Of course that happens on February 8th.We’re talking about Chinese New Year, of course.

In just a matter of months, the global media blitz of information about China will wash over us all. Hosting the Olympics in Aug., Beijing will be inundating your consciousness.
And we hope to help bring some of the photographic artists of China into your field of vision at the same time.

Artists such as Hong Hao

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And Cui Xiuxen
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We’ll be exploring the contemporary artists as well as the more historical or traditional artists such as Fan Ho
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If you have a perspective on the subject we’d love to hear from you and perhaps get you published on the HOME page. Contact us if you have interest.

This is a huge subject as the explosion of Chinese Art has been unveiling itself to the world. Of course we’ll be covering it from a photographic perspective.

Yep, for those getting the weekly NEWSLETTER the giveaway this week was a great book on the subject “Between Past and Future”. Sign up to be eligible for the next freebies.

Happy New Year 2008 Everyone!

[photopress:26f7682e_fb16_4748_b114_a3874ea75031_ms.jpeg,full,centered] The city skyline lights up during the 2008 New-Years fireworks display in Sydney, Australia, Monday, Dec. 31, 2007 (AP Photo/Rob Griffith)

Clear the memory cards, start with fresh moleskin books, actually do that project you were thinking about, start organizing all of your digital files with 1/1/08, and most of all, live this year to the fullest because the best is yet to come.

And take a look at this fun article from one of our favorite sites, Photojojo.

Our own resolutions for 2008 are to keep turning you on to all things photographic. To help make you a better photographer, to enhance your photographic life, to give you a place for resources, entertainment, and education.

And more free stuff. Speaking of which, there will be an NEWSLETTER coming out tomorrow (Weds.)with a weekly giveaway spelled out for you in there. Just make sure you are signed up for the NEWSLETTER and we’ll try to start 2008 out right.

We thank you for all of your support in 2007. Keep spreading the word. That’s how we grow.

Happy New Year!

[photopress:whiteglove.jpg,full,centered] But don’t think of it like a four letter word. It’s a good thing. A real good thing.

When I was a young man, my agents sent me to a prestigious gallery for a possible showing. They told me that the series they were interested in had a great visual style but was a bit depressing. And could I make the prints bigger. And perhaps with a more colorful array.
After storming out with a huge cup of naivete in my belly, it took me a short while to realize that art was just a business like any other. Like I said, I was a very young man. TMI?

One bigger lesson that came through later was that, underneath it all, the dealers were passionate about what they were selling. Not that particular one mind you, but all that I have met since. For example,Howard Greenberg Gallery recently put out a book of photographs in his collection that he met and fell in love with in years of being a dealer. Brilliant.
Go and meet some of your local gallery owners. You’ll see.

The point? As we have come into world of many art and photo fairs every year, you have to remember that they are populated by dealers. Sure,their goal is to make sales. While walking around these events, you get to enjoy and view some of the finest photography ever made. These people love photography. And breathe it. And understand it.
And in each fair you can cover most tastes. The temptation of purchasing can be impulsive and emotional. Be forewarned. At the very least I dare you to walk out with at least a book or two.

So yes, it’s a business. And I’m glad. There are images hanging on my walls that make me happy every day I look at them. Even though I don’t sell my work through galleries, I am thrilled they are in business.

Maybe this is the year you begin your collection. If you are in Los Angeles in January, start at PhotoLA for a full dose of one of the best photography fairs around. By the way, if you feel that perhaps you need guidance in the are, there are excellent collecting seminars being held simultaneously to the fair. Well worth your time. I always attend.

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Now on to some more Paris-Photo wrap up. After the event, the PR department issued an overview from the show which we share with you here: Continue Reading »

Shooting a series on one subject always feels like a great exercise to me. Not that it just builds a visual muscle, but it can become a very natural part of your day and help you continually look at a subject many different ways. And discover something new along the road. Now you don’t think that Edward Weston only shot ONE pepper do you? I think his most famous is #33.
Personally I have been shooting lunches for over 17 years.

Here is a pretty cool series from Jon Huck: Breakfast
[photopress:david_cowan_2_3L.jpg,full,centered] .Check out his site for some more work. And you can purchase his books through the BLURB.COM bookstore.

The point is, your development as a visual artist can be aided by a constant exploration. Sometimes it’s the familiar that serves as the perfect subject. A daily routine, a regular activity, or perhaps someone you see all the time. Photography becomes a perfect medium to interpret the passage of time, or the similarities throughout a common thread of a subject.

Another good reason for having your camera with you at all times.

Just Stumbling around: Click on this shot-[photopress:pana.jpg,full,centered]
Trippy.