There is not enough times in our lives to do the things that truly feed the creative passion within us, with no strings attached.
You create because it’s a need. Even if you put massive hours and blood, sweat, and tears in, it’s never work. It should be your joy.
Going to college and studying in your chosen field should always be just that.
No clients, no AD, just you. If you’re in college now, savor the time.

[photopress:Rydell_Leash.jpg,full,centered] © Jasmine Rydell
couldn’t you see a Prada logo in the corner of this one?

I first met this Academy of Art photography student a few years ago and one image stood out amongst a proficient, but undeveloped portfolio.

Jasmine Rydell
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The quiet, slightly, demure photographer had a striking image that you could see was a mere peak into what could be. You could just tell that this was a sublimated passion just waiting to be explored. There was true talent in the wings.

And the time to fully explore it all was there for her in the supportive environment of one of the best photo school departments out there.

Coming back to see her work now that she has graduated, was a real joy. To watch someones work progress and expand is a very cool thing.

In her own words:

“Most of my photography focuses on gender roles, status, and relationships between people. Continue Reading »

Heres the scene: you’ve just attended a wedding or graduation and you may just have the perfect shot of the event. One of the coolest ways to share that shot is this book “ America at Home “ with THAT photo on the cover.

Is that something you might be interested in?
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We shared some info about this book a little while ago and now we’re offering, a free copy of this excellent collection with your photo on the cover,to one of our readers. Specifically, a NEWSLETTER subscriber.
Sure, it’s a custom job and the only folks that will own it are the people you give the book to.
Maybe it’s just me, but to have this book sitting on the coffee table with one of my photos on the cover sound pretty interesting.
And you can do samples and send to friends for evaluation before you commit.
Like if it’s a family event and everyone gets a vote.
Or perhaps it’s another value added item if you are a wedding photographer.
You don’t just get the cover: you get the end flaps on the dust jacket and can put enough copy in there to satisfy any client.
Maybe the wedding couples marriage vows, or the valedictorians commencement speech.

Here are some sample photos I used from my collection.

So the concept of all of these pro and amateur photographers shooting America in this book, comes full circle to include you with the addition of your cover shot..

Brilliant concept, excellent execution.

This could be the perfect personalized gift for the rest of the year.Or longer.
And here is how you can get this for FREE!
First of all you MUST be signed up for the NEWSLETTER. then Continue Reading »

It’s a bold statement to compare someone to W. Eugene Smith. But when Andre Hermann brought his work to the reviewing table at the Academy of Art, and showed his 10 images, I was emotionally sucker punched.
It was not just the situation of the subject, Garrett, it was the way his story was told.
With an intimacy, a story and heart. A classic journalistic approach.
The photographs are reminiscent of the Minamata photographs of William Eugene Smith and the situation that was being revealed of the mercury poisoning in Japan. We didn’t know much about the mercury poisoning either, as we are uninformed about EB. This photo journalistic rising star has reached deep into himself and brought out a story which, when viewed in full, will leave you drained. Don’t know the last time I was so moved by a set of photographs.

Andre Hermann
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This photo essay of (10) matted 13.5×16 photographs tells the story of an 11-year old boy named Garrett, his family and the challenges of everyday life they face because of a crippling disease. He was born with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), (pronounced Epi-derm-o-ly-sis Bull-o-sa,) a genetic skin disorder in which his body does not produce the protein that helps to anchor the layers of skin together resulting in blistering, and large patches of deep tissue erosion.
Through Garrett and his family, I will attempt to give a face to this horrific, and unpublicized disease. People need to see, and be aware of this disease, the profound struggles that it creates, how it affects children as individuals, and the family as a whole. Short life spans (parents outliving their children), constant pain, suffering and exorbitant medical bills make for an extremely tough but manageable life.
NOTE: It is important when viewing these photos not to mistake Garrett for a burn victim. People with EB could only wish to be that lucky. In the case of EB victims there is no light at the end of the tunnel in regards to recovery.
Continue Reading »

…..or at least show us a new vision.

Every year around this time, a group of us travel to the Academy of Art in SF to review, recruit, and advise the students who are taking their firsts steps into the pro world. Most have graduated but many are in their mid college experience.
I’ve been doing this on behalf of the photography masters department, led by James Woods for about 5 years now, and the work just gets better and better.

And I have to give each person that came in through the reviewing room, HUGE props, because quite honestly, they are all very brave souls. To have graduated one day, and then subject your portfolio to immediate appraisal by folks you don’t know, that takes a big heaping, helping of courage.
Even though in the workplace, it can, and will, be brutally honest, I applaud those that brought their work into our group of reviewers.

There were 3 stand-outs photographers this year, that we’ll share with. Each one works in a different area, and each one has a body of work with power. And like all superheroes, each power is different.

Ashley Adams
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Ashley came in with a combo set of images: those that she is completely passionate about , and those that she felt would be best for getting the work.
In her case, all that was needed were 2 separate cases.

[photopress:abstract_1jpg.jpg,full,centered]Kelp © Ashley Adams
The photograph above could’ve been hanging in any gallery today. She has taken a look at nature and gave it a painterly treatment while maintaining the fine detail of the photograph.

To be able to see the subtle color shifts in a natural, organic piece may seem obvious, but she has chosen the absolutely best approach, giving the viewer a sweet melange of color and shape in one image. I’d hang that in my home today. Continue Reading »

The good folks at Crumpler have come up with another fine item in their bag line.

And of course it also includes a cool name: The Whickey and Cox– we think it’s a reference to a pub of some sort.
Think I’ve visited that one. Twice, even.
And when you’re looking for a nicely discreet, camera bag you have to check out their full line.

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The Specs from the company: Continue Reading »