AR-Graphics

The Falling Value Of Photographs? Are todays photographs taken for granted? It's been a while since I added to this blog. Other things have required my time and attention and the most recent of these has been the distressing failing of health and eventual passing of my mother. The mental and practical fallout resulting from such an event can be quite overwhelming, but as the practicalities are overcome, interesting insights can sometimes start to become apparent. For me, one such revelation directly related to photography. A collection of memories Among my mothers effects were the photographs she had accumulated through her life, a mixture of family, friends, places, and special times that meant something not only to her but in many cases the others involved. Looking through the collection several things struck me. Overall it was interesting to see the way personal photographs seem to have lost something of their perceived value over the years. There appears, in my ...

Is Facebook messing with your mind? As many people probably know, I'm not a huge fan of Facebook, and whilst this blog is related to that service, it's points can probably be applied to many other social media groups. I spent ages resisting, but finally I decided to join so as to explore the possible benefits it could afford my photography. There is no doubt that there are many and varied rewards to be gained, however there are also some major downsides, that unless understood can have a serious negative effect. After several years of use, I started to recognise some aspects of my using Facebook we're having a disagreeable effect on me. This realisation forced me to re evaluate and change my perception and use of social media. It is a well researched and documented fact that Facebook and other such portals can have a negative effect on people's mental well being. Gaining some objectivity has allowed me to identify how it affects not only me, but some of the o...

Are you shooting yourself in the foot? I have, in the past, been asked what the most important thing is for a photographer. Whilst it no doubt depends on the type of photography you undertake, for me, dealing primarily with people, I'd have to say that reputation is probably close to, if not, top of my list. A good reputation can be built upon many pillars such as honesty, reliability, discretion, high standards, moral and ethical stances, etc. All of this can help install trust and respect amongst clients and those you work with. Conversely it can also be used to send a message to those that wish to take advantage. It all seems very common sense, however I regularly see examples where people just don't seem to care about how they are perceived!   First Impressions Count. It's an oft quoted saying that is backed up by lots of scientific research. More often than not, in today's world, a first impression has moved from being a physical meeting, to a virtual ...

Looking for a Model?   Some time ago I was involved in a discussion in a group. It revolved primarily around the apparent lack of models and problems getting to work with them, especially on a TFP basis. I personally felt that many of the difficulties were down to the way the approaches to models are made. In particular where and how.   With a number of new personal projects I plan to undertake, I recently decided to seek out some extra new people to work with. Although there were a number I wanted to contact directly, I also decided to put out a general casting in order to get an idea of the interest there may be. I also thought it would be interesting to see where might be the most productive places to do such a casting. Therefore I posted the same casting on 6 Facebook groups (all location specific) and 8 model directory web sites.   Although the original post is now about a month old, I am still receiving new contacts, and so far have well over a dozen ...

Is everything as it seems? I have been asked by a number of people to give some tips on what to look out for with regards to photographers etc that may not be quite what they appear. Today's cameras allow even the most inexperienced user to produce a technically good image, which has lead to a huge increase of people taking on the mantle of "photographer". Whilst the majority of these are legitimate, and content with developing their craft or offering a good service, there are unfortunately a few who possibly have more dubious intentions. It's a sad fact that I regularly seem to find social media posts and web sites where things just don't add up and not everything is what it seems! After 40 odd years of doing, and studying photography it can often seem very obvious to me when something is not right. However it is mostly a case of common sense and here are some things that you may want to look for... Are the images consistent and "right"? It...

Getting & Giving Photograph Critiques For what it's worth, some of my thoughts on critiques beyond the usual stuff, along with some real life examples I have experienced.   To The Receiver.... Please remember that especially on FaceBook comments can be made from people with a wide range of experience and expertise. Anyone from seasoned professional to new camera phone user can feel empowered to comment on your work. Before taking anything to heart, try and work out how much value you place on their view.  Not all critiques are really applicable. I once had a comment of "I don't like this the aspect ratio looks old fashioned"! Such seemingly off the wall remarks are probably best ignored. However if they are made by someone you know and respect, or are agreed and echoed by others then it's probably something you should look at. Critiques can and often are influenced by personal opinion. Someone once commented on one of my images "I don...