<![CDATA[Steve's Digicams Forums - Tips & Tricks]]> http://forums.steves-digicams.com/ en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:34:05 GMT vBulletin 60 http://forums.steves-digicams.com/techforums_v2/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[Steve's Digicams Forums - Tips & Tricks]]> http://forums.steves-digicams.com/ To Breast or Not Too Breast is the Fashion Question ? http://forums.steves-digicams.com/tips-tricks/162242-breast-not-too-breast-fashion-question.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:03:57 GMT *To Breast or Not Too Breast is the Fashion Question ?* To Breast or Not Too Breast is the Fashion Question ?10.0103Breasts have... To Breast or Not Too Breast is the Fashion Question ?

To Breast or Not Too Breast is the Fashion Question ?10.0103Breasts have always been an integral part of the Fashion scene. Whether to give impact to ones image or to startle the reader in to really looking at the imagery or designer being featured on that page. Although I have on the rare occasion done so for a beauty or skin story, I have rarely used this marketing technique gratuitously in my imagery. Perhaps due to the fact that my perception of beauty emanates from the eyes or from the light that I paint to highlight those parts of the image that are of importance to me. Many photographers insist on at least one upper torso nude shot in a series or the revealing of one of the two intimate parts of the female anatomy to add impact to their imagery.
I have often considered why I have not used this form of marketing in the expressing of my imagery. I might add that like most heterosexual males, I find breasts to be one of the more attractive elements of the female body. However I feel quite uncomfortable asking a model to disrobe in public. I know that it has more to do with me than the model, as they are accustomed to doing so for credible fashion magazines. I have often concluded that one of the reasons I do not, is that I believe that my images should be able to stand on their own without having to resort to sensational tactics to draw the reader to my images.


I will say however, that if an image is asking for the revealing of a breast, in other words would benefit and be enhanced esthetically by doing so, I would do so without reservation. I also believe that there is a fine line between what might be considered tacky vs elegant. I’m not a “Grunge Trash” photographer. There have been some incredible artists like Terry Richardson who have pulled off that style with panache and conviction that come across with a Raw authenticity that renders their images as credible. They are not glamour shots. They are a slice of life perceived from a certain vantage point that is understood by the artist and given real meaning.


As I do not wish to emulate a style, I will continue doing what I feel is appropriate at that moment in time that works for me. If the occasion does require an interpretation that gives a reason for doing so, I will.
I having been asked on several occasions by gallery owners, “Ben, why don’t you shoot more nudes?” and the only answer that I can reply with is “I am a Fashion Photographer…”


So, are Breasts in Fashion? Yes they are. It just depends on how you wish to frame them.


Watch this HILARIOUS Parody of a Fashion Photographer. It is AWESOME!

]]> benjikan http://forums.steves-digicams.com/tips-tricks/162242-breast-not-too-breast-fashion-question.html Breaking Down the Walls of Predictability… http://forums.steves-digicams.com/tips-tricks/162046-breaking-down-walls-predictability.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:16:47 GMT Breaking Down the Walls of Predictability… On one of the photography forums a photographer who read my article “A Funny Thing Happened to Me in... Breaking Down the Walls of Predictability…

On one of the photography forums a photographer who read my article “A Funny Thing Happened to Me in the Camera Store” responded by saying “…Thanks for sharing. Still waiting on my accident.” I thought about her remark and my response was the following;

Whenever you are about to do what you think SHOULD be done, stop yourself, take a deep breath and do the opposite. If you think you are coming in too close to the subject, come in closer. If you set up your lights for a subject with your intended orientation to be at point “x”, move to point “y”. If you are standing up to take the shot, don’t. Get up on a ladder or lay down on the floor to do your capture. If your images look too bright make them brighter. If someone tells you that your images are too dark, make them darker. If your images are looking too normal, fuck them up. If you are worried about camera shake, don’t. If the dress the model is wearing is begging for the classic accessory, don’t do it. Take that Lagerfeld dress and stick a 3,95€ tacky “Eiffel Tower” huge chain around her neck.

Breaking down the walls of Predictability is a tough call. If all of the competing photographers are cropping one way that is in “Fashion” do it the other way. When I was using film, I would go to the store and ask, “what is the shittiest or most obscure brands that you have?” Ever tried Konicachrome or 3M or “CrappyChrome”. Everyone was shooting Ektachrome…BORING. I would use Agfachrome 1000 ASA film. Polachrome or anything that would make my stuff stand out from the norm. I would set up shots using totally insane Fashion Stylists, Make-Up and Hairstylists, telling them to fly and that fear is the greatest hindrance to creativity. Let accidents happen. That is how they happen. Better yet, don’t even worry about them happening, just be open to the possibilities. Don’t be AFRAID to be different. Just BE.

Thanks for your inspiration “Becky T”

Ben:-)
http://www.benjaminkanarekblog.com/2...redictability/
Attached Images
 
]]> benjikan http://forums.steves-digicams.com/tips-tricks/162046-breaking-down-walls-predictability.html My All Time Favorite Lenses http://forums.steves-digicams.com/tips-tricks/161915-my-all-time-favorite-lenses.html Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:40:09 GMT My All Time Favorite Lenses

As I have worked with many of the SLR's and Medium Format camera's out there, I want to share with you some of my favorites. In my career I used Nikon, Canon, Pentax SLR's and all of the Medium Format stuff out there.

My choices are based on my most frequent go for lenses when doing actual projects in the past and present.

Nikon: 85mm f/1.4 Nikkor Al-S
Nikon: 28mm f/2.0 Nikkor Al-S
Nikon: 50mm f/1.2 Nikkor Al-S
Nikon: 105mm f/2.5 Nikkor Al-S

Pentax: smc Pentax DA 40mm f/2.8 Limited
Pentax: smc Pentax FA 31mm f/1.8 Limited
Pentax: smc Pentax DA Star 16-50mm f/2.8 ED AL (IF) SDM
Pentax: smc Pentax FA 50mm f/1.4
Pentax: smc Pentax DA 12-24 f/4.0 ED AL (IF)

Canon: EF 17-40mm f/4.0 L USM
Canon: EF 35mm f/2.0
Canon: EF 28mm f/2.8
Canon: TS-E 45mm f/2.8
Canon: TS-E 90mm f/2.8

Tamron: SP AF 28-75 f/2.8 XR Di LD (IF)
Tamron: SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di 1:1 Macro

Well, there you have it.

Ben
http://www.benjaminkanarekblog.com/2...vorite-lenses/ ]]> benjikan http://forums.steves-digicams.com/tips-tricks/161915-my-all-time-favorite-lenses.html Art Wolfe on Light http://forums.steves-digicams.com/tips-tricks/161559-art-wolfe-light.html Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:38:22 GMT http://blog.artwolfe.com/ Terrific talk by Art Wolfe on light. http://blog.artwolfe.com/

Terrific talk by Art Wolfe on light. ]]> Rodney9 http://forums.steves-digicams.com/tips-tricks/161559-art-wolfe-light.html Photo Forums...The Gladiators http://forums.steves-digicams.com/tips-tricks/161429-photo-forums-gladiators.html Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:45:28 GMT Photo Forums...The Gladiators I have had the opportunity of being present to witness the activities on several photo forums over the past few... Photo Forums...The Gladiators

I have had the opportunity of being present to witness the activities on several photo forums over the past few years and it has been a revelation to say the least.
A photo forum is a place where those interested in "Photography" gather to discuss topics related to photography.

Hmmm...Well let me be quite frank. For all intent and purpose (and this is a generality) the photo forums are more akin to fans cheering for their favorite teams. The frenzy is often similar to those watching a heated football match between two arch rivals, with a packed stadium of fans frothing at the mouth screaming, we will "Kill You". We are the Best!!!

The classic argument on most of the generalist photo forums is that of the "we are the best and your team sucks". Now what I find really curious, is that in many cases, I could quite easily take an identical image stick a different brand name on that image and those who are on the team of that image will find some very good reasons why that image is better than the identical image with a different brand name on it.

Why do I know this. Because I have done just that. Not only did I do this but I did so confronting a "Professional".

I had a hell of a good time. I presented certain images that were shot with one brand and called it another brand and visa versa. Well wouldn't you know it? I knew within five minutes where his bias was and how to play with it. Was one of the most amusing moments I have ever had with a "Professional". Now this pro was not really a photographer, but a professional critic of camera equipment. In fact this person reminded me of another professional that I was had the unpleasant experience of communicating with on another forum. Of course, I am no longer welcome on "That" forum. But, knowing what I know now, it wasn't really an issue as what that individual had on offer was utterly irrelevant.

It is also quite interesting to note, that those who are actually working at and loving their craft are the ones that rarely get in to heated arguments regarding the "Which Brand is Better" scenario. Why? Because they have other more important things to do. They are content with using their tool to express themselves and are content with the gear they have chosen. They also know a very special secret. Hanging a 30,000€ Blad around your neck will not guarantee that your images will look like a 30,000€ image.

I like photographers who talk about photography. I like artists who talk about their art. I like Chefs who speak passionately about cuisine and I love people who do what they love.

Ben

http://www.benjaminkanarekblog.com/?p=1355 ]]> benjikan http://forums.steves-digicams.com/tips-tricks/161429-photo-forums-gladiators.html