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There is some 3D-ness out now in the movies, the latest being Journey to the Center of the Earth, with more coming, but let’s give props to the 3 Dimensional photos that you may have had as a kid. Only viewable on this little item,
The Viewmaster.

It is STILL the coolest thing to pick up one of these plastic binocular type devices, slip in a circular disc and let your mind see things as in real life. With a proper depth of field, and almost like you can reach out and touch them.[photopress:mod_l_red.jpg,full,centered]
I always prefer the photographs to the animations as it has that extra tweak of reality shift. And after all, photography is about a reality challenge and capture. Not overtly, nor specifically, but one of the essences.
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What is it about these things that makes us impulsively pick them up and click along ?
For a more scholarly approach, click on this photo, below.
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But we think it’s the fun factor Continue Reading »

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Wait…didn’t this just come out…….?
The Nikon D300 has been in our hands now for a couple of months. Of course Nikon just announced the D700. Not so many months later.

But thankfully, it was added to the line, and not a replacement.
So consider this outstanding camera, the D300, and relish the fact that perhaps there may be a small price drop.

We put it through a variety of paces; Studio light, bounced and reflected natural light, and simple available light.
At first blush, it was simply the larger screen; same great ergonomic feel of the body, and a few extra touches (better connection caps on the 10 pin and USB connectors for instance) that spruced up the unit.
But would it be worth an upgrade from the D200? And how about the latest D700 just announced? Should you leap frog?
Continue Reading »

Sometimes the beholder has paid some huge money for it.

Not just being flippant, but the art market depends on the collectors to set the tone for value. When Andreas Gursky’s diptych of the 99cent stores sold for over 3.3 million dollars, a new height was reached for the sale of a photograph by a living artist.
And it was a public sale at auction.

What’s it all worth? What ever the market thinks it is.

We try to keep you informed about the current auctions coming, and sometimes these aberrations in the sales. A photograph truly can be not only a thing of beauty, inspiration, and visual touchstone in you home, but a great investment. You may not be able to afford a new house, but an investment in art, may be more attainable.

[photopress:artnetAUCTIONS_logo_white_bg.JPG,full,alignright] With Butterfields, Sothebys, DePury, Christies and all the rest, artnet joins this group of trusted names. Plus you can bid online.
No buyers fees (at this point). Yes, sellers pay a $25. listing and 10% selling surcharge, but if you’re looking to buy, here is another option from the comfort of your home.

[photopress:Marvin_Newman__Coney_Island_2.jpg,full,centered] © Marvin Newman, Coney Island

Want some more background?
artnet has been online since 1995 and is host to over 2,000,000 visitors each month. Through its Price Database of over 3.5 million auction sales results and its Gallery Network of over 2,000 galleries worldwide, artnet is the leading online resource for the international art market. With the new Online Auctions, artnet is adding a transaction platform to its successful information services.
Want more? Click here, or here.

From their site:
“Every artnet Online Auctions seller has been approved by artnet after a thorough review. All of our sellers are required to accept the following artnet policy: A buyer may return an item purchased through artnet Online Auctions, if the item received is not as described in its listing, or is found to be not authentic. Please see our full Return Policy for details.”

Admittedly, we do like to see the work in person at previews if possible. We once were looking for a particular photograph but the prints we had seen didn’t appeal to us in person. However, there are photos we’ve purchased that were done through the mail from respected galleries.
As long as there is recourse, you should be fine.

Correct us if we’re wrong, but this seems to be the way it’s all going.

Still wish we bought the Rue Mouffetard by Henri Cartier-Bresson when we had the chance.

[photopress:6a00d8341c82c653ef00e54f4652678833_500wi.jpg,full,centered]© Henri Cartier-Bresson 1954, Rue Mouffetard

[photopress:640_cover.jpg,full,alignright] Well, you have to get those 2 things from this book,
PHOTOart: Photography In The 21st Century.

And we are sure you will.

120 artists, 520 pages, glossaries, and brilliant observations and reviews of each photographers work.
Aperture has done it again with this look at the current group of artists leading the way to a new vision of photography.

You can approach this book in bite size pieces, as you mainly have 1 page discussions of each person,(or in some cases, collectives) and then 3 additional pages with photographs .

We have one book to give away free to one of our readers. even if you don’t get one from us, you should visit the Aperture site and check out their sale going on right now.
A good time to pick up those books you’ve been considering.
Plus you’re supporting one of the best, non-profit, photographic organizations out there.
Win-win.

And this is how we do it:
First of all you MUST be signed up for the NEWSLETTER. then Continue Reading »

It sounds like a great idea. MOFAA.ORG : Museum of Art for the Arts.
The stock photo houses that have been gobbling up all of the rights for some of the greatest photographic images in history, give something back to the community.
The ability to see these photographs, at least online.

Here is the full story:

When we went to site, we found 3 levels or floors.
The first floor was general admission – freebie
Then you went to the 2nd floor , for members, and the 3rd floor for benefactors.
Benefactors ?? Hmmm. Would that mean we get invited to virtual cocktail parties to virtually meet the artists? And have some virtual wine and cheese?
Perhaps a new web page could be named in honor of a benefactor.

Ok, I’m just kidding around, but we would love to see more of the images available to be viewed by more of the people. We know you’ve got em.

After a phone call to Corbis, we found out how to do this all. Wish it was a little clearer on the MOFAA site though.
Here’s how to become a member: Go to Corbis.com, log in or sign up.
Yes, It’s still free. You will generate a user name and password giving you access to the exhibitions.

The concept is sound. Let’s give them a chance to work out the kinks.
And lets see if the other companies follow suit. We just want to look.

Remember, even though they give you an address and floor plans, THIS IS A VIRTUAL MUSEUM!

By the way, have you noticed that when you go to the YouTube site, you have a choice of watching the videos in high quality?
Check it out sometime, You’ll be amazed at the difference.