The Portland Metro Photographic News
"Photography News, Commentary and Events"
5 Days Left To Register For Beginning DSLR Photography 101 - See Story Below
Color In The Balance by Steve Anchell
One of the Pacific Northwest's most sought after workshop instructors, Steve Anchell, contributes his technical thoughts and considerable expertise on the topic of accurate color balance in professional photography. If you're looking to gain an understanding of the best professional practices for achieving accurate color balance in a studio environment, don't miss this illustrated educational article.
PMPN's Beginning DSLR Photography 101 Class - February 14th
Time's running out to register for Tom "Hub" Hubbard's first Beginning DSLR Photography 101 of 2010. This PMPN class is designed for the first-time DSLR user. It's all about getting started on the right foot and building the foundation of photographic skills that are critical to a rewarding photographic experience.
This live, 4-hour, hands-on class is held in Vancouver, WA and is taught by PMPN's Editor, Tom Hubbard. Tom has been a photographer, educator and author for over 30 years. His time spent as the Director of photography departments at Caterpillar Inc. and Time Inc. has provided him with unique insights on photography and a keen awareness of the importance of first mastering the mechanics and technical aspects of the craft.
In this first of a series of Beginning DSLR classes, Tom takes the mysteries out of f/stops, shutter speeds, depth of field, camera anatomy/operation and exposure.
His free, educational Internet blogs - Hub's Camera and Hub's iDarkroom - have helped thousands of beginning DSLR photographers. Now you can learn from Tom in a live class that is designed to help you build your understanding of the art of photography.
Click HERE to download a brochure describing all of Hub's 2010 Beginning DSLR Photography classes.
Click HERE for all the details of the February 14th, Beginning DSLR Photography 101 session.
It's Valentine's Day. Bring your Valentine with you.
Lan Su Chinese Garden Offers New Membership Option For Photographers
Lan Su Chinese Garden has long been a favorite of the camera. With its carefully arranged succession of scenes, unfolding one after another and its harmonious melding of art, architecture and nature, photographers from all over the world have captured it ever-changing appearance.
At the request of many photographers wishing to use their photographs for commercial use and requesting special access to the Garden to capture the shifting light and changing seasons, Lan Su Chinese Garden is pleased to offer an annual Photography Membership.
(photo © Dan Kvitka Photography)
This new $150 membership, designed for professional and amateur photographers, is being “snapped” up as it offers:
- Yearlong admission to the Garden with photo shooting during all Garden hours
- Special early-entry to the Garden at 9am on the first Monday of each month
- Two after-hour admissions to capture twilight & darkness in the Garden
- Full rights to sell photos or use images for commercial endeavors
- Invitations to special Photography Member events, lectures and workshops
- One guest free each visit
- 10% discount in the Teahouse & Garden Shop
- Subscription to the Lan Su newsletter and e-news
Photo Opportunity Coming to Lan Su Chinese Garden in February
Chinese New Year
Year of the Tiger
February 14 - 28
An annual festival for families and children this celebration includes lion dances, puppet shows, martial arts and demonstrations sharing the rich culture and history of Chinese New Year. This two week celebration culminates with traditional lantern viewing on February 28th. Throughout the festival, all visitors receive a red envelope, symbolizing good luck for the coming year.
More information about the Photographer Membership Program can be found here.
239 NW Everett Street
Portland, OR 97209
Hours: 10 to 5 November-March & 10 to 6 April-October.
General admission: $8.50. Discounts for seniors, students and families
(503) 228-8131
Those Pesky Photographic Proportions
Digital imaging has made it easy for photographers to scale pictures to virtually any dimensions. But, as in the traditional darkroom, proportions rule. Forcing an image to fit a final print size that is not proportional to the original image size will result in a distorted image. PMPN offers this brief primer on proportions to take some of the mystery out of the topic for new photographers.
Portland's onOne Software Sets The Standard For Photoshop Plug-Ins
PMPN continues its series on local manufacturers of photo-related products with the story of onOne Software. The company's family of innovative plug-ins for Photoshop, Lightroom and Aperture are the world's benchmark for add-ons. onOne's plug-ins provide powerful solutions to photographic imaging problems and creative tools to help photographers achieve their visions.
Apple Computer Does It Again -- Introducing The New iPad
Steve Jobs took center stage on Wednesday to introduce Apple Computer's latest innovation. Much, much more than a e-book reader, the iPad is closer to an iPhone + iTouch + iPod on steroids. It's a 0.5 inch thin, 1.5 pound computer with a 9.7 inch LED-backlit display that's packed with advanced technologies and an unexpectedly low starting price of $499.
With a ten hour battery life, Wi-Fi and 3G compatibility for fast Internet and email access and a full slate of personal productivity software, this high-tech Apple brain child has all the earmarks of a personal computing star.
Looks like Amazon's Kindle is in for some stiff competition -- probably not very good news for Epson's $799.99, P-7000 4 inch Multimedia Photo Viewer either.
Click HERE to view Apple's video introduction to the iPad. Caution: Be prepared to drool.
Photograph: © Apple Computer
O. Winston Link's "The Last Steam Railroad In America" Exhibit in Portland
The photographic treasures of America's master steam railroad photographer, Ogle Winston Link (1914 - 2001), are featured at the Charles A. Hartman Fine Art Gallery in February. O. Winston Link documented the life, times and death of the steam railroad in the United States. His work will be on exhibit from February 3rd to March 13th to the delight of railroad fans throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Sign Up Now For The Professional Photographers of Oregon's 2010 Convention
February is just around the corner, and so is the 2010 edition of the Professional Photographers of Oregon's annual convention. Attend this year's "Road to Success" convention and meet fellow professionals, attend the trade show and broaden your horizons through workshops, speakers and photo shooting opportunities. It's all coming on February 8th, 9th and 10th in Gresham, Oregon.
4C's Lightroom 2 Workshop with John Shaw Is Open To The Public
This year's Columbia Council of Camera Clubs' Spring Workshop is open to the public. Noted photographer, John Shaw, will be conducting an intensive, one-day workshop (April 3rd) on the workings of Adobe's Lightroom 2. Here's a chance to learn and work with a Nikon "Legend Behind the Lens" while enhancing your skills in one of today's most popular digital imaging programs.
The Oregonian's 2010 Travel Photo Contest
Portland's Oregonian newspaper has published the rules and entry form for the 2010 Travel Photo Contest. The contest is open to all amateur photographers. This year's submission deadline is February 26, 2010.
Winner of Prestigious U.K. Wildlife Photographer of the Year Disqualified
You don't see this very often. The winner of one of the world's most respected photo competitions, the Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year in England, has been stripped of his award. After review of his award winning image, Joe Luis Rodriguez's photograph, The Storybook Wolf, was deemed to have been staged and in violation of the organization's rules.
Showcasing Donnelly-Austin Photography - A Family Affair
Terry Donnelly and Mary Liz Austin provide the experience and tender loving care that has make their travel and stock image photography business a Pacific Northwest jewel. Located on Vashon Island, this couple has forged a model business that is enduring the battlefield of a struggling economy and strengthening the bonds of their personal lives. PMPN is pleased to feature Terry Donnelly and Mary Liz Austin as our Showcase Photographers.
Three Outstanding Gallery Events Come To Portland In February
The Photo Of The Year 2009 Awards Gala Is Almost Here - January 23rd
2008 Photo of the Year by Zoltan Balagh
Don't miss this year gala awards event for the 2009 Photo of the Year selection. It all takes place on January 23, 2001 at the Oregon Historical Society. Canon and Pro Photo Supply sponsor the event that annually recognizes outstanding photography in the Pacific Northwest. It's an evening dedicated to the art of photography and those that follow their creative passion.
Does Your Camera Need Glasses?
One of the most often overlooked controls on a DSLR is the Diopter Control Dial. Tom Hubbard gives a brief tutorial on how to use this control to ensure that the focusing calibration of your viewfinder is set to the characteristics of your eyes.
SmugMug Is PMPN's Top Photo Hosting/Sharing Service Pick
There's no shortage of Internet hosting services for sharing or selling your images. PMPN has looked at many of the current providers by signing up for their services and going through the process of setting up the initial site. Although many of the services were found to be acceptable, the clear winner in our evaluation was SmugMug. Read more...
Portland's 5 Musketeers of Photography Are A PhotoForce
Finding new approaches to the business of photography is the challenge presented by today's economic environment. Five of Portland's top professional photographers have joined their talents to create a different business template and a new company, PhotoForce.
Saturday Night Live Opening Sequence Shot Using Canon DSLR Video
Citing exceptional quality, low-light capabilities and extreme portability, the crew of NBC's Saturday Night Live used Canon's EOS 5D Mark II and EOS 7D digital SLR cameras to record the opening title sequence for the new season. SNL's director and crew sought to capture "living" portraits of New York and the unique cast of Saturday Night Live.
And the winner is.... Kristin Palmer Turner
The votes are in and Kristin Palmer Turner of Portland is the winner of PMPN's December Photo Contest (Family). Congratulations to Kristin for capturing the warmth and spirit of Family during this holiday season.
Read more in the Members' Lounge
PHOTOGRAPHERS: Let Your Photography Support Youth and the Good Work of Focus On Youth
2010 marks the first year of the Annual Art Auction to benefit Portland's Focus On Youth organization. Focus On Youth brings hope to our inner-city children through photographic education. Teaching life's lessons through the craft of photography provides these students with many of the tools they will need to rise from their circumstances and enjoy successful adult lives. We, the photographic community, have the opportunity and responsibility to show our support for the youth of our inner city by providing photographic art to this critical fund raising auction. Your contribution of photography will certainly make a difference.
Mark Your Calendar: Two Special January Photography Happenings
"Setting the Table" Exhibition by Photo Force | Photographer Mark Hooper to Speak |
New Product Introductions for the Professional Photographer
Delkin Devices has introduced a new line of CompactFlash cards designed to meet the ever increasing need for speed in professional DSLRs. With transfer speeds up to 63MB per second, these 420X Pro, UDMA-enabled flash memory cards come with a hassel-free warranty and a San Diego-based customer support team. |
Canon is announcing a step forward in the digital integration of professional photography workflows with the introduction of three new Wireless File Transmitter units to accompany each of the Company’s three professional Digital SLR Camera models. |
Two Pacific Northwest Experts Offer Two Contemporary Photo Workshops
Lightroom 2 Workshops by Steve Anchell Steve Ancell presents two workshops on Adobe's Lightroom 2. One session each covering the Library and Develop modules of Adobe's photographic image editing program in Salem, Oregon. (February 20th and 27th.) | HDR Photography for Everyone by Mark Fitzgerald On January 31st, Mark Fitzgerald presents his popular workshop covering the often misunderstood topic of High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography. Now's your chance to learn all about HDR from the Pacific Northwest's resident Photoshop guru. |
Choosing The Right Photography Workshop by Reid Callanan
© Nate Mumford
Is 2010 the year you realize your dream of attending a photography workshop? If so, it could be the inspirational event that changes your photographic life. Selecting the workshop that best meets your photography goals is an important decision. Long-time PMPN friend and Director of the Santa Fe Photographic Workshops, Reid Callanan, offers some practical advice on making that important choice.
PMPN Member, Roy Frankland, Publishes His First Photo Essay Book
PMPN Member and November winner of PMPN's Photo Contest, Roy Frankland, has just published his first book of photojournalistic imagery. This 200 page photo documentary brings to life the Asian culture that has become Roy's second home. "A Different Way Of Life" is a photo essay that bravely explores all sides of a culture that's steeped in tradition and struggling to find its 21st century identity.
On Hiring A Professional Photographer
A Commentary by Editor Tom Hubbard
Hiring a photographer for a business project of family event can be a daunting task for the customer who only occasionally seeks the services of a professional. PMPN's Editor takes a look at the term "professional photographer" and provides some basic guidelines for finding the best photographer for your project.
120 Years Of National Geographic Magazine In Your Library
National Geographic Magazine has long been recognized as the jewel of American magazine journalism. For 120 years, the writers and photographers of National Geographic have brought the wonders of nature and the diversity of human cultures to our mailboxes. The photographers and photography of National Geographic has become the worldwide benchmark for photojournalists.
It's now possible for families own the complete National Geographic Magazine collection in a searchable digital format -- at an extremely affordable price. All the photographs, content, history, geography, cultural articles and maps that made this magazine a valuable family and educational resource are preserved in DVD-ROM and Hard Drive versions.
The Great Film Grain Challenge: Ten Years of "Digital Noise" Improvements
by Tom Hubbard, Editor, PMPN
The first ten years of 21st century DSLR sensor technology is coming to a close. Each succeeding generation has cost millions in corporate R&D dollars. But, has image quality improved in terms of grain/digital noise? Have today's DSLR image sensors finally attained the "holy grail" of meeting or exceeding the grain characteristics of traditional 35mm film? Will entrenched film-based photographers find the latest DSLR sensor and ISO advancements "to promising to be ignored." PMPN reviews and illustrates the status of the Great Film Grain Challenge by comparing three generations of DSLR image sensors introduced between the years 2000 and 2009.
Astoria, Oregon's LightBox Photographic Gallery Announces Call for Entries
LightBox Photographic Gallery is seeking submissions of traditional and digital photographic art for a show to be displayed from February 13 to March 10, 2010. The theme for this competition and exhibit is "In Dreams and In Love There Are No Impossibilities". Read more...
Taking Pictures of Christmas Outdoor Light Displays
We know that many PMPN readers and members will be taking their first pictures of the thousands of light displays that illuminate the Pacific Northwest holiday season. PMPN's Christmas present to these first-timers is a short tutorial to help make the experience enjoyable.
New Book Shelf Addition: Pet Photography 101 by Andrew Darlow
Looking to improve those pictures of your "best friend"? What equipment should you use? What lighting works best for animals with dark coats? How is red-eye eliminated? What are the best angles? How about Holiday pictures of your pet? Andrew Darlow's newest book, Pet Photography 101, is a guide that any pet lover will want to include on their bookshelf.
Luke Swenson is PMPN's First Solo Artist in the Student Gallery
PMPN is proud to showcase the photography of Mountain View High School student Luke Swenson. Luke is PMPN's first solo student exhibitor in our on-line Student Gallery. With a clear vision for his photography and a plan to attend Pratt Institute after graduation, Luke is on the path to becoming an outstanding photographer.
Learn more about Luke and visit his on-line exhibit....
Marylynne Diggs Wins PMPN's Winter Masthead Photo Contest
Today's the day we change the photo in our Masthead for the winter season. The picture chosen to represent the Pacific Norhtwest winter season was submitted by Portland's own Marylynne Diggs. Congratulations, Marylynne, you're image will be featured on every page of PMPN throughout the winter. You are also the winner of a Lensbaby Composer lens.
Read more about our winner, and the details for our Spring Masthead Photo Contest that begins today.
Digital Raw Capture Explained for the Beginning DSLR User
One of the best (and briefest) explanations for RAW Capture in a DSLR that PMPN has found is contained in a short "white paper" from Adobe. Bruce Fraser's 4-page briefing is a simple down-to-earth, well illustrated explanation of RAW Capture as well as the difference between RAW and JPEG. If you have been torn between RAW and JPEG but don't have an engineering degree, download this PDF file, Understanding Digital Raw Capture.
You'll be glad you did.
To Retouch or Not To Retouch? That Is The Question.
The World Press Photo has added a new rule for its 2010 International Photo Contest that seeks to limit image manipulation and preserve the credibility of photojournalists and the images that appear in the media.
It's a bold declaration that "truth" in documentary and photojournalistic photography is paramount to the sustainability of the profession.
Read more from PMPN's Editor ...
Three "Sure To Please" Holiday Stocking Stuffer Picks From PMPN
"What The Duck" the Book
You've seen the Duck in action everyday on PMPN. Now you can own the Duck's words of wisdom for your very own! Enjoy the humor of Aaron Johnson. $8.50 at Powell's
| "The Secret Life of Cows"
Glen Wexlar's masterpiece of humor, photography and digital imaging. This book is a riot and a masterpiece. You'll need to buy two copies. The first copy always seems to disappear after friends visit. $10.00 at Powell's | William Neill's Remarkable Photography E-Books
William Neill's stunning photography is captured in three "must collect" e-books. Each e-book displays the art and craft of one of photography's most noted landscape photographers. The collection includes: Landscapes of the Spirit, Impressions of Light and Meditations in Monochrome. Each PDF-based e-book cost $15 and is available on his website. |
Looking For A Photographic Mentor?
Mentoring is as old as the arts. Nearly every successful photographer has had a mentor during the early stages of his/her career. The trick is finding qualified mentors who are willing to take on the challenges and responsibilities of a teacher while meeting the day-to-day demands and workloads of their own businesses. The Santa Fe Photographic Workshops has devised an solution that provides a personal mentor relationship without the necessity of "pulling up stakes" and moving across the country.
Mother Nature's Pacific Northwest Holiday Display Is Ready For Shooting
Mother Nature has been working overtime on this year's holiday display. The recent cold snap was the final ingredient for creating this year's Pacific Northwest photographic fantasy land.
It's a magical time for photography. It's a PMPN Special Happening that can only be found in Oregon and Washington.
Multnomah Falls, December 9, 2009, ©Hub
How Long Will My Back Up CDs and DVDs Last?
What is the life expectancy of CD's and DVD's used to store our digital files? What can be done to extend the useful life of a CD or DVD? Did you know that new, unrecorded CDs and DVDs have a shelf life? What is the most significant threat to the image files that are stored on CDs and DVDs?
PMPN has done a lengthy investigation on these and other questions that impact how we view CD and DVD storage of our priceless image files. You may be surprised at some of our findings.
Roy Frankland Wins PMPN's November Photo Contest
Roy Frankland of Shanghai, China has won PMPN's November Members' Photo Contest. This marks PMPN's first winner from outside the United States. Originally from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne in England, Roy now works, lives and photographs in China. Learn more about Roy's award winning image as well as the photographs of November's runners up in PMPN's member lounge.
Unversity of Portland's Fall Student Exhibition Now Showing In Our Student Gallery
The Portland Metro Photographic News is proud to display the works of the photography students of the University of Portland. Our virtual Student Gallery features the award winning images from UP's Fall 2009 Juried Student Photography Exhibition.
The show is hung. The doors are open. So come on in. Browse PMPN's Student Gallery, and become engrossed in the art work of these aspiring student photographers. No need to rush through the exhibit. We're open 24/7/365.
(Photo at right: Best of Show winner, "Mochiko", by Christina Shelton (a cyanotype)
A Novel Framing Concept Becomes Big Business For Portland's PLYWERK
From a workshop experiment in his Portland home, Kjell van Zoen and his wife, professional photographer Kim Nguyen, have built a company that offers a unique and stylish framing solution for photographers. The story of this company, PLYWERK, is another in our series on photo-oriented manufacturers who are based in our area and who are contributing to the Pacific Northwest's economic health.
Showcase Photographer: Bill Schwab Shares His Art With Portland
Beginning today, the Camerawork Gallery features the work of acclaimed Michigan photographer Bill Schwab. PMPN showcases the career and work of Bill in this special preview of his exhibit.
A New "Book Shelf" Addition and the Oregon Jewish Museum Premier Exhibit
Susan Frost's "Portland, Oregon" book has been added to PMPN's "Book Shelf". This Photographic Portrait of the Portland area successfully captures the spirit, the flavor, the texture and the people of our Rose City. It's a perfect stocking stuffer. (Of course, you'll need a pretty large stocking.) |
The Oregon Jewish Museum is celebrating its new home with "The Shape of Time" exhibit. This premier exhibit features the works of Bobby Abrahamson, Jeff Amram, William Galen, Carol Isaak and Stu Levy, David Lanthan Reamer, and Sika Stanton. The show runs from December 20, 2009 through April 30, 2010. |
The Grass Is Always Greener .... DSLR Video Photography
Our Editor takes a cautionary look at the the latest DSLR video photography advancements, the band wagon it has produced and the potential down side that could accompany a still photographer's knee jerk reaction to setting up shop as a videographer.
Blue Moon Camera and Charles A. Hartman Exhibits Among December's Best
Blue Moon Camera and Machine spotlights hundreds of its best customer images from the last seven years. To accommodate the shear volume of images five separate venues will feature portions of the exhibit.
| Jason Langer's Photographs Casually Confront the Viewer with Candid Moments of Intimacy At The Charles A. Hartman Gallery. Read more... |
Meet Photographer and Entrepreneur Craig Strong -- Lensbaby's Daddy
One of Portland's strongest advocates is also the founder of one of photography's most respected companies, Lensbaby. From an idea for constructing a photographic optic with the ability to create unusual visual effects and a workbench strewn with old camera parts, Craig Strong fabricated the first Lensbaby. Since then Craig and his Portland team of optical innovators have forged a company that provides professional and amateur photographers with high quality optical devices that open new avenues to the imaginations of photographers worldwide.
Read more about Portland native Craig Strong and his brainchild, the Lensbaby.
Spotlight: The New "In Thing" Is An Old Thing - Toy Camera Photography
PMPN Editor, Tom Hubbard, looks at toy camera photography and its recent resurgence within the fine art photography community. It could be your next $60 camera purchase. |  Our Showcase Photographer is Tom Kirkendall of Edmonds, WA. Tom's unique toy camera photography and his current "Two Views" Project are excellent examples of what these "less than perfect" cameras can artistically achieve. |
Thinking About 3rd Party Inks for Your Ink Jet Printer?
Are 3rd party inks a viable solution for reducing the expense of original manufacturers' inks for photographers? What technical details should be considered when evaluating 3rd party inks. Our Editor takes a look at 3rd party inks and the factors that play into this important photographic decision.
Win a Lensbaby Composer Lens Details in the Members' Lounge | Are we entering the Third Golden Age of Photography? PMPN member and photography advocate Robert Brummitt shares his thoughts in this week's | Product Review An elegant print packaging solution for Exhibiting Photographers. Instead of spending hours preparing your mounted or framed prints for shipping, spend minutes. |
"Ban the Bed Sheets - Size Matters", A Guest Commentary by David Kachel
David Kachel is not only a member of PMPN but also a gifted fine art photographer and writer. In both roles, David has strong opinions about fine art photography and its place within the art community. In this Guest Commentary, he shares his thoughts on the sizing of photographic prints for display and sale. Whether you agree or disagree with David's argument, his article makes a valid point which is food-for-thought and friendly debate. Read David's thoughts and participate in the conversation.
Converting Your Family's Collection of Negatives & Slides to Digital Files?
Have you been putting it off?
Converting the hundreds, often thousands, of negatives and slides that make up your family's film-based visual history to digital files can be a daunting task. There are few items more valuable to a family than the pictures that document its most memorable events.
PMPN has researched the current options for taking up this 21st century challenge to provide some background and tips for making the job more manageable.
Is ISO 102,400 Really Necessary?
Is the introduction of Nikon's D3s and Canon's EOS-1D Mark IV with high ISO settings of 102,400 just another marketing ploy to sell more cameras? Or, should we celebrate this technical achievement? Our Editor has a few thoughts to share.
Enticing Photography's Elite to Our Community
Over the past year, our photographic community has experienced an influx of exceptional seminars by today's visionaries of photography. Camera shops and private organizations work with imaging manufacturers to guarantee that a steady stream of photographic expertise flows into our area in the form of special seminars, lectures and workshops. As devotees of photography, we all play a vital role in ensuring that these much-sought-after events find a permanent home in our slice of the Pacific Northwest.
It Had To Happen - Fine Art Cell Phone Photography
With an ever growing interest among photographers and software developers hard at work creating photographic applications for cell phones, it was inevitable that Cell Phone Photography would find an artistic home among serious photographers. PMPN's commentary focuses on this growing phenomenon and the advancements being made.
Cell Phone Photograph by Robert Brummitt
From the Editor: The 21st Century Family Photo Album
The days of sitting around the kitchen table with our relatives, turning the tattered pages of the treasured family photo album and sharing the memories and emotions that these most precious photos evoke may be drawing to a close. With the advent of digital cameras and computer photo imaging, the tradition of the family photo album is evolving. Our Editor takes a look at the changes that digital photography is bringing to the ways we document the visual history of our families. Read more...
Supporting Local Camera Shops Is A Win-Win Proposition
The Internet bombards us with "great camera deals". But just how great are those deals? What's sacrificed when we make our photographic purchases online from a dealer located thousands of miles from our community? What do we jeopardize and what risks are inherent in buying outside of Oregon and Washington? Our publisher has a few thoughts on the subject. Read more...
From the Editor: Customer Service?
How successful was your last experience with a camera, printer, computer or digital equipment company's Customer Service Hotline? PMPN's Editor has some thoughts and a "tip list" for manufacturers to turn their resource-demanding Customer Support departments into corporate assets. Read more...
Testing Ink Markers for Signing Photographic Prints - Guest Commentary
Part Two of our series on Signing Photographic Prints discusses an informal test performed by Guest Commentator Harald Johnson on several popular ink markers.
You may find the results surprising.
From the Editor: Signing Photographic Prints
At some point, exhibiting photographers face the moment when they put pen to paper and sign their first print. That moment is full of uncertainty because no generally accepted guidelines for signing photographic prints exist. PMPN has investigated current print signing practices to assemble suggested guidelines derived from the input of industry professionals. Read more...
R.I.P HDR From the Editor
Is HDR processing being corrupted to the point where it is losing its intended purpose and most significant contribution to digital photography?
Our Editor has some thoughts to share on the subject.
"I Bought the Camera. What Accessories Should I Buy?", PMPN's Suggestions
It's a logical question. All of your time was spent deciding which camera was right for you. Now you're looking to add those accessories that will complement your system and your photographic interests. Here is a list of "next purchases" from PMPN that is intended to help make your photography experience more enjoyable and result in higher quality images.
Ethics in Photojournalism - A Commentary
When a picture of a dying Marine taken by the Associated Press was published nationwide, it renewed a debate on media ethics that included the Marine's parents, the Secretary of Defense and the media at large. Where should the line be drawn? When do the rights of a family eclipse a citizenry's right to be informed? Read our commentary and voice your opinion. Add your comments to this "From the Editor" article and take our poll in the Members' Lounge.
Photography Is A Funny Business - From the Editor
Tom ends this week at PMPN on the lighter side. In his "From The Editor" column, Tom recalls some of the funnier and more memorable requests he has received from customers at his photo labs and camera shops. Enjoy your weekend, and don't forget your camera!
Experiencing "Photographer's Block"?
Ever draw a blank when you're thinking about what to shoot next? You're not alone. Everyone seems to have those periods where new ideas are hard to come by. PMPN's editor provides some suggestions for conquering these "slumps" and finding your next shooting project. Read more...
PMPN's Photography Tips for First-Time DSLR Camera Owners
Opening a DSLR camera box for the first time can be intimidating. Learning all the controls and rules of composition can be nerve-wracking. PMPN has composed a list of photo tips for beginners that will make the experience more enjoyable and those first pictures more rewarding. Read more...
Guest Commentary, In Search of Your Best Images by Charles Cramer
Master photographer, printer and educator, Charles Cramer, lends us his insights on discovering your best images. Charlie shares his thoughts on "best" images, the role the opinions of others play in the process and how he determines final images for printing.
From his workshop experiences with Ansel Adams to his breakthrough work in dye transfer printing and, now, to his precision fine art work in digital photography, Charlie brings his experience to PMPN readers as well as a rare opportunity to gain an "insider's" peek at how he measures his own creative work.
Call For Entries -- Photo Students and Photo Educators
Photo Teachers and Students of Photography!
Here's an opportunity to display your class and individual student work to the Oregon and southwest Washington photo community. Contact hub@pmpnonline.com for complete submission details. The school year is just starting and NOW is the time to plan and reserve your class or student space in the PMPN Student Gallery! More pairs of eyes will see your students' work in one day in PMPN's Student Gallery than will see your local school exhibits during the entire run of your exhibit. Make this year special for your students and share their work with our area's lovers of the photographic art.
And, of course, it's all free to you and your students!
How Do Photographers Convince Galleries To Exhibit Their Art?
For those photographers looking to exhibit their work, taking the first step is often filled with doubt and misinformation. This "From the Editor" article provides some helpful advice designed to take some of the mystery out of the process.
Blue Sky Gallery's own Christopher Rauschenberg (and noted exhibiting photographer) contributes his thoughts to help make a photographer's first gallery experience successful.
Want To Self-Publish A Catalog Of Your Images? Check This Out!
While researching the subject of "self-publishing for photographers", PMPN stumbled onto an excellent new service that's simple and economical to use -- MagCloud. This may be the answer to your book publishing needs. Read more...
All About Certificates of Authenticity
What "Archival Photographic Print" Really Means
"Archival Photographic Print". Now there's a term that gets bounced around more than a tennis ball at the U.S. Open. Digital printing technologies have certainly blurred the meaning of "archival". With opinions from several industry experts, our editor explores the use of "archival print" in today's photography arena. Is it all marketing hype?
Can We Get Over This Photoshop Thing?
Our editor takes a look at the Traditional vs. Digital photography debates to see what's really so different between the two eras of the craft that warrants all the media and Internet attention. Read more...
When Is A Photograph Fine Art? - Part 3, LinkedIn Survey Results
PMPN's series of articles on "When is a photograph fine art?" concludes with a summary of the survey presented to members of the various photo-oriented discussion groups residing on the largest professional social website on the Internet, LinkedIn. The survey ultimately yielded over 100 responses. Their thoughts on fine art and photography are thought provoking and add a multitude of experienced and qualified voices to the conversation. Read more...
Successful Photography Business: 20% Talent and 80% Marketing?
Lately, there has been much written about the 20%/80% marketing notion that a successful photography business is not about talent but, instead, is all about marketing strategies and hype. Read PMPN's Editor's comments ...
"What would Ansel Adams Have Thought Of Digital Photography?"
"From the Editor" takes a look at the numerous on-line debates that are attempting to determine just what Ansel Adams might have thought of today's digital imaging technologies. And how he might or might not have used these non-traditional photographic advancements in his art. But rather than add his own speculation, Editor Tom Hubbard asked the question of someone who can speak with a little more authority. Read Tom's interview with Matthew Adams, who is not only Ansel's grandson but also the President of The Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite.
Photograph courtesy of The Ansel Adams Gallery.
Getting Ready to Buy Your First DSLR? Here Are Some Guidlines & Advice.
Before you open pocketbook and part with those hard-earned dollars on your first DSLR, here's some advice and guidelines to help you make a choice that you and your billfold can live with. Editor, Tom Hubbard, provides some helpful hints and a checklist for making that critical purchase. Arming yourself with this information will take the uncertainty out of shopping for that first DSLR while making your trip to the camera shop more productive and enjoyable.
Just getting started in digital photography? Need some help?
Portland is rich in photographic educational opportunities. If you're looking for a hands-on, classroom setting, be sure to check out the Photo Education section of this site. From beginner to pro, there are classes throughout the area designed for your level of experience and interests.
If you're a "do-it-yourselfer", one of the nation's leading educational blog authors is located in the area and offers FREE educational instruction from this site. Check out the many Hub's Photo Blogs shown in the right-hand sidebar of this page.
The Great U.S.A. Pacific Northwest - A Photographer's Paradise
Planning a photographic excursion or family vacation to the great Northwest? Then Portland and the surrounding area are sure to delight. Regardless of your photographic interests, you'll find a wealth of shooting opportunities within a 50 mile radius of Portland's city center. Check out our Visitor's' Photo Guide for great photo ideas, tips and location recommendations.
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The success of this Portland-dedicated Internet project, and the vitality of the businesses who have chosen to support your interest in the photographic art by becoming sponsors, rely on your active support. Please take every opportunity to make your photo-related purchases from one of our many loyal sponsors. Providing our financial support for these retailers, who have been reliable local sources for all our photographic needs for decades, is more important than ever during these sluggish economic times.
On Photography ...
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For those just starting in the digital imaging darkroom
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