I opened up an email to find this mesmerizing photo by Miles Aldridge. I just love the colors.
Tag: photography
Best Online Photography Courses (for Me) are at CreativeLive
For the last year or so, I’ve been working at this new career as a “photographer.” (The lifestyle blogging thing is more of a side project.) With my seven years of experience, curating art and photography for My Modern Met, I knew I had a knack for picking out creative photography but I wasn’t quite sure how I would define my own style.
To be a successful photographer, one has to decide on what field to go into. What you want to be known for. Which genre appeals to you. Every day for a few months I would take pictures of my boys, honing my technical skills but also trying to figure out if family or kids photography was right for me.
So what have I learned? Sadly, not much. As much I loved taking pictures of Parker and Logan, I didn’t try going outside of my comfort zone. I’d look at Instagram images from some of my favorite photographers, like Max Wanger, Alice Gao, and Paul Octavious, and wonder what my niche and style would be. Like Max Wanger, would my photos have a light and airy feel about them? Would I be big on negative space? Or like Alice Gao would my photos be more clean and crisp, looking like an advertisement I’d see in a luxury magazine? Who would my clients be?
I felt like Alice in Wonderland, the girl who fell down the rabbit hole. Where would I begin? First, I took a few photography classes on Skillshare, then on Lynda.com but I would only pick up bits and pieces of information. Nothing seemed groundbreaking. No class inspired me to find my own voice.
Then, I remembered that there’s a website called CreativeLive that teaches Photography (and many other subjects). The company was co-founded by a photographer himself, Chase Jarvis. They’re curated classes taught by the world’s top experts. Perusing their website, I noticed that these classes wouldn’t be cheap. You could watch them for free when they’re live but if you wanted to watch an archived video, at your own pace, (they call it “on demand”) you’d have to pay, on average, close to $100. Is/was this a good investment?
The format is interesting. Each class is taught with an instructor speaking to a “live” class. The people in the room become participants, so the classes are somewhat interactive. They’re like stand-ins for those of us who are at home.
Yesterday, I selected six courses that spoke to me. They are:
Finding, Defining, and Marketing Your Photographic Style with Julia Kelleher
Family Photography: Photojournalism in the Home with Kirsten Lewis
Getting Started in Professional Food Photography with Steve Hansen
Story on a Plate: Food Photography & Styling with Todd Porter and Diane Cu
Adobe® Photoshop® for Photographers: Beyond the Basics with Ben Willmore
Photoshop for Photographers: The Essentials with Ben Willmore
Then, today, I picked up three more:
Incredible Engagement Photography with Pye Jirsa
The Complete Wedding Photographer Experience with Jasmine Star
Wedding Photography: Capturing the Story with Rocco Ancora, Ryan Schembri
I see these online courses as an investment in my career. You could go to a local college or photography club to learn these things but why would you when you can do it all from the comfort of your own home? Before I purchase a class, I like reading the reviews. They help lead me into making a decision on whether or not I should buy it.
If you haven’t checked out CreativeLive, you should. Especially with the sale they’re having right now! I’ve only started watching the first video, Finding, Defining, and Marketing Your Photographic Style, but so far I can say that I like the way it’s taped (with a live studio audience) and that the subject was exactly what I was looking for.
Winners of the USA Landscape Photographer of the Year 2016
The winners of USA Landscape Photographer of the Year 2016 have just been announced and their photos are nothing short of spectacular. One of my favorites is by Mark Basarab who won the DPR Special Award Youth Winner for his clever photo showing a leaning man juxtaposed with a slanted tree. It was taken in Point Reyes, California.
The two big winning images can be seen below. You can check out all the winners on the USA Landscape Photographer of the Year website or you can sit back, relax and enjoy a compilation video, that includes a great selection of the winning images.
USA Landscape Photographer of the Year Winner: Alex Noriega
Sunrise light illuminates Mount Rainier as it rises above low clouds, seen from high above Tipsoo Lake, Washington.
My USA Youth Winner: Raiatea Arcuri
Coastal lava tubes in Kona, HI cause the water to flow in and out creating beautiful water motion.
Winners video from USALPOTY on Vimeo.
A Sweet Moment Between the Obamas Caught by David Burnett
If many of you are like me, you’ll miss the Obamas in the White House. Love this sweet picture taken by photographer David Burnett between the two in 2012. President Barack Obama and wife Michelle take a brief break for ice cream after speaking at a campaign rally in Davenport, Iowa.
This is just one of many pictures American photojournalist David Burnett has taken of the US presidents. In 1963, Burnett’s final year of high school, his mother took him to see John F. Kennedy speak in downtown Salt Lake City. A chance moment and a borrowed camera led to a lifelong career.
His exhibition, The Presidents: From JFK to Obama, will be open until Saturday, November 12, at the Pop Up Gallery: Australian Centre for Photography in Darlinghurst, Sydney. Come see some iconic images of the US Presidents from the last 50 years.
Photo courtesy and © the artist.
Spectacular Animal Entries in Nat Geo’s Nature Photographer of the Year Contest
The 2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year contest is rapidly coming to an end. Photographers, you now have only two days left to enter! This photo compilation was taken from Week 9 and Week 10 entries and they only include powerful wildlife shots.
The 2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year contest is accepting entries in one or all of four categories: Landscape, Environmental Issues, Action and Animal Portraits. The grand-prize winner will receive a 10-day trip for two to the Galápagos with National Geographic Expeditions and two 15-minute image portfolio reviews with National Geographic photo editors.
(If only I could take wildlife pictures as breathtaking as these. On a side note, I love close-ups of hummingbirds.)
Above:
Hummingbird
This lil humming bird baby was caught in my home. Here he is recouping from what was a stressful time being stuck. Minutes later her flew away.
Photo and Caption by Emily Riley/2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year
Rush Hour
Thousands of snow geese take flight during a snowy morning fly out at Bosque del Apache, New Mexico It is loud and sounds like a passing train!
Photo and Caption by Eileen Johnson/2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year
Polar Bear Reflection
As we cruised the ice fields near Prince Regent Inlet in the Canadian high arctic we came across a lone Polar Bear wandering across the ice seeking a meal.
Photo and Caption by Bill Klipp/2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year
I Am Angry
We arrived at one of the watering holes in Etosha National Park in the late evening. Four Lions were devouring a large kudu that they killed. A pack of hyenas appeared from the bush nearby attracted by the smell of blood and food for them. What ensued was a fight for the dead kudu between 4 female lions and 16 hyenas. Needless to say, in the end the hyenas won and got the prized kudu.
Photo and Caption by NingYu Pao/2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year
Wet! Wet! Wet!
These Cheetah cubs didn’t seem to be enjoying the afternoon downpour. They ran close together as they tried to keep up with mum. I’d like to say that I kept dry taking this image but in order to capture the moment I had to lean out of the window, allowing the stair-rods of water into the vehicle and got drenched by doing so. Worth it though.
Photo and Caption by Gillian Lloyd/2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year
Towards the Mist
A herd of frosty buffalos walking in the snow towards thick fog produced by the Yellowstone geothermal activity.
Photo and Caption by Meril D./2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year
Orphan Orangutan
The island of Borneo, which is split between the countries of Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, was once covered with a lush tropical rainforest, but in the wake of ongoing deforestation and the expansion of plantation farming, the habitats of the islandís endemic and endangered species are being destroyed rapidly. Relentless deforestation has precipitated the loss of 90% of the orangutan population in 100 years. At this rate, some expect this species to become extinct within the next 20 years.
Photo and Caption by Yosuke Kashiwakura/2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year
Spectacular Entries in 2016 Nat Geo Nature Photographer of the Year Contest
One of my favorite photo contests, the National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year is soon coming to an end. A new selection of photos is now available, featuring entries from Weeks 7 and 8. The contest ends in about two weeks or on November 4.
The contest is accepting entries in one or all of four categories: Landscape, Environmental Issues, Action and Animal Portraits. The grand-prize winner will receive a 10-day trip for two to the Galápagos with National Geographic Expeditions and two 15-minute image portfolio reviews with National Geographic photo editors.
Enter before it’s too late! Here are some of my favorite shots.
Above: Killer Swimmer of the Sea
We tracked along the side of this orca swimming out of the Norwegian sea as it dove into and out of the water like a dolphin. The curvature of the water spray around its body truly gives testament to the aerodynamic build of these magnificent creatures.
Photo and Caption by Raj Gupta/2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year
Laguna Tuyajto
Color show in the sky of Tuyajto Lagoon. Located in the Atacama Desert, Chile, this place is a spectacle of nature. The pond floor is formed by salt. The small formations are due to action of microorganisms that for thousands of years feed on the nutrients present there.
Photo and Caption by Victor Lima/2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year
Size Matters
Size matters, Meerkats, Makgadikgadi Pans, Kalahari Botswana
Photo and Caption by M. Engelmann/2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year
The Greatest Scenery
Elephants in female leaders led slowly migrate, this is a scene of quiet and peaceful picture. This elephant is faced with the threat of poachers, if not to protect them, this may be the last of the greatest spectacular.
Photo and Caption by Yang Ming/2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year
Stare Into My Eyes
This picture was taken in Bandung while this animal showed its beautiful, symmetrical feather. I’m taking a picture of it using my Leica. It seems that he wants to mate, but hmm, than he danced, shook its feathers. I love its natural, hypnotizing color. The green peacock is one endangered bird from Indonesia. Usually, their feathers are taken for house decorations. With photography, everyone can enjoy its beauty without endangering it. Just print it or save it on your desktop computer.
Photo and Caption by Octoyura Bamahry/2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year
Walking in Silence
A typical african evening. Nothing special in Nxai Pan, Kalahari, Botswana
Photo and Caption by M. Engelmann/2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year
Gently Fall
There is beautiful waterfalls in Akita Japan. I think it’s like Japanese culture as slender and strong.
Photo and Caption by Akinori Koseki/2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year
Sandstorm
As I was photographing this young grey seal, we both got caught up in a sandstorm.
Photo and Caption by Eugene Kitsios/2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year
Dancing in the Rain
Fox caught in action under the rain
Photo and Caption by Vladislav Kamenski/2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year
Winterland
An other world on the top of this hill in Lapland. Snow ghosts are everywhere, we are only visitors. March 2016, Finland
Photo and Caption by Pierre Destribats/2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year
Adelie Penguin Jumping Between Ice Floes
I saw these Adelie penguins jumping into the water at Brown Bluff on the Antarctic Peninsula. By the time I sat down on the beach to take a picture, they’d starting jumping to the next ice floe. Paul Goldstein says the Holy Trinity of wildlife photography is ‘dust, air and spume’, and this shot captures the ‘air’ bit!
Photo and Caption by Nick Dale/2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year
Huangshan Falls
Captured this image in early morning in the Yellow Mountain China . Behind this image is a story , climbing at 3 am to reach the point of shooting , when I arrived I could see in the complete dark the effect of the white and slow motion of this cloud waterfall . My hope was when the sunrise come out this effect of the nature will still stand front of me . Lucky at 6.30 am the effect was still there the time I took the shot before it disappeared completely few minutes later.
Photo and Caption by Thierry Bornier/2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year
Photographer Spotlight: Elliott Erwitt
If you were to ask me who my favorite “living” photographer is, I’d probably have to say Elliott Erwitt. Now 88, he’s had an illustrious career in photography and he’s a member of the international photographic cooperative Magnum Photos. (According to co-founder Henri Cartier-Bresson, “Magnum is a community of thought, a shared human quality, a curiosity about what is going on in the world, a respect for what is going on and a desire to transcribe it visually.”)
Erwitt’s photos are striking because they depict real life scenes in a smart and witty way. He’s a genius at capturing the “decisive moment.” Erwitt has a strong penchant for shooting dogs, in fact, they have been the subject of four of his books. I recently bought Elliott Erwitt: Personal Best and have been studying his style.
In the book’s introduction it says, “In the 1990s Erwitt was increasingly showing images-many that hadn’t been shown publicly since they were created in the late 1940s and early 50s-that put him squarely in the firmament of this revered period of fine art photography. They demonstrate a conscious breaking of the rules for the then-contemporary photographic standards-perfect exposure, full tonal range, sharp focus, traditional composition-coupled with an existential ‘tough love’ treatment of America, cloaked in the aura of the film noir motion pictures of the period that hung over this generation of photographers. And, like his peers of that time, there is the unselfconscious striking out to create a deliberate style or signature of his own.”
Isn’t that what we all hope to achieve as photographers? A distinct style that’s all our own? I love that when you see an “Elliott Erwitt” photo, you immediately know that it’s his. Now that’s something to strive for.
I leave you with this quote by him, “To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place… I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.”
Fun Links of the Week
What are you up to this weekend? I’m attending a friend’s wedding in San Diego tonight. Can’t wait to catch up with old friends.
Fascinating read on creativity.
This weekend, Bill Murray is working at a bar in Brooklyn. Who wants to go?
Ellen + Michelle Obama = Hilarious!
I don’t own an instant camera but, after spotting this one, that may change. (Also eyeing this one.)
Art doesn’t get much more beautiful than a stained glass whale.
Can you imagine if you had a teacher who could do this?
Those chunky blankets look heavenly. (Go female entrepreneurs!)
Can the selfie generation unplug and appreciate national parks?
He’ll always be one of my favorite artists. (That waterfall!)
I’m really trying to get into this. (For my own sanity.) Liked the simple video, bought the book.
Mark your calendars! An epic Vincent van Gogh exhibition opens in Australia on April 28, 2017. (Check out that cool recreation.)
Astronomy lovers! Here are some out-of-the-ordinary images that pushed the boundaries of photography.
This photographer makes Japan at night look like something out of a dream.
I’d like to design my house with a color palette in mind. (Good idea: Ground it with neutrals.)
Hidden rooms?! Ok, now you’ve got my attention.
As a person who loves design, I must go to this festival (one day).
Newly renovated, Bergdorf Goodman courts the ladies who Instagram. (The place is pretty!)
Photo: Dani Caxete took Man on the Moon, using a telescope as his friend posed on Pena Munana, in Cadalso de los Vidrios, Spain.
Stunning Standouts in 2017 Sony World Photography Awards
This is easily one of my favorite photo competitions. The world’s largest, the Sony World Photography Awards, just revealed some of their stunning standout images in their 10th year. The 2017 competition is open until January 19, 2017, so photographers, you still have a lot of time to submit your pictures. What are they looking for?
“I will be looking for originality of thought and execution, clarity of vision – a clear concept that translates well into pictures on the wall or on the screen. Simplicity, good craftsmanship and sometimes its wit, or compassion, ingenuity, luck or good judgement – but a good picture always stops you in your tracks,” said Zelda Cheatle, Chair of the Professional competition.
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on April 20, 2017. All winning and shortlisted images will be exhibited as part of the 2017 Sony World Photography Awards exhibition at Somerset House, London from April 21 – May 7, 2017.
If only I could take pictures like these!
Image Name: The Midnight Blossom
Photographer Name: Ellie Victoria Gale
Year: 2017
Image Description: Part of the series ‘The Flower Keepers’, a personal series exploring my imagination and thoughts, creating whimsical characters in a world filled with flowers.
Copyright: © Ellie Victoria Gale, UK, Entry, Open, Enhanced, 2017 Sony World Photography Awards
Image Name: Equilibrium
Photographer Name: JosÈ MarÌa PÈrez
Year: 2017
Image Description: Digital edition
Copyright: © JosÈ MarÌa PÈrez, Argentina, Entry, Open, Enhanced, 2017 Sony World Photography Awards
Image Name: Bear Apartment Six
Photographer Name: Alexandra Cearns
Year: 2017
Image Description: Little bears can be very busy and the cub residents of Free the Bears Fund’s enclosure number six in Cambodia are no exception. ‘Bear Apartment Six’ is a composite print made up of 16 photographs taken by photographer Alex Cearns. The single images have been meticulously pieced together to form a visually enthralling scene of bustling bear activity, indicative of an apartment building. Photographed over 90 consecutive minutes in June 2016, three sun bear cubs are the stars of the show as they climb in and out of their den entrance. Cheeky, joyful and adorable, sometimes they’re solo and sometimes they’re with their bear buddies. Each bear was rescued from the illegal wildlife trade when they were only a few months old, and will now be in the care of Free The Bears for the rest of their lives.
Copyright: © Alexandra Cearns, Australia, Entry, Open, Enhanced, 2017 Sony World Photography Awards
Image Name: Manta
Photographer Name: Daniel Hunter
Year: 2017
Image Description: A manta ray swimming in the Indian ocean, Indonesia
Copyright: © Daniel Hunter, UK, Entry, Open, Wildlife, 2017 Sony World Photography Awards
Image Name: The Majestic Dance
Photographer Name: Satvik Bhatt
Year: 2017
Image Description: This picture was taken in the forest area of Jaipur, Rajasthan (India). Rajasthan has a huge population of the National Bird and they are found in most areas (both urban and rural). This picture was taken during rain season, in which it’s a common sight to see the Peacocks dancing.
Copyright: © Satvik Bhatt, India, Entry, Open, Wildlife, 2017 Sony World Photography Awards
Image Name: Paper Mill
Photographer Name: Jassen Todorov
Year: 2017
Image Description: Waste from a paper mill is agitated by aerators, producing steam and foam, which are pushed by the wind. Clearwater Paper Reservoire, Lewiston, Idaho. Aerial Image (shot from a plane at 1,500 feet).
Copyright: © Jassen Todorov, US, Entry, Open, Architecture, 2017 Sony World Photography Awards
Image Name: Dinagyang Festival of the Philippines
Photographer Name: Raniel Jose CastaÒeda
Year: 2017
Image Description: Annual celebration of Dinagyang festival of Iloilo, Philippines
The Dinagyang Festival is a religious and cultural festival in Iloio City, Philippines held on the fourth Sunday of January
Copyright: © Raniel Jose CastaÒeda, Philippines, Entry, Open, Culture, 2017 Sony World Photography Awards
Image Name: Soar in the blue
Photographer Name: Zuorong Li
Year: 2017
Image Description: There was a diving practice, after that, the swimming coach was swimming in the pool, and I was standing in the 5m diving platform, waiting for the right moment, although the light was quiet dim, I still managed to get this shot.
Copyright:© Zuorong Li, China, Entry, Open, Motion, 2017 Sony World Photography Awards
Image Name: Politechnika Warszawska
Photographer Name: Lorenzo Linthout
Year: 2017
Image Description: Politechnika Warszawska
The Warsaw University of Technology (Polish: Politechnika Warszawska; literally, “Warsaw Polytechnic”) is one of the leading institutes of technology in Poland and one of the largest in Central Europe.
Copyright::© Lorenzo Linthout, Italy, Entry, Open, Architecture, 2017 Sony World Photography Awards
Image Name: Disciplinant
Photographer Name: ?? ?
Year: 2017
Image Description: On 8.23.2016, I was traveling to Sertar County (a county of Sichuan Province, China), and visited the Serthar Buddhist Institute here, Lamaismís piety and the grand scene shocked me. I have never before feel my heart be so pure. When I wanted to take a photo there was a Lamaism walking by – so I got this photo.
Copyright: © ?? ?, China, Entry, Open, Culture, 2017 Sony World Photography Awards
Artistically Enhanced Images of the Rocky Mountains
I came across this series called Emergence, by Brooklyn-based artist Mark Dorf, and was immediately struck by its beauty. Shot in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Dorf combines photography and digital media in a harmonious way. I love the colors he uses, especially when he takes part of an image and selectively enhances it.
Dorf uses landscapes as a point of departure to analyze how new media technology has altered the ways in which we understand and think about the natural world.
As he explains, “Emergence repeatedly highlights the hyper-focal quality of science and the simultaneous representation of a single subject in multiple ways: photographs with pixels re-ordered by hue and saturation placed on top of the source image, landscapes split into planes representing measured division of space, and images taken from a single valley that were then rearranged to create the form of a fictional and abstracted mountain.”
It’s a beautiful and different way to appreciate nature. The graphic design/nature/photography-loving part of me finds this series refreshing and unique.
You can buy the book Emergence Volume I, which is limited to 150 copies, at In The In-Between. Each copy is individually signed and numbered by the artist. I want a print of one of these (or maybe even several) to hang on my wall.
From Mark Dorf’s series Emergence
Hello, I’m Alice Yoo! I’m founder and CEO of Skylar Yoo, a company dedicated to inspiring and empowering women to be bold. We sell apparel, art prints and accessories to the modern feminist.
In my former life, I was editor-in-chief of the art and culture blog My Modern Met, which I founded back in 2007. I curated and wrote about art, design and photography for more than seven years. (In fact, I published over 7,000 articles which were seen by millions of people worldwide.) I’m also co-author of a book called For Love: 25 Heartwarming Celebrations of Humanity, which is on Amazon and wherever books are sold.
I live in southern California along with my husband and my two toddler boys.
This blog is about what I love, the tough experiences that I’ve learned from, and my journey as a second time entrepreneur. Right now, I’m in the midst of a 365 day challenge, to read one book a day. If you share my passions or want to learn some cool new facts, come along for the ride. I hope to inspire, educate and entertain you!
