A Photo Editor: Working with a Rep

This is one of the best posts on how an editor sees the photographer's rep, and whether you need one. Additionally, the look into the politics and career guidance a good rep can be on a photographer is really spot on. Take a look and read the whole thing. It can apply to many other fields as well as photography.

A Photo Editor - National Magazine Photo Editor: "There’s 3 basic types of agent I deal with. Editorial friendly, advertising heavy and fashion flacks. Editorial friendly agents know their photographers love to shoot editorial and will bend over backwards to accommodate any job. They can juggle the tightest schedule to land a shoot, are quickly back with an answer about availability, let you challenge a first hold and have several other capable photographers available should your first choice fall through. All this for a paltry cut of the $500/day fee. Since these shooters take so many editorial jobs I always try and accommodate when an advertising job suddenly lands on dates I’ve confirmed."

Lighting Essentials Web Site gets a mention from the Photoshop Users TV show

Hey, thanks guys. I am a huge Photoshop User fan. And now we got a good mention for the lighting site. That is so cool. I appreciate it very much.

Photoshop User TV:
"Scott, Matt and Dave welcome special guest Vincent Versace to the studio for this week’s ‘lurid’ episode. So What Have We Learned? To use Illustrator to create graphic data that will update automatically, using Bridge’s Retouch tool on your Camera Raw photos, multiple uses for a tonal repair technique, and how to tweak your Photoshop workspace by moving palettes and toolbars."

For fun...

I built a little site for Briana, and we are waiting for the CMS to be hooked up. In the meantime, I made a little slideshow at www.slide.com and put it on her pages. Kinda fun, thought I would share.

Home Business Blog : Wasting Money Without Taking Action

Not the usual site I link to, but I really like this blog. Well written and full of good information. There are some morsels to be found here for all of us freelancers... Take a look around.

eMoms at Home - The Internet Home Business Blog for Moms & Dads: "The Home Business Industry Needs to Clean Up Their Act You see, every single home business website that is out there is promoting these very programs. Some of them are good. Most of them are crap. And because of this conversation, I have decided that I REFUSE to promote an industry that can collectively take that much money from individuals without empowering them to take action."

Now Here's a Credibility Killer...

I love science. I really do. But this horseshit is just amazingly lame. I will certainly remember it when I meet the next scientist.

AdelaideNow... Honey, I doomed the universe: "ASTRONOMERS may have unwittingly hastened the end of the Universe by simply looking at it, according to a theory reported in the latest edition of New Scientist.

The novel idea is being aired by two US physicists, who attack the notion that the universe, believed to have been created in the 'Big Bang'' some 13.7 billion years ago, will go on, well, forever.

In fact, the poor old cosmos is in a rather delicate state, they say."

Interesting SEO Article

Read the whole thing.

eMoms at Home - The Internet Home Business Blog for Moms & Dads: "So, without further ado, here are 27 ways to increase traffic to your website or blog that have nothing to do with Google, search engines or SEO. But the bonus is that all of these things will indeed help you rank better in the search engines, too."

No, No... a Thousand Times No...

Well, maybe not a thousand times, but here are 10 situations where the appropriate answer is probably in the negative. Read them all and think... "Do I say yes too often?" Probably. I know I do. Maybe 2008 is the year for no. Can I think of a reason for it not to be? Hmmmm. No.

10 Absolute "Nos!" for Freelancers : Freelance Blog + Passive Income: "Anyways, now four years later, my world (AND financial success) now requires ample use of the answer 'No.' And here are ten questions I nearly always answer 'No' to: 1) Can you show me a mock-up to help us choose a designer/developer? No. I fell for this once when I was young and naive. I made no money and wasted lots of time. Don't do unpaid work for the chance to be paid -- this wouldn't fly in any other industry, so why web design? The best case scenario (though rare) is that you get a job with a client who knows that you'll work for free when necessary. The worst case scenario is that they don't pay you, and still use your stuff, knowing you don't have the legal resources to do anything about it. Most likely though, you’ll just waste time."

"That Guy?" This Guy is "That Guy"

Geeeeeezzzz... I am cruising around YouTube and I find this. I sat mesmerized. He electrified the audience singing, really singing, an opera piece. They stood, they cried, they absolutely went nuts. You gotta watch this. You really do. Then watch the second video for a look at how it turns out when you are a totally amazing, classy, wonderfully charming man who sings like very few. Wow.

Here he sings the entire version, not the edited audition piece. He is a little nervous, but I have rarely heard it sung better. I love the way he does the bridge... just love it. Listen how he attacks right after the chorale in the second chorus. I think it is amazing.

How does it end? Well, like this.

10 Marketing Articles You Absolutely Have To Read

This is a totally off-the-wall group of articles that you may find very interesting. Take what makes sense and apply it your way.

Unusual Business Ideas That Work: 10 Marketing Articles You Absolutely Have To Read:

1. "It’s no secret among top marketers that some of the smartest salesmen are con-artists. I do NOT suggest you get involved in any sort of unethical project... and, in fact, I hope you rot in hell if you do.

2. The Most Violated Marketing Rule I call it the “Pearls On A String” lesson. And it is the single most-violated marketing rule I see among the people who come to me for advice."

Sunday. Music.

I can't wait for this film. I love Don Ellis' music. I watched a rehearsal in 1970 and was simply blown away. I was never the same again. Two hours shook everything I thought I knew about jazz.

I posted earlier about time. I hope you see the tie in's here.



Ahh, Luther... so true on so many levels.

Working It Out or Working Through It?

I have become restless of late. I want more. I see more. I feel more restricted by time than I ever was, and that puts a fine point on the need for focused creativity. A friend told me knew I could 'work through it' and come out fine. I'm not so sure I want to.

What does one do when the clock is ticking and there are piles of assignment work sitting there in the in box, a slew of clients needing their work done. The specter of one's own work languishing is ever present. It haunts us in the wee hours and just before sleep.

I can see what I want. I have it closely held in my minds eye. If only it was able to be produced without the need for others who are simply as busy as I am. Time. Schedules. Bah....

It is one of the reasons that I stopped writing music. It simply became too difficult to get it played. I had some clout at the University that helped me for a few years, but that changed significantly after being away for so long. Trying to get seven woodwind players to look at a score, let alone play it... well... was a task that I simply couldn't manage. Not on the time allotted when there were other obligations. And so the pen and ink and onion skin was set aside for later.
There is no later, of course.

Time is even more elusive now than then. While I have more work than I know what to do with, I have even less time. I recently faced a moment that reminded me that time, was not as malleable in life as it was in music. I could move time and rhythm in ways that was unexpected there. Both in the classical and jazz genres. Split it, move it, modulate it... at least it seemed I could. I cannot change time, nor slow it down, nor ask for a reprieve of even a few days. Where's the damned rewind button?

But I gather my armaments once again to enjoin time in battle. One that I will most definitely not win in the end, but in the battle I may sneak past its seemingly impenetrable gates for a small victory here and there. Kind of like a guerrilla force of one. Rambo with silver locks. I can move pretty quickly for a fat guy. I'll score a hit or three. Then we may have to call a truce for awhile. Time will remain mute on the offer, and I may need a nap.

This may be a lot of fun, at least that is how I see it. Challenges are always fun if you see them in the abstract. Something has to be overcome, now let's see how to do that. That's called working in out. Making plans, summoning allies, careening through barricades. We get to the end. We work it out. And when we get to the other side, things are different. Better we hope, but definitely different. The challenge was seen and we worked it out.

Working through it means we get to the other side unscathed and it is the same. I want change, desperately need change and working through the challenges to only remain constant is of no interest to me.

I want to work it out. Sounds more exciting, you know.

Discussing The opposite point of view in Strobist.com

This is a very interesting thread (scroll down for the whole article) about what was given up when digital was embraced. It will make you think, that is for sure.

Flickr: Discussing The opposite point of view in Strobist.com: "I asked my favorite graphic designer for some insight and I was startled by what I heard. She said, “It’s faster and easier to get my ideas down on paper. It’s also less sterile. When I try to concept on the computer it seems to me that the machine gets in the way. The presets push you to conform. The screen makes you filter in assumptions about how things will ultimately look on paper. Designing on paper just feels right”.

All this “regression” in the arts mirrors what I hear from more and more photographers. We were so enthusiastic about the promise of “no cost” digital that we swallowed the program “hook, line and sinker.” In retrospect we’ve done one of the stupidest business moves imaginable. We moved from a mature, repeatable and robust system of making images that yielded exquisite quality (and which, for most practitioners; had already been paid for the infrastructure and amortized it) into a system that gives us only one advantage: We can do all this stuff quicker than ever before!"

More on Portfolios: A Photo Editor

APE weighs in on portfolio sizes and whether it is really as important to make sure you have that expensive little 'leave-behind' tucked neatly into it. The one your consultant told you was so freekin' important.

A Photo Editor - National Magazine Photo Editor: "I seriously doubt having an incredibly original book would ever get you a job but not having a decent one will certainly be a mark against you. In the end all that matters is the photography. I’m more of a website person–clearly–so I don’t really need to see a book but the oddest thing happened to me a couple weeks ago. Two photographers in a row came in and their books were quite a bit better than their websites. Must be because they tailored the book specifically for me and now I’m suddenly seeing some problems with the website portfolio."

Another Photographer Blowing Me Away

Ok... sometimes you see someones work and you say, "Hey, that's really good work." Then you see work like Georgia Korkolis and it moves you. At least me. I can listen to music all day. I love music, most kinds. However, Adagio for Strings and Pavarotti's Nessum Dorma can make me stop and live, really live for a moment.

I have been drawn back to her images to just look for a couple of weeks now. Simply moving work for me. I love it.

I Like Her Work

As I keep moving closer and closer to a major move, I am simply loving some of the stuff I am seeing out there. This quiet little site gets right to it, has the images that get you going. Margot Silver has a great eye, and a definite style. Check her out here.

Avisualsociety disucsses Portfolios

This is a great post from someone who actually works with photographers and portfolios. He has opinions backed up with examples. This is a must read.

Avisualsociety : A camera alone does not make a picture. To make a picture you need a camera, a photographer and above all a subject. It is the subject that determines the interest of : "And I understand the need to make your portfolio stand out in the crowd, especially if it’s sitting in a pile of other books. But try not to go overboard. There are so many examples of this…one portfolio I’ve had to send out in the past was 16 x 20, clad in steel plates that weighed 20 pounds, that needed a special metal briefcase over everything so that it didn’t break under its own weight…as you can imagine that portfolio was doing nobody any favours. And I mean nobody, not the messenger, not the poor art buyer who had to spend 5 minutes opening it, not the photographer who has to pay extra fees for overweight loads…you name it. Another portfolio I remember was so complicated in its actual construction (it had a heavy, white, hard plastic cover, that got dirty pretty quickly) that its hinges kept breaking and the only way to have them repaired was with its original manufacturer…based in New Zealand. As you can imagine that book never made it out of the agency very often."

A Photo Editor has a Great Comment

APE has a wonderfully insightful blog that attracts some pretty amazing comments... he found this jewel and posted it. Take a look and read the whole thing.

A Photo Editor - National Magazine Photo Editor: "It’s pretty easy to sit outside the big markets and complain about how incestuous they are. Then you step into those big markets and you realize they contain whole universes. The competition is fierce. No, talent does not always rise to the top. But professionalism often does. A temperament and a capacity for managing the business environment, the clients and their often wacked out notions, peers, reps and agents, editors, the egos of all concerned, so on and so forth — and then on top of it to get shots: that’s what will get honed in those contexts. You don’t have to like it; hell, many of the people who go through it don’t *like* it. But most of those who manage to negotiate it one way or another will acknowledge they got something out of it, and that it made them “better” in some sense of the word."

Sunday Morning Concert

Just enjoy. If you don't know who they are, you probably wont like 'em anyway.

Jonesin'... Jonesin' bad...

This sweet thing has enough bells and whistles as well as high quality imaging AND it works with professional flash units. Oh man, this will be a killer little camera to have. Maybe I'll do a little extra somethin'-somethin' and snag one before Christmas... even before Dec 3rd!!!!

Portfolios - A discussion

I just stumbled over this nice little set of posts on creating a portfolio. It is extensive, and you may not agree with all of it but it is worth a look. A lot of time went into the post and I think it is information worth reading.

Photosmudger.com.: Portfolios - What and Why: "Even in this high-tech, information superhighway, digitised, sci-fi, skinny latte, post-modern, post-impressionist, post-everything world there's still a very important place within photography for the distinctly old-school portfolio. There's very little here that will be news to experienced photographers, as without making good use of their portfolio they're unlikely to have lasted long in the commercial world. However for people just starting out, or those whose only real experience of showing their work off is is via flickr and other websites, read on."

Dang...

Always a breath of fresh, well, slightly likkered up, air, the BP blog was a thorn in the side of many and a delight to read by thousands of others. Looks like he has to take some time off. Sheesh, now we don't have Soth or BP. That sucks. Hope both return soon.

Bitter Photographer: "BP signing off for now. The Bitterphotographer has to devote himself full-time to fighting the sexual harassment lawsuit brought on by a former employee (Jack S. Tud). Don't ask but the charges are all trumped up and the BP expects to clear his name soon."

Yeah fine, I wanna see it in a few months

What a great little home office here. I can only wish that mine looked like this. I am not even sure about the color of the tile in mine... stuff stacked everywhere. I kind of have that voyeuristic love of seeing how other people work. I hope he keeps it this way.... sheesh - even a cool lava lamp.

Unclutterer: "Sirw82 recently moved into a new apartment, and had the benefit of creating this ideal space in the move. If you’re not embarking on a move, one thing to consider with your own space is to move everything out of your office and start again with a blank canvas. Often times, seeing the bare bones of a room can help with organization efforts."

Screw Agencies... I am gonna shoot for your aunt Martha. Hell, she's probably shooting now too!

Those that know me know I love the cutting edge stuff. I think that a lot of the new things on the web will be amazing tools for all of us. I support and love ingenuity. I like people who want to change the world/

This, however, is just plain stupid.

GoSee4Me | FAQ / Help:
"Question: What is the purpose of this service?

Answer: The purpose is to allow anyone to obtain images of any object that is available to the public right through their Internet browser thereby eliminating the inconvenience and expense of travel. The unique benefit of this service is that it enables you to ascertain important details by providing exactly the images you need, including close-ups, views from particular angles, and even during a particular time of day or night.

Question: What types of things do people request to be photographed using this service?

Answer: The objects that people request to be photographed are objects and/or physical locations, either for business or personal use. Businesses require detailed information about customers' needs, competitors' products and activities, and their own internal operations at remote locations. Individuals need photos to plan for travel, relocation, to obtain unbiased information about products and services, or simply to see something from their past for nostalgic reasons."

McCarthy Would Be Proud

WTF! I thought ratting out someone was bad? They told me that all through the late 90's. These same f~n people told me that. They made movies about it. They give speeches about it. They proselitize and preach and beat us in the head about how 'naming names' was outright evil.

They just don't, you know, believe it.

The Volokh Conspiracy - -:

"There is no more fundamental working rule than the prohibition against a WGA member performing struck work. Strike Rule #9 states: 'You must inform the Guild of the name of any writer you have reason to believe is engaged in strike breaking activity or other scab writing.' If you have suspicions about a particular writer or project, the best way to report them will be to call our hotline or click on the red icon on the WGA.org homepage and simply fill out the on-line form. We'll handle your call discreetly."

Strike Rule #9? Hey, you guys just lost all semblance of a moral stance. You moralistic, hypocritical assholes.

"...true, authentic swing..." Yeah? Hows about we just settle for OK?

In a quiet little movie that I like, one character tells another that within each one of us is a 'true, authentic swing.' Now he is talking about golf, actually as a metaphor for life, and how we are capable of doing great things when we find our 'authenticity'. He is attempting to have an individual who is wallowing in self doubt and pity pull himself up to become what he is truly capable of.

Andrew recently posted about being unique as far as portfolio delivery bags are concerned, also as a metaphor for all of the things that you do to set yourself apart and make a unique footprint. But is unique really good enough on its own? Would Andrew's orange delivery bags make a difference if the work sucked. A golf swing that is authentically awful may not be good enough to make the green.

What happens when the search for 'unique' ends up being an end in to itself instead of a journey that could lead to excellence? Being unique isn't enough. You have to be unique and interesting and technically proficient and gracious and egomaniacal in a gentle way and capable of following directions while also going your own way to create something that is rare. A good photograph. Hell with a great photograph, most of us would be happy with a few hundred good photographs in a lifetime.

I hope you know that the bar for 'good' is quite high. I don't mean acceptable, or "good 'nuff" - I mean really good. Great... well, that's a label that others attach to work that hopefully started out as good.

On the VH1 mess on being the next great fashion shooter which I unfortunately had the misfortune to watch, the confusion that people have about unique and good was on full blown review. (Yes, I could have turned the channel, but I was tired and, well, wtf....)

The host is a seemingly pleasant guy with the affectation of a demi-god. His dreadful critiques of the work were so angst infected and contrived that they came off as silly. His own work does not place him in the place of judge.

And the photographers that they had assembled were an amazing bunch as well. How could they find so many petty, self-absorbed, naval-gazing wannabees? The egos on this bunch are simply unexplained from a lay person without any kind of formal psychiatric training. They were simply so sure that their crap and the way they worked was superior to everyone else that it really made for entertaining TV... kind of like watching Randy and Simon listen to the crazies sing while dressed as an elephant.

Only difference is that on that show the know-nothings don't make it to the show. We didn't get to see the level of entrants that were screened to get this terrible group of dysfunctional boneheads together. Damn, that would have been amazing if this is what they ended up with.

Ok, you are asking why I am beating up on the mentally, and definitely photographically challenged? I'm not really... I am much more in awe of the new view of success and uniqueness that seems to be undergoing a redefinition right before our eyes.

Working hard, practicing, experimenting, failing, learning, seeking excellence... that's all bullshit now. Google it... that's good 'nuff. Thinking of adding an umbrella to your lighting kit? Go to a forum and ask what kind to get. Yeah... that's a great plan. Information that flows from a typical forum can be downright scary. There is so much wrong, yes... I said wrong... information that is passed on from people who are happy to tell someone else how to do something that they personally have no idea about.

Kind of like the guy who critiques the work on the show. Or the insipid statements by the 'photographers' that their sub quality work was their 'personal style'. Unique... check. Good... err... no. Or the show itself... three judges, 2 guys and 1 girl, one British person... Good God people... are you kidding? Unique?

So what's the message? A show that is formulaic at best featuring a host that creates safe, middle of the road images harshly critiquing photographers HE picked after putting them in situations that were more like fear factor than any photoshoot I have ever been on, all the while knowing... KNOWING... that these self-absorbed wannabees hadn't even tried on their own to do anything at all? He picks them, then gives them an assignment that was three paygrades over their capability then knocks them down for failing. Got it. Who's the Biggest Loser? I think I know.

Only one of the photogs was actually shooting professionally. The others didn't have the fuckin' balls to put themselves out there. None of them were assisting, or doing anything to personally up their skills... they just thought they deserved it. So to all the people young and old who are struggling to get traction... F-off, you just don't get it.

After all, the people on this show actually, you know, showed up. Like the ones that show up to sing for Paula and they guys without ever, EVER, having sung... anywhere. Ever. And then leave the show cursing that those people don't know nothin' and they suck cause - hey, I showed up so I deserve the top spot.

So go on out there and search for that true, authentic swing. Look for it high and low. Struggle daily with finding it... and then holding on to it. Work hard for clarity. Find the unique vision that could be inside you and exploit the hell out of it. It may not be as easy as 'showing up' but it could be worth it.

Or simply copy someone else badly and blame the people who aren't sophisticated enough to see how utterly incredible you are for not being able to maximize your potential.

May not help with your photography but you could get a hosting gig out of it. Yeah... that's the ticket.

Want to stand out in a crowd?

This post is short and sweet and - dang - is it ever right on!!!!

whats the jackanory ?: Want to stand out in a crowd: "Its not about being pink or furry or metallic or camouflage or big (well maybe nothing over 16x20) or small or heavy or light (well maybe heavy) its not about being square or round or vertical or horizontal. It is about loving what you do, enjoying life, being honest and realistic but yet not afraid to dream."

Oh My Gawd...

There is a trailer on "The Shot" that is truly amazing. Amazing. It's a little strange... and creeeeeepy too... in that "shirt-off-running-and-shouting-photog-with-long-women's-novel-cover-guy" kind of way. Ha... it looks even more dreadful than first anticipated. Ok... another reason I don't want cable... APE has it on his site.

A Photo Editor: "Victoria Secret is a catalog, ok. People who shoot women in bikinis, bras and panties for a living are not called fashion photographers."

Blogging will be light...

For the next few days. Familial duties, chaos and challenges will keep me focused. Regular posting should commence in a few days... just gotta get over a hump...

NY LA and everywhere in between

Andrew weighs in on the LA NY thing... Good read.
(Damn there is a lot of great stuff out there... what fun times!)

whats the jackanory ?: NY LA and everywhere in between: "Most of my book is shot on the road whether it be the assignment itself, outtakes or all that other good personal stuff I find along the way. I want these jobs, I live for them they feed my photo soul. I don't always travel with an assistant, the budget doesn't always allow, sometimes it is just easier to work alone. I have worked hard to develop my style, I always use the same equipment whether I journey solo or have one, two or three assistants but more importantly I never compromise and I always bring the same huge appetite for new experience; photographic, professional and personal. Yes there is a certain degree of safety for my employer they have an idea of what to expect but they also know to expect the unexpected as I want to surprise myself as much as I want to surprise them. Can I do this in New York yes of course but I do so love the thrill and uncertainty of new and unknown roads."

Corbis Acquires Veer

Soon there will be only one. Resistance is futile. You will either be one of us... or you will not exist.
Unless of course, you get smart and start doing your own stock... ya know.

Corbis Acquires Veer, Plans To Keep Brands Separate: "Corbis announced Tuesday that it is acquiring Canada-based stock distributor Veer, which appeals to designers with fonts, illustrations and trendy merchandise in addition to high-quality stock photography. Corbis will operate Veer as a separate brand, a change in strategy that echoes competitor Getty Images. Veer has marketed itself as a design-savvy brand, appealing to graphic arts professionals. Veer even sells its own line of hip T-shirts and bags. Corbis, by contrast, is a general-interest agency with editorial customers like magazines making up a large portion of its business."

Joe Courtney's New Twin Sites

One of my clients is the former Phoenix Sun, Joe Courtney. Joe hung the jersey up a while ago, and now owns a custom theater and home amenity company. His theaters and custom millworks are incredible. He wanted a couple of new sites to showcase the work specifically. I created some simple little sites that feature content management and the very cool slideshowpro tool for the portfolios.

Chip Simons... Still Crazy After All These Years...

I love this guy. A forum member linked to it over at the Strobist forum and I got another dose of Chip Simons. Whacky and wild, the guy epitomizes the incredibly talented

EP Resources - Outcast of Originality by Chip Simons: "Chip SimonsAs for me: I feel so mentally free to do whatever I want. I am not trying to impress anyone with my technique or who I have shot. I can still work for stupid magazines and get something out of it. I am not famous or known by anyone but a handful of photographers…maybe. It’s all about the light and the feelings and the ideas. Content is really secondary somehow. I think that innocence; excitement, entertainment, wonder and just plain fun have taken over in my photography. I keep wondering if photography is a means to an end…and I will just quit some day (having gone so far off the deep end that nobody will hire me or buy my pictures)…or if these ideas will lead me to things I never imagined…I wonder…"

• A few of my favorite observations:
• Shoot whatever you want that make s you happy and gets you excited about shooting more and more.
• Don’t try to be like everyone else….think how you can be the opposite.
• Change your perspective…don’t ever show me something from 5 foot 9….I know what it looks like already.
• Show us something we have not seen before….and not your naked body…
• Don’t be so obsessed with taking great pictures…..that’s a horrible pressure to put on yourself.
• Photography is theater and a big fat lie…your subjects are actors and you are just showing me what you want me to see….why be so obsessed with trying to make it look so real. It’s not.You can do anything you want…there are no rules…you could shoot your toenails for 365 days if you want
• You don’t have to focus…or light…or shoot a level horizon…or even right side up….

That is a fun little portion of his list. Check him out, you may just find him creating something in your mind.

Get Your Morning Joe and Read This

Thinking about becoming a 'big time" photog with all the trimmings? Think you got what it takes to play with the big boys? Hey, 's all good... just read the comment section of APE's terrific blog for some amazing insight. You may not like what you read there, or you may think "spot on". But you will be thinking. I like noticing some of the heavy hitters weighing in... got me thinking as well.

You may want to read his follow up post this morning. It is a doozie as well.

A Photo Editor » Blog Archive » Crapshoot: "The biggest problem (besides the fact we’re a magazine not a goddam newspaper) is 75% of the photographers I want to use are already unavailable. If that’s not enough the editor can’t seem to decide if it’s going to be a small or big feature so I’m left in the lurch on what kind of money to spend on this. The kicker is that the subject will be a moving target, traveling between two locations, none of which happens to be LA or NYC."

Undiscovered Photographer: Flickr Find

Jill
Originally uploaded by madelien

Nice work, creative person and definitely someone who should do well in this profession. Now some AD at a regional pub hire this woman to do something cool for you. Get her now, she's new, hungry and striving to please.

Someday we wont be able to afford her.

Bryan Regan lets you peek under the tent...

I was working with a model the other day and still have this cheesy wood wall up in the studio. This is what we came up with. It was the day before Halloween give me a break. I'm really into the 4X5 edges these days. I still try to shoot my personal images on film, but after my audit, think I'll be shooting digital and faking it. Don't remember the lighting but think there were 3 grids and 2 soft-boxes ...

This is really good for someone wanting to know what it is like to do photography for a living. The writing is fun and easy to read, and the behind the scenes shots are eye opening.

Hat Tip Strobist...

Some Day When It All Seems So Hard...

You know the ones. Unhappy clients, family upset cause you're working too much, computer is giving you fits... Come on, you know the days I'm talking about. When you wonder what the point is.

Well, when you get to one of those days, and we all do at some time, here's a little post to put it in perspective.

How hard do you want to fight to win? Tell you what, I want this little guy on my team.

We're twinseparable! Happy with his brother, the boy who refused to die | the Daily Mail: "Mrs Jones decided to let doctors operate to terminate Gabriel's life. Firstly they tried to sever his umbilical cord to cut off his blood supply, but the cord was too strong.
They then cut Mrs Jones's placenta in half so that when Gabriel died, it would not affect his twin brother. But after the operation which was meant to end his life, tiny Gabriel had other ideas.
Although he weighed less than a pound, he put up such a fight for survival that doctors called him Rocky.

Astonishingly, he managed to carry on living in his mother's womb for another five weeks - until the babies were delivered by caesarean section. Now he and Ieuan are back at home in Stoke - and are so close they are always holding each other's hand."

Next top fashion photographer... my ass.

Groan... no, double grown. Can't wait for the bitchiness to reveal itself... "I hear his lenses aren't sharp..." Actually I plan on sparing my brain from this useless pop-fart, but some folks will get hooked and think that my life is like that...

"Why, yes it is. Thanks for asking... wanker."

And what's with all the British and Australian accents? There wasn't a single photographer in the US to do this job? Well, actually.... hmmmm..., I guess that's a good thing. Wanker.

whats the jackanory ?: Next top fashion photographer: "Well its finally here, VH1 unleashes its latest reality show The Shot on us this Sunday at 10.00pm est. Ten aspiring wannabees come under the mentor ship of the shows host, the legendary (their word not mine) fashion photographer, the sharp shooter from down under, yes the man with the golden mane himself Russell James (above). In the first episode James reveals whats at stake for the winner; a $ 100,000 cash prize, a shot at shooting a fashion spread for Marie Claire magazine and a national ad campaign for Victoria's Secret and the right to call yourself America's next top fashion photographer.

First up is a nude shoot and a very rocky boat that would test the stomachs of even the most serious pro. And so both the glamorous and not so glamorous sides of high fashion are already revealed from the git go. Hooked already right ?

'VH1 shows have been train wrecks, Flavor of Love and The Surreal Life. It can be a career-wrecker. But the way VH1 presented this one, they wanted it to be real and credible, not just star-driven.' Russell James"

"It stopped raining," he said. "I know," she said, "I saw this part in a movie." "How did it end," he asked? "I can't remember, I fell asleep," she sa

"It stopped raining," he said. "I know," she said, "I saw this part in a movie." "How did it end," he asked? "I can't remember, I fell asleep," she said. The rain began again to softly fall. He loved the sound of rain.
Originally uploaded by Wizwow

As my new portfolio takes shape, I am starting to share an image or two on Flickr. I am very excited by the prospect of having a bright and shiny new site launching soon. Finishing up the details takes so much time. I hope you enjoy this photo.

Corporate Photography by David Tejada

This is a wonderful little video by David Tejada that shows some of the hard work that goes into corporate photography. Enjoy.

Alrightee: This is officially pretty cool

Things like this little WiFi Memory Card - shoot, upload, share, post - without doing anything but the shoot part. Oooh... things are getting interesting. Think where this can lead, folks.

Eye-Fi Wireless Camera SD Memory at The Photojojo Store: "First your phone went wireless, then your laptop, now finally, your camera! Never scrounge around for a USB cable again! Eye-fi is a magical orange SD memory card that will not only store 2GB worth of pictures, it'll upload them to your computer, and to Flickr, Facebook, Picasa (or 14 others) wirelessly, invisibly, automatically!"