SMITH'S WEEKLY: We're Moving

Behind the Mask, originally uploaded by The Photography Smith.

Notice something?  Yeah...you've guessed it. I have not been in this space for some time now.  Our studio became extremely busy over the holiday season. So much so, that we hired two new PA's to our team and we spent the last 60 days in redesign/upgrade mode. This in conjunction with a recent and heavy advertisement blitz, photo shoots, post-processing client orders, marketing and mundane administrative tasks made little time for anything else.

Needless to say, our social media front took a serious hit. That is unfortunate because we were on the up-swing in a big way. But, we're coming back and with a vengeance. Our blog will soon be moving to a new address URL with lots of new goodies to write about -- more frequently too. Our twitter account received a new look too and we are slowly moving in to Google+ space as well.

What about Facebook?  Well, our facebook fan page is about to get a face lift too, so stay tuned.  You can "Like" us here:  http://facebook.com/ThePhotographySmith.

More to come with an update to where our blog will be moving too.

A GRAY FLANNEL IMAGES PRESENTATION: SILENT BEAUTY

Originally uploaded by Gray Flannel Images (Sailing)

I've decided to publish these types of works as presentations for our "Spotlight" features; provided such works can demonstrate to my readers an insightful display of technique and/or educational benefit in the fine art of monochrome photography.

This presentation has a lot to offer the B&W photographer; it is essentially a mini-study in photographing flowers in B&W. I strongly recommend playing this slide-show twice. The first time you watch it, just sit back and enjoy the artist's presentation. Once your done, play it again, only this time pay close attention to the lighting and how it effects each flower's texture and dimension.

The rest, I leave to the photographer to explain his approach, choice of music and personal insights:

"Black and white flower photography provides one the most sensual and elegant representation of flowers. This slide show contains a small collection from my portfolio of a flower study in black and white. The simplicity of black and white photography allows the eye to rest and focus on the refined textures and shapes of these beautiful specimens. In this body of work you will find a particular focus on the contrast between shadow and light. Often it is the relationship between these two elements that create the drama in the image.

It is my belief that great black and white photography transports us into another dimension and on an artistic journey, which is an ongoing exploration of the beauty, simplicity and wisdom of nature. It is a continuous learning process, inspired by a passion and love of life.

My photographic inspiration for this study was Imogen Cunningham's black and white flower work and my musical inspiration, from my dear friend Keri Le Blanc's song titled, 'Silent Beauty'"   -- Ian Graham

WALKING WITH FLICKR WALKABOUT

Back when I was flirting around with the idea of 52MONOCHROME -- my first blog as a photographer; one the motivational factors driving the concept to reality was the overwhelming success and popularity of Flickr Walkabout by Bill Cross.

So what is Flickr Walkabout all about? Well, to paraphrase the author himself; it is a place where only the most artistic images discovered on Flickr are put on display with minimal commentary. It is intended as a showcase for the finest images in imaging art, encompassing a wide array of various styles and subjects.

From my own personal experiences, via many walks through Bill's elite gallery of photographic wonders, I'll admit that this particular blog is all that and more!

Yahoo's Flickr, in and of itself, is a phenomenal resource for photographic excellence. And there are many ways in which a photographer's image can gain exposure, no pun intended, outside of the member's photo-stream, such as Flickr's groups, galleries and Explore. But, the artist's work will rarely reach an audience outside of Flickr's complex matrix. At least not without the artist having to do some additional grunt work of their own.

Moreover, Flickr's Explore page has little to be appreciated when it comes to the fine art of photography. But that's a debate for another time. Anyway, this is where great blogs like, Flickr Walkabout, come in!

Let's go for a walk shall we...

When we first arrive, the visual senses are pleasantly saturated with colored links of blue and yellow and artistic icons made of deep red and vibrant magenta upon a black canvas. The immediate stimulation comfortably excites the mind as we enter into a genius gallery of online imaging artwork.

True to the creator's word, it is a collection of the best images Flickr has to offer, all beautifully streamlined in medium format with minimal commentary. Each image capturing the imagination and exciting the senses.

Moreover, each image is properly tagged into various genres and subject matter. Just navigate over to the side bar, click on a category that interests you and you'll soon be scrolling through a series of images relating to that category.

And, of course, all images are properly credited and link directly back to the original source on Flickr -- rest assured that each image has explicit permission for its use. All copyrights are fully respected by Bill Cross.

With ease of navigation, sleek appeal and a collection of images from some of Flickr's best artists, it is by far one of the best mediums displaying true imaging art of a higher standard.

It is a forum that honors the talents of photographers and imaging artists beyond the reaches of Flickr for all to appreciate. It is the photographer's online museum of imaging art!