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Software To Replace Photographers [The Ones That Deserve It]

By on May 17, 2012

photo mark_Petapixel_a1_mini on chase jarvis blog Photographer Mark Meyers just wrote up a nice enough story aimed at driving awareness fear in professional photographers … fear about the future of their career, their well-being, their jobs.  

Depicted in that article this image at left, which was completely generated by the author of the post using an emerging 3d modeling software called Blender. The quote that stands out from the article is this one:

“If you are a photographer that makes a living shooting still-life photos, this should scare you…”

Bullshit. Unless of course…

You take the kind of photo that actually requires no personal vision…or
you’re unwilling to evolve with the industry…or
you’re somehow deluded that photography should be bound to wait for it’s sectors that can’t evolve…or
you’re unable to comprehend the definition of photography expanding into new horizons.

In which case it SHOULD scare you because you should be replaced.

Because whether the camera is 6 megapixels or 60, it’s a point and shoot or a dSLR, or … gasp…the “camera” is a dude sitting at a desktop computer…these tools are JUST TOOLS and cannot create compelling content without a human driver, a storyteller, a visionary at it’s helm. And those photos are the only photos you should be aiming to create…unless of course, you’re ok being replaced by a lower priced pork belly.

This might seem like tough love if you’re hearing this for the first time. Apologies. But, get used to hearing no. If you’re an aspiring amateur or new pro, it’s fair to be disappointed, frustrated, or to find yourself in a position where what’s sitting in your lap is something different than you thought you signed up for. But it’s not smart for any of us to feel entitled — to complain about an evolving creative marketplace or desire to freeze an entire industry in time. Whether we like it or not, all industries march on.

Consider this your prime opportunity to start (or continue) to differentiate yourself, your work, your vision from that of your peers.

—-
(via petapixel)

Learning Speedlights – The First Step in Expanding Your Photography with Lighting

By on May 16, 2012

Beginner or emerging photographer? Well, once you know what’s happening with your camera and all those dials, it’s time to take on lighting and flash photography. In taking that next step – learning to light – you can do almost anything, and nothing opens up this opportunity more effectively and affordably than working with Speedlights, those small on- and off-camera lights that are your entree into a whole new world.

…Which gives me a great opportunity to plug a free, live online workshop over at creativeLIVE.com from my pal, the talented photo instructor, Mark Wallace. The action kicks off this this coming Friday, May 18th (register here for free).

This workshop will give you the confidence to incorporate small portable flash in your photography toolkit. From freezing action in sports or adding drama in location portraits, this workshop will include lots of live shooting examples that will help everything make sense. Once you start working with these portable flashes, I’m guessing you’ll never understand how you lived without ‘em.

Mark’s Breakdown of the 3-Days:

Day 1 (May 18) - get the principles down. Once you know what’s happening with your camera/flash you can do almost anything. Get students to try things at each step of the way (I have activities for people at home).

Day 2 (May 19) - expand on day 1 and get the flash off the camera and start modifying the light. More hands-on demos with lots of room for Q&A to put things in practice. More show less tell.

Day 3 (May 20) - Working through common scenarios. Day three will be almost all shooting based on the most common scenarios I hear about (how do I freeze motion on sports, how do I shoot at night, etc). Lots of room for Q&A.

Again – register now here to attend online for free. All are welcome.

Here’s an intro vid if you wanna know more…

Photography 101: The Radical Camera + New York’s Photo League

By on May 14, 2012
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In the Shadow of the Capitol ● 1948 (Marion Palfi/The Jewish Museum/© 1998 Arizona Board of Regents)

Every so often, I discover or am reminded of tectonic shifts in photography that seem to be little-known by the exploding world of photographers. No harm, no foul; but in those cases, I feel feel a social + moral desire (obligation?) to occasionally point to these shifts.

One such case is New York’s Photo League – a collection of some of the most innovative, culturally relevant and influential photographers who took to the streets and showed us life as it had been rarely explored before. Photogs like Lisette Model or Weegee (featured earlier on my blog here), Avedon, Leipzig, Orkin and Weston. These and other photogs are genre-defining photojournalists who created stark and unwavering images that offered unique glimpses into a world that – until their groundbreaking work – was infrequently or even NOT explored by photography. Instead of posed images of families, the NYPL documented rampant social change, the great divide between classes, racial issues, the rise of music, the war, and images of New York City in the 40s (even going so far as being labeled “Communists” by the US government…). In short, we have these artists to thank for the way that photojournalism has evolved today. Spin through the image tabs above to sample their arresting work.

If this group or any of these names are unfamiliar to you, give a read here to get the cliff notes, and more importantly – if you’re able — the exhibition called Radical Camera which features an extensive body of this work is on display at the Columbus Museum of Art from now until September 9, 2012.

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Learning from Startups Helps You Run YOUR Creative Business [SXSW Advise This Panel with Chase Jarvis, Tim Ferriss, Gary Vaynerchuk, Tony Conrad and J.R. Johnson]

By on May 11, 2012

As we artists continue to be forced to become entrepreneurs in our own right (see this episode of #cjLIVE with Zoe Keating), all things entrepreneurial are of interest to me… How can we channel our creative stuff into thinking into light, fast and hardcore focus like most startups are forced to think. The correlation is not a perfect one, but it’s expressly relevant to us creatives. It’s relevant for me not only in my own photography business, but it some offshoots I’ve either founded or co-founded like creativeLIVE.com (Free, LIVE creative education for everyone) and Best Camera (the first photo app in the world to share images to social networks). I’ve learned a ton through all this and I want to apply/share that experience and photo industry knowledge to do good in other photography via advisory roles that are on constantly emerging.

So anyway, that’s why it was a no-brainer when I was asked by SXSW to lead/moderate this panel with a handful of my super-badass pals Tim Ferriss, Gary Vaynerchuk, Tony Conrad, and JR Johnson — all amazing entrepreneurs, advisors and VC guys in their own rights. So if entrepreneruialism, startups, or the need to learn from them and think like one in your own business has any appeal, you’ll get something outta this panel.

Apologies in advance for the different-than-normal recording quality. The nice folks at SXSW were kind enough to let us share this, but it was created at a different standard than we would have created it due to limited resources. No harm, no foul – we’re just stoked to be able to share it. It’s still very digable.

Have a great weekend.

——-

SXSW advise this panel chase jarvis

chasejarvisLIVE: Zoë Keating – Artist as Entrepreneur + Mind Blowing Cellist [Re-Watch]

By on May 8, 2012

Posted for your enjoyment. If you missed this LIVE show with Zoe Keating (or if you didn’t…!) you’ll want to take a peek.

For one, IMHO it’s some of our most beautiful footage and one of the best sounding of any chasejarvisLIVE to date – we’re getting pretty tight on our capture because we’re having a blast.

For two – and more importantly– in addition to Zoe Keating and her cello making some hauntingly beautiful music (with some 16 tracks at once), the information Zoe shares – about success and failure, fear, going “artist direct” to her fans, and skipping all the peripheral b/s, is genius – both enlightening and inspiring.

Hope you dig. Want to be the first to know about upcoming shows like this? Join “the list” on this page.

—
zoe cello chase jarvis

Best Photo Locations: Abandoned Six Flags In New Orleans

By on May 7, 2012
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© Christopher Dame

If you’re primarily an on-location photographer or filmmaker, then you know how much value a great location can add to the shoot. So today I’m introducing another Series (ala the ‘Emerging Talent’ and others…) where I feature supercool locations around the world. Stuff I discover, stuff that other send me, places I’d love to shoot. Of course feel free to chime in, share, link, or otherwise contribute in your own way. Onward…

After being ravaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Six Flags New Orleans has been completely abandoned, left to be pounded by the weather and nature without anyone around to care for it. Rickety rollercoasters develop rust, forgotten carousel horses look upon the empty pathways with sad painted eyes, and concession stands will never again feed a hungry child. While the general public is strictly forbidden to trespass on this post apocalyptic dream scene, a few brave photographers have risked arrest and dangerous conditions to shoot some incredible photographs of this now surreal place. Click through the gallery tabs above to see for yourself. Stunning opportunities abound…

Anybody shot here or know someone who has? I’m curious.

If you’ve got other locations you want to share – fire me off a few photos and some info and I may feature it in the future.

[...and Don' Forget...While I have pushed boundaries on shooting at special locations in my career, I am not advocating that YOU break the law and shoot here or at any 'off-limits' location. What I can say is that creativity and collaboration with others can often get you through some hurdles that are not overtly "open" locations... And most people who wrangle "closed" locations are interested in...um... money and other possible perks that letting you shoot at a particular place might afford them... Getting access to special locations is something I've done regularly with good results - it's an art not a science. Generally speaking, all commercial photoshoots should be permitted and paid for and trespassing is illegal. If you go Rambo on this, or any location I'll point out in this future series of posts, you may get a high five from somebody, but you're doing so under your own free will. You may or may not get some incredible shots. ]

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Man vs. Wild: Pieter Hugo’s Incredible Photos of Hyena’s with Men

By on May 2, 2012
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Sometimes, however, what starts with a cool cellphone picture sent from a friend becomes an amazing, thought-provoking piece of photojournalism that probes the relationships between humans at the wild, humans and animals, and humans and each other. And I’m rarely stopped dead in my tracks when a photo crosses my field of view – but I was with these photos, with this body of work.

Pieter Hugo’s The Hyena and Other Men is a series of incredible photos, taken over two trips in as many years at the edges of a shantytown in Nigeria. Hugo worked with Nigerian reported Adetokunbo Abiola to not only find the men to photograph, but to get to know them and earn their trust.

The arresting images–which show men (and, occasionally, children) with hyenas, monkeys, and other wild animals which have been tamed for entertainment purposes–are an exploration of one tiny population’s life…a life that’s pretty different from yours or mine. Horrible or wonderful? That’s for you to decide. Scroll through some of the image tabs above this photo… Completely remarkable.

Here’s an excerpt from Hugo’s explanation of the project:

Seldom did anyone express strong concern for the well-being of the creatures. Europeans invariably only ask about the welfare of the animals but this question misses the point. Instead, perhaps, we could ask why these performers need to catch wild animals to make a living. Or why they are economically marginalised. Or why Nigeria, the world’s sixth largest exporter of oil, is in such a state of disarray.

Head over to Hugo’s site to see the rest and read his description of the artistic process. It’s a good read.

Hat-tip to my buddy Jon Coe for bringing this evocative project to my attention.

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Daily Awesome: Digital Camera Made of Cardboard

By on April 30, 2012

Image via The Fancy

IKEA may seem like nothing more than a necessary evil for those who don’t wanna drop a full paycheck on a single piece of furniture (and hey, their pre-fab systems and some in-store displays are actually quite innovative…), but this here is some next level shiz: an eco-friendly, cardboard-bodied digital camera.

Shoots/stores up to 40 images, uses AA batteries (which, if you can find them hiding in the remote control, are a lot more convenient than clunky camera batteries which require special chargers), and it even features a super-handy swing-out USB plug for downloading your pure photo gold.

Not available in stores yet, but anticipated soon. And… not saying this will replace your iphone/droid, but I guarantee it’ll be a conversation-starter at parties or on location for your next commercial gig…
—
via engadget.

Artist as Entrepreneur: Making Art + A Living with Zoë Keating on #cjLIVE – Wed May 2nd

By on April 25, 2012

zoe keating on chase jarvis liveUPDATE!! If you’re reading this now – the LIVE broadcast is TODAY. Check out the post below and be sure to tune into http://www.chasejarvis.com/live today — 11am SEA time (2pm NYC & 19:00 London) — and enjoy the show. See you on air in a few…
——-
Now more than ever before, we artists are entrepreneurs. Born from opportunity or necessity or both, we have become the CEO’s of ourselves. We create our art and our brand, and then–regardless of whether we’re commercial- or fine-artists, or both–we share, market, strategize, license, sell, distribute, invest, manage, and collect on that art ourselves.

For those that have cracked this nut – good for you. For the rest of artists–which is a disproportionally huge chunk–who are struggling to make the art, the future, the business happen, please allow me introduce you to Zoë Keating. Take my word for it…few–if any–creatives in the world run their own career better than Zoë. As a classically trained musician turned avant-garde cellist–or ‘avant cellist’ as she calls herself–she has mastered the balancing act between art & commerce, between artist & fan. And that’s why she’ll be my next guest on chasejarvisLIVE this Wednesday, May 2nd. Prepare to learn the secret sauce for ‘Artist as Entrepreneur’, how she created a fanbase of millions and don’t miss her LIVE PERFORMANCE where she’ll blow you away with her cello like you’ve never seen one played before. #Respect. Follow @zoecello, check out her compelling music before the show and follow me @chasejarvis on twitter to get updates now until the show and beyond.

THE DETAILS YOU NEED TO KNOW…

Who: You, Me, ZOË KEATING and a worldwide gathering of creative people
What: Live Performance and Q&A with the inspirational ZOË KEATING 
When: Wednesday, May 2nd, 11:00am Seattle time (2 pm NYC time or 19:00 London)
Where: tune in to www.chasejarvis.com/live. It’s free – anyone can watch.

This episode of chasejarvis LIVE might just be the one that sets your ideas in motion and sets you on your path.

***And last but not least… 2 things very important…:

1. Score. In order to pimp this show and help bring together another gi-normous worldwide online audience, Zoe will be giving away 2 signed CD’s and perhaps some merchandise if we can round it up. To score one of these collector items, send out a creative and interesting tweet that contains the URL (or short url) to THIS post AND hashtag #cjLIVE starting NOW and ending at the beginning of the show on Wednesday. Enter as many times (tweets) as you want – tweet and retweet – we’ll be watching out for your shoutouts.

2. Print it. If you want to score a one-of-a kind signed photo that I shoot of Zoë, tune in during the show – I’ll tell you how.

Emerging Talent: IGNACIO TORRES + His “Stellar” Project

By on April 17, 2012
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Young NYC based photographer Ignacio Torres gave me cause for pause with his fascinating photographs that look like they come straight from the mind of Carl Sagan (“we are all made of star stuff”). Torres used three dimensional gifs to make these photographs even more dynamic. Click through the gallery image tabs above for more examples of Torres’ work. Here’s what he has to say about his “Stellar” project:

This project began from the theory that humans are made of cosmic matter as a result of a stars death. I created imagery that showcased this cosmic birth through the use of dust and reflective confetti to create galaxies. The models organic bodily expressions as they are frozen in time between the particles suggest their celestial creation…space and time are heightened by the use of three-dimensional animated gifs. Their movement serves as a visual metaphor to the spatial link we share with stars as well as their separateness through time.

——
Torres’ snagged his BFA from North Texas in 2010. His website is here.

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Actor Adrian Grenier [Entourage] Tells All on #cjLIVE — this Tues April 10

By on April 6, 2012

adrian grenier on chase jarvis liveUPDATE!! If you’re reading this now – the LIVE broadcast is TODAY. Check out the post below and be sure to tune into http://www.chasejarvis.com/live today — 11am SEA time (2pm NYC & 19:00 London) — and enjoy the show. See you on air in a few…
——-
You most likely know Adrian Grenier as ‘Vincent Chase’ the studly star of the HBO Series Entourage. But on this coming Tuesday, April 10th he’ll join me on chasejarvis LIVE and you’ll learn that being a well-rounded creative is the new black – even at the highest levels. In addition to his acting career [Entourage, Devil Wears Prada, Celebrity] we’ll explore Adrian’s career as an award-winning Director [Teenage Paparazzo], musician, curator, environmentalist and entrepreneur. It’s no longer a curse to wear many hats. It is in fact a blessing–for some, a requirement to get the most out of your career and your life.

THE DETAILS YOU NEED TO KNOW…

Who: You, Me, Adrian Grenier and a worldwide gathering of creative people
What: Q&A with the inspirational Adrian Grenier
When: this Tuesday, April 10th, 11:00am Seattle time (2 pm NYC time or 19:00 London)
Where: tune in to www.chasejarvis.com/live. It’s free – anyone can watch.

We’ll chat about everything under the sun – filmmaking, photography, hollywood, media awareness, iphone apps, entrepreneurialism, Adrian’s Empowerment Tour, and how to get shiznit done. I’ll also shoot some photos of Adrian, of course. ***And Last but not least… 3 things muy importante:

1. Score. In order to pimp this show and help bring together another gi-normous worldwide online audience, Adrian is giving away 2 signed DVD’s of his documentary film Teenage Paparazzo (selected for Sundance Film Festival) which he directed, produced, and starred in… A documentary that follows a teenage photographer through LA’s underground Paparazzo scene. To score one of these collector items, send out a creative and interesting tweet that contains the URL (or short url) to THIS post AND hashtag #cjLIVE starting NOW and ending at the beginning of the show on Tuesday. Enter as many times (tweets) as you want – tweet and retweet – we’ll be watching out for your shoutouts.

2. Print it. During the show on Tuesday, we’ll be giving away a supersweet HP Photosmart 7510 e-All-in-One Printer plus a $300 gift card for ink, paper and supplies. Gotta watch live to score that – details how to enter at the start of the show.

3. Be my special guest. If you’d like to be a part of the live in-studio audience, meet me and Adrian and our cjINC crew in person in Seattle – send an email to production@chasejarvis.com with “Adrian” in the subject line. Winners will receive a confirmation email with attendance instructions. Don’t forget to sign up for our email list on the cjLIVE page here as well.

Remember to cue up your questions via twitter and send them during the show via hashtag #cjLIVE. See you then my homies. Trailer for Teenage Paparazzo below…

Creatives: Are You Killing Yourself on Price?

By on April 5, 2012

raise your price, raise your profile on chase jarvis blog by andertoons

Are the fees or prices you’re charging for your creative services too low? I bet they are.

Try doubling the money. You have to deliver the goods, of course, but that’s true in any work. Chances are that the clients you ditched needed ditching, the clients you carry forward and the new clients you land will pay those fees happily and will better understand the value you bring.

And I’m guessing you’ll be happier and much better off in the long run.

—
(via Mark Anderson/Andertoons.com)

FROM THE FUTURE: Fully Remote Photography + Video For Less Than $100

By on April 2, 2012
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I don’t know these Galileo guys, but I want to know them now. After you’ve pondered this video for about a quarter of a second and fully comprehending the future of this device and others like it — all the way down to how it might affect your job, your future and your career path (for better + worse), consider kicking into their kickstarter project. I did.

Or you can always bury your head in the sand.

From their page: The Galileo is a revolutionary, iOS-controlled robotic iPhone platform with infinite spherical rotation capability. Just swipe your finger on the screen of your iPad or other iOS device and Galileo reacts, orienting your iPhone or iPod Touch accordingly. With applications in areas of photography, cinematography, social networking, and video conferencing, Galileo gives iOS devices endless possibilities of remote-controlled motion. Capable of infinite 360° pan-and-tilt at speeds up to 200° per second in any orientation, Galileo is an invaluable tool to everyone from an amateur photographer to the professional cinematographer, and vastly improves the experience of video chat for anyone needing to stay connected.

Click thru the gallery of images using the image tabs above the video…

…and then when you like what you see head on over to the Galileo kickstarter project over here. Last I looked they’d raised $330,000 of their $100,000 goal. Not too shabby.

(thx Bryan!)

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