B&H Photography Podcast

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Taking Chances on Stories to Tell: Photojournalist Deanne Fitzmaurice at Bild Oct 19, 2023

Show notes

As Deanne Fitzmaurice describes it, a photojournalist's job is part sociology and part archeology, but most important, it's being on the cutting edge of what's happening, telling stories about people. It's this combination of varied disciplines, connecting with subjects, and learning something new every day that has held her fascination from her very beginnings at the San Francisco Chronicle through to the rich tapestry she's woven as a visual storyteller today. We recently sat down with Fitzmaurice to gain insights into the many facets of her career as part of our coverage of B&H's 50th Anniversary Bild Expo 2023.

During our chat, Fitzmaurice regales us with details from some of her most impactful projects, including the challenging mix of sensitivity and perseverance needed to tell the story of Saleh, a seriously injured Iraqi boy. After explaining how this assignment morphed from a one-day news story into a Pulitzer-prize-winning long-term project, we take a deep dive into how image selection and sequencing were key to this award-winning series.

Never one to shy away from a challenge, Fitzmaurice also describes confronting baseball great Barry Bonds about his problem with photographers, which shattered his impenetrable armor and resulted in her gaining exclusive access to photograph him both on and off the field.

When discussing essential rules of journalistic ethics and credibility in documenting an unfolding scene, Fitzmaurice points to the category of portraiture as a rare opportunity to shift out of fly on the wall mode to direct the subject and build rapport. We conclude our chat with insights about the role luck has played in her career, and how she puts herself in a position for synchronicity to unfold.

Above photograph © Deanne Fitzmaurice

Guest: Deanne Fitzmaurice

For more information on our guest and the gear she uses, see: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/taking-chances-on-stories-to-tell-photojournalist-deanne-fitzmaurice-at-bild

Stay Connected: Deanne Fitzmaurice Website: https://www.deannefitzmaurice.com/ Deanne Fitzmaurice Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deannefitzmaurice/ Deanne Fitzmaurice X: https://twitter.com/deanne_fitz Deanne Fitzmaurice Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeanneFitzmauricePhotography Think-tank: https://www.thinktankphoto.com/

Why Oceans Matter: Underwater Photographer Brian Skerry at Bild Oct 12, 2023

Show notes

Water is essential to life on Earth. The health of our oceans—and its inhabitants—is equally crucial to maintaining Earth's delicate balance. This is an apt takeaway from our exclusive chat with renowned underwater photographer and filmmaker Brian Skerry, as part of our coverage of B&H's 50th Anniversary Bild Expo 2023.

Above photograph © Brian Skerry

We sat down with Skerry shortly before his presentation on the Bild Expo Main Stage to get the full scoop on his career arc, from a youthful fantasy of being an ocean explorer in the mold of Indiana Jones to his more recent work interpreting the culture of whales and other inhabitants of the deep.

We also delve into sobering concerns about the extreme geologic change Skerry has witnessed in the oceans over time.

With such facts in mind, he describes the responsibility he feels to combine scientific research and powerful storytelling, so that we may better understand our relationship to nature, and to change our behaviors for the better.

Guest: Brian Skerry

For more information on our guest and the gear he uses, see: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/why-oceans-matter-underwater-photographer-brian-skerry-at-bild

Stay Connected: Brian Skerry Website: https://brianskerry.com/ Brian Skerry Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianskerry/ Brian Skerry X: https://www.twitter.com/brian_skerry/ Brian Skerry Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.skerry/ Brian Skerry - Secrets of the Whales: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/tv/shows/secrets-of-the-whales Brian Skerry - The Sentient Sea Exhibit, Siena, Italy: https://festival.sienawards.com/en/brian-skerry-2/ Brian Skerry - Ocean Odyssey Exhibit, Paris, France: https://www.atelier-lumieres.com/en/ocean-odyssey

Fake Memories, Promptography, and Generative AI, with Boris Eldagsen Sep 28, 2023

Show notes

Artificial intelligence is a polarizing topic, and its rapid evolution within content creation has set our once familiar world on edge. To help demystify this gargantuan subject and add clarity to important concerns, we're turning to an artist positioned at the very center of the debate between photography and AI imagery.

Above photograph © Boris Eldagsen

German media artist Boris Eldagsen made global headlines after entering his AI-generated image, "The Electrician," in the Sony World Photography Awards. He won a top prize, and then ultimately declined the award due to a lack of open discussion about the need to categorize photographs and AI-generated imagery differently.

Join us for this frank and informative discussion about generative AI. Some of the diverse topics we cover include ways creativity is shared between man and machine, the effects of different languages (and even phrasing) when creating text prompts, inherent biases in AI training data and ways to counter this, the emergence of AI agencies, the newly created job title of Prompt Engineer, and much, much more.

And for those listeners who fear AI as a threat to their photo careers, our discussion ends on an upbeat note, with the classification of generative AI as a knowledge accelerator, being most beneficial to practitioners with a solid background in traditional photography and the visual arts. To quote Eldagsen, "For the first time in history, the older generation has an advantage..." We'll let you listen to hear the end.

Guests: Boris Eldagsen

For more information on our guest and the gear he uses, see: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/fake-memories-promptography-and-generative-ai-with-boris-eldagsen

Stay Connected: Boris Eldagsen Website: https://www.eldagsen.com/ Boris Eldagsen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boriseldagsen/ Boris Eldagsen Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boriseldagsen Boris Eldagsen YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EldagsenBoris/ Boris Eldagsen Workshops: https://www.eldagsen.com/lecturingworkshops/ Boris Eldagsen Panama Exhibition: https://www.eldagsen.com/pseudomnesia3/

Photographer-Driven Projects, with Ashok Sinha and Anabel DFlux Sep 14, 2023

Show notes

Above photograph © Ashok Sinha

How central is your personal drive and unique creative vision to the pictures you make? If these characteristics strike a chord or are traits to which you aspire, then you won't want to miss our inspiring chats with photographers Ashok Sinha and Anabel DFlux. We caught up with both of these accomplished creatives earlier this year at B&H's 2023 Depth of Field Conference.

We begin with architectural photographer Ashok Sinha, whose personal project to document iconic mid-century structures and classic cars in Southern California resulted in the crowd-pleasing monograph Gas & Glamour, now in its second printing. Sinha offers valuable insights about how channeling his passions and not overthinking the details allowed him to bring his photography career to new heights—resulting in his work being displayed as a massive billboard in downtown LA, released as limited-edition NFTs, and featured in gallery exhibitions in collaboration with an international fashion brand.

After the break, professional animal photographer Anabel DFlux describes how she fashioned a personal penchant for pets into a sustainable career path while still a teen. Yet, despite her clear passion for and talent with pets, DFlux reaches beyond a single photographic specialty to cultivate work across multiple niches—including the heady realm of rock and roll.

Check out these real-life career examples and walk away with an equal measure of inspiration and practical tips.

Guests: Ashok Sinha and Anabel DFlux

For more information on our guests and the gear they use, see: blogd7.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podca…-anabel-dflux

Stay Connected:

Ashok Sinha Website: https://ashoksinha.com Ashok Sinha Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashoksinhaphoto Ashok Sinha Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashok.sinha.3720 Ashok Sinha Twitter: https://twitter.com/ashoksinhaphoto Ashok Sinha YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashoksinha2167 Ashok Sinha Gas and Glamour book: https://ashoksinha.com/BOOK/1

Anabel DFlux Website: https://www.deliquesceflux.com Anabel DFlux Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anabeldflux Anabel DFlux Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeliquesceFlux Anabel DFlux YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/anabeldflux Anabel DFlux at Sigma: https://blog.sigmaphoto.com/author/anabel-dflux

Pelican Cases Link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/browse/Pelican/ci/4457/N/4232860887

Rodney Smith's Leap of Faith: An Intimate Chat with Leslie Smolan & Terence Falk Sep 06, 2023

Show notes

Rodney Smith was a photographic visionary, with an allegiance to the image above all else. Long acclaimed for his iconic black-and-white pictures—not to forget his later jewel-like color scenes—Smith captured enchanted worlds full of subtle magic and lighthearted humor. Using only analog film and the aesthetics of natural light, his dream-like photographs are matched in quality by the craft and physical beauty of his prints.

Smith died in 2016, yet the enduring precision, elegance, and whimsy of his world view is nowhere more evident than in our conversation with Leslie Smolan, his widow and executive director of his estate; and his long-time assistant, master printer Terence Falk.

Listen in as Smolan discusses key aspects of Smith's career development and describes her recent collaboration with the J. Paul Getty Museum on the book, Rodney Smith: A Leap of Faith. And Falk provides firsthand anecdotes about the unique experience of working on a Rodney Smith shoot—an experience that led one powerful New York executive to call his secretary from a midtown pay phone and exclaim, "I feel like I'm in Ferris Bueller's Day Off!"

As New York Fashion Week ushers in the fall season, we're looking back on the career of one of the most distinctive photographers to infuse business and fashion with a timeless sense of style and grace.

Guests: Leslie Smolan and Terence Falk

For more information on our guests and their gear they use, see: The Estate of Rodney Smith Website: rodneysmith.com/ The Estate of Rodney Smith Facebook: www.facebook.com/rodneysmithphotography/ The Estate of Rodney Smith Instagram: www.instagram.com/_rodneysmith/ The Estate of Rodney Smith Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/rodneysmithpics/ Rodney Smith Lecture at the B&H Event Space: www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photog…mith-1970-2016 Conversation about Rodney Smith at FIT Amphitheater: www.fitnyc.edu/museum/events/index.php Rodney Smith Exhibition at Staley Wise Gallery in New York: www.staleywise.com/exhibitions/rodney-smith2 Rodney Smith: A Remembrance with Dr Rebecca Senf: santafeworkshops.com/creativity-con…-rebecca-senf/ Rodney Smith: A Leap of Faith book: shop.getty.edu/products/rodney-s…th-978-1606068465

Finger-Lickin' Food Photography, with Mica McCook, the Austin Food Guide Aug 31, 2023

Show notes

According to food photographer Mica McCook, the secret sauce is more than simply visual appeal, it's connecting to how the images make you feel. As McCook likes to say, she creates cravings, one photo at a time. McCook's photos are dramatic like telenovelas, embracing the magic of a chef's palate, and delighting in the vibrant flavors that bring dishes to life. Her approach is theatrical and bold, akin to setting the stage for a grand performance. Each element, from the decadent chocolate drizzle to the vibrant pop of a fresh herb, contributes to the culinary drama. For McCook, food is not just about sustenance, it's an experience. In a world where fast food and quick meals are often the norm, McCook is here to remind us of the richness and pleasure of a well-composed dish, and to celebrate the chefs who create, the farmers who cultivate, and the diners who savor. As an extension of her photography business, McCook launched her biweekly podcast, The Savory Shot, in June 2022, because she is perpetually curious about the food industry and those who dwell within it.

Listen in to hear how a life-altering trip to the Reading Terminal Market, in Pennsylvania, laid the groundwork for McCook's career transition from people to food, and even inspired her unique business name of Austin Food Guide. We also discuss how her background in theater influences her flavorful photographic approach, the dramatic lighting she favors, as well as her collaborative, community-oriented outlook. McCook was recently accepted into an innovative mentorship program for BIPOC photographers led by Apostrophe Reps. Don't miss the juicy details about how to apply!

Above photograph © Mica McCook

Guest: Mica McCook of The Austin Food Guide

For more information on our guest and the gear she uses, see: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/finger-lickin-food-photography-with-mica-mccook-the-austin-food-guide

Stay Connected:

Mica McCook Website: https://micamccook.com Mica McCook Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mica.mccook Mica McCook LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micamccook Austin Food Guide Website: https://austinfoodguide.com Austin Food Guide Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austinfoodguide Austin Food Guide Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/austinfoodguide Austin Food Guide Twitter: https://twitter.com/ austinfoodguide Austin Food Guide TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@austinfoodguide The Savory Shot Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/savory-shot/id1618801583

A Closer Look at Bruce Gilden: Depth of Field 2023 Aug 17, 2023

Show notes

Bruce Gilden is a street-photography icon. With summer in full swing and International Street Photography Day (otherwise known as Henry Cartier-Bresson's birthday) looming on the horizon, what better time to feature a lively chat with the master himself, recorded at B&H's 2023 Depth of Field Conference, just before the Magnum photographer's keynote lecture.

Gilden's emotionally fraught depictions of real people up close are an acquired taste, and we address this aspect of his work during our chat, with Allan admitting that Gilden's work has terrified him in the past. We also touch on a somewhat surprising facet of Gilden's career—fashion photography—as he discusses making pictures for high-end clients such as Balenciaga, Dolce & Gabana, and Diesel. From the influence of early 20th-century mugshots on Gilden's aesthetic to the importance of making, and living with, visual choices to keep the photography fresh, our discussion covers a lot of ground. Stay to the end to learn about Gilden's long held photographic wish—photographing murder in a beautiful way.

And for anyone who's ever fantasized about a taking workshop with Gilden, check out the link below to his upcoming street photography workshop in New York!

Guest: Magnum photographer Bruce Gilden

For more information on our guest and the gear he uses, see: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/closer-look-bruce-gilden

Stay Connected: Bruce Gilden Website: https://www.brucegilden.com Bruce Gilden Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BruceGilden Bruce Gilden Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bruce_gilden Bruce Gilden Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/brucegilden Bruce Gilden's Magnum page: https://www.magnumphotos.com/photographer/bruce-gilden/ Bruce Gilden's Upcoming New York Workshop: miamistreetphotographyfestival.org/bruce-gilden

Adobe Software and AI: Scott Kelby & Kristina Sherk at Depth of Field 2023 Aug 03, 2023

Show notes

The integration of AI technologies with Adobe software has set the creative world on its head. To get a read on this hot-button, rapidly evolving field, we tapped two generations of tech wizardry—Scott Kelby, the original Photoshop Guy, and retouching powerhouse Kristina Sherk. We sat down with both of these experts at B&H's 2023 Depth of Field Conference in February 2023.

Our first guest is Scott Kelby, the original Photoshop guy, who discusses the good and the bad of AI technology, from how it helps create workflow efficiencies to the potential for costing some photographers a job. Kelby envisions a future comprising high-end pros and serious iPhoneographers. With this in mind, we delve into the growing advantages of capturing images on a mobile device, while also identifying subjects that still require more robust gear.

After a break, Kristina Sherk shares details about the powerful AI selection tools integrated into the Classic and Mobile versions of Adobe Lightroom, which are disruptive in a good way. Stay to the end for her story about saving the day for a wedding photographer whose sharp focus was disrupted by a rogue officiant, who stepped in front of the lens just before a couple's first kiss.

Guests: Scott Kelby & Kristina Sherk

For more information on our guests and the gear they use, see: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/adobe-software-and-ai-scott-kelby-kristina-sherk-at-depth-of-field-2023

Stay Connected: Scott Kelby Website: https://scottkelby.com Scott Kelby Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottkelby Scott Kelby Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SKelby Scott Kelby YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/kelbymediagroup Scott Kelby Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/skelby01

Kristina Sherk / Shark Pixel Website: https://www.sharkpixel.com Kristina Sherk / Shark Pixel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shark_pixel Kristina Sherk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharkpixel Kristina Sherk / Shark Pixel YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SharkPixel

Legal Matters for Photographers, with Rachel Brenke, TheLawTog® Jul 20, 2023

Show notes

Do you have questions about establishing your photography business and legally protecting yourself and your images? From setting up a business entity to drafting client contracts to key terms in a model release, we cover these points and much, much more, during an in-depth discussion with intellectual property attorney Rachel Brenke.

Listen in and learn about the value of contracts as the center point in any sort of business transaction. You'll also discover how the legal tripod of a business entity, attorney-drafted contracts, and liability insurance can create a powerful force field of protection. During the show's second half we explore various infringement scenarios, and even take the plunge into potential legal implications in the wake of AI technology and other current trends. Guest: Rachel Brenke For more information on our guest and the gear she uses, see: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/legal-matters-for-photographers-with-rachel-brenke-thelawtog Stay Connected: Rachel Brenke Website: https://rachelbrenke.com TheLawTog® Website: https://www.thelawtog.com Eden Law Website: https://eden-law.com Rachel Brenke Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelbrenke TheLawTog® Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelawtog TheLawTog® Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelawtog TheLawTog® Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thelawtog Audio-Technica Link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/browse/Audio-Technica/ci/15748/N/4232861079

Lighting Whisperers: Eric Stoner & Joe McNally at Depth of Field 2023 Jul 06, 2023

Show notes

Like good acting—and skilled retouching—masterful lighting is an accomplished skill that should remain mostly unseen. This is the takeaway from our conversations with two great lighting whisperers, Canon technical advisor Eric Stoner and Nikon Ambassador Joe McNally. We sat down with both of these experts earlier this year at B&H's 2023 Depth of Field Conference.

Our first guest is Eric Stoner, a Canon technical advisor who specializes in creating portraits with Speedlites and colored gels. He offers insights about the high degree of control these tools provide, describing how adding colored gels boosts creative improvisation and heightens impact. We also discuss the technological advances of the past 20 years, while reflecting on how great photography still hinges on learning the craft and connecting with your subjects.

After a break, Nikon Ambassador Joe McNally discusses his mission to light photographs in a way that provides an unfettered experience for the viewer. In addition, we explore his long and successful career as a working professional, from his formative years as a LIFE magazine staff photographer to the recent exhibition of those very same images in a fine art gallery. Stay to the end to learn about his latest book The Real Deal, which he wrote during COVID, and hear about his busy schedule of international workshops.

Guests: Eric Stoner & Joe McNally

For more information on our guests and the gear they use, see: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/lighting-whisperers

Stay Connected: Eric Stoner Website: https://www.mystonegallery.net/ Eric Stoner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericstonerphoto

Joe McNally Website: https://joemcnally.com Joe McNally Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joemcnallyphoto Joe McNally Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joemcnallyphoto Joe McNally YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/joemcnallyphoto Joe McNally Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeMcNallyPhoto Joe McNally Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/joemcnallyphoto

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