Archive for 2012
“I consider myself a Hyper-realist artist. I love to paint. I use the word paint for lack of a better word. My medium is actually light. I have a passion for making things happen on the screen. Finding a new way of doing something and finding a new room in my imagination is what I love about the work.” – Bert Monroy
While not a photographer, Bert is an artist and expert with Photoshop. Bert shares many of his experiences, skills and memories of Leo in this episode. He certainly kept the chat room entranced the whole hour, not to mention Leo and myself.
Tip #1 – Think Big! This file is 6.52 Gigabytes, is 60 inches by 300 inches, consists of over 500,000 layers, and took 4 years to create. This is just one section of the entire image!
Tip#2 – Pay attention to details! Each of the photos below is a tiny section of Bert’s full size Times Square image.
Tip#3 – Sit back and Play! If you’re not sure what a tool does, play around with it and think outside the box.
Did you catch Trey Ratcliff’s last Variety Hour? Trey and his guests showed their inner secrets by emptying out their camera bags for all to see. See it here on TWiT TV
Don’t miss a chance to watch or listen to your favorite photographers – download the TWiT Photo podcast on iTunes for free :)
Have questions, suggestions or praises? Please connect with us on the TWiT Photo Forum.
Top Model Release: The Real Story
Blog, Featured Post, My Favorite Things 
22
Wed 06.06.2012
Top Model Release App: Designed Exclusively for Photographers’ Peace of Mind
When I first began my career as a professional photographer, I undervalued the necessity of getting the subjects of my portraits to sign releases; I was solely focused on crafting incredible pictures to build-up my portfolio. As industry figures began to take note of my images, I quickly realized the error of my past ways: One of my first ‘big breaks’ occurred when Adobe asked to feature several of my photographs and I joyfully agreed. Finally, I thought, I will finally begin to receive the recognition for which I’ve worked so hard.
Unfortunately, no legitimate company would dare print or publish images that aren’t backed-up with a model- or property-release. It was with a heavy heart that I had to turn down Adobe’s offer–without model releases, none of the images in my portfolio were commercially valid. What a huge let-down…but also a hard-won lesson: Credible photographers take care of the details.
Top Model Release was born from this experience. The user-friendly app lets photographers quickly and easily create unlimited model and property releases on-the-go, rather than having to cart-around unwieldy stacks of paper that can get lost en route. It lets photographers electronically stamp their business’ logo on PDF versions of the release for total customization. And, in order to simplify storage and cataloguing, photographers can embed the corresponding image directly into the release. What’s more, Top Model Release is approved by one of America’s leading photography copyright lawyers, Bert Krages, and also approved by Getty Images.
Get yours today! But, before you do so, be sure your iPhone is upgraded to iOS5 here –it’s free and easy to upload. Check out Top Model Release and share your feedback here! I’d love to hear from you.
*iPhone Native / iPad Compatible available now for $8.99*
*Universal version for iPad Coming Soon – Current iTunes Store policy is complimentary upgrade for all owners of the iPhone Version*
Tip of the Week: Be Positively Presumptious
Blog, Tips + Tricks 0
Mon 06.04.2012
ISO 200 70mm f3.2 1/400 sec
Often emerging portrait photographers lack confidence in their ideas. If that is you, don’t let it show! Your subject will pick up on your insecurities and loose faith. Learn to trust your gut and believe in your vision for a shot – radiate that confidence and dedicate yourself to making it a success.
When shooting this model, I had the idea of putting her out in the middle of moving traffic. I suggested it with a big grin and guided her out into the street.. My enthusiasm transferred to her and out to the street she walked. If I had been even the slightest bit hesitant, she would have picked up on my doubt and probably said no. It was confidence and assuming success that made the shot.
Thank you to Jenefer Taylor for being such a great model and check out her beautiful music and photos.
Producer: Robyn Taylor
Photographer: Catherine Hall Studios
Stylist: Thea Chalmers
Hair & Makeup: Clifford Hashimoto
Catherine Chalmers home studio is full of roaches, praying mantis, mice, and other creepy crawlies. She shows us where nature and culture collide in some disturbing, evocative, yet beautiful imagery.
Throughout the interview Catherine shared some tips on how she prepares and shoots her unique subjects:
1. Like a painter, control the color of your palette by selectively feeding your subject.
In this shot, Chalmers chose to feed the worm bright red tomatoes to contrast against the stark white and green of the scene.
2. When exposing the natural order of a food chain, 90% of the time is spent raising the animals. Timing is critical to make sure the frog matures before the praying mantis. If you are not careful the natural food chain order will reverse. Yes a praying mantis can, and will eat a frog.
3. To slow down cockroaches enough for clear photos either stick them in the refrigerator or spray with carbon dioxide.
**BONUS: Check out a true Safari as captured through Chalmers lipstick camera**
________________________
Coming up June 5 – Photo-realist painter Bert Monroy will be in studio!
Did you catch Trey Ratcliff’s last Variety Hour? I was lucky enough to be in the hangout – don’t miss our recap of the G+ Conference. Watch it on TWiT TV
Don’t miss a chance to watch or listen to your favorite photographers – download the TWiT Photo podcast on iTunes for free :)
Have questions, suggestions or praises? Please connect with us on the TWiT Photo Forum.
Photo/Video Credit: The sensational, uber-talented Petra Cross
I had so much fun last week with the G+/Scott Kelby Conference! It was such an honor to be a moderator & panelist, contribute to the portfolio reviews of so many talented photographers, and attempt to master the bathroom selfie.
While Petra’s above stop motion says it all, I figured I should also share my 2-cents.
Here are the Top 10 Reasons the conference was a must-attend-event:
10. Portfolio Reviews
9. Project Glass
8. Wine and Cheese Reception – I am a sucker for red
7. SmugMug’s incredible cookies
6. Learning about Brian Matiash’s woodworking hobby
5. Spending time with all the Photographers on the Fisherman’s Wharf Photowalk
4. Trey Ratcliff’s amazing Closing Remarks - especially his opening slideshow (where can we get the soundtrack?)
3. Opening Keynote Video and Remarks
2. The opportunity to be in Petra Cross’s awesome stopmotion video
1. Learning a ton and being inspired beyond belief
Below are some highlights of our Photowalk:
Our Grand Prize winner of Nik Software’s Complete Edition is Lisa Duncan for this outstanding shot of the Studebaker
Honorable Mention goes to Robin Leworthy Wilson
The winner of the Scavenger Hunt goes to Richard Hay
Thank you to the amazing group of people who came out on the walk, you made it fun for all of us.
And thank you Google and Scott Kelby for producing such an incredible event – can’t wait for next year!
