china’s 60th anniversary on DSLR
October 27th, 2009
Check out this amazing video of China’s 60th anniversary parade, shot entirely with DSLR’s (7D, 5DmkII and Nikon D700 to be specific) by Dan Chung. He states that the video is only lightly processed for color and contrast. Amazing!
China’s 60th Anniversary national day – timelapse and slow motion – 7D and 5DmkII from Dan Chung on Vimeo.
michael wolf: tokyo subway dreams
October 27th, 2009
Found this interesting series by photographer Michael Wolf called Tokyo Subway Dreams. I couldn’t find an artist statement, but basically, it’s photos of people in the Tokyo subway system, all squished up against the glass with their eyes closed and such. Next time I complain about the Toronto subways, I’ll try and remember these. Check out some of my favorites below and the site for more:
it girl to x girl
October 27th, 2009
I came across these editorial shots on Vice by photographer, Annabel Mehran for X-Girl, the model is Chloë Sevigny who I’ve always thought was super cute, check out some of my faves:
looking down
October 21st, 2009
I saw this awhile back, but I remembered it and went to look it up again. So cute! Plus, I want all these shoes.
looking down. from hrrrthrrr on Vimeo.
poor but sexy
October 21st, 2009
I found this cool new(ish) mag today called Poor But Sexy which is Canadian and specifically from the Toronto area. Here’s the description from the website, why paraphrase amiright?
Developed by Seed9 Photography and Design, Poor But Sexy, the publication, was created to provide a fresh avenue to publish artists, who will provoke, startle, titillate, and engage us each issue.
Poor But Sexy is a compilation of like-minded artists and marketers showcasing their work through project-based spreads, profiles, stories, and interviews.
Although our focus is on submissions from the Toronto area, artists worldwide will be added to the mix. Poor But Sexy is not only a showcase for new works by established artists that we know and love, it is a portal for up-and-coming talent who are just stepping into the business of art.
I’m super interested to check out Volume I which has some cool photography that I’m getting into (especially the photos of the trailer couple):
sarah thielke
October 19th, 2009
I loved this photo series Corners by photographer Sarah Thielke. I photograph these too! I love the way the shadows show the depth, I just never thought to make a formal series of it. Well played Sarah Thielke. Check out some of my favourites:
fun with forums, copyright and fair use
October 19th, 2009
I’m a little disappointed in my recent adventures into posting on web forums and messages boards. Actually, I should be more specific, of all the message boards and forums I’ve posted on, there’s only been ONE where I’ve been met with hostility and even threats!
Basically the issue revolved around copyright and fair use discussion. The topic in question is, if I post about other photographers, am I violating their copyright? I think there are still a few people out there who are a little bit scared of the internet and the way people are using it today. Things have changed pretty rapidly, and it takes some awhile to understand it. It’s the same as those big record companies who still can’t quite get over the whole posting music on blogs thing. Everyone needs to get current and let go of this black and white attitude that what’s mine is mine and no one else can play with it. It’s old fashioned, it’s restrictive, and it’s stifling. The irony that in trying to protect everyone’s ownership rights, it’s negative for the artists themselves who want to get their work out there and be seen (or heard) by as many people as possible!
Furthermore, just because I post about a photographer, and show samples of their work, doesn’t make it MINE. My intention, just like the thousands of other blogs out there doing exactly the same thing, is free advertising! I love photography, and I want to be part of a community that promotes and encourages it members. If I see a cool photographer, I want to share their work with others. I should be able to say, hey, go check this out, it’s cool. And maybe the next time that photographer has a print for sale, or has a gallery show, someone will remember my post about them, and go support them by buying some of their art.
The people on the forum that seemed to be most upset about me posting about other photographers, didn’t seem to take any offense to the fact that I post about camera gear. I’m helping advertise a product basically (for no profit of my own, I should emphasize), a product that I think is cool and I recommend others considering for purchase. It’s an opinion, it’s a critique, and it’s my personal viewpoint. It’s funny how as soon as the same method is applied to photographer’s and their product, suddenly it becomes a violation of copyright. No one seems to object to me posting a picture of a new camera and saying, hey this looks cool. But as soon as I do the same for a photograph, I’m somehow breaking the law? A product for sale is a product for sale, is it not?
Anyway, I think I’ve realized that despite the negativity and unnecessary and inappropriate hostility from one or two people, I’ve gotten lots of positive feedback on the blog, and I tend to believe that the internet will take care of itself. There’s so many people who understand that things are different and times are changing, and it’s not something that a few select people who don’t get it can stop. It’s time to stop thinking about hoarding everything to ourselves, and it may be time to let go a little and re-evaluate the benefits of this change. It’s like music companies that sue their fans- didn’t someone somewhere along the line realize this was counter-intuitive? Instead of fighting against it and being so scared and angry and holding on tighter, why not try to make it work for you? I think these people would find, if they open their minds a bit, that there’s a lot more positives in it for them in the long run.
That said, if a photographer does not want me to post their work, I will gladly and immediately oblige and take it down. I’m not going to force anyone to agree with me, and I have no problem with removing content if requested!
life blogging, by vicon
October 19th, 2009
Have you heard about this? It’s a camera in development from Vicon that you wear around your neck, and takes a picture about every 30 seconds. It senses changes in your environment (based on light detection, or heat sensors if someone is standing in front of you) and takes a photo when these events occur as well. Life-blogging anyone? It’ll retail for about $820 when it’s released, with a consumer version slated for next year.
I know a lot of people are going to think, oh no, as if we want more documentation of random strangers lives! But I see it as a pretty exciting idea, I can just imagine how people are going to take this and use it to make some really amazing stories and art. Plus I am fascinated by anything that gives me a glimpse into what other people are seeing and what their lives are like. I love photography for that reason, and I am always drawn to personal documentation. I can’t wait to see what people do with this, maybe I’ll even try it out myself!
yvonne todd
October 19th, 2009
I think I just found my new favourite photographer. Her name is Yvonne Todd and her work is amazing, I can’t stop looking at it. Her sets are small, sometimes only four or five photos, but I am just fascinated with them. Check out the photos from “Mixed Up Childhood” and definitely go take a look at her website for a lot more!
photomotion: trees, they move
October 19th, 2009
I’m getting all addicted to photomotion since I found the category on vimeo. I really like this one called “trees, they move” by rc cone, the music and the night time photos are so perfect together, check it out:
trees, they move. from rc cone on Vimeo.
