Welcome to our monthly news page packed with all the weird and wonderful things happening in the world of photography. It's also your opportunity to get involved and make your opinions count.
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Jason has been shooting aerial photography since the early nineties, having fallen for the idea after a short trip in a microlight. Nowadays though he only shoots from helicopters and loves the freedom it gives him and the great patterns you can see from the sky.
"Specialising in aerial photography means overcoming a few technical issues"
Not surprisingly Jason finds his main challenge in the UK is the unpredictable weather. He also says, 'Specialising in aerial photography means overcoming a few technical issues, particularly if shooting at night which I have done a lot of over the past two years.'
He also stresses, 'Photography has changed so much over the last ten years, moving from film to
Jason Hawkes
a completely digital workflow. I'm also selling more and more stock images now, rather than shooting commissions.
Jason certainly has no shortage of work having produced over 25 aerial photographic books and won a few awards. In fact this summer he's shooting for a major BBC tie in book which will involve him flying all over the UK. He's also fitting in a three day shoot in Hong Kong, to provide him with plenty more inspiring locations!
Find out more at www.jasonhawkes.com
Events and exhibitions you won't want to miss
Joel Sternfeld
Attorney with laundry, corner Bank and West 41 street, NYC 1988
Museum Folkwang, Essen © Joel Sternfeld courtesy Pace/Mac Gill Gallery, New York
C-Print 138 x 111 cm
The big photography exhibition of the summer is now on at London's Tate Modern in the form of Street & Studio: An Urban History of Photography. See over 350 photos from some of the world's most important photographers including the likes of Henri Cartier-Bresson, Jacques Henri Lartigue, Norman Parkinson, Cecil Beaton and Diane Arbus. It's packed with diverse ideas for what makes a powerful portrait shot, be it a carefully styled studio setup or a candid street shot. Exhibition ends 31st August, tickets £10. Don't miss it!
Willi Ruge portrait of Arno Boettcher, 1927
After making a hugely successful debut in London, the Vanity Fair Portraits exhibition, photographs 1933-2008, has moved up to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. See the show from 14th June until 21st September. While over at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, you can catch FOTO, Modernity in Central Europe, 1918-1945. Described as a must for everyone interested in photography and the history of modernism, there's over a 100 photos to see. Exhibition on from 7th June until 31st August.
Giant Liverpool by Barry Feinstein
Real Moments is a fascinating selection of photographs of music icon Bob Dylan, currently on show at Birmingham's Snap Galleries. The photographs were taken by American photographer Barry Feinstein during the British leg of his 1966 world tour. It's a well thought out choice of mainly moody monochrome images, designed to capture the character of the man behind the legendary music. You'll also find a book of the same name accompanying the exhibition, which runs until 28th June.
Andras Meszaros Friends
Kew Gardens has long been a favourite spot for photographers to capture the delights of nature throughout the year. Now there's another great reason to go. As part of the Kew Summer Festival, they have launched an exhibition of the Garden Photographer of the Year Competition. Across all the categories there's a selection of truly outstanding images which will really inspire and entertain you. And if you are inspired, you can find all the details for entering next year's competition. The exhibition will certainly show you the high standard you'll be up against! Exhibition runs until September.
Here are a few of our favourite things!
The trustworthy Idiot's Guide series has just launched a new photography book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Photography Essentials by Mark Jenkinson. As with all their books there's loads of great ideas in small easy to digest chunks. Read it from start to finish, or just dip in out testing their top tips as you go. This great guide is available now for just £9.99 at Amazon.
If you struggle to get flash to look flattering in your portraiture photos then you might want to consider getting to grips with wireless flash. Photographer Uzair Kharawala's DVD entitled Wireless Flash will soon show your how to get a natural and realistic look. There's also plenty advice on capturing more creative lighting styles, examples include everything from indoor and outdoor portraits, to sports and still life shots. Learn just how quick, easy and effective this technique can be for just £20 plus P&P from SF Digital Photography.
Photographic Portait Prize 2007 winner, Joseline Ingabire with her daughter Leah Batamuliza, Rwanda.
By Jonathan Torgovnik
If you fancy pushing your photography skills and having the chance to win some serious dosh, take a look at two major photography competitions you can enter. The Landscape Photographer of the Year 2008 is open until 12th July with £10,000 up for grabs for one lucky winner. Whilst the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2008 is offering its winner £12,000, online registration closes 20th July.
There are two major photography shows worth a mention this month. First up the Photovision Roadshow arrives in Manchester, at the Manchester United Stadium on 17th June. Then later in the month in London there's Digital Photo & Imaging on 26th & 27th June at the Business Design Centre, Islington. Both promise some great exhibitors and a selection of seminars designed to help advance your photographic skills.
Issue 1: Featured photographer – Annabel Williams
Issue 2: Featured photographer – Clive Nichols
Issue 3: Featured photographer – Karen Parker
Issue 4: Featured photographer – Helena Smith
Issue 5: Featured photographer – Brett Harkness
Issue 6: Featured photographer – Jason de Caires Taylor
Issue 7: Featured photographer – Sarah Wright
Issue 8: Featured photographer – Neil Bygrave
Issue 9: Featured photographer – Adam Lawrence
Issue 10: Featured photographer – Barry Wakelin
Issue 11: Featured photographer – Brian Harte
Issue 12: Featured photographer – Michael Molloy
1. Frame it
Give your subject a natural frame such as shooting through a doorway or window that can act as a strong border to your photo.
2. Dappled sunlight
On a bright sunny day try photographing someone under the dappled light of a shady tree to give an interesting effect.
3. Dramatic backdrops
The right location can make all the difference to the feel of a portrait shot and even alter the mood entirely.
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