Showing posts with label Interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interview. Show all posts
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Fotor App Now Features Photo Competitions with Cash Prizes!
This image was awarded First Place for the BodyArt theme (Prize was $80 US and HDR Darkroom Software for my Mac valued at $89).
 |
| The Amiable Young Man |
This image was awarded First Place for Vehicles & Machines. ($50 US Prize)
 |
| Red Cadillac |
Now you can be part of these photo competitions with the latest update to the Fotor app. I conducted this interview recently with David Wang, Director of Product Development at Fotor to find out more.
What is Fotor? Who created it?
DW: Fotor is a digital photo editing platform developed by the photographic development company, Everimaging. Launched in 2012, by Everimaging founder Tony Duan, Fotor originally was designed to allow users the use of a free and powerful online photo editing tool. First released as software for Microsoft Windows and Mac, it has since released mobile versions, supporting both Android and iOS and also exists in an online format, as an image editing website.
How user friendly is Fotor? Will it take a long time for beginner to figure out how to use it?
DW: For us, simplicity is the cornerstone of our entire product design philosophy and the result is a clean, user-friendly interface. It would not take more than a few minutes to get the hang of Fotor.
Does the Fotor app have the same capabilities as the web version?
DW: Not exactly, as the web version has other functions like graphic design and different sets of filters. In the mobile version of Fotor, we have features like photo contests which monopolize most of our time recently.
What makes Fotor different from other editing apps?
DW: Fotor is extremely easy to use and with many patented photographic technologies like ‘Fotor HDR’ and intuitive image enhancement and RAW format file conversion, it has been the choice of over 100 million people from all over the world!
Tell me about the Fotor Photo Competitions for the beta version of the app? What are the prizes offered? Who does the judging?
DW: The prizes offered range from $30 up to a few hundred dollars according to the difficulty of each contest theme. We’re proud to have cooperated with many award winning photographers worldwide for the judging.
Does Fotor include the ability for photographers to sell their work through the app or online versions?
DW: Only on Fotor.com. Actually we are creating a whole new stock photo marketplace different to all the existing ones that connects both platforms together.
How is the royalty set for the photos? What percentage does the photographer get?
DW: We are still having discussions about it but one thing is clear: we would set the royalty fees to a relatively high level and the first batch of photos to be included in Fotor’s Marketplace will receive even higher payment, that’s why so many photographers are contacting us for this opportunity.
What are the future plans for Fotor?
DW: First and foremost, we will build on our existing photo editing power to enable users to create better photos. Secondly, we will forge the photo stock platform on which our users can capitalize on their creativity effortlessly.
 |
| Photo by Joshua Sariñana - shot with an iPhone and edited in Fotor |
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
DW: The reason we aim to become a stock photo platform is due to the emerging popularity of mobile photography, which has been bringing in many quality photos to the world of photography, allowing both creativity and capital growth to flourish.
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Michael Clawson to Speak at MacWorld/iWorld
MacWorld/iWorld is almost upon us. I thought this was going to be my year to attend, but it looks like I may have to wait until 2015. If I did attend I'd be sure to catch the presentation by Michael Clawson.
Michael Clawson is ‘Chief Fish’ at Big Fish Creations, an advertising and digital media company in the Sierra town of Graeagle. His background began in Silicon Valley when Apple Computer and Adobe Systems first made their mark in Desktop Publishing. He was introduced to interactive media early in his career, transitioned to production artist, and later, creator and lead principal of an Interactive Department at a major advertising agency. Specializing in branding across multiple media platforms, his diverse repertoire includes a hybrid combination of designer and developer with emphasis on graphic design, branding, photography and communication. Michael is also a published author and often writes about iPhoneography and creative editing.
Geri: Tell me a bit about your start with iPhone photography.
Michael: My start with iPhoneography was somewhat accidental, yet meaningful. Around the first of October, 2010, I was on my way to a client meeting. As always, when I discovered something interesting, I would snap a shot with my iPhone. In this case, my interest was caught by the dramatic clouds floating above my client’s hi-tech building. I quickly snapped a picture with my iPhone and headed in to the meeting. Once inside, my clients and I were going through some ideas about a brochure and folder design, looking for an image that really stood out. Nothing really clicked. Then, I recalled the image I had just snapped before entering the building. I pulled out my iPhone, cued up the photo and asked: “Would this work?” Everyone in the room went wild with excitement, and it became unanimous that “that” was the shot. From then on, I knew the iPhone was my new creative tool and have never looked back since.
My First Instagram with “that” shot:
 |
| © Michael Clawson |
Today, I shoot with both my Nikon SLR and iPhone and post processing shots in Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom and in numerous iPhone apps. Many times I find myself being more creative with my iPhone since it allows me to really explore my ideas with simple ease.
Geri: What is MacWorld/iWorld?
Michael: If you are an Apple faithful, you might say MacWorld/iWorld is like the home planet of your kind. Almost everything Apple or Apple related is featured at the show. In fact, it’s a great place to see the latest gadgets, goodies, and apps in the Apple Industry. The show also offers cool presentations, training and tech talks where you can learn just about anything related to Apple products, third party products and compatible apps. You can find out more about the show at the MacWorld/iWorld site.
 |
| The Thinker © Michael Clawson Apps Used: Faded, Facetune, ColorTime, Image Blender, PS Express, Big Photo |
 |
| Channeling Instagram's @blacksmithpat © Michael Clawson Apps - Hipstamatic TinType SnapPak |
Michael: On Thursday, March 27th, from 3 to 3:45 pm, I’ll be presenting Creative iPhone Portraitures. This is the third in my series of MacWorld/iWorld Talks on iPhoneography. In this session, my focus is really aimed at the beginner to intermediate user interested in learning tips, tricks, and secrets for creating better portraits with their iPhones.
As I see it, there are essentially three main stages in the portrait process. First, you need to relax your subject so they behave more naturally. I most often find humor works the best to break the ice so to speak. Second, you need to pay attention to the subject and strive to capture that so called “perfect” shot. This typically involves taking a lot of photos until that magic happens, but, it should also involve more than just blind chance. Observation and attention to detail is key. Third, post-processing and editing play a major roll in the end result, and should not be underestimated – especially when you are trying to create a traditional SLR technique like depth of field for example. I will be briefly covering these stages and will actually have a live model for the presentation. Of course, in between these major stages, I’ll demonstrate tips and tricks such as how to deal with low-light situations, how to pick the right shooting app, burst mode photography, etc. I know it is a lot to cram into a 30-minute presentation, especially since I always like to open the floor for questions at the end.
I have also partnered with the developers of Facetune to give live demos of their amazing app on the show floor in the Appalooza area Thursday-Saturday, March 27-29th. I will be joined by a few of my creative colleagues who will also be demoing their take on the app. It should be a lot of fun, and a great place for attendees to learn about Facetune, which is aimed squarely at iPhone/iPad Portrait photography and editing.
 |
| Beach Boy © Michael Clawson |
 |
| Mopar, The Wizard of the Desert © Michael Clawson |
Geri: Is there any way for people not attending to view your presentation?
Michael: Unfortunately, my presentation will not be recorded. But, as always, I plan to upload my slides to my Slideshare account. I do believe MacWorld/iWorld will also make them available to people attending the event.
Geri: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Michael: First off, I really appreciate you taking the time to interview me here. I enjoy sharing my love for iPhoneography whenever I have a chance, and your blog is one of my favorites. Also, I’m excited to say I’m writing a book on iPhoneography that hopefully will be out later this year. Yes. That was a shameless plug, but well, there it is so stay tuned.
 |
| Objects in the mirror are larger than they appear © Michael Clawson Olloclip Fisheye |
 |
| What? Are you talking to me? © Michael Clawson |
Find Michael: Company Website / Instagram / Flickr / Twitter / Google+ / 500px / LinkedIn / Facebook / Tumblr / YouTube / About Me
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Mobiography Interview
It was so nice to "chat" with Andy Butler about my favorite subject - iPhoneography! Andy runs a great site over at Mobiography.net and also produces the beautiful bimonthly magazine Mobiography available for the iPhone and iPad.
Hopefully I'll be able to chat with Andy again soon with the focus on his work and all he's doing for the mobile photography communitiy! Thank you Andy for this wonderful feature.
Click on the image below to read the interview.
Read more »
Hopefully I'll be able to chat with Andy again soon with the focus on his work and all he's doing for the mobile photography communitiy! Thank you Andy for this wonderful feature.
Click on the image below to read the interview.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
The Art of iPhone Photography - Straight Talk with Authors Bob Weil and Nicki Fitz-Gerald
Just over a year ago, I discovered that I could use my iPhone as a means for creating art. When I started interacting with fellow enthusiasts on Instagram, Flickr and EyeEm I realized I had found "my people"- those other crazy souls who are just as smitten as I am with this means of artistic expression. Now, there's a fabulous resource that EVERY iPhone photographer should have. It's the newly released book, The Art of iPhone Photography: Creating Great Photos and Art on Your iPhone
by Bob Weil and Nicki Fitz-Gerald. Through the miracle of the internet, I was able to interview Bob and Nicki on this exciting new venture!
by Bob Weil and Nicki Fitz-Gerald. Through the miracle of the internet, I was able to interview Bob and Nicki on this exciting new venture!
Bob: At the end of 2011, I discovered Nicki's site iPhoneographyCentral just as I was becoming seriously interested in iPhone photography. At that point, I had no idea how big this movement was becoming. Nicki's site was one of several sites I had identified as notable resources to learn more about producing great images on the iPhone. Her site occupied a special place in my thinking, because I had seen the picture of "Flamin' Amy" that now graces the cover of our book, and was completely taken with it. I knew this person must be a real talent to have produced an image so full of energy and joie de vivre. She had a small ad on the home page inviting contributions (content and financial), and the posting suggested that she wouldn't mind help in managing the site. I sent her an email and offered to write tutorials, and that's how the relationship began. To this day, we have never met, and have only communicated via email and Skype. But I consider her a great friend, and have gotten to know her family. I can't wait to meet all of them sometime next year.
Geri: Was iPhonoegraphyCentral your first joint venture?
Geri: Do you have difficulty juggling your "real" job with your work in the iPhone photography community?
Bob: It is hard to juggle the two, much as it is for anyone balancing a consuming hobby against the vocation that earns your livelihood. I try to set aside an hour each evening for posting, reviewing the posts of others and finding candidates for Apps Uncovered (when it's my turn to do so). I also spend the first half of every Saturday adding candid images to my photo pool that I'll eventually use in my work.
 |
| Letter from the Beloved by Bob Weil |
Geri: When was the idea hatched for your book, "The Art of iPhone Photography?"
Nicki: It was about early 2012 when Bob suggested the book idea. It seemed an obvious direction to go forward and extend the iPhoneographyCentral vision of sharing inspiration, creativity and techniques on iPhoneography.
Bob: Once I had read several of the books out there (Dan Marcolina's, Stephanie Roberts' and Dan Burkholder's) and had a chance to contribute a few tutorials to Nicki's site, I realized that one thing that aspiring iPhoneographers lacked was a good view into the creative process of a variety of iPhone artists. I knew from my own experience that different photographic styles appeal to different people, and that there was no book on the market that tried to address the upcoming "generation" of iPhoneographers who had grown up on Instagram and Hipstamatic and were ready to expand their repertoire of techniques. Both our own Flickr group and the Los Angeles Mobile Arts Festival of August 2012, founded by Daria Polichetti (the author of our Foreword) and Nate Park, opened my eyes to the range of really superb work out there. Just as importantly, it revealed the level of enthusiasm and excitement for this new mode of expression that seemed to help people fulfill their creative impulses in novel ways.
 |
| Images processed with Camera+ by Jack Hollingsworth |
Geri: Tell me a bit about your publisher. How receptive were they to the idea of the book?
Nicki: Bob did all the legwork here. Literally, he invited our publisher Gerhard from Rocky Nook to come down and visit the current Los Angeles Mobile Art Festival (LAMAF) organized by iphoneart and bowled him over with the huge displays of iPhoneography. With Bob's enthusiasm and passion coupled with the quality of art on the walls (many of these artists are in our book) it would have been a tough call to say "No".
Nicki: Bob did all the legwork here. Literally, he invited our publisher Gerhard from Rocky Nook to come down and visit the current Los Angeles Mobile Art Festival (LAMAF) organized by iphoneart and bowled him over with the huge displays of iPhoneography. With Bob's enthusiasm and passion coupled with the quality of art on the walls (many of these artists are in our book) it would have been a tough call to say "No".
Bob: We had originally submitted a competitive analysis of the books in the market, an introduction, and two sample chapters to Pixiq and Peachpit. We never heard back from Pixiq, and Peachpit declined. That was a bit depressing, because we thought this would be the ideal follow-on to Dan Marcolina's book, published by Peachpit in 2011 - and the quality of work produced by that publisher is exceptional. I was as convinced as ever that the market was ready for this book, and found photography publisher Rocky Nook during a visit to a Barnes and Noble bookstore. Doing my research, I found that they were a small, scrappy, photography-only, niche publishing house that had succeeded in producing some really high quality books, and also in marketing the most successful photography book of 2011. I went to their website and pitched the idea at a high level through their generic "contact us" form. The publisher himself (Gerhard Rossbach) responded to my email later that day from his office in Heidelberg, Germany. It turned out he would be visiting his Santa Barbara, California offices in August of 2012, which happened to be when the Los Angeles Mobile Arts Festival would be held. I invited him to meet me there so that I could walk him through the exhibition. Since I had done some of the set up work and had helped prepare the exhibition for launch, I knew that that the amazing range of work would make a real impression. I was not mistaken. That very day, he agreed to publish our book on a handshake. Of course, the details still had to be sorted out, but when you work with a small house overseen by a visionary publisher, things proceed very quickly if the idea strikes a chord.
 |
| Long Beach in the Rain by Cecily Caceu |
 |
| Long Beach in the Rain tutorial by Cecily Caceu |
Geri: Will this book benefit both the novice and advanced user?
Nicki: Absolutely! As our top Amazon reviewer "Dan G. Lebryk" commented,
"The key to this book is to understanding a technique, applying filters or learning how to use a few new apps. And then applying that to the style of photography you love. The authors covered virtually every genre of photography - there is something for everybody to learn."
I would add that the tutorials range from a few very short quick techniques to longer artistic techniques to impart the subtle skills needed to give your iPhone art and photography the edge over "ok" photographs.
Bob: The very specific (and ambitious) goal was to produce a book for both markets. Once we realized that the number of apps used by our contributors was approaching 100, we knew that even experienced iPhoneographers would have some takeaways from nearly every tutorial that would enhance their creative toolkit. We start with photorealistic imagery toward the front of the book (no implication of "simplicity", though - the compositional ability of these contributors is awe-inspiring), and then move through landscape, portrait to surreal/conceptual and abstract work. I happen to work in several of those categories, and one of the guilty pleasures of working on a book of this scope and depth is to be the first one to read and learn from the great ideas with which our contributors peppered their tutorials. I found myself stepping through nearly every tutorial personally, just to experience each individual process more intimately. I can't begin to tell you how much I learned personally.
 |
| The Red Pencil Portrait by Jose Antonio Fundo |
Geri: With the many talented mobile photographers actively creating, how did you choose the artists that are featured in the book? Do they all work with an iOS device or are there any Android users in the group?
Nicki: Bob and I spent weeks pouring over different artists work and mostly agreeing on the final selections. I've never asked if any of them have an android phone but I suspect few, if any do. The iPhone and iPad are extremely creative tools and of course occasionally we'll use them to make a phone call.
Bob: This was one of the most enjoyable parts of the effort - we were able to curate from contributors to our Flickr group with 1,200-strong contributors, and artists that I had learned about through the LA-MAF. Daria very graciously connected us up with contributing artists for that event, and Nicki and I selected images to most effectively demonstrate a broad range of styles. We did some research on Android devices, but found that only about 25% of the apps have versions that work on those devices. For that reason, we didn't feel right representing this as a book that Android phone users can readily use - and therefore all contributors are iPhone users. Still, enough of the major apps and app categories are represented on Android, and those that own Android phones will definitely learn a lot about processing images on a mobile device from the book.
 |
| Rat Race by David Ingraham |
 |
| Rat Race tutorial by David Ingraham |
Geri: Were they eager to share their secrets?
Nicki: The iPhone community is a hugely friendly and cooperative community. The excitement of this creative tool and its potential seems to override most people's egos in their enthusiasm to share their art and how they created it.
Bob: Everyone who contributed to the book was eager share their "secret sauce" - they realized that it's one thing to master techniques and another thing altogether developing a creative vision. Still, we did have several contributors who initially signed on who decided to withdraw because of unfortunate past experiences with others who too closely imitated their techniques.
Geri: How has iPhone art been received in the general art community?
Nicki: There was some shock and fear initially from both the photography and art community in that iPhoneography wasn't real art and it was just being created by a click of a button. Some of our book artists have exhibited in top photography shows like the Latitudes International Festival of Photography which has presented the work of Cartier-Bresson and Brassai. The cover photo for the November 12, 2012 issue of Time magazine featuring Hurricane Sandy was shot with an iPhone and a New York Times photographer shot an award-winning war photo with an iPhone app. All these examples are proving that the iPhone is being adopted as a professional and artistic tool to be taken as seriously as your DSLR equipment.
Bob: This is an interesting subject with a number of subplots. The traditional photography world is not very interested in the phenomenon, and doesn't generally consider the iPhone a legitimate photographlc tool. The art community is also not particularly interested in the work being produced by iPhoneographers, but there are exceptions. The sooner iPhoneography practitioners realize that how an image produced is not as important as whether the image moves us. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter whether a great photograph was created using a Nikon, iPhone or a ham sandwich.
Nicki: There was some shock and fear initially from both the photography and art community in that iPhoneography wasn't real art and it was just being created by a click of a button. Some of our book artists have exhibited in top photography shows like the Latitudes International Festival of Photography which has presented the work of Cartier-Bresson and Brassai. The cover photo for the November 12, 2012 issue of Time magazine featuring Hurricane Sandy was shot with an iPhone and a New York Times photographer shot an award-winning war photo with an iPhone app. All these examples are proving that the iPhone is being adopted as a professional and artistic tool to be taken as seriously as your DSLR equipment.
Bob: This is an interesting subject with a number of subplots. The traditional photography world is not very interested in the phenomenon, and doesn't generally consider the iPhone a legitimate photographlc tool. The art community is also not particularly interested in the work being produced by iPhoneographers, but there are exceptions. The sooner iPhoneography practitioners realize that how an image produced is not as important as whether the image moves us. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter whether a great photograph was created using a Nikon, iPhone or a ham sandwich.
 |
| Street photography by Sheldon Serkin |
Geri: What do you see in the future for mobile photography?
Nicki: I think pretty soon, we will stop being amazed about the fact that the art is created on a mobile device. I've seen mobile cameras embedded in glasses (the ones you wear) and I read somewhere that soon we will only have to blink to take a photo – Who knows where this mobile photography roller coaster is going but it is gathering a lot of passengers and allowing people to express themselves in a new and creative language which is very exciting.
Bob: Ironically (and I may be in the minority here), I think we will all move past focusing on the "how" of iPhone imagery and begin to assess the work itself on its own merits. If an image speaks to us, the tool that created it is incidental. There's a story about photographer Irving Penn and Hemingway (probably apocryphal) that recounts a quick exchange between them:
Hemingway: These are great photographs, Irving. What kind of camera did you use?
Penn (annoyed): Wonderful novels, Ernest, what kind of typewriter did you use?
 |
| Run! by Markus Rivera |
Geri: Do you have plans for another book or other joint venture?
Nicki: Keep watching this space. We have just given our website iphoneographycentral a complete overhaul and we are always looking for artists to contribute tutorials, articles and artwork. If you are as enthusiastic as we are about iPhone photography and art, we'd love to hear from you and who knows if we publish a book two of "The Art of iPhone Photography" we may invite you onboard.
Nicki: Keep watching this space. We have just given our website iphoneographycentral a complete overhaul and we are always looking for artists to contribute tutorials, articles and artwork. If you are as enthusiastic as we are about iPhone photography and art, we'd love to hear from you and who knows if we publish a book two of "The Art of iPhone Photography" we may invite you onboard.
Bob: If this book is successful, we would certainly consider a follow-on book or book series. We have branded the book as an iPhoneographyCentral.com-branded effort, so we've been thinking of possible new initiatives in the coming months.
 |
| Rest by Souichi Furusho |
Geri: Is there anything you’d like to add?
Nicki: Follow your interests and pay attention to how the artists you love are creating their work. Try their techniques out but most of all dare to be different and do your own thing! Grab your iPhone and go create!
Bob: I recommend that readers work through as many of the tutorials as they can. There’s something to be learned from every one of the 45 contributors, whether it’s about a way of looking at the world, approaching a scene, employing a technique or using an app. The key to success in any art form is to sharpen the eye through observation of the world and by studying the masters – and then working on one’s own images continuously to hone your skills. I strongly recommend looking at the work of the great photographers, painters and filmmakers throughout the years, and how they handle framing of the subject, lighting and color. Finally, develop a critical eye and know which images should be left on the camera roll and which should be displayed. There are many images on my iPad that exist in twenty or thirty versions, but have never worked out satisfactorily, so I’ll never show them to anyone. I think the most important skill I developed is distinguishing a photograph from a snapshot.
For me, these two quotes drive these points home:
“The voyage of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes”- Marcel Proust
“Twelve significant photographs in any one year is a good crop.”
Ansel Adams
About Nicki Fitz-Gerald
About Bob Weil
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Order the Book Today!Disclosure - iART CHRONiCLES is an Amazon Associate. Ordering through this link contributes to the cost of running this site. Thanks in advance! ~Geri
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)