This Week in Photo (TWiP)

Save your images with these three easy steps!

On this week’s show, we share our experience with creating a reliable system of backups to save your images from disaster.  Take your first step with this dive into the software, hardware, and logic behind a good backup system.

Step 1: One master file

The first step to protect yourself against data loss is to build a master volume.  Gather of your images on to one master volume. This may seem like putting all of your eggs in one basket, but without bringing order to chaos, your backup strategy will never stand the test of time.

Step 2: Two separate methodologies

Even the best backup strategy can fail so make your backup method redundant as well. We recommend using both incremental backups and cloning of your master file.

Step 3: Three locations

Don’t condemn all of your hard drives to the same fate. Backup hard drives containing copies of your master files should be separated from one another in a way that independently protects them from fire, water, and theft.

 

Listener Photos: Photographer Mark Harris

This week we are happy to share the work of New Jersey based photographer Mark Harris.  With a passion for photography beginning in his teens and honed through the years, Mark radiates the love of his craft.

 

 

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Giving the world a new kind of paintbrush.

In this interview I speak with Lensbaby co-founder Craig Strong. Craig shares some interesting insights into how and why Lensbaby was conceived — and some thoughts on where the company’s focus is today, versus launch. He also shares his thoughts on where Lensbaby might be headed in the future.

In 2004, professional photographer and photojournalist Craig Strong co-founded Lensbaby to help photographers see in a new way—in all genres, all around the world. Craig joined an old Speed Graphic lens with a short Shop-Vac hose to shoot images otherwise impossible with an SLR lens, which inspired the original Lensbaby lens.”

Craig switched from film to digital early on in the digital photography revolution, and quickly found those images flat and sterile. A natural tinkerer who wanted to give his images a more organic feel, he combined Old World optical design with eclectic focus and tilt for the Original Lensbaby lens which yielded a sharp spot of focus surrounded by gradually increasing blur.

Inspiration for the Original Lensbaby lens came from joining an old Speed Graphic lens with a short piece of Shop-Vac hose to shoot images otherwise impossible with with his dSLR. Over the thirteen years, he’s led the design and production of a number of lenses and accessories that feature tilt, fisheye, macro, sweet spot and other uncommon photographic effects. His next lens—in the works for Summer, 2017—takes cues from the earliest portrait lenses.

About Lensbaby

Photographers spend years shooting for perfect. Flawless, precise, pristine—we’ve all chased the perfect shot.

At Lensbaby, we see things differently. We think perfect is boring. We seek surprise—to have our eyes opened, to dance and play and lose ourselves in moments. To break free of routine, be uncomfortable, tinker, and open yourself up to unexpected results. When you do that, you’ll change how you see everything.

We make award-winning creative effects lenses, optics and accessories that follow this philosophy. And we invite you to join us in our pursuit to dance, play and delight in what’s possible with a creative lens and your imagination.

Lensbaby’s History

In 2004, professional photographer Craig Strong founded Lensbaby to help photographers see in a new way—in all genres, all around the world. Craig joined an old Speed Graphic lens with a short Shop-Vac hose to shoot images otherwise impossible with an SLR lens, which inspired the original Lensbaby lens.

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Classically trained painter, Andrew Becha, guides us through his outstanding work

Andrew Bacha is a New Jersey-based photographer and photo retoucher who brings his formal education in Illustration from Parsons School of Design and his love of painting into his work behind the camera. By combining his passion for creating the perfect image and his experience with classical art and eye for design he comes up with breathtaking scenes with stunning models and extravagant wardrobes in unusual environments.

His love of photography started at the Metropolitan Museum of Art when, soon after visiting, he was inspired to try street photography. This hobby morphed quickly into model photography where he had more control over placement and creative landscapes. In this episode, we discuss how to shoot in less-than-ideal lighting situations, how to create a story within the image, and how much time and attention to detail is spent in post-production.

With work recently published in Dark Beauty Magazine and several photo accolades on Model Mayhem, Box Top Photography has become Bacha’s passion that, in his words, is “bordering on obsession.”

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A look behind the curtain at 500px.com

In this interview I speak with Andy Yang, CEO of 500px and an advisor with MaRS’ Consumer & Commerce cluster. He has spent the last 15 years in technology as an investor (angel and institutional), banker, consultant and advisor. Currently, Andy is CEO of 500px, a premium photography community funded by Andreessen Horowitz, Harrison, Metal, and ffVC. Previously he was an investor at Extreme Startups and a venture capitalist at Relay Ventures.

We discuss the company’s current projects, as well as their challenges and innovations as they continue to help photographers from all walks get the most out of their hobby/career. You’ll also learn why the company is named 500px!

We dive in to the sensitive topic of online security, and the growing concern over privacy as well as the feasibility of storing all of your precious and irreplaceable photographs in the cloud. Especially in the wake of the recent breaches companies like Flickr have endured.

500px is competing on several fronts, including the online education market, stock photography, store front as well as photo sharing. Interestingly, Andy explains why he doesn’t necessarily view the other players in these markets as direct competitors, but rather as allies.

500px launched in 2009, it is a global online photography community and calls itself the world’s foremost photography on-demand platform. Images on 500px represent the work of over nine million professional and hobbyist photographers. The company also operates 500px for Business, through which it works with Fortune 500 companies as well as thousands of creatives who use community-sourced images in their campaigns and products.

 

 

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Take your portfolio images to the next level!

In this episode of TWiP GLAM! we interview Indianapolis-based commercial photographer, Steve Brokaw about his fashion work. Learn how to find models to work with in other areas using social media and networking as well as the importance of a polished portfolio with a focused style of work. We look at examples of one-light sets and focus on mostly black and white imagery. Sign up for his workshops to learn more!

Photos by Steve Brokaw

 

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Introducing our newest podcast, TWiP GLAM!

Each week TWiP GLAM! will bring you new inspirations from the glamour community. With new guests interviewed each show, we give you a glimpse into the creative world of model photography from diverse perspectives. In this episode we introduce you to your hosts, talk about the future of the show and interview TWiP’s Editor-in-Chief, Frederick Van Johnson.

A few of Frederick’s Cinemagraphs

 

Photos by Brian and Brittany App

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Ready to try something new? Check out PhotoRAW!

On this episode of TWiP GLAM! Brian and Dan explore On1’s new PhotoRAW digital asset management and

editing software. Along with being an accomplished photographer, Dan Harlacher is the product manager for On1, a photo editing software company based in Portland, Oregon. What makes this company unique is that its’ core staff members are all photographers who are passionate about bringing a quality, user-friendly software to other like-minded photographers. By integrating attributes of their remarkable software legacy into a nondestructive workflow, On1 has hit a homerun with PhotoRAW!

Have an idea for an episode?

Do you know a photographer you think might make a good guest on our show? Maybe it’s yourself?! Just use the form below to contact us. You, (or your suggestion) might just make it onto TWiP GLAM!

Matthias Hombauer is the perfect example of someone following their dream. After finishing his Ph.D. in molecular biology he decided to follow his two passions – music and photography – instead. Without any professional photography training or knowledge of the music industry, but equipped with a burning desire to reach his goals, he started an incredible journey. Now, he is a Rockstar Photographer, podcaster, author and entrepreneur.

Based in Vienna, Austria, Matthias has worked with such artists such as Iggy Pop, Peter Gabriel. Elvis Costello and The Prodigy, and his images have been seen on album covers and tour posters. Matthias’ work has been published in international magazines and blogs, such as Rolling Stone Magazine, The Huffington Post and Peta Pixel, and he has worked with brands such as Manfrotto, Converse, and Instragram. Somehow, between advising people at workshops and exhibiting his music images, he still finds time to travel around the world as a tour photographer.

As the founder of “How to Become A Rockstar Photographer”, Matthias also helps others get started as concert photographers. What started as a personal blog is now a worldwide community with people following from 100+ countries.

He even has an online academy, “Shooting The Rockstars”, where he teaches concert photography.

His HTBARP Podcast is the latest milestone for Matthias. Interviewing the best music photographers in the world, including Kat Benzova (Guns N Roses, AC/DC) and Zack Whitford (Aerosmith), Matthias touches on subjects that help photographers of any genre. Oh yeah, and I was honored to be his guest on Episode 4!

Join Matthias and I on this episode of Behind the Shot as we discuss what it’s like to be onstage photographing Vintage Trouble, when they opened for AC/DC at the largest Open Air Festival in Austria, in front of 120,000 people.

Matthias’ Work

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When it comes to the things that really matter behind our work, there perhaps is nothing more important than our rights. The problem is that discussions about copyright overwhelm people easily. Add to that the fact that finding the truth in the vast amounts of misinformation on the internet can be daunting. On this episode I am hoping to dispel some rumors, and get accurate information out to the photo community. There may not be anyone as passionate about photographer’s rights as the two guys behind The Copyright Zone.

Ed Greenberg and Jack Reznicki are well know for their lectures and presentations on the importance of understanding your rights as a photographer. Through multiple appearances with B & H Photo, Scott Kelby’s The Grid, and even KelbyOne Courses, these two have been helping educate photographers for years.

Ed Greenberg has been a practicing litigator in New York City for over thirty years. He has represented a Who’s Who of top photographers and illustrators, not to mention the average people like you and I – Richard Avedon, Mel Sokolsky, Chris Usher, MacDuff Everton, Michael Grecco, Anita Kunz, Marc Burkhardt and of course, his partner at The Copyright Zone, Jack Reznicki. He has represented models, model agencies (including Ford Models), stylists, reps, agents and The Society of Illustrators. Not only has Ed been a guest lecturer in the Masters Program in Digital Photography at The School of Visual Arts in New York, but has also been a faculty member. This is a guy that actually goes to court and tries cases – in front of real judges and juries. Honestly, I can’t believe he is a guest on this show, but today he is.

Jack Reznicki is an internationally renowned commercial people and children photographer, also based in New York City. His client list reads like a dream resume – Toys “R” Us, Tylenol, The Wall Street Journal, Hyatt, Kodak, Reader’s Digest, Crest, AT&T, and Playtex to name a few. And ready for this, Jack has had several Time Magazine covers.

A published author, Jack’s books on commercial photography include “Studio and Commercial Photography- A Kodak Pro Workshop” . Jack has twice received the IPC (International Photographic Council) Leadership medal for “Excellence in Studio Photography” at the United Nations. His work is truly that amazing.

One of the original “Canon Explorers of Light”, Jack is also an “Epson Stylus Pro”, and a Sandisk “Photo Master”. He does testing and consulting with Canon, Epson, Adobe, Mamiya, Microsoft, X-Rite, Leaf digital backs, and onOne Software.

Such an honor to have these two gentleman on Behind the Shot, and I really hope this info helps you, as you carve your own photographic path.

Join me on this special episode of Behind the Shot as I spend some time (a lot of time) with The Copyright Zone guys Ed Greenberg and Jack Reznicki.

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Joseph Linaschke, or “PhotoJoseph” as he’s more commonly known, is an Oregon based photographer, educator, and the PhotoApps.Expert.

As a “photographic storyteller”, utilizing both still and video, most of Joseph’s work is commercial and portraiture for both corporate and celebrity clients. He has worked with clients such as Apple, Mercedes-Benz, Panasonic, the artist Seal, and the U.S. Army Reserves.

Joseph is also a popular internet content creator. PhotoJoseph’s Photo Moments, a video series that go live on YouTube every weekday at 9:30am Pacific, deals with any photography related topic. He also has several course at Lynda.com.

In 2010, Joseph created ApertureExpert.com, but once Apple’s Aperture was retired, the site evolved to support the growing excitement around digital photography becoming PhotoApps.Expert – a resource for photography apps tips, tutorials, training and presets, supporting Lightroom, Capture One, Aperture, Apple Photos and any number of iOS and Android photography tools. His PhotoApps podcast (formerly TWiP Apps Podcast) is also available at the site. If it’s a photo related app, PhotoApps.Expert should be the place you go.

On this episode of Behind the Shot, join PhotoJoseph and I as we discus his image of a Bread Baker in Tbilisi.

Joseph’s Work

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Do you know a photographer you think might make a good guest on our show? Maybe it’s yourself?! Just use the form below to contact us. You, (or your suggestion) might just make it Behind the Shot!