Posted by Elizabeth Stacy | Posted in Foto Care Interviews
Posted on September 30, 2010

Foto Care is pleased to present an exclusive interview with National Geographic photographer Ira Block.  In the mid 1970’s Ira began working for National Geographic Magazine and later his work was also published in their other publications Traveler Magazine and National Geographic Adventure. These assignments have taken him to places all over the world where he was able to expand his vision and giving him a global awareness.

Tell us about yourself and how you got into this field?

I started taking pictures in High School, and my dad built a darkroom for me in our basement in Brooklyn. When I went to college at the University of Wisconsin, I began working on the school newspaper. Then I was hired by the wire services and local newspaper to cover news and sports in Madison, Wisconsin. This time frame was during the Vietnam War and there was a lot going on. I spent more time taking pictures than going to class.

What was your break out job that helped launch your career?

I was shooting for Sports Illustrated in the 1970’s. The editor asked me to photograph a softball game that Jet’s quarterback Joe Namath, playing in, in Central Park. The next day he was indicted for gambling, and my photos of him in flowered bell bottom pants were the most recent and least typical of him.

What do you draw from for your creative inspiration?

I draw from my travels around the world, interactions with other cultures and immersion in varied geography. These experiences have enlarged my vision and given me a global awareness.

What equipment are you currently using to produce your work?

I use Canon Cameras, Profoto lights, Apple Computers, and Epson printers. The canon cameras are very reliable. It’s rare when they malfunction during a shoot. Also my 5D MKII’s produce great images at high ISO. I also find the cameras easy to use and fast to work with- though this may be due to my familiarity from having worked with them for so many years. I like the Profoto strobes because the heads take a lot of different accessories and they produce a very nice light. The Profoto packs are light, and I really love working with the battery units when I’m moving fast on location. And as I’m travelling on airplanes 99% of the time for my work, they travel very well. I’ve never arrived on location with a broken pack or head.

What equipment would you most like to own but don’t yet have?

A digital medium format back because  in some of my more controlled shoots. I think 16 bit color would really give me a great range of tonal quality, and of course files that would be capable of producing some really large prints.

Where is your work heading next? Where do you see yourself in the future?

I’m looking at images differently now, trying to break away from what I did years ago. I think it’s important to stay up to date with the times and trends, though it isn’t always easy. One tends to see images with the vision that you acquired when you first started being a photographer, and I want to continually grow.

Now that Video is working its way into our market, do you see yourself stepping into the Hybrid Video market in the near future?

I’ve done a few videos already, and I love the richness sound brings into the visual world. I don’t see myself operating the camera as much as producing and directing video. There are a lot of videographers who have spent years working with video cameras and hybrid DSLRs, and they have a much better hands on than I do.

How did you first hear about Foto Care and what keeps bringing you back?

Several photographer friends told me about Foto Care. And since it was only a block from my studio I stopped in to check it out.   I come back because of the people – it’s great being able to talk with knowledgeable folks, especially in our digital times. Things are changing fast, and it’s hard to be up to date all the time when you’re busy working. At Foto Care I can get all the information I need. And if you get there at the right time, you may be able to score some doughnuts.

We would like to thank Ira for this opportunity to speak with him about his work.  You can see more of Ira’s photos at www.irablock.com.

Posted by Foto Care | Posted in Featured Photo Blogs & Websites
Posted on September 27, 2010

EyeCurious, is a blog about photography and all things related, written by Marc Feustel an independent curator and writer based in Paris. . His background is in Japanese photography, but eyecurious travels to as many photographic territories as possible through exhibition and book reviews, photographer interviews, random thoughts and a few experiments.

Here are two sample blog posts:

Is the photo-album giving way to the mixtape?

recently attended a ‘conversation’ at the Foundation Henri Cartier-Bresson  in Paris on the impact of blogs on photographic criticism. A hugely disappointing evening on all counts, including an extended discussion of image rights and how many photos it’s OK to include in a single blog post, however one idea did emerge which piqued my interest. André Gunthert an academic specialized in ‘visual history’ and the founder of the online platform, Culture Visuelle, referred to the fact that academic research in the field of visual studies has been transformed by the availability and accessibility of images through the internet. Gunthert’s point, if I remember it correctly, was that disciplines like history of art had quite limited access to images before the internet due to the expense of image rights and the basic difficulty of getting your hands on a decent reproduction. Nowadays papers are presented supported by a healthy stack of images of all kinds for virtually no cost and this has changed the framework of analysis as it provides an essentially infinite comparative potential.

This struck me as an interesting evolution and got me wondering about the impact of websites and photo-blogs on the way that we consume photographic images. One parallel would be the increasing obsolescence of the album as a musical format. Although artists still produce music in this way for the most part, only a small percentage of listeners are likely to listen to an album from start to finish anymore. The album has essentially been replaced by the mixtape, where music is consumed according to a style, mood, or that little iTunes robot that Apple mistakenly decided to call Genius and its ADD-ridden cousin Shuffle.

Something similar has happened to photography when it comes to the online world. (Read More)

Carlo Van de Roer Capturing the Essence

One of the most worn clichés in the realm of photography is the notion that a photographic portrait can somehow “capture the essence” of its subject. This has always struck me as pretty problematic; the idea that there is a moment that can be captured on film that encapsulates some fundamental truth about us, about who we really are seems to be a little reductive… I have always liked to think there was more to me than that. I can understand a photographer’s search for an image in which the subject is as natural as possible, forgets the camera and maybe even themselves. However, this may not be any more revealing about the person being photographed than an image in which the subject is playing to the camera, showing another side of themselves in the process. (Read More)

Posted by Elizabeth Stacy | Posted in Foto Care Workshops
Posted on September 24, 2010

We are happy to welcome back Peter Krough, author of The DAM Book, for this all day digital asset management workshop. Join us for a day of learning the best way to archive and organize all your work.

The day-long workshop will build on the previous afternoon presentation, delving deeper into each subject, and offering the opportunity to ask specific questions about your own asset management challenges and bottlenecks. In particular we’ll look at the following topics:

- Use of Catalog software
- Hardware configurations
- File Management components
- Creating secure backups
- Non-destructive imaging
- Handling derivative files
- Data Validation

This session is limited to only 12 people. You will be spending the day with Peter Krogh, delving into the hardware and software of DAM. This is a rare opportunity that should not be passed up!

The DAM Book Workshop
September 30, 2010
10:00AM – 5:00PM
Cost: $200
To RSVP call 212-741-2990

Posted by Elizabeth Stacy | Posted in Announcements
Posted on September 21, 2010

Hasselblad is running some great promotions that you shouldn’t miss! These promotions began this summer but they are coming to an end and we wanted to make sure you heard. You could save money on the H4D system and their lenses.

25% Off Any Lens
If you purchase an H4D-40, either with or without an 80mm lens, between now and September 30, 2010, then Hasselblad will help you get the most out of your photographic vision by giving you 25% off any Hasselblad lens of your choice.

$3000 Cash Back on an H4D 50
If you purchase an H4D-50 between now and September 30, 2010, Hasselblad will give you an immediate cash rebate of $3000 and then further guarantee your resolution investment by enabling you to trade up to the Hasselblad H4D-60 when it hits your local dealer later this year (you pay merely the difference in Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price between the H4D-50 and H4D-60). H4D-60 upgrade orders must be placed by October 31, 2010 in order to take advantage of this special offer

Call us today for more details or a demo of the system, 212-741-2990

Posted by Foto Care | Posted in Business and Marketing Tips, Foto Coach, Photography Workshops & Lectures
Posted on September 18, 2010

We are living in inspiring and innovative times

and are counting on you–the next generation of talent

to redefine what’s possible.

Photo: Irving Penn

WELCOME STUDENTS

As a student of photography you possess an insatiable desire to learn all there is about the history of the art, the story behind the masters of the craft, and the names and work of the top images makers of today. It goes without saying that a vital part of every great photographer is the equipment they choose to work with combined with their unique shooting style and perfected techniques.  At FotoCare, we are committed to helping photographers learn and grow at every level. There are always new innovations waiting to be demonstrated and new techniques waiting to be shared.

JOIN US

Simply visit FotoCare and enroll in our Student Rewards Program to begin taking advantage of what we hope will become a lifetime of benefits. (You must be a fulltime student in an accredited academic institution, high school or college level). During your visit, we encourage you to try out the latest in lighing and equipment including the full range of Nikon cameras and lenses available for purchase and rental. Also, be sure to ask about our weekly workshops and seminars to experience an array of tips, tools and demonstrations that are sure to further enhance your photographic journey. As our industry continues to evolve, we will do everything we can to help you evolve as well.

A LIFETIME OF SUPPORT

We want this to be the start of a long and extraordinarily rewarding experience. You’ll see that our expertise and commitment to the photographic community extends well beyond a purchase or rental. Or two. Or three. We care about long term relationships and providing a lifetime of support and care to you.

FotoCare is here to support you, guide you and to celebrate with you as your vision and passion turn into achievements.

Posted by Elizabeth Stacy | Posted in Foto Care Rental
Posted on September 15, 2010

Don’t miss out on this exclusive rental special for Kobold HMI lighting!  It ends on October 30th so make sure to reserve your rental today at Foto Care Rentals.

In the ever changing world of professional photography, have you come across the need for continuous light but don’t know what to use? Well, forget the rest, and “Test the Best”!
For a limited time only, receive 50% off your first time rental on the world class Kobold HMI system of continuous lights from Foto Care! Also receive 50% off your accessories and grip equipment.

• 50% off rental discount applies to first time user rentals on Kobold outfits at Foto Care NYC.
• 50% off any accessories or grip equipment rented for use with the Kobold outfit (up to $100.00)
• There is no time limit on how long the rental can be on either the Kobold or grip equipment.
• Promotion runs until October 30th.

Call our rental department at 212-741-2991 for more details or to reserve equipment.

Posted by Foto Care | Posted in Featured Photo Blogs & Websites
Posted on September 12, 2010

PhotographyNow.Net is a website dedicated to people interested in contemporary and classical photography. At its core, Photography Now is a list of outstanding artists and legends organized in three categories: (1) Masters of Photography (2) Select Contemporary Artists and (3) An index of international photographers.  Wouldn’t it be grand to find your name on one of these lists!

All three lists feature mini-porfolio’s elegantly presented of photographers A-Z including Ansel Adams, Andre Kertesz, Irving Penn and Edward Weston. Select a photographer and you will land on their page featuring a bio and portfolio / look-book. This is a great resource for students learning about the history of photography and the masters behind it all.

Irving Penn
American, born 1917

Born in New Jersey,Irving Penn studied design at the Philadelphia Museum School, where he became a student of Alexey Brodovitch. In 1937, the year before he graduated, several of his drawings were published by Harper’s Bazaar. From 1940 to 1941, he worked for the art and advertising director of Saks Fifth Avenue, and the following year he spent in Mexico painting, a medium he subsequently abandoned. Returning to New York, Penn was hired by Vogue magazine, first to create ideas for cover illustrations, then to photograph covers as well as editorial illustrations for the interior of the magazine. Working closely with Alexander Liberman, Penn developed a highly stylized, graphically compelling form of fashion photography which did much to define post-war notions of feminine chic and glamour. In his fashion and portrait photography, Penn favored the use of a neutral backdrop of gray or white seamless paper, or alternatively, the use of constructed architectural sets which created striking effects with oblique, diving diagonals and upward tipped perspectives. Penn also created numerous still life compositions for the magazine: carefully orchestrated assemblages of food or objects characterized by a play of three-dimensional and two-dimensional forms. In 1953 Penn opened his own commercial studio and almost immediately became one of the most influential and successful advertising photographers in the world. (continue reading)

And according to their web site, here are the 30 most viewed Artists

* Arbus Diane
* Sturges Jock
* Adams Robert
* Adams Ansel
* Mapplethorpe Robert
* Gasser Peter
* Weston Edward
* Witkin Joel Peter
* Avedon Richard
* Sudek Josef
* Penn Irving
* Davidson Bruce
* Callahan Harry
* De Keyzer Carl
* Shore Stephen
* Bravo Manuel Alvarez
* Norfolk Simon
* Atget Eugene
* Kertész André
* Cunningham Imogen
* Salgado Sebastiao
* Imae Yo
* Tice George
* Gowin Emmet
* Stieglitz Alfred
* Evans Walker
* Strand Paul
* Levinthal David
* Nixon Nicholas
* Sheikh Fazal
* Sieff Jeanloup
* Eskildsen Joakim
* Bresson Cartier Henri
* Bellocq E.J
* Dijkstra Rineke
* Sternfeld Joel
* Lux Loretta
* Eggleston_William
* Doisneau Robert
* Burke Bill
* Baltz Lewis
* Friedlander Lee
* Burdeny David
* Yang Yan Kang
* Davies John
* Blossfeldt Karl
* Greenberg Jill
* Sze Tsung Leong
* Hine Lewis
* Maleonn
* Tillim Guy
* Parkeharrison Robert & Shana
* Jiagang Chen
* Porter Eliot
* Feng Bin
* Hugo Pieter
* Yavno Max
* Basilico Gabriele
* Lartigue Jacques Henri
* Sander August

Posted by Foto Care | Posted in Photography Workshops & Lectures
Posted on September 9, 2010

The EOS Moving Image Workshop propels professional content creators into a world of artistic possibility through new technology that transcends the traditional boundaries between motion and still.The boundaries between motion and still photography no longer exist. Canon HD SLR technology empowers you to capture video and still photography with a single camera and a vast selection of accessory options. Find out how industry leaders are forging new creative territory when you go behind the lens at the Canon EOS Moving Image Workshop.

This hands-on workshop puts the equipment in your hands as you work on a soundstage with professional instructors and award-winning cinematographers for three days of collaborative, practical learning. Starting with camera selection and fine-tuning your EOS HD SLR for optimum performance, you will then explore the functional and creative considerations of EOS DSLR-based HD video. Balancing creative opportunity with technical understanding, this dynamic event is designed to quickly build skills that allow you to craft beautiful moving images that optimize the possibility of the technology.

Participants will learn:
• Camera set up and gear options for both stills and video
• Monitoring Overview and Options
• Exposure Lab
• Motion Lab: focusing and camera rigs
• Lighting Techniques: Color temperature, scene matching, green screen
• Hands on shooting assignments with instructors screening critique
• Editing Software Workflow: Software Options, Hands on Demos, and Workflow choices

In small teams, you will collaborate with your industry peers as you shoot scenes in a variety of lighting scenarios. Get tips for determining whether to create an in-camera or post-production style, and find out how to adjust your shoot to fit a range of budgets. Get a comprehensive overview of post-production and workflow, focusing closely on output, color correction, off-and on-line editing and backup strategies.

From scene matching to color editing; gray card exposures to external monitor setups; lighting hardware to lens selection; and hands-on applications of third-party hardware now available, this workshop will give you the knowledge and experience to create your own content at the highest professional level.

Hands-on shooting with 5D Mark II, 7D and EOS-1D Mark IV and accessories.

Use the coupon below to receive a discount on the event.

Canon Digital Learning Center
EOS Moving Image Workshop – Beyond the Still

Presented by: Nancy Schreiber
New York, NY
October 25-27, 2010
9:00AM – 5:00PM
Register here