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Welcome to our second issue of Fresh out of the box - FOTB for short! A new monthly news page packed with all the weird and wonderful things happening in the world of photography. Helping you stay on the photographic pulse.
It's also a great opportunity for you to get involved and share your own photography news and views. Make your opinion count - email us with your ideas and tell us your first impressions of FOTB!
It's that time of year when everything is in full bloom again. With that in mind we asked Clive Nichols, leading garden photographer and past winner of Garden Photographer of the Year, for his advice on how best to capture the beauty of our green and pleasant land. He suggests,
"Having a specific goal in mind focuses my work…"
"I enjoy trying to capture unusual portraits of plants at various stages of their life-cycle. Recently, I set myself the task of building up a collection of images on the theme of emerging buds. Having a specific goal in mind focuses my work and this in turn helps me to photograph plants in new and exciting ways."
Image by Clive Nichols.
Another great tip is to get your hands on a copy of his book, The Art of Flower & Garden Photography, which has loads of inspirational images. If you fancy getting competitive enter the Garden Photographer of the Year competition before 31st July and you could win a copy of Clive's book. Go to www.gpoty.org for details.
Events and exhibitions you won't want to miss
Francesco Jodice
Saõ Paulo Citytellers
© Francesco Jodice
If you're as passionate about the planet as you are photos you need to get yourself to Tate Modern's Global Cities exhibition. Hard hitting facts on the massive growth of major cities, and the impact this is having on people and the environment, accompanied by thought provoking pictures. Admission free, exhibition ends 27th August 2007.
Belinda Sinclair
The annual Tour de France is taking place throughout July, with cyclists competing over an incredible 3,550 kilometre course. This year's race is claimed to be the most open race in years. It's also of added interest to us Brits as the riders started out their mammoth journey from London. As a professional sports photographer, Belinda Sinclair is currently out in France covering all the action. So if you're stuck at home wishing you could be there, check out Belinda's daily upload of images to her PhotoBox Pro Gallery. She'll also be blogging about the atmosphere and events, plus sharing her thoughts on covering such an adrenaline fuelled race.
Alfred Hitchcock with news of another necktie strangling, Evening Standard, London, July 1971
Take a visual journey through Fleet Street's history and the news stories it featured. Daily Encounters: Photographs from Fleet Street, on at the National Portrait Gallery, is a must for anyone into news photography. The exhibition charts the rise of photojournalism through to Fleet Street's decline some 80 years on. It's a fascinating portrayal of London life and the beginning of the battle of paparazzi verses celebrity. You'll see plenty of famous faces, from royalty to politicians, and learn about the photographers behind the pictures too. Exhibition ends 21st October 2007. Admission £5.
Joe
Richard Boll
© Richard Boll
The National Portrait Gallery is also currently looking for entries for the Photographic Portrait Prize 2007. Open to both amateurs and professionals, there's an impressive £12,000 up for grabs for the lucky winner so why not give it a go – it could be you! Check out the details and register online before 20th July. To inspire you here's last year's winning entry.
Here are a few of our favourite things!
In celebration of the 100 year anniversary of autochrome, the first commercial colour photographic process, comes a new book by Pam Roberts. Century of Colour Photography: From the autochrome to the digital age, takes you on a journey of photographic highlights, explaining technological changes and creative trends along the way. This really informative read is published by Carlton Books and priced at £30.
If you've got a compact camera, forget about troublesome tripods in favour of a Monster Pod! This groovy gadget defies gravity by sticking to virtually anything. It's modest too, marketing itself as, ‘The most incredible camera tripod on planet earth!’ Simply slap it to the nearest tree, building, ceiling, or whatever else is handy. Ideal for whenever you need that extra bit of stability, or want to be in the shot yourself. It's quick and convenient and will only set you back around £15 - essential packing for your summer holiday.
Weddings are packed with photo opportunities. While the official photographer is busy taking time consuming group shots, you've got the perfect opportunity to capture the more candid moments. Exactly the kind of images the bride & groom are bound to love.
Get into the habit of taking a few shots of each image, that way you won't be disappointed when someone has their eyes shut or is pulling an awkward expression.
Amateur Photographer awards our collage posters five gold stars and comments, ‘Another great service from PhotoBox – high quality, fast turnaround and at a reasonable price.’
The Telegraph recommends PhotoBox in its ‘25 Hot Websites for Summer'. The only online photo lab to make the list!
The Independent, recommends PhotoBox in its list of life transforming ‘101 Really Useful Websites'.
We've also made the finals in two awards highlighting outstanding service to our members. The industry Excellence Awards 2007 and the prestigious National Customer Service Awards 2007.
1. Quick work
When you're taking portrait shots of people, working quickly is a good way of ensuring you keep everyone's interest and get natural smiles.
2. Waste of space
Wasting space is widely regarded as one of the most common crimes committed by amateurs. Some pictures work with plenty of space around the main subject but most have more impact close up.
3. Save time
If you plan on uploading hundreds of images at a time, it's sensible use a computer with a fast processor and broadband internet access.
