Tag: portrait photography

016 – Craft Beer, Critiques and Fashion Photography Fails

Posted on by mpgapodcast

So, this week promises to be an hour of power you won’t soon forget. OK, honestly? We got talking about craft beers and it took the whole episode over time, but that will happen when you have SO many photography subjects at hand to vent about. First, of course, we talk about beer, and Ted recommends the following (among others, but this isn’t  a beer blog, so here’s ONE):

 

 

Leinenkugle’s Harvest Patch Sandy

 

For awhile we talk about Pinterest and it is unanimous that brides + Pinterest = Bad News. (<— note capital letters).

The meat of the conversation revolves around a new online retailer, 24 SÈVRES, who promises to raise the bar in fashion photography ( see THIS article ) and sell more clothes as a result. All we can say is “good luck with that.” For those of you who think that might be a little harsh, we invite you to check out a few images…

And, as usual, we dive into one last conversation about critiques; what they are, what they aren’t, and why your mom is not the best person to ask for input.

Enjoy the MPGA Hour of Power and we will be back next week. Meanwhile – have a shandy!

Christine

015 – Glamping Tips & Wedding Photographer Peeves

Posted on by mpgapodcast

Howdy Listeners! How the heck are ya? Let’s take it way down today and be all cozy, k?

Here’s a new episode for y’a’ll. Somehow we wound up talking about camping. Don’t ask me, I just roll with whatever Ted wants to talk about, and that’s where we landed. As an avid camper, I supplied Ted with a few glamping tips for his upcoming trip out west. Let’s take bets on how many tips he actually uses…

Eventually we get to the meat of the program with a rant/vent about all things that induce wedding photographer angst. You can bet your sweet bippy that we will be hitting this topic again, it might even have to be a mini-series. Since we will definitely be discussing this again, this is the perfect opportunity to give us *your* pet peeves as a wedding photographer. Hit us up through the contact form in the sidebar or comment on this post or on our Facebook page.

We hit a couple of biggies today; guests with cameras that pretty much screw things up, couples that ask you to copy another photographer’s work – angst-inducing topics – fair warning to all those with high blood pressure, k?

Just for the fun of it – here’s a picture of a pie iron. Ted.

Pie Iron. Fill with yummy things, hold over fire until hot. Eat. Burn fingers and mouth. Repeat.

My unofficial favorite recipe: Pie Iron Glamping Reubens: Rye bread, filled with corned beef, sauerkraut, swiss cheese & thousand island dressing, (or you could leave the dressing out of the pie and use it for a dip). Don’t forget to butter the sides of each piece of bread that face the iron. Just hold it over the edge of the fire and look at it every once in awhile to see if it’s toasty-looking or until you’re too hungry to wait any longer. You’re welcome.

AND, for your enjoyment, the video of the ruined wedding processional that started today’s conversation:

Enjoy this week’s podcast episode – hope to see you again next Tuesday !

Christine

Save

Save

Save

014 – Flat-rate Photography and Iconic Photographs Part 2

Posted on by mpgapodcast

Ted and Christine bemoan the introduction of Qikpix, a flat-rate photography service in Chicago. After getting a slight grip, they continue the conversation from a previous episode with further discussion of iconic photographs and whether it’s within the reach of a wedding and/or portrait photographer, complete with a discussion of what photographers in recent history come the closest to being able to pull it off. Christine expands on the iconic photographs most meaningful to her and Ted lets the cat out of the bag regarding a future Pulitzer-Prize winning guest.

As is our tradition, here are a handful of links to keep your mind occupied for a bit:

The article that spawned our hatred: Qikpix Launches $99/Hour Flat Rate Photography In Chicago

 

A few of Christine’s favorite iconic photographs:

The Ultimate Confrontation: The Flower and the Bayonet (copyright Marc Ribaud)

 

1970 Pulitzer Prize winning photograph by John Filo

 

And the work of two talented portrait photographers discussed in this episode:

Richard Avedon

and

Annie Leibovitz

 

Oh, still reading, are you? Well then, check *this* out:

013 – Man Rompers and Iconic Photographs

Posted on by mpgapodcast

Ted and Christine discuss iconic photographs and photojournalism. What makes an iconic photograph? Can iconic photographs still be achieved in this day of advanced technologies and proliferation of cameras? Stepping outside the seriousness is a discussion of the man romper, its place in society and the seat-gripping question “Isn’t it hard to (ahem) use the facilities?”

This episode is just full of “for further research” references, so here they are, in no particular order:

Ted shares one of the sites he looks to for daily inspiration:  Associated Press Images Spotlight

The Image, Deconstructed. An interview with Thomas Franklin, the photographer of this iconic image:

The CNN article, 25 of the Most Iconic Images.

Lunch Atop a Skyscraper, the publicity stunt that resulted in an iconic photograph.

And last, but not least – the man romper that will earn Ted $200:

011 – Disney Escapades & ShutterFest Attitudes

Posted on by mpgapodcast

Ted and Christine lead off the discussion with a recap of their recent adventures at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the infamous Facebook Live recording from the top of the Tower of Terror. Things get a little more heated when they return to the topic of Sal’s ShutterFest 2017 Incident, this time in his defense. Whodathunk? Listen in while we bless the heart of a misguided PetaPixel article author.

Since we don’t really want to run traffic to good-old-you-know-who at good-old-you-know-where, here’s some information about Disney’s Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and a picture of Christine’s $17 Spirit Air lunch.

 

010 – Controversy: Moments in Photographic History & Shutterfest Results

Posted on by mpgapodcast

Dead Confederate soldiers near Dunker Church following the Battle of Antietam. Photograph by Alexander Gardner

Back once again with the topic of controversy, Ted and Christine discuss the 10 most controversial moments in the history of photography; expanding on an article written by John Ortved for History.com. To continue with the theme, they then delve into the recent hoop-lah surrounding the ShutterFest competition results.

As always – here are a few resources to further your own education on this episode’s topics:

These Are the 10 Most Controversial Moments in the History of Photography

A Photo Contest Owner Won His Own Contest, and Pitchforks Came Out

Smash His Camera

009 – Cat Island and Merits for Sale

Posted on by mpgapodcast

Who *really* earned those merits and loans? Should hired retouchers be allowed in competition? At what point does someone else’s editing interpretation become the reason that an image excels? A post PPA Northeast District discussion as Ted & Christine analyze the facets that conflict with the spirit of competition.

The weekly cat segment of the podcast occurs first this week and covers an amazing place… because cats. Let us introduce you to Aoshima, Japan’s “Cat Island” – below is a cat after Ted’s own heart…

A cat carries a fish on Aoshima Island on February 25, 2015. Thomas Peter/Reuters.

To see this place of wondrousness filled with furry balls of happiness – please enjoy this video from CBS Sunday Morning:

At some point we get serious with a discussion of PPA’s recent NorthEast district competition (and Christine’s results there) which segues into a Very Serious Discussion on hired retouchers in competition. How often do photographs  of sub-merit quality turn into outstanding competition images with hired digital wizardry? Essentially, can merits be bought? Can loans be bought? You can probably tell which side of the fence we land on and yeah, if you hire retouchers for your competition images, it’s probably going to tick you off – so fair warning. But on the other hand – we promised to talk about those things that don’t get talked about – we aren’t shy of the touchy topics and we aren’t out to be so PC that you all love us all of the time. Give a listen to some serious points of consideration…

008 – Quality Art & Copyright Bull

Posted on by mpgapodcast

 

Magazine Cover Incredulosity continues as Ted and Christine critique the May issue of Photo District News (PDN), inspiring a discussion of the quality of art. Questions abound…Should Art have some semblance of technical competence. Should any work, no matter how haphazardly and skillessly assembled, be labeled as art?

What happens when our art infringes on the work of another? The questions get deep and analytical as the conversation veers towards the  current lawsuit brought by the creator of “Charging Bull” over the installation of “Fearless Girl” in Mew York City.

This, and more deep discussion about the influence of social media on photography; Ted and Christine ponder the questions that plague the artists of today.

As always, for further reading and and insight, here are the sources for some of today’s conversation:

‘Charging Bull’ artist says ‘Fearless Girl’ violated his rights

 

Save

007 – Copyright or Copy Wrong?

Posted on by mpgapodcast

Today’s episode covers the sticky subject of copyright, inspired by the questionable cover of the April 2017 issue of Professional Photographer Magazine, brought to the public eye by an article written by Jack Reznicki and Edward Greenberg. Ted and Christine weighs in on their thoughts and opinions regarding the image on the cover and the potential ramifications of it. They also discuss several similar issues that  have occurred within the music industry, specifically Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven”. The moral and ethical responsibility of photographers is analyzed and the question of “how many components of a photograph can be copyrighted?” is bandied about. There’s not a whole lot of fun and games in this episode – all the minutes are allocated to this timely and concerning topic.

As promised, here is the link to the magazine article that is the main topic of discussion this episode: Both Flirting And Dancing With Danger

and a link to an article that covers the Led Zeppelin music copyright issues: Songs on Trial: 10 Landmark Music Copyright Cases

 

and just for fun – the day wouldn’t be complete without listening to “Stairway to Heaven”:

006 – Stephen King and Photographic Teachers

Posted on by mpgapodcast

As usual, Ted derails the podcast with movie talk before addressing the meaty topic of what can be done to raise the bar on entry into teaching within the industry. Additional discussion centers on whether the PPA’s Master of Photography degree is becoming too easy to obtain and questions on the level of discernment used in approving Super One Day instructors. Of course, there are random comments on Thin Mints and a slight sidebar on the Coca Cola Museum. As per past episodes, one train wreck is included; Christine’s dog, Ollie, makes a guest appearance (insert rolling eyes emoticon here).

As usual, a little entertainment to go along with your entertainment:

Save