^Kaz-D

Photography CV

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Complications with Composition

Fri May 17, 2013, 8:00 AM

Photography Week

I love seeing results on the camera screen, and through the lens. Often after I've taken a photo, I can't wait to get home and see it on the computer screen too. But my pet peeve is the maths and numbers behind getting it spot on. I can't deal with that, I loathe it, and actually it takes the fun out of Photography (for me anyway!) I know that some people love the technical details, I think that's why ~TouchedD and I work so well - he does the figuring out, I do the seeking for the shot - but if you're purely a creative type with no passion for delving into technicalities then hopefully this article will be able to help you.

You will find countless articles, tips, tutorials and theories on Composition. Many will throw advice and instruction at you before you can even press the shutter on your camera. In truth though, it can be much more basic than that. Before you take a photograph, think about why you're taking the shot. I know this doesn't work everytime, because often (like me) you'll end up racing for the camera then racing to your subject and snapping away before the moment has passed. We all have those times, and it's okay to disregard everything you've learned so far. But for those times that you're concentrating hard and want visible, perfected results - think first.

Look at your portfolio and consider why you were in that certain angle, facing that certain direction or choosing to shoot from that certain vantage point. I can look at several of my own shots and have no clue, but equally, I can look at others and realise that yes - I shot from over there because the light was better. Or I stood up there because the shadows fell differently. When you can begin to justify your work like this, you will start to realise that you are thinking more about composition. And that actually, it isn't all that complicated after all.

Once the plain and simple thinking has begun, you can start to introduce the theories. Learning backwards isn't always a bad idea. You shot that leaf in a certain sector of your image frame because you were using the rule of thirds. You angled the camera just so when capturing that street scene because you were setting up an invisible grid.

The things that our eyes see, and the things that are lens captures - are completely different. Until we learn that, we often will strive for something that is actually unachievable. You'll do it right here on deviantART - amazing colours, amazing setups..things you've never seen before with the naked eye, will astound and amaze you. Actually those things were never created with a single shot. Photo-editing has come on in leaps and bounds in the last few years. So it works both ways, our lens can capture something and in turn we can manipulate it into something that was never seen. Just like we can see things our lens will never capture. Learning that there is a distinct difference between the two is simple. But astounding. Don't forget that whilst we can see in 3D - our cameras, for the most part, capture in 2D.

1 Comment

Urban Exploration

Thu May 16, 2013, 8:00 AM

Photography Week

Urban Exploration is the examination, and often documentation, of normally un-seen or off limits places. It's becoming an increasingly popular 'hobby' and for some, something much more serious. This week we're looking at a specific Photographer and his chosen subject - linked directly in with Urban Exploration.
Wayne Levin's work recently caught my eye at a Photography Exhibition - you may already have read about it if you caught the latest edition of Photography Fortnightly. As well as being an awesome and very unique idea, constructed creatively and tastefully - it reminded me of Urban Exploration. Levin explores beneath the sea, another place that many of us don't get to see unless we venture there with specific equipment - and often training. Exploring reefs, water life and shipwrecks, Levin's work truly is an act of Urban Exploration. It just shows us that there are no limits to being an Urban Explorer and there are many un-chartered 'waters' that need to be documented and shown, just as much as decaying and forgotten places above sea level.

_{Source: [link]}

1 Comment

People + Portraits Exposed 24#

Journal Entry: Tue May 14, 2013, 10:23 PM

Emotive...

By *pure-insomnia

Self Portraits...

By ~mialepson

Classic...

By ~PorcelainCora

Expressive...

By *JaimeIbarra

Infants & Children...

By ~Daizy-M

Weddings...

By *mitazu08

Spontaneous...

By ~vampire-zombie

2 Comments

Project Educate: 4 tips for great product photos!

Tue May 14, 2013, 9:28 AM

Photography Week

In a world where many products are easily accessible on the internet - yes, even those - we've nearly fallen victim to the images that are slightly better than the rest, that entice us in, that persuade us to buy, bid, eat, cook and whatever else. (You've seen my Nom Nom articles right?) So it's not unusual that an eye-catching image can make all the difference when it comes to selling your products, or your photography - or both.

Stand out

Strong, Clear photographs will not only help you stand out on a web-page, but also will help you get your blog out there, or get your deviantART profile a bit more notice. Having a good working environment is often better than having that top notch expensive camera. So don't worry too much about your equipment. Get to know your angles, backdrops, props and lighting and the rest should hopefully fall into place.

Edit

Editing is really easy and good editing programs are accessible by almost everybody now. You don't need photoshop to make your images look amazing, but it helps. However simple cropping, lighting adjustments, tones, and minor blemish removal can really help and it's worth spending a bit of time looking at what you can do to a photo to make it better before you release it to the world to critique, ignore, or fall in love with. Don't be afraid to cut bits off when cropping, it can look quite arty!

Get the Perspective

Putting clothes, accessories and shoes e.t.c on a model will help give them a better sense of size hang and general feel. Placing ornaments, trinkets or jewellery on carefully constructed backdrops and set ups will give them a sense of space and size too - but be sure not to be misleading especially if you're photographing to sell a product. You want to be as honest as possible, which is why you also need to be careful when editing - to ensure you're not altering something that was never there. Allowing a customer to imagine a product in their home, their wardrobe, their dressing table or their kitchen will make it a lot easier to entice them to buy!

Details

Often a photograph can show an amazing product with lots of potential, but doesn't give much information about the materials used or the textures. Is it cotton, wool, handmade or not? If you aren't going to be able to show detail in a photo, be sure to include it in the artists comments - particularly here on deviantART - we love to find out more about what's in a shot!

7 Comments

Project Educate Photography Schedule

Sun May 12, 2013, 11:04 PM

Photography Week

Welcome to the General Photography Project Educate week! Since there are so many sub-galleries of Photography here on deviantART, we're not going to be able to cover every single one this week. And since there are various specific CVs for those galleries, they will hopefully (and have in the past) taken care of that! So this week is more about covering a few basic bits and pieces, and giving a bit of education on topics that people have recently been asking about. So without further ado, here's what you can expect this week:

Monday 13th May

Introductory Article and Photography CVs
Photography Games Article from ^3wyl on behalf of #CRPhotography

Tuesday 14th May

Taking better Product Photos by ^Kaz-D
People and Portraits Exposed by ^Kaz-D

Wednesday 15th May

Critique night in #CRPhotography more info here.

Thursday 16th May

Urbex Editorial from ^Kaz-D
Journalism from ^1pen

Friday 17th May

Complications with Composition by ^Kaz-D
Lighting Photography by =dienutza

Saturday 18th May

Ten Tips for Photographing Nature by ^Kaz-D
Fixing that miscat - Fashion Photography Versus Commercial by ^Kaz-D

Sunday 19th May

Roundup Article

We're also really keen to know what you want to get from all of us as your Photography CVs. And by all of us, I mean every single one of us! There isn't just ^3wyl and I. Check out the list below to get familiar with who takes care of the Photography galleries here on deviantART - and remember, ^3wyl and I cover everything that isn't covered by someone else.

^Kaz-D and ^3wyl - General Photography

^arctoa Abstract and Surreal

^Nyx-Valentine Artistic Nude and Fetish

^astridle Conceptual Photography

^Pixel-Spotlight Fashion Photography

^pullingcandy Horror and Macabre

^1pen Photo-journalism

^DistortedSmile Pinup and Glamour

^myraincheck Street Photography

10 Comments

Where I live Contest: Results!

Wed May 8, 2013, 11:58 AM

The amount of entries to the Where I Live contest, was staggering! It truly made the launch of #CRPhotography quite special and we appreciate all the promotion, feedback and deviants who worked hard to create something for the theme. The diversity of deviantART was really highlighted with this contest and it was fantastic to see how everybody chose to sum up their home town in a single image with just a few words attached to explain their choice. Well done! Without further ado though, here are the results!

1st Place

1 Year Premium Membership + 2100

This is quite a unique entry, being a double exposure and also with the artists comments justifying why this illustrates where they live - written by another deviant. For that reason it has been decided that whilst *LashelleValentine takes first place - a small amount of DeviantART points will be donated to 'Thom' ~ThomClyma - for his words below...
"From the monstrous skyscrapers to the mom and pop stores, I am shaped by the buildings and streets that grew with me. Though I've moved far from my hometown, I will forever reminisce about the pizza stand on 3rd street where I had my first date, the movie theater on Wrentham where I saw my first movie with my parents, and the crossroads of Delmar and 37th where I had to say goodbye to everyone I once cared about before leaving for college. Despite all the changes to the facade and landscape, that town became a part of me, became a family that I will always cherish."

2nd Place

1 Year Premium Membership + 500

*fotogg says "This image illustrates my country's yearning to find ways to be happy despite extreme poverty and hardships. Thirty percent of the country's population lives below the poverty line, but yet we are ranked as one of the world's happiest states."

3rd Place

6 Month Premium Membership + 500

*jamberry-song says of their home, "I feel like this is a perfect representation of Suburban U.S.A. right now. Here we are, more than three years after the recession supposedly ended, and our small local economy is still failing. This city is full of the empty brick husks left by nearly three decades of outsourcing manufacturing jobs. But, on nice days, the park is full of people and the laughter of children, even if the paint on the house they'll go home to is peeling and they pay far too much in rent and have to rely on food stamps that the government is threatening to take away from them. This is home, for better or worse. I love it here."

Honourable Mentions

Winning a 3 Month Premium Membership to deviantART + 250

each...

By ~seth2012chaos

By ~Sigfodr

31 Comments

The Artists Toolbox: Photography Studios

Mon May 6, 2013, 10:41 AM

Hearing the word studio makes me think of expensive rooms with top of the range equipment, fantastic lighting and only professional awesome photographers inside of it. In reality however, you can create a Photography studio for just about any type of Photography and it doesn't have to cost very much.

The Macro Studio

Macro Photography can be undertaken pretty much anywhere, but sometimes you just want to shoot something in a neutral environment with a plain, unobtrusive backdrop. Many photographers shy away from doing this because they think it's too complicated - actually you would be doing yourself a favour if you did try it, it can really help improve your work.

For starters, you don't even have to have expensive flash. You could use any lamp that you can easily move around, to give a bit of light into your mini studio. You also need a couple of sheets of card or paper, and a cardboard box. The sizing is completely up to you and up to the size of the objects that you want to shoot. You're basically making a light box, cheaply. For more information on creating a simple macro studio check out Strobist.

The Baby or Portrait Session Studio

I'm sure I've shared my studio process before, but here it is again for those that missed out on it. I created my own studio kit spending a little under £40. I bought laminate flooring from my local DIY store which was on offer, and easy to transport being in seperate strips. I hung out on Ebay until I could poach a really cheap studio lighting kit from an unsuspecting bidder, I grabbed the backdrop frame for under £14 on Ebay too and I picked up the material from a local fabric shop. In fact the material was one of the most expensive bits of the whole kit.

The most important thing when thinking about building up your own studio, is to concentrate on using it. Don't worry yourself with props, don't even worry yourself with flooring as it's likely your customer or subject might have access to a good floor. Concern yourself only with the lighting (and getting a good iron to get rid of those creases!) This kind of studio set up is big enough for the parents to sneak in and be in shot when needed, but small enough that the baby doesn't look too swamped.

Photographing Crafts

Crafts, food, small items, even stuff you plan to sell on Ebay - a small macro style studio is perfect for making sure you get the best out of a shot. You don't have to buy the official items to ensure that you're setting yourself up for success. Remember that it takes a very special kind of Photographer to be able to afford, maintain and manage their own 'shop' studio. Most of us will never get to that stage, most of us don't even want to. So having something portable will take you to your customers and your subjects - which is, in the long run, what most people want. Make yourself mobile and you'll have access to a wealth of opportunities.

Hit the online photography forums for more tips and hints to creating your own studio. Check out this thread which talks about homemade lighting and this site which looks at a larger homemade studio. Also if you've got your own studio set up, share it with me and I'll pop it in this article! The more knowledge and experience the better.

12 Comments

Photography Fortnightly

Journal Entry: Fri May 3, 2013, 9:51 AM

_{Photography Weekly Header created by *TouchedD}

“When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs.
When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence."
~Ansel Adams

The winners of the Sony World Photography Awards 2013 have been announced and I was touched by the story that accompanied Andrea Gjestvang's winning entry, part of a series of shots entitled One Day in History. As Photographers, we often capture and document things that others find disturbing, distasteful or upsetting. Or all three to be honest. Quite often we're asked 'Why did you take that shot? Why didn't you help instead?' when we capture something that showcases carnage or destruction. Or both. I have no right or wrong answer and nor do we, as Photographers, behave in a right or wrong way by choosing to click rather than extend a hand. I'm sure though, that I would only take a shot if I knew I wasn't needed someplace else, to save a life. What would you do?

Anyway going back to the winning entry, Gjestvang did a series of shots that probably summed up 2012 very uniquely. She visited those who were caught up in the Breivik Massacre and took emotive portraiture shots of the survivors. Some were physically injured, and her documentation of these was just as chilling as those who were psychologically scarred. But what got me the most was the stark emotion, the creativity that shone through, but that didn't detract from these youngsters plights. Check it out for yourself here. There is much more going on in the Photography world right now. Check out this important news on the UK Government passing 'Orphan Works' Law...

I urge you to check out the works of Wayne Levin. I was lucky enough to go to an exhibition of his work on the Isle of Wight recently, at Dimbola Lodge (home of late photographer Margaret Cameron!) The exhibition was absolutely breath-taking and entitled Through a liquid mirror. Levin literally shoots through a liquid mirror, if you think about it, capturing what we rarely see. He's the urban explorer of beneath the sea!

_{Source: Waynelevinimages.com}

General Photography

Community Volunteers ^Kaz-D + ^3wyl

For the chance to get your work featured in a new series of articles coming up from =WintersRead check out more information here! The latest edition of To be Seen is out and features five photographers from across deviantART. Also check out who has been interviewed in All snapped up! Since it's the end of April and May is almost in full swing, the Daily Deviation roundups are out. Check out ^3wyl's here and ^Kaz-D's here. We've got a Critique night coming up, check out the Chat Events Calendar for more information on where, when and what! Finally, an interesting article was released today about a new lens that has been created based on the Compound Eye of a Fire Ant...

Photography Contests, Projects and Challenges

Mobile Photography Challenge ends 7th May

Still Life: Traditions Contest ends 28th May

3 Recipes, choose one! ends 21st May

Friendship Contest ends May 15th

Reinterpretation Contest ends May 15th

Where street has no name...

Macro Photography ends 10th May

Simple Contest ends 31st May

May Community Events

Spotlight Deviant ~mjagiellicz

~mjagiellicz has graced our community for over seven years and the gallery explores some of my favourite sub-galleries of Photography here on deviantART. With a high quality mixture of Transportation, Travel, Rural and Urbex Photography - ~mjagiellicz has a gallery that you do NOT want to miss out on!

Spotlight Group - #UnseenPhotographers

Having recently published their latest Challenge #UnseenPhotographers are quite active within the Photography Community here on deviantART. Sharing quite a wide variety of Photography, they have something for just about any keen photographer or artist!

On the topic of groups ~TazzyDee is desperately looking for admins for #PhotoLust - head over there and get involved!

Project Educate

The Photography Project Educate week is fast approaching and we're encouraging you to get involved if you feel like you could write an educational article. Just note #projecteducate with the subject 'Photography week' and send us your proposals! In the meantime head over to #projecteducate to catch up on the latest Community Week shenanigans!

Abstract and Surreal

Community Volunteer ^arctoa

Since the last update, ^arctoa's scheduled weekend features have been ongoing: the Friday Feature now includes regular issues 020 and 021, and April's Thumbshare Highlights edition, issue 022. The Saturday Spotlight has added interviews with *chriseastmids, *kparks, and *Azenoire. Additionally, he has published his March/April CR Newsletter and his April DD Report, and published the Regular and Subscriber editions of May's Abstract & Surreal Thumbshare.

Around the groups, #Boxism has been founded in the last week; a group for high quality works with an abstracted or surrealist aesthetic. #Abstract-and-Surreal's April contest has ran over into May, and details can be found here: in related news, #non-real's Strange Coffee Drinkers contest ends soon with further information to be located here. #Abstract--Reality, meanwhile, has temporarily closed their submissions and further context is here. #devPREMIUM has continued with their Abstract & Surreal Spotlight, with Vol.16, Vol.17, and Vol.18 all now online. Finally, #Ode-to-simplicity and #WhoNeedsColour have put out Monthly Specials: OTS issue XVIII and WNC issue No.29 can now be persused.

Architecture

Community Volunteers ^Kaz-D and ^3wyl

We've sadly said goodbye to `anmari this week and therefore you Architecture Daily Deviations need to come to ^Kaz-D and ^3wyl until a replacement is appointed! Drop by her page and check out her farewell journal here to give some luff! Thank you `anmari for your fantastic work in the Architecture community! Also HUGE congratulations to her for receiving the deviousness award for MAY!

People and Portraits

Community Volunteers ^Kaz-D + ^3wyl

Sadly we've decided to close ~PeopleAndPortraits last month, but we're focusing on People and Portrait photography over at #CRPhotography as part of all our other challenges, features and news. The decision was thought about carefully, but we decided that putting our energy into #CRPhotography made more sense, so head over and join!

Artistic Nude

Community Volunteer ^Nyx-Valentine

It's Spring! over in the Artistic Nude and Fetish gallery and ^Nyx-Valentine is celebrating this with a fantastic Spring themed feature. Also check out the Art Nude and Fetish March/April roundup found here.

Pinup and Glamour

Community Volunteer ^DistortedSmile

Lush! is also Summery themed this fortnight and shares some lovely summery features from within the Pinup and Glamour Community!

Photo-journalism

Community Volunteer ^1pen

There's someone new in town! Be sure to get your DD suggestions over to ^1pen who is fast getting stuck into the Photo-journalism Community in her new role as a Community Volunteer! Read her intro journal here and how to suggest a DD here. Plus for some advice and tips on selling your work check out this awesome article here!

Still Life

Community Volunteers ^Kaz-D + ^3wyl

Check out the monthly still life contest over at #Still-Life-Stills - This month the theme is Traditions! Additionally *claremanson has featured Nutella. Plus if you're feeling extra hungry there's also a fresh issue of Nom Nom!

News from Chats and Forums!

The Forums are a great place to go and get advice, tips, feedback and much more on your work. No idea what camera to go for? Want to share some work? Get critique? The Forums are the place to go. Check out a few links below to the latest Photography hot topics! The community relations team is looking for new Chat and Forum CVs! If you're interested in applying then do check out the journal here for more information on how to get involved.

Camera Upgrade

Artistic nudes VS pornography

Amateur Photographer going on holiday - kit list

I have a compact prosumer camera, thinking about a compact system camera

Canon 50mm f/1.8 or f/1.4? Beyond the obvious comparisons...

Photography ModelMayhem

Photographing small things...

Bokeh - I just don't get it

Photographing dancers?

Topic to shoot and tips on taking pictures of people

Do you choose the photos you post online?

Photographing People

Why do you hide your EXIF data?

Your favourite photo blog with pictures only?

Concert setting

Beginner in photography - some tips

Who uses a Lightmeter?

Insider Tips for must see Location in London (lost places?)

Need Help: Printing My Photography

Canon or Nikon?

Regular Features to keep an eye on!

There's so much going on around the community especially for Volunteers that sometimes the awesome news can be missed out. I hope to share any weekly or monthly features that are ongoing here so that you can browse them at your leisure. If you know of something that needs to be listed let me know!

dA Love for Everyone from `lintu47

Project Porkchop from ^Astralseed

I like your face from `AshleyxBrooke

Pure Beauty from `dragonfly-oli

Weekly Feature from `miontre

Through a Lens Friday Feature from `Infinite-Heart

The Community Volunteer Team

General Photography: ^Kaz-D | ^3wyl
Abstract and Surreal: ^arctoa
Conceptual: ^astridle
Darkroom: ^RockstarVanity
Artistic Nude and Fetish: ^Nyx-Valentine
Fashion: ^Pixel-Spotlight
Horror, Macabre and Cosplay: ^pullingcandy
Pinup and Glamour: ^DistortedSmile

Groups to Check Out!

Getting Involved...

You can get yourself into Photography Fortnightly just by sending me a note! Each week I look for:

Spotlight Deviants

Under-appreciated Deviants

Spotlight Groups

Photography related news

Themes & Topics

Featured Tutorials

Got a fresh idea? Send a note to #CRPhotography!
_{Photography Fortnightly Skin created by *TouchedD!}

19 Comments

Nom Nom #38

Thu May 2, 2013, 1:48 PM

_{Headed created by *TouchedD}

33 Comments

General Photography Daily Deviations: April 2013

Tue Apr 30, 2013, 10:12 PM


Features by ^Kaz-D

People & Portraits

Transportation

Macro

Still Life

Urban & Rural

Photo-Journalism

Fireworks

Commercial

Humorous

15 Comments

Back from Beyond

Fri Apr 26, 2013, 11:52 AM

The first thing to say is...thank you so much for all the lovely Birthday comments, notes, messages and even cakes! I came back from holiday today, totally overwhelmed by all of the messages in my inbox. But I've tackled most of them..hopefully! I had a fantastic holiday, which began really last Thursday, when the lovely *TouchedD presented me with an early Birthday present (because he knew i'd need the internet!). It was a shiny brand new ipad! My parents promptly presented me with the accompanying keyboard that I've eyed for quite some time...and already I was lost to the wonders of mini technology! But then Friday we headed over to the Isle of Wight,back to the cottage on the cliffs that brought some great photo opportunities last year. I already uploaded some photos but I had to share more here and also direct you to my blog and an awesome video if interested.

Blog

Video
(need to be logged in to facebook to view but it's the below misty shots in realtime!)

This time it was even hotter than last Summer - if that's possible! We got burned climbing cliffs (yes really climbing them, with hands and everything!) and wandering up to monuments that looked near but were actually miles away.

But it was a wonderful week, and I'm utterly and completely chilled out and ready to hit the hundreds of emails I'll likely have at work when I return on Monday...

This is me below right now...

And this will likely be me at the end of Monday next week, as I try to remember all that I was taught in my first few weeks of training before I went away...

(No animals were harmed in the making of these photos, they voluntarily posed like this at Amazon World last week

)

19 Comments

Ten Top Tips for Photography Assistants

Thu Apr 18, 2013, 9:48 AM

1) Network, like crazy!

Talking to other assistants, getting your name around, building a website, a facebook page, twitter...networking on and off line is key to developing your name and yourself as a well known local and even global photographer. Hello deviantART!

2) Be Professional

Dress smartly, but not too smartly (gauge the job). Keep your phone away (it's not your camera on this occasion) and be polite. You're an assistant, but you need to act like the main photographer.

3) Learn 'on the job' as well as from the 'book.'

Learning Photography at College or Uni is great. But unless you put theories and motions into practice, you're not going to cut it. Don't do everything by the book, but remember that the book is there if you need it. Photography, true pure honest and emotive Photography, cannot be learned in a classroom.

4) Research your Photographer

There's nothing worse than turning up to support a photographer at an event and having no clue about their style. The most important thing to find out is whether they're candid or posed. Whether they are journalistic or not. Whether they're both! Find out their style before an event, and even research them before an interview. Knowing their favoured shooting subjects is always helpful. And if you can talk about their work too, a favourite piece that you might have seen, even better. Just don't sound creepy.

5) Check your mentality

A while ago I read an article from a well known Photographer here on dA suggesting that you're a failure from day one if you offer yourself, your photography skills, free of charge. It's not true. At least, in my experience anyway. Starting off as an assistant is the way to get your foot in the door, get a portfolio started, and get your name around. People will remember you, they'll remember you if you make a good impression. If you don't want to do a job for free, then make it affordable for your client, but keep in mind your experience and skill base.

6) Don't be a spectator

You're not at an event to gawp at Granny showing her knickers after one too many drinks. Nor are you there to get all tearful and sniffly when the bride and groom exchange vows. But you are there to capture that emotion (even in the granny scenario) on camera. Don't forget yourself, don't forget what you're there for and if like me, you're particularly emotional at such events - try and avoid being the main photographer or assistant at an event being held by a family or friend. Before you know it, it's over...and you have no shots.

7) Use your Initiative

This is applicable during an event, and when finding one. Put yourself out there. Don't sit around waiting for the jobs to come to you, look for them, ask, offer, help, promote...and so on.

8) Get yourself a decent business card

Seriously, these things can be incredibly cheap these days. Get yourself one. Don't steal the photographers limelight at an event, check it's okay first, but if people ask then you need to have something to hand to give them. And writing your website or your number on a used napkin is no good. Even if it is pretty. DON'T steal your photographers clients. At least not in front of them.

9) Pay Attention

It sounds simple, but most forget about it on the day! Take note of everything that your Photographer does. You're there to assist them, but also to learn from them. Take note of what works and what doesn't, do it silently. Don't write it all down in a little black book, that's too obvious. But pay attention and learn.

10) The Photographer is always right...

Need I say more?

11 Comments

Photography Fortnightly #55

Journal Entry: Fri Apr 12, 2013, 10:45 AM

_{Photography Weekly Header created by ~TouchedD}

“Others have seen what is and asked why.
I have seen what could be and asked why not. ”
~Pablo Picasso

I've put together an article due for release next week about how you can create your own Photography studio without going to too much expense or trouble. I'm all for making the most out of tricky or limited situations to try and make something professional...butt hen I stumbled across this article and thought it was a completely genius idea - and just goes to show that your studio can literally be anywhere. A Photographer in Yeovil (UK) has set up studio in what was formerly the public toilets! As well as a great move for a photographer it puts an abandoned building, formerly considered an 'eye sore' to great use. The mental images (until you actually realise it's been renovated) are disturbing though...!

I've already shot one wedding so far this year, so the wedding season is definitely creeping up. This article from Phoblographer goes over the Photography essentials for shooting a Wedding and is actually quite useful for those who are considering venturing out into the previously unknown! I remember attending a wedding once when I was about 14/15 years old and playing the piano for the bride walking down the 'aisle' (staircase in a stately home!) I watched the Photographer for most of the day, fascinated by what she was doing and how seamless it all was. I never dreamt I'd be the person doing that at somebody else's wedding one day, so it is amazing what you can achieve just with a few simple things.

General Photography

Community Volunteers ^Kaz-D + ^3wyl

Literature and Photography is combining together each week to bring you the rather fantastic concept of #Photofriday. To check out the latest photo and to get stuck in with writing a piece to go with it, read this article! Also over at the brand new photography group #CRPhotography - we've launched our first games blog - for everyone but particularly those who enjoy our obscure photo challenges during chat events. Get involved for the chance to win some points! Going back to Wedding Photography talk, =Ashe-Art shared a fantastic article with me today that again talks about attention to detail, and what, commercially, people really want from wedding photos. You can read it here.

Photography Contests, Projects and Challenges

Where I live ends April 30th

Delicate Contest ends 16th April

Waves and Ripples ends 28th April

Fragile Contest ends 28th April

3 Recipes, choose one! ends 21st May

What gets you up in the morning? ends 27th April

Friendship Contest ends May 15th

Reinterpretation Contest ends May 15th

Spring Contest ends 21st April

Where street has no name...

Macro Photography ends 10th May

News and Events from Chats + Forums!

The Chat Events Calendar has a couple more dates in it for upcoming Photography Events. Check it out for the newest which will be a critique night. We're also aiming to hold two events per month, one at UK suited times and one at USA suited times so that more people can participate! If you want to know how the last games night went, check out this article! Below are some of the latest hot topics on the Photography Forums..

Night wedding photography in the open with limited gear

Magic Lantern Firmware for Canon Caneras

Photography Ice Blocks

Third Party DSLR Batteries. Good or bad?

What I HATE about photography!

Pricing for Photography Services

What is your favorite film?

ND Filters

Any tips for piont and shoot cameras?

Any photography MAGAZINE recomendations?

If you still shoot with film, why?

How to get sharper photos.

Urbex Photographers!

Local Photography Clubs

Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XSi accessory questions

Tips for Photography?

Spotlight Deviant

*insolitus85 has been here for over two years and has a fantastic gallery that spans many ideas, concepts and genres. The most striking to me though, is his abstract works. Check them out for yourself!

Spotlight Group - #CRPhotography

#CRPhotography is the official unofficial hub for photographers and members of the photography CV team here on deviantart. It's fairly new and shiny, and there is so much going on that you'd be silly not to check it out. From games to critiques to challenges and contests, there's something for every photographer out there.

Project Educate

There has been lots going on with #projecteducate and the latest community week has brought a bundle of useful articles and information that there's sure to be something for everybody. There are also lots of exciting weeks in the planning stages across the coming months so don't forget to check out the schedule right here.

9 Tips to be more creative

Colour Guide

Creating a Secure Password

Textured Brushes

Interview with Kingmancheng

Art History

Throughout April, #ArtHistoryProject is focusing on dA related which means there are lots of incredibly useful and historical things being delved into! Check out the group for regular updates and below you'll find a handful of the latest articles...

History of April Fools Day

dA Related month

Performance Art Signup!

Abstract and Surreal

Community Volunteer ^arctoa

Since the last update, ^arctoa has continued with his regular editions of the Friday Feature and Saturday Spotlight. The latest features include two Thumbshare Highlights entries for February and March, and four new regular updates: check out issues 015, 016, 017, and 019. The most-recent interviews capture the thoughts and works of *Une-Vache, ~ra-gro, =daaram, ~LeMatos, *ParallelDeviant, and =NVENTFISCHER.

Additionally, he has released his Daily Deviation Report for March, and the April editions of his Abstract & Surreal Thumbshare threads are both live. The regular edition can be found here, while the subscriber edition is here. Finally, the April Pinboard has been published, showing relevant information for everyone in the Abstract & Surreal community.

Around the groups, #Abstract-and-Surreal has published the winners of their February and March contests, and launched their April competition along with The Surrealist XIX, a genre-specific feature. #devPREMIUM continues with their Abstract & Surreal Spotlight, recently releasing Vol.11, Vol.12, Vol.13, Vol.14, and Vol.15. Elsewhere, #Nature-Abstracted has a new founder and guidelines, and information about this can be found here. #non-real continues with their Felicitous Artist features, and editions 002 and 003 are now live. Additionally, they have released details for their April contest, which can be read here. Finally, #Ode-to-simplicity and #WhoNeedsColour have put out Monthly Specials: OTS issues XVI and XVII, and WNC issue No.28 can now be perused.

Architecture

Community Volunteer ^anmari

Check out the February and March roundup from ^anmari covering the latest bits and pieces within the architecture community including the most recent
Daily Deviations.

Conceptual

Community Volunteers ^astridle

^astridle is holding a Photography workshop in France! For those who are local, or who might be in the area, it's well worth checking out the details here. There's an English translation at the bottom of the article. Also check out A Motivational Letter!

Darkroom

Community Volunteer ^RockstarVanity

Darkroom exposed has recently focused on Instant Film and if you're interested in finding out more about the process, then check out the article now. Also have a peek at ^RockstarVanity's article rounding up the Daily Deviations from March.

Horror and Macabre

Community Volunteer ^pullingcandy

Check out the Spooky Daily Deviation Roundup for March 2013.

Macro

Community Volunteers ^Kaz-D + ^3wyl

=Kara-a has recently launched a Macro Photography Contest that will be ending in May. For a macro focused group here on deviantART check out :dev macrosworld: and finally, =MarcosRodriguez has once again stumbled across a fantastic Macro Photographer who has only been on dA for a few months. Check out ~ColinHuttonPhoto's work!

People and Portraits

Community Volunteers ^Kaz-D + ^3wyl

The latest edition of People and Portraits Exposed is out and explores some of the latest submissions to the galleries within that area. Check it out for some inspiration or just for a better understanding of the categories here on deviantART. ^dekorAdum has also put together another edition of Oh Boy!

Still Life

Community Volunteers ^Kaz-D + ^3wyl

Check out the contests category at the top of this article for the two newest still life photography themed contests. One includes making recipes and the other involves taking photos of still life objects to a certain theme. Also check out our latest Photographer of the Week by heading over to the front page! *claremanson has also put together a Purple Still Life Feature!

Street Photography

Community Volunteers ^Kaz-D + ^3wyl

The latest edition of Friday Night Specials is out from `StamatisGR and brings some fantastic street photographers to your deviantART favourites! There's also a brilliant street contest out - check it out here.

Urban and Rural

Community Volunteers ^Kaz-D + ^3wyl

Check out the latest member feature from #Urban-and-Rural right here. The latest edition of Urbex is out, this time focusing on whether Urban Explorers are a threat to national security...or not!

Regular Features to keep an eye on!

dA Love for Everyone from `lintu47

Project Porkchop from ^Astralseed

I like your face from `AshleyxBrooke

Pure Beauty from `dragonfly-oli

Weekly Feature from `miontre

Through a Lens Friday Feature from `Infinite-Heart

The Community Volunteer Team

General Photography: ^Kaz-D | ^3wyl
Architecture: ^anmari
Abstract and Surreal: ^arctoa
Animals, Plants and Nature: ^IsacGoulart
Conceptual: ^astridle
Darkroom: ^RockstarVanity
Artistic Nude and Fetish: ^Nyx-Valentine
Fashion: ^Pixel-Spotlight
Horror, Macabre and Cosplay: ^pullingcandy
Pinup and Glamour: ^DistortedSmile

Groups to Check Out!

Getting Involved...

You can get yourself into Photography Fortnightly just by sending me a note! Each week I look for:

Spotlight Deviants

Under-appreciated Deviants

Spotlight Groups

Photography related news

Themes & Topics

Featured Tutorials

Got a fresh idea? Send a note to #CRPhotography!

33 Comments

People and Portraits Exposed #23

Journal Entry: Sun Apr 7, 2013, 7:39 AM

Emotive...

By *pure-insomnia

Self Portraits...

By *Bloddroppe

Classic...

By ~skubaNiec

Expressive...

By =vishstudio

Infants & Children...

By ~Daizy-M

Weddings...

By *intelkuritsa

Spontaneous...

By ~huhahohi

16 Comments

Urban Exploration #8

Thu Apr 4, 2013, 12:59 PM

"Urban explorers are a bit like children...if you tell them not to do something, they're going to do it anyway..."

This week, Urban Exploration has surprisingly been in the news a fair bit. With articles ranging from what it's all about to asking the public whether urban explorers pose a threat to national security. For something that is secretive, for the most part, and often overlooked and not thought of, there has been a fair bit of discussion! There is also an article claiming that Urban Exploration Photographs Pose a Security Risk. Admittedly, I can see a bit of where they're coming from but honestly, the whole thing is a bit hyped up. What are your thoughts on this? Are you an Urban Explorer that doesn't consider themselves a security risk? Or are you a bystander that thinks all urban explorers are a threat? Check out this article for a bit more of the latest gossip.

This Weeks Features

Featured Photographer

~stengchen

Urban Exploration is the exploration of man-made structures. Usually these are abandoned ruins, or components that used to be part of everyday life but are no longer seen on a regular basis by the human eye. This series of articles aims to highlight exactly what Urban Exploration is, how it's achieved and the some of the best Urbex Photographers here on deviantART. Want to see more Urbex photographs within the Daily Deviation section? Then send your suggestions to ^3wyl and I!

27 Comments

Nom Nom #37

Tue Apr 2, 2013, 2:57 PM

_{Headed created by ~TouchedD}

27 Comments

General Photography Daily Deviations March 2013

Sun Mar 31, 2013, 1:34 AM


Features by ^Kaz-D

People & Portraits

Macro

Still Life

Fireworks

Urban & Rural

Commercial

Humorous

Photo-journalism

6 Comments

Ten Tips for Photographing Food

Wed Mar 27, 2013, 12:03 AM

1) Set the Table...

In the image above, ~claremanson not only photographs something that looks enticingly delicious and creative, but she has additionally set the scene. She's made up the 'table' so to speak, so that it compliments and even enhances the Food that she's photographing. Looking carefully at your setting is a fantastic way of making your Food look good and unique. It's cheap too, just look at using glasses, sometimes with liquid in them, colourful tablecloths, napkins or any other items that might suit your image. Within cookery books these days, images that 'set the scene' are becoming increasingly more popular and widely used.

2) Play with your Food...

Here, ~LADYW has not just made a 'salad' or an arrangement of food. She's looked carefully at how she can arrange her food in the most creative and complimentary way. Using shapes and colour to make something look good is a fantastic way of getting food shots that look different. Again, coupling that with the first pointer - setting the table - and you have something that looks fresh, vibrant and quite casual.

3) Pay attention to Lighting...

Black and white should not be avoided when photographing food. Just because a lot of the most popular images on dA within this area are bright, vibrant and elaborate pieces, it doesn't mean that going back to just two tones, is not good! Look carefully at your lighting, and even practice your images in black and white to teach you a bit more, before advancing into colour.

4)Keep it Natural...

Shooting food in its natural environment or around earthy browns and greens that compliment its wholesome roots sometimes can really enhance an image. Of course this might be somewhat trickier with a McDonalds burger..but if you're shooting fruits or vegetables, consider taking them outside to make use of sunlight and natural backdrops.

5) Change the Angle...

Shooting whilst being on a level with your subject is the most traditional way of shooting still life. However it doesn't hurt to change the angle once in a while, and the focus. Shoot from above, the side, below or even at an obscure angle to create something a bit different.

6) Don't be afraid of Macro...

Using Macro or even abstract techniques when shooting food is not a bad thing. You don't always have to show food in a specific setting with props scattered around it. Instead why not consider getting up close and zooming in, or using a macro lens, to capture a wider expanse of the same food item. It makes a difference, gives a bold statement and often forces people to step outside of their comfort zone.

7) Go back to basics...

Traditional still life images should still be drawn upon now as tools of inspiration and guidance for your creations. Go back to basics and look at how the pros did it in the 'olden' days and you might learn a trick or too. If anything it'll teach you that simplicity can be beautiful and non-elaborate pieces do work well.

8) Create your own Bokeh...

Bokeh, the lovely effect of circular lighting behind an image, doesn't have to be created with a texture or an overlay after you've shot something. You can create your own. Consider using windows with raindrops sprayed on (not raining? Use spray bottle!) and some subtle lighting either man made or naturally with sunlight, to create your own Bokeh effect.

9) Look at your editing techniques...

You don't have to edit your images, and it's great if you can achieve what you want first time. But there are some great techniques out there that you can apply after your photo is taken, that might enable to create something better. Selective colour is a popular one, using an editing tool to highlight just one or a few parts of an image in colour and make the rest black and white. Cropping is a typical editing function, exposure and white balance editing and contrast fiddling are also useful.

10) Inject some humour...

Putting a bit of humour into your work never hurt anyone! And you see it a lot on dA, eggs with faces, funny shaped vegetables and other such things. Adding just a touch of the 'funny' to your work can create an entirely different concept, even if you thought you'd originally messed up a piece.

79 Comments

March Madness

Journal Entry: Thu Mar 21, 2013, 3:25 PM

A personal journal? What is this trickery! I've spent the past short while bombarding you with requests for points, news about the new group, features, e.t.c and so on that I thought it was time for an update. The past week has been busy, but with not very much if that even makes sense. Today saw the last day in the job that I've been doing for 18 months now (Job coaching for people with learning difficulties) - and in a sense - the end of an era. I've always carried out work that was linked to people in a caring or supported environment. And now, I'm moving into a job where that will all be left behind. It was time for a change though, a slightly better salary, a better car allowance, an office base and, to top it all off, no more traveling.

But before I could fully embark on that adventure (which starts on Monday) I decided to take a flying leap off of a chair I was standing on to clear the top of my wardrobe, straight down onto my gym weights which were nicely propped on their very hard, very sharp stand. In doing so, I also took a lit candle down with me, gained a nice bruise along my back and whacked my head. The best bit (ha!) is that I also managed to break a couple of ribs. A week that was meant to be spent getting things up together and getting ready for a new adventure, was spent sleeping, hallucinating (the tablets are strong!) and moaning about the pain.

However! It could have been worse. Possibly. I'll figure out how one day! So amongst all of that, I still managed to make it to work today thanks to a lift from my Mother, to say farewell to the team I had been a part of for what has felt like forever. I was also spoiled quite a bit, with flowers and a kindle voucher. They know me so well! I've finished the registration for my last year of university, once again, two years at once. They tried to talk me out of it this time, but honestly the past year (although level two instead of three) has been quite relaxing and nice. The exam in June worries me, but who doesn't get worried by exams? There's no google allowed!

All in all, things are happening. That used to scare me, but it's not so bad anymore. Next weekend I have a wedding to photograph, Easter is coming and a holiday will be soon here in April (And Birthday!). Hopefully, with it all, will come some warmer weather.

So, how are YOU? I have gained around 50 new watchers the past week or so....how are you, and WHO are you?

^{CSS Journal Coded by ~FleX177}

43 Comments

Where I Live Photography Contest - Win LOTS!

Mon Mar 18, 2013, 5:36 AM

Update: Just TWO days left to get your entries in!!!!!

To honour the creation of #CRPhotography, we are hosting our first official contest - with a fantastic bunch of prizes donated by #communityrelations and various groups! There are a few rules, and a theme to follow, but other than that - have fun and get creating. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask ^3wyl or myself, or note the group.

Submission

Submit your photograph into #CRPhotography's gallery folder here. Simply click the 'Suggest a favourite' button in the top right hand corner and select your deviation. Once it has been approved, it will appear within the contest gallery.

Start Date:

18th March

End Date:

April 30th [Midnight PST]

Results:

May 8th

Theme

'Where I Live' ~ This is a contest open to all genres within the Photography Gallery as long as you illustrate and demonstrate the theme well. You can involve people, places, settings, props and so on to illustrate your country/the place you live in the best way possible.

Rules

You must include in the Artist's Comments that your deviation is an entry for #CRPhotography's Contest.

Submissions must be newly created, on or after 18th March.

One submission, per person, and work MUST be your own!

Please give a little background of your image and mention why it illustrates your country.

Manipulation must be minimal, i.e. you can change your images to black and white if you wish, but must not manipulate them beyond what the camera is capable of.

Mature content must be clearly marked.

You need to be a member of the group to contribute.

Prizes:

1st ~ 1 Year Premium Membership + 2100

2nd ~ 1 Year Premium Membership + 500

3rd ~ 6 Month Premium Membership + 500

There will be additional prizes available to those who have shown considerable thought and effort in creating their entries and those who have shown extra creativity and execution. Each of those will win...

1 x 3 Month Premium Membership to deviantART + 250

500 points donated by =DannyAnthony will be distributed amongst the winners. Thank you!

In addition there will be journal features from #communityrelations #Still-Life-Stills #Abstract-and-Surreal ^3wyl ^Kaz-D #PhotographLove #Abstract-and-Surreal ~PeopleAndPortraits #Softness-art #Photo--Assignment #PhotographersClub #CaninePhotography #iLovePhotographyClub #That--Feeling #devPREMIUM #Bird-Photography #Global-Photos #All-Photographers #ArtisticFood #Photography-Group #UnlimitedPhotography #Fine-Art-Photography #Self-Portraits-Group #TheStreetJournal #PortraitClub #Zoo-photographers #Human-Photography #VenatoresLucis

If you have any questions or concerns about this contest, please don't hesitate to post them in a reply to this announcement, or in a note to #CRPhotography!

Have fun and good luck!

231 Comments

Journal History

May 18, 2013 Ten Tips for Nature Photographers
May 17, 2013 Complications with Composition
May 16, 2013 Urban Exploration
May 14, 2013 People + Portraits Exposed 24#
May 14, 2013 Project Educate: 4 tips for great product photos!
May 12, 2013 Project Educate Photography Schedule
May 8, 2013 Where I live Contest: Results!
May 6, 2013 The Artists Toolbox: Photography Studios
May 3, 2013 Photography Fortnightly
May 2, 2013 Nom Nom #38
Apr 30, 2013 General Photography Daily Deviations: April 2013
Apr 26, 2013 Back from Beyond
Apr 18, 2013 Ten Top Tips for Photography Assistants
Apr 12, 2013 Photography Fortnightly #55
Apr 7, 2013 People and Portraits Exposed #23
Apr 4, 2013 Urban Exploration #8
Apr 2, 2013 Nom Nom #37
Mar 31, 2013 General Photography Daily Deviations March 2013
Mar 27, 2013 Ten Tips for Photographing Food
Mar 21, 2013 March Madness

Come Away With Me

Come away with me in the night
Come away with me
And I will write you a song

Come away with me on a bus
Come away where they can't tempt us
With their lies

And I want to walk with you
On a cloudy day
In fields where the yellow grass grows knee-high
So won't you try to come

Come away with me and we'll kiss
On a mountaintop
Come away with me
And I'll never stop lovin' you

I want to wake up with the rain
Falling on a tin roof
While I'm safe there in your arms
So all I ask is for you
To come away with me in the night
Come away with me

-Norah Jones-

Once You Have Slept on an Island

_{If once you have slept on an island
You'll never quite be the same;
You may look as you looked the day before
And go by the same old name.

You may bustle about in street and shop,
You may sit at home and sew,
But you'll see blue water and wheeling gulls
Wherever your feet may go.

You may chat with the neighbors of this and that
And close to your fire keep
But you'll hear ship whistle and lighthouse bell
And tides beat through your sleep.

Oh, you won't know why, and you can't say how
Such a change upon you came,
But - once you've slept on an island
You'll never quite be the same.

Rachel Field}

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^Kaz-D

Emotive...

Self Portraits...

Classic...

Expressive...

Infants & Children...

Weddings...

Spontaneous...

Stand out

Edit

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Honourable Mentions

Don't hesitate to contact #CRPhotography!

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Don't hesitate to contact #CRPhotography!

Community Volunteers ^Kaz-D + ^3wyl

Community Volunteer ^arctoa

Community Volunteers ^Kaz-D and ^3wyl

Community Volunteers ^Kaz-D + ^3wyl

Community Volunteer ^Nyx-Valentine

Community Volunteer ^DistortedSmile

Community Volunteer ^1pen

Community Volunteers ^Kaz-D + ^3wyl

People & Portraits

Transportation

Macro

Still Life

Urban & Rural

Photo-Journalism

Fireworks

Commercial

Humorous

Related FAQs

1) Network, like crazy!

2) Be Professional

3) Learn 'on the job' as well as from the 'book.'

4) Research your Photographer

5) Check your mentality

6) Don't be a spectator

7) Use your Initiative

8) Get yourself a decent business card

9) Pay Attention

10) The Photographer is always right...

Don't hesitate to contact #CRPhotography!

Community Volunteers ^Kaz-D + ^3wyl

Community Volunteer ^arctoa

Community Volunteer ^anmari

Community Volunteers ^astridle

Community Volunteer ^RockstarVanity

Community Volunteer ^pullingcandy

Community Volunteers ^Kaz-D + ^3wyl

Community Volunteers ^Kaz-D + ^3wyl

Community Volunteers ^Kaz-D + ^3wyl

Community Volunteers ^Kaz-D + ^3wyl

Community Volunteers ^Kaz-D + ^3wyl

Regular Features to keep an eye on!

Emotive...

Self Portraits...

Classic...

Expressive...

Infants & Children...

Weddings...

Spontaneous...

"Urban explorers are a bit like children...if you tell them not to do something, they're going to do it anyway..."

This Weeks Features

Featured Photographer

People & Portraits

Macro

Still Life

Fireworks

Urban & Rural

Commercial

Humorous

Photo-journalism