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468 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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AI-Powered Wedding Photography Workflows, with Sam Hurd & Justin Benson
13 maart 2025 · 1 uur 24 min
Photographers often react instinctively against artificial intelligence, typically focusing on controversial generative AI. Meanwhile, a different branch of AI technology—machine learning systems—has been making remarkable progress helping photographers manage overwhelming image workflows under tight deadlines. Lees meer
In today's show, we explore this trending topic in a discussion with Justin Benson and Sam Hurd, both accomplished wedding photographers and tech entrepreneurs.
Justin begins by clarifying the distinction between machine learning and generative AI before taking us behind the scenes of Aftershoot, the workflow tool he co-founded. He highlights the key advantages of culling and editing images locally rather than using cloud-based alternatives.
We also explore the question of trusting automated workflows and discuss how aesthetics factor in, particularly since machine learning systems adapt to a photographer's culling and editing preferences over time.
Our conversation naturally addresses the ethical concerns surrounding AI. Sam's posing tool, Insight, uses generative AI to offer photographers fresh creative suggestions, but importantly, it trains exclusively on images from his own extensive collection. You'll hear about his journey developing this tool initially for personal use before scaling it as a service for others.
By the end, you'll have gained fresh perspective on how these AI-powered tools can enhance your current workflow, along with hearing some thought-provoking predictions about what the future may hold.
Guests: Sam Hurd & Justin Benson
Episode Timeline:3:34: Sam's background in the creative arts complimented his love of technology in developing his photography career.
7:26: Justin's busy wedding workload and how his photography knowledge became an asset in developing an AI-powered culling & editing software.
9:35: Differentiating between machine learning and Generative AI, plus ethical concerns related to companies using cloud-based sys…
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Picturing the World from Immersive to Eternal, with Claudio Edinger
27 februari 2025 · 1 uur 9 min
Above Photograph © Claudio Edinger Lees meer
When it comes to photography, Claudio Edinger has a Midas touch. Equally celebrated for his immersive photo series, the intimacy of his portraits, and his aerial views that conjure a sense of the eternal through selective focus, his compulsion for research drives adjustments to his photographic strategy from one project to the next.
In today's show, we unpack the many facets of Claudio's storied career, from his arrival in New York and early documentation of Brooklyn's Hasidic community in the late 1970s to the environmental portraits he made inside Manhattan's infamous Chelsea Hotel, and beyond.
Learn the backstory to his fortuitous connection with master portraitist Philippe Halsman, and the influence this had on his photographic vocabulary. We also discuss Claudio's aerial imagery made from helicopters and drones, and debate the slippery slope between noteworthy content, image quality, and resolution.
As a longtime disciple of meditation, Claudio's approach to photography is equally influenced by the underlying flow of energy essential to life on this planet, which led him to state, "I'm open to whatever the universe brings my way. But the universe has to conspire in your favor. My whole life has been like that. I've been guided. My intuition brings me to places, and the place drags me into it."
Guest: Claudio Edinger
Episode Timeline:3:03: Claudio's beginnings in photography while studying economics in Sao Paulo, and his first exhibit at the Sao Paulo Museum of Art.
4:55: A move to New York in 1976 and a two-year project on Brooklyn's Hasidic community.
8:42: Connecting with master portrait photographer Philippe Halsman, and how this expanded Claudio's vocabulary as a photographer.
15:35: A move to the Chelsea Hotel and a new photographic strategy to make environmental portraits of the building and its residents.
19:52: The influence of August Sander's work, and Claudio's pursuit of intimacy to create images with un…
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Demystifying Contemporary Africa with Lou Jones and the panAFRICAproject
13 februari 2025 · 1 uur 20 min
Above Photograph © Lou Jones Lees meer
Africa is the cradle of our civilization. Yet, most Westerners see this massive continent from a distance, and often through a scrim of largely negative headlines.
For more than a decade, Boston-based photographer Lou Jones has sought to challenge this misperception. In 2013, he launched an in-depth photographic documentation of individual countries across Africa under the title the panAFRICAproject.
Jones joins us on today's podcast to recap his efforts to date, which currently encompasses a third of Africa's 54 nations.
Listen in to learn how the project came to be—growing from a solo endeavor to travels with two assistants and enough photo and lighting gear to illuminate an airplane factory. We also discuss the delicate mix of diplomacy and six degrees of separation Jones employs when negotiating access to photograph—plus much, much more.
"We're talking about contemporary Africa," Jones points out. "Talking to people local—not academics in America—to tell us what's important to their culture, what's important to their country, what's important to their community, what's important to their company. Directly from people living there."
Guest: Lou Jones
Episode Timeline:2:58: Lou's earliest trips to Africa predating the panAFRICAproject, then traveling to Ghana to start the project.
7:26: The logistics of travel as a solo photographer and the six degrees of separation that informs his photographic process.
11:33: The substantial diplomacy required in meetings to negotiate access, while avoiding cliches and stereotypes.
19:29: The value of Lou's images as currency in gaining access to photograph business environments.
26:18: The evolution of Lou's photo crew, planning and packing for multiple purposes, plus the art of trading down with project costs.
32:10: The contents of Lou's gear bags, and how he packs everything from cameras to Speedlights to lighting accessories.
39:53: Photography as a bridge to cultural sensitivity a…
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The Art of Competitive Cycling Photography, with Phil Penman & Kristof Ramon
30 januari 2025 · 1 uur 26 min
Top shot © Kristof Ramon Lees meer
The dynamic arena of competitive cycling photography is not for the faint of heart. This grueling specialty requires a mix of split-second reaction times, intuitive technical mastery, and the ability to anticipate—and even more important—embrace risk. It takes a special breed of photographer to continuously capture every ounce of emotion packed into this sport, from bruising injuries and bitter disappointments to the exaltation of a win.
For today's show, we've brought together two passionate cycling aficionados, former competitive cyclist and renowned street photographer Phil Penman and Kristof Ramon, a cycling photography specialist who recently released his first book on the subject. While they're introduced as strangers, get ready to be wowed by the synchronicity of their shared experiences, and the remarkable chemistry that grows between them over the course of the show.
Most people's awareness of competitive cycling revolves around coverage of the Tour de France or other major races shown on TV. Our conversation delves much deeper than this, to reveal what happens behind the scenes, and show both the intensity of purpose and the many stages of suffering that's a hallmark of this sport. Kristof's book is titled The Art of Suffering for a reason. As he aptly sums up in the book's opening quote: "Where the conditions get grimmer and the riders start to suffer, that's when the more interesting stories begin."
Guests: Phil Penman & Kristof Ramon
Episode Timeline:
3:56: Phil Penman's connection to the competitive cycling world and how his insight as a cyclist informs his photography of the sport.
7:45: The logistics of photographing competitive cycling and the perils of damaging photo equipment.
10:36: The creative aspect to photographing competitive cycling and how to think outside the box to get impactful shots.
15:16: The many stages of suffering involved in competitive cycling, and the pride riders take in having this documente…
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Passing the Podcast Keys with Derek Fahsbender and Allan Weitz
16 januari 2025 · 1 uur 15 min
Allan Weitz had little idea of the grand photographic adventures in store when he signed on as host of the B&H Photography Podcast shortly before the show's debut in October 2015. As a self-described big mouth, and with more than 40 years as a working pro fueling his curiosity about all things photographic, Allan quickly honed his chops to become the voice of the show.
Today's episode marks a crossroads, as Allan passes his hosting mic to the show's incoming host, Derek Fahsbender, producer and host of the B&H Event Space. During a lively chat, we celebrate Allan's long and successful career, both on assignment and at the helm of the podcast, with some never before told stories and audio clips from memorable interactions with guests.
A few of the many topics we cover include, how a kid from Sheepshead Bay made a name for himself photographing classic yachts, the ways in which Allan's time behind a New Jersey deli counter enhanced his ability to engage with people on a human level—among other benefits to career reinvention—and how his shift into podcasting taught him to use his voice as an instrument.
As Allan aptly summarized for attendees of the podcast team's 2018 presentation of Podcasting 101: "It's not always what you say, but how you say it."
Guest: Allan Weitz
Episode Timeline
3:38: Allan's B&H Event Space segment from Podcasting 101.
8:35: The back story to Allan's one-word podcast intro "Greetings!"
10:44: Allan's chat with digital camera inventor Steve Sasson about their shared Brooklyn roots.
13:56: Allan's hosting skills as a court jester—or Tummler in Yiddish.
16:12: Gear talk, and a clip from Allan's chat with Bellamy Hunt of The Japan Camera Hunter.
21:19: Allan waxes poetic about his love for the Hasselblad Superwide, plus his early adoption of digital gear.
28:24: Branching out from commercial assignments to tech writing and other things. Lees meer38:18: Episode break
39:27: Memorable stories and life lessons from Allan's assignment career.
44:22: Allan's… -
Black Cowboys & Rodeo Culture, with Ron Tarver & Ivan McClellan
2 januari 2025 · 1 uur 27 min
Top shot © Ron Tarver Lees meer
Cowboy lore has deep roots in American culture. Yet, black cowboys have lived pretty much under the radar until recently, when songs by pop culture icons Lil Nas X and Beyoncé went viral and catapulted the black western aesthetic into the limelight.
In today's show, we're getting the inside scoop from two photographers who've been fully immersed in these vibrant communities since long before they became a top fashion trend. Separated by a generation in age and with pictures spanning from film to digital, we follow Ron Tarver and Ivan McClellan from their early years in Oklahoma and Kansas, to the urban stables of Northern Philadelphia, the legendary Roy LeBlanc Rodeo in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, and beyond.
Listen in and discover how the popularity of a single newspaper assignment led Ron to the pages of National Geographic and a career defining body of work.
In a similar manner, Ivan's hunch to act on a chance invitation morphed into a passion project that reconnected him to his midwestern roots and ultimately expanded his role from photographer to that of an entrepreneur and rodeo boss.
Ever wonder about the funding and stamina required to compete as a rodeo athlete? We take that bull by the horns at the end of the show.
Guests: Ron Tarver & Ivan McClellan
Episode Timeline:4:09: Ron Tarver and Ivan McClellan's early memories of cowboy culture during their respective youths in Kansas City and Fort Gibson, Oklahoma.
9:19: Ron's early story for the Philadelphia Inquirer and his subsequent documentation of black cowboy culture.
15:06: The camera gear and film stock Ron used for his pictures, plus digitizing analog slides using a digital camera, macro lens and bellows system.
20:15: Technical limitations Ron faced when shooting film, and his editing process when working with National Geographic.
23:19: Ivan's start as a designer, his introduction to photography and the world of black cowboys, and his shooting process at the rodeo.
33:40: T…
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2024 Photo Gear of the Year with Kevin Rickert
19 december 2024 · 1 uur 42 min
Well, 2024 has certainly come and gone in a flash, meaning it's time once again for us to reflect on new photo offerings in our annual Cameras of the Year episode, now renamed Photo Gear of the Year. Featured in our discussion are new releases from Canon, FUJIFILM, Leica, Mint, Nikon, OM SYSTEM, Panasonic, Ricoh Pentax, and Sony. Lees meer
In the words of our recurring guest, Kevin Rickert, B&H's Senior Sales Trainer for Photography and Lighting, "Everything old is new again" at least when it comes to this year's most sought-after camera releases. A penchant for pocketable, fixed lens cameras led us to organize our camera offerings by type rather than in an alphabetical laundry list. Along with debating the current craze for "the digicam look," we consider whether manufacturers will respond to consumers' increasing appetite for midrange point and shoots.
After the break, we shift to the newest crop of flagship cameras that are built for speed, while also discussing notable updates to other new releases. We also shed light on the essential role served by firmware updates, both in trimming a new camera's time to market and allowing you to get more out of the camera you already have. As Kevin points out, "It's an important part of having a camera. Much like if you have a car, you need to get oil changes."
We wrap things up with some predictions for 2025, including Kevin's hopes for a continued resurgence of point and shoot models, plus some intriguing new photo accessories that caught his eye this year. Stay to the end to learn about the inventive new Fjordan camera control for the iPhone, recently acquired by Leica.
Guest: Kevin Rickert
Episode Timeline
2:30: Kevin Rickert's role as a B&H sales trainer for photography and lighting.
9:34: What camera stood out the most this year: FUJIFILM X100VI
18:02: Ricoh GR III HDF / Ricoh GR IIIx
20:00: Nostalgia for midrange point and shoots and the digicam look
29:36: Leica D-Lux 8
31:42: Leica Q3 43
35:52: Fujifilm X-T50 (a …
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Picturing World Cultures: Marcela Taboada – Mexico
5 december 2024 · 1 uur 16 min
Photographers have a magical ability to transport us to hidden worlds, giving us intimate access to facets of society that would otherwise go unnoticed. Lees meer
Above photograph © Marcela Taboada
In today's podcast, we sit down with Mexican photographer Marcela Taboada, whose long-term documentary projects offer revealing glimpses into underrecognized communities, for Picturing World Cultures.
Combining a passion for making pictures that let her "see backstage," with a knack for "knocking doors" and the tenacity to win over resistant subjects, Marcela gained rare access to photograph the daily lives of Mexico's cloistered nuns. Follow her painstaking process and learn the secret to her acceptance as the nuns' photography godmother during our chat.
We also discuss her series "Women of Clay," documenting the enterprising women of a Mixtec village, who singlehandedly rebuilt their homes after an earthquake using Adobe bricks and a process taught by a Mexican architect.
Along the way, Marcela shares insights about the challenges of pursuing a photography career as a single mother with young children and reveals the lessons she learned from seeing aspects of her own story reflected in the lives of her subjects.
If you haven't already listened, check out all the episodes of our Picturing World Cultures podcast series here.
Guest: Marcela Taboada
Episode Timeline:2:21: Marcela's process in making pictures that let her "see backstage."
5:15: A childhood memory and her fascination with viewing the stars from an observatory built by her great uncle.
10:16: Marcela's introduction to cameras and the darkroom by photographing family trips.
13:24: University studies and a photo series inspired by her great aunt entering a Mexican nursing home.
18:13: Marcela's photo gear and juggling her early photo career while raising two children as a single mother.
22:52: Marcela's photo series Women of Clay, about a community of enterprising women who rebuilt their homes after an earthq…
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Reclaiming a Natural Landscape, with Jade Doskow & Cal Flyn
21 november 2024 · 1 uur 15 min
What is the role of landscape photography in a post-industrial world? Lees meer
In today's podcast, we consider some possibilities in a chat with Jade Doskow, current photographer in residence for Staten Island's Freshkills Park, and Cal Flyn author of the book Islands of Abandonment.
Above image: © Jade Doskow
While our two guests work in different disciplines, which leads to divergent approaches to the pictures they make, their shared purpose tells similar stories.
Among the topics we discuss are a distinction between romantic landscapes of the past and a more ambivalent attitude to the subject today, and a photographer's responsibility to make pictures that go beyond merely decorative intent. You'll also discover how dedication to a fine art passion project can lead to career advancement through paid assignments.
Join us for this fascinating discussion about recording the gradual process between post-industrial decay and engineered regeneration, or other states of rewilding
Guests: Jade Doskow & Cal Flyn
For more information on our guests and the gear they use, see:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/reclaiming-a-natural-landscape-with-jade-doskow-cal-flynStay Connected:
Jade Doskow Website: https://jadedoskowphotography.com/
Jade Doskow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j_doskow/
Jade Doskow Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jade.doskow/
Jade Doskow at Freshkills Park: https://freshkillspark.org/os-art/jadedoskow
Jade Doskow Lost Utopias Documentary: https://www.philipshane.com/lost-utopias
Jade Doskow Urban Omnibus Project: https://urbanomnibus.net/2022/11/extra-terrestrialCal Flyn Website: https://www.calflyn.com/
Cal Flyn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calflyn/
Cal Flyn Linktree: https://linktr.ee/calflyn
Cal Flyn Islands of Abandonment: https://linktr.ee/IslandsofAbandonment -
Picturing World Cultures: Mark Leong – China
14 november 2024 · 59 min
In today's podcast, we sit down with Mark Leong, a fifth-generation Chinese-American photographer, for Picturing World Cultures. Lees meer
Above photograph © Mark Leong
From his arrival in 1980s Beijing on a one-year travel fellowship, to his decision to live and work there long-term over the following decades, we follow Mark's path from his ancestral village to the Beijing art scene, and beyond.
He walks us through his experiences in documenting the massive cultural shifts as Chinese society transitioned from uniformity and limited choice to a realm of consumerism and increasing globalization.
We also discuss Mark's long-term photographic project featuring China's Post-90's generation, the young adults born under the country's one-child policy.
As Mark points out toward the end of our chat, "What's interesting to me about this generation I'm photographing is that they have this kind of creativity, and they have the resources to use this creativity to make something."
If you haven't already listened, check out all the episodes of our Picturing World Cultures podcast series here.
Guest: Mark Leong
For more information about our guest and the gear he uses, see:
https:/www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/picturing-world-cultures-mark-leong-chinaStay Connected:
Mark Leong Website: https://www.markleongphotography.com/
Mark Leong on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markleongphotography/
Mark Leong on Redux Website: https://reduxpictures.com/artist/mark-leong
Mark Leong's book China Obscura: https://www.amazon.com/China-Obscura-Mark-Leong/dp/0811844617
Mark Leong's Award from Center: https://centersantafe.org/comingofage
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Photography Mentors & Lifelong Learning, with Reid Callanan and Craig Stevens
31 oktober 2024 · 1 uur 28 min
Today we chat with Reid Callanan, founder and director of the Santa Fe Photographic Workshops and renowned photo educator Craig Stevens, formerly of Maine Media Workshops and Savannah College of Art & Design, about photography mentors, lifelong learning, and the role photo workshops play in cultivating community.
Craig and Reid share plenty of insight, not just on the requisite trust that's required in a successful mentor and student relationship, but other topics such as what it means to be truly passionate about photography, collaboration, as well as how to critique the work of others without being "critical." Whether you're just getting started as a photographer or you're a seasoned vet, you're sure to walk away from today's podcast with a nugget or two of wisdom.
Photo caption: Double portrait of Reid Callanan and Craig Stevens
Photo credit: Above Image © Joyce Tenneson Lees meerEpisode Timeline:
4:44: Reid Callanan on first recognizing Craig Stevens as his mentor.
12:20: Craig's early impressions of Reid.
16:25: How the concept of mentorship has changed over time and across generations.
19:56: Craig on the "workshop method" and past history as it applies to photography.
26:23: Online workshops versus intensive in-person learning opportunities.
31:38: Differences between an international photo workshop and a destination photo tour, and questions prospective students should ask.
36:38: Discussing the Santa Fe Photographic Workshop's online mentorship program.
39:20: Making distinctions between mentorship and coaching relationships.
43:03: Episode Break
44:12: On the concept of lifelong learning.
50:52: Discussing the challenges in trying to learn photography as a vocation today.
55:38: The art of critique, what makes a photograph "good," and dealing with personal tastes and biases when discussing photographs.
1:07:38: How motivation and inspiration factor into working with students.
1:11:01: Questions of cropping, aspect ratios, and Craig's panoramic lands…
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Picturing World Cultures: Fabiola Ferrero – Venezuela
10 oktober 2024 · 1 uur
Today's podcast has us sitting down with Venezuelan photographer and investigative journalist Fabiola Ferrero to discuss her long-term photographic projects in Venezuela, for Picturing World Cultures. Lees meer
Above photograph © Fabiola Ferrero
Fabiola walks us through her childhood memories of Venezuela and describes how this period contrasts significantly with the country's current climate. We also discuss how she got started in photography, and how her time spent both in and out of Venezuela helped grow her photography and more.
If you haven't already listened, check out all the episodes of our Picturing World Cultures podcast series here.
Guest: Fabiola Ferrero
Episode Timeline:
2:20: Fabiola discusses Venezuelan culture, and questions using the word resiliency in relation to the country's ongoing crisis.
5:39: How she got started in photography.
8:20: Fabiola talks about overcoming shyness, learning how to photograph people as an introvert, and the advantages of slowly building a connection with subjects.
11:12: On being the last of her family to leave Caracas.
14:43: Fabiola's early long term projects, Blurred in Despair and I Can't Hear the Birds, and the importance of image selection to building different narratives.
19:57: The impact of leaving Venezuela and how this shifted her perspective as a photographer.
24:11: The importance of Fabiola's assignment work in Venezuela and its impact on her personal work.
25:30: Episode Break
27:04: On migrating to Columbia in 2020, and her eventual return to Venezuela in 2022.
37:04: Fabiola runs us through her gear and setup.
38:09: Collaborating with other journalists in her latest project, The Wells Run Dry
44:10: The challenging topic of hope when discussing the future of Venezuela
46:50: We ask Fabiola about her mentorship program, Semillero Migrante
54:39: Fabiola Ferrero answers our PWC Visual Questionnaire.
Guest Bio: Fabiola Ferrero was born in Caracas, Venezuela in 1991. Her personal work reflects …
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B&H Podcast: Authentic Photographic Documentation vs AI Generated Images
26 september 2024 · 1 uur 19 min
In today's podcast, we chat with Boris Eldagsen, visual artist and AI pioneer, and Miles Astray, documentary photographer, on a plethora of issues surrounding AI-generated content. Boris and Miles share a ton of insight into the nature of AI-generated images, from the implications of it becoming more prevalent, the possibility and dangers of the spread of misinformation all the way to the need to rethink how we engage with social media. Lees meer
These are just a few of the points raised in our discussion with them. If you haven't already listened, This episode is part of a wider series tracing the effects of AI on today's creative community.
Guests: Boris Eldagsen & Miles Astray
Top shot: TOP_SHOT_Eldagsen_Astray_bhpodcast
Photo caption: AI Generated Image "The Electrician" vs Authentic Photograph "Flamingone"
Photo credit: Collaged diptych: © Boris Eldagsen / © Miles AstrayEpisode Timeline:
3:40: Boris shares his thoughts on the difference in reception between his and Miles' respective contest entries.
6:34: Discussing the blurry boundaries between editing photographs and generated images.
15:18: Miles shares some of his motivations behind his photo, "F L A M I N G O N E".
20:12: As AI images become more prevalent what happens when we're flooded with content with questionable basis in reality.
27:24: The pitfalls of generated images and living in a "post-truth" era.
29:37: Episode Break
30:52: The surprising, sometimes idiosyncratic nature of what AI models generate when entering prompts.
42:33: What the lack of guardrails and censorship with AI-generated content means for creativity.
47:55: Discussing the possible dangers of AI-content to the documentary-photography process.
53:07: The opposing nature of social media as a news source and a business.
59:34: The prevalence of fact checking on social media sites.
1:06:53: On the lack of a perfect solution to the problem with manipulated images and the spread of disinformation.
Guest Bios:
Boris Eldagsen is an… -
Picturing World Cultures: Naina Helén Jåma – Norwegian Sami
12 september 2024 · 59 min
In today's podcast, we'll be talking with Norwegian photographer Naina Helén Jåma about her documentation of indigenous South Sami culture in Norway and her career as a press photographer in Scandinavia.
Jåma details her childhood growing up in the small rural village of Snasa, where, at the age of 15, she began her career while working as a cultural interpreter and archivist at the Saemien Sijte Museum.
From there, Naina takes us on a journey through her fascinating career as a photographer, from her training at the Nordic School of Photography to her work for world-renowned publications such as The New York Times, Bloomberg, and The Guardian
Alongside her journalistic work, Naina maintains a close relationship with the traditional Sami arts of Duodji. Documenting the ongoing development of this art form pays tribute to oral knowledge and silent tradition, which is learned and transmitted visually. Lees meerAbove photograph © Naina Helén Jåma
If you haven't already listened, check out all the episodes of our Picturing World Cultures podcast series here.
For more information on our guests and the gear they use, see:
www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts
Guest: Naina Helén Jåma
Episode Timeline:
2:23: Naina's early childhood and growing up in Snåsa, a small village in Norway with approximately 2,000 inhabitants.
6:14: Naina's first job and the start of her career, working as a cultural archivist at the Saemien Sijite Museum.
10:44: How photographing handcrafted Sami items became Naina's thesis while enrolled at the Nordic School of Photography
14:45: Discussing different aspects and signifiers of traditional Sami clothing.
19:40: The eight different seasons of Sami culture.
22:06: Discussing the role and influence of animism and other traditional Sami belief systems.
28:18: Episode Break
29:40: Naina's go-to kit for cameras and lenses
33:10: Tips for shooting in cold climates and extreme conditions
35:14: Structuring documentation when working as a photojourn…
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Say Less, with Dr. Greg Gulbransen
29 augustus 2024 · 1 uur 4 min
In today's podcast, we'll be talking with Long Island-based pediatrician and self-taught photographer Dr. Greg Gulbransen, whose newly released book Say Less documents the three years Gulbransen spent embedded with Malik, the paralyzed leader of a Crips' set in the Bronx.
Gulbransen details his journey from wildlife and fashion photography to documenting the lives of at-risk members of the Bikes Up Guns Down club to his most recent (and most daunting) project: photographing members of a violent street gang.
Gulbransen also touches on his years-long campaign to require auto makers to install rear-view cameras in all American-made cars, a personal crusade born of the tragic car accident involving his infant son.
Guest: Dr. Greg Gulbransen
Top shot © Dr. Greg Gulbransen Lees meerEpisode Timeline:
3:45: Dr. Greg's early medical training in the Bronx, and his experiences photographing at-risk kids from the Bikes Up Guns Down bike club.
13:26: The start of Dr. Greg's 3-year project photographing Malik, a gunshot victim and paralyzed leader of a Bronx Crips' set.
14:55: The complex relationship between Dr. Greg, Malik and his mother, which allowed him to operate in such a potentially dangerous environment.
19:23: Christmas with Malik and his family.
30:57: Dr. Greg talks best practices for administering Narcan, using informants to keep himself safe, and helping Malik stay out of prison.
44:48: Episode Break
45:46: Working with former LIFE magazine editor in chief Bill Shapiro to edit and plan his photo book.
49:22: Obtaining two sets of releases from Malik and other set members for all photos and text to appear in the book.
51:40: Dr. Greg discusses his copious notes while embedded, and details about capturing candid photos of set members and other neighborhood subjects.
54:50: Dr. Greg's traumatic yet successful campaign requiring the auto industry to install of rear-view cameras in all American cars.
Guest Bio: Dr. Greg Gulbransen is a Long Island-based pediatric doc…
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Picturing World Cultures: Tailyr Irvine - Native America
8 augustus 2024 · 1 uur 9 min
How would you feel if all the coverage you saw about your culture was a superficial view from the outside, rather than a narrative steeped in details of lived experience? Lees meer
Above photograph © Tailyr Irvine
This is the motivating force that led today's guest to pick up a camera, enter the newsroom, and cultivate an insider's perspective on contemporary Native American life, to expand the scope and enhance the accuracy of stories being told.
From exploring quiet moments at the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation during the Dakota Access Pipeline protests to a revealing photo project on Blood Quantum, you'll gain fresh insight into the traumatic history and complex issues affecting Native American people today.
Make sure and stay to the end for details about valuable resources like the Indigenous Photograph database and Illuminative's Guide to Native Representation, as well as to learn about Tailyr's ongoing work with businesses and organizations, to foster native representation in their projects.
All told, you'll walk away with a new appreciation for the idea that "Learning your culture is a privilege, and it's not a privilege that everyone gets."
For more information on our guest and the gear she uses, click here.
If you haven't already listened, check out all the episodes of our Picturing World Cultures podcast series here.
Episode Timeline:
2:04: Tailyr's early documentation at Standing Rock, and the value of her insider perspective as a Native journalist.
8:19: Distinctions between stereotypical views and a more authentic and diverse representation of Native culture.
12:42: Tailyr's Reservation Mathematics project and the controversial issue of blood quantum.
21:05: The role of reservations as a center for Native culture and history, and the recent push to revitalize Native traditions.
24:11: The dark history of Native boarding schools and Tailyr's work in telling stories about past abuses.
29:25: The public response to Tailyr's Reservation Mathematics st…
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Photography in the Age of Synthetic Imaging, with Fred Ritchin
1 augustus 2024 · 1 uur 23 min
Where does the medium of photography stand in an era where the latest mantra encourages people to "Skip the Photo Shoot?" Lees meer
How can a viewer continue to trust photographs as evidence in a marketplace where AI is touted as a "revolution," and "the new digital camera" that we need to embrace?
And what methods can a photographer use today to be considered a credible witness with a transparent code of ethics?
These are just a few of the points raised in our discussion with renowned writer, photo editor, and educator Fred Ritchin. For more than forty years, Ritchin has kept tabs on the progressive shift from using a camera to record the visible as truth to getting the world to look the way we want it to look.
Join us, as we wade through the swampy terrain separating photographic fact from synthetic creation, as part of a wider series tracing the effects of AI on today's creative community.
Bonus invite: In preparation for an upcoming discussion between visual artists and AI instigators Boris Eldagsen and Miles Astray, we're soliciting listener questions. To get your chance for an on-air shout out, please post a question for our guests to the comments section below or email it to: podcast@bhphoto.com.
Guest: Fred Ritchin
Top shot: Synthetic image, not a photograph, generated by the artificial intelligence system DALL-E, in response to the text prompt by Fred Ritchin, "An iconic photograph from the year 1945," 2023.
For more information on our guest and the gear he uses, see:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/photography-in-the-age-of-synthetic-imaging-with-fred-ritchinStay Connected:
Fred Ritchin Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Ritchin
Fred Ritchin bio from ICP: https://www.icp.org/users/fredritchin
Four Corners Project: https://fourcornersproject.org/
The Fifth Corner https://thefifthcorner.org/
Writing with Light Campaign: https://wwlight.org/
The Synthetic Eye book: https://wwnorton.com/books/9780500297391
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Sports Action & Image Workflow for the Paris Games, with Maddie Meyer & James Chance
18 juli 2024 · 1 uur 9 min
Sports enthusiasts from around the world will soon be glued to their nearest viewing screen, watching the action unfold during the international Summer Games in Paris. Lees meer
But how much do you know about the finer points of photographing elite level competition, or about the lightning-fast, high-tech journey these images make from inside a camera to a remote editing workflow, and then onward to be enjoyed by you, the viewer?
In today's podcast we've got the inside track on how these visual delicacies are brought to life and served up to global audiences. Our guests are Getty Images Chief Photographer Maddie Meyer and Managing Editor James Chance, who runs Getty Images' editing operations in Europe.
We start with Maddie, who details the advance preparations and complex logistics required to ensure the success of 60 Getty Images photographers on the ground in Paris, alongside a sizable amount of remote and robotic gear. In the show's second half, James describes the impressive synergy between the photographers on site and the massive team of photo editors he's assembled to work remotely from London and in other locations around the world—a complex infrastructure that's a first for the agency.
Immerse yourself in the passion for sports and learn what it takes to capture images that set you apart from the pack.
As Maddie Meyer sums up, "That's where the real challenge comes in. And that's where I would say it's really difficult. But that's where knowing the athletes comes in, knowing the way they move, knowing their rituals before they get in the pool, knowing some of the dynamics between the athletes, where you can really kind of pick up on the minutia to try and make something special."
Guests: Maddie Meyer & James Chance
Episode Timeline:
3:37: Maddie's college internship at Getty Images, and her experiences as a woman shooting sports.
8:30: Plans for covering the Paris Games, and details about the Getty Images team.
11:56: Maddie's aquatics specialty and detai…
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Picturing World Cultures: Pablo Bartholomew—India
4 juli 2024 · 1 uur 22 min
A photographer's success hinges on access. This is an underlying thread in the tapestry woven in this week's show. Our discussion covers multiple facets and cultural attributes of Indian society, as seen through the eyes of a photographer with a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Lees meer
In this month's episode of the series, Picturing World Cultures, we speak with Indian photographer Pablo Bartholomew about his long career as a documentarian and photojournalist.
From his early intimate views of 60s-era hippies launching a counterculture invasion from the West to his photojournalistic coverage of historic events, Bartholomew shares insights about dynamics at work behind the scenes. We also discuss changes to the marketplace for pictures over time, and whether an iconic picture is still able to affect a change in the world.
As an antidote to a life chasing the news, Bartholomew embarked on a ten-year documentation of India's remote Naga tribes. In the show's second half, he walks us through his background research and the permissions process involved in photographing tribespeople and their customs with professional lighting gear.
There's also a personal motivation behind Bartholomew's Naga Project. As a child, he had heard many stories about goodwill the Naga showed his father's family during their flight from Burma to India during World War II.
"Principally, what I couldn't wrap my head around was that headhunters, they're supposed to be these ferocious people. Why would they let fair game pass through their backyard, to the degree where they would provide food and shelter?" he says. "So, there was in this savage something very kind. And I wanted to find out what the contradiction was."
Tune in today for more on the Naga tribes and other stories from India!
If you haven't already listened, check out all the episodes of our Picturing World Cultures podcast series here.
Guest: Pablo Bartholomew
Episode Timeline:
2:16: Pablo describes how the cast…
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Pictures from the Inside: Seeing Fascination Everywhere, with Chantal Zakari & Nigel Poor
20 juni 2024 · 1 uur 24 min
Most people's perception of prison life revolves around sensationalized news stories and Hollywood movies depicting drab, inhospitable environments far outside our reach. Lees meer
In today's show, we're challenging that view in a chat with two educators who use photography as a framework for teaching visual literacy and the art of storytelling to incarcerated men.
Cameras, computers, and sometimes even books, are prohibited from classrooms inside lock up, which forced our guests to come up with creative workarounds, using the generosity of the photographic medium as a path to engage in dialog with their students.
As one of our guests, Nigel Poor, puts it: "With a little bit of ingenuity, there's always a work around to come out with something really beautiful and emotional. And that's one of the pleasures of working in a prison, is that you've got to really rely on your imagination and your ability to hit a road bump and find a way around it."
Don't miss this inspiring discussion with two artists and educators who successfully adapted their teaching to the prison workaround, then connected with students on a human level, ultimately triggering their capability to "see fascination everywhere."
Guests: Chantal Zakari & Nigel Poor
For more information on our guests and the gear they use, see:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/pictures-from-the-inside-seeing-fascination-everywhere-with-chantal-zakariTop shot courtesy of Nigel Poor and the San Quentin State Prison Museum, with thanks to former Warden Ron Davis and retired Lieutenant Sam Robinson
Stay Connected:
Chantal Zakari Website: https://www.thecorner.net/chantal-zakari
Chantal Zakari Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/show.n.tll/
Chantal Zakari's Pictures from the Outside book: https://www.thecorner.net/picturesfromtheoutside
Tufts University Prison Initiative (TUPIT): https://sites.tufts.edu/tupit/overview/
Nigel Poor Website: https://nigelpoor.com/
Nigel Poor Instagram: https://www…
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Picturing World Cultures: Juan Brenner - Guatemala
6 juni 2024 · 1 uur 13 min
Documenting a culture can be a daunting process, especially when it involves a history of conquest and colonialism. Synthesizing such a complex and traumatic past in a contemporary narrative is a formidable task, requiring extensive researchh and dedicated planning. This is the back story to today's podcast. Lees meer
Above photograph © Juan Brenner
For the seventh chapter in our monthly series, Picturing World Cultures, we speak with Guatemalan photographer Juan Brenner about his recent projects in the country's Western Highlands.
Our chat begins with Brenner's introduction to photography as a youth, and the protective bubble surrounding him during the country's brutal civil war. He left Guatemala at age 20 to forge a career as a fashion photographer in New York, which filters into our discussions about portraiture and photo gear.
But our primary focus is on Brenner's recent personal projects, created after his return to Guatemala, and an epiphany he had about the idea of "Indigenous Power."
Listen in as he describes how this concept was subsequently called into question. You'll gain insight into the unequal power quotient that comes with being a "Mickey Mouse" photographer and discover how critical aspects of communication extend well beyond the basic structure of language.
As Brenner notes during our chat, "You have to be really careful just being a photographer. It's so colonialist, you know, having a camera. You have this big robot that you stick in people's faces. You have this advantage. And, for me, it's really important to think about that a lot."
If you haven't already listened, check out all the episodes of our Picturing World Cultures podcast series here.
Guest: Juan Brenner
For more information on our guest and the gear he uses, see:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/picturing-world-cultures-juan-brenner-guatemalaStay Connected:
Juan Brenner Website: https://www.juanbrenner.com
Juan Brenner Instagram: https://www.instagram.co…
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Larger than Life: Julia Blaukopf's Custom Photographic Wall Decor
23 mei 2024 · 1 uur 1 min
Julia Blaukopf is not afraid to think big, particularly when it comes to her photographs. She's also not afraid of blurring the lines between fine art and commercial enterprise. Equal parts photographer, designer, visual artist, and entrepreneur, Julia is the founder of Fotografica—an arts-products venture with the goal of re-envisioning options for photography and photo-based products. Lees meer
Top shot © Julia Blaukopf
In this week's podcast, Julia leads us along her inspiring path—from her early days working with alternative processes and forging relationships with crafts people to her latest collaborations with architects, designers, and developers in the creation of architectural-scale commissions and custom photo-based installations.
When collaborating with professional partners and clients on huge projects, psychology is key, which we discuss in detail. Blaukopf also describes the critical importance of seeking out the best printers and installers. Besides a command over technical details such as sound absorption, color fading, and bubbling, she sheds light on lesser-known yet equally essential construction issues such as fire codes.
In addition to Blaukopf's commercial work, she is also a documentarian with a passion for women's empowerment and social justice. Towards the end of our chat she describes her work in that realm, offering insights about connecting with non-profits, and sharing stories through photography that have the ability to galvanize change.
Guest: Julia Blaukopf
For more information on our guest and the gear she uses, see:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/larger-than-life-julia-blaukopfs-custom-photographic-wall-decor
Stay Connected:
Julia Blaukopf's Website: https://www.juliablaukopf.com/
Fotografica Website: https://www.thefotografica.com/
Julia Blaukopf's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliablaukopf/
Fotographica's Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/fotografica_official/
Julia Blaukopf's Twitter: ht…
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NYC Artist Lofts & Brooklyn Rooftops, with Joshua Charow & Josh Katz
9 mei 2024 · 1 uur 3 min
How much do you know about New York City's 1982 Loft Law, which established a process for artists to obtain legal occupancy of the raw industrial spaces they inhabited, while also providing rent stabilization and protection from future eviction? Or the pigeon fanciers who were once a fixture across the rooftops of Brooklyn and remain valued as neighborhood sentinels? Lees meer
If these poetic vestiges from Gotham's storied past have you dreaming about the good old days, then you won't want to miss our podcast with gen-Z New Yorkers (and good buddies) Joshua Charow and Josh Katz.
Their ambitious, self-assigned photo projects explore rarified mini-worlds featuring magical artist spaces and exuding West Side Story vibes.
While their respective explorations occupy opposite ends of the struggle for prized urban space, the insights they share when discussing both their working methods and their paths to publishing are instructive and inspirational. What's more, their spirited camaraderie in conversation is infectious!
As Charow aptly notes toward the end of the episode, "I have to say, I don't know if this book would exist without Josh Katz. Because I started this project towards the end of him finishing his, and as a close friend, he was able to basically show me the roadmap of how you get from idea to a finished book. And like he said, it's really hard to understand how that works without someone in your life who can show you the steps you have to take."
And for bonus points, listen up to discover the former guest of the show who also sat down with Charow, and ultimately lined him up with a book agent!
For more information on our guests and the gear they use, see:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/nyc-artist-lofts-brooklyn-rooftops-with-joshua-charow-josh-katz
Guests: Joshua Charow and Josh Katz
Top shot © Joshua Charow
Stay Connected:
Joshua Charow Website: https://www.joshuacharow.com/
Joshua Charow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshu…
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Picturing World Cultures: Maxim Dondyuk - Ukraine
2 mei 2024 · 1 uur 18 min
The dictionary defines culture as "the way of life for an entire society." But sometimes larger forces create rifts within the whole, inevitably leading to a confrontation between factions. A prime example of this cultural struggle is playing out today within the cities and villages of Ukraine, the focus of today's episode. Lees meer
Above photograph © Maxim Dondyuk
In this sixth installment of our monthly series, Picturing World Cultures, we speak with Ukrainian photographer and visual artist Maxim Dondyuk, and his wife and artistic manager, Irina.
Our conversation stretches beyond the current conflict, to encompass other aspects of Ukrainian society. From Maxim's early series on a country doctor's final visits with patients (which drew inspiration from the work of W. Eugene Smith) to his in-depth coverage of Ukraine's TB epidemic, we witness the evolution of his working methods and his dedication to long term documentary projects.
Step behind the scenes of a military camp for children run by Cossacks, and gain insight into the cultural split between pro-Russian and pro-European factions, which Maxim photographed for his book Culture of Confrontation.
As he writes in this book, "One culture tried to cling to old times, old ways of living. They were nostalgic for a past that meant a lot to them, to their parents, and grandparents. Yet there was another culture that felt completely differently. They looked ahead to forging something new, a different country."
Join us for this frank discussion about how such conflicting forces take visual form in Maxim's powerfully arresting images.
If you haven't already listened, check out all the episodes of our Picturing World Cultures podcast series here.
Guests: Maxim & Irina Dondyuk
Stay Connected:
Maxim Dondyuk Website: https://maximdondyuk.com/
Maxim Dondyuk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maximdondyuk/
Maxim Dondyuk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maximdondyuk
Maxim Dondyuk Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/maximd…
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Lynn Goldsmith's Prince Portrait and its Legacy in Case Law
18 april 2024 · 1 uur 19 min
For anyone familiar with the photo industry, the mammoth lawsuit between The Andy Warhol Foundation and renowned music photographer Lynn Goldsmith should be no secret. This complex battle over the rights to her 1981 portrait of the artist formerly known as Prince lasted seven years and went all the way to the Supreme Court. Lees meer
But do you know the circumstances behind her original portrait session with the famously reserved musician, and were you aware of all the misinformation about this case that was disseminated in both legal documents and the press?
Lynn is a longtime friend of the show, and our 2017 episode about her extensive, long-term work with the band Kiss, among other crazy stories, was a fan favorite. We invited her back to discuss this case in 2022, when the Supreme Court first agreed to hear it, but heeding the advice of her legal counsel she wisely declined our offer at that time.
In May 2023, the Supreme Court ultimately ruled in Lynn's favor in a 7-2 decision, which has already been shown to benefit others seeking remedies for the misuse of their creative works.
Yet, while this landmark decision happened last year, the case itself was not officially resolved until very recently—Friday, March 15, 2024, to be exact—a day some might recognize as the Ides of March.
Now that the final resolution has been signed, sealed, and delivered, we felt it was a perfect opportunity for Lynn to give us a recap of this David vs Goliath battle, with all its complexities and underlying bias.
From details about the Fair Use doctrine, to the matter of copyright registration, to her thoughts about the current photographer community, to the importance of standing up for one's rights, Lynn provides a clear and insightful assessment of one of the most traumatic and threatening experiences that any independent artist can face, as only she can.
To her very core, Lynn believes creativity can make anything possible, an ideology she sums up aptly at the end of our chat.
"I f…
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Picturing World Cultures: Rita Leistner - Canada
4 april 2024 · 1 uur 15 min
Professional tree planting is back breaking piecework—a combination of high intensity sport and industrial labor that requires both technical finesse and remarkable physical and mental endurance. Using techniques more often associated with high-performance athletes, experienced planters (commonly known as high-ballers) leap up and down through uneven and debris-strewn terrain, armed only with a shovel and 30-kg bags of seedlings on their backs. Lees meer
In recent years, tree planting has become a rite of passage among young Canadians not afraid of hard work and dirt under their fingernails. As seasonal work, it attracts many students from Canada's southern cities. Due to the brutal physical demands, most are under 30 years old. Out on the cut block inclement weather is common, and the swarms of biting insects are legendary.
Working in—rather than on—the land for months on end, and sharing an isolated camp site creates a solid bond among planters. This has molded into a subculture of sorts, which is the subject of today's show.
My guest for this episode is Canadian photographer and filmmaker Rita Leistner. Rita documents communities living in extreme conditions, typically investing months or years in a project. After spending a decade as a tree planter during her youth, Rita returned to the forest in 2016 to document a new generation. In 2021, she released her results as an Art Trifecta, featuring large fine art photographs, a 256-page photo book, and the documentary feature film "Forest for the Trees."
Equally in her element in forests and war zones, Rita's photographs and her writings about photography, art, and war have been published, exhibited, and collected worldwide. She is represented by the Stephen Bulger Gallery for art, and by Green Planet Films for film.
Guest: Rita Leistner
Above photograph © Rita Leistner
For more information on our guests and the gear they use, see:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/picturing-world-cultures-rita-… -
Still Photography & the WWE, with Brad Smith & Rich Freeda
28 maart 2024 · 1 uur 6 min
Cozy up to a ringside seat for a behind-the-scenes tour of the wildest shows in sports entertainment, during our insightful chat about the still photos produced for World Wrestling Entertainment, (otherwise known as WWE). Lees meer
In 2023 alone, the WWE photo team traveled the globe, covering close to 170 live events, and producing 2.6 million stills to serve the organization's various platforms.
You might—incorrectly—assume that WWE's still images are generated from video screengrabs. Well, this couldn't be further from the truth.
In this week's podcast, we get the full scoop about stills from WWE's Vice President of photography, Brad Smith, and Senior Director of photography, Rich Freeda.
Among the many details we unpack: The learning curve required for shooting a WWE event, the importance of showing all aspects of the spectacle in pictures, and the delicate dance between still photographers and TV camerapeople, who are tethered together and both wearing headphones while capturing a show.
In addition to live event coverage, the photo team creates high-level studio portraits of WWE Superstars, which necessitates complex studio set ups at each venue. Given the relentless schedule of three live shows weekly, two of which are traveling, studio gear is circling the country all year long. As Rich Freeda puts it, "We could be a Consumer Reports testing lab."
And when it comes to the type of photographers best suited to covering WWE shows, Brad Smith sums things up nicely. "[At first,] I instinctively thought, if we're going to hire new people, they have to be sports photographers. And now I don't think that at all. I'll tell you who I'd rather have. I'd rather have a photographer who's a tour photographer for Bon Jovi than somebody who's the Yankee's photographer, because they understand that event is the important thing."
Psych yourself up for WrestleMania 40 with our WWE episode from the B&H Photography Podcast!
Guests: Brad Smith and Rich Freeda
Above photograph © Ri…
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Ecliptic Visions—with Rebecca Boyle, Gabriel Biderman, Atlas Obscura & B&H
14 maart 2024 · 1 uur 13 min
Where will you be on April 8, 2024? If you don't already know, you'd better figure it out fast, particularly if you've got an interest in observing—and ideally photographing—the awe-inspiring phenomenon of a total solar eclipse. Lees meer
To get you up to speed on essential eclipse details, tune in to our chat with science writer Rebecca Boyle and Gabriel Biderman from B&H's Road Marketing team. Boyle shares tidbits about Earth's silvery sister gleaned from research for her book Our Moon, while Gabe discusses preparations (and practice!) for your eclipse photo session, plus strategies for juggling multiple set-ups.
To celebrate the total eclipse back in 2017, B&H teamed up with Atlas Obscura for a two-day festival in Eastern Oregon's Snake River Valley. This year, the party's expanding from two to four days! We end the episode with details about the 2024 Ecliptic Festival, held alongside the Valley of Vapors music festival in Hot Springs, Arkansas, smack in the Eclipse's umbra.
Immerse yourself in this rare astronomical occurrence while rubbing shoulders with celebrated scientists, legendary musicians, artists and photographers galore, plus benefit from dedicated space—and tools—for star gazing and tracking the path to totality and back. The sky's the limit!
Guests: Rebecca Boyle & Gabriel Biderman
Top shot © Gabriel Biderman
For more information on our guests and the gear they use, see:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/ecliptic-visions-with-rebecca-boyle-gabriel-biderman-atlas-obscura-bhStay Connected:
Atlas Obscura Ecliptic Festival: https://ecliptic.atlasobscura.com/
Atlas Obscura Website: https://www.atlasobscura.com/
Rebecca Boyle Website: https://rebeccaboyle.com/
Rebecca Boyle Our Moon book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/611468/our-moon-by-rebecca-boyle/
Rebecca Boyle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/by.rebecca.boyle/
Rebecca Boyle's Twitter: https://twitter.com/rboyle31
Rebecca Boyle's Facebook: https://www.facebook.c… -
Picturing World Cultures: Daniel Rosca - Romania
7 maart 2024 · 1 uur 16 min
There are many different ways to look at culture, and today we take a geographic approach, to distinguish people who live in rural mountain and hilly settings from those of the wider plains and urban areas. Lees meer
Our focus is the country of Romania, where we'll explore the rustic landscape of small farms, hand tilled fields, and local communities that still identify with the working methods and traditions of the past. Along the way, we'll follow the cyclical work of farmers and shepherds, gain insight into the Orthodox faith, explore vibrant holiday celebrations, and reveal unique rituals with pagan roots.
In this fourth installment of our monthly series, Picturing World Cultures, we speak with Daniel Rosca, a Romanian photographer and travel guide specialized in photographic, cultural, and genealogical tours.
As a child, Daniel experienced the age-old traditions of rural Romania first-hand during time spent on his grandparent's farm. Following university studies, he spent four years abroad, working in youth development, consulting, and corporate social responsibility. After living in Brussels, Warsaw, Istanbul, and Cairo, and travelling to another 40 countries on four continents, Daniel decided travel should become his full-time job.
He chose to return to his homeland in 2011, where he founded Romania Photo Tours and True Romania Tours, to help curious travelers immerse themselves in—and capture images of—old-world Romanian culture.
In summary, to quote the motto of his photo tour site: Veni, Vidi, Click!
Guest: Daniel Rosca
For more information on our guest and the gear he uses, see:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/picturing-world-cultures-daniel-rosca-romania
And if you haven't already listened, check out all episodes from our Picturing World Cultures podcast series here: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/promotion/picturing-world-cultures
Episode Timeline:
2:07: The blend of various cultures and influences that make up Romanian…
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Photography in the Age of AI, with Stephen Shankland
29 februari 2024 · 1 uur 30 min
How much can you edit a photo before it stops becoming true? That's the question CNET tech reporter Stephen Shankland recently asked in the opening lines of his story, How Close is that Photo to the Truth: What to Know in the Age of AI. Lees meer
The article, which examines digital photography and advanced smartphone image processing in the era of AI, reaches beyond the polarizing visual minefield of generative AI by delving into aspects of this technologythat's been quietly pre-baked into most every camera on the market these days.
The sophisticated processing under the hood of your digital camera is our jumping off point for a wide-ranging discussion with Shankland that touches on many aspects of the digital workflow, before scaling the slippery slopes of generative AI.
A few of the many points we cover include: Comparing the three primary generative AI platforms and discussing their differences, an assessment of AI manipulations and deepfakes, the ways in which a proliferation of camera phones can serve as a buttress against fakery, and the factor of a social contract in weighing the veracity of an image.
Today's AI landscape seems to be morphing by the minute, a reality that's reflected here with bonus content! Barely a week after our original discussion, Open AI's new text to video application, Sora, was released to a tidal wave of interest, so we got Shankland back on mic. Stay to the end to hear our first impressions of this new technology and listen closely to discover how an AI bot got the last word in our chat.
Guest: Stephen Shankland
Top shot © Allan Weitz, https://www.allanweitzdesign.com
Episode Timeline:
2:22: How much can a photo be edited before it stops "becoming" true? Plus, the digital processing that goes on under the hood of your digital camera.
7:06: The sophisticated processing in your camera phone and how the resulting images compare to pictures made with a 35mm digital camera.
13:02: How much digital editing is too much and what's the leas…
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B&H Podcast: Chat with Inventor of the CMOS Chip, Professor Eric Fossum
16 februari 2024 · 1 uur 7 min
How did a space-age invention become ubiquitous in today's digital imaging landscape? Learn all about it here in our latest podcast, featuring pioneers of photography and digital imaging. Lees meer
In 1993, noted physicist and engineer Eric Fossum led the invention of the CMOS active-pixel image sensor as part of his work for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Then, as part of JPL's mandate to seek commercial and consumer applications for emerging technologies, he was active in the transfer of the CMOS sensor's "camera-on-a-chip" technology to industry.
In our informative conversation with Professor Fossum, he makes distinctions between solid state CCDs and his more efficient CMOS sensor that would come to dominate the marketplace. To transform high-level science into layman's terms, he uses the analogy of a bucket brigade collecting rain on a football field.
In a similar down-to-earth fashion, we touch on metaphysical issues like wave particle duality, and how this is demonstrated every time light enters a camera and you take a picture with your phone.
Join us to marvel at the wonders of science amid fun food references—from the way deep space radiation degrades CCD chips so they start to act like Swiss cheese, to the synergies between high-level scientific measurements and delicatessen lunch meats, both marks of a creative scientist and visionary educator.
Guest: Eric Fossum
Above photograph © John Sherman Photography, https://jshermanphoto.com/
Episode Timeline:
2:31: Eric Fossum's beginnings in hands-on science explorations, computer programming, and his love for launching model rockets, plus the role photography has played in his life.
9:26: Fossum's early research in CCD sensor technologies, his interest in trying to marry cameras to artificial intelligence, and his invitation to join NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in 1990.
14:00: The differences between CCD and CMOS sensors, and a description of how they work using the analogy of a bucket brigade to c…
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Picturing World Cultures: Joshua Irwandi - Indonesia
1 februari 2024 · 1 uur 1 min
While Joshua Irwandi was born and raised in Indonesia, the early pictures he made during his first visit to the region of Asmat, in the province of West Papua, were less than satisfying to him. Yet his fascination with the people and the place stuck, inspiring him to embark on the long-term project Not a Blank Canvas. Lees meer
In this third installment of our monthly series, Picturing World Cultures, we speak with Irwandi about his experiences documenting the people and landscape of Asmat, which offers a window into long-held traditions and the sweeping changes he's observed there over the past 10 years.
Listen in as Irwandi describes how tapping into the region's rich history through museum collections holding Asmat art proved an important part of his background research. We also discuss the connections he forged with the local Catholic church, and how the many years an American missionary spent learning about and embracing local ways led to a blending of Catholic celebrations and iconography with traditional Asmat feasts.
Contrary to western holidays, Asmat feasts are celebrated for months on end, and Joshua sheds light on their mystical origins through dreams, and the performative rituals that he was privileged to witness and photograph.In equal measure, he touches on the changing roles of a people who are essentially subsistence hunter gatherers within contemporary society, and the recent effects of transmigration and gentrification on the region's native inhabitants, which also forms a part of his documentation.
Self-described as a naturally shy person, Irwandi's approach to making pictures for this project is to play the long game, while planning for longer visits that allow him to be a "constant observer," as he describes it.
"I don't pretend I have all the knowledge," he says. "But I guess it's easier to come and connect with the locals when you walk in like a new blank piece of book, wanting to learn, rather than assume that you know about them already."
Gue…
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Holding to Truth: Radio Encryption & the Press, with Todd Maisel & Lloyd Mitchell
18 januari 2024 · 1 uur 15 min
Press photographers have faced tough workplace challenges for quite some time. Yet, according to recent headlines, their job is about to get even tougher, due to current plans by many law enforcement agencies—particularly the NYPD—to encrypt radio calls, making live transmissions of breaking news inaccessible to common citizens and members of the press. Lees meer
Besides being a devastating blow to meddling old biddies and law enforcement buffs, this change has huge implications for photojournalists and news outlets, who depend on such communications as part of their workflow.
Joining us to shed light on this matter, as well as to provide a general update on newspaper photojournalism today, are two generations of accredited newspaper photographers, Todd Maisel and Lloyd Mitchell. As a current board member and past vice president of the New York Press Photographers Association, Maisel has worked tirelessly to investigate and mediate the NYPD's encryption plans.
Among the many topics raised in our discussion are a shift in press accreditation from the NYPD to the Mayor's Office of Media & Entertainment, competing interests within news organizations that prevent broadcasters from taking law enforcement to task, distinctions between police and fire departments when it comes to radio encryption, details about radio encryption rollouts in other US cities, and much more.
Towards the end of our chat, Todd Maisel offers a compelling insight into his mission as a photojournalist, which speaks to the high stakes involving the matter at hand. "What I'm doing as a journalist is a sacred obligation. It's a God-given right to do it, and to continue to do it, and to do a great job at it. And so, I made a promise to protect it, to protect freedom of the press."
Guests: Todd Maisel and Lloyd Mitchell
Above photograph © Todd Maisel
For more information on our guests and the gear they use, see:
https://blogd7.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/holding-to-truth-radio-encryption… -
Picturing World Cultures: Kiana Hayeri: Iran / Afghanistan
4 januari 2024 · 43 min
Kiana Hayeri was born in Iran, and this was where she launched her career as a photojournalist and visual storyteller. Yet after traveling to Afghanistan for a 2014 assignment, she decided to relocate, spending the next eight years covering both the frontlines of conflict and everyday lives of the Afghan people. Lees meer
In this second installment of our monthly series, Picturing World Cultures, we speak with Hayeri about her experiences living and working in a region mired in cultural upheaval, failing infrastructure, and rife with political violence.
Listen in as Hayeri shares insights about her early work documenting youth culture in both Iran and Afghanistan, while revealing subtle differences in how each society approaches a division between public and private life.
When it comes to making pictures, Hayeri's first concern is for the latent potential of her photographs to endanger the lives of her subjects. She elaborates on making conscious calculations in her head related to every small detail to mitigate this risk.
Working as a woman within a patriarchal society involves great challenges, and we broach this subject, as well as the advantages she has when photographing culturally sensitive subjects.
While Hayeri has little problem maintaining focus on the frontlines while immersed in her work, we also discuss the tolls of making pictures in traumatic situations, and the importance of taking breaks to reestablish a sense of normalcy and maintain health and sanity.
Hayeri has worked with an extensive network of local contacts to arrange access for the stories she tells. She avoids using the term "fixer" for these essential collaborators, pointing out, "The credit for a lot of the stories that we work on goes to our local colleagues, because they are the ones who put themselves on the front of everything. It's their reputation, their lives that they risk. I have a lot of respect for that."
Above photograph © Kiana Hayeri
Guest: Kiana HayeriFor more information o…
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2023 Photo Gear of the Year with Kevin Rickert
28 december 2023 · 1 uur 28 min
2023 has certainly come and gone in a flash, meaning it's time once again for us to reflect on new photo offerings in our ninth annual Cameras of the Year episode, now renamed Photo Gear of the Year. We'll be talking with B&H Camera and Lighting Senior Sales Trainer Kevin Rickert. Featured in our discussion are 25 new releases from Canon, FUJIFILM, Leica, Nikon, Panasonic, Ricoh Pentax, Polaroid, and Sony. Lees meer
In addition to insights about each camera on our list, we also examine broader topics, such as manufacturers' attempts to regain market share lost to smart phones through a growing crop of cameras geared toward content creation.
Instant cameras are a popular trend, leading us to diverge from alphabetical order when discussing this growing product category. And with two monochrome models among this year's offerings, we zoom in on the visual differences between pictures shot with these specialty cameras and those made by converting from color files.
For listeners who enjoy a good debate, whet your appetite for the main course as we consider this year's most touted technological advance—the global shutter.
Finally, as an antidote to overindulgence that's so common during this time of year, Rickert offers some practical advice about avoiding GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) with the tip "You date your cameras, marry your lenses."
Guest: Kevin Rickert
For more information on our guest and the gear he uses, see:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/2023-photo-gear-of-the-year-with-kevin-rickert
Stay Connected:
B&H Photo Video Website: https://www.bhphotovideo.com
B&H Photo Video Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bhphoto
B& Photo Video Twitter: https://twitter.com/bhphoto
B&H Photo Video YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BandH
B&H Event Space YouTube: https://bhpho.to/BHEventSpaceYT
B&H Photo Video Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bhphoto
B&H Photography Podcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001107823418353
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Adobe's First Evangelist: Russell Preston Brown
21 december 2023 · 1 uur 26 min
It's likely that everyone reading this has used, or at the very least heard of Adobe's ubiquitous piece of software called Photoshop. But are you familiar with the very first—and perhaps the most eccentric—of the evangelists working behind that magic curtain? Lees meer
Well, you're about to meet him today, in our latest podcast featuring pioneers of photography and imaging. As Adobe employee number 38, graphic designer Russell Preston Brown was in the room when brothers Thomas and John Knoll showed up to demonstrate a new piece of software, in 1988. Suitably impressed with what he saw, Russell made a beeline to Adobe co-founder John Warnock and uttered the imperative "Buy it! Now!"
Thirty-five years later, Brown has not lost an ounce of passion for concocting magic with digital imaging tools, and for sharing his knowledge with other users during his outlandish workshops and events.
Join us for a rollicking chat with this shapeshifting impresario in cowboy attire. From Brown's earliest training in darkroom photography to his current digital workflow syncing a mobile phone with Profoto lighting gear, we cover a lot of ground.
Throughout our discussion, we reflect on the revolutionary effects of technological advances, plus Brown's uncanny luck to be there in the middle of the zeitgeist, which led him to a telling analogy:
"Yes, I was in the right place at the right time. I made my fair share of contributions, but it all comes back to—what if the Knoll brothers had not decided to make Photoshop? I want to see that Jimmy Stewart episode of "A Wonderful Life," where Photoshop didn't appear. Would we be using Letrasets?..."
Guest: Russell Preston Brown
For more information on our guests and the gear they use, see:
https://blogd7.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/adobes-first-evangelist-russell-preston-brown
Above photograph © Russell Preston Brown
Episode Timeline:
2:47: A peak behind the scenes of Brown's early experiences at Adobe and what constituted work…
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Picturing World Cultures: Wayne Quilliam - Australia/Tasmania
7 december 2023 · 1 uur 3 min
"The eye should learn to listen before it looks." – Robert Frank Lees meer
Australian photographer Wayne Quilliam used to consider his camera as a tool, but today it's become his "companion." This is just one of the inspiring takeaways from our chat for the new monthly podcast series, "Picturing World Cultures."
Listen in as Quilliam describes his journey—from growing up on the island state of Tasmania knowing little about his indigenous roots, to gaining a fascination with culture while traveling with the Royal Australian Navy, to his current roles as a leading indigenous imagemaker and cultural ambassador.
When it comes to making pictures, Quilliam differentiates between an older approach of maintaining photographic objectivity and more contemporary methods for immersing yourself in a story to have a stronger sense of connection with subjects, and a better understanding of what that story will become.
We also discuss aboriginal cultural protocols, and Quilliam offers surprising insights into the unique relationship between culture and skin color in Australia's indigenous communities.
Stay to the end for tips about photographing culturally sensitive subjects by listening for images rather than seeing them, and Quilliam's following parting advice.
• Know who you are as a person and what your role is within the journey.
• Make sure you're as informed as possible about your subject and the who, what, how, why, when, and where of the story and end goal.
• And most important, offer total respect to both the land and people as part of your photographic process.Above photograph © Wayne Quilliam
Guest: Wayne Quilliam
For more information on our guest and the gear he uses, see:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/picturing-world-cultures-wayne-quilliam-australiatasmaniaAnd if you haven't already listened, check out all episodes from our Picturing World Cultures podcast series here: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/promotion/picturing-world-cultu…
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Lee Miller: Combat Photographer, Fashion Model & Muse, with Antony Penrose
30 november 2023 · 1 uur 4 min
Lee Miller may have been best known in life as a beautiful muse of the legendary Surrealist Man Ray yet, shortly after her passing, a lucky accident led her family to an attic treasure trove, which made her a photography legend in her own right. During this week's podcast, we unpack the details of this extraordinary tale, and hear many other anecdotes from Miller's adventurous life, in a chat with her son and biographer, Antony Penrose. Lees meer
From her swift ascent as a '20s-era Vogue fashion model—and the ad campaign that sidelined her appeal—to her audacious exploits as an accredited war correspondent for the very same magazine, Penrose sheds light on a woman who lived many lives, as exemplified in the title of his first book.
Miller's remarkable bravery as a World War II combat photographer was recently immortalized in the feature film "Lee," starring Kate Winslet, which is another facet of our chat. Penrose describes what it was like to work with the actress as she plumbed Miller's archive for her character development, how she mastered the operation of a custom-made Rolleiflex, and how the camera became a personality in itself as part of the film.
Penrose had a troubled relationship with his mother during much of her life, as she struggled with PTSD and the enduring effects wartime atrocities had on her psyche. His reflections on her struggles and her accomplishments reveal the very human core of a creative powerhouse who lived in the moment, in true Surrealist fashion.
"This person who I had dismissed as being a useless drunk, now had other dimensions to her, which I was totally astonished by," recounts Penrose about the treasures she left behind in the attic. "… it had never occurred to me that her career was so distinguished, and so varied, and so absolutely groundbreaking in terms of being a woman war correspondent. And so, that's how it began."
So, pop in your earbuds and listen in… this is an episode you won't want to miss!
Above photograph © 2023 Lee Mil…
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A History of Hip-Hop Photography: Encore Episode from November 2017
23 november 2023 · 1 uur 30 min
This episode of the B&H Photography Podcast was originally released on November 10, 2017. We revisit it today in honor of Hip-Hop's 50th anniversary, and the holiday of Thanksgiving. Lees meer
With great thanks to Vikki Tobak and the Contact High Project, we welcome three photographers to our studio who are responsible for some of the most iconic images from the history of hip-hop. Janette Beckman, Eric Johnson, and Danny Hastings join us to tell the stories behind their photos of RUN-DMC, Wu Tang Clan, Lauryn Hill, and many others. We also speak about issues important to photographers, from on-set technique, to artistic collaboration and influence, to gear, to networking and, of course, copyright and image licensing. For us, this was a highly anticipated recording, and it did not disappoint. Whether you are a hip-hop fan interested in behind-the-scenes stories or a photographer looking for insight, join podcast host Allan Weitz, founding creative producer John Harris, and sound engineer Jason Tables for this epic chat.
Above photograph © Janette Beckman
Guests: Janette Beckman, Danny Hastings, Eric Johnson, and Vikki Tobak
For more information on our guests and the gear they use, see:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/a-history-of-hip-hop-photography-encore-episode-from-november-2017Stay Connected:
Janette Beckman Website: https://janettebeckman.com/
Janette Beckman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janettephoto/
Danny Hastings Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dannyhastings/
Upstairs at Eric's: https://upstairsaterics.org/
Eric Johnson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upstairsaterics/
Vikki Tobak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vikkitobak/
Vikki Tobak Contact High Project: https://www.contacthighproject.com/
Contact High Exhibition: https://www.mopop.org/exhibitions-plus-events/exhibitions/contact-high/ -
1950s America as Seen by Robert Frank & Todd Webb, with Lisa Volpe & Bill Shapiro
16 november 2023 · 1 uur 10 min
1950s America proved fertile ground for photographers Robert Frank and Todd Webb, who both received Guggenheim Foundation grants to traverse the country in 1955 and record their respective visions. While Frank's resulting book, The Americans, eventually made him a legend, Webb's photographs remained unpublished, and were all but lost to history due to a 1970s-era business deal gone bad. Lees meer
The saga of Webb's unaccounted-for archive and its eventual recovery is one of the juicier tidbits from today's show, which focuses on the long-awaited opportunity to compare, contrast, and rediscover Frank and Webb's respective visions from their travels in the exhibition America and Other Myths.
Joining us in this discussion are Lisa Volpe, photography curator at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and Bill Shapiro, former Life magazine editor-in-chief.
Journey back to the Nifty Fifties astride these two photographers as we examine how two distinct proposals to discover America at mid-century evolved along the open road and in the context of the era's social tenure.
In the words of Lisa Volpe, "They both saw the same social ills playing out in American culture, they just talked about them differently."
Above photograph © The June Leaf and Robert Frank Foundation
Guests: Lisa Volpe & Bill Shapiro
For more information on our guests and they gear they use, see:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/1950s-america-as-seen-by-robert-frank-todd-webb-with-lisa-volpe-bill-shapiroStay Connected:
America and Other Myths Exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston: https://www.mfah.org/exhibitions/robert-frank-todd-webb-across-america-1955
America and Other Myths exhibition catalog: https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300270891/america-and-other-myths/
Robert Frank Archive at the MFAH: https://www.mfah.org/films/robert-frank-collection
June Leaf & Robert Frank Foundation Website: https://leaffrankfoundation.org/
Todd Webb Archive: https://www.toddwebbarchive.com/new… -
Connecting the Creator Community: B&H Bild Ambush Interviews
2 november 2023 · 1 uur 13 min
B&H recently celebrated its 50th Anniversary, hosting a spectacular two-day celebration for the creator community, Bild Expo 2023, at New York's Jacob Javits Center. The podcast's past three episodes have featured in-depth interviews with a few of the esteemed speakers gracing Bild's four presenter stages. If you haven't already done so, please give them a listen, and then—hold on to your hats—in this episode we're trying something different! Lees meer
To prepare for some fun during the show, we assembled a mobile studio and cooked up a three-question Bild Creator Quiz to spring on imagemakers who crossed our path. Once at Javits, we went on the prowl for subjects willing to be ambushed. Our resulting interviews feature a select group of attendees, expo vendors, Bild speakers, and B&H staff members. Ever since the show wrapped, we've been hard at work, combining the short clips we captured live with a narrated story line to take listeners on a virtual stroll through most aspects of the show. We hope you enjoy this taste of the intense, intoxicating, creative camaraderie that permeated the Bild experience.
Happy Anniversary B&H—here's to another 50 years of creativity and growth!
Above photograph courtesy of B&H Photo
Guests: Menashe Horowitz, Cliff Hausner, Mason Resnick, Michael Yamashita, Matt Hill, Nicolas Roman, Elizabeth Krist, Scott Kelby, Christian Domecq, John Harris, Ron Magill, Michael Mansfield, Patricia Beary, Linda Hacker, Erica Price, Brandon Remler, Dana Glidden, Ami Vitale, David Brommer
For more information on our guests and they gear they use, see:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/connecting-the-creator-community-bh-bild-ambush-interviewsStay Connected:
B&H Photo Instagram Feed: https://www.instagram.com/bhphoto/
Cliff Hausner: https://www.instagram.com/cliffhausner/
Mason Resnick: https://www.instagram.com/mason_resnick/
Michael Yamashita: https://www.instagram.com/yamashitaphoto/Matt Hill: https://www.instagram.com/matthi…
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Communicating Visually: Expert Tips from Photo Editor Sarah Leen at Bild
26 oktober 2023 · 43 min
Have you ever struggled with editing your images to present in a portfolio or as a story pitch? If so, our conversation in this podcast might be of some help. Lees meer
We recently had the great fortune to speak with one of the finest picture editors in the business, former National Geographic photographer, photo editor, and director of photography, Sarah Leen, who we interviewed as part of our coverage of B&H's 50th Anniversary Bild Expo 2023.
Sarah has worked all sides of the table, starting in the field with a camera in hand, then transitioning to a photo editor, and ultimately being tapped to lead National Geographic as Director of Photography in 2013—the first woman ever selected for this role.
Among the topics covered in this chat are Sarah's shift from picture maker to photo editor and how she gained the credentials to take on such a role. We make the important distinction between editing the work of others vs. a photographer editing his or her own images, emphasizing the added difficulty of disconnecting from personal experience to make objective decisions, and how the guidance of a skilled photo editor can help.
Turning to her career trajectory, Sarah explains the differences between a photo editor and the director of photography, which is a managerial role. And, when it comes to the recent organizational changes at National Geographic—not to mention within the industry at large—Sarah clarifies that, despite ceasing newsstand sales, the magazine will still be widely available in print, yet by subscription only.
We end our chat with details about Sarah's current work as an independent photo editor and educator, her founding of the Visual Thinking Collective with three former colleagues, and the upcoming release of her latest book project Ukraine: A War Crime, featuring work by 93 photographers.
Above photograph © Sarah Leen
Guest: Sarah Leen
For more information on our guest and the gear she uses, see:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography… -
Taking Chances on Stories to Tell: Photojournalist Deanne Fitzmaurice at Bild
19 oktober 2023 · 56 min
As Deanne Fitzmaurice describes it, a photojournalist's job is part sociology and part archeology, but most important, it's being on the cutting edge of what's happening, telling stories about people. It's this combination of varied disciplines, connecting with subjects, and learning something new every day that has held her fascination from her very beginnings at the San Francisco Chronicle through to the rich tapestry she's woven as a visual storyteller today. We recently sat down with Fitzmaurice to gain insights into the many facets of her career as part of our coverage of B&H's 50th Anniversary Bild Expo 2023. Lees meer
During our chat, Fitzmaurice regales us with details from some of her most impactful projects, including the challenging mix of sensitivity and perseverance needed to tell the story of Saleh, a seriously injured Iraqi boy. After explaining how this assignment morphed from a one-day news story into a Pulitzer-prize-winning long-term project, we take a deep dive into how image selection and sequencing were key to this award-winning series.
Never one to shy away from a challenge, Fitzmaurice also describes confronting baseball great Barry Bonds about his problem with photographers, which shattered his impenetrable armor and resulted in her gaining exclusive access to photograph him both on and off the field.
When discussing essential rules of journalistic ethics and credibility in documenting an unfolding scene, Fitzmaurice points to the category of portraiture as a rare opportunity to shift out of fly on the wall mode to direct the subject and build rapport. We conclude our chat with insights about the role luck has played in her career, and how she puts herself in a position for synchronicity to unfold.
Above photograph © Deanne Fitzmaurice
Guest: Deanne Fitzmaurice
For more information on our guest and the gear she uses, see:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/taking-chances-on-stories-to-tell-photojournalist-deanne-fitzmauri… -
Why Oceans Matter: Underwater Photographer Brian Skerry at Bild
12 oktober 2023 · 58 min
Water is essential to life on Earth. The health of our oceans—and its inhabitants—is equally crucial to maintaining Earth's delicate balance. This is an apt takeaway from our exclusive chat with renowned underwater photographer and filmmaker Brian Skerry, as part of our coverage of B&H's 50th Anniversary Bild Expo 2023. Lees meer
Above photograph © Brian Skerry
We sat down with Skerry shortly before his presentation on the Bild Expo Main Stage to get the full scoop on his career arc, from a youthful fantasy of being an ocean explorer in the mold of Indiana Jones to his more recent work interpreting the culture of whales and other inhabitants of the deep.
We also delve into sobering concerns about the extreme geologic change Skerry has witnessed in the oceans over time.
With such facts in mind, he describes the responsibility he feels to combine scientific research and powerful storytelling, so that we may better understand our relationship to nature, and to change our behaviors for the better.
Guest: Brian Skerry
For more information on our guest and the gear he uses, see: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/why-oceans-matter-underwater-photographer-brian-skerry-at-bild
Stay Connected:
Brian Skerry Website: https://brianskerry.com/
Brian Skerry Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianskerry/
Brian Skerry X: https://www.twitter.com/brian_skerry/
Brian Skerry Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.skerry/
Brian Skerry - Secrets of the Whales: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/tv/shows/secrets-of-the-whales
Brian Skerry - The Sentient Sea Exhibit, Siena, Italy: https://festival.sienawards.com/en/brian-skerry-2/
Brian Skerry - Ocean Odyssey Exhibit, Paris, France: https://www.atelier-lumieres.com/en/ocean-odyssey -
Fake Memories, Promptography, and Generative AI, with Boris Eldagsen
28 september 2023 · 1 uur 21 min
Artificial intelligence is a polarizing topic, and its rapid evolution within content creation has set our once familiar world on edge. To help demystify this gargantuan subject and add clarity to important concerns, we're turning to an artist positioned at the very center of the debate between photography and AI imagery. Lees meer
Above photograph © Boris Eldagsen
German media artist Boris Eldagsen made global headlines after entering his AI-generated image, "The Electrician," in the Sony World Photography Awards. He won a top prize, and then ultimately declined the award due to a lack of open discussion about the need to categorize photographs and AI-generated imagery differently.
Join us for this frank and informative discussion about generative AI. Some of the diverse topics we cover include ways creativity is shared between man and machine, the effects of different languages (and even phrasing) when creating text prompts, inherent biases in AI training data and ways to counter this, the emergence of AI agencies, the newly created job title of Prompt Engineer, and much, much more.
And for those listeners who fear AI as a threat to their photo careers, our discussion ends on an upbeat note, with the classification of generative AI as a knowledge accelerator, being most beneficial to practitioners with a solid background in traditional photography and the visual arts. To quote Eldagsen, "For the first time in history, the older generation has an advantage..." We'll let you listen to hear the end.
Guests: Boris Eldagsen
For more information on our guest and the gear he uses, see: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/fake-memories-promptography-and-generative-ai-with-boris-eldagsen
Stay Connected:
Boris Eldagsen Website: https://www.eldagsen.com/
Boris Eldagsen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boriseldagsen/
Boris Eldagsen Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boriseldagsen
Boris Eldagsen YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EldagsenBoris/
Boris Eld… -
Photographer-Driven Projects, with Ashok Sinha and Anabel DFlux
14 september 2023 · 45 min
Above photograph © Ashok Sinha Lees meer
How central is your personal drive and unique creative vision to the pictures you make? If these characteristics strike a chord or are traits to which you aspire, then you won't want to miss our inspiring chats with photographers Ashok Sinha and Anabel DFlux. We caught up with both of these accomplished creatives earlier this year at B&H's 2023 Depth of Field Conference.
We begin with architectural photographer Ashok Sinha, whose personal project to document iconic mid-century structures and classic cars in Southern California resulted in the crowd-pleasing monograph Gas & Glamour, now in its second printing. Sinha offers valuable insights about how channeling his passions and not overthinking the details allowed him to bring his photography career to new heights—resulting in his work being displayed as a massive billboard in downtown LA, released as limited-edition NFTs, and featured in gallery exhibitions in collaboration with an international fashion brand.
After the break, professional animal photographer Anabel DFlux describes how she fashioned a personal penchant for pets into a sustainable career path while still a teen. Yet, despite her clear passion for and talent with pets, DFlux reaches beyond a single photographic specialty to cultivate work across multiple niches—including the heady realm of rock and roll.
Check out these real-life career examples and walk away with an equal measure of inspiration and practical tips.
Guests: Ashok Sinha and Anabel DFlux
For more information on our guests and the gear they use, see:
blogd7.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podca…-anabel-dfluxStay Connected:
Ashok Sinha Website: https://ashoksinha.com
Ashok Sinha Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashoksinhaphoto
Ashok Sinha Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashok.sinha.3720
Ashok Sinha Twitter: https://twitter.com/ashoksinhaphoto
Ashok Sinha YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashoksinha2167
Ashok Sinha Gas and Glamour book: https://ashok… -
Rodney Smith's Leap of Faith: An Intimate Chat with Leslie Smolan & Terence Falk
6 september 2023 · 1 uur 29 min
Rodney Smith was a photographic visionary, with an allegiance to the image above all else. Long acclaimed for his iconic black-and-white pictures—not to forget his later jewel-like color scenes—Smith captured enchanted worlds full of subtle magic and lighthearted humor. Using only analog film and the aesthetics of natural light, his dream-like photographs are matched in quality by the craft and physical beauty of his prints. Lees meer
Smith died in 2016, yet the enduring precision, elegance, and whimsy of his world view is nowhere more evident than in our conversation with Leslie Smolan, his widow and executive director of his estate; and his long-time assistant, master printer Terence Falk.
Listen in as Smolan discusses key aspects of Smith's career development and describes her recent collaboration with the J. Paul Getty Museum on the book, Rodney Smith: A Leap of Faith. And Falk provides firsthand anecdotes about the unique experience of working on a Rodney Smith shoot—an experience that led one powerful New York executive to call his secretary from a midtown pay phone and exclaim, "I feel like I'm in Ferris Bueller's Day Off!"
As New York Fashion Week ushers in the fall season, we're looking back on the career of one of the most distinctive photographers to infuse business and fashion with a timeless sense of style and grace.
Guests: Leslie Smolan and Terence Falk
For more information on our guests and their gear they use, see:
The Estate of Rodney Smith Website: rodneysmith.com/
The Estate of Rodney Smith Facebook: www.facebook.com/rodneysmithphotography/
The Estate of Rodney Smith Instagram: www.instagram.com/_rodneysmith/
The Estate of Rodney Smith Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/rodneysmithpics/
Rodney Smith Lecture at the B&H Event Space: www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photog…mith-1970-2016
Conversation about Rodney Smith at FIT Amphitheater: www.fitnyc.edu/museum/events/index.php
Rodney Smith Exhibition at Staley Wise Gallery in New York: www.staleywise.com/exhibit… -
Finger-Lickin' Food Photography, with Mica McCook, the Austin Food Guide
31 augustus 2023 · 1 uur 8 min
According to food photographer Mica McCook, the secret sauce is more than simply visual appeal, it's connecting to how the images make you feel. As McCook likes to say, she creates cravings, one photo at a time.
McCook's photos are dramatic like telenovelas, embracing the magic of a chef's palate, and delighting in the vibrant flavors that bring dishes to life. Her approach is theatrical and bold, akin to setting the stage for a grand performance. Each element, from the decadent chocolate drizzle to the vibrant pop of a fresh herb, contributes to the culinary drama. For McCook, food is not just about sustenance, it's an experience.
In a world where fast food and quick meals are often the norm, McCook is here to remind us of the richness and pleasure of a well-composed dish, and to celebrate the chefs who create, the farmers who cultivate, and the diners who savor. As an extension of her photography business, McCook launched her biweekly podcast, The Savory Shot, in June 2022, because she is perpetually curious about the food industry and those who dwell within it. Lees meerListen in to hear how a life-altering trip to the Reading Terminal Market, in Pennsylvania, laid the groundwork for McCook's career transition from people to food, and even inspired her unique business name of Austin Food Guide. We also discuss how her background in theater influences her flavorful photographic approach, the dramatic lighting she favors, as well as her collaborative, community-oriented outlook. McCook was recently accepted into an innovative mentorship program for BIPOC photographers led by Apostrophe Reps. Don't miss the juicy details about how to apply!
Above photograph © Mica McCook
Guest: Mica McCook of The Austin Food Guide
For more information on our guest and the gear she uses, see: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/finger-lickin-food-photography-with-mica-mccook-the-austin-food-guide
Stay Connected:
Mica McCook Website: https://micamccook.com
Mica McC… -
A Closer Look at Bruce Gilden: Depth of Field 2023
17 augustus 2023 · 30 min
Bruce Gilden is a street-photography icon. With summer in full swing and International Street Photography Day (otherwise known as Henry Cartier-Bresson's birthday) looming on the horizon, what better time to feature a lively chat with the master himself, recorded at B&H's 2023 Depth of Field Conference, just before the Magnum photographer's keynote lecture. Lees meer
Gilden's emotionally fraught depictions of real people up close are an acquired taste, and we address this aspect of his work during our chat, with Allan admitting that Gilden's work has terrified him in the past. We also touch on a somewhat surprising facet of Gilden's career—fashion photography—as he discusses making pictures for high-end clients such as Balenciaga, Dolce & Gabana, and Diesel. From the influence of early 20th-century mugshots on Gilden's aesthetic to the importance of making, and living with, visual choices to keep the photography fresh, our discussion covers a lot of ground. Stay to the end to learn about Gilden's long held photographic wish—photographing murder in a beautiful way.
And for anyone who's ever fantasized about a taking workshop with Gilden, check out the link below to his upcoming street photography workshop in New York!
Above photograph © Bruce Gilden
Guest: Magnum photographer Bruce Gilden
For more information on our guest and the gear he uses, see:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/closer-look-bruce-gildenStay Connected:
Bruce Gilden Website: https://www.brucegilden.com
Bruce Gilden Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BruceGilden
Bruce Gilden Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bruce_gilden
Bruce Gilden Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/brucegilden
Bruce Gilden's Magnum page: https://www.magnumphotos.com/photographer/bruce-gilden/
Bruce Gilden's Upcoming New York Workshop: miamistreetphotographyfestival.org/bruce-gilden -
Adobe Software and AI: Scott Kelby & Kristina Sherk at Depth of Field 2023
3 augustus 2023 · 46 min
The integration of AI technologies with Adobe software has set the creative world on its head. To get a read on this hot-button, rapidly evolving field, we tapped two generations of tech wizardry—Scott Kelby, the original Photoshop Guy, and retouching powerhouse Kristina Sherk. We sat down with both of these experts at B&H's 2023 Depth of Field Conference in February 2023. Lees meer
Our first guest is Scott Kelby, the original Photoshop guy, who discusses the good and the bad of AI technology, from how it helps create workflow efficiencies to the potential for costing some photographers a job. Kelby envisions a future comprising high-end pros and serious iPhoneographers. With this in mind, we delve into the growing advantages of capturing images on a mobile device, while also identifying subjects that still require more robust gear.
After a break, Kristina Sherk shares details about the powerful AI selection tools integrated into the Classic and Mobile versions of Adobe Lightroom, which are disruptive in a good way. Stay to the end for her story about saving the day for a wedding photographer whose sharp focus was disrupted by a rogue officiant, who stepped in front of the lens just before a couple's first kiss.
Guests: Scott Kelby & Kristina Sherk
For more information on our guests and the gear they use, see: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/adobe-software-and-ai-scott-kelby-kristina-sherk-at-depth-of-field-2023
Above photograph © Kristina Sherk
Stay Connected:
Scott Kelby Website: https://scottkelby.com
Scott Kelby Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottkelby
Scott Kelby Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SKelby
Scott Kelby YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/kelbymediagroup
Scott Kelby Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/skelby01Kristina Sherk / Shark Pixel Website: https://www.sharkpixel.com
Kristina Sherk / Shark Pixel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shark_pixel
Kristina Sherk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharkpixel
Kris…