Welcome to our monthly news page packed with all the weird and wonderful things happening in the world of photography. It's also your opportunity to get involved and make your opinions count.
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People photographer Brian Harte proudly claims that photography is his life. He says, 'I almost never switch off. When I'm not working on clients' photographs, I'm working on my own. I lose track of time and get swept along by the magic.'
"Smiling on demand is like crying on demand, it just doesn't work"
He loves the natural look for his portrait images. That means not capturing people standing like soldiers on parade, grinning unnaturally, or trying to be on their best behaviour. Brian believes, 'There's nothing like saying the word smile to make people freeze. You're almost guaranteed the opposite reaction.'
He continues, 'Even if they force a smile, it always shows in the end result. Smiling
Brian Harte
on demand is like crying on demand, it just doesn't work.'
When asked to let us in on his secret Brian says, 'I never say 'smile' but people always do. Why? Because they're relaxed and having fun. We joke, we laugh, we chat, we play. Whether we're on the beach, in a playground, or up a tree, I try to make sure it's fun!'
Take a look at some of Brian's work and you've got to agree it's a great technique which really works.
Events and exhibitions you won't want to miss
©Paul Graham, Crouched man in DHSS waiting room
The Aberystwyth Arts Centre is currently hosting an exhibition titled No Such Thing as Society. It's a wonderful mix of styles and themes from 33 of the UK's leading documentary photographers taken between 1967 and 1987. Big names include Martin Parr, Tony Ray-Jones, Chris Steele-Perkins and Philip Jones-Griffiths. From comedy and convention, to class and community, this is a great summary of modern social history and an insightful look at Britishness. Exhibition ends 27th April.
©Sonia Katchian
The ALI Folio™ at the Proud Gallery is an intimate portrayal of the legendary Muhammad Ali, by photographer Sonia Katchian. It covers life inside and outside the boxing ring, including his famous Rumble in the Jungle fight of 1974. There's also the chance to purchase prints so you can own your very own piece of sporting memorabilia of a true iconic figure. Ends 11th May.
©Elijah Yeoman, Percy Beck, Flatts Wood
Teesdale photographer Elijah Yeoman was one of the first commercial photographers. He had a real love of local landscapes, along with a great passion for portraiture. Right now you can catch a collection of his work at the Elijah Yeomen (1849-1939) exhibition, on at The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, Durham. It's an impressive collection of Victorian and Edwardian life which is well worth a visit and the £7 admission fee. On until 15th June.
©Anne Collier
New York based photographer Anne Collier launches her first solo exhibition in a UK gallery this month. From the 11th April, until 24th May, you can see her varied photographs at Liverpool's Open Eye Gallery. Particularly interesting is her work around the idea of re-photographing existing images to form images of images, giving older work a new lease of life and urging us to look at it afresh.
Here are a few of our favourite things!
As the world's largest international news agency, Reuters has a huge supply of fascinating photos from around the globe. Put together in a new book, Reuters – Our World Now, are just some of their images captured during 2007. Through its page you can relive the major stories of last year, with one minute heart-warming images and next conveying devastation, but all thought provoking in their own individual way. It's great value for money at just £10.
Are you familiar with Fotoclips? Like all the best ideas they are simple but brilliant. Just little plastic clips you can use to join your photos together and transform them into 2D or even 3D photo displays. Make a huge wall of photos in minutes, perhaps your very own photo tower, or modern art photo sculpture. Or as the guys at Lomography modestly put it, ‘These Lomographic magic widgets will engulf you in astonishment and dramatically change your life!'
Next up on the popular Photovision Roadshow calendar is 29th April at The Old Palace, Hatfield House, Hertfordshire. Get along to the exhibition to see a dazzling array of exhibitors, showcasing innovative products and services to keep your photography cutting edge. There's also a series of seminars, including Lighting On-Location presented by Environmental Portrait Photographer 2007, Uzair Kharawala. As usual it promises to be a very inspiring day and what's more entry is free!
For a bang up to date read on all things digital photography related grab a copy of The Digital Photography Companion, written by Derrick Story and published by O'Reilly Media. There's general advice on photographic equipment and basic camera techniques, before going on to tackle specific topics such as shooting action shots, architecture, travel locations and kids. It's a really great point of reference for photographers to have at the ready.
If you're a fickle fair weather photographer you're missing out on loads of great opportunities. Face the elements and find out how to get the best of out all weathers.
A scene can be totally transformed by a touch of mist or fog. Catch it first thing in the morning, when the earliest rays of sunshine appear, and you could be in for an award-winning shot. Avoid just thick blankets of fog without any interesting details at all.
Email us your weird and wonderful weather photos for a place in our Editor's gallery and the chance to win a Photobook! Think April showers, snow or lightning storms, wild windy weather or glorious sunshine.
Deadline 18th April.
Issue 1: Featured photographer – Annabel Williams
Issue 2: Featured photographer – Clive Nichols
Issue 3: Featured photographer – Karen Parker
Issue 4: Featured photographer – Helena Smith
Issue 5: Featured photographer – Brett Harkness
Issue 6: Featured photographer – Jason de Caires Taylor
Issue 7: Featured photographer – Sarah Wright
Issue 8: Featured photographer – Neil Bygrave
Issue 9: Featured photographer – Adam Lawrence
Issue 10: Featured photographer – Barry Wakelin
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Doris Phillips
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T3 - The Worlds Number One Gadget Magazine
1. Centre of attention
If you always instinctively place your main subject in the centre of your shot, try playing around with different compositions for more interesting results.
2. Perfect patterns
Look out for repeating patterns in the objects around you as they often make for fantastic photos.
3. On an angle
Try tilting your camera at a strong angle to get a much more interesting perspective. It will give your photos a whole new look.