Another interesting idea from one of our readers, Russ Borud:
The classic table top tripod, "by twisting it around into a novel configuration, you can brace the camera against your chest and get much of the stabilizing power of a tripod on the floor - but the flexibility to move around quickly with fast moving subjects."
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Free online classes - photography, wordpress, social media
Join
Matthew Jordan Smith for a LIVE ONLINE workshop as he delves into three
days dedicated to fashion and beauty. This weekend is going to be amazing.
NEW: WordPress for
Photographers.
Update
your online photography portfolio with WordPress. In this 3-day course you'll learn how to get your photos online
quickly and easily using WordPress. Justin will cover the basics, help you get
your site up and running, and looking great.
NEW: Designing for the Social
Web.
Clean
up your act on Google+, Twitter and Facebook!
This special one-day workshop focuses on hand-on design and branding secrets
for today's most popular social media sites.Friday, October 28, 2011
ACLU sues Sheriff's Department in LA for harassing Photoogs
Photographers are being stopped more frequently and we can only hope that the courts will continue to side with us. Since most of these so-called targets have been photographed for decades by millions of tourists and published in every possible medium - stopping photographers is a huge over-reach.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/10/aclu-sues-.html
The article states: "Photography is not a crime. It's protected 1st Amendment expression," said Peter Bibring, senior staff attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California. "It violates the Constitution's core protections for sheriff’s deputies to detain and search people who are doing nothing wrong. To single them out for such treatment while they’re pursuing a constitutionally protected activity is doubly wrong." Bibring said the policy and practices of the Sheriff's Department reflect a widespread misuse of "suspicious activity reporting" under the auspices of Homeland Security and counterterrorism. Similar suits have been filed in several other states.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/10/aclu-sues-.html
The article states: "Photography is not a crime. It's protected 1st Amendment expression," said Peter Bibring, senior staff attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California. "It violates the Constitution's core protections for sheriff’s deputies to detain and search people who are doing nothing wrong. To single them out for such treatment while they’re pursuing a constitutionally protected activity is doubly wrong." Bibring said the policy and practices of the Sheriff's Department reflect a widespread misuse of "suspicious activity reporting" under the auspices of Homeland Security and counterterrorism. Similar suits have been filed in several other states.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
2011 NorthStar Judging
The TCACCC and Minnesota nature Photography Club sections of the NorthStar Nature Circuit will be held on Saturday October 29, 2011. Judging will start at 9AM. We could always use a few more people at the judging, either to help with the score records or just to watch the wonderful images. There will be in excess of 1000 images total from the three categories (Open Nature, Wildlife and Botany). If you or your club members are interested in attending, we have plenty of space available.
The session will be held at the Risen Christ Lutheran Church, Judging starts at 9AM, the doors are open by 8AM.
A second session will be held on Saturday November 5, 2011. Same time, same place (Holy Batman!). This session will be hosted by 3M Club Camera Club
Risen Christ Lutheran Church
9050 60th Street North
Stillwater, MN
The church is located on the north frontage road of state highway 36 about 1.5 miles east of I-694. Take highway 36 east from I-694 to Demontreville Road, exit north (left) on to the frontage road and then immediately east (right) up the frontage road about 1/3 mile. The church is on your left (north side) and has parking in the rear.
We hope to see you there!
Mike Prokosch
The session will be held at the Risen Christ Lutheran Church, Judging starts at 9AM, the doors are open by 8AM.
A second session will be held on Saturday November 5, 2011. Same time, same place (Holy Batman!). This session will be hosted by 3M Club Camera Club
Risen Christ Lutheran Church
9050 60th Street North
Stillwater, MN
The church is located on the north frontage road of state highway 36 about 1.5 miles east of I-694. Take highway 36 east from I-694 to Demontreville Road, exit north (left) on to the frontage road and then immediately east (right) up the frontage road about 1/3 mile. The church is on your left (north side) and has parking in the rear.
We hope to see you there!
Mike Prokosch
Monday, October 24, 2011
Lytro light field camera
Here is a video of the new Lytro light field camera. It doesn't take very high resolution images, nor can it do video. However, it is very simple to use, and of course requires to focusing.
It is expected the technology behind it will steadily increase in the capability in the coming years so that the sensor will likely support high resolution images. The ability to take pictures without focusing makes this technology a natural for smartphones in the future, once the resolution technology catches up.
It is expected the technology behind it will steadily increase in the capability in the coming years so that the sensor will likely support high resolution images. The ability to take pictures without focusing makes this technology a natural for smartphones in the future, once the resolution technology catches up.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Time Lapse Video
Below is a beautiful time lapse video called Canyons and the Cosmos. If you click on the arrows on the lower left you can view it full screen.
Landscapes: Volume Two from Dustin Farrell on Vimeo.
Landscapes: Volume Two from Dustin Farrell on Vimeo.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Images from Rikk's Roadtrip
Rikk Flohr followed up with just this small sample of the many amazing images he got on his road trip. Remember these were taken as he traveled from tourist locations on the fly and not the result of research and taking the time to be in the right place at the right time.
Great job Rikk!
Great job Rikk!
Road Trip
I asked Rikk Flohr to give a presentation to the Crosstown Camera Club thinking he might help enlighten our group on one of his favorite subjects, Lightroom. Fortunately for the group, Rikk and I met to discuss his presentation and he told me about a road trip he had just taken.
He was scheduled to attend a relatives wedding in Las Vegas and a week or so later teach a class in Austin, Texas. He decided to make a road trip of it that ultimately covered over 6000 miles from Minneapolis to Las Vegas/Austin and back. He also made the choice to stop at many well and lesser known national parks to take some shots while out camping. His goal was to take the shots from the same locations as a tourist might, but with the hope he could produce some good work with the limited time he had to shoot at each location.
Although Rikk hadn't gotten through most of his images yet, he was able to show our group many from each location that he shot. Most of the images were spectacular despite the circumstances under which they were taken. Also, the stories behind each location made for an interesting program. I have emailed Rikk our club's thanks for the wonderful night, and hope he can send us some images for posting here later on. In the meantime, if Rikk decides to give a similar presentation at another club we'll let you know the time, date and location. It really was an interesting and entertaining program you should see.
To view more of Rikk's work, or register for one of his upcoming workshops, go to: fleetingglimpse. As of last night he had only one space available for the December Badlands tour, but a member of our group may already have snagged it by the time you read this. Otherwise, I understand space is still available for Rikk's workshop in Costa Rica. I've been there and would highly recommend it if you have the time and inclination.
He was scheduled to attend a relatives wedding in Las Vegas and a week or so later teach a class in Austin, Texas. He decided to make a road trip of it that ultimately covered over 6000 miles from Minneapolis to Las Vegas/Austin and back. He also made the choice to stop at many well and lesser known national parks to take some shots while out camping. His goal was to take the shots from the same locations as a tourist might, but with the hope he could produce some good work with the limited time he had to shoot at each location.
Although Rikk hadn't gotten through most of his images yet, he was able to show our group many from each location that he shot. Most of the images were spectacular despite the circumstances under which they were taken. Also, the stories behind each location made for an interesting program. I have emailed Rikk our club's thanks for the wonderful night, and hope he can send us some images for posting here later on. In the meantime, if Rikk decides to give a similar presentation at another club we'll let you know the time, date and location. It really was an interesting and entertaining program you should see.
To view more of Rikk's work, or register for one of his upcoming workshops, go to: fleetingglimpse. As of last night he had only one space available for the December Badlands tour, but a member of our group may already have snagged it by the time you read this. Otherwise, I understand space is still available for Rikk's workshop in Costa Rica. I've been there and would highly recommend it if you have the time and inclination.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Flooding in Thailand affect camera makers
Flooding in Thailand affects camera makers, some plants unrecoverable. We are linking to a post on "theonelinephotographer" that may be of interest to our members and readers. Mostly Nikon and Sony, but other Japanest companies have plants in the area that have been compromised.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
79th Wilmington International Exhibit
The Delaware Photographic society holds an annual competition it claims is one of the oldest and largest juried events of its kind in the USA. It is a member of the PSA as is our council. It is both a well known and well respected photography competition.
Click on the image below for more details, or go to WIEP.
Click on the image below for more details, or go to WIEP.
Alex Johnson Art Exhibit
Alex as you may know is a popular local area photographer who has been both a speaker and judge at some of our member clubs. He teaches a workshop on the North Shore in August (that I have personally attended and would highly recommend), but he also travels there a lot to shot personally as well.
Alex announced he is having his first ever photo exhibition that will include 16 of his best B & W images of the North Shore. Proceeds from it will go to the benefit Designwise Medical that designs medical solutions for children with unmet needs. The exhibit will be one night only, November 5th from 6-8pm at Alec's studio in Edina.
Below is the announcement. (Click on the image to enlarge the information)
You can also read more about the exhibit here: ACJOHNSON. I am already signed up and will see you there!
Alex announced he is having his first ever photo exhibition that will include 16 of his best B & W images of the North Shore. Proceeds from it will go to the benefit Designwise Medical that designs medical solutions for children with unmet needs. The exhibit will be one night only, November 5th from 6-8pm at Alec's studio in Edina.
Below is the announcement. (Click on the image to enlarge the information)
You can also read more about the exhibit here: ACJOHNSON. I am already signed up and will see you there!
Light Field Camera to Debut in Early 2012
You may have read our prior blog piece on a new type of camera that takes images as a "Light Field". The technology was developed over 15 years ago at Standford. The developer was working on bringing the technology to market under the name Lytro.
I had expressed an interest in the technology and signed up to test the camera when it became available. However, I was never contacted by the company to test their camera, and assumed it was still under development. I just received an email that indicates the cameras are going to be sold to the public early next year, but I can order one now and receive priority delivery. I guess that the companies interest in having people sign up to test it was to create of list of people who were willing to buy it instead! Despite that I signed up to buy one anyway.
In past communications Lytro wouldn't give any hint about how the camera would look, work or even how much it would cost. I now have that information, so here it is hot off the press:
It doesn't appear that the camera does video and I am not sure how you get the images off of the camera yet. It also doesn't seem to have a place for an SD or CF card. It is being marketed like an Ipod or Iphone in that it comes with 8GB or 16GB, and as the memory increases so does the price.
It is small, but the use of a square camera seems odd, and the LCD on the back looks very small.
It will be interesting to see if this is merely an interesting toy, or the start of a new type of camera technology.
I had expressed an interest in the technology and signed up to test the camera when it became available. However, I was never contacted by the company to test their camera, and assumed it was still under development. I just received an email that indicates the cameras are going to be sold to the public early next year, but I can order one now and receive priority delivery. I guess that the companies interest in having people sign up to test it was to create of list of people who were willing to buy it instead! Despite that I signed up to buy one anyway.
In past communications Lytro wouldn't give any hint about how the camera would look, work or even how much it would cost. I now have that information, so here it is hot off the press:
(Click on an image below to enlarge it)
It doesn't appear that the camera does video and I am not sure how you get the images off of the camera yet. It also doesn't seem to have a place for an SD or CF card. It is being marketed like an Ipod or Iphone in that it comes with 8GB or 16GB, and as the memory increases so does the price.
It is small, but the use of a square camera seems odd, and the LCD on the back looks very small.
It will be interesting to see if this is merely an interesting toy, or the start of a new type of camera technology.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Throwable Ball Camera
A Throwable Ball Camera: Consisting of 36 mobile phone cameras and a layer of advanced protective foam, a simple toss in the air gives breathtaking perspective. What else can all these clever people think up?
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Audubon Society Photo Contest (Denver)
Audubon Society of Greater Denver Photo Contest: Entry period: October 15 - November 30, 2011
Judges: George Lepp, Helen Gilks and Jeff Foott.
Judges: George Lepp, Helen Gilks and Jeff Foott.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Minneapolis-St Paul International October 15, 2011
Visitors are welcome to drop in and watch the judging! A great opportunity to see an International Competition at its best.
Drop by for the day or for an hour.
Twin Cities Area Council of Camera Clubs
2011 78th MINNEAPOLIS-ST PAUL INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
TCACCC and SPCC Judging October 15, 2011, starts at 9 a.m.
at the Church Of The Risen Christ
9050 60th St North
Stillwater, MN
General Chairmen:
Michael Prokosch Vijay Karai
40 Medals
Judging
Each of the four sections of the Circuit will present 10 Medals designated as follows:
PSA Gold Best of Show
Best Creative
Best Nature
Best Landscape
Best Child
Best Portrait
4 General Medals
Honorable Mentions
Additional Medals may be added at the decision of the judges
4 General Medals
Honorable Mentions
Additional Medals may be added at the decision of the judges
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Photography Releases
Mike Waterman is an attorney and a member of the Western Wisconsin camera club. Recently he gave a presentation at the Crosstown club concerning photographer's rights. It was very informative. In addition, he was kind enough to give the club copies of standard model and property releases. Attached are the releases he provided. You certainly can feel free to use these as circumstances dictate, but bear in mind these are standard forms provided by Mike and not legal advice given by him. However, they are a great starting point to use when you need something signed to protect your right to photograph and publish.
(Click on each release for a larger view)
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Gary Hallman at the MPC
During and after high school you tend to think you know it all.
If you move onto college your mind is exposed to so much knowledge on such a variety of subjects that you actually start to believe you do know it all.
If you then venture into a professional degree program, all that knowledge becomes irrelevant, if it is not related to your "advanced degree". I chose law school (although I suspect all doctorate level programs maybe the same) and became so immersed in "the law" nothing else mattered. It was more than a full time endeavor.
Law school subsequently squeezed out all of the knowledge I had accumulated in college and replaced it with "the law". The law was a source of all knowledge and way of life. I felt I had learned a lot, but I had forgotten a awful lot more.
So while practicing law I tried to broaden my horizons again and decided to take college courses on the side. I decided to try fine art classes and gravitated to night extension courses in photography. My instructor was Gary Hallman. I remember not producing much in the way of memorable photographs, but I did learn my way around a darkroom, the basics of composition, and yearlong courses laid the groundwork for jumping back into photography at the dawn of the digital age. (I also remember spending a lot of time in beer joints with a fellow student Richard Copely who has gone onto become a well-known local B & W street photographer. But that is another story).
So I was surprised to learn that Gary Hallman was still teaching at the U of M until just last spring. I admired his teaching style and the dedication to students he exhibited while I was in the program. (I also like the fact he didn't pan my awful images to death). I am happy to report Gary is giving an artist's talk at the MPC on November 15th. If you happen to be available, I would recommend attending to hear him speak on the evolution of photography and his own work.
If you move onto college your mind is exposed to so much knowledge on such a variety of subjects that you actually start to believe you do know it all.
If you then venture into a professional degree program, all that knowledge becomes irrelevant, if it is not related to your "advanced degree". I chose law school (although I suspect all doctorate level programs maybe the same) and became so immersed in "the law" nothing else mattered. It was more than a full time endeavor.
Law school subsequently squeezed out all of the knowledge I had accumulated in college and replaced it with "the law". The law was a source of all knowledge and way of life. I felt I had learned a lot, but I had forgotten a awful lot more.
So while practicing law I tried to broaden my horizons again and decided to take college courses on the side. I decided to try fine art classes and gravitated to night extension courses in photography. My instructor was Gary Hallman. I remember not producing much in the way of memorable photographs, but I did learn my way around a darkroom, the basics of composition, and yearlong courses laid the groundwork for jumping back into photography at the dawn of the digital age. (I also remember spending a lot of time in beer joints with a fellow student Richard Copely who has gone onto become a well-known local B & W street photographer. But that is another story).
So I was surprised to learn that Gary Hallman was still teaching at the U of M until just last spring. I admired his teaching style and the dedication to students he exhibited while I was in the program. (I also like the fact he didn't pan my awful images to death). I am happy to report Gary is giving an artist's talk at the MPC on November 15th. If you happen to be available, I would recommend attending to hear him speak on the evolution of photography and his own work.
Opening Reception at the MPC
The Minneapolis Photo Center has announced the opening of its juried competition "Where in the World: People, Places, Events" on Friday October 14th from 7:00 to 10:00PM. The event features wine, food and music, in addition to the great art.
Click on the notice below for more information about this exhibit:
The competition was judged by Tony Kampa a Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Menil Museum in Houston, Texas.
You can read his juror statement below:
For more information about the exhibit go to MPC.
Also, there will be a book produced from the images selected for this exhibit that can be purchased from the MPC on the night of the event or online. You can preview the book on the MPC website.
Monday, October 3, 2011
North Shore Trip
Some members of the Crosstown club got together to shoot up on the North Shore last weekend. They stayed at some remarkably comfortable cabins right on the lake shore:
And in a nice tent surrounded by "Guard Flamingos":
They got some great shots of Gooseberry Falls:
And some great shots of the Split Rock Lighthouse:
They shot landscapes on the lake shore:
And they got some great shots inland from the lake:
And they took pictures of each other just hanging out:
and chimping with their cameras:
and shooting a model in a canoe:
But ultimately they elected Peter Wong to start a fire so they could all burn their Canon cameras and collect the insurance proceeds to buy _____________?
I wonder if they got their new Nikons yet? (Just Kidding)
All images above by Peter Wong, Lars Michael and Forrest Pearson
NOTE: I suspect Crosstown isn't the only member club that has outings, or is willing to contribute images to the council blog. So if your club has images from an outing, or wants to just submit images to the blog, email us and send in your images with the story behind them.
And in a nice tent surrounded by "Guard Flamingos":
They got some great shots of Gooseberry Falls:
And some great shots of the Split Rock Lighthouse:
They shot landscapes on the lake shore:
And they got some great shots inland from the lake:
And they took pictures of each other just hanging out:
and chimping with their cameras:
and shooting a model in a canoe:
But ultimately they elected Peter Wong to start a fire so they could all burn their Canon cameras and collect the insurance proceeds to buy _____________?
I wonder if they got their new Nikons yet? (Just Kidding)
All images above by Peter Wong, Lars Michael and Forrest Pearson
NOTE: I suspect Crosstown isn't the only member club that has outings, or is willing to contribute images to the council blog. So if your club has images from an outing, or wants to just submit images to the blog, email us and send in your images with the story behind them.
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