Sure, it may say “Summer” and you think you have a lot of time, but this stuff is planned far in advance.
The Foley Gallery has this great concept for a Summer exhibition.
The deadline is supposed to be o Oct. 15th, but we just spoke with the organizer and they will be able to work out something with you for later submissions. Our apologies for not getting this to you sooner.

“The Project”

The project was conceived as an opportunity for photographers to share and exhibit their work in a prominent and supportive gallery setting. The project is also about education. Together we will create an environment where 12 photographers can come together as a community and work toward a common goal. FOLEYgallery will offer individual guidance, feedback and support to ensure a dynamic experience.

For the 12 photographers that are chosen to participate in the project, this will begin a unique journey. You will all be working toward creating your own summer exhibition. A theme will be decided upon by the curatorial panel. You will be able to create new work while maintaining what it is that makes your photography unique.

In the months between January and May, you will be given personal guidance and feedback from Michael Foley on your newly created work. Since we are initially selecting work based on its merit and not a specific theme, we imagine having a very diverse group of participating photographers who approach the same theme from several different viewpoints.

Each photographer will be responsible for shipping, matting/framing and printing of their work. All work will be insured while at the gallery.”

Plus there is more coming with a student version of this.
We have to say, Michale Foley is doing some very cool things for the fine art photo world, and we support his efforts.

When I was kid, the concept of becoming a fashion photographer seemed pretty cool.
Not so much the Funny Face/Avedon type, but the slightly grittier version.
Photograph beautiful women, cool cars, party time?
C’mon, I was raised in an apartment building in New Jersey.
There were minor and hard to find glimpses of that life for an adolescent boy to see, but the entire popular culture had been praising the British way of doing it.
David Bailey was a UK photographic icon in the 60’s and this movie, Blow Up, is purportedly based on his life.

The simple story is that of a rather crass, arrogant, fashion photographer, who, while stepping out of a shoot in session, happens upon a lovers tryst in a public park.
While he is shooting this meeting, he also photographs a murder. Or the elements and aftermath of a murder.
His discoveries become apparent, when he begins to “blow up” photos and sees detail that was too hidden before.
Ok, That is the gist of the story and you can get the rest here.

Now when this came out in 1966, I was way to young to be seeing this. Continue Reading »

There is no excuse not to get the true color of your photographs. At least as your starting point.

How about we help make it easier for you?

This weeks giveaway is an XRite ColorChecker Passport, one of the best tools we’ve seen to get the job done.

Easy to carry, can be used in a one person operation, multi faceted so you can use it for a white balance for video also. ( you may be adding that to your skill sets)
The solid protective casing allows you to throw in in your camera bag, and always carry with you. Plus it’s design acts as stand to make it easier to place in the scene.

Now this product just came out a short time ago and we did a much larger explanation of it’s uses. You can check that here.

But essentially, by adding a color chart to your scene, you have added a standard map for you or your digital lab to follow.
Here is a cool site that shows you color charts in use.
Continue Reading »

That’s just how I look at it.

Whenever people are gathering, you have an opportunity to have your camera out and be working on your skills, figuring out things on the camera, experimenting with techniques, and perhaps honing your skills in approaching folks with a camera.

You can call it street photography, photojournalism, or whatever you like.

Maybe you have a particular subject matter that you like to capture, for a potential series.
I have been photographing lunch scenarios for over 18 years, so there is always a new opportunity. Every day.

1 Taco, 3 Bottles from NomNom food truck on Abbot Kinney

Is the photo above a classic? Iconic? nope. Not meant to be. But part of a series that has been continually developing.
Working it.
Continue Reading »

We mean of course, in the form of a catalog of the recent show now appearing at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles.
A short bit ago, we wrote about the exhibit, and felt that it is proof of realization of a promise made to the photo and fine art community, years ago.
They are continuing along that path by publishing catalogs that stand alone as excellent photo books for your collection.
Along with some of their succinct, informative writings, you’ll get as good an experience of the exhibit as possible, without being there.

You see, we do get to a lot of photo shows, but telling you about them can ring a bit hollow if there is no way for you to get to it in person. Of course there is the online experience.
It’s kinda like when someone reviews a movie, it may entice you to get to it, and thankfully, it’s a medium that travels far and wide, so the review makes good sense.
Well, with a book of photos from an exhibit, if it’s well printed, you can share in that experience. Not the richness of the original prints, or the curators layout, but in the privacy of your home, at your leisure.
We love the photo-book and may have too many. but there is nothing like sitting in comfortable chair and sifting through the collected work of an artist. Or even just having the book as a reference, for a style or time.

This week we are offering Irving Penn: Small Trades
by Virginia A. Heckert and Anne Lacoste, published by J. Paul Getty Museum, 272 pages, 9 1/2 x 12 inches, with 259 tritone illustrations. And the tritone quality is what a good B&W book is all about.

Sig up for the weekly NEWSLETTER, to be eligible to win this well done addition to your collection.
It’s real easy.
And if you have the winning entry, Irving Penn will be coming to your house. In book form, of course.

Post Script:
The Yin and the Yang. The tools and the creation.
There is a bit of each here on the site.
Photography is a tech based medium. Even when it was all chemistry it was still gear-y.
Painters will still extoll the virtues of a particular brand of paint or the best brushes.
Cinematographers will pontificate on the reasons they choose a Cooke zoom.
We try to balance. Check out the tools , and see what can be achieved in the right hands. Yours. and the masters.
Yes, a true photographer should be able to make a great image with a simple box camera.
But man, it is a pleasure to use a great tool.

Just saying. We like to celebrate both.