Image copyright Judy Host. All rights reserved. Thanks to so much great feedback, this is number 36 in the "Why?" series. We're sharing the stories behind the favorite images of some of the industry's most respected artists. Think about how many images we all see each day on line, in magazines, newspapers and television, but we never hear the stories behind them. Judy Host joins me in this new "Why?" Judy is based out of Atlanta and although Rangefinder Magazine described her as one of "Today's Top Children's Photographers," there's nothing Judy can't shoot! Just click on the image above to connect to her website. And, while you're visiting her site, check out the images in her galleries and especially the landing page. I really like the way it comes up dark and each category lights up as you drag your mouse across the page. A BIG thanks to Judy for joining me on "Why?" along with all the artists who have joined us so far. There are lots more coming and with each image you're getting to know another one of the industry's most creative photographers and we're all getting to hear the backstories!
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Image copyright Mark Toal. All rights reserved. "Why?" started as a way to share images together with their backstories from some of the most respected artists in photography. What I never anticipated was how strong and popular a feature like this would be. I also under-estimated the lessons I'd learn from each photographer I spoke with as they shared their backstories.
Mark Toal is another example of the best thing about our industry - the friendships that come out of everyone's love for the craft. Mark and I met at a Panasonic Luminary meeting over a year ago. Since then he's shared several terrific guest posts. He also is a key contributor with two other good friends, Joe and Mary Farace at Mirrorless Photo Tips. Interested in checking out more of Mark's work and tips on shooting mirrorless - wander into the Lumix Lounge. You'll not only catch up to Mark, but the other members of the Luminary team. Image copyright David Anthony Williams. All rights reserved. Welcome to a new "Why?" This series is about the backstories behind the favorite images from some of the most respected artists in professional photography today. In this new back-story David Anthony Williams makes several points with this image using an Ice Light as his main light source.
David and I became friends though WPPI where, as one of the most popular judges in print competition over the years, he's been influential in helping so many of us learn to see. As a leading educator and artist, if you have a chance to attend a workshop with David, TAKE IT! In fact, he's got a three day workshop coming up in Toronto on November 16! To find out more about David, just click his image and you'll be on his website. Image copyright Jonathan Givens. All rights reserved. When I started "Why?" I really underestimated the variety and power of the backstories behind the favorite images of some of the most respected artists in imaging today. It's time to introduce you to Jonathan Givens, a talented artist from the Miami area who most of you have probably never heard of, but that's temporary. I met Jonathan at ShutterFest last April and not only loved the images on his site, but the concept behind a very special project he's just about to finish, Dance Across the USA. The idea behind this project is to showcase the variety and beauty of both our country, and the dancers that live within it. Jonathan Givens Jonathan's core business is entertainment photography specializing with dancers and circus entertainers. Well, he found a way to combine his passion for the arts together with his love for the National Parks, and set out to photograph dancers in parks throughout the the United States.
There are two additional points I want to share with this new backstory: First, I met Jonathan at a conference and it's a perfect example of a key reason to attend every workshop, conference and convention you can find time for - It's a great way to build your network. Second, special projects, regardless of whether you know what they might become later on, are the perfect vehicle to keep your passion for imaging alive and strong. So, no matter what your core specialty might be, find the time to invest in a special project just for the fun of it. You can find out more about Jonathan's book project, Dance Across the USA by clicking on the image above. And, a visit to his website is just a click away. Image copyright Hernan Rodriguez. All rights reserved. by Skip Cohen
"Why?" is about back-stories from some of the most respected artists in photography today. Think about how many images you see every day, but you never hear the stories behind them. Hernan Rodriquez is a perfect example of one of my favorite comments: "The best thing about this industry has nothing to do with photography, but the friendships that come out of everyone's love for the craft!" Hernan and I go back to my earliest Rangefinder/WPPI days, and while we don't catch up that often, each time it's like we ended the last conversation with a comma. From a Spotlight Profile to a recent post shooting with Tamron's new SP85 mm lens, as a Tamron Image Master he's no stranger to SCU readers. His specialty is commercial and portraiture, but in all honesty, there's nothing Hernan can't shoot. What I love about this particular "Why?" is Hernan talking about the relationships he tries to build with his clients. Even if it's only through a short conversation, building that relationship relaxes the subject and the result is more natural expressions and a memory-making session. To find out more about Hernan, check out his website with a click on the image above. And, you'll find more about him on Tamron's Image Master page. Image copyright Daniel J. Cox. All rights reserved. by Skip Cohen I started "Why?" as a new feature on the SCU site to help more photographers understand the stories behind the favorite images of some of the most respected artists in our industry. I can't turn back the clock and chase down photographers who are no longer with us, but I can introduce you to so many of the movers and shakers today. This is number thirty-one in the series since we started in April. Dan Cox is in the spotlight with what many will agree is the perfect reason for an artist to select his/her most favorite image. The image launched Dan's career as an artist. He was seventeen when he captured the photograph above, which became his first published piece as an Eddie Bauer catalog cover. They ran it as a front to back wrap, essentially becoming a double-page spread! But, there's more to the story. Dan's parents were visiting him in Bozeman last week when we recorded his "Why?" backstory, and we included them in the podcast. His parents were his support team, and as you listen to him tell the story behind this image, think back to the early days when you were getting started and the people who were your biggest fans. Like Dan's folks, they were hopefully the ones who helped you stay focused on your goals. Eddie Bauer's publication of the image became a family project when the image was offered as a limited edition print. Even more important the image launched the career of one of the most talented outdoor/wildlife photographers today.
When Dan and I started working together almost two years ago through Panasonic's Luminary team, I had no idea of the depth of his experience or his passion for the craft. Dan and his wife Tanya spend approximately ten months of the year on one photographic adventure after another. As a result their trips have had an impact on thousands of photographers through their company Natural Exposures. On their website there's a sentence I want to share. It so appropriately describes their business: Natural Exposures, your connection to the world of photography, nature, conservation and the conduit to fulfilling your lifelong travel dreams. Check out more of Dan's images and the trips he and Tanya offer the photographic community with a click on any image above. Then, check out The Corkboard Blog for some of the exciting stories about their journeys and Dan's passion for education and images of the outdoors and wildlife. I have yet to follow one of his trips that wasn't on my own personal bucket list! Image copyright Lori Nordstrom. All rights reserved. by Skip Cohen I started "Why?" because I wanted more people to know the movers and shakers of the photographic industry, but these back-stories have become so much more. We look at hundreds of images every day, but never hear the stories behind them. We never learn why artists might have captured an image the way they did, what was on their mind at the time or why it's an important image/milestone in their career. In this new back-story, meet Lori Nordstrom. She's one of the industry's leading educators, and an outstanding artist with a passion for photographing babies. She's involved in dozens of industry projects, workshops and online presentations every year. Her tagline for her business says it all: Celebrating Real Life. Lori couldn't be more real or for that matter approachable if you meet her at a convention and just need a little help/advice. Need help building a stronger business? Just click the image above to connect to Lori's coaching site. Also, check out more of her work on her website. And, it's a lot of fun to show how this image continues to be an iconic part of Lori's business and share the cover of her book. Just click on the cover to the right if you'd like to find out more. Image copyright Bryan Caporicci. All rights reserved. This is the 29th episode of "Why?" featuring one of Bryan Caporicci's images. As I mentioned at the end of the sound-byte, if I had scripted what Bryan would say, I couldn't have come up with a better back story.
That's what the "Why?" series is all about - sharing the back stories behind powerful images and introducing you to some of the leaders in professional photography. With every episode, I've been amazed at the willingness of each artist to share what makes their image a favorite to them. Bryan Caporicci is primarily a wedding photographer. He's the founder of Sprouting Photographer and Sprout Studio. He's an outstanding artist, writer, podcaster, blogger and educator. All of the hats he wears help him support his most significant hat and real passion - being a great Dad and husband. Being active in social media, it's so appropriate that Bryan, and I met online through an IM on Facebook. That led to lunch when he was visiting family in Florida and a terrific friendship. Weekend Wisdom, the podcast I do every couple of weeks, is part of Sprouting Photographer and thanks to one of Bryan's visions. Check out more of Bryan's work with a click on his "Why?" image. Image copyright Ed Heaton. All rights reserved. Everybody enjoys seeing beautiful images, but getting the back-story directly from the artist adds another dimension. That's certainly the fun of the story behind this image by landscape photographer, Ed Heaton.
While there was obviously time dedicated to Ed's visualization and capturing this image over several days of shooting, it's the sidebar story about the circumstances that demonstrates one of my favorite traits about him, his sense of humor. After listening to the sound-byte, imagine the fun you'll have on a workshop with him, along with how much you'll learn! He's got five pretty amazing locations for workshops coming up yet this year. Ed and I met through his affiliation with Tamron USA as an Image Master. You'll find more about him with a click on the image above as well as his Tamron Image Master page. Image copyright Sue Bryce. All rights reserved. Sue Bryce's back-story on this image is the perfect example of what we were hoping to accomplish when "Why?" got started just a couple of months ago. There are two primary goals for this series. First, to introduce you to some of the most respected artists and educators in photography today and second, to share the stories behind each image.
We always talk about the passion great artists have for the craft. Well, the story about this image will give you some great insight into the passion Sue has for her subjects. For her, it's so much more than just capturing and creating a beautiful photograph. Sue is one of the industry's most inspirational artists and educators, and in this short sound-byte she shares so much of the "why" behind her work. Yes, she has a phenomenal understanding of photography and she never compromises on the quality of an image, but she's so much more. A Sue Bryce image is as much about stunning portraiture as it is about the way she builds a relationship with each client...as well as her students! Just click the image above to visit Sue's educational site. And, if she's teaching at any upcoming conference you're going to attend, make sure to be there early and grab a seat in the front row! You'll never be disappointed. Image copyright Maring Visuals. All rights reserved. I started "Why?" as a new feature on the SCU site to help more photographers understand the stories behind the favorite images of some of the most respected artists in our industry today. I can't turn back the clock and chase down photographers who are no longer with us but I can introduce you to some outstanding artists and educators who need to be on your radar.
Charles Maring is in the spotlight today. While Charles' core business is wedding photography, together with his wife Jennifer they make up one of the most diverse couples in imaging today. In fact, they joined me last year as a couple on a Weekend Wisdom podcast to talk about the importance of diversity in your business. Charles never compromises on his skill set, and is constantly fine-tuning and expanding his techniques. This new "Why?" has a little different twist to it, because Charles wanted to talk about lighting and the importance of understated elegance. Some of your most favorite images and those most special to your clients don't always have to be winners in print competition, but be important elements of their story. While the true quality of a Maring image is in Charles and Jennifer's skill set, they both believe in quality products. In fact, the image above was captured with a LUMIX GH4 and lit with Profoto's B1 Off-Camera Flash System. Maring Visuals needs to be on your radar and especially their new workshop series. Just click on the image above to link to their educational site and follow the schedule. If they're coming to a city near you, run don't walk to grab a seat! "Why?" is all about the unique back-stories that go with every image. I'm sharing images from some of the most respected artists in photography today.
In the "Why?" spotlight for this episode is a long time friend, Jack Reznicki. He's not only a well-respected commercial photographer, but he believes in the industry and over the years has regularly been involved in the three primary photographic associations. He is the only photographer who has had a leadership role as the President of Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and named an Honorary Master Photographer; President of the NY chapter of Advertising Photographers of America (APA) during it’s founding years, and sat on the NY board of American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP). Recently we shared an extremely helpful podcast with Jack about the importance of copyright and protecting your images. You'll find the podcast in the X-Rite Photo & Video Forum. As Jack points out, it's so important to take the time to protect those images you've worked so hard to capture/create. Click on the image above to visit Jack's website and his newest book, The Copyright Zone, co-authored with Ed Greenberg, is just a click away. Image copyright Monica Royal. All rights reserved. I started "Why?" as a new feature on the SCU site to help more photographers understand the stories behind the favorite images of some of the most respected artists in our industry today. I can't turn back the clock and chase down photographers who are no longer with us but stay tuned. I'm regularly sharing new images along with short sound bytes about the images from the artists themselves.
Monica Royal is in the spotlight today with a unique image and one of the most important lessons each of us at some point hopefully learns - having confidence in ourselves. From the how-to research to her actual follow-through in capturing this image, Monica couldn't be more open in sharing how this one image became life-changing. Monica is an artist, a writer, an educator, and needs to be on your radar. Just click the image to visit Monica's website and see more of her work. She's also a Tamron ImageMaster, and you can find out more about her on the Tamron site. P.S. In regards to the image above, she recently sold a limited edition version to a private collector who identified with Monica's back-story about self-confidence and learning to trust yourself. Welcome to "Why?"
This all started out with an idea to help get more photographers, especially those of you relatively new to the business, a better understanding of all those artists who have blazed a trail before you. Although, I honestly had no idea just how much fun "Why?" would become. Bobbi Lane, the AKA "Mistress of Lighting," is in the spotlight today. Bobbi and I have shared some really good friends over the years, but for whatever reason, our paths didn't cross very much. Since finally meeting face to face in 2009, while working on a project at Hallmark Institute, she's taught at Skip's Summer School programs, done some guest posts and we catch up with each other at just about every convention. Even more impressive than her skills as a photographer and educator is her pure passion for the craft and her friends. Nothing trumps the importance of friendship, and nothing beats knowing Bobbi Lane is watching your back. Click on the sound bar above and listen to Bobbi's comments as she takes you through the background on one of her favorite images. Find out more about Bobbi at her educational site and view more images with just a click on her image. Bobbi is one of the newest members of X-Rite's Coloratti team. Her profile page isn't up on the site yet, but click on the Coloratti logo below and meet the rest of the team! Image copyright Kevin A. Gilligan. All rights reserved. Welcome back to a new "Why?" sound-byte. Joining me today is Kevin A. Gilligan. Kevin is no stranger to SCU. In fact, he's responsible for one of SCU's most read guest posts to date, a three-part series on planning and implementing your own photographic exhibit. Complete with a podcast, Kevin shared every detail of the recipe for a successful DIY exhibition of your work to your community.
Living on the west coast, storms don't come in very often. As Kevin talks about in this new sound-byte, when a storm does roll in you'll find him on the beach, always with a camera in hand. I first met Kevin through Tamron's Image Master program, and you can find more of his work with a click on the Tamron logo below. Check out more of Kevin's work with a visit to his website. Just click on today's "Why?" image. His passion is landscape, but as you'll see in his galleries, quality and diversity are also his trademarks. Image copyright Denis Reggie. All rights reserved. The concept behind "Why?" is pretty easy to understand. I want to share images from well-respected photographic artists and ask why the image is special; what makes it unique or what makes it a favorite of the artist.
I started "Why?" for two reasons. First, there are too many of you who don't know the movers and shakers in the industry; those photographers blazing a path in creativity and setting the standard for so many different aspects of imaging and the business of photography. Second, I wanted to find a better way for you to enjoy the back-story behind every image. Nothing beats hearing it from the artist directly. We're kicking off July with a bang and sharing one of the most recognized photographs in history, captured by Denis Reggie. The image of John Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, as they came out of the church after their wedding ceremony, appeared in just about every magazine in the world, not to mention newspapers. Remember, this image was captured on film. There was no "chimping" until the proofs came back from the lab! Denis had no time to experiment and as he talks about in this sound-byte, there was no time to scout out the location in advance. One of the things that makes Denis one of the finest photographers in the world is his solid foundation in understanding every aspect of photography. There's no guess work when Denis is shooting, regardless of whether it's digital or film. You can learn more about Denis and check out his work with a visit to his website. Just click on the image. And, if you see him speaking at a convention/conference take the time to introduce yourself. He's been responsible for so many milestones in professional photography, especially in getting more photographers to understand the value of their work. Image copyright Bob Coates. All rights reserved. I started "Why?" as a new feature on the SCU site to help more photographers understand the stories behind the favorite images of some of the most respected artists in our industry today. I can't turn back the clock and chase down photographers who are no longer with us but stay tuned. I'm sharing new images every week along with short sound bytes about the images from the artists themselves.
Every image has a unique back-story and this portrait by Bob Coates is no exception. I've followed Bob's work since we first met back in my early WPPI days. What started out as simply respect for his skill set and never-ending quest to capture the ultimate image, has grown into a terrific friendship. We've spent a lot of time with Bob, and he's never without a camera. In this new "Why?" Bob shares a powerful back-story making this so much more than just a beautiful portrait. Bob should be on your radar. Just click on the image to visit his blog, which is always loaded with terrific content. And, you'll always find more of Bob's work in the Lumix Lounge. Image copyright Roberto Valenzuela. All rights reserved. You don't take a photograph, you make it. Ansel Adams "Why?" is all about the back-stories behind an image. Sometimes the stories are emotional, other times they're about the degree of difficulty or how the image was captured. However, the images being shared all have a common denominator - they're always important to the artist.
I started this series to help you get to know some of the most respected artists in the industry today. "Why?" is about their passion for the craft, for quality, education, and often pushing the boundaries of creativity and technology. In this new episode of "Why?" Roberto Valenzuela shares the background on the image above and why it represents an important moment. Known almost exclusively as a wedding photographer, there's virtually nothing he can't shoot, and this opportunity working with Canon USA is a prime example. Roberto needs to be on your radar. Check out more of his work by clicking on the image to visit his website. And, take a look at "Picture Perfect Practice." Roberto is regularly teaching and speaking all over the world. Image copyright John Paul Caponigro. All rights reserved. "Creativity is the way I share my soul with the world." Brené Brown "Why?" is all about back-stories from some of the most respected artists in professional imaging today. This is our eighteenth featured artist. When I read the quote above I couldn't help but think about John Paul Caponigro. He's always sharing his "soul" with the world. He's an artist, a writer, an educator and an inspiration to so many of us in the industry.
As you listen to his back-story you'll get to know a little more about him. He presents and teaches with the same honesty and openness as he shares in this new "Why?" He never compromises on the quality of anything he's working on, especially printing. He's currently sharing a FREE download of his ebook, The Digital Printing Quick Start Guide. Click the image above to visit his website. and put his blog on your radar too. John Paul is an X-Rite Coloratti and one click on the logo below, and you can find out more about him along with the rest of the Coloratti team. Image copyright Justin and Mary Marantz. All rights reserved. From guest posts to their Profoto series, "Walk Through a Wedding" and "Walking the Talk", Justin and Mary Marantz are no strangers here at SCU. As artists, writers and one of the industry's strongest couples in education they're always on the leading edge of not only technology, but the way they work with their clients and have built their business.
We're in prime wedding season and getting either of them to stand still for very long is a challenge, So, I'm especially appreciative to have been able to connect with Justin to record a new segment for "Why?" My purpose in starting why was twofold. First, every image has a story behind it and I wanted to add a new dimension to a blog post. I wanted you to be able to hear why the image was a favorite from the artist directly. Second, "Why?" features some of the most respected and recognized photographers in our industry. They need to be on your radar and what better way to introduce you to their work than through their own words? Interested in finding out more about Justin and Mary? Just click on the image above to visit their website. Also check out their educational site for help to raise the bar on your skill set. |
Our Partners"Why?"Check out "Why?" one of the most popular features on the SCU Blog. It's a very simple concept - one image, one artist and one short sound bite. Each artist shares what makes the image one of their most favorite. We're over 100 artists featured since the project started. Click on the link above and you can scroll through all of the episodes to date.
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