Welcome to our first ever issue of Fresh out of the box - FOTB for short! A new monthly news page packed with all the weird and wonderful things happening in the world of photography. Helping you stay on the photographic pulse.
It's also a great opportunity for you to get involved and share your own photography news and views. Make your opinion count - email us with your ideas and tell us your first impressions of FOTB!
Annabel Williams, a fantastic photographer and teacher, is a firm believer that it’s all too easy to get bogged down by the technical aspects of photography. She’s famously quoted as saying,
"Photographing people is 90% psychology and 10% technique."
What really interests Annabel is inspiring people and encouraging them to fulfil their photographic potential. Her website has great stories of how
she’s helped others change career to become the highly successful photographers they’ve always dreamed of being. So whether you’re a complete beginner or a pro, there are a variety of interesting courses to choose from. Intrigued to know more?
Check out her website www.annabelwilliams.com
Events and exhibitions you won’t want to miss
The Dawn of Colour: Celebrating the Centenary of the Autochrome is now on at the National Media Museum in Bradford, until 23rd September. The exhibition explains how the Lumiere brothers’ invention of the first practical process for colour photography, Autochrome, worked.
It also showcases the pioneer photographers who used it a hundred years ago, making this a wonderful reflection of a bygone era. Admission is free.
Tate Britain launches a fantastic new photography exhibition, ‘How We Are’, on the 22nd May, celebrating a 150 years of British photography. The exhibition features over 500 images from 100 different photographers, including the likes of Julia Margaret Cameron, Bill Brandt and David Bailey. Images cover people and places from around the country, making this a fascinating showcase of how UK life has changed over the last century and a half. Tickets £7.50, exhibition ends 2nd September.
Read our review
Here are a few of our favourite things!
The Quik Pod is one of those brilliant just-gotta-get-it -gadgets. A simple but inspired invention that lets you to take your own picture with ease. No more stalking strangers to find someone you trust to take your picture without doing a runner with your beloved camera. The Quik Pod is incredibly light and packs down to next to nothing. You’ll soon wonder how you ever managed without one! Buy one for £19.95 on the gadget loving website I want one of those.com
Image Makers, Image Takers describes itself as, ‘The Essential Guide to Photography for Those in the Know.’ Author, Anne-Celine Jaeger, showcases the work of leading contemporary photographers including Rankin, David Sim and Martin Parr. Engaging interviews, alongside exciting imagery, provide bags of inspiration for aspiring photographers and professionals alike. Priced £17.95, published by Thames & Hudson
Top notch photographer Tom Ang shows how easy it is to get the hang of almost any area of photography. In his latest book, How To Photograph Absolutely Everything, he offers easy to follow instructions for getting great pictures every time. There’s sound advice on subjects as diverse as photography for online auctions, judging exposure and interesting action shots. Priced £25, published by Dorling Kindersley
For all those fabulous photos we’ve printed for you that have yet to make it into an album, here’s a simple yet stylish storage solution. Paperchase has a great range of boxes in all shapes and sizes, in a choice of colourful designs. This bright stripe storage box will set you back just £6.00.
1. Get inspired
Flick through professional photographs and go along to photography exhibitions. You’ll find they’re a great source of inspiration when it comes to taking your own images.
2. Personal photography manual
Use a PhotoBook or StyleBook as your own personal photography manual. Include details on how you took the shots, the settings you used, and any other handy hints. It’s a great way to learn.
3. Off centre
It’s tempting to just aim your camera directly at your subject and shoot. You can create a more dynamic feel though by placing your main subject slightly off centre.