PhotoGenre

You Wanna be a Photographic Model!!! Are you Nuts?

2012-02-19T20:42:00.002Z

Rambles
By P.G. Ramblings

We'll start with the downside of being a model and tell you it's not always the rags to riches glamorous business that many would have you believe; indeed many begin as part time models and for varying reasons; fail to progress much further. There are several different types and levels of modeling, and if your expectations are realistic, you needn't feel discouraged. On the other hand, if you wanna get rich quick; try your luck at winning the lottery; the odds are substantially better than...

So how do you actually break into the photographic modeling business, also referred to as print modeling, and more to the point, what does it entail? Well; first of all bear in mind that we are mainly dealing with the model/photographer relationship here, so if you desire to become for instance, a catwalk model, due to other factors involved such as height, weight etc., you should consult one of the major model agencies regarding your suitability. Also before seriously considering whether you should take the plunge into the world of photographic modeling, you need to be aware of the likely involvement of certain degrees of nudity, which incidentally applies also to fashion modeling. Therefore if you do take the plunge, you must be comfortable working nude or wearing very little in the way of clothing.

It's probably fair to say that in the distant past, the fashion industry was widely regarded as being the safe haven for those aspiring models not interested in displaying their assets to all and sundry, but with the emergence of the supermodels, the emphasis which used to be entirely on the clothes, is now very much on the model. Likewise, even fashion photographers now tend to use the clothes as a mere prop to enhance the models. Therefore, due to many of today's fashions being very revealing, if asked to model for a fashion photographer, more often than not, a certain degree of nudity is now involved in this type of assignment. On the plus side, once you've become established, you'll be getting paid to wear designer clothes, travel around the world and/or Ireland. On the downside, apart from being hard work, you'll need to be beautiful, self confident, at least 5'7" tall, long-legged, lean and mean. For those girls who are perhaps just the wrong height and/or weight for the fashion industry, modeling for photographers is the accepted way forward, and there are very many photographers out there who will work with willing petite and/or plus size models.

Therefore if you don't qualify to be a fashion model or simply prefer not to be, we'll start by outlining the various types of localised photographic modeling opportunities available and for guidance purposes only; suggest the following definitions. To minimize the possibility of misunderstandings arising, they are straightforward definitions that should adequately cover most scenarios. Models should however establish at the outset, exactly what any assignment entails and whether or not the photographer is referring to and adhering to definitions such as these.

Casual and formal fashion photography is probably the only area of your chosen profession which won't involve any form of nudity or implied nudity. The model is basically dressed in casual attire or perhaps evening wear and is possibly photographed within the boundaries of a famous scenic castle or other well known landmark; maybe inside some luxurious house. It's questionable if you'll be capable of making a decent living from this category though. Many of your clients are likely to be amateur photographers, many of whom are notoriously reluctant to part with much in the way of cash, preferring instead to operate on a TFP/TFCD basis (Time For Prints/Time For CD of your Images)

Lingerie photography focuses on the model and lingerie which in itself can also be totally revealing, to produce a sexy, raunchy, suggestive end product. This type of photography can also require the model to be topless so if that should present problems for you, as with every other proposed assignment, establish in writing exactly what levels of undress the shoot will entail.

Swimwear photography can naturally involve the wearing of swimsuits, bikinis, thongs, cover-ups, and who knows, a trip to paradise with golden sand, warm blue seas, and along with a very hot sun, some of the hottest trends in swimwear. So apart from exotic locations and hard work, what isn't there to love about a professional swimsuit shoot? A couple of things actually, and first is the possibility that the shoot will be in a studio or worse still; a sunny but cold spring day on Tyrella beach with nothing more than the occasional cup of hot tea for inner warmth.

With that in mind, consider the latest trends in swimsuits that you'll most likely be modeling; Wicked Weasel Bikinis for instance, whose advertising blurb reads: 'Barely covering girls since 1994' What are they like? Have a browse through their website and take note of the fact that many of the girls are topless, or alternatively, think of the smallest bikini you've ever seen, then think at least 50% smaller, which raises another subject. No matter where the location; a few days before setting of for a swimsuit assignment; get yourself a full Brazilian wax.

Glamour photography can encompass just about every other genre of model photography including headshots, lingerie, fashion etc. but for certain, it very much concentrates on the girl rather than the clothes she is or isn't wearing. On the plus side; it doesn't include anything that could be classed as being pornographic. Nonetheless, if you're asked to do a glamour shoot, as with everything else in business, before agreeing to anything; insist on having the full details of what will be expected of you; in writing.

Artistic nude photography entails capturing the beauty and sensuality of the female form and usually results in some startlingly elegant imagery, some of which could most likely be described as being artistically erotic. Obviously features nude or partially nude poses. These fine art photography images are often used in coffee table books and sold through fine art galleries and the Internet.

Adult Magazine photography refers to and requires anything included in top shelf magazines and various explicit Internet sites etc. This type of photography entails posing for very explicit sexual, even hardcore images. Be fully aware of what you may become involved with, before making any decisions to participate and bear in mind you must also be over 18 years old to participate as indeed is it the case with any nude photography modeling.

Other outlets for your talents that's worth mentioning are promotional modeling jobs which involves clients paying you to represent their brand/products at trade shows etc. Involves a lot of smiling and chatting to lots of people but if it pays the bills... go for it. Other sources of work for willing models can be found with motorsport teams etc. as a brolly girl for instance; another form of promotional modeling. Apart from product promotions, photographic models are always required for print advertising, greeting cards, catalogs, posters, calendars, advertising promotions, Internet publications, magazines, designer fashion tests, packaging labels, illustration guides, stock photography, book covers, camera clubs and so forth. The list is endless but first, if you've decided you still want to be a model, you'll need a collection of images featuring different poses; types of clothing and settings for your comp card and portfolio.

Comp card (zed card) along with a good portfolio, are a relatively inexpensive, versatile and indispensable must have sales tool. A5 size is preferable as it fits easily into a C5 envelope for posting. Printed on anything lighter than 300 gsm board makes your card look cheap and unprofessional. Also, the front of your card should be glossy, though the back of the card can be matt. Even if it's going to cost a little more, go for quality; ensure that a potential clients first impression; is a lasting impression.

Your card will feature your name with a headshot on it's front and a few of your best images on the reverse side along with your statistics; hair, eye colour etc. plus the all important list of different styles you're prepared to undertake. Your portfolio book would have the same information plus first class images featuring the various styles of modeling you're willing to pose for; but how do you get these photographs for your cards and portfolio?

Several options are available but Time For Prints or Time For CD (TFP/TFCD) is by far the easiest and least expensive. All you have to do is contact a professional photographer that specialises in modeling photography and ask him/her if they'd be interested in doing a TFP/TFCD photo shoot with you; at this stage don't try to substitute for professional images. Of course they're likely to ask to see a couple of photographs of you; a head image and a full length image, neither of which need to be of professional quality. Just ask a family member/friend to take a couple of shots with a digital camera, then start emailing those photographers and you're on the road to a new career.

Time For Prints or Time For CD (TFP/TFCD) is an arrangement between a model and a photographer to do a photo shoot without either parting with money. The model pays the photographer with her time on the shoot, while the photographer pays the model with prints or images on a CD. Some have even been known to give models a free portfolio. Depends how you approach them; practice using your charm and business skills and when you've arranged your first shoot; create a good first impression; don't turn up with the mother of all hangovers but do demonstrate your professionalism and commitment to the job by turning up on time. You're there not just for the purpose of obtaining images for your portfolio and comp card but also to learn about working in front of a camera. During fashion type shoots, underwear isn't generally worn so to prevent marks on your skin showing up when modeling low-cut/backless dresses, wear loose clothing before the shoot.

Have a browse through some magazines to study poses. Bring along any that contain images you particularly like. Practice posing in front of a mirror. Try out your range of seductive facial expressions. Modeling can be a tiring business, so strive to keep your energy levels up; mentally and physically. If you do become tired during a shoot, suggest a break, eat an energy bar; have a drink and refresh yourself.

Before the shoot begins, depending on the deal you've negotiated with the photographer, he/she may require you to sign a Model Consent & Release Form, a legally binding agreement between a model and a photographer that assigns certain rights to both parties. Basically it will state that you have given permission to the photographer to photograph you and to make use of the photographs plus assign you the rights to use the photographs in your portfolio/comp card/website etc., for free.

When writing the blurb for your card and portfolio, be totally honest. Don't say you're available for implied nude or nude shots and then refuse when offered a nude assignment. Time is money, so don't waste peoples time, or yours. Don't forget, when modeling in front of the camera, you're not yourself; you're an actress. You're portraying the person that the photographer wants for the job and don't be offended if the photographer portrays you in a manner that you feel isn't the real you; he/she sees someone else in their camera.

Unless the assignment is for a fashion house or similar, most photographers will expect the model to bring her own outfits to a shoot, although it's fair to say that a few photographers do supply clothes for their photo shoots.

Over time, your collection of modeling clothes should include lingerie to business suits, casual to formal, and everything in between. For example: Bras, Panties, Boy Shorts, G-string, Suspender Belts, Stockings (White + Black), Strappy Stilettos, Boots (Thigh Highs/Crotch Highs), Corset, Bustier, Babydoll, Camisole, Chemise, Sexy Tops, Sexy Skirts, Dresses, White Shirt, Suit, Bikini, Sexy Uniform, Waistcoat, Hat, and so on; the list is endless. All tags should be removed. All clothes should be clean, pressed and lint free. Shoes/Boots should be clean and scuff free. And finally, assemble a good makeup kit for yourself; also to include hairbrush; hairspray; mirror; safety pins etc., etc.

In other Rambles, we'll look at such things as self promotion, Plus-size modeling, and scams you should avoid.

PhotoGenre! What's Yours?

Old Wedding Colours putting Colour Weddings in the Shade

2012-02-18T11:10:00.001Z

Rambles
By P.G. Ramblings

Wedding photography is one of the most important decisions that an engaged couple is likely to make; should it be: traditional; classical; contemporary; artistic; reportage; digital; colour; sepia; black and white or pick n' mix perhaps? Whatever the decision though, it should be remembered that ultimately, the photography should be about the wedding; not the wedding about the photography.

Here at PhotoGenre, we specialise in stylistically innovational imagery in Black, White and Shades of Grey or to put it another way, our speciality is black and white photography; for many, the new colour on the block which isn't actually the case for in actual fact it's been in use for wedding photography since the very earliest days of photography; indeed well before colour processes even appeared from over the far distant horizon.

Black and white wedding photography sets a mood and atmosphere that many think colour simply can't match. Compared to colour, it provides more contrast between light and dark, highlight and shadow; hence the eye is drawn more easily around the composition of the image. Wedding portraits can benefit from black and white photography because harsh or uneven skin tones that can come out badly on a colour photograph aren't so distinguishable. Also the emotional content of the picture is greatly increased in black and white photography while the lack of colour provides increased atmosphere and in years to come, an acute sense of nostalgic romance.

Black and white photography holds time and history in place somewhat better than colour photography does. It vividly captures the beauty and the glamour; the fun and the laughter; the passion and the romance; the exuberance of the celebrations and creates a collection of artistic, lively and innovative wedding photographs that are as every bit as unique and special as the bride and groom are.

The elegant and romantic nature of black and white photography is perfectly suited to weddings. It brings out the occasion, preserves the moments, simplifies the perspective. Black and white wedding photography gives a classic and timeless feel to your wedding collection and even works extremely well with artistic and reportage styles of coverage.

While many couples opt for complete black and white coverage of their wedding; to give full coverage of the special day; various colour images can be blended into the chosen wedding photography package. Using black and white wedding photography in addition to colour, can be an attractive addition to the finished wedding album. And of course, while the elegant and romantic nature of black and white photography is perfectly suited to most types of wedding album, it's the coffee table wedding book in black and white that evokes most conversations with friends and family. Have your wedding images presented with the same style and elegance as your favorite hard cover coffee table book; each photograph a unique moment of your wedding day; a wedding book of love, romance, a sense of fun, a work of art.

Forget the old days when the traditional wedding album collected dust in some unknown drawer. Today's artistically designed coffee table wedding book blends into its surroundings; can be left, where else but on your coffee table, so that friends and family can find genuine find pleasure as they browse it's pages of elegantly presented images.

PhotoGenre! What's Yours?

For His Eyes Only! X Factor Bridal Photography for Lovers

2012-02-17T20:40:00.003Z

Rambles
By P.G. Ramblings

Heard about the latest wedding photography trend that's gaining popularity amongst the to be brides of Northern Ireland? X Factor Bridal Photography for Lovers! What is it, you ask! It's the ultimate gift from a bride-to-be to her future husband. X Factor Bridal Photography for Lovers involves a photo session during which the bride wears a lot less than her wedding gown. The most intimate of gifts for your groom is a private set of X Factor Bridal Images for Lovers.

X Factor Bridal Photography for Lovers is the sexy new trend that's especially popular as a wedding day gift from a bride to her beloved groom. Especially for that special someone in your life, X Factor Bridal Photography for Lovers captures the essence of romance and intimacy. It enhances your natural beauty and provides you with images of your sensuality. X Factor Bridal Photography images are of you wearing very little or nothing at all in artistic nude, or implied nude poses, which means you're not wearing anything, but not showing anything either. The decision is yours. Build your confidence and self esteem by experiencing the beauty that is you.

X Factor Bridal Portraiture is about sensuality and capturing your natural beauty before one of the best days of your life. You don’t have to dream about your honeymoon to feel sexy and glamorous on your wedding day. It is an opportunity to show your sexy side. The result will be amazingly beautiful photographic memories to keep in a private collection or share with the one you love. A special wedding day gift from a bride to her groom.

Tempted to surprise the groom with a peek at your most passionate and provocative side? Of course you are! Surprise your man with a unique, intimately sexy gift; give him a gift of yourself with tasteful fine art X Factor Bridal Images for Lovers by PhotoGenre. Leave him speechless by giving him what he really wants: You! One of a kind images of his sensual bride-to-be. Think of the thrill and excitement as you present him with his very own personal and private collection of you at your most vibrant and sexiest best. A once in a lifetime gift for the love of your life! And while X Factor Bridal Images for Lovers are intended as a gift for your partner, they will be a gift to you as well. Seeing yourself in this new light is a fun therapeutic experience and an extremely pleasant surprise. Your private X Factor Bridal Images are the most intimate of gifts for your groom.

Want to find out if these risqué images are for right you? X Factor Bridal Portraiture is a medium to bring out the unique inner beauty that resides in every woman. Women of all ages and all sizes can be sexy. Beauty and sensuality do not come in small dress sizes.

X Factor Bridal Portraiture from PhotoGenre is designed to be a celebration of your curves! Have your shoot at a defining moment in your life to create a collection of flattering, sexy portraits to treasure for a lifetime.

X Factor Bridal Photography is the art of creating beautiful, sensual and sexy images of real everyday women. What you wear, or don't wear, is entirely up to you!

Indulge yourself, take time out to explore the world of X Factor Bridal Photography for Lovers. Our images celebrate your femininity, glamour and style. What better gift for your beloved than an exclusive portfolio of sensual and dramatic images of you looking your romantic and sensuous best?

X Factor Bridal Portraits are tasteful, romantic images with a dash of fantasy. Sensuous, soft and warm images that capture you. X Factor Bridal Portraits can be produced in colour and/or black and white. Beautiful, alluring, fun, dramatic, sexy, and sensual images of yourself. And don't worry, when you’ve chosen your favourite images, any blemishes, spots, bulges, wrinkles, cellulite, stretch marks etc. will all be professionally removed during printing.

In the not so distant past, the trusty garter under the wedding dress was about the raunchiest most brides used to get but nowadays, the liberated free spirited brides-to-be of the 21st century are posing for photographs wearing substantially less than their wedding gown, and while some settle for scantily dressed images of themselves, many others request that their beauty is captured as nature intended; naked.

What's most important though, is that you choose outfits that make you feel sexy. Bring something white, something black, and something in between so you can mix and match. Here's a few what to bring suggestions but the choice is yours:

Basque/Corset (For creating even sexier curves); High Leg Briefs, Blouse; Jeans; Bras, Boy Shorts, G-string, Suspender Belts, Stockings (White + Black), Strappy Stilettos, Babydoll, Camisole, Chemise, Sexy Tops, Sexy Skirts, Dresses, Boots (Thigh Highs/Crotch Highs), White Shirt, Suit, Bikini, Jewelry, Makeup, Hat, Wedding/Bridal Outfit/Lingerie, Bridal Veil; Bridal Tiara, Ideas Scrapbook; Your Favourite Music CDs; and so on; the list is endless but don't forget the all important Engagement Ring and even the bride stripped bare because don't forget: They don't make clothes to fit Real Women!

For several hours before your shoot, wear loose clothing. You don't want lines and wrinkles in your skin from tight jeans or underwear. To avoid messing up your hair, wear a button-up shirt. For other suggestions, see also X Factor Portraiture for Artistic Individuals

Always remember that once you get into the studio; you are in control! You bring the outfits you will wear. You choose how much you reveal, or don't. You choose the style of the image. The majority of women find that once they get started, they're surprised by just how relaxed they feel with it all. And if you find you're not not comfortable with lingerie images for instance, you can change to vintage pinup style images, perhaps to the rugged, seductive look in with blue jeans and your mans favorite shirt. Just remember, there are lots of available posing options to consider. During an intimate X Factor Bridal Photography glamour session your poses can range from the coy to the downright raunchy. You don't have to possess the fabled perfect body to produce absolutely beautifully stunning, alluring, and sensual images of yourself. It's about having fun, looking good naked and producingsexy tasteful pictures for his eyes only...

To help you feel more at ease, it's a good idea to bring a pal, even two, though you don't want to turn your X Factor Bridal Portraiture photo shoot into a circus. Perhaps even a bottle of bubbly. A little champagne may help you to relax and enjoy what is after all, a fantastically liberating and confidence building experience. When choosing who to bring, bear in mind that boyfriends, fiancés, partners and husbands, tend to make the subject a bit to self-conscious during the session. Also, children are most certainly not allowed to attend an X Factor Bridal Portraiture photo session.

Indulge yourself, take time out to explore the world of X Factor Bridal Photography for Lovers. Our images celebrate your femininity, glamour and style. What better gift for your beloved than an exclusive portfolio of sensual and dramatic images of you looking your romantic and sensuous best? On the eve of your wedding, have something really special delivered straight to his door! Your chosen for X Factor Bridal Portrait Package. Present him with his own very personal little black book, or perhaps a sexy Calendar containing an image for each month and another on the cover or even something else...

You can choose from the following end products or if you would prefer to have a different final product, we'll create a bespoke package especially for you..

Set of prints only; his little black book; a luxury photo album with linen or leather cover and hand-sewn binding in various colours; a larger version in a magazine style layout which makes a great coffee table book; various calendar options including Desk Calendars, A4 Wall Calendars and A3 Wall Calendars; and with your choice of product, a complimentary CD of the sessions images.

Before your wedding day which will quite obviously be a very public affair; let go of your inhibitions; abandon reality; slip into something sultry and sexy to indulge yourself in the rituals of seduction while no one else is looking; create the most intimate of personal gifts for the groom; surprise him with the gift he would least expect and will always treasure... Sexy tasteful pictures for his eyes only....

See also: X Factor Portraiture for Artistic Individuals

PhotoGenre! What's Yours?

Ever The Infinite Nude

2012-02-17T14:52:00.002Z

Rambles
By P.G. Ramblings

What is the measure of the Nude?
What value can be placed on such simplicity?
How many words would it take to convey,
the profound perfection and serenity?
Equality can never arrive,
no matter how hard we strive...
by adding confinements of regimented shapes and size.
True peace can only flow,
true life can only be,
by unmasking each our true identities.

What is the measure of the Nude?
What is the boundary of the view?
Light and shadow dance their dance,
in infinite varied circumstance.
What is the value of such delight?
What release we feel in love’s true light.
I am a song of verse and rhyme,
to be sung by all,
who put old fashioned myths behind,
and crave their spirit to renew.

What is the measure of the Nude?
It is the clothing of my soul.
Light and shadow dance their dance,
reflecting, shimmering, abstract chance.
How can I contain the light within,
how can I deny how we begin.
Innocence is all the covering that I need,
to protect the most important part,
to carefully tend the original seed,
to claim its rightful place and grow.

What is the measure of the Nude?
Infinite, Seamless, Gratitude!

© Ray Watson

PhotoGenre! What's Yours?

The Business of being a Model

2012-02-16T15:42:00.002Z

Rambles
By P.G. Ramblings

It is stated sometimes that a successful model will have a pretty face, a good figure and a business head. I fully believe in the statement - especially the last part. Many models hardly regard their modelling as a business, but those who do pay a little attention to business issues are almost certain to have more success than they would have if they just dreamily drifted along.

Business theory is wearisome stuff, so I’ll keep it brief. Almost all markets are determined by the principles of supply and demand. On the one hand, if there is a lot of supply of a product or service and very little demand, prices go down and it is hard for some suppliers to do business. On the other hand, if there is limited supply for a product or service and strong demand then prices go up.

In Northern Ireland there seems to be a strong supply of models and only moderate demand from photographers, promotions companies, etc., so models need to be careful not to price their services too high and probably have to recognise that their modelling will probably remain a part-time occupation for the foreseeable future.

Must models totally resign themselves to the fate of the market they are in? No. So what can models do? There are many things, and I’ll list a few, but the main one by far is in helping any campaign which increases demand. If there is more demand then things get better for many models, not just for individuals. The common methods for increasing demand are marketing, advertising and publicity. I’m convinced that Ireland is a dormant market and if greater awareness and a shift in attitudes can be achieved, demand will increase significantly. That isn’t the full story, as further facilities, publications, etc., are important too, but it is a large part of the story.

A model can also look for specialist areas and can broaden her range of services to help her get more work. Then there is the concept of export. Some could get bits of work by approaching UK agencies and by independently marketing their services there. The more entrepreneurial model might even think up her own projects and sell this on to the general public (eg. greetings cards) or other third parties (eg. stock photos for commercial use).

And there are all the other general issues of being a good supplier – punctual for shoots, enthusiastic, not giving the customers (eg photographers) unnecessary grief, consistent in pricing, knowing when and when not to do TFP, etc.

Hopefully the above comments are just enough food for thought to convince models to think more about the business side of things. Such focus leads to more success as a model. And business can even become interesting!

One major organisation which will regard the model’s work as a business is Inland Revenue. Yes, it would be nicer if that recognition came from elsewhere, and maybe it does, but the taxman is interested in these businesses and will get involved sooner or later. So it is best to be aware of what the taxman’s expectations are and always be prepared for it. A model who does her homework has nothing to worry about, other than the annoyance that the taxman takes some of her hard-earned money.

All models should keep basic accounts. It may be that they work on a part-time basis and their earnings are so low that they do not need to pay tax. But the model still needs to be able to prove that. The exception is where the model works exclusively for one agency. In that case the agency, as the sole employer, is obliged to take responsibility for the tax returns for the model. But any model who does some paid modelling work independently is regarded as responsible for declaring relevant earnings to the Inland Revenue. The situation that every model wants to avoid is getting an imposed estimate from Inland Revenue. This happens when a model can’t satisfactorily show what her earnings were and Inland Revenue imposes their estimate on the taxes due. This is nearly always several times higher than what the real amount should be, but it can be very difficult, with no receipts or accounts for the model to really prove otherwise and pay only a realistic amount.

The amount of payable tax is of little concern for models who are students and have no other employment but all others should visit HM Revenue & Customs for further information.

A model is taxed on profit. That effectively means earnings minus expenses. The main expenses are travel expenses so keep all flight, ferry, train, bus and taxi receipts. If you are away overnight on a job, that day’s meals are classed as expenses, as is the hotel bill. And while clothes normally cannot be recognised as expenses, some more unusual props that a model occasionally has to buy can be recorded as expenses. If a model ever buys a camera, etc., for herself she should make sure that it goes onto the expenses list as well. In short – keep all receipts for these things and calculate them as expenses to offset taxes.

Step aside, model. Step forward, businesswoman!

PhotoGenre! What's Yours?

X Factor Portraiture for Artistic Individuals

2012-02-16T15:35:00.002Z

Photo Rambles
By P.G. Ramblings

X Factor Portraits are created for you and that special person in your life; a wonderful gift for fiancé, husband, partner, lover or just for yourself.

X Factor Portraits are soft, sensual, romantic, suggestive and above all else; fun to create. An excellent gift for Valentine's Day, Birthdays, Anniversary, Christmas, or any other personal occasions. Amongst other occasions, X Factor Images are suited for the more intimate and sensual displays of a personal nature, such as a new bride might give her groom as a surprise wedding gift.

X Factor Photography is a way to let your beauty be captured in a comfortable, and relaxing environment and most certainly a wonderful opportunity to express your femininity. X Factor Portraiture is about exploring your most sensually romantic fantasies while releasing the personal inner beauty that resides in every woman. X Factor Portraiture is about transformation; capturing and artistically recording the inherent style, grace, beauty and sexuality of your unique individuality.

Quite simply, the PhotoGenre X Factor Photography session is a way of allowing a woman to express herself with a professional photographer who is trained to bring out the most attractive, alluring, flirtatious and suggestive images she is capable of making. X Factor Portraiture is typically photography that romanticizes and celebrates the wonder of the female form and the perfect gift for any occasion. X Factor Portraiture, not to be confused with boudoir photography, is one of the most popular genres in modern day portrait photography but since almost everyone wants something a little different, X Factor Images vary greatly from person to person.

X Factor Portraiture sessions last up to two hours and will provide a beautiful, exciting, and artistic photographic experience. X Factor Portraiture sessions are fun, playful and spontaneous. X Factor Portraiture can mean different things to different people and can range from being fully clothed to seminude to nude. While some women elect to be nude for some portion of their portrait session, it is also common for women to be fully clothed throughout the session. It's your X Factor Portraiture session, therefore you may be as demure or as outrageously provocative as you desire. What you want to convey in your boudoir portraits will largely dictate what you will wear and how you will dress so clothing for an X Factor Portraiture session can vary from lingerie to business suits, casual to formal, and everything in between; for example: Bras, Panties, Boy Shorts, G-string, Suspender Belts, Stockings (White + Black), Stilettos, Boots (Thigh Highs/Crotch Highs), Corset, Bustier, Babydoll, Camisole, Chemise, Sexy Tops, Sexy Skirts, Dresses, White Shirt, Suit, Bikini, Sexy Uniform, Waistcoat, Jewelry, Makeup, Hat, Wedding/Bridal Outfit/Lingerie, and so on; the list is endless.

We want you to be relaxed, looking your best and feeling safe during your PhotoGenre X Factor Portraiture session so a few helpful suggestions: To prevent marks on your skin, wear loose clothing before the shoot. If you intend to wax or shave any sensitive areas such as your bikini line, you should do it at least two days prior to your session. Many pastel colours clash with skin tones, even for Black and White images. Consider bringing some of your favorite music. Have a browse through some magazines to study poses. Bring along any that contain images you particularly like. Practice posing in front of a mirror. Try out your range of seductive facial expressions. Bring a chaperone with you; girlfriend, sister, mum ...

You don't have to be a supermodel to achieve great X Factor Images; every woman is a work of art and simply beautiful so be a devil; discover the secret seductress and for that really special and unique gift or just to make yourself feel great; be as demure or outrageously naughty as you please; X Factor Portraiture - Elegant, glamorous, intimate and romantic portraiture for women.

X Factor Portraiture for Artistic Individuals; the ultimate gift for that special someone, or indulge yourself and have it quite simply just for you.

PhotoGenre! What's Yours?

Being a biker isn't easy... and then there are the drivers

2012-02-16T15:29:00.003Z

Rambles
By P.G. Ramblings

I saw you, hug your purse closer to you in the grocery store line.
But, you didn't see me, put an extra £10.00 in the collection plate last Sunday.

I saw you, pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk.
But, you didn't see me, playing Santa at the local shopping centre.

I saw you, change your mind about going into the restaurant.
But, you didn't see me, attending a meeting to raise more money for charity.

I saw you, roll up your window and shake your head when I drove by.
But, you didn't see me, driving behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window.

I saw you, frown at me when I smiled at your children.
But, you didn't see me, when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless.

I saw you, stare at my long hair.
But, you didn't see me, and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love.

I saw you, roll your eyes at our leather coats and gloves.
But, you didn't see me, and my brothers donate our old coats and gloves to those that had none.

I saw you, look in fright at my tattoos.
But, you didn't see me cry as my children were born and have their names written over and in my heart.

I saw you, change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere.
But, you didn't see me, going home to be with my family.

I saw you, complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be.
But, you didn't see me, when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.

I saw you, yelling at your kids in the car.
But, you didn't see me, pat my child's hands, knowing he was safe behind me.

I saw you, reading the newspaper or map as you drove down the road.
But, you didn't see me, squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn.

I saw you, race down the road in the rain.
But, you didn't see me, get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date.

I saw you, run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time.
But, you didn't see me, trying to turn right.

I saw you, cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in.
But, you didn't see me leave the road.

I saw you, waiting impatiently for my friends to pass.
But, you didn't see me.

I wasn't there.

I saw you, go home to your family.
But, you didn't see me.

Because, I died that day you cut me off.

I was just a biker.....
A person with friends and a family.

But, you didn't see me.

MAY is motorcycle awareness month. Please pass this on for your friends who ride or who may have known someone who died while riding

Anon

PhotoGenre! What's Yours?

The New Found Joys Of 35mm Film Processing

2012-02-16T15:26:00.002Z

Rambles
By P.G. Ramblings

When it was decided to launch a new photographic venture in shades of black, white and grey, an ugly thought that briefly reared it's head very nearly scuppered the business before it had even taken it's very first faltering step. Having become so accustomed to the convenience of minilab style automated film processing over the past few years, the very thought of having to revert back to manual tank film processing made me positively weak at the knees. Thank God therefore, though since there's no such thing or person, let's thank the Internet instead for it was there that salvation was found in the guise of an Arkay King Concept Image Pro 35mm daylight tabletop film processor.

Before being swallowed up by Arkay, the King Concept Corporation were responsible for producing some of the most innovative photographic processing equipment ever to emerge from America. In fact, it was Roger King himself that designed their ImageMaker, ImageMaker II and Enterprise processors along with the accessories and other related darkroom equipment while somewhat incidentally, their national sales manager during that period was a delightful Irishman by the name of Ed Carroll. Small world indeed.

Arkay, one of the biggest names in photographic processing, had been manufacturing darkroom sinks, film drying cabinets, print dryers and other professional quality darkroom and photographic accessories for decades so the fact that they thought it necessary to buy King Concepts was indeed quite a tribute to Roger King and his self designed products.

Although the Arkay King Concept Image Pro daylight film processor which Arkay produced after the takeover was a little gem of a machine, it represented such a significant departure in design approach and philosophy from the original company concepts, that Arkay/King Concept failed to survive for very long after that. With the King Concept Corporation in tatters, Arkay ended up with bits and pieces of the old company and although they made a few attempts to introduce some variations to the products, they were never as successful as King Concepts and finally the project totally collapsed.

After a few months of daily usage, it's been found that the very versatile Arkay King Concept Image Pro daylight tabletop film processor is exceptionally good for low volume photolabs such as ours (it can develop two 35mm at a time and while not being just quite so automated as a minilab, it is nonetheless easy to operate and most importantly, produces consistent results time after time. Also, even though it utilises a total loss system, it's frugal use of chemicals has proved to be another bonus point, as can be seen by the size of the four small tanks, it uses exceptionally small quantities of chemicals.

As evident in this image, the control panel for the processor which is powered by an external 12 volt transformer, is simplicity personified or to put it another way... idiot proof but not so one little quirk that was something of a surprise. If it has a fault it's the fact that films have to be loaded onto a pair of Hewes stainless steel reels which if you've never previously attempted, ain't no joke the first time around. While I'm sure there are many who are experienced at loading stainless steel reels, I wasn't one of them but after a couple of weeks and umpteen dozen rolls of out of date film later, it's become second nature... fingers crossed.

Has it been a worthwhile investment? Very much so and especially so after a nasty experience with a local lab that totally destroyed a number of films they'd been foolishly entrusted with. Luckily, reshoots were relatively easy to arrange but had a wedding been involved... huge sigh of relief. Perhaps being self sufficient and not dependant on the professionalism of others or lack of... isn't everyone's idea of photographic bliss but for us folks here at PhotoGenre... going to bed at night without the worries of what some moron might be doing to your valuable films, affords us more time to enjoy the more meaningful things of life... like sleep and...

PhotoGenre! What's Yours?

No Cameras Allowed!

2012-02-16T15:21:00.002Z

Rambles
By P.G. Ramblings

Hardly the most pleasant of experiences... turning up at a concert with your much prized all singing, all dancing digital SLR and having something that resembles a gorilla but with less brains, confiscate it. Of course you do have the option of ripping up your expensive ticket and foregoing the opportunity of seeing your favourite act. On the other hand had you been a Dolly Parton fan and got yourself evicted from one of the recent Odyssey Arena concerts in Belfast... Phew! What a lucky escape you had.

Just for the record, smuggling cameras into concerts isn't a practice anybody's condoning... far from it, and neither am I suggesting anyone should ever consider doing such a thing. It is however a crime I've personally committed in the past and if necessary, might be tempted to do so again. Of course there have been many occasions when permission to legally take photographs at various venues has been sought and granted but on the odd occasion that such requests have been denied... it's Plan B

What type of camera does one require to smuggle into a concert? Certainly not the mobile phone variety, though these days if Plans A and B both fail, a small digital compact with a reasonable zoom can act as an acceptable backup. The preferred toy for such clandestine operations is the trusty, if vintage, Pentax ME Super, one standard lens and one short zoom. Why? It's so damn small it can easily be concealed by taping it to your ankle when dismantled and God forbid, should it be discovered, who cares, they're dirt cheap and readily available on the likes of ebay. Actually, on second thoughts, perhaps not ebay. Chances are you could be ripped off and with ebay's track record of buyer or indeed seller protection, rather than wave goodbye to your hard earned cash, support your local independent camera store instead. That's if you can find one that hasn't been swallowed whole by Jessops and regurgitated as another of their emporiums of nothingness.

On the technical side and especially for the digital geeks in our midst, the ME Super is an aperture priority automatic 35mm manual focus SLR that utilises the Pentax K-Bayonet mount system. It features centre-weighted through-the-lens light metering with +/- 2EV exposure compensation and is powered by a couple of 1.5v Alkaline (LR44) or Silver-oxide (G13) batteries. Also in the unlikely event that the batteries should fail and you haven't access to a set of jump leads, it will still operate at mechanical shutter speed setting of 125. Couple it with any of SMC Pentax-M series of compact lenses and you've got yourself a very reliable and efficient compact camera which incidentally weighs in at 445 grams or for the non metric types: 15.7 oz

Oh! Don't forget the film. Happy snapping and endeavour not to get evicted or worse still... arrested.

(The views expressed by the author are not necessarily those of PhotoGenre but on the other hand... in some cases they are... but not if they're illegal)

PhotoGenre! What's Yours?

Photographic Techniques With A Little Light Relief

2012-02-16T15:15:00.004Z

Photo Rambles
By P.G. Ramblings

Photographic Techniques
One day while working in the darkroom with my missus, things started out negative but soon I was enlarging. As it started to develop, I told her we should stop before we got into a fix, but she said it would all come out in the wash. Black & White photographic processing summarized... why, what the **** were you thinking?

Focusing Techniques
There were these two gorgeous blonde sisters Madge and Gladys who were going to get a portrait taken of themselves as they had just got their first pay cheques. So the pair of them went of to the studio and after the photographer gets his camera and lights set up he tells Madge to sit still because he had to focus.
Well, Gladys being out of hearing says, "What'd he say Madge?"
And Madge replies, "He said don't move 'cause he's gonna focus!"
Gladys looks surprised and says, "What!!! Both of us?"

Baby Photography Techniques
The Browns were unable to conceive children and decided to use a surrogate father to start their family. On the day the proxy father was to arrive, Mr Brown kissed his wife goodbye and said, "Well, I'm off now. The man should be here soon"
Half an hour later, just by chance, a door-to-door baby photographer happened to ring the doorbell, hoping to make a sale
"Good morning, Missus", he said, "I've come to..."
"Oh, no need to explain," Mrs Brown cut in, embarrassed, "I've been expecting you."
"Have you really?" said the photographer. "Well, that's good. Did you know I'm a baby specialist?"
"Well that's what my husband and I had hoped. Please come in and have a seat"
After a moment she asked, blushing, "Well, where do we start?"
"Leave everything to me. I usually try a couple in the bathtub, some on the couch, and perhaps a few on the bed. Sometimes the living room floor can be fun. You can really get spread out there"
"Bathtub, living room floor? No wonder it didn't work out for Sean and me!"
"Well, Missus, none of us can guarantee a good one every time. But if we try several different positions and I shoot from six or seven angles, I'm sure you'll be pleased with the results"
"My, that's a lot!" gasped Mrs Brown
"Missus, in my line of work a man has to take his time. I'd really love to be in and out in about five minutes, but I'm sure you'd be disappointed if it was all over that quickly"
"Oh well I don't know... me and Sean... my husband... that's about... No you're right, I would be disappointed" said Mrs Brown thoughtfully
Just then, the photographer opened his briefcase and pulled out a portfolio of his baby pictures. "This was done on the top of a bus" he said, showing her the first photograph
"Oh my God!" Mrs Brown exclaimed, grasping at her throat
"And these twins turned out exceptionally well... especially when you consider her mother was so difficult to work with"
"She was difficult?" asked Mrs Brown
"Yes, I'm afraid so. I finally had to take her to the park to get the job done right. People were crowding around ten deep to get a better look"
"Ten deep!!!" exclaimed Mrs Brown, her eyes wide with amazement
"Oh Yes" the photographer continued "And for more than three hours, too. The mother was constantly squealing and yelling... I could barely concentrate, and when darkness approached I had to rush my shots. Finally, when the squirrels began nibbling on my equipment, I just had to pack it all in and call it a day"
Mrs Brown leaned forward. "Do you mean they actually chewed on your, um... your equipment?"
"Oh yes, Missus, they did that. Well anyway, if you're ready, I'll set-up my tripod and we can get to work right away"
"Tripod?"
"Oh aye, Missus. I need to use a tripod to rest my Canon on. It's much too heavy to be held in the hands for very long"
Hearing that, Mrs Brown fainted and keeled over.

PhotoGenre! What's Yours?

Durst RT20 Colour Processing in Black & White

2012-02-15T22:56:00.004Z

Photo Rambles
By P.G. Ramblings

Having previously experienced the not uncommon everyday traumas associated with sourcing a reliable commercial photo lab capable of producing quality colour enlargements on a consistent basis, it can now be further reported that it really is mission impossible when searching for a lab to print your black and white enlargements. Seems you can have any colour that turns you on but not black and white. Very probably we'll soon be confronted by trendy little stickers similar to those that have for some time famously declared... batteries not included... except the photo lab version will probably proclaim... black and white not included.

After conducting some investigations by Internet and phone, the earlier encountered colour problems were solved by the acquisition of a Durst RT 20 RA4 Processor along with a DeVere 504 Enlarger and despite having no experience whatsoever of colour printing, a few short weeks later, we were in full production mode. Now some years later, having decided to embark on a new adventure in black and white, the ever increasing shortcomings existing within the photographic laboratory industry presented yet another seemingly insurmountable challenge. However, still not being the type to be easily dissuaded from a chosen path, we decided to utilise the now redundant Durst RT20 and attempt a B&W conversion. Hence, after a few modifications and a glamour makeover, the same equipment has once more galloped to the rescue.

For those unfamiliar with such user friendly beasts, I'll not over tax the brain and deal only with the Paper Processor this week and the enlarger along with another recent addition to the lab, an Arkay 35mm Film Processor, at a later date or to put it another way... when moved to do so by the spirits.

The Durst RT (Roller Transport) family of fully automated paper processors (RT 20, RT 30, RT 42, RT 62) were designed for busy professional labs but because of their low solution capacities they are equally suitable for low output situations and take photographic paper in roll or sheet form in widths ranging from 20.5 inches to a maximum of 61 inches. The RT20 that we are discussing is primarily used for processing sheet paper up to 30x20 inches and it does so very efficiently with the minimum of maintenance and perhaps more importantly for some... us included, it occupies very little in the way of floor space. Although originally designed for either EP-2 or RA-4 chemistry, as mentioned, it can and has been relatively easy and cheap to convert for black and white chemistry use.

Due to the design of the machine which allows easy access to all parts of it, the conversion was relatively simple to perform and mainly involved converting one of the five tanks which are when supplied: Developer, Bleach, Stabiliser/Wash, Stabiliser/Wash, Stabiliser/Wash. Being thrifty cheapskates, we had in the beginning, naturally opted to dispense with the expense of purchasing stabiliser chemicals and had instead plumbed in a Pro-CO water control unit to circulate controlled amounts of temperature correct water throughout the three wash tanks. Now that we were going to have to run a Developer, Stop Bath, Fixer, Wash, Wash configuration, the first wash tank obviously would have to be utilised for Fixer use which meant it would require heating, circulation and replenishment. The only other necessary change we made was to swap the second 9 Roller Rack Assembly (originally the Bleach Tank) with the 5 Roller Wash Rack Assembly. This was to allow the prints less time in the stop bath and more in the wash. Cleanliness obviously being next to what'isname in the processing world and speaking of which...

The most time consuming task of the conversion turned out to be the cleaning process. To avoid contamination of the new chemicals, ensuring that the Developer and Bleach tanks, racks, pipes and pumps were thoroughly washed and free of all traces of RA4 chemicals was of paramount importance.

Very few parts are actually needed for this type of conversion and are: 1 circulating pump, 1 replenishment pump, 1 heater, some additional plastic piping and sundries, all of which are readily available from Northern Photo Electronic Services and various other sources.

We however, took an alternative route which has proved to be highly advantageous as well as cost effective and that was to replace all of the original heaters, circulation pumps, replenishment pumps and piping with more modern units scavenged from a decommissioned Gretag 740 MasterLab which are equipped with highly efficient and reliable Iwaki pumps.

Removing the print collection bin allowed easy access to the Power Distribution Interface Board (Left Hand Side) into which the additional heater and pump was connected and apart from that we simply made up new alloy support brackets for the new cirulation and replenishment pump assemblies.

When completed, the processor was fired up and left to run over a 6 hour period with a constant supply of warm water being circulated through all of the tanks and pumps and then a further 2 hours with several sheets of paper being passed through the rollers to make doubly sure that everything was spotlessly clean and operating as it should. This also allowed us to check and make any necessary adjustments to temperatures, speed, flow rates etc.

Was it worth the effort? Very much so. Six weeks on, with a stock of Ilford chemicals and RC papers in place, we're a fully functional lab again but more importantly, we're spared the daily ordeal of listening to 'lab technicians' depressingly explain that in their opinion, the appalling prints they've just produced are of an 'acceptable' quality... which quite simply... is not acceptable.

PhotoGenre! What's Yours?

What's $4 Million a Day to a Pro Photographer?

2012-02-15T22:49:00.004Z

Photo Rambles
By P.G. Ramblings

Ever wondered about the amount of money you spend each year on your photographic profession and whether the returns are worth the effort? I'm not just referring to the cash paid out for the latest must have camera, lens, flashgun et al. Did you really need that £3000 all singing, all dancing camera? What was wrong with its predecessor? Oh! You still have it. Trade in value was obviously on a par with the current price of scrap plastic. How many fully operational cameras do you have in your collection now? If you're anything like some friends of mine... quite a few I'd guess. Nearly enough to open a camera shop.

Now what about that other big expenditure... photography for pleasure, or research and development as it's more commonly known. Normally it's best not to think about it to much... usually tends to bring on bouts of depression, headaches, nausea and the like. Leastways that's what personal experience has taught me. What started me off was a photographic news article I'd been reading. Mainly it was a boring interview with S. Jameel Hussain, the Managing Director of Fuji Films Pakistan in which riveting topics as distribution, imports, exports were being discussed, and then just as I was about to nod off, I read that he'd said: "Fuji spends about four million dollars per day on R&D" Is it any wonder that photographic products and materials are so expensive or should that be... so cheap. How many films, cameras etc have to be manufactured, distributed around the world and sold to recoup $4 million per day.

I'll not quote specific amounts but the most I've spent was a number of years past when an idea for a somewhat specialised photography business came to mind. Several thousand was spent perfecting a recognisable style that I hoped people would want to purchase. Full-scale trial shoots had to be conducted to ensure consistency. Films were sent off to various photo labs in order to establish which one was capable of producing prints to the required standard and at the right price with fast turn around. No easy task and added to all of the foregoing was the more mundane tasks... finding customers for instance. Was it worth the expenditure? Eventually it was. Would I do it again? On another whim, I've spent... sorry... invested another not inconsiderable amount developing and testing another style of photography which I'm rather hoping will be equally recognisable and profitable. Whether it eventually earns me enough to justify spending $4 million per day on R&D is another story but somehow... I doubt it but what's the harm in dreaming.

PhotoGenre! What's Yours?

A Love Hate Marriage of Convenience

2012-02-15T22:44:00.003Z

Photo Rambles
By P.G. Ramblings

As a term, the word 'photography' is used to cover amongst other things, the abundance of methods by which an image is captured and produced for posterity. Also covered within the term 'photography' are the many diverse genres, all of which require their own unique methods of capture, equipment, styles, perspective, techniques, creativity and in one genre in particular... human model photography... there is an additional paramount requirement of possessing an in-depth understanding of the limits and complex nature of the subject and if there isn't such a requirement... Why the hell not?

It's an industry that's been in existence since man first created the camera. The male of the species threw away his club and instantly armed himself with the latest in female capture technology. Camera and film. Model photography was born, and then as now like so many images, heavily blurred lines was all that separated the various forms of the genre. In the name of this new 'art...' how many young women willingly agreed to pose for men with cameras? How many of them got carried away on a sea of flattery and excitement? All to soon, many went from fully clothed to scantily clad and 'art' so easily became glamour, topless, erotica...

Over time though, the standards of glamour photography have changed, morals have changed, equipment has changed, women have become sexually liberated but nonetheless, what's still being done in the name of this new art, is still nothing short of criminal.

Nowadays with the advent of the Internet and the digital camera, a whole new industry fuelled by such things as greed and lust has emerged. Photographs of super rich models are everywhere. Articles about their superstar lifestyles adorn every newspaper, magazine and who knows how many websites. Equally pretty young girls are naturally enthralled and influenced by the stories, the images, the money, but being pretty isn''t always enough. it's often said that to be a successful model, a girl has to be an extrovert, an exhibitionist... but take a long hard look at the girls spilling out of any nightclub... any night, any town

Wannabe photographers and models were always meant for each other and the relationships between them normally seemed to mirror those of lovers... married couples even. They often tolerate each other for the sake of their needs. One cannot function without the other, yet the suspicions they harbour of each other will eventually drive them further and further apart. In the beginning, the fledging relationship develops much like a game, two people with a yearning for each other's services.

The model, as she should be, cautious, distrusting of the photographer she's only just met. The photographer wanting more than her indicated limits. Already on a high, the compliments intermingling with the whirr of the camera and the flashing lights, the adrenalin rush like an aphrodisiac. She basks in the limelight, her inhibitions easily falling away and since it's for the sake of art and fame.... The photographer also on a high, pushes the camera button ever faster, the models buttons ever harder... but all to soon it's over.

The roller coaster ride ended, she leaves him on a cloud of euphoria but when the images are viewed in the cold light of day, like the one night stand, the regrets kick in. Had she not said No! She wasn't sure. Had she agreed to go that far? Sure, she'd agreed to a fashion shoot, perhaps even some lingerie shots... but the lingerie was see-thru... so what difference would taking it off possibly make? What will her parents say when they see the photographs of their daughter appear on a website... a paysite... porn site? And her boyfriend... her work colleagues... her...

Was it worth the paltry payment... her time for a few prints... a CD of the same second rate images? What if she does do it again? How much further will she have to go the next time? How soon will he tire of her? How many others are out there? How many are willing to pay for her services? Whatever happened to her reputation? Other than herself, who cares? The photographer?

PhotoGenre! What's Yours?

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly!

2012-02-15T22:32:00.004Z

Photo Rambles
By P.G. Ramblings

In the glamorous world of wedding photography there are possibly just the two types of professional photographer, and we're not referring to the good, the bad and and possibly even a third... the ugly. What's being discussed here is the traditional type of photographer who keeps his distance and the other who's very hands on and spends the day flirting outrageously with the bride. Of course if he's a real professional, he never forgets to lavish extravagant attention and flattery on the parents, bridesmaids etc lest any jealousy should erupt.

The 'we' being referred to in this 'ramble' are myself and three friends discussing under the influence of many glasses of a rather nice soul warming liquid, the rapidly increasing number of pro-ams that are now appearing on the wedding circuit. More to the point, the discussion revolved around the subject of the professionalism of these guys or as is more likely, the lack of it and hence... the ensuing repercussions.

One of our group had been commenting on the types of wedding photographers he'd encountered over the years and while the rest of us agreed with him that the largest percentage are of the traditional variety, for various reasons, the 'hands on type' are by far the most interesting of the breeds and for the purposes of the discussion, the most worrying for the profession whilst the other lot are...

The former group... the traditionalists... we've all met an example at one time or other... although being fair, there has been one significant change to these dinosaurs over this past couple of years. Pre-digital, they were easily spotted or at least their cameras were easily spotted. Generally speaking they lived by the 'I've got a bigger one than yours' mentality whilst nowadays having been reduced to the within ranks of the masses they've become just another Joe Average (Size unknown but nonetheless irrelevant as ever). Mind you, there still remains one little trait by which they are instantly recognisable... most of them are a cross between an obnoxious movie director and a prima donna complete with attitude problems of gigantic proportions. Any unfortunate guest armed with the latest in digital technology who dares to sneak a shot of the bride and groom... gets eaten alive. Not a pretty sight.... all that blood splashed over the brides wedding dress...

Having gained the confidence of everyone around him and been accepted into the inner circle of the wedding group, the latter of these two distinct breeds of wedding photographer is often not only privy to many hair raising stories and snippets of gossip but is also closer to the action and therefore in a position to capture intimate moments that others can only ever dream about. These photographers live on their wits, each wedding a covert operation, an undercover agent blending in with everyone and everything around him. The army of guests are effortlessly disarmed, secrets are recorded, mugshots captured, the participants in awe of his sleight of hand, the magic of the spontaneous creativity, the outrageous banter, it's another bloodless coup.

If of course such a photographer were to ever overstep the thin redline that separates good natured flirting with sexual harassment or worse... then quite obviously, the photographer hasn't acquired the 'art of the professional' which obviously therefore identifies him... as one of new breed of part time pro-amateurs armed with the latest in photographic toys... the digital camera and photoshop. Armed with such weaponry, every Tom, Dick and Harriet in the world is suddenly a professional photographer operating on the theory (as do quite a number of established pros) that if you take 1000 photographs instead of say... 100... you'll strike gold and capture enough reasonable quality acceptable images for an album. Sadly, in practice it doesn't always work and many of these happy snappers are simply giving 'wedding photography' bad press... not that it had a particularly good one to start with.

Fortunately though, with any luck at all, such cockups can and are usually resolved in or out of civil courts and forgotten about... though never by the bride might it be added. Needless to say, few if any 'fellow' professionals will shed a tear for the plight of the unfortunate not so happy couple and probably... rightly so. After all, if you pay a mere pittance for such a valuable service, you get your just desserts... the photographer from the fire pits of hell which are quite incidentally, fuelled by the countless dire images as produced by this new litter of pro-am photographers.

Ahhh! Here comes that gorgeous brunette with another 4 glasses of the finest of fine malt liquor... I wonder if she's ever considered being a model... perhaps we should enquire....

PhotoGenre! What's Yours?

Fashion Industry Recreates The Belsen Look!

2012-02-15T22:08:00.004Z

Photo Rambles
By P.G. Ramblings

How easy it is for the media and other assorted rabble to take cheap shots at those young models of the fashion industry that resemble at best, stylishly dressed stick insects and at worst, stylishly dressed skeletons. For an example of the latter, take a long hard look at the wife of a rather well known footballer who dabbles in fashion modelling. Those legs surely belong to a bird of the feathered variety.

That's not the point though, the point is that it's the media that put those girls on pedestals and declared them gorgeous in the first place. A different take on the 'Kings new clothes syndrome'. Stick insect girls are gorgeous and sexy because the media said so, therefore any girl who didn'tresemble an escapee from Belsen - wasn't only overweight but unhealthy and unemployable in the model industry. Like mindless sheep, the public at large readily agreed en masse.

Now these poor under nourished girls are not only being castigated by society, they're being told they'll require a health certificate to work and where exactly is that going to end? Discrimination is the name of the game. Does a window cleaner require a health certificate to prove he/she is suffering from malnutrition or even obesity? No! Why not? What about a shop assistant, call centre operator, solicitor, electrician, plumber, Prime Minister, photographer, fashion designer, President? No!

Some people question the sanity of our politicians but has anyone suggested they all have to be certified in order to stay in employment? No! Then why are the young ladies of the modelling industry being persecuted? If young women want to starve themselves to death in order to gain employment, either let them get on with it or send them to see a doctor. In fact, any female who is under the illusion that they will look gorgeous as a skeleton, urgently needs to consult a shrink. Do these girls not have responsible parents? Obviously not.

If the same media is at all serious about saving these young wannabe models from pain, hardship, financial grief, possible death or the legendary 'fate worse than death', they should start by first pressurising the government into clamping down on the plethora of unscrupulous model agencies et al that are swindling naive desperate girls and their families out of copious amounts of money and giving nothing in return but empty promises of fame and fortune. Follow this up with a call for new employment legislation that specifically targets the fashion industry that is surely guilty of discrimination against 'normal and healthy' young women and of endangering lives.

The same hypocritical media should also immediately cease doing business with these agency gangsters, i.e. refuse to accept the fraudulent advertising and of course the easy money that accompanies it. Until they do take action, the media and government are just as responsible for the well being (physically, mentally and financially) of models as the shysters masquerading as 'model agents' and the fashion industry that employ the girls.

And last but not least we have the fashion designers themselves. Why the hell don't they demonstrate their expertise and ingenuity by designing clothes for real women or would that merely show up their obvious inadequacies.

PhotoGenre! What's Yours?

Don't Leave Without It

2012-02-15T19:46:00.007Z

Photo Rambles
By P.G. Ramblings

We've all been there, done it, got the t-shirt or maybe not but in my case, at a wedding, the videographer accidentally modified my Nikon SB-28 flashgun beyond use. Some frenzied phone calls solved the immediate problem when a friend with a similar unit was located and he very kindly delivered it directly to the church. Since then, my camera bag has been ever so slightly heavier, due in no small way to the spare flashgun that joined the spare everything else I could think of.

So what's now in the camera bag for location shoots? Three Nikon F90x bodies, four lenses covering the ranges from 20mm to 400mm, one Nikon SB-28 c/w SC-17 TTL Syn Cord and SD-8 high-performance battery pack, one Sunpak 622 Super Pro flashgun with powerpack, allegedly the most powerful handle mount dedicated flash system available - not a Dirty Harry, one Portaflash AA battery powered slave flash (extremely well used), supply of films, Pocket Wizard radio slave units, one Kodapod (well used), spare AA batteries, one small penlight torch, pair of pliers, small screwdriver kit, collection of safety pins, duct tape, scissors, stapler, tissues, small number of Cokin filters (seldom used)

Into the car with the camera bag goes one Slik 88 tripod with Novaflex Magic Ball Head and Quick Release MiniConnect (superb piece of kit), one Lastolite 6' x 4' Sunlite/SoftSilver collapsible reflector and if there's a remote chance of foul weather appearing over the horizon, a complete studio lighting kit.

Belt and Braces Rule!

PhotoGenre! What's Yours?

Tom and Jerry With No Added Sugar

2012-02-15T19:35:00.004Z

Photo Rambles
By P.G. Ramblings

Who are these people that dictate how we run our lives, even censoring our jokes, our photographs, our cartoons? Only last year, because of a complaint that scenes showing the cartoon characters smoking were not appropriate for young viewers, Ofcom investigated and said: "We note that, in Tom and Jerry, smoking usually appears in a stylised manner and is frequently not condoned"

What! It's a cartoon! In real life, cats and dogs don't really smoke roll-up cigarettes or large cigars so in my opinion, any parent who thinks such scenes are going to turn their children into 50 a day chain smokers has got serious physiological problems of their own. Saner people have been locked up for saying less and sadly, they haven't gone away you know. They're back!

It's quite likely that a recent news item sent fear through the massed ranks of respectable professional child photographers throughout the world and if it didn't, it should have. The article in question was about complaints made to the Advertising Standards Authority which prompted a ruling that three photographs published in the no added sugar children's clothes catalogue violated laws concerned with responsible advertising, decency and children. It went on to say that the catalogue sexualised children and was allegedly now in much demand by paedophiles in search of child pornography.

One of the offending photos seemingly showed a made up girl on all fours perched on a chest of drawers with the caption "A gentleman should never keep a lady waiting, and a true lady should act like one" The ASA ruled this to be offensive because it could be viewed as sexually provocative. The no added sugar company has naturally said it was shocked at the suggestion that its photographs had sexual references.

My own personal view on this issue is that people who see photos of children as being sexual, are in actual fact, people who only see children as sexual objects or to put it another way, they are themselves - closet perverts. Just after listening to this particular news story I had a browse through several photographic portraiture books published in the 1960s, 70s and 80s where I discovered quite a few examples of child photography, many of which were of naked children, most of whom appeared to be no more than 10 years old. Imagine attempting to publish a book with such photographs today or just take your camera for a leisurely stroll along your nearest beach, to a playground, sports facilities or anywhere frequented by children, and in all probability you'll be arrested.

True, there are perverts out there posing as photographers and they are taking indecent images of children and I do realise that the word 'indecent' doesn't come close to describing what these perverted sewer rats are getting up to with kids but let's not get hysterical and criminalize innocent photographers as well. What's needed is vigorous enforcement of the exisiting laws, throw convicted paedophiles in prison and throw away the key but please, please, please - stop the insanity and go read this article by the highly entertaining Boris Johnson

PhotoGenre! What's Yours?

Individual Insecurities of the Photographic Industry

2012-02-15T18:21:00.005Z

Photo Rambles
By P.G. Ramblings

Am I alone or has anyone else noticed that over the years, the world of professional photography appears to have become infested with paranoid megalomaniacs hell-bent on dragging it down the nearest cesspit?

And it's not just 'professional' photographers being referred to here. The whole of the photographic industry has seemingly succumbed to this plague that threatens to destroy it. Photo labs, wholesalers and manufacturing companies from the very smallest independent to the out of control multinationals. These egoistical, lying, backstabbing crooks have invaded this industry from the shop floor to the head of the boardroom table. Perhaps before it's to late and this industry is completely overpowered by these parasites that appear to be breeding like rabbits, something like birth control or culling should be introduced and the sooner the better.

But what is it you might ask that turns a seemingly innocuous representative of the human race into a manifestation of the devil? Insecurity, that's what. Nothing more, nothing less. Whether they be a sales representative, photographer, lab technician, sole proprietor, manager or director, each and every one of them is simply trying to defend their own cosy little empire from any thing or any person that in their eyes resembles the remotest of threats whether real or imaginary. Like the Mexican peasants in the 'Magnificent Seven' they're afraid of every person and every thing but perhaps if they were direct their misused energies towards being more proficient in their chosen career, they wouldn't have these insecurities.

Perhaps if the sales person was more interested in his customers actual needs rather than sales targets, if the photographer learned his craft instead of relying on other factors like Photoshop to produce a decent end product, if lab technicians stopped blaming the equipment, the chemicals and Santa Clause instead of their own inadequacies and the sole proprietors, managers and directors took more interest in quality of service and customer satisfaction instead of the quick buck... what a wonderful industry this would be.

On the plus side though, it's not all gloomy. Over the years I've met a small number of people in this business that are decent, dependable, hardworking and unpretentious. People who are the salt of the earth. Friends you can depend on in a crisis. People who are secure in the knowledge that the niche little business they've built up over time is providing a service that customers both old and new will always support. Such a pity they're outnumbered by so many verbal thugs with delusional grandiose fantasies of omnipotence and omniscience.

PhotoGenre! What's Yours?

Professional Chimpanzee Photographers!

2012-02-15T17:20:00.007Z

Photo Rambles
By P.G. Ramblings

Someone in the far distant past said that if you gave a chimp a typewriter and an infinite amount of time, it could write the complete works of Shakespeare. Nowadays if you gave the same chimp or possibly one of it's descendants a digital camera with a truck load of batteries, it'll eventually produce an acceptable, saleable image. Take the scenario one tiny step further and providing it hasn't self destructed, give the same digital camera to any representative of the human race who is capable of pressing the shutter button and what do you get? Another professional photographer of course.

PhotoGenre! What's Yours?