I share a new guest post, spotlight post or series of LUMIX images every Monday here in Luminary corner.  The Luminaries are a remarkable group of talented artists and just like Panasonic's  slogan, they're "changing photography". 

It's time to spotlight Joseph Linaschke, known to most of the world as PhotoJoseph. He's definitely an artist you want to hang out with. In fact, just one look at his images and it'll confirm his skill set as an artist, storyteller and one of the industry's leading educators. 

"Joseph Linaschke is a Photographic Storyteller, Educator, and the PhotoApps.Expert (formerly ApertureExpert)! He's been shooting since the age of seven, teaching and presenting on stage to audiences around the globe for over 20 years. Following an eight-year tenure at Apple as the lead presenter, producer and photographer for the Professional Applications Division, he stepped out on his own in 2009 to pursue all things photography."
 
A few months ago I shared a post about PhotoJoseph and fellow Luminary, Giulio Scorio on the road with their Shoot Anything Tour. There's a pretty strong rumor they're coming back with a second series. If you've got a chance to attend this program, RUN don't walk to grab a seat...and make it a point to introduce yourself. PhotoJoseph, along with all the Luminaries, couldn't be more approachable or more passionate about photography and education!

I pulled a couple of his images to share and it wasn't easy finding my favorites. PhotoJoseph is truly a storyteller and I love his diversity. Check it out for yourself and see what you'd pick out.  

Bob Coates is no stranger to SCU and has shared a number of great how-to posts over the last few years. He's also one of Panasonic's Luminaries and he's got a terrific program coming up in Sedona in two weeks as part of the Sedona PhotoFest.

Here's the description from the Sedona site...

"Join Lumix Luminary Bob Coates for two days of expanding on the process of making your images more painterly and artistic using the Photo-Synthesis techniques. You'll want to bring your camera, computer loaded with Photoshop and a desire to play while you learn new techniques. We also recommend you bring a Pen/Tablet such as a a Wacom device. This makes making selections a much easier process. 

This is a hands-on class for those who know the basics of their camera and Photoshop and are ready to step up their creativity. Taking your images to another level is one way to set yourself apart from other photographers. Bob has chosen to move his images to a more-painterly feel. He accomplishes this by fusing many images together utilizing a single subject blended together with many textures from nature, decaying made-made items and everyday items found through serendipity. The end result is an image that has depth and dimension and will often reveal different things to the viewer no matter how many times it is seen."

In addition, I found a great little discussion on fine art photography from the IUSA conference in January. Bob joined Frederick Van Johnson to talk about fine art and commercial photography. This is a great way for you to get to know more about Bob, regardless of whether or not you can be in Sedona.

For information about the Sedona PhotoFest visit their website. Combining education with the beauty and serenity of Sedona is an unbeatable combination! And, get to know Bob by following his blog!

Image copyright Bob Coates. All rights reserved.

I've written before about the low-light capability of Panasonic's LUMIX line, but here are a few more prime examples.  These are jelly fish in two different exhibits. They're all shot handheld, available light, through the glass at the New England Aquarium with the GH-3 and the 12-35mm lens.  

There's nothing scientific about the images, just a fun example of what the camera can do. Now think about your work as a professional and using the GH3, GH4, FZ1000 etc. in a working situation where you really need the shot and know what you're doing! 

There are a lot more examples in the LUMIX Lounge from Panasonic's Luminaries, including working in 4K video.   They're an incredibly talented group. The only thing more impressive than their skill set and diversity is their passion for imaging! From wedding images to landscape and wildlife to macro to 4K video and their workshop schedules, you'll find each Luminary has a history of helping photographers raise the bar on their image quality, regardless of what their specialty might be.

Intro by Skip Cohen

Bob Coates has shared a lot of great how-to content here at SCU. Having spent a lot of time with him over the years, I've seen his style change and his creativity both as an artist and an educator explode. 

Bob is part of a pretty amazing group of artists, Panasonic's Luminary team. If Bob isn't already on your radar, check out his Successful Photographer blog as well as his presence in the LUMIX Lounge. And, while you're there, check out all the Luminaries. There's no shortage of creativity in this amazing group!

I took my Lumix GH4 out for a hike yesterday along with its friends, the 7-14mm f4, its cousin the 12-35 f2.8 and its big brother the 35-100mm f2.8. This combination of camera and lenses gives me the 35mm equivalent focal range of 14-to 200mm. Add a spare battery, a five in one 20 inch Westcott reflector, some extension tubes and put it all in a small Tenba ‘Switch 10’ bag and I’m ready for almost anything I might come across photographically.

Oh, did I mention all of that gear weighs just a bit over six pounds? Throw in a MeFoto backpacker tripod and water for the hike and it’s still under ten pounds. TOTAL!

The Lumix Micro 4/3rds Mirrorless system rocks!

I think I’ll take the kit out for a hike again tomorrow!

by Skip Cohen

For close to a year and a half SCU has been featuring a different Panasonic Luminary each week. Over and over again I've written about the diversity of this amazing group of artists.  

At the same time I've been admiring the creativity of this group, Panasonic's engineers continue to push the edge of the envelope with changes in technology.  With each new product there's a new set of tools for artists to capture the ultimate image; tell the most unique story and explore the boundaries that in imaging have become virtually unlimited.

Check out this short film by Luminary, Michael Grecco, all shot in 4K. It's a wonderful piece of work, all done with a LUMIX GH4.

You'll find more of Michael's work along with the rest of the Luminaries in the LUMIX Lounge. Panasonic's LUMIX tag line is "Changing Photography" and nothing could be more accurate.