Blog Archives

tried a bit from everything ...

10/4/2015

Bogdan Tucu is a 29 year old photographer living from Bacău and loves to shoot mostly portraits, which is about 90% of his work. But he’s also open to other types of photography and subjects.

He’s commercially capturing weddings and other events. For a brief periode of time he shot for a friend in a studio. Bogdan: „So I can say I've tried a bit from everything, but I still got so much to learn!“

At the moment he has a crush on manual old prime lenses, which he considers are far superior compared to other entry level modern lenses. But in the near future he plans to buy a super wide or a fisheye lens so he can experiment with some long exposure landscape!

He loves street, macro and portraiture photography

9/4/2015

Photographer Zoran Zetovic-Zeta has been doing photography since 2008. Together with Taca Galic-Zetovic he is driving Art-Foto Studio Zeta in Zajecar, Serbia.

Zoran is a member and co-founder of photo club 202 in Zajecar.

He participated in many projects in Serbia and abroad, where he achieved remarkable success.

Zoran loves street, macro and portraiture photography. He’s always inspired by unusual people and likes taking photos of them.

He had two solo photography exhibitions on the topic of Macro and Digital Manipulation.

To take his great photos, Zoran uses the Canon 7D with CANON 17-40mm/4 L, CANON MACRO 100mm/2,8 and SIGMA 50mm/1,4 lenses.

He can see beauty everywhere ...

8/4/2015

Photographer Jordi Corbilla was born in Spain and has been living in London since 2011. He’s the eldest of three, one brother and one sister and always had a creative side, that he wanted to explore further. Jordi started photography around 2007 when he bought his first Pentax (K10D with a 18-55mm lens). As many other photographers, Jordi acquired his first DSLR just to take better pictures and to capture those decisive moments.

His greediness for learning helped to master his skills as a photographer as he’s completely self-taught. It didn't take long to realise, that Street photography was driving most of his pictures and Jordi wanted to expand that knowledge to build more interesting shots. Being a street photographer means, that you need to have the nerve and the courage to shoot scenes of strangers amongst strangers. To gain confidence, it's just a matter of practice.

Nowadays Jordi tries to shoot a wide variety of subjects from candid photography to portraits, fashion or landscapes. He can see beauty everywhere and it doesn't take him long to see something, that catches his attention. Jordi could mention many photographers, that have inspired him during all these years, but the one, who introduced him to Street Photography, was Eric Kim, which Jordi has been following since them. Everything started right there and since then he hasn't stopped taking pictures. Now Jordi is getting more into portraiture photography and fashion which he likes a lot as he can use all the

techniques, learnt during all these years shooting on the street: „It's all about the same, but you can actually get more creative and use whatever is there on the street to compose your shoots“.

Jordi likes experimenting a lot, with different settings, different lenses until his ‚idea’ comes out. One of

his projects is called 100 portraits of human emotion: „It's just about shooting portraits of people and getting to know them“. This project helps Jordi to connect with his subjects and also to make them feel comfortable in front of the camera: „Getting the human sentiment without a forced pose is one of the most difficult tasks and when you get it right, your photo becomes a priceless moment captured“

Many of Jordi’s projects involve urban moments. That's, why he likes shooting on the streets. He tend to travel a lot so he can get more compelling photos with different backgrounds. Over the summer he’s planning a new project, that involves a series of vintage portraits in different locations, mostly flower fields where his subject will display some feminine happiness.

A Nikon D7000 with 18-105mm f3.5, 50mm f1.8, 35mm f1.8, 85mm f1.8 and 70-300mm f4 is the equipment, Jordi is using: „It's an excellent machine and it never has stopped me from taking the shot that I wanted“. His favourite lense is the 85mm, which is great for portraits. Jordi does enjoy also, what comes next after the picture is taken. His main tools are Lightroom and Photoshop which he knows very well.

„Some of my qualities are, that I am quite patient and observant“ and Jordi believes these ones are key for being a good photographer.

he had an on and off relationship with photography

7/4/2015

Nick - Sigpho - from Toronto, Canada, started photography almost 25 years ago, something that he had an on and off relationship with, but now is one of his true passions. He was always drawn to portraits of women, landscapes and nature, finaly anything beautiful and thought provoking.

Women top the list of what Nick likes to photograph, because no two are the same, and even the same model on a different day can be a different creatures. He never know what to expect, especially with women in their 20s that are still exploring who they are. In general Nick just let them be themselves and tries only to fine tune a pose or wardrobe. He keeps his shoots simple, usually one on one. A models comfort and safety always comes first.

Nick’s personal comment on this issue is: „I always make my models feel they have full control of what’s going on. I find setting that tone gives them the freedom to open up and express themselves, something all of us, mostly women like to do either physically or emotionally or both. I love all types of portraits, the more provocative the better. Lighting, textures, the setting, clothing and the model herself are the ingredients that when composed properly all make for a good image. My attitude (approach) is we’re making art, or sometimes a statement which should make the viewer feel something, or the ultimate prize, allow them to ask questions of themselves or relate to something they themselves can’t express openly for whatever reason. What I find the most interesting is the reaction women have regarding picture of other women or themselves. Especially if there are sexual overtone or nudity. Some love it openly, some secretly, some downright hate it, all seem to be secretly curious about trying modeling at some level, sometimes at a level you didn’t know they were open to. The mystery that is woman is what keeps us looking, and that if nothing is what women do best, they keep us looking. Clothing and fashion is a big part of that so I try to keep is simple so the clothing isn’t the focal point of my images. On the other hand, the way it’s worn is another story and is where I usually try to make things interesting. That all being said I can’t think of a better subject than a woman wearing something cool. Anyway, do I get to

shoot what I want to shoot on any given day, hell no, not even close. As an amateur photographer, I don’t always have the resources I need to do what I’d like, or work with the right professional model, but that doesn’t stop me from trying to be creative with what I have. I describe most of my portraits as Urban Sexy. Always looking to keep the shots natural, provocative, as sexy as the model will let me shoot her, and always tasteful, even though I know that’s relative. Urban fashion is ever changing, dynamic and usually pushes the boundaries. It also has a way of capturing the times we live in and the social mood. At the heart of it are the models that wear the clothes. Each bringing their own unique signature to the style. I’m driven by how someone feels by what they wear, mostly how it makes them feel to express themselves. Capturing a mood reflective of how a model feel because of what she’s wearing can be artful and mostly a lot of fun.“

In regards to equipment and processing, Nick has a fair bit of equipment but he sticks to the basics when shooting people. One Nikon body, a 50mm, 85mm or a 70-200mm depending on how he feels. For the most part his 85mm is usually his go-to lens for portraits and once on, usually stays on for the entire shoot. One, maybe two light sources and he’s good to go. A reflector when necessary and as much ambient light as he can work with. Processing is where Nick has the most fun. His creative mood changes day to day and so he tries not to mass process his photos in one day or even in the same week. He like to spread out the development of each photo. Nick gets inspiration for other photographers and he likes to experiment and let the creative juices run their course once he starts processing. Nick learns how to use processing tools like Lightroom and Photoshop in a slow baby step way. This allowed to develop his skills progressively and not overnight. He always shoot RAW because that always give the maximum amount of dynamic range to work with during processing.

Finally Nick adds the following: „Oh, I love the challenge of shooting just about anywhere. That strangest places can sometimes be the best places to shoot.

My advice to everyone that asks me about photography is always the same. Don’t worry about equipment just shoot what grabs you. Don’t over think it when shooting people. There’s a good chance your initial instincts where right and overthinking it usually allow the moment to past. Organize and store your file safely and revisit them from time to time. You’ll be surprised at

what you’ll see that you didn’t the first twenty times you looked at them. Those moments can inspire a new though process when it comes to processing that photo. A look that might be totally different from everything in that series. It will also educated you for what you need to do better the next time around. It’s journey that keeps on giving. The more you learn and the more you realize your potential and the more you’ll love it. Take a break for time to time. As you grow so will your perspective hence your ability to see the world.

My advice to models in general when shooting artistic photographs is, even though you’re the subject it’s not about you the person. We’re trying to create something beyond what people usually see in you. The photos we create aren’t about the people we know, it’s about the people we don’t know; the bigger audience. Family, friend and colleagues will always have an impression of you because you, and sometimes they themselves will create that image of you because it suits them. Modeling is about stepping out of that persona and into one that truly makes you feel alive. Whether you play hard, play to win,

play to shock, play to inspire, play for the challenge, play for the money, play for the fun of it or all of the above, I don’t care as long as you play with an open mind. That’s when the fun happens and the magic of creating photographs become special. Physically there is nothing about you that anyone hasn’t seen. What they haven’t seen is your inner beauty that is reflected by what you express physically. That btw is what make you special and why I need to photography you.“

portrait work is, what drives him to be better

6/4/2015

Photographer Dalibor Tomic excels at many different types of photography. But his portrait work is, what drives him to be better constantly. Dalibor is also really good at shooting concerts and other events with his previous work for city hall.

He lives in Zajecar. It is small town in Serbia. Dalibor:

„Some people have mistaken Serbia with Siberia. But, ‘heavens’ no! Serbia is in the heart of Europe.“

Retouching became his obsession, when Dalibor realized, that other photographers were making better photos than him. Whatever he did in camera or by using some new technique, that he learned, Dalibor was frustrated, because other photographer’s images had deeper and richer color and better contrast and shadow detail.

Dalibor's favorite type of photography is to take an ordinary photo and make it extraordinary. He just likes to shoot people in every situation, but also nature and animals. He loves to introduce and enhance a three dimensional quality to his photos to make them more artistic and seductive for the viewer’s eyes.

Currently he’s using a Canon 5D Mark III with Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens. He also has a Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD lens, that he uses for portraits and a Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens. Dalibor is fan of natural and ambient light, but often uses a Canon 600EX-RT Speedlite. His latest addition is a Canon 85mm f/1.2L II.

Every picture is unique as it is a moment frozen in time

5/4/2015

Photographer Bob Suir likes to take pictures of everything, that catches his eye's:
„Every picture is unique as it is a moment frozen in time. On the street, events, festivals and definitely in nature, you will never get the same picture again.“

Bob started photography in South Africa, where he stayed for more than a year, working in a nature reserve. Back in the Netherlands, he bought himself a new lens and camera and wanted to try them. Bob was looking for a situation to make action shots and ended up at a public held fashion show. Ever since he is hooked on taking peoples pictures in the street.

His heart is still with the wild animals and every now and then he just has to go to Africa to spent time in the wilderness.

Bob did some model shoots and even weddings, but he finds it hard, to advice people how to stand, look or pose. He likes to take pictures of people, when they move naturally.

The equipment, Bob is using, is the Canon 50d, Canon 70-300mm IS USM, Canon 18-55 IS and Canon 18-200 IS.

Take a look at Bob’s amazing blog
street style city.

started off with taking cellphone pictures ...

3/4/2015

Photographer Darius Ollison always looked at things in a different way, but never thought he’d be doing what he’s doing now back in high school.

For Darius photography started off with taking cell phone pictures on his flip phone of sunsets. He was always disappointed with how his phone captured sunsets and wanted to do the beauty of the sunset’s justice. Eventually he upgraded to a point and shoot but his photos still weren’t very good. His next step up was shooting with a Canon Rebel XT. That was his first real camera and learning tool. Now after transitioning from the Canon Rebel XT to a Canon 40D to the Canon 7D Darius is shooting with a Canon 6D with a few really amazing prime lenses. It’s been a long rewarding journey.

Darius started getting serious about his portrait work, when he got his Canon 7D. Before he had played around with portrait photography but didn’t make it one of his main pursuits. Not too long after getting the7D, he started shooting with models. The vast bulk of his experience has been from shooting with models to discover his style.

The thing, that will always drive Darius to keep taking photos is creating artwork and never being satisfied. He had a flickr and followed photographers long before he picked up a camera. On flickr he can always find a photographers work, that inspires him to get better or try something new.

most important … the interaction with other people

2/4/2015

Photography is balancing the job of Wolfgang Dengler. Most of his time he’s in the office or has appointments on the go. Wolfgang’s job as an investment manager also is asking creativity, but in another way … business models … financial and budget plans … preparing participation agreements …

So he was thinking, what would be a nice balance containing own motion, be in the nature and creativity. Sport thus falls as the main compensation and so he ended up in photography.

Since 2009 Wolfgang has been photographing digitally. At the beginning it were landscapes, nature and macro. But nature and architecture in the long run were to unbalanced for him … do some shots in the early morning or in the evening and standing around … alone. Wolfgang missed the spontaneity, which despite of all preparation upfront is essential in people photography and brings to him something most important … the interaction with other people.

The hair of a model gets ruffled by a breath of wind … an interesting showcase of a shop meets the eyes of a model and causes a chat about it … passers-by during a session asking questions …

On the streets can happen so much and that's what excites Wolfgang. With each common step, he goes with a model, the understanding gets better, the atmosphere becomes more relaxed and all poses and facial expressions of the model are more natural. And this is, what finally let him realize better images.

Wolfgang loves beautiful images and is even more delighted, when also his models are satisfied. He mostly works on a TFP / CD-basis. For him it is important, that there is a common understanding between model and photographer, so that everybody has the same expectations of the session. Besides this he’s always curious about the reaction of models, he asks for a session.

In the streets Wolfgang is using a D800, a few Nikkors, but also a lot of other lenses. In particular "exotic" ones as the Helios 40-2 or the Voigtländer Nokton 58mm support him in the portrait area as both lenses provide a very unique look to the images. “Normal” lenses are 24-70 and 70-200 and a macro 105s. Wolfgang’s best ones are the Helios, the Voigtländer and his 300mm tele, with which he can bring wonderful structure in an image.

Wolfgang always decides out of the situation, where he likes to have a neutral look - or a special one. He works not only with natural light, but also uses the Nikon CLS system … again with many third-party flashes of Yongnuo, but of course a couple of Nikon flashes.

At the moment Wolfgang has a few ideas, of which some are already in the planning, e.g. streets at night in Munich with manual glass. Others, that he plans together with the models. He also enjoys taking experimental images; e.g. a bright, red-haired model with many freckles, dressed totlly in white, in the dark forest which more or less as a single point of light and the darkness around as a vignette.