It’s Not The Camera That Matters….

Posted on January 23, 2012 | Leave a comment

…it’s how you use it.

Ok, you got me.  I stole that by reworking the popular “size” idiom but hey, it applies here.

Camera manufacturers constantly argue over who has the better camera.  Canon says they do.  Nikon says they do.  Sony says they do.  Pentax, Olympus…well, you get my drift.  But of course camera manufacturers are going to argue that their camera is the best of the best.  They want to sell them!

Some people buy into the manufacturer hype and start drooling the second they hear about the newest camera upgrades, or the newest lenses.  I think we’ve all been a little guilty of that to some degree at one time or another, but some take it to the max.

That’s all well and good, but fancy, top-dollar lenses, or a fancy top-dollar camera isn’t what makes someone a photographer.

It’s skill, folks.  Skill, a good eye, and we can’t forget the knowledge.

That brand-spanking-new, high performance camera with the badass lens won’t do you much good if you don’t know how to use it, and I’m not talking about just reading the manual that came with the camera.  Though, that’s always a good idea.  I’m talking about a solid foundation, a good photography course that can set you on the right path.

Some say that anyone can take pictures (didn’t someone give a camera to a monkey or a gorilla somewhere, and rave about the photos taken?).  But like having the newest camera or lens, just taking snapshots doesn’t make someone a photographer.  In short, nothing substitutes for knowledge.  What’s that other popular idiom? “Knowledge is Power.”

Well, kids, if you want to be a good (or even great) photographer, start by enrolling in a good photography course (personally, I attended the New York Institute of Photography and they’re amazing. Look them up!), gain some good foundation knowledge, learn how to develop your eye, then load up on the gadgets and fancy cameras/lenses, then go forth and use your new photographic powers for the good of the human race!

Until next time…

[-_-]

~A.M.

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If Ninjas Carried Business Cards….

Posted on January 16, 2012 | Leave a comment

 

….This would be the case they’d use.

Before I explain what I mean by that, let me give you a little background.

I entered a photography contest in 2010 and won a free pack of 50 business cards from Moo.com (<–Shameless plug for you right there Moo!).  Now, what’s so awesome about Moo.com?  Well, first off, they have nothing to do with the bovine world so forget that thought.  They deal in personalized business cards, post cards, greeting cards, labels, stickers, that sort of stuff.  And they’re awesome.  Super awesome.

Now, I recently placed an order with the fine folks of Moo.com for a new pack of business cards.  New year = New business cards, right?  Once my dinosaur of a dial-up internet connection finally let me upload and edit all my photos (get this, you can print up to fifty different images in one pack of cards!), I entered all my info and hit the “Add To Cart” button.  I sat there for a minute arguing with myself before I finally decided that where it was a new year I was going to let myself splurge a bit.  So, I added a nifty new business card case to my order.

Meet the “ShowCase”, folks.

 

 

What’s so special?  I’m glad you asked!  This little unassuming business card case has a sweet little surprise built in.  Now, why do I think of Ninjas when I mention this case?  Again, delighted you asked!  This is why….

 

 

Come on! Admit it!  That’s like the Ninja Star of business card cases!  And Ninjas are awesome!

I have a feeling this little case is going to get people talking about my cards.  And what’s on my cards?  Well, my photography, of course!

Now, just because I’m in such a good mood after receiving my cards and case, and because I’m just an all around nice gal, I’m going to share a little link with you folks so you can get 10% off your first order on Moo.com.  Sound good?  Well, I should hope so!  Here it is: http://moo.com/share/wphtrb.  Go forth and create!

Until next time….

[^_^]

~A.M.

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How To Piss Off A Photographer

Posted on January 12, 2012 | Leave a comment

Forgive my lack of updates, folks.  Life has a way of spiraling out of control now and then.

But, I’ve returned.  New year means time for new posts.

Recently, I was browsing articles on the PhotoShelter blog and I came across a post about the “Top Ten Ways To Piss Off A Photographer” (you can find said article here).

This got me thinking.  As a photographer, what could someone do to piss me off?

Well, the ten reasons listed in the PhotoShelter article are a good place to start.  But I think the four main things that would piss me off as a professional photographer would be the following:

1. Theft of my images.

It takes a lot of time and effort to create images I find excellent (especially since I’m my own worst critic in all things).  So when someone takes an image (or any other piece of work) I toiled hard to create and tries to use it or take credit for it, I’m not a happy camper.

2. Expect to use my service/images for free.

Photographers have bills just like everyone else.  Our photography is how we bring home the bread.  When someone thinks my work is good enough to make use of but not good enough to warrant payment, it doesn’t sit well with me.  Some photographers may find it in their hearts to do a few instances of pro bono work here and there, but when it comes down to it, no one works for free.  Photographers are no different.  And as the article mentions, offering a photographer a photo credit as payment doesn’t fly.  It’s a little insulting really.
Likewise, I find it insulting when someone wants portraits or some other photographic service from me but doesn’t feel as though they should have to pay anything for not only the prints, but the work I did in taking the photographs and making the prints (I do all my own custom printing, folks, and that‘s a lot of work).

3. Making alterations to my images without consent.

Nothing stings more than getting stoked about having an image published only to find that it’s been so completely warped by alterations and “edits” that it‘s not even the same image anymore.  Well, ok, having images stolen may sting a lot more but you get my drift.
Photographers work hard to create high-quality images.  We are attached to our work because we pour our heart and soul into it.  It is a piece of us, an extension of who we are, so to have someone alter an image without prior consent because they think it will “work better that way” is a complete insult.

4. Stereotyping

I’ve read countless posts, articles, and stories about photographers being accosted while exercising their legal right to photograph.  In this day and age, where terrorism is a real fear, someone in a public place, dressed all in black (as most artists and photographers I know do), with a camera in front of their face taking pictures is automatically looked at like a threat.  We as a society are so over-saturated by reports and images of “suspicious activity” that an innocent photographer who just wanted to take an artistic photograph of this street corner or the front steps of that building, ends up being branded anything from a nuisance to an all out terrorist.  I’m all for safety and security but that kind of stereotyping is completely ignorant and it really annoys me.

So, what do you think?  What pisses you off as a photographer?  Or, even if you aren’t a photographer, what could someone do to you in your respective field to piss you off?

Until next time…

[-_-]

~A.M.

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Backyard Photography

Posted on July 19, 2011 | Leave a comment

So, you’re sitting on the couch, watching the millionth re-run of some sitcom you could really care less about, and the urge to get out and photograph something suddenly hits you.  Only problem is, you don’t know where to go or what to photograph.  Even worse, you’re running low on funds and there’s little gas in your car’s tank.  What do you do?

I was faced with this very situation not long ago.  And as most artists and creative individuals will tell you, when the urge to create something hits, it’s a lot like when nature calls, it needs to be answered.  And pronto!

I switched off the TV, slipped on some shoes, grabbed my camera, and stepped outside.  While standing on my porch, I found myself scratching my head.  Where should I go? What should I photograph?

While pondering this, I started taking a slow walk around the perimeter of my property.  I found myself looking at the flora surrounding my yard in a slightly different way.  Usually, I would just dismiss everything as a cluster of weeds but when you’re on the hunt for a new photograph, even a weed can prove to be interesting.

So while I was looking through the weeds and tall grass on the edge of my property, I came across some pretty little flower clusters.  Now, I’m not down on the names of most flora so I have no idea what these flowers are called.  If someone knows, please tell me!  (*Edit – 7/20/2011* – My cousin’s wife and good friend of mine informed me that these flowers are called “Dianthus Barbatus” or “Sweet William”.  Thanks Shane!)

I tend to like it when something unexpected happens or pops into the frame as I push the shutter button.  I think a lot of photographers are like that.  While I was taking a photo of another flower (again I don‘t know the name), a curious little moth (I don’t know what this little guy’s name is either!) fluttered into the frame.

You may be asking what the moral of this story is.  Well kids, the moral of this story is that you don’t necessarily have to leave home to take some nice photographs.  Just take a little walk around your back yard, your side yard, your front yard, or whatever yard you have.  You might be surprised at what you find.

Until next time…

Keep on rockin’ on!

[^_^]

A.M.

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I’ve Been Published!

Posted on June 27, 2011 | Leave a comment

That’s right folks! I’ve been published via my former college English professor, Marcus LiBrizzi!

For those of you that haven’t been following along, in late June of 2010, Marcus called me out of the blue and asked if I would be willing to contribute a few photographs to his new book of local Downeast Maine ghost stories. Of course, I jumped at the chance. Not only for the exposure I would receive by having my photographs published in his book, but also for the opportunity to work with him again because he’s awesome!

Like any publication, the process isn’t an overnight kind of thing. It takes time to design a book’s layout, to correct any errors that may be present, and do a test run at the printer’s. Though I think the waiting is the hardest part of the process! The minute I handed over the photos in early August of 2010, I was unbelievably anxious to see the final product.

Now, after almost a year, it’s a reality. Ghosts of Acadia by Marcus LiBrizzi is ready to lovingly caress your eyeballs! And it’s awesome! If you would like a copy, head to your local bookstore and ask for it, or jump on Amazon.com and search for Ghosts of Acadia.

Trust me, if you pick up a copy of this book, you won’t be disappointed. If you’d like to take a look at the photos I have in the book, you can find them here, here, and here. Enjoy!

Until next time folks…

Keep on rockin’ on.

[^_^]

~A.M.

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