You are currently browsing the category archive for the 'Photography in General' category.
Well, 2o08 is now over and we are well into 2009. My photography has taken me to interesting places and I got to meet interesting people along the way. I look forward to 2009 as the arts took a major hit in Colorado Springs in 2008.
In April I started traveling and didn’t really stop until the end of the year. I was in New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah in April, I did 10 trips to Montana, One trip to New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma in September/October, and then to Washington DC in November. I was also busy in the state. I photographed Biden, and the Obama family, did a few dozen photo shoots for models, a few shoots for publication, and a lot of self directed projects.
Trip to Washington DC. was to highlight the opening of the fly girls at the WIMSA Museum at the gate to Arlington – see video. and for Washington DC photo week.
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid2390709001/bctid2409664001
Most of the trips to Montana were to work on a documentary of one of the most amazing people I have ever met. Joe Papez. He was the oldest Purple Heart recipient when he died at 100 1/2 years of age. I also went to spend time with family and to deliver peaches to my sisters restaurant.
The campaign trail was a lot of fun but, a lot of work at the same time. I had about 50 of the images published in various magazines, and I have a book in the works and a possible calendar? I am also open to doing photo shows of the election.
-
- Joe Biden in Colorado Springs
-
- Michelle Obama in Colorado Springs
-
- Obama in Denver Colorado
Click on the images above to see larger versions!
On the other side I had one major shoot cancelled due to a lack of a guide, 7 galleries closed in the Pikes Peak region in one month from mid December/January. Show sales in the Colorado area were the slowest I have seen in years. and we lost a few master photographers in the past year including some local icons.
2009 shows some promise!
In April we are having a series of gallery openings for a show on Poetic Art. A post will be on this page in the next few days. I have a show at the Colorado Springs Senior Center, 1514 N. Hancock, Colorado Springs, CO 80909. and several projects in the works. please watch this page for more information and feel free to drop a comment on what you read here!
Thanks,
Bill
Well, things have been crazy here first with photographing the Obama campaign, then going to DC to photograph the fly girls and participate in Photoweek DC. And now getting ready for my next trip for the Archaeoastronomy of the American South West. I haven’t even finished the first book and I am now in the process of starting the second one. These are long projects that don’t really provide financial rewards until they are finished. The first book has been more than six years in the making and the second one will probably take longer as I will have fewer days each year to capture the needed images.
Aztec Doorway © Bill Young 2002
It will be interesting working on this next book, The locations are a bit more remote and it will be a lot colder taking photos of each one. I suspect this project will be eight years in the making.
Some of the images from the first book have been featured on PBS, and various shows throughout Colorado. I hope to set up a road show for the images soon and perhaps have the book ready to go with them. If you know of a gallery that may be interested please contact me and let me know! figurativephoto@aol.com
Have a great holliday season!
Peace
Bill
Collaboration!
I love to collaborate with other artists, models, and groups. It gives new energy to the work I do. Recently I did a photo shoot with Ron English of Popaganda – Art crimes fame! http://www.popaganda.com/. Ron and I have a lot of ideas in common although he has them better refined than I do. This shoot gave me the opportunity to work with an artist that really has brought his work to the front stage of the American public. He just had a show in Denver for the Democratic National Convention. Ron travels all over the united states putting his work on display.
McCastle © Ron English 2008 & Diplomats & Lawyers © Bill Young - Figurative Photo 2008
Ron English’s work reaches into the lexicons of big Business, Politics, and Religion. You may not agree with the message Ron puts out in the world but, his methods are effective and most would agree very artistic. Some people say it isn’t art unless it has a message, some say art has to stir the sole, and some say art just has to be beautiful. I believe the best art does all the above. Although I am not sure what the message was for the Mona Lisa or the statue of David? As we look at them today many find a message that reaches to their own beliefs.
Most artists don’t have the opportunity to collaborate with a great artist like Ron English but, we do have the chance to learn and progress and collaborate with other artists. Some times it is just taking a known piece of art and creating something new from it. I think we all have something to learn from the works of others. I have been working on a project that is similar to the work of Boris Vallejo – http://vallejo.ural.net/1997/ for a couple of years now. I am not looking to create the same images just something similar to the style. I have never met Boris Vallejo but I still love and learn from his work.
Teefa's Dream © Boris Vallejo 1997
If a master artist doesn’t come to town to work with you study the work of those that you do like and feel free to incorporate their work into your own. You don’t have to copy it as closely as some of the examples I am showing but, you can follow the style as you feel fit. Now get out there and create something amazing!
David by Michelangelo & Worth 1000
MonaLisa by Peg, Leonardo Da vinci, & Fernando Botero
Some people would look at the above images and say the artist just copied the originals. I would say that they are very different and at the same time the new images couldn’t have been made if the original didn’t exist. I see this as a collaboration of efforts, at the same time I should point out that a true collaboration would require that the two artists work together at the same time or at least with permission of the other artist. Who knows perhaps Leonardo & Michelangelo would have provided permission if they were alive? Then again perhaps not?
Let me know what you think! Feel free to comment on this or any of my blogs! Oh, and tell your friends about them as well!
Peace,
Bill
Hello:
It is amazing how creative the modeling world can be. I have been very fortunate in finding great models. I like to work with my models and use ideas that they come up with. Finding a creative meeting point really does make for better photographs when all is said and done. I am in the process of searching for models for a series of photo shoots similar to the work of Boris Vallejo – http://vallejo.ural.net/1997/. I am looking for a broad range of models male and female athletic to curvy, young (Must be over 18) to old, I would love to find some great models in their late 80’s or older. I want to create the images I have in mind but, I also want to create images that are of specific interest of the models.
Jeremy hoody © Bill Young - Figurative Photo
So people ask where do I find models?
1. Via my website – I have a page on my website dedicated to finding models. I have found a few of them from that site. They visit, read what I am looking for and if they feel they are good for a project they contact me.
2. Other websites – I have a presence on other websites that are dedicated to helping models and photographers get together and build collaborations.
3. Referrals – Many of my models recommend to their friends that they should model for me. They say, I am fun, professional, and easy to work with. This really makes a difference and helps people want to model for me. Some of my friends recommend people to me and some times other photographers will make a recommendation.
4. Finding people on the streets – The main source for models would be my friends and strangers that I find in public settings. I have found them at parks, restaurants, museums, and just out shopping. This is probably the best source I have had!
Batwoman © Bill Young - Figurative Photo
What do I look for in models?
1. I want models that show up on time and are ready to work. If for some reason they can’t make it they need to call and give me as much notice as possible.
2. I want models that are creative and open to the photographic process. The models need to know what is expected of them and then be willing to provide that. If I am looking to do a sports shoot I don’t want my model to show up and state they can’t do the sport due to a bad back or not knowing anything about the sport. If they are there to do a fine art nude shoot they need to be ready to get naked in front of the camera. If a model has a problem with a shoot they need to tell me in advance. Some times models change their mind when they arrive. As long as I know in advance that they haven’t done the type of modeling I am asking of them in advance I am usually comfortable with that change. Some times models say they have experience they don’t have and then I have different expectations of them than they are ready to bring to the set. This is not a good situation! Just make sure you know what you are getting into and be ready to bring yourself to the shoot ready to model for that shoot!
3. I am comfortable with models bringing an escort to a photo shoot but, I do like to know in advance that they are going to arrive. Generally speaking the escort shouldn’t be anyone the model is romantically involved with.
4. I really like it when the models work with me on a shoot. If you have ideas for a shoot let me know and let’s work to create the images I want as well as the images you want! If I am setting up a sports shoot and you want a fashion shoot let me know and let’s set up one of those shoots!
5. I like it when things are clear about compensation! Most of my models do a trade for pic and/or CD photo shoot and that is the extent of the compensation. If you expect money for the shoot I need to know before we meet for the actual photo shoot. I seldom pay my models but, there have been a few exceptions for specific photo shoots.
6. I always expect my models to sign a model release and to bring a photo ID and/or parents if you are under the age of 18. I expect to be able to photograph the model with their ID and take a separate photo of the ID proving that they are the one signing the release and of legal age to sign. If you don’t want to sign the release I am not interested in doing the photo shoot!
What is tfp/tfcd?
Trade for pic (tfp) is where the model gets prints in exchange for modeling. Usually I provide one print for each hour of modeling. tfcd is Trade for CD of the images. In this case I give the model a CD of all the images without any touch up on them. Some times I will include one or two that have been touched up. The CD images are for use in promoting the model. They can put them on their website or send them in e-mail but, they are not to be printed. I reserve rights to all images that I take at all times. Some times depending on the situation we may have shared rights to images. This is usually when the model is paying for the photo shoot.
If you are a model how can you set up a photo shoot with me?
Send me an e-mail and let’s set something up. If you fit in one of the projects I am doing or if I like the projecdt you want I will usually do a tfp/tfcd photo shoot with you. Or if you want something that doesn’t interest me but, you are willing to model for the projects I am doing then we may be able to do a tfp/tfcd photo shoot. If we are just doing a photo shoot for you and your interest then I would charge for the photo shoot. The price for a photo shoot depends on a number of variables but we can usually set something up that you will be happy with and meets most budgets.
If you have questions contact me at figurativephoto@aol.com and let’s talk about them!
Peace,
Bill Young
Hello:
On the 23rd of August we had the Scott Kelby World Wide Photo Walk here in Colorado Springs. We had about 30 photographers show up to shoot and we all had a great time. It was amazing to see some of the things people found in Colorado Springs that we pass by every day but seldom notice. One photographer captured a wild raccoon up in a tree right down town. We saw a fox, birds, a labyrinth, lots of flowers, sculptures, and interesting architecture. The one thing that stole the day was a wonderful sky with clouds, sunrays, and finishing off with a great sunset.
After the walk, I received a number of comments on how inspiring it was to go out and do some photography with a group like this. Many of them wanted to get to know the other participants better, and others made new friends. I have to say that I was surprised at the outcome of this photo walk. Some of what happened I expected other things were a surprise!
We had photographers from as far north as Cheyenne Wyoming, We had members of a number of photo clubs from around town, and we had pros to people that recently just picked up a camera. We had some great images as a result of the photo walk.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/scott-kelbys-worldwide-photowalk-colorado_springs/
Part of what really captured my attention was the quality of the images some of the brand new photographers produced. It reminds me that as photographers we often place ourselves in a box and we don’t look at things from a new angle or perspective. The creativity of the group was really top notch!
The following images are examples of the work from the photo walk. Please note that the images are the property and right of the photographers that took them. If you want to purchase or get more information about the images please contact the photographer directly. You can find them through the link provided above!
The Curios One
My Hand
She Can Leap Tall Buildings
Old GMC
As you can see the images are Amazing and there are many more! I would highly recommend a loose walk of this nature to photographers either pro or amateur in the future! It was great fun and inspirational!
Thanks,
Bill
Hello:
I tend to be a geek when it comes to gear for my photography. I can’t always afford all the bells and whistles I want but, I try to keep on top of it all any way. So I thought I would share a bit of what I have found.
1. We have been hearing a lot about think screens that can be put in our pockets, folded, and stored in a number of different ways. I think the big goal has been to have a screen in mid air. Well, technology is on the way to making that happen.
2. Wouldn’t it be great to walk around with hundreds, thousands, or more of your photos so that you can show people what you do? I get asked all the time “What kind of work do you do?” or “Where can I see your work?” Well, now we have a couple of options that seem to work very well.
a. Iphone by Apple – With the Iphone you can have your photos with you at all times, you can e-mail them at request, you can show a link to your website, or show a client the photos you took just for them. Other features include GPS so you can show where you took the photos, or where you happen to be at the moment. The Iphone has given the photographer a number of new tools! The IPhone even has its own site dedicated to the photos taken with your IPhone on Flicker.
IPhone
b. The Apple ITouch – Itouch is similar to the IPhone except the ITouch cannot make phone calls.
3. It wasn’t long ago that my studio lighting kit took up a lot of space, had cords all over the place, and weighed about 30 pounds. It took up the entire back seat of my car. Move forward a bit and now my lighting kit fits in a fanny pack that fits under the drivers seat. If I include lighting stands it is a bit larger but, still very manageable. I am using the Nikon lighting system that includes on camera flash, three SB800’s a Chimera light bank, and three light stands with Photoflex brackets that allow me to use umbrellas with the lights. This kit is wireless so no wires to worry about, It is compact, and light weight. I love the new set up!
I could probably fill pages and pages with information with all the new stuff out for photography. The above three should be a good start! Let me know what you think and if you have any nifty gadgets that I should know about?
Peace,
Bill
The past week or so I have been thinking about fun and photography. As a professional photographer I have found that most photographers don’t really enjoy going out and taking photos any more. At one point in time they looked forward to picking up the camera and finding something to shoot. Then once they become pro – photographers they tend to want to put the camera down at the end of the day and not look at it again until the next work day or the next assignment. Some how I have found a way to love taking photos even though I am a pro – photographer. I enter photo competitions for fun (More on this later) and I like doing photo shows, I like just about any subject to photograph so it is still fun to pick up the camera and go out and create amazing images. I hope I can keep my enthusiasm for photography!
I have been entering photo competitions for about 20 years now and for the most part I still enjoy it. It started when a friend of mine invited me to a local Camera Club here in Colorado Springs. It is the oldest photographic club in the nation! It was great going in and having a judge talk about images and tell me where I could do better or what they love about my images. It was a great time and I really looked forward to the competitions. Then one day politics entered the club. People were fighting over what image should win, and they would complain about the judges and the job they did. We quickly went from having 40 to 50 members at every meeting to having 10 to 15 members. We couldn’t find judges so we ended up having the same handful of judges over and over. The competitions were no longer fun and I moved on.
Here we are 20 years later and I have been participating in competitions through another photo club. I have loved the competitions. We have different judges each month and have only had one or two repeats in the past 8 years. The competitions have just been fun and I have enjoyed them. People joined the competitions for the fun of it and we could draw 30 to 50 members entering the monthly competitions. Over the past 8 years we only had a few complaints and two or three people that would complain consistently We cannot please everyone all the time. Well, this last month everything changed.
One of the images in the competition was too large for the rules. Some how members decided that it was my obligation to monitor the images that were submitted? I have never had this obligation in the past but as club president they decided it was up to me. Either: no members noticed the image, members didn’t think it would be appropriate to bring it to my attention, members didn’t think about it before the competition or if they did they didn’t have enough investment in the club to bring it to my attention. The image was clearly too large and perhaps I should have noticed but, with dozens of other things going on that were part of making the club work I didn’t notice or pay attention. The final result is the image won the grand prize! After the competition a few members complained to me. I asked them to please let me know if they see a problem in the future BEFORE the image is judged and I will take it out. I said that since it has already been judged it stands! (I knew right away that no matter what decision I made at that point, that people were going to be upset and feel that it was unfair!) It was a very difficult position that I found my self in. Had the participant been notified before the judging, the image could have been taken out of the frame, and it would have been within the limits of the competition rules and could have been entered. But it was judged while too large. It was clear that no matter what was decided at that point the competition was not about having fun and getting feedback for some people it was about winning and the rules are rules and “it is all Bill’s fault because he didn’t do something about it!”
A second issue came up for some members. We have volunteer judges that usually have no affiliation with the club. This month I selected an expert on the images that were to be judged. She is one of the top in our community but, she made one mistake in her comments. She used the term “impressionist” when she meant to say “expressionist.” In the minds of some participants, all of a sudden she didn’t know anything about the topic and it became “Bill’s fault” as he selected the judge! All of the images that won fit the category and they were outstanding images and deserved the awards they got for the category. After the judging I was approached by two members that stated that one of our members “accosted” the judge at the end of the evening. Another member complained that one of our members was very inappropriate toward our judge! I found this to be truly disturbing! We have never had this problem in the past but it is already having ramifications in the art community. It is going to be more difficult to find judges in the future.
In the above situations I have found that some people are not looking for solutions to problems, they want to have things their way and if they don’t get it their way they would just assume not participate at all! So what ever happened to having fun in photography? What happened to learning from the process? How did it get to the point that victory was more important than having fun? I don’t know the answers to the above but, I can say that this last competition was the first I have had for years that was not fun for me. It was clearly not fun for a handful of others, and it has made a number of people bitter altogether.
My hope is that we can pull back together and have FUN with our competitions again. I hope we can make some decisions that will help catch issues of images that don’t qualify before the competition starts, I hope that when people are frustrated with a judge they can keep it to themselves and not strike out at our judges or speak poorly of them to others. I hope that people that take the competitions so seriously can find a club that better meets their competitive needs and be a part of our club in a way that makes them more comfortable. My hope is that our members and I can enjoy the competitions that come up over the next several years. I hope to have fun with photography!
Just my thoughts.
Bill
