Fluffy Last Minute Holiday Gift Idea

Thursday December 17th, 2009

Down to the wire on Holiday gift ideas? Natalie Young, one of our  Los Angeles photographers, just informed us that you can receive her photo book in time for Xmas if you order by this Sunday (or the 23rd, if you’re in LA). And who wouldn’t want charming black and white dog photographs for the holidays? It’s called Georgia & Sabine, named for this dachsund duo:

Options for the 60-page book include either a soft cover version, or a special limited edition hardcover of 100 presented in a slipcase with an original silver gelatin print, which is signed by the artist.

The book includes an essay  by Mindaugas Kavaliauskas, director of the Kaunas Photo Festival, who describes the book thusly: “Georgia and Sabine stands out of thousands, if not millions, of pet photographs because of its simplicity and intimacy.” I certainly find it reminiscent of some of my favorite Elliott Erwitt dog photographs.

A few more of Natalie’s images:

You can purchase the book directly from Natalie’s fine art website. Just click on the “Books” link.

Aside from producing books of canine intrigue, this past year Natalie was named one of the Top 50 Photographers in PhotoLucida’s Critical Mass competition, as well as being nominated for the Santa Fe Prize for Photography. She was also in a  show with blogger/photographer Amy Stein, both featuring their animal photographs.

Natalie’s commercial work can be found here, and below is a sampling of the “tradtional” side of her work.

So we seem to cover all of the cute bases for the holiday: dogs and babies (and my apologies to those who don’t find them cute)!

-Neil Binkley

Judging PDN’s Self Promo Contest

Saturday December 12th, 2009

Danielle Courier just posted an interview with me for the companion website to her upcoming book (coming in February) on portfolio design. Her book’s titled No Plastic Sleeves: The Complete Portfolio Guide for Photographers and Designers.

She was interested to know my thoughts on what makes photography  portfolios and promotions stand out, as I had just judged PDN’s 2009 Self Promo Contest.

My encapsulation of her questions:

• What distinguishes the very best photographer’s promotions from the rest?
• What was most difficult and rewarding about judging the awards?
• How important is it to have a printed portfolio?
• Any advice to emerging artists?

You can see my answers on her site, but my overarching theme was that photographers should only show their best work, they shouldn’t try to promote twenty different types of specialties (because most can excel at 2 or 3, max – and that’s fine), and they should be open to feedback from clients, peers and consultants.

Danielle asked the same questions of another PDN Self Promo judge, Robin Milgrim, who is art director with R&R Partners and who’s worked on the Las Vegas Tourism, “What Happens here Stays Here” account.

I enjoyed that her responses had a strong point of view, and this one stood out to me. When asked about the importance of print portfolios, Robin replied:

Make it as good as you can. No excuses. If you don’t love it, don’t put it in your book. If you don’t have enough solid work, make more. Learn to edit yourself. Remember who your audience is. Consider what would appeal to them. Take them for a ride. Entertain. It’s a word often forgotten at the convergence of art and commerce.

The rest of the website seems to showcase a nice selection of design and photography portfolios and promos, so I recommend a peek.

-Neil Binkley

Shetland Pony Racers, Royalty, Deadheads, And More

Wednesday October 21st, 2009

Matthew Furman / New York
Portraiture / Corporate / Music / Youth Culture / Travel
www.furmanfoto.com

Proud to be from "The Birthplace of the Slinky." Attended university in Greece. His professor was one of Ansel Adam’s former assistants. He gave Matthew a set of keys to the school’s dark room. After that, he was hooked. Currently resides in Brooklyn with his wife and two daughters.

View More Matthew Furman

Tom Bear / Salt Lake City
Sports & Fitness / Action & Adventure / Lifestyle
www.tombear.com

Tom: 6′ 3", 205 pounds. Hobby: Shetland Pony racing. "Poor pony," he says. Competitive swimmer in college. Says he’s spent the equivalent of over an entire year of his life (ie. 9,000 hours) in a pool. Has shot a lot of ultimate fighters recently, including the current world champ.

View More Tom Bear

Ben Mostyn / Atlanta
Photojournalism / Youth Culture / Fine Art
www.benmostyn.com

Distant relative of the British Royal Family, not that he’s bragging. Father is a professional illustrator. Hails from Oxford, England, home of Radiohead. Experienced culture shock when he moved to the U.S., to put it mildly. Now calls Atlanta home. Plays the guitar to let off steam.

View More Ben Mostyn

Tina Williams / Washington DC
Kids
www.tinaphoto.com

One of a handful of photographers who took part in Kodak’s beta digital program in the 90′s. Faithful "deadhead", attended over 150 concerts back in the day. Was official photographer for several rock festivals. Daughter’s baby book shows a lot of rock stars rubbing her pregnant tummy.

View More Tina Williams