems. It means that you are polite, calm, and firm.

Suggestions for Improvement: Begin to develop your tact by trying to be courteous and cheerful at all times. Treat others as you would like to be treated.

INTEGRITY

Definition: Integrity means that you are honest and truthful in what you say or do. You put honesty, sense of duty, and sound moral principles above all else.

Suggestions for Improvement: Be absolutely honest and truthful at all times. Stand up for what you believe to be right.

ENTHUSIASM

Definition: Enthusiasm is defined as a sincere interest and exuberance in the performance of your duties. If you are enthusiastic, you are optimistic, cheerful, and willing to accept the challenges.

Suggestions for Improvement: Understanding and belief in your mission will add to your enthusiasm for your job. Try to understand why even uninteresting jobs must be done.

BEARING

Definition: Bearing is the way you conduct and carry yourself. Your manner should reflect alertness, competence, confidence, and control.

Suggestions for Improvement: To develop bearing, you should hold yourself to the highest standards of personal conduct. Never be content with meeting only the minimum requirements.

UNSELFISHNESS

Definition: Unselfishness means that you avoid making yourself comfortable at the expense of others. Be considerate of others. Give credit to those who deserve it.

Suggestions for Improvement: Avoid using your position or rank for personal gain, safety, or pleasure at the expensive of others. Be considerate of others.

COURAGE

Definition: Courage is what allows you to remain calm while recognizing fear. Moral courage means having the inner strength to stand up for what is right and to accept blame when something is your fault. Physical courage means that you can continue to function effectively when there is physical danger present.

Suggestions for Improvement: You can begin to control fear by practicing self-discipline and calmness. If you fear doing certain things required in your daily life, force yourself to do them until you can control your reaction.

KNOWLEDGE

Definition: Knowledge is the understanding of a science or art. Knowledge means that you have acquired information and that you understand people. Your knowledge should be broad, and in addition to knowing your job, you should know your unit's policies and keep up with current events.

Suggestions for Improvement: Suggestions for Improvement: Increase your knowledge by remaining alert. Listen, observe, and find out about things you don't understand. Study field manuals and other military literature.

LOYALTY

Definition: Loyalty means that you are devoted to your country, the Corps, and to your seniors, peers, and subordinates. The motto of our Corps is Semper Fidelis!, (Always Faithful). You owe unwavering loyalty up and down the chain of command, to seniors, subordinates, and peers.

Suggestions for Improvement: To improve your loyalty you should show your loyalty by never discussing the problems of the Marine Corps or your unit with outsiders. Never talk about seniors unfavorably in front of your subordinates. Once a decision is made and the order is given to execute it, carry out that order willingly as if it were your own.

ENDURANCE

Definition: Endurance is the mental and physical stamina that is measured by your ability to withstand pain, fatigue, stress, and hardship. For example, enduring pain during a conditioning march in order to improve stamina is crucial in the development of leadership.

Suggestions for Improvement: Develop your endurance by engaging in physical training that will strengthen your body. Finish every task to the best of your ability by forcing yourself to continue when you are physically tired and your mind is sluggish.

Ignore the military jargon, substitute industry terms for supervisor, company, peer and you have a pretty good list of traits to focus on.

Nobody wants to fail, but not everyone may understand how to succeed. I can only impart what meager knowledge I have and attempt to give the intern the tools to make them the best person they can be. Let's hope that's enough in an industry with less than 20,000 staff jobs and hundreds of thousands of freelancers and part time hobbyists.

Study in Sepia

2011-11-23T17:02:00.001-06:00

Digital image using Mamiya DL28 system, 80mmD lens. Speedotron 18" beauty dish, reflectors and kickers. The subject is a professional architect, and artist. Completed as part of a larger session. This image caught my eye while editing and was the first thing I chose to work on. It came out of the camera nearly as you see it, cropped from a larger image [thank goodness for a sharp camera and lots of pixels], converted to sepia, and one minor enhancement. It's been a while, hope you enjoy it.

Film Photography Podcast - 2011 Kodak Interview

2011-11-23T14:37:00.000-06:00

Film Photography Podcast - 2011 Kodak Interview

BRITISH PHOTOGRAPHER SPURNS DIGITAL TO WIN TAYLOR WESSING TITLE

2011-11-10T16:42:00.001-06:00

Amateur Photographer Spurns Digital to Win Prestigious Award with Film Image

Conscientious | Is the Internet Killing Socially Awkward Artists?

2011-11-09T05:47:00.000-06:00

Conscientious | Is the Internet Killing Socially Awkward Artists?

Changing B-cards, website next...

2011-11-08T15:30:00.003-06:00

The Nerdrum Institute - Sales, Research & Exhibitions of Odd Nerdrum Works

2011-11-06T16:40:00.000-06:00

The Nerdrum Institute - Sales, Research & Exhibitions of Odd Nerdrum Works

Refining Concepts for new identity / branding

2011-11-05T08:48:00.004-05:00

Getting a little closer. Choosing the black A side and the two tone B side, working on the text. Patience is a virtue.

Scales - 8x10 b&w negatives- Still Life

2011-10-27T10:42:00.001-05:00

Onion – With its strong smell, onions have often been used to ward off evil, especially the dangerous powers of the moon. As the multiple layers of an onion are pealed off, each can represent an area of wisdom until the center containing total wisdom is revealed. The onion also symbolizes the cosmos and immortality because of its shape.

Still life imagery is very personal. It's a meditative process, checking in with yourself. The images are derived from 8x10 ISO 400 b&w negatives rated at ISO200, scanned at 600ppi on an Epson V700 flatbed scanner. I got some Newton rings on these rough edited drafts, but for the moment I'm choosing to ignore them while I contemplate the images. Very few adjustments in Lightroom and Photoshop/NIK Filters. The split toning was done in Lightroom before editing in P.S.

Graphic Design vs. Illustration: Observatory: Design Observer

2011-10-25T17:31:00.000-05:00

Graphic Design vs. Illustration: Observatory: Design Observer

Refining identity/branding

2011-10-22T06:33:00.000-05:00

Working with designers is fun, it always has been for me since I live right in the middle of right and left brain sensibilities. Just enough play to investigate interesting things, and then back to the schedule and other practical matters. I thought it was interesting to see, since I'd had the issue come up before, how the Pantone colors displayed.

If you don't know, Pantone makes a calibrated set of colors that they issue on printed stock. You can take the RGB, or CMYK values and be sure that they will print the same no matter which printer [as in commercial printer], papers and inks you use.

It's often useful to know just how your display is representing the colors. Photoshop CS5 has a useful utility under it's color picker where you can test the color on the image and then put in the values and compare against various "standards". When I checked Red Ochre, PMS152U [uncoated paper] on the screen I'd been sent, it turns out it was displaying darker than it's "standard" in the file. The display is actually PMS 159C, or red ochre for coated stock paper.

On a previous project, I'd gone back and forth with a designer and a press printer to understand which colors we all were talking about. This utility saves time. In the end, you still need to see the printed PMS colors against the standard on the paper you're using.

John Herrington's thoughts on Photography education

2011-10-15T18:02:00.002-05:00

Photography schools

New Identity / Branding

2011-10-15T17:29:00.003-05:00

Ricoh GXR system developments.

2011-10-15T16:30:00.002-05:00

Leica M9 Alternative from Ricoh
Good comments on the modular 12mp Ricoh GXR

Zen Habits - we're all too busy being busy - rest.

2011-10-15T16:21:00.002-05:00

Zen Habits

"To Sell or Not Sell Pixels" www.ppmag.com

2011-10-11T14:46:00.002-05:00

To Sell or Not Sell Pixels - http://www.ppmag.com/current_issue/pdfs/1011/pc_diskdebate1011.pdf
A point of view to consider and weigh.

Non profit doesn't mean no profit

2011-10-10T22:23:00.001-05:00

Why Photographers can't work for free

8x10 Large Format

2011-09-27T10:27:00.002-05:00

When there's a chance, I like to investigate things that interest me. A recent purchase of a large format camera spurred me to look at platinum/palladium contact printing. These days an enlarged negative is not hard to create from almost any film or digital format, but there's something intrinsically affirming about taking the actual negative and printing using a historically important archival process used by Ed Weston, Irving Penn and other photographers during the zenith of the film era. These will be a tangible artifact which will last as long as the paper it's printed on, certainly through any changes in digital formats or computer technology changes.

300mm lens;Tri X 400 B&W Film, rated @ ISO 200 ƒ22, 1/60 sec; 1 light [grided softbox and a bounce] 440mm bellows extension ; Subject to lens distance approx. 950mm; normal development for ISO 400

New55 Film: New55 Early Results

2011-09-23T13:56:00.000-05:00

New55 Film: New55 Early Results: Our subject from last week's session is shown very tightly cropped and greatly enlarged. This is the negative side of a New55 shot taken wi...

New Pinhole Camera Offering from Ilford and Walker camera

2011-09-21T09:59:00.000-05:00

HARMAN TiTAN PINHOLE CAMERA 4x5, 72mm focal length http://www.ilfordphoto.com/pressroom/article.asp?n=140

Tips for photographing bicycles from the bulider

2011-09-13T09:19:00.003-05:00

https://www.missionbicycle.com/about/news/9-12-11/10-tips-beautiful-bike-photos

A Haunting Old Photographic Process Reappears

2011-09-05T18:04:00.002-05:00

Traditional Photography - http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/02/us/02bcculture.html?_r=2

A Haunting Old Photographic Process Reappears

By ANDY WRIGHT and REYHAN HARMANCI

Published: September 2, 2011

Quality Time in the Liz Carpenter Fountain

2011-09-05T11:09:00.000-05:00

Quality Time

2011-08-30T17:42:00.001-05:00

This father and son found a way to spend some quality time together staying cool in the beautiful Liz Carpenter Fountain at the Auditorium Shores Park. I used a Zeiss Ikon 135 format range finder to work with them [after getting their permission]. Still working with the filter and the film, but I was able to tease this image out of the negative in Lightroom with just an exposure adjustment and a small crop.

Zeiss Ikon, 35mm lens, B&W 092 / 89B filter, Ilford SFX200 Film, Developed in Ilfosol 3 @ 68˚F for 9.5 minutes

Art Cows in Space

2011-08-29T18:09:00.000-05:00

Austin is being invaded by Art Cows from space, well actually not. SFX200 Ilford Film image using an 89B / Wratten 2 filter. The film was rated at ISO 12. Still working on getting a good dense negative, but thought I'd share some iconic Austin.

Mamiya C220 80mm blue dot lens; SFX200 IR Film w/ 89B filter, Develop Ilfosol 3 Scanned Epsson V700, some digital post.

Filmwasters interview with Ilford executive

2011-08-22T18:10:00.002-05:00

Film: It's not dead. New products, new camera, silver recycling...
Ilford new podcast

http://filmwasters.com/podcast/archives/211

Ilford direct positive print paper and walker pinhole camera

2011-08-22T18:04:00.000-05:00

News from Ilford.

8x10 Polaroid planned for a comeback

2011-08-18T12:52:00.001-05:00

Impossible project news on 8x10 Polaroid.

John Sexton - Modern Master

2011-08-15T06:51:00.000-05:00

John Sexton - Traditional silver photographic print

Tillman Crane - Large Format Vision

2011-08-15T06:48:00.002-05:00

The Photography of Tillman Crane

Nexersys iPower

2011-08-14T16:16:00.001-05:00

Unedited black on black lighting using Mamiya DL28 system 80mm lens.

Banana and Apricots

2011-08-01T12:22:00.001-05:00

Bananas and Peach

2011-08-01T12:20:00.001-05:00

Repose

2011-08-01T12:18:00.002-05:00

Google +

2011-07-30T18:09:00.001-05:00

Google + - Because it's good for me

A person who I respect recommended, no, urged me to get going on Google +. I moaned and then figured out how to transfer some of my people from other social networking sites, etc.

I started a photographers "Circle" and if you'd care to join, please do so.
Click to join my photographer's circle on Google Plus

View or comment on James Frederick Bland's post »

Looking forward to meeting new contacts in my Google Circle of Photographers.

Cambo 8x10 - the real deal

2011-07-28T14:30:00.002-05:00

My new acquisition, a Cambo 8x10, cleaned up well and is now waiting for film. Rodenstock / Caltar II N 300mm, ƒ5.6 lens. Looking forward to contact prints and alternative printing processes.

Learning to walk

2011-07-22T23:33:00.001-05:00

At one time, walking was something you REALLY wanted to do.
Badly.

It represented a new and bigger world.
You wanted it.
You needed it.
You saw others easily doing it.

They could coach you on how to do it. They could hold your hands in the air while you staggered along holding onto their hands.

But ultimately only you could make it work for you.

And you eventually figured it out– and without any excuses on why couldn't do it at first attempt. You might have shed a few frustrated tears and let up some wailing sessions along the way as you learned.

But you kept getting back up.
Each and every time you fell.

You finally succeeded.
And once you did, you never went back to crawling.

That same spark/spirit/ingenuity lives within you now
and that WISDOM on how to achieve a big goal never, EVER goes away.

-Unknown - [Provided to me by a friend]

Photographer's play date

2011-07-16T22:06:00.002-05:00

Mamiya C220F TLR, 80mm blue dot, Fuji Neopan Acros 400 rated at ISO 200, processed in Ilfosol 3 for 4 min @ 77˚F, hand metered ƒ7.1, 1/60sec. Key off to one side, bounce, two accents.
Image scanned in Epson V700 @ 2400ppi, Cropped and spotted in PS, no exposure adjustment.
Use some film, make some art, make some friends. The camera, Twin Lens Reflex, is about 40 years old and completely devoid of batteries. I just created 12 images. That's all that was needed.

Thoughts on Photography by Bruce Barnbaum

2011-07-06T20:04:00.000-05:00

Sending you straight to Bruce's wonderful site. Fantastic artist. Great Mind.
http://www.barnbaum.com/barnbaum/Thoughts-article.html

Outsourcing the things you're not good at...

2011-06-27T16:31:00.002-05:00

Here's a suggestion:

forbeyon.com - Albums, press books

The Unplugged Wedding – Hopefully a New Trend

2011-06-25T21:16:00.002-05:00

The Unplugged Wedding; Hopefully a New Trend

This doesn't have to apply to just weddings. Why can't we all turn off our gadgets and be present at concerts, family events, and business meetings. It is so annoying to be making a point in a face to face discussion, only to be interrupted by someone else's phone. A little courtesy could go a long way... we survived for eons without instant accessibility. Being unplugged for a hour or so every now and then, being present, would be good for society as a whole.

A Photo Monograph as iPad App

2011-06-24T12:01:00.000-05:00

PDN Article

A Proper Yacht

2011-06-22T17:09:00.002-05:00

Sublime

2011-06-21T21:21:00.000-05:00

Macro Jewelry [ Using 4x5 Large format, 90mm lens, Leaf Aptus II-6 back]

2011-06-10T18:12:00.001-05:00

ƒ32@1/60 sec, 110MP - 20000 x 5500 , 84 x 22 inch print @240 ppi

Sage Wisdom - 29 things everyone should know.

2011-06-10T12:35:00.000-05:00

I won't reproduce a great posting. Go to : http://www.howdesign.com/design-career/29-things-young-designers-need-to-know/

Not quite on the level

2011-06-08T22:38:00.000-05:00

Large format 4x5 macro image using 90mm lens ƒ11 1/60 sec, lens to subject distance was under 12", bellows draw around 380mm / 3 stops correction. Camera spirit level hanging on a wire for test. Fuji Instant film 100B45. A few adjustments in Lightroom 3. Scanned with Epson V700 1200 ppi yielding 4800 x 6200 matrix, or 16 x 20 in. print @300ppi.

The depth of field is very shallow. I have a little overhead left in the lighting to use a smaller aperture, ƒ 32. The level is about 1/2 in on a side. You can see the mold marks and wire used to suspend the level. It is by no means trivial to set up this shot, but then again you can't get the initial image size in a 135 format either. This is a little over 3x enlargement in camera.

Seth's Blog: The game theory of discovery and the birth of the free-gap

2011-06-08T09:46:00.006-05:00

Seth's Blog: The game theory of discovery and the birth of the free-gap

Read Seth's posting backward, i.e. the last part first. I personally think that rather than a free gap, there is a cost of creation cost shift, where the creator or artist is paying more to be recognized in the marketplace. A creator may decide to subsidize the market place with free content. If content was being paid for in the past, creators who are now giving it away are eroding the total market for their hoped for selfish gain in mindshare or the future profits. I think this accelerates the making of winners and losers in the market. Creators with big war chests of money are more likely to win through attrition than talent, simply because they may be the last man standing in the gunfight. This drives the quality and diversity of content down. Just a thought. Walmart has done a good job of creating customers looking for the cheapest price and forcing [oh yeah they did] businesses to ship work and jobs to the lowest cost of production companies and countries. Whole classes of work, normally done by the US have been relocated offshore [shipbuilding, textiles, IT, business middle management and marketing...] and American workers and management were required to train their replacements. Meanwhile, executive management found ways of insulating themselves and paying themselves more. This started with low value work, but this work has trained nations to work their way up the value chains. In some ways Henry Ford was right. By raising wages for his workers, he made it possible for them to buy his product. In this case, it's whole nations and the USA consumer is less important, at least for a little while.

Macro Jewelry

2011-06-05T21:46:00.000-05:00

Audio on Film vs Digital - The Figital Revolution

2011-06-02T06:50:00.000-05:00

Discussion on Film vs Digital

The camera companies may have almost destroyed the professional photographer, but not quite yet I think.

Know your worth, don't take on every job

2011-06-01T20:22:00.000-05:00

The bible, or at least a good starting point. ASMP Business Practices for Pro Photographers

The real profits in photography are like insurance residuals.

Photographer's Survival Manual by Jack Reznicki and Edward Greenberg

It's really important, if not for yourselves, then for your photographer friends that we all know how to protect our copyrights and get paid appropriately for our talent and work.

If you're unsure, CALL SOMEONE, or PAY someone to help you. It's really important for the profession, more than your artistic skills, more important than that hunk of magnesium around your neck.

There are lots of way to approach it, just be thorough and pay attention to details. We might all live another day to tell the tale.

Register your copyrights

2011-05-30T11:48:00.001-05:00

Spring, Mocking Bird Chicks, Canon G12, ƒ8 and be there

2011-05-27T15:50:00.001-05:00

We've already gone through our moderate weather and are on the doorstep of Austin's fiery summer heat. These Mockingbird chicks caught my attention with their cries to be fed, as I'd seen the nest in construction. The chicks are about a week old, maybe a little older.

Getting the shot was a debate between better or faster and faster won out. I climbed to the top of my wobbly 6 ft step ladder to catch these little guys with Mama out of sight. I finally found a use for the P mode on my Canon G12 with the macro focus. The camera is about 12 -18 inches from the nest, at arms length, hoping a strong breeze didn't come along.

The alternative was my RZ 67 and 500mm lens... I always like to fill the frame you know.

Hope you enjoy the ersatz imagery.

Light and Shadow, what makes an image?

2011-05-21T06:46:00.000-05:00

D'Vinci on Painting

Chiaroscuro - Light and Dark

Shadows define an object. Rather than worrying about the light, focus on creating shadow.

A Rare Rain - Zeiss Ikon Biogon35mm TriX film

2011-05-15T06:50:00.001-05:00

I've taken to carrying my Zeiss Ikon everywhere with me because it is so low maintenance and the glass is so good. It was raining so hard, everything became a mirror and the clouds were very interesting.

I created this from my room on the 7th floor of the Intercontinental in Addison, at Texas PPA Texas School. Hand developed in Ilfosol 3, scanned on an Epson V700. Hand held. Kinda of an interesting image don't you think.

I think a lot can be learned by working everyday, if not for a client, just for yourself. I also think using traditional processes, film, and developing the work yourself also instills knowledge and an equipment discipline that's essential for better work with digital gear. Not unlike learning and practicing maths using hand or mental calculation, with a slide, and understanding the work while still using computers. I think it opens mental and creative doors.

Lighting Test

2011-05-15T06:39:00.001-05:00

Some days film looks real good...

2011-05-13T15:18:00.002-05:00

If anyone else owns a Mamiya / Leaf Aptus imaging system, do not accept the newest firmware release. It causes a bunch of operating problems in the shoot mode review screens and also seems to touch the file formatting so you cannot import raw files directly into Lightroom 3. People are working on this.

It doesn't shut you down, but makes any reviews on the back impossible. I recommend operating in tethered mode if you can. Lightroom can take image files from the watched shoot folder and import them into Lightroom.

If you need to use CF cards, Processing into Leaf RAW Mosaic format seems to fix the issue and allows Lightroom to import the files from the processed folder.

Adobe just upgraded Camera Raw to version 6.4, Leaf just release a new version of Leaf Capture 11.4.5, which included a firmware upgrade for the digital back.

Below are some screen shots outlining the issue.

Screen message while trying to import files direct from CF Card

Screen message after initiating "import" in Lightroom

Screen shot after processing files in Leaf Capture and importing into Lightroom

Exploring

2011-05-12T12:07:00.000-05:00

We finally got some rain, a good soaking thunderstorm. Thought I'd try something out. Pinhole camera capture on Fuji Instant film. 12 sec. ƒ256, no visible sun. Enhanced in CS5 PS... just because.

Slow Jam with Instant film and 4x5

2011-05-09T09:34:00.001-05:00

Exposure range in the image is ~7 +/- stops. Zone VI Field 4x5 210mm lens ƒ11.5, 1/60 sec, ISO 100 shot at 100. Hand metered.

It may not show up, but the scan and original image has detail in the shadows and the label is about a Zone 8 / 9. Fuji Instant FP 100B45. 15% Selenium tone applied in Nik Silver Efex Pro 2. The specks are probably pollen grains in the shadows, but the bottle is hand blown glass, perfect with imperfections. A 60 year old Pecan tree is providing shade and a handy cucoloris. Time of day - L.A. N.

Painting with Light - Should we qualify participation

2011-05-06T08:00:00.002-05:00

Texas School is a big deal for many people. Vendors galore. Over 1000 people show up to participate in continuing education. The only requirement is to sign up. This makes a big show, attracts a lot of attention, and for the select few instructors, provides a marketing soap box if they choose to use it that way.

Participants are supposed to self select their level of expertise. In my intermediate class, there were many non-PPA, TPPA or local Affiliate members. I ran into more than a few amateurs or weekend warriors. More than a few photographers had little or no knowledge of how to operate their equipment and had little knowledge of art, photography or photography history. They were looking for a quick fix to their lack of knowledge, experience, or skill.

So the question might be, do you set up some criteria, like membership, or vouching / referral to attend? I don't think I like that idea for any number of reasons. On the other hand, I think people should be considerate of others and appropriately place their skill level. Attending workshops is more about meeting people, refreshing your memory and occasionally, you find those small nuggets of inspiration that propel you forward and recharge your creative batteries. Sometimes you have to work a little harder to reveal knowledge, the trick is to find a way to stay engaged. Synchronicity is always lurking in the corners. We often get the instruction we need rather than the knowledge we seek.

A big event can be well supported and is profitable for vendors who support it, but does it really satisfy the true goal of the meeting? Can something be so big it pushes aside the learning and sharing all artists need.

The image is a 15 sec. exposure, painting with Q beam spot light in a nearly dark room. Canon G12. Done at the "Texas Shootout".

Simple things

2011-05-04T22:29:00.002-05:00

It's good to shoot everyday, even when you don't feel like it, even when things aren't going right or the equipment is giving you fits. Produce, ship, create.

This image is a little shot done with natural light from a South East facing window at the end of the day. Only cropped for composition.

Only something that caught my eye and I responded to it. I like the color harmony. The universe was sending a message.

Tethering Mamiya's DL 28 - Systems Engineering for Photographers

2011-04-19T19:25:00.002-05:00

I truly admire the Mamiya DL28 camera I own. It's taken awhile to figure out how to make it bend to my will, but what's life without a little adventure.

One of the features that I felt I should have was the ability to tether the camera and review set ups / progress during a shoot where precision was required. Initially I thought my tower setup could be moved to the studio, but it quickly became apparent that this was not a convenient work flow. Finally, it was time to buy a new laptop computer, so I upped the screen size to 15 inches and I was in business... or so I thought.

Apple, in their infinite wisdom, did not carry forward the FireWire 400 port [1398A for you true geeks] to their MacBook Pro '11 version. This required an easter egg hunt for the right cable [1398B]. Short story, the new cable was found, but it also required getting the latest download of Leaf Capture 1.4.5 and a firmware update for the Aptus 2-6 back. Whew!

Still with me? It does get easier. Set up the preliminary lighting, and pull in the X-rite Passport Color Checker. This little device is PFM [Pure Freakin' Magic]. Set it up, create an image, crop it and export from Lightroom to the utility software. It sends back a color corrected profile to use. Convert it to a preset, restart Lightroom and apply it / synchronize and you have perfect color. This is a great starting point and you can leave it as is, or start looking at wild options.

Passport Color Checker / White Balance

2011-04-11T17:18:00.001-05:00

White Balance and Color Profiling / calibration. When we use film, the lab does this for us photographers, we're just responsible for the right kind of film for the situation [daylight or tungsten]. When you shoot digital, each detector's color response will vary and detector technology varies from company to company. The standard profiles can't cover each situation, they can only present an average case. Canon seems to come out of the camera with warm to red skin tones, Nikon does something different.

So these days photographers have to calibrate the image chain from the camera's detector to the editing monitors and printers [or the pro lab's printers]. Not only that, but film contrast and color saturation varies by each type, and that fact is used in a photographer's selection up front. Well, the detectors in digital cameras are purposefully set to a flat, 1:1, or 1:X type curve, no rounded foot or shoulder to the curve unless you put it there. This makes a lot of choices to be made.

The solution is to buy a standard and use an automated routine. Passport color checker is for me a really great solution. I use it. Maybe not a revelation for most of you reading this post, but used with LR3 [or Photoshop] this will get you to a good balanced starting point for anywhere you want to take the image from there. Look at the saturation, reds, magentas and blues. Everything seems to pop.

Before

After White Balance and Color Profiling.

Learning Curve - Zeiss Ikon, Biogon 35mmƒ2, Tri X, Ilfosol3

2011-04-05T09:37:00.000-05:00

Consider it an experiment in learning, reviewing analog processes, and adding to my personal knowledge. Best of all I like the image.

Restoring a Family Heirloom

2011-04-02T21:42:00.001-05:00

So the year is around 1929, 1930, just at the beginning of the depression. Here in Texas, people were still doing what they always do in the Spring, romp in the Blue Bonnets. Even in bad times, people were creating and saving memories. The image had been admired and passed around for years, printed cockeyed, bent, spindled and mutilated, but it still retains its charm. Not too much work to get it back to a passable image, a labor of love. The original was an odd size, 3 x 4.5. Hope you enjoy it.

Gregory Simpson - Excellent, Exactly so.

2011-04-02T13:43:00.000-05:00

More Poe than Van Gogh - Excellent review, comments on photography by Gregory Simpson, Ultra Something Blog.

I think this goes along with some of the other feedback I've been getting from the Universe. Nicely done Gregory.

http://www.ultrasomething.com/photography/2011/03/more-poe-than-van-gogh/

Sound advice

2011-03-31T06:03:00.002-05:00

Amen.

http://blog.photoshelter.com/2011/03/the-5-things-all-photographers-want-and-the-1-thin.html

Hand made - Mamiya C220F, Kodak Plus X 125, Blue Dot 80mm, and Ilfosol 3

2011-03-29T21:39:00.000-05:00

There's a first time for everything. This image is a little exploration of mine. I've always liked the results from film, but never had the time to process it myself, and the professional labs I use are always very consistent and provide great results, including digital files.

Feeling like it was something I should become proficient with, I've starting working with B&W darkroom chemistry and using a very good Omega/ LPL variable contrast enlarger I bought [for an embarrassing small sum] as an acquaintance was shutting down his darkroom.

I burned a roll of 120 Kodak Plus X 125 in my Mamiya C220F TLR by rolling through the time / apertures working with a target to get anything I could work with and analyze. No metering. The Developer was Ilfosol 3 one pass working with it for 5minutes before the stop, fix and rinsing.

I like the results. The hand processing puts some magic back into photography, kind of an Artist's date with traditional chemistry. Just playing, having fun. No photoshop processing, simple scan on Epson V700, 5400 x 5400 pixels, Xrite Passport Colorchecker target. Printing is next.

Priceless - Why you should use professional photographers

2011-03-25T12:35:00.001-05:00

"James – you made all the difference in the world to that site. Thank you so much for your contribution. My family thanks you, too!

It sure makes a difference to use professional photography. I’m just amazed. I really understand, now, what M____ was talking about when she said it would elevate the quality of the site.

And I have no idea how the heck you got such great pictures in that ring. Well, you are a professional and know your stuff. But I can’t get a stinking picture in that ring to look even remotely decent because of that funky light. You are a rock star.

I just got a comment tonight from another customer I’d like to share:

The new site is beautiful and very professionally done! The photos of everyone are fantastic. I’m so impressed. Best site for a stable I have ever seen. In fact, it’s a greater site compared to most small businesses!

Thanks, again! You rock, James!"

Christie Show Jumpers - Supporting photography, portraits

2011-03-23T19:38:00.000-05:00

Working with creative team of Marylyn McCray and Tiffany Anderson to deliver a site that the customer loves. Quote from client email.

"Everyone is just flat out NUTS over the CSJ website. I sent an email out to everyone who rides at our stable and the response has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic.

Just a few comments from last night alone....

“Classy”
“So professional”
“Clean and really pretty”
“I’m completely blown away”
“Love love love it – really a good looking website”

And my favorite.... “INSPIRING”

Great job. I’m just so happy with it. "

I love working with people to exceed expectations.

2011 How to Sell Prints Guide | Sell Photos | PhotoShelter

2011-03-23T12:39:00.000-05:00

2011 How to Sell Prints Guide | Sell Photos | PhotoShelter

Helping with the lights - Setting up a beauty dish

2011-03-16T22:51:00.005-05:00

This is fresh out of the can. No editing except for cropping. I invited Carolyn Coffey, a certified Adobe Photoshop Instructor over to see the updates on my studio and to test a new 22 in Speedotron beauty dish in the space. The dish is raised nearly to the ceiling and just right of camera about 4-6 feet away from mother and child. Fill light was provided by a 3 x4 softbox without the outer diffuser. Carolyn is working her magic on the take... we'll see what she comes up with.

Carolyn and Logan - RZ 67 110m ƒ8 ISO 100 Leaf Aptus 2-6

New Commercial Project - Austinuts - Imaging Nuts

2011-03-15T16:14:00.000-05:00

Sometimes lightning strikes and you're in the right place at the right time. Cipi, the owner of Austinuts had a quick strike project for promoting her new displays. I had walked into her store and we we're talking about my travels to her home, Budapest, Hungary and other things. Long story short, she needed a photographer ASAP and when she saw my sample images, that was enough for her. Work started in the evening and I had the images she needed for a press release and other promotion in short order. I'm looking forward to her patronage and her referrals.

RZ67, 110mm lens, Leaf Aptus6-2 back ISO 100, ƒ16 , Speedotron strobes. Pocket Wizard.

Studio cyclorama update 2, final

2011-03-11T19:59:00.000-06:00

Used just the CFL light of one lamp, shot with Canon G12 for expediency. When I get things arranged, I'll have something to say about the best installation in Austin. The vintage Samsonite luggage was found in the attic.

Seth's Blog: The limits of evidence-based marketing

2011-03-06T11:21:00.000-06:00

Seth's Blog: The limits of evidence-based marketing

Something to keep in mind... what would it take to convince you?

Studio cyclorama update

2011-03-05T16:07:00.000-06:00

Primed, ready for finish coat of flat white. The room slowly starts to disappear.

Infinity Wall, Cyc, Cove Corner - Progress report

2011-02-28T14:53:00.000-06:00

After a week battling the flu and other elements Neale was showing some real progress. Styrofoam "mouldings" rough installed today. Fiberglass mesh, taping and floating the seams next. Probably another week before everything is dry and finished. [2 foot radius on the cove.]

Production with a license to thrill

Herb Ritts Iconic Photography

2011-02-27T09:20:00.001-06:00

Herb Ritts Image Gallery on CBS News

Something to study.

Studio Upgrade Update

2011-02-26T11:02:00.001-06:00

Progress -

Photo Business News & Forum: Stock Loss: Stupid is, as Stupid Does

2011-02-24T14:02:00.000-06:00

Photo Business News & Forum: Stock Loss: Stupid is, as Stupid Does

Day is Done

2011-02-19T15:47:00.001-06:00

New Studio cyc cove day 1 - Demolition complete.

2011-02-19T15:34:00.001-06:00

I'm having a new permanent cyclorama added to my studio. 16 x 16 and I'll have hanging backdrop track on the opposite corner/ sides to hang dead black or reflective material or hide the camera for reflections. Electrical will be moved to the perimeters. You're looking at a 28mm lens view which goes to about 12 feet on each side. Coves on the ceiling too.

This should be a great space for larger groups, motion, or products like motorcycles. Big insulated lifting door opposite the back wall to get things in and out. Maybe a Fiat 500 or Smart Car 4 two would fit. Floor will be painted flat white, but also looking at photo vinyl or plexi sheet and a take up wood floor. Open house planned when it's done for my Austin photography friends.

Zeiss Ikon camera; Zeiss Biogon T ƒ2/35mm lens; Ilford XP-2 ISO400

2011-02-17T11:45:00.002-06:00

Garden Store Fountain

2011-02-15T10:05:00.002-06:00

Warm Sun on a Winter's day

2011-02-15T10:02:00.001-06:00

Sunday Evening at the Post Office

2011-02-14T20:04:00.000-06:00

It will never win a PPA merit, but I like the rhythm of the composition. Shot with a Zeiss Ikon, Ilford XP-2 ISO 400 film, 35mm Zeiss lens set at ƒ8 and about 1/250 sec. +1 or 2 on exposure compensation. The Zeiss Ikon goes with me when I travel and I'm not on assignment. Winter is one of my favorite times of year for photography.

More news on Fuji 12MP Range finder

2011-02-10T11:31:00.000-06:00

http://www.pdnonline.com/pdn/gear/Fuji-Says-Retro-X100-1846.shtml

Could be an interesting camera to use. Fuji has put a lot of thought into the niche they'd be serving. I hope they're rewarded for the effort.

Update - Robb Report Collections Cover Shot

2011-02-01T09:19:00.000-06:00

The Power of Light

2011-01-28T15:52:00.000-06:00

It's been one heck of a week, but one of the great things that's happened is getting my choice of seminars at Texas PPA's Texas School in May, and choosing Tony Corbell's class on lighting, The Power of Light [in the digital world]. ( http://corbellproductions.com/ ). I also found out he'll be in Austin, TX sometime in March.

Whatever we do as photographers, light is at the heart of it, or as Jack Reznicki says:

Good Light = Good Picture
Bad Light = Bad Picture
No Light = No Picture

What I like about Jack's statement is that there is quantity and a quality component to the light that we as photographers have to be keyed into.

I've got meters and modifiers out the whazoo, the issue is more subtle than that.

Here's to learning more and learning everyday.

Update on Fujifilm's X100 digi rangefinder

2011-01-25T12:44:00.002-06:00

A photographers camera - http://www.dpreview.com/previews/fujifilmx100/