021 – PPNC Convention Wrap Up & IPC Whining

We travel to the far off land of North Carolina to record this week’s episode on a laptop that sounds like something used to decipher enemy transmissions on the eastern front. We had the privilege of speaking with the one and only Ned Winn, outgoing President of the Professional Photographers of North Carolina, to hear his thoughts on the importance of state organizations for professional photographers. Ned also fills us in on the great success that was the Carolina Photo Expo, and a little about what PPNC has in store for the rest of the year. With IPC 2017 drawing to a close and a lot of people left crying about (fill in the blank), we also chat about the possibility of a Hallmark movie centering around post competition angst.

019 – Deadlines, Rules, & Customer Service

As per the trend, we bounce from topic to topic. Today we catch up on the dental tragedy that kept Christine away from the microphone last week as well as some pumped up compliments about Ted’s new head shots. We also talk about his desire to become a Civil War re-enactor and the practicalities of wool uniforms in the summer.

See here to read the entire article that prompted our customer service segment:

This Company’s Epic Response to a Pissed Off Client is as American as it Gets

017 – Summertime and IPC Deadlines

Greetings faithful listeners! Episode 17 paves the way with new brilliance from our dynamic duo. Well, actually we kinda go ADD on this episode, but with the LATE IPC deadline looming, what else did you expect?

Ted, as usual, works a movie reference into the conversation as he and Christine discuss Joaquin Phoenix and his portrayal of Johnny Cash in “Walk the Line”. Here’s a link to a performance from that film:

 

Next, we dive into the meat of the episode, IPC (International Photographic Competition). One deadline has passed and the late deadline is in mere days – if you’re freaking out as bad as we are – get yourself entered (see HERE) and then go have some ice cream. Or gelato. Or sherbet.

Speaking of ice cream. And gelato. And sherbet… I talk about my favorite summertime activity. This week. If you want to join me in all the glory, this is the current favored product:

Get a peek into the angsty-brain processes of our dynamic duo as they talk about going from concept to execution on their competition entries. If none of their blathering resonates with you, just refer to this (trigger warning: cuss word ahead):

or this:

 

Thanks for reading and listening, our success depends on YOU, our faithful fans.

Until next week,

Christine

011 – Disney Escapades & ShutterFest Attitudes

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

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

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

 

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

 

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007 – Copyright or Copy Wrong?

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”: