Visit http://www.earthmosaic.org/ for a potentially cool project taking place today in celebration of Earth Day. Basically the effort is an open call for photos from around the world, the stipulation being that they must be taken on earth day and (presumably) must depict some aspect of the Earth (as opposed to your really cute kid).
Once the photos are uploaded, they are going to compile them all together on some sort of a big digital map, which might make for a pretty cool compilation of stuff, hopefully from around the world.
If you have some time before midnight tonight, snap a quick shot and upload it using their big green “upload” button. If you don’t do that, at the very least check back later to see what they come up with. It’s bound to have some interesting results and might end up saying a lot about the potential use of technology to create big, cool, collaborative projects.
If anybody participated, let us know in the comments section. Happy Earth Day!
Monthly Archives: April 2009
Made you look.
Okay, it doesn’t exist. At least not yet.
According to David Pogue, the New York Times technology guy, the lack of a knock-your-socks-off digital SLR pretty much comes down to inconvenient limitations of the laws of physics – primarily the need for big fat lenses and big fat sensors to accommodate a really nice photo.
For now, though, there might be a consolation prize or two out there. Read a good comparison between the Nikon D5000 and the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS in Pogue’s article, NYT: The Quest to Shrink the S.L.R.
What’s handy, portable, and never more than two feet away? Your feet, that’s what.
And for some reason, when you’re saddled with a bunch of equipment and have one eye puckered up to the camera, it’s easy to forget that it’s okay to use them.
Walk closer. Step back. Lie down. Climb up high.
Especially if you’re shooting on a shoestring and don’t have a ton of equipment to work with, there are some very cool shots to be had if you’re willing to go with the flow a little bit and step out of your comfort zone.
Think bird’s eye view. Think worm’s eye view. Have some fun for a change!
Personally, I’m a lousy photographer, but have come up with some highly respectable shots by finding creative ways to approach the subject. For those of you that actually know what you’re doing, don’t let yourself overthink the process and forget that it’s okay to run around, have some energy, and take some creative shots over the course of the shoot. It is way too easy to get into the same old photo shoot routine and forget how important it is to mix things up once in a while.
Anybody have a tale of a cool, unusual, off-the-cuff shot that you’re glad you took?
…a ProPs member!
That’s because today, there’s a great promo going on for membership renewals. Membership about to expire? Just joined? Even already expired? That’s ok! Jump on this, prices like these don’t come around often….
Get in on the screamin’ deal here.
Business name: Red Leaf Studios
City & Province: Regina, Saskatchewan
Website: www.redleafstudios.ca
What’s in your camera bag right now?
Canon 5D & 5D MII’s, Diana f 120, Polaroid 95B, Rolleiflex 3.5F, Fuji Instax 200.
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 L USM Lens
Canon EF 24mm f/1.4 L USM Lens
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens
Canon EF 135mm f/2.0 L USM Lens
Canon 45mm f/2.8 TS-E {Tilt-Shift} Lens
Do you have a favorite subject to shoot? Couples, we love capturing the connection between two people.
When you are processing your images, do you use actions? We use our own Retro and Vintage Actions.
If so, what are your favorite ones, give us about 4 or 5 of them, that you use mostly? RetroRocket, Hollywood Glam, RayGun, Vintage Quick Adjust, Dy-No-Myte.
What would be the perfect photo op for you? We love shooting in quiet places, and open fields. I think a couple shoot in Ireland would be amazing!
Who or what, inspires you? We are inspired by old movies, vintage photos, and the works of the Old Masters. There is so much that can be gained by looking “backwards”, many of these individuals were true craftsman who had such an intimate understanding of light and subject.
Some of my faves that have a far different “style” than my own: Horst, Sante D’Orazio, Patrick Demarchelier, Elliot Erwitt, Mark Tucker
What is one thing you really want to capture with your camera that you haven’t already? We would love to travel to exotic places and capture the local people. We had an opportunity to do this in Mexico a few years back, and it was simply amazing!
Qualifications/Training in Photography? Amy has a Social Work degree, and I studied Anthropology and Fine Art Other then that we are both self-taught. We do believe however that you need to learn the rules, so you can break them.
Can you describe your photography, in 2 words? Emotional & Connected
As you know, many of the photographers on ProPs are new to the ballgame, what advice would you give them to help put them on the road to success?
-educate yourself, by reading or attending seminars and workshops.
-educate your clients, put your passion for what you do into words so they can read and understand what it is you are offering.
-push yourself and step out of your comfort zone.
-shoot for fun and build upon your skill set.
-respect that it takes time to build a business it will not happen overnight and it takes years and endless hours.
-determination and perseverance! Photography is an art form, and as such most of us wear our hearts on our sleeves, stay strong and continue to develop your craft.
-value your time because if you don’t your clients won’t either.
-research first, ask second; respect those who have spent the years it takes to grow and develop their knowledge. There is no such thing as an easy answer.
Speaking of favorites, would you share with us your 4 most favorite images you’ve shot in the last 6 months? We really don’t have favorites, there are certain moments that we a proud that we captured, but our work is always evolving into something new. I guess we are more excited about what we will capture, and not what we have captured.
What’s your fave TV show? Richard: Heroes, Jericho, Fringe, Discovery. Amy: Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Jericho, Fringe
What music are you listening to these days? Amy and I both enjoy the same music, here are a few of our current favorites; Peter Bradley Adams, Brendan James, Sigur Rós, Imogen Heap.
Do you have spare time for yourself? Yes, we have always believed in balance. If you don’t balance your life and work it can burn you out, both as an artist and as an individual. This is not to say we don’t work extremely hard, we just know when we need down-time. We never book anything on Sundays and Mondays, those are our days to work or play.
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