The Hot Shoe Diaries is written by Joe McNally and may be the best handbook on using speedlights out there.
(Not to be confused with Red Shoe Diaries, an adult series on HBO in the 90’s hosted by David Duchovny)
While you may not use the bagful of flashes that Mr. McNally uses, he will give you [...]

There is a new category for digital cameras that Olympus has been at the forefront of in design and acceptance in the marketplace.
The PEN series of cameras uses a 4/3 sensor, which allows you to keep a pretty compact profile while getting a high quality image.
We showed you a full up demo from Lou Manna [...]

The most amazing happened last week while in a card exchange situation.
In the midst of everyone trading the little rectangles of info, one of the group got repeated extended studies of their cards.
Their Moo.com photo cards.
Now, photos on business cards are nothing new, but it has either been printed on a photographic like [...]

Up the aisles, down the aisles, across to the next exhibit hall, and up the aisles, down the aisles.
Rinse and repeat.
That’s kinda what we do when we go to a photographic trade show.
There are the major things to see that there may have been pre-buzz on, or things that we hope to actually get in [...]

Honestly, we have not been in this trade show deal for many years.
With the economy the way it is, manufacturers get very picky as to where the will meet the press and the buyers to show the latest offerings or tease the upcoming products. PMA has traditionally been one of the major shows to meet [...]

You can’t ask for more from photo trade show, really.
Not only did we get to see some cool new gear, we were made privy to a new product from HP that will protect artists, dealers an collectors. Too cool for school.
The day began with Sony announcing a brand new small format camera with interchangeable lenses, [...]

PMA is staring tomorrow in Anaheim, and they gave us a little peek into what we may be seeing from some of the photographic manufacturers.

The HoodLoupe used on many new HD DSLR rigs, got some attention from the press.

We’ll be taking a closer look at the Fuji instant cameras.

Everyone’s favorite, Moo cards, will explain it [...]

Last Thursday night, the world of analog photography grew exponentially in Hollywood.
The global fans of the world of LOMO will rejoice with this new west coast flagship of the plastic camera kings.
When you want to slow it down a bit, shoot some film, and take a bit of a risk, in your photography, you have [...]

You know in the world of digital imaging, 20 years is pretty much unheard of.
In that time, we’ve seen many major software developers come and go.
The dot.com bust, came and went.
But the people at Adobe, continue to constantly improve and deliver on what is the standard for our industry.
Photoshop.
Twenty years ago, we personally had [...]

We’d like to thank everyone who participated in our biggest photo contest yet, Let’s Do Lunch!
There were entries from all over the world and winners from all over the world.
The winners are:
Grand Prize: Katya Evdokimova of London, England
1st Place Winners:
Friends and Family – Dan Komoda of East Windsor, NJ
Down To Business – Mark Tedschi of [...]

Who knew.
Well, we used to know. Every month in the Pasadena Elks Lodge, all kinds of used gear photography dealers gather and lay out their wares on long tables.
What do they have ? All kinds of camera goods in all kinds of conditions. Brand new, used, VERY used, and that exact thing you were looking [...]

…for about 2.5 hours on this very solid DVD with Bob Krist and Joe McNally , Nikon School Presents A Hands-On Guide to Creative Lighting
Sometimes we have items that are so popular we have to give them away again.
This is one of those things.
We love it when the manufacturers take it upon themselves to [...]

Give your shoulders a break.
The camera bag manufacturers have heard your backs aching, and want to give you some relief.
Nope, not an assistant to carry your gear, but bags to make things a little easier. Roller Bags.
Most of the major brands have been entering this field for awhile, but today we’re going to look at [...]

Like the modern classic movie “Office Space” we’ve got plenty of photo flair to show our enthusiasm for photography.
Jennifer Aniston’s character in that film didn’t want to add more flair to her uniform, so she took another road.

© 20th Century Fox
We have been collecting/been given, a ton of the stuff, flair, through the [...]

Sure, we’ve been getting a little bookish lately on the giveaway front, so it’s time to get into the old tool box.
Love the books because, at the end of the day, the image is what it’s all about.
You need the gear to get there though. And every tool box has a variety of multi-purpose items [...]

Week-end is the final chapter in a trilogy created by Alex Prager, now showing at M+B Gallery in Los Angeles, simultaneously showing at the Yancy Richardson Gallery in NYC

photographer Alex Prager with her photograph Wendy, 2009 behind her.
As in the other photographs in the trilogy, The Big Valley and Polyester, Ms. Prager has created [...]

One of the biggest tech product categories at the recent Consumer Electronics Show was 3-D TV’s.
Every major manufacturer was rolling them out, and each had a slight different take on how you, the viewer, would best like to experience it.
Active shutter glasses that ensure that each eye only sees the right or left image, giving [...]

Yes, the beauty of an articulated LCD screen is being able to keep your eyes where you want them, and let the camera stretch to get the shot you want.

Every time we shoot and event, there is always an opportunity for an over-the-crowd shot to the stage or main subject, like a wedding.

Of course you’ll [...]

And the Fair has left the city…..Short and sweet.

PhotoLA has left the city til next year. A good time had by all, and some new discoveries made.
Like how you can spend $400,000 on a photography book.
21st Editions, long renown for making the highest quality short run, limited edition photography books ( we regularly dream [...]

Whether it’s a county fair, state fair, or in this case a photo fair, one of our favorite parts is that the community comes out.
Not out of the woodwork, but comes out to share in a common interest.
At the county fair there may be funnel cakes, the worlds biggest squash, fried twinkies, [...]

Many years ago, PhotoLA was held at the local auction house, Butterfields & Butterfields, up on Sunset Blvd in Hollywood. Opening night was dedicated to raising money for a charitable cause, and photo aficionados from around the city gathered, to see what the dealers from all over the world had brought to town.
It almost felt [...]

It is known as the world largest electronic showcase in the world. The word is that 110,000 attendees made it this year with over 330 new exhibitors.
It’s a trade show where manufacturers preview new technology soon to be available in the marketplace, or prototypical items coming down the road.
Perhaps way down the road.
Essentially [...]

…that you could be a winner in the Let’s Do Lunch! photo contest!
There some solid entries, but we are looking for a lot more to not only give away some amazing prizes (HP laptop, printer Nikon DSLR, Adobe software, ThinkTank Camera bags, Color Munki calibration device, custom Blurb book, and much more), but to make [...]

Look familiar?
It should. We gave one of these away in Oct. and we are happy to start off the new year with another one.
There is no excuse not to get the true color of your photographs. At least as your starting point. Tweak away as you like once you get the basics.
How about we help [...]

Say goodbye to 2009. And not a moment to soon.
It’s been a wild ride with the new economy firmly in place.
With wretched excess getting forcibly kicked to the curb and the rest of the population firmly ensconced in the best new ways to communicate all of that, it has been a full year.

Since we are [...]

As we see the year and decade end, we’d like to plant some new thoughts for 2K10 (will that be the term?)
If we continue to look outside of ourselves, and explore the world of photography around us, perhaps our work by the end of next year will have grown.
It’s one of our barometers of life: [...]

Ok, We know you are reading this online.
And by now you may have visited about 4-5 of your favorite sites to get some top line info.
Maybe you even watched a short tutorial on the latest Photoshop technique.
We did.
But then we are going to a local restaurant for lunch. The perfect place to peruse the latest [...]

We do a fair bit of road time, and nothing says lovin like setting up a mini edit suite in your hotel room.
Mmmmmmm…
Nobody upgrades their laptops that often, so the speed with which you work with assets will vary.
One of the major tools we carry on the road are hard drives. Usually 3.
1 [...]

You know we are all about backing up your ever increasing digital life over here, at photoinduced.com
And as we find ourselves in either a home or office with everyone needing/wanting to access similar files, the concept of a server is moving away from business into your personal life.
Imagine an entire house of computers being [...]

I woke up on a Jan. 1, 2005 and wrote the first 5 pages of what would become photoinduced.com.
There were many more components than you see here, including a broadcast component, and original programing, but the essence is here.
Our good friends at the Barbarian group, did the original design of the site and made [...]

And by that we mean that you should be able to transport your files between the places you travel, even when it’s just between your home and office. Sure, that includes when your home IS your office.
One thing that always travels with us is a jump drive.
Known by many names: thumb drive, USB drive, [...]

The question is – did we need another way?
The old over-the-shoulder, camera strap connected at 2 points to the body, seemed to work. And with a great padded camera strap, longs days, and heavy lenses, were more bearable.
At the last trade show we hit, there were at least 3 different options for carrying you [...]

Currently at the Brooklyn Museum, this full accounting of the photographic record of Rock & Roll hangs in all it’s glory.
But you know how we like to share stuff that the whole group can enjoy. We can tell you about an exhibit, however being able to experience some of the work, right in the [...]

There are a myriad of camera bag manufacturers to choose from, and we all get to our favorites. Although crossing the brand lines based on specific needs, is really they way we go.
For the outdoorsy photog, the ones who backpack their way into a setting, Lowepro has been the leader for many years.
The new Pro [...]

OK, you’ve looked at the DSLR’s and the standard point & shoots. If you have some deep pockets, even the Leica family of jewels.
This camera, the Olympus PEN E-P1
, has perhaps started it’s own category: compact body with interchangeable lenses.
And it shoots HD video with cd quality stereo sound.
By using a 4/3rds sensor [...]

One thing that we always do at an event is take an overhead crowd shot.
Usually, it becomes a an approximation of framing, based on experience, and well, blind luck.
The Nikon D5000 has taken care of that with the articulated screen.
No, it’s not the first camera to do that, but the first one that will [...]

We’re going to start the Dec. giveaways big!
First up is a great package of plug-ins for Photoshop, from onOne Software:
Plug-In Suite 4 : Professional Edition
We are huge fans of this company (they made the DSLR Remote Control for the iPhone) and have packaged a solid group of programs that will make your digital darkroom work [...]

Sure , it’s been a ..different kind of a year.
Fine, we won’t sugar coat it: it’s been darn rugged. The new economy is getting old, and we are spinning twice as fast for half as much.
Well, almost.
There is still this time of year though, that encourages you to spend some of that money [...]

( This article was first posted on Nov. 27th 2008. It still feels the same.)
[photopress:MagrittePipe.jpg,thumb,alignright] Not like “This is not a pipe” (Ceci n’est pas une pipe) the famous painting by Magritte.
Nothing like that.
Instead it’s a bit of thanksgiving memory that has a photo of an object as it’s touch point.
[photopress:shell2.jpg,full,alignright]
When I was a [...]

Are you ready to give multimedia a shot? You know, are you a still photographer adding motion and sound into your mix ?
Assignment shooters are coming into a time where they are being required to do just that.
Lets, see…. you’ll need some microphones, a digital audio, recorder, good headphones, you DSLR, and a way to [...]

In a few weeks, Art Basel will be taking over the scene in Miami, and photography will, once again, get it’s own special fair amongst the many pavilions dotting the South Beach scene.
After sales of art have plummeted in this new world economy, every dealer is looking for that bit of upswing that seems to [...]

We always dig giving something away here, that we use on a regular basis.
The Gary Fong Lightsphere.
It usually sparks comments from folks who are not familiar as they always say it looks like a food container.
Personally, we don’t care what it looks like, because it delivers exactly the kind of light from a speedlight [...]

Only about a year after the 5D made a major mark in the HD/DSLR world, thanks in part to Vince Laforet, the folks at Canon seem to be accessing all of their video knowledge from their other divisions and implanting them into their newest DSLR’s.
You have to remember that these DSLRS are still very strong [...]

We keep adding some very big stuff to the Grand Prize in the Let’s Do Lunch! photo contest.
So far there is a Nikon D5000 DSLR Camera w/18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens , HP Notebook PC (model to be named shortly), HP Photosmart Premium TouchSmart Web All-in-One Printer , Think Tank Photo Airport International camera bag, XRite [...]

Actually YOU have to get them into your life, but our good friends at Photojojo have finally taken some of the best of their newsletters and website and put them all in one place:
Photojojo!: Insanely Great Photo Projects and DIY Ideas

Authors Amit Gupta and Kelly Jensen, the folks behind Photojojo have been emailing many [...]

When the Polaroid Land camera was first around, you had to peel apart the print from the developing chemicals, and coat the B&W shots with a preservative liquid. You really did need to shake it, to dry the coating.
Ok, maybe you didn’t HAVE to, but you did it, anyway.
And a part of popular [...]

Here is another chance to look at the new Nikon D3s at PhotoPlus Expo 2009
We had it in our hands a coupla weeks ago and wish we still had it. Click here for some of the sample images from our shoot.
Nothing like a little youtube video to make us nostalgic for that night in NYC. [...]

Ahhh, nothing like saving all of that money on film, not to mention the processing.
And all of the DSLRs have such huge file sizes that your photographs can go poster size, no problem.
Using those media cards again and again, has saved you untold thousands,right? May have even changed how you shoot.
Those cards you bought a [...]

The other night in NYC, Nikon took a bunch of us over to a secret location to have a few hours with the new Nikon D3s.
As we had a bite to eat in Mid-Town Manhattan, they kept the “test facility” identity under wraps.
We walked onto the street and only a few blocks from the restaurant [...]

There has been an incredible amount of press lately on the resurgence of Polaroid film, specifically the SX-70 type, including the reintroduction of the camera.
A group called The Impossible Project, has been working diligently to re-introduce the famed film packs and systems.
After Polaroid decided to cease production, this group acquired the film making equipment from [...]

Been another day at the Javits Center and have doing a huge amount of video taping of the new products to get you a front row seat for all of the new photo goods we could get to.
Honestly, they are some long days, the dogs are barking so we’ll be posting some pics for right [...]

Beautiful day in NYC and we heard it was in the 70s! Nice.
Of course we were inside all day at the Javits center checking out some of the newest gear.
And we weren’t alone.
By the size of the crowd at PhotoPlus Expo, and the lines at any dealers booth that was selling, and not just [...]

And we mean it.
Adobe Lightroom is releasing their latest public Beta version, 3, and they want to know what you’d like.
They are calling this a medium-rare version, as they’d like to give the folks that use this program a bit of time to be heard and get the tools they really want in the latest [...]

Photographer Thomas Allen prefers to see things just as he likes, not as he finds them.
Of course he gets some help from classically illustrated pulp novels.
It’s unique process, as he lives far from a city in Michigan, scouring through online book stores to see where the proper visual elements may come from.
He then buys the [...]

You see the shot in your head. You know what you want.
It’s not always as easy as “put the tripod here”, or “hand hold it there”.
Balancing acts are never a good idea, and sometimes gaffers tape just can’t cure all ills and solve all problems.
We know. A bit disheartening. We love our gaffers tape.
When you [...]

The rumor mills have been swirling, as everyone in the photo world has been waiting for Nikon to make it’s 800 lb gorilla move into a pro DSLR with HD Video capability.
Well, it just entered the room.

The Nikon D3s with an incredible ISO capability that carries over from stills AND video (how about a “standard [...]

Everybody likes to have a choice.
This week we’ll be offering the the winning entry, their choice of 4 pretty cool photo prizes.
Sure, we have a gift box, where we gather goods through the year that we think you may dig.
Of course, new stuff always catches our eye, and opportunities arise where we can offer you [...]

We knew that eventually, the big companies would be here.
Lots of great smaller developers are creating some amazing mobile software for photographers.
We applaud them and download them.
You do know that you don’t have to suffer through the ATT phone misery, right? With a stand alone iTouch you can download apps to your hearts [...]

Sure, it may say “Summer” and you think you have a lot of time, but this stuff is planned far in advance.
The Foley Gallery has this great concept for a Summer exhibition.
The deadline is supposed to be o Oct. 15th, but we just spoke with the organizer and they will be able to work [...]

There is no excuse not to get the true color of your photographs. At least as your starting point.
How about we help make it easier for you?
This weeks giveaway is an XRite ColorChecker Passport, one of the best tools we’ve seen to get the job done.

Easy to carry, can be used in a one [...]

We mean of course, in the form of a catalog of the recent show now appearing at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles.
A short bit ago, we wrote about the exhibit, and felt that it is proof of realization of a promise made to the photo and fine art community, years ago.
They are continuing [...]

(This just in: Xrite is holding a free webinar on the best way to use the ColorChecker passport. 2 times to sign up for and it’s free. We love it when manufacturers help you use their products! See you Online!)
It’s about workflow. And the right color.
How do you know it’s the right color? Of [...]

And of course you can imagine what it’s all about.
In a simple Interview format, ala Charlie Rose, Life Photographer Leigh Wiener and photo enthusiast and perennial sidekick, George Fenneman, interviewed photographers and talked about their work for 130 episodes of an Emmy Award winning program.
While on a set, we met the son of Mr. [...]

We’d like to thank Chris Weeks for giving us the opportunity to share this very cool series with you.
At the end of this video you’ll see the credits for the series. Always a good thing.

And we’ll be giving you a closer look at the gear he uses, and find out why, in our next edition [...]

A few weeks ago we met Chris Weeks at an event in Hollywood. He was photographing the event, a gallery opening, with a very distinctive set-up: not only was he using multiple DSLR’s but he was toting a Leica.
That alone was enough to strike up a conversation.
We started to discuss the advent of HD Video [...]

We’ve seen this product, the orbis™ ring flash out there for awhile along with some others, like the RayFlash, and felt it was time to take a look and see what we could do with it.
Ring light can give you a very distinctive light quality, and we dig it for those applications.
In those cases we [...]

The real world this camera bag lives in and our would are, honestly 2 different things.
What we mean is that Lowepro, who is truly the leader in outdoor, backpacking camera bags, and has been for many years, has produced a bag that lives best on the trail, in our opinion.
Lowepro Toploader Pro 75 AW

Lets [...]

Seriously.
We were working on an article about tethered shooting, when this came along.
Tethered shooting; you know, where your camera is USB connected to your computer, and as you shoot, the photographs get displayed on your computer monitor, be it laptop or desktop.
Very handy to see what the heck you have, and let your [...]

You will be spending more money. Oh yeah, sounds great, right?
As still cameras gain acceptance as HD video cameras, you really have to look at the whole picture (sorry) and what that means to you in gear purchases, coming your way.
This collision or convergence of mediums, will affect you shooters out there.
HO, HO, HO! Santa [...]

…for about 2.5 hours on this very solid DVD with Bob Krist and Joe McNally (yep,there he is again), Nikon School Presents A Hands-On Guide to Creative Lighting
We love it when the manufacturers take it upon themselves to teach you about the products they sell.
No, really.
Yes, they are promoting their products, but the information [...]

Sound a little like a line from a song out of the 60’s?
Yep, it is.
Woodstock it is, my friends, and on this 40th Anniversary of that event, you cannot miss the images or the tributes.
Or how about a movie based on the actual event? Taking Woodstock directed by Ang Lee opens this week.
The [...]

You may know Joe McNally from his speedlight adventures on the Strobist, or teaching his methods for getting some great photojournalistic shots.
Quite honestly, our first encounter with Mr. McNally’s work was an exhibit at the Skirball Museum in Los Angeles of his massive over life sized, Polaroid portraits of the Faces of Ground Zero.
In the [...]

You don’t usually get a chance to meet the photojournalists that cover the atrocities of war.
Most of the time they are on the front lines covering the event, or hanging in the local hospitals finding out where the most dangerous areas are.
And then going in and getting the most harrowing looking images you may [...]

This one was actually a surprise entry, as we already had another item ready for you, but the good folks at Anthropy Arts felt one of you should have a free copy of the Keith Carter DVD.
We like that.
So, we’ve told you a bit about this item and the rest of the series, but [...]

We have the pleasure of watching most of the DVD’s made of biographies of photographers. From the 10 min. quickie hits of the Contacts series to the PBS versions of insights into an artists life, such as the Contacts series
Our shelves are filled with a few hundred of these, as we collect what may be [...]

When you hear about an actors passions other than what they are famous for, you may sometimes wonder: is it the fame that legitimizes the other endeavors? Or, in the case of Jessica Lange, can you look at her photographs and be fully objective on their merit ?
Quite honestly, we feel that there will never [...]

Can we say they have the coolest camera gear website?
Sure, we can, Because they do. And the recent revise makes it easy for you to check out their products in all kinds of ways.
Now we’ve said it before: most photogs have a variety of camera bags based on the need of the shoot.
Stealth, travel, [...]

OK, these guys at Nikon have been very, very busy.
We had the DSLR’s announced last week, and now this new line-up of Coolpix point and shoots.
And some pretty amazing cameras, with features we did not expect.
First up is the S1000pj, and the pj doesn’t stand for pajamas.
We were blown away when the Nikon dude [...]

( At the end of the article we have a special 20% discount code for you if you’d like to go ahead and purchase one of these from the manufacturer. )
Thanks for the great response last week on the Gorillapod giveaway.
Heck, I just used one this weekend for a shoot to hold a flash where [...]

Sorry, but this is not really new news.
Those spinning plates holding your precious data, and yes, I mean photographs, will only really spin for so long.
That’s why we are always advocating a good back up plan. As does everyone else in the industry.
OK, that’s the info, what are some other methods to save [...]

We got our hands on a copy of Photo Mechanic recently, and got stuck on a late night jag working through the program.
OK, it’s an asset management program, which has been used by pro photojournalists, event photogs and anyone that needs to get their work somewhere fast, for years. And the latest version seems to [...]

Ready?
Here we go with some topline on some Nikon new releases!-

First up, there is an update on the D300 now called the D300s with HD video capabilities, plus external audio recording, AND auto focus in video mode. Utilizes that awesome Nikon 51 point focus system. Dual card slots (CF and SD) allows you to record [...]

Summer time usually brings a galleries “permanent collection” out from storage, as many folks aren’t staying inside looking and purchasing art.
But there are always some gem events out there that get you out of the flip-flops, and shift your mind set.
This weekend in Los Angeles, there were 2 events that we attended on [...]

( At the end of the article we have a special 20% discount code for you if you’d like to go ahead and purchase one of these from the manufacturer. )
You have seen these devices, we’re sure.
Interconnected ball joints, topped with a platform that lets you connect almost anything; heads, cameras, flash units, and video [...]

This has got to be one of our new favorite books.
Photographing America: Henri Cartier-Bresson / Walker Evans is on the coffee table and in 2 days, has been opened about 6 times.
Actually, that’s a lot in a short time.
Now , this is a book we first found in Paris last fall, while visiting [...]

On Saturday July 18th, 2009 there were 913 separate photowalks taking place globally.
What the heck is a photowalk
Well, you take a group of like minded folks, photographers in this case, assemble them, and together, you walk along a prescribed path taking photographs, socializing, discussing gear, sharing images, and generally hanging out with a group of [...]

We recently put our hands on the latest entry into the Canon Point and Shoot line-up, the PowerShot D10 12.1 MP Waterproof Digital Camera
.
Touting underwater capabilities, plus cold weather resistance, and a bit of a shockproof housing, they had our attention.
Since summertime is here, the first line of fun is the pool. [...]

We lost one of the masters on Weds. Night., July 15th, 2009
At 98 years old “One Shot “ Shulman, never stopped.
Never stopped shooting, (he photographed the new Annneberg Space for Photography this spring) and never stopped touching the lives of so many people.
His subjects were the Modernism architecture of people like Neutra ,Frank Lloyd [...]

Good morning. Welcome to your free software Weds.
For 24 Hours Only, Light Crafts Offers Consumers the Gift of Aurora for Free
Palo Alto, Calif. – July 15, 2009 – Light Crafts today announced several updates to Aurora, its powerfully simple photo editing, organizing, sharing and storing software, including the addition of two photo editing tools [...]

Photographer, director, and artist Patrick Hoelck has had a very busy life.

We feature him here for a couple of reasons; he is a crazy good photographer, just completed his first feature film with Scott Caan, who starred/wrote/ produced it called “Mercy”, and he stirred up the photo pot quite a bit with his online magazine [...]

When you’re carrying around a heavy duty camera and a solid piece of glass on your shoulders all day, you could uses break.
Sure it’s cool to declare your camera manufacturer allegiance on the strap, although haven’t you already done that with the camera?
It’s time for relief.
From 1st hand experience, this Industry Disgrace Camera Strap, from [...]

“You have to see things other people don’t want to see. You have to do your job”
Colin Crawford, Director of Photography Los Angeles Times
And that job has been examined and celebrated in the second exhibit at the Annenberg Space for Photography, the new photographic jewel in the crown of Los Angeles.
A joint effort with the [...]

Yesterday I did a pre-walk around Chinatown getting ready for the July 18th Global Photowalk.
A little Dim Sum, some conversation, and a bit of GPS photowork. I know, a slow Sunday.
While downtown, no visit is complete without a walk around some of the available art.
And now at MOCA is an exhibit of the complete set [...]

(This is a previously published article, but the fireworks haven’t changed, so it should all still hold true.)
What is it about fireworks that draws us close, cause us to emit uncontrollable ooohs and ahhhhs, and brings a group experience unlike any other? That shared , almost primal feeling of amazement at seeing those colored explosives, [...]

It’s nothing new really.
I do shop for a ton of things on-line. But major camera gear, I like to put my hands on and have a brick & mortar store standing behind it. Plus the ease of servicing.
With books, it’s usually a different matter.
Amazon is always the first choice, as the deal is [...]

Well, whenever I travel, as in fly, I have to pack tight, light and right.
The gear that goes has to be rugged, have a purpose and many times, have some back-up.
On this last trip, since stills are always a part of the deal, and video gets packed in there too, a hybrid pack was developed.
[...]

“So mama don’t take my Kodachrome away” Paul Simon
Yeah, I know, everyone has been referencing this song.
Maybe because it’s easy.
Mostly because it was true.
A good friend of mine was the photographer for a major global advertising account, that shot in every exotic location you could imagine. And every possible light condition you could encounter.
The [...]

It has been an amazing week of screening work, checking it online, powerful seminars with the smartest people on the planet, and seeing our friends from previous years, at the 2009 Cannes Lions Advertising Festival.

Toss that all together onto the Riviera, and you have a pretty solid festival.
Even with the numbers down both in entries [...]

Well , we are seeing the crowds beat a steady rhythm around the Palais (fancy term for the convention center) flocking to, and exiting, the seminars en masse. And you can see the seminars for yourself, for free, @ canneslions.com. A first for this event. And you should take advantage of it, just for the [...]

..to the 2nd day of screenings and seminars at the Cannes Lions Ad Festival!

The crowds came into the Palais to check out the shortlist for the print/ poster/and outdoor awards, and managed to fill the space nicely.

People were in at 9:00AM sharp to see who made the cut. this is a fraction of the crowd.
But [...]

……or least into Cannes. It’s been pouring for a few hours here, but not many of the delegates got wet.
Why?
Well, for one thing, attendance is trimmed way back this year, at the Cannes Lions Adfest 2009.
I heard almost 40% . And the entries are also down for the most part, but the glass half full [...]

We have found that some of our readers have traveled through the site but many don’t know how deep we go.
And we keep trying to hear what you like and deliver.
So we created this video, kinda walking into the site and checking the reources.

Sure, share it with your friends and fellow photogs.
And if you [...]

OK, day one at the Cannes Lions Ad festival. well, almost day one. Night one is more like it.

a favorite watering hole, soon to be overrun by ad folk.
You don’t have to work in advertising to know that the ad industry has been affected by the “new” economy, like every one else.
But advertising is a [...]

You may have realized by now if you are a regular reader here, that we love 3D.
Remember this article?
All kinds. Stereopticons, Lenticular, Anaglyph, film, still, with special glasses, without special glasses, fried, sauteed, or steamed.
And Hollywood does too.
They know that one of the premium theater experiences that you cannot get at home, yet, is [...]

One of the all time classic lines delivered to Jack Nicholson at the end of the movie “Chinatown”.
On July 18th, 2009, we are leading a Photowalk there, joining simultaneous photowalks all over the world.

Scott Kelby and NAPP are running this second annual event, and there is a good chance there will be one in [...]

Check out what the pros use.
Every time we go to an event our eyes are on the photogs to see what they use to get the money.
The right stuff. The real deal. the gear. The goods. We ask questions too.
And we have found a couple of items that are pretty easy to find and can [...]

One of our frequent contributors, Debbie Zeitman, has a global proposition for you:
read on:

© Debbie Zeitman
We often come to Photoinduced to learn of great gadgets and read insightful reviews, to have our eyes nudged to others’ work for awe and inspiration and to learn behind-the-scene tricks.
But how about a little kick to get us out [...]

Another installment from one of our favorite writers/photographers, Daniel Milnor

“Polaroids” fake of course.
So a few weeks ago I wrote a long post about tilt-shift lenses and how I thought they were basically a gimmick that made just about any image look good. I never posted the post, but I’m still thinking about it. My [...]

We told you what the goal was here: find a good enough point and shoot camera, to carry in a suit jacket.
So bulky, or sticky-outy (technical term meaning “protruding from the main camera body” ) lenses need not apply.
Whether you are out with your buddies, or at an more elegant affair. Or maybe just a [...]

We’re talking about the video portion of our program.
The video you make with your still camera.
No we’re not going to go to the D90 and Canon Rebel series. Yet.
And the 5D MKII will have to wait.
Let’s start small. And relatively accessible for the wallet. Add video in your pocket. While we are test driving the [...]

If you are lying there, comfortable in the knowledge that all of your digital life is safely tucked away on your hard drive, in it’s little folder, juts waiting for you to access it, it’s time to WAKE UP!
OK, sure, you have an external hard drive back up with ALL of your photos and movies [...]

Last night at the M+B gallery in Los Angeles a new exhibit opened called BARACK OBAMA: THE FRESHMAN.
The photographer, Lisa Jack, a fellow student at Occidental college, photographed our future president at 20.
This single roll of film, comprises this show and give a tiny, fleeting, glimpse of the man would make history.

© Lisa Jack
On the [...]

Every year I fly up to the Academy of Art to join a group of professionals in reviewing the photographic graduating class’s portfolios. We sit in a room and it is a bit like speed dating: the director of the program puts each student with a different reviewer, and shortly thereafter, calls time and they [...]

While attending an event at a local museum, The Hammer, we made sure to get there early to wander around and catch up on the exhibits that we had missed.
One in particular struck us, not as much for the art itself, but for the concept.
To wit:
“The Darker Side of Light: Arts of Privacy, 1850-1900 draws [...]

Let’s walk over to the fun side of town. That place where you can take your snaps and play around with them right on your phone.
Yep, the movie hasn’t started yet, or the doctor is making you wait way too long, and you want to be productive. Or creative.
Or not go to Facebook again. So [...]

Somehow I’m always reminded of the scene from Animal House when they get ready to have a Toga party. It’s a chant for sure, except instead of getting wasted and wearing sheets, we’re talking about the cult classic Holga cameras.
These little plastic cameras have garnered the most amazing following with Flickr sites, fan clubs, [...]

This man has a special mission and he is completing it with his photography.

Perhaps you are familiar with his work as a documentary photographer and his book “Workers”.
You may have just come to know him through his most recent work, “Africa”
The intensity of the images included in these tomes is matched by the passion, in [...]

This article is being reprinted from a posting last year. Today, as it’s Mother day, I felt it was a fitting post in her honor. And remember to honor your mother, in what ever way you see fit.

Back in the 70’s, the hot culture in Los Angeles was full of music, celebrities, parties, and wannabe’s.
Wait….whats different?
OK, not much. However, photographers get to archive and represent for their time. If they are good, they can tell a story of what it was like “back then”.
He calls himself a paparazzo, but was he [...]

We are on a hunt.
Oh, sure, we love the DSLR and the glass. Huge files, big zoom, lotta sensor, and technology that can shoot an assignment using algorithms used to make mathematicians weep, in the firm grip of your hands.
mmmmmmmm……
But life won’t always let you bring that tool into play. Circumstances may not allow it.
Like [...]

We met this guy over cocktails in the south of France and knew from his incredible energy, he had a definite point of view of the world. A very intense one.
In the night heat of the June coast of the Riviera, you could easily sense that this photographer/director, was just about to burst out of [...]

As a photography student at Ryerson in Toronto, one of our textbooks was John Szarkowski’s “Looking At Photographs”.
C’mon. I know what I see, and how I feel about it. Either I am affected or not. I look at photographs all the time. Right?
Au contrere, this arrogant, young, student found out.
Grasshopper needed a little bit [...]

He calls them rants, or musings, or a personal perspective.
We just dig the voice.
Just Hangin
w/ Daniel Milnor
So I volunteered today, most of the day, over at the somewhat local darkroom. I planned on printing a little, just playing around with split toning, which I THINK I have an idea how to do. There was only [...]

And we’re talking about some rich color. Tri-Color, Pigment Printing. Known as Carbro prints, these vivid images were made popular by a very few photogs.
The expense for each print was a prohibitive $150. per. Of course, that was in the 1920’s.
In my college days, studying the various print processes was part of the curriculum, [...]

At the last major gathering of photographic manufacturers in Vegas, we checked in with the folks at Crumpler, to see how they may have improved on the cool factor of their well made camera bags.
They did it with a couple swift moves.
First of all, they have a sweet velcro “silencer” that has now been [...]

Actually , you should be doing that with every part of your life, but today lets just talk about the slightly sedate experience of visiting a museum.
Oh, sure, you walk around, maybe get a “gut hit” from a few pieces, or recognize work from advertising that promoted the show. A little snack, a visit to [...]

Sorry Kermit, but we have to disagree with your famous lament about how hard it is to be green.
There are too many ways to be aware and do our part for the planet.
And if you’re reading this, chances are you are already doing it, by choosing photography as your medium of choice.
With digital photography, [...]

Today, a company called Light Crafts, introduced a new online photo editing system, called Aurora.
Now this company also has a product called Light Zone, aimed at the pro and pro-sumer, but this new deal has got some features that will make your social networking life look a little bit better.
o Visual photo editing: The strength of [...]

Nobody likes to find repeated marks on their digital photos. You know, maybe the sky has some weird pattern of small cloud puffs that could have been made by a sky writer…but weren’t?
And there is a reason most manufacturers of DSLR, on all levels of their lines, have some sort of sensor cleaner built in.
You [...]

Laura Oles is one of our favorite writers in photography. Although we have posted articles before to her page on this site, we didn’t want you to have to search for this one.
Your Living Library
By Laura Oles
There are few things that can touch the soul more deeply than gazing at a picture of a loved [...]

Last month at PMA, we met with a TON of manufactures and have just been sifting through all of the info to pass on to you.
And the video.
Look, we know that before you can make a solid purchase, you want all of the info. Take a look around the item. Kick the tires, so to [...]

OK, just announced yesterday was the new D5000 by Nikon, with over 12 megapixels, face recognition, HD video record at 720p, @ 24 FPS, an ISO range of 100-6400 ( using Hi and Lo settings), some pretty in-camera retouch features including a soft filter effect , which promises to soften a scene or just a [...]

Helen Levitt, one of the best street shooters we’ll ever see, passed away a couple of weeks ago at the age of 95.
And it didn’t seem like she ever stopped shooting in her long life.
You’ve no doubt seen some of her work.
Perhaps this shot of kids in their Halloween costumes. New York, c. 1942
[...]

Ah yes, the sweet, manufactured colors of the delectable Easter candies, called Peeps.
Shaped like abstract baby chicks or simplified rabbits, these sugar encrusted, basket fillers, have made their way into the collective unconscious. We have even seen a TV documentary on the making of Peeps.
Not really a food, but a filler. Once you’ve eaten just [...]

Yes, the hottest new place for photography in LA, Annenberg Space for Photography, just opened on March 27th, with 11 photographers from Los Angeles, featured.
It’s free, parking is way cheap ($1.00 for evening events, $3.50 during the day) and not only is there a brilliantly curated standing exhibit, there is a study area with books, [...]

That is kind of the concept behind this beautifully shot series of 20×24 polaroid photographs.
Tim Mantoani has gathered the current biggest names in fine art, photojournalism, commercial, sports, nature, music and everything else, and had them pose with thier most iconic images.

Douglas Kirkland posing with the photo of him with his Marilyn Monroe [...]

A couple of weeks ago, we showed you some items from David Honl’s line of light shapers, distributed by expoimaging.
Basically for those using speedlights, which is basically ALL of us at some point, you really want to use the light in a better way perhaps, than just opening up the floodgates.
Sure, you can just [...]

Last Saturday night the folks behind the Lucie Awards, the Oscars of Photography, debuted their latest love letter to photography: MOPLA, or Month of Photography in Los Angeles.
With 2 galleries exhibiting work, B+ spinning ,and libations flowing long and strong, the celebration got a solid turnout at Bergamot Station, with the crowds maneuvering to find [...]

This site has always strived to build a community, share what we’ve seen, and review what we’ve found in the world of photography.
[photopress:WEB100_badge2.jpg,full,alignright] On Friday, there was an article in USA Today, linking to a list of the top sites in photography. Our ranking of #40 in a field of 100 of some of [...]

There once was a young boy, who was so upbeat and optimistic and everything, it actually had his parents very concerned.
What would happen to him as he grew up and started to engage with the bleak realities of the real world?
Would he be prepared to deal with the truth of the ups and down [...]

While cruising around the trade show floor at SXSW last week, we came upon one of the coolest tools we’ve seen in awhile.
We all have to carry around a flash drive, whether we need to transfer files from one computer to another, or perhaps carry around a presentation in your pocket. (Don’t go there, please.)
There [...]

We are very happy that the Annenberg Foundation loves photography. A lot.
They have created this unique new space in Los Angeles, the Annnenberg Space for Photography, that has gone way beyond a simple exhibition building.
[photopress:annenberg_8.jpg,full,centered]
Of course what they have done with 10,000 sq is amazing. What could have become a simple box, [...]

At every major event you can see them laden down with the bags of gear, strobe frames, wrists and necks full of badges, laminates, and passes. Even the cameras had their own tags
[photopress:_1507.jpg,full,centered]
When you are watching music, they get the 1st row access (at least for 3 songs), at the conferences, they are sitting down [...]

Austin is now seeing the changing of the guard:
The Interactive portion of SXSW has ended,
[photopress:_SXS1987.jpg,full,centered] Hooking up in the Blogger Lounge
[photopress:_SXS1971.jpg,full,centered] Chris Anderson, writer of the Long Tail
the film continues,
[photopress:_SXS1754.jpg,full,centered] Robert Rodriguez filled the room with indie filmmakers
[photopress:_SXS1820.jpg,full,centered] Rose McGowan with happy fan
As in all film festivals, though, the premieres, sneaks, panels, parties and celebs,
have [...]

The visual media has been fully ramped during SXSW this week.
We have seen more image capturing devices in one place in ever before.
But where do all the images go?
Shared with friends on a social networking platform, emailed, print pubs, or maybe just on a site like this.
This is becoming the norm.
Every photographer carries the [...]

Seriously, we have seen more folks twittering, shooting stills, rocking Flip Mino’s, emailing, texting, and yep, good old fashioned pen to paper, getting the word out about the events at SXSW.
And we’ll admit that, although we have been tweeting, the posts have been slower.
The days have been starting at 10 AM and downloading pix at [...]

While we trooped the floors of a slightly smaller PMA last week, there were a ton of products to still check out and we’ll be giving you a look at some of what we felt was the best of the bunch.
Coincidentally, David Honl, photographer & inventor, was on our flight to Vegas and we had [...]

As we await the opening of this very cool new edition to the landscape of Photography in Los Angeles on March 27th, 2009, they are few things we can show you.
However, below are 2 views the artists rendering of the interior space.
Check that lens iris ceiling.
[photopress:Rendering_of_Digital_Gallery_1_.JPG,full,centered]
[photopress:Rendering_of_Digital_Gallery_Opposite_Side.JPG,full,centered]
[photopress:MOPLA_logo_home.jpg,full,alignright] Time to book your tickets to [...]

Tonight, the stars will be seen by million of people around the world, whether they are nominated for an Oscar or not.
But before they get to their seats, before the cameras zoom into their faces to catch the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat, they will run the gauntlet of the Red [...]

There is an incredible French restaurant in Santa Monica called “Michaels”
Located just off the promenade, this spot has been a classic mainstay in Los Angeles, renown for outstanding culinary delights, with Michael McCarty as your host.
We were invited to an exhibit of photographs there, opening tonight.
Who knew that this excellent restaurant had an exhibit space.
Who [...]

Sure there are others, but Annie Leibowitz is the undisputed, reigning leader in the world of celebrity portraits.
From her years shooting the creme de la creme in rock & roll, to her mastery capturing the essence of the most powerful people in the world, she is the best we have right now.
And we say “we” [...]

In the world of photography, we really don’t have a lot of familial passing of the art.
However, the Weston family has shown that their 3 generations of photographers have maintained the dedication and fine artistry of the patriarchal master himself, Edward Weston.
In this first time exhibition at the Duncan Miller Gallery, Kim Weston, son of [...]

The Daybooks of Edward Weston was an inspirational book in my teens, and made me want to hit into the wild with a view camera, lunch and the sweet wait for the right light.
It never happened.
I grew older and reread the books and realized what they held was not a call to action, but a [...]

We can talk for days here about why you should print your photographs. And we have.
We know that a lot of folks are somewhat disappointed with the results they get in their digital darkrooms, no matter what printer they are using.
There is a reason for that. GIGO. Or “garbage in, garbage out”. If you [...]

You’ve seen so many of Annie Leibowitz’s photographs in your life, perhaps sometimes without knowing it. Her coverage and depiction of the people of her generation and yours, has created a body of work that speaks to a style of image making she has created all for herself.
There have been documentaries, traveling exhibits, and numerous [...]

It’s a bold statement to compare someone to W. Eugene Smith. But when Andre Hermann brought his work to the reviewing table at the Academy of Art, and showed his 10 images, I was emotionally sucker punched.
It was not just the situation of the subject, Garrett, it was the way his story was told.
With an [...]

It’s in all of the papers.
3-D movies are about to become the savior of the theater experience. You see, it’s the only movie experience that you can’t get at home. Well not entirely true. Here is a company with a bunch of 3D movies including one directed by none other than Francis Ford Coppola.
But you [...]