The editing and processing of photos has evolved to a complete new dimension in digital.

How far is acceptable to go?

This is what we discussed in the latest episode of PhotoNetCast. So, time to head over there and listen (this one is even shorter than the previous) or load it into your favorite mp3 player for when you’re on the go.

And as usual, any comments are very much appreciated.

Related on this blog:

• PhotoNetCast #4 is out
• PhotoNetCast #3
• PhotoNetCast is here
• 28 ways to process/improve/hack/play a photo
• Fine art photography or Digital art. Are the borders clear?

On one of my previous posts I shared 5 Tips for Acquiring Old Cameras. One of the comments on this post was made by Jessica where she simply stated "Then again, if they don’t work, you could always use them for TtV!".

I had heard of TtV before but, as a technique, was something that I was never curious to experiment with. But my curiosity definitely spiked after seeing some of Jessica’s photos using this method and I’ll be trying it in the near future.

So, I asked Jessica if she could go a little further on the subject of TtV, not only for me, but for all my readers that are not so familiar with the technique.

And here is what Jessica had to say…

TtV / Tee Tee Vee / abbr.

Through The Viewfinder: The technique of using one camera to take a picture via another camera’s viewfinder.

Your first impression may be that the technique sounds somewhat absurd. I’m here to tell you that the results are simply stunning. Let me fill you in on this method that will have you scrambling to get your hands on a camera of your own to try out this fairly new technique.

The Cameras

In order to achieve the highly unique and nostalgic, square format look, you will first need to acquire a base camera. Typically, the bottom viewing camera is a TLR, a twin lens reflex, which has a waist-level, bubble-like viewfinder. The viewfinder happens to be one of the most charming aspects of this method, as it creates a slightly out of focus fish-eye effect that is reminiscent of a dream. It also leaves your image with a natural black frame that adds to the already vintage look.

Some of the most commonly used TLR’s are the Kodak Duaflex, Starflex, and Brownie. Some other manufacturers to consider are Argus and Anascoflex; although, this doesn’t scratch the surface of everything that is available. If you’re not lucky enough to find one of these types of cameras locally, you should have no problem finding one through the ever-so-popular Ebay to locate a retro treasure of your very own. An extremely informative article is  "5 Tips for Acquiring Old Cameras".

The Method

Finding a TLR that actually works isn’t necessary - since you don’t need to use film. However, there are certain warnings to regard when buying based on descriptions and photos alone. The old-fashioned look obtained with the method is in part due to how the camera shows age with dirt, dust, and scratches. As these conditions can enhance the dirty-lens style, you don’t want the imperfections to be so bad that they become an obstruction. I have yet to do this myself, but you can carefully take the camera apart to clean the lenses in the event that you find one with oodles of mold or very thick dust. Another possible impediment may be those lenses which contain grid lines or bullseye type marks on the viewfinder, which in turn becomes a part of your photo. Although you may like the outcome of that result.

Before you decide to join the ranks of TtV photographers, there are other facets of the craft that you need to prepare for. In addition to the base camera we talked about earlier, you will need a macro lens and a contraption, which seals out light. With the macro lens attached, you will want to measure the distance that you must maintain to get your digital camera to focus through the TLR’s viewfinder. Doing this will determine how tall your contraption needs to be. Without this, it is a lot harder to get a properly exposed shot. Once you’re ready to make a contraption, take a look around the house, chances are you have materials laying around that can be quickly fashioned into something suitable; I’ve even seen some made from cereal boxes before. To get an idea, please check out my contraption.

Getting started with this new technique is the easy part, but learning to manage and maneuver two cameras at once proves to be a bit of a challenge at times. However, I am of the opinion that the results are well worth the extra effort involved to capture such captivating images. You can find many ideas as well as inspiration within the "Through The Viewfinder" flickr group. I encourage you to peruse the forum for any further questions you may have about the technique. I sincerely hope that you found this information to be useful, although it is not intended to be a definitive guide by any means.

The Author

Originally from Florida, Jessica Maceda currently resides within the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. She carries with her a deep appreciation for nature, and an unwavering passion for photography. Many of her experiences are shared through a blog called Wayfaring Wanderer. You can also find her photos (including TtV work) on her flickr photostream.

Again and again stories of harassment of photographers by authorities are made public.

We discussed this subject on PhotoNetCast episode #2 and it’s fairly obvious that the biggest cause might not even be abuse of authority per se, but simply misinformation or lack of knowledge of the law.

This one happened in the UK.

There is not much point in discussing the issue over and over again. Bottom line: Always know your rights out there and stand your ground.

I’m getting depressed with all the abuse photographers suffer on the streets.

If you wish to share your thoughts or stories, please feel free to drop a comment.

Hat tip: Photography is not a crime

Time is flying (or so it feels for me) and more and more good photography articles are being published around.

It’s always hard to come up with a small selection, but it has to be done. So, here are some of those articles that picked my attention in the past days:

• Who is Stealing your photos online? - JMG-Galleries - Jim introduces a new platform (or shall we call it search engine), TinEye, that uses image recognition algorithms and allows you to search for copies of your images online (even modified ones). I’ve been using TinEye for some time and can say that, although their search range is still small, it works. Jim also has some invites to give, in case you’re interested.
• HELP… I’m brand new at this. What do I do to grow my business? - Digital ProTalk - Want to start expanding your photo business? Then David’s blog is the place to go. And from this article you can see what to expect over there.
• DSLR Dust Problems: Prevention and Solutions - Joy of Digital Photography - Dust in the sensor is something that did not exist in the film days. But it’s the digital era and dust can really ruin your work if you’re not careful about it. Jeff tackles the problem and gives some tips on how to avoid it.
• So many cameras - So little time - Epic Edits - I’m sure you know what a SLR is. But what about a TLR, or Rangefinder, or… Brian gives a small introduction to each of the most know camera types.
• 8 Tips for better photo composition - A Matter of Memories - Good photography is much more than just the right equipment. It’s what you do with it. And good composition is a skill that can be improved. There are no rules, just tips, and Jill gives 8 of them right here.
• Lenses - Photography Basics - Camera bodies come and go, but lenses are forever (was this a good adaptation of the cliché?). Knowing what lenses you need and what to expect from them is vital in photography. Garry has a nice intro to lenses for the beginner. And remember "You get what you pay for".
• The War on Photography - Schneier on Security - Photographer’s rights violations is happening everyday. You can shoot this, you can’t shoot that… When is it going to stop? With increasing fears of terrorism (and often using it as an excuse) probably not so soon. As Bruce mentions, blame the movies. We also discussed this issue on PhotoNetCast #2. Maybe I should get one of those "I’m a Photographer, not a terrorist" t-shirts.

Related on this blog:

• Pick of the Week: Link Edition - Jan 22, 2008
• Web Shutter: 02.06.2007
• 59 photography related sites

Today this blog has hit another milestone but unfortunately nothing that makes me cheerful: the 50,000 mark of spam caught by Askimet.

I know that spammers see in blogs one of their main targets to achieve whatever it is they want to achieve, but is comment spamming the right way? Well, it seems that it is working or I would not see such waves of spam coming my way.

Fortunately Askimet catches most of it (with some still evading it and needing to be manually moderated).

What worries me the most is how many valid comments from my readers may have been caught also and forever banished to the internet waste dump. Yes, I could manually go through each and every one of them, but going through 100 to 200 daily comments trying to convince me that I need to see that latest porno or that a specific pill is exactly what I need to enlarge some parts of my body is not something that I look forward to.

If you have a blog, how bad is it for you? Are you getting this amount of daily garbage or was I singled out for comment torture?

How do you deal with comment spam on your blog?

Just a small note to mention that episode 4 of PhotoNetCast is now published. If you are subscribed to the feed either on your reader or on iTunes you probably got it already.

Also, we have an open poll there: What’s your level in photography. If you listen to the show, please take a few seconds to cast your vote. This will help us plan future episodes.

Related on this blog:

• Editing and Processing in Photography - PhotoNetCast #7
• PhotoNetCast #3

Another set of inspirational photos from great photographers.

Don’t forget to go to the photo pages and leave your comment.

Five Stars of the Week

For all of my readers who still have not subscribed to the PhotoNetCast feeds, just to let you know that episode #3 was published about one week ago (ok, I forgot to mention this here, can you believe it?).

We started discussing the benefits of blogging about photography, continued to photo organization, and ended with a few sites that caught our attention.

On the second topic, due to time restrictions, we had to break it just before we got into "photo backups". We will dedicate a good part of the next episode covering this. In any case, we would like to hear from you: what backup system do you use, good and bad things about it, any questions you might have regarding backups (or any other subject).

Head on to PhotoNetCast.com, if you still haven’t listen to the show, and tell us something. We will be recording the next one in just a few days time so, if you want to have your comment or voice message on this topic featured, you’ll have to hurry.

Related on this blog:

• Editing and Processing in Photography - PhotoNetCast #7
• PhotoNetCast #4 is out

Recently I had the opportunity of acquiring an old camera. By old I don’t mean "it still uses film" old, I mean "really" old on the antique level.

I’m not an expert in the industry of antiques acquisition but since I had this opportunity I started doing a little research. In any case, my approach in this article is not for those who want to buy an old camera to sell it later for profit (although many things I’ll mention would still apply).

The market is huge and has many different variables that can affect the outcome of a good deal. Nonetheless, there are a few basic things you need to consider before pulling out your credit card to pay for a beauty like this.

1 - Why do you want to buy an old camera?

Resist the buying impulse. I know old cameras are beautiful and very tempting, but defining why you want one is probably one of the most important things you need to think about. Do you want it just for the looks of it, to exhibit it on a shelf on your living room not to be used, or do you intend to load it and actually take it to the field and use it?

Your answer will determine the working condition you need the camera to be in and thus the amount you may expect to pay for one.

2 - Where to buy an old camera?

This one is endless. Everywhere, from yard sales to ebay. Just look around a bit and I’m sure you can find many for sale. The question is, what do you want to buy.

If you have a specific camera in mind you can try on a specialized dealer. You’ll get to talk with someone who is probably doing this for years and knows what he’s talking about. Usually these people can describe exactly the condition the camera is in and, if they have it on the store, you can handle it and examine for yourself all the little details. The downside is that you’ll probably end up paying a little more.

Online auctions can provide good deals but are a bit more risky since you won’t have the chance to have the equipment in your hands before you buy.

3 - Do your Research

That’s what Google is there for.

And I’m not talking just about the prices (more on that bellow).

Nowadays, you know what to expect from a camera and everything is described in much detail on the manufacturer’s catalogs. On the "old" days, not everything was so clear and some batches of cameras could come into the market with mechanistic issues that never got solved. Specially if you are planning to use the camera, you need to know if there were problems that you don’t want to deal with now (as an example, the Kodak Signet 35 had a very problematic shutter). Also, while today any change in the model is reflected in the model name, it wasn’t always so. The same model name did not always describe the same equipment (as weird as it may sound). My best advice is to always know the serial number of the camera you want to acquire and do your research on it. If you look around, there are sites maintained mainly by collectors (and usually dedicated to a specific brand) that list serial number ranges and any particular modification done to a specific batch.

4 - If you want to use it, make sure it’s usable

The camera condition is of uttermost importance, specially if you intend to use it. While you probably won’t mind the normal signs of age and use, a crack in the bellows or fungi in the lenses will render the camera unusable until it is repaired (if indeed it can be repaired). This is specially dangerous if you’re buying it online. If a camera is listed as sold "as is" you probably won’t have the chance to return it even if you find out that the seller forgot to mention the rusty lens mount. Try to ask as many questions as you can and know all the details on the condition of the camera. If possible, and many times it is not, if the seller is the person who used the camera before, try to find out how many photos were taken (the life of a shutter screen is not unlimited). Any sign that the camera was ever dropped is also a big no-no.

5 - The value… oh yes, the value - Know it before you buy

The first thing that many sellers think (usually people dealing with antiques, but not specifically cameras) is that the oldest a camera is, the more valuable it is. Don’t fall for this one. It’s not so. There are cameras that are valued at a few thousand dollars, and other cameras from the same period that are worth next to nothing. This has to do with how rare a camera is (how many were manufactured vs how many lasted until now), how good it is, and also how famous it became on the hands of a particular photographer.

The price that a seller asks can be an educated value or just simply someone throwing a price out and waiting for it to stick. You can have a taste of this on ebay. Search for a particular camera model and you’ll probably see a very wide range of prices asked. This, of course, depends on the condition of the camera, but can also reflect sellers not knowing the value of their items.

Again, Google is your friend and, for many cameras, you can find good estimates of the values. If you want a more educated guess, there are a few price lists in print that can help you.

With this article I do not intend to give you all the information you need, but buying an old camera can be a risky business, specially if you want to use the camera, and these are just a few tips to get you started.

While doing some research for this subject, I found some books that were recommended on some forums. I don’t have them, so I can’t really say if they are good or not. Just in case you are curious, here are their links on Amazon:

Have you ever thought about acquiring an old camera? If so, why? Any bad or good stories to share?

If you are interested in photography (and I’m assuming so if you are reading this), and specially if you are more of the tech savvy kind of person, you are probably aware of a high number of photography podcasts.

I know I am, and there is a list of them I’m following. Some better produced than others, but usually the content is delivered in an entertaining way that keeps me coming back for more. I’ve learned a lot from these “internet radio shows”.

But one thing that started bothering me is that usually they are produced by one photographer, a kind of “one-man-show”, and thus gives only one side of the story. It’s only the author’s opinion there.

For some topics that is more than enough but for others I would like to have other photographer’s points of view.

What is PhotoNetCast?

With this idea in mind, I “grabbed” the attention of three other photographers (I’m sure you know them) and we decided to start producing a podcast that is focused not only in delivering what we hope is quality content, but do it in a round table format, where each of us can share our opinions in a way that is open and invites discussion. No scripts, no bias. Just a good conversation on photography. And no, we don’t always agree with each other on certain topics.

And PhotoNetCast was created.

Who you’ll find in PhotoNetCast?

For the majority of you, the names are already associated with high quality content and experience and it’s something that we want to translate into the audio version.

Martin Gommel (Kwerfeldein.de), Jim Goldstein (JMG-Galleries), Brian Auer (Epic Edits Weblog) and me. A freelance, a semi-professional and two hobbyist photographers, coming from two different continents. Is there a better mixture?

Where can you find PhotoNetCast?

Easy. The best way is just to head over to PhotoNetCast.com and see what is around. At the time of writing, we have released two episodes of the show and you can listen to them on-site, download the mp3 versions, subscribe to the feed through iTunes or grab the normal RSS feed and listen on your feed reader.

We are planning to release new episodes every two weeks, and a good number of topics that are sure to interest you are already in the queue.

And what more?

It’s a podcast, it’s about photography and it’s our best effort.

Well, if you want ways to interact with us and give your contribute to the show, we’ve also thought about it. Comment on the blog, send us emails and send us voice comments. The idea was to create a podcast that is open to opinions and discussion, including yours. Any feedback is always welcome, specially in the beginning of a project like this.

So, grab a cup of coffee, head over to PhotoNetCast.com and enjoy the show… We hope to see you over there.

Related on this blog:

• Editing and Processing in Photography - PhotoNetCast #7
• "In compact cameras, I think that the megapixel race is pretty much over"
• Web Shutter: 17.05.2007
• Photo Competition: Environmental Photographer of the Year 2007
• Story behind the image

This time, I’ve invited Martin Gommel to share with us what photography is / means to him.

Martin is a freelance photographer, based in Karlsruhe, Germany. You probably know Martin from his blog Kwerfeldein (in German), where he shares some of his knowledge on photography.

If you’re not familiar with Martin’s work (shame on you), you can see it at Kwerfeldein Photography (which made my top 35 photoblogs list) or at Flickr. You can also download his photo portfolio for 2008.

What Photography is / means to you?

Photography means to me many different things so I will make a list of stuff, ’cause I love lists. 

Photography means to me : 

- exploring, finding and discovering beauty and miracles in people and nature

- like catching the most precious moments in life and trying to conserve ‘em for me and others

- sharing my ability to create with many others 

- handing out my joy of life in a picture 

- inspiring people to do the same, to enjoy the world

- being as close as I can be to my subject without coming too close and taking that impression home

- a very unique way of creating stuff that has never been there before, like music but different

- always a reflection of my personality

Thanks a lot Martin for your willingness to participate.

If any of you would like to take the stage and answer the question, just get in touch and I’ll give you some more details. In case you have any questions for Martin, use the comments bellow and I’ll make sure to forward anything relevant to him.

Related on this blog:

• Remus answers to “What photography is/means to you”
• Brian Auer answers to "What photography is/means to you"
• What Photography is/means to you?

A good photoblog is usually something that is pleasing to visit, not only as a visual treat but also as a good source of inspiration.

When the photoblog gathers work not only from one good photographer but from seven of them, then it turns into a place that you should not miss.

Fine Art Photoblog

This is the case with Fine Art Photoblog. Brian Auer, together with six other known photographers, just lunched a daily updated space where you can see and admire their work. If you fancy having a nice photo on the wall, each of the works can be bought in a variety of forms, that are sure to meet your tastes.

If you want to know more about this project, visit it at Fine Art Photoblog. You can also read their press release there. If you’re used to read sites through feeds, their’s is also available.

Each of he photographers can be found not only on this new gallery but also on their personal sites:

• Brian Auer
• Neil Creek
• Andrew Gibson
• Andreas Manessinger
• Cody Redmon
• Joseph Szymanski
• David Ziser

I can only wish this group of fine artists all the best with their new venture.

It’s a space I’ll make sure to visit regularly, for it sure is up to par with the best photoblogs out there.

Related on this blog:

• 35 Amazing Photoblogs, 35 Amazing Photographers
• PhotoShelter Collection: a new opportunity for photographers?
• Brian Auer answers to "What photography is/means to you"
• Story behind the image
• 5 Cons of Social Photography-Sharing Networks

Sometimes I’m asked where do I find inspiration. Where do I find inspiration for my blog posts, but mainly for my photography.

I think I can speak for many photographers when I say that inspiration in photography (and probably in everything else) usually comes in bursts. There are moments when you feel that you just can’t stop shooting and wild ideas come to mind. But then, there are also the moments when the well dries up.

These are the moments that are perfect to go around and admire the work done by others, the moments to feel pleasure in just looking at a photo that is not yours and just think “Wow”…

For those moments, I keep a collection of photoblogs on my feed reader and just quench my thirst for visual beauty.

And here they are. Photoblogs whose authors I admire for their creativity, their technique and their seemingly unending visual treats.

Now I want to share them with you. Maybe you still don’t know some of them and maybe you’ll also want to, as me, become a regular visitor. Any exposure they get is well invested as these are really fantastic works.

In no particular order…

35 Amazing Photoblogs, 35 amazing photographers

1. Light-Opinion - Marco Martinelli
2. Kwerfeldein Photography - Martin Gommel
3. Pontos de Vistas - Remus Sumer  *
4. I am a camera - Daniel Kaspar
5. Cornershots - Jimmie Yoo
6. Photoschau - Frank Boenigk
7. Vanilla Days - Pete Carr
8. Pabst-Photo - Matthias Pabst
9. Geckonia - Anne Cutler
10. Life Through a Lens - Stuart Gibson
11. Tom Kaszuba Photography - Thomas Kaszuba
12. Aktuelle Kamera - Marcel Wenzel
13. Hodari Fotoblog - Dani
14. LiBeCo
15. Visual Obscurity - Anil Cherukupalli
16. Urban Views - Markus Hartel
17. Pixelgrain - John Brubaker
18. Moodaholic - Kenny Weng
19. J.R. Photoblog - Julien
20. Wyss & Wyss
21. Chemical Photolab - Priit Pärna
22. Headphoneland - Gavin Mullan
23. Photography Work - Paulo J. Oliveira
24. Kamshots - Kamyar Adl
25. Digital Negar - Reza Tabrizi
26. 3 a.m. from Kyoto - Stuart Lee
27. Milou Vision - David Baker
28. Daily Walks - Diane Varner
29. Blue Hour - Andy Heatwole
30. Lost in Shots - Marina
31. Daily Dose of Imagery - Sam Javanrouh
32. A Walk Through Durham Township - Kathleen Connally
33. Colour Blind - Payam Rajabi
34. Absolutely Nothing - Tristan Campbell
35. photoEvolution - Kheoh Wei

* - Remus shared “What photography means / is to him”

I hope you enjoy their work. If you know of any other good photoblogs (yes, I know there are many out there) that you think I should be visiting, just leave the link on the comments bellow. And of course you can also comment on any of the photoblogs listed above.

Related on this blog:

• For Fine Art Photography Lovers, the Fine Art Photoblog
• Story behind the image

Another set of inspirational photos from great photographers.

This week, all from Flickr. So, if you’re a Flickr member, go there and leave your comments.

Five Stars of the Week

Related on this blog:

• Pick of the Week: Photo Edition - Nov 13th, 2007
• Pick of the Week: Photo Edition - Nov 5th, 2007

The layout of a blog is perceived as the personal brand not only of the blog but of the blogger.

In the beginning…

In the beginning, and my very first attempt at serious blogging, this blog was dedicated to more “personal discharges” than photography, although already inserted on my photography-related site (see the TLD for what I’m talking about) - and thus the name.

With time I saw myself writing more and more about photography than anything else and I decided to dedicate it exclusively to photography, with a focus on digital photography, and although the name might not make much sense, it stuck, and I think if for nothing else, it distinguishes it from the crowd.

On the visual side, the template this blog is using still came from those very early days, almost since I made it live (there was another but for a very shot period of time). It took me ages to adapt the original theme and customize it to what I needed.

The hunt restarts…

With growth, I’m starting to have the feeling that the current theme, although I still like it, is not enough to support the blog anymore. I need something that interacts more with the readers while, at the same time, un-clutters it and makes it more reader-friendly.

So, the hunt begins again…

I’m looking for a new theme. This time though, supported by a much more extensive knowledge of CSS and how a Content Management System like Wordpress works, I hope to find one and customize it in a way that stays for a longer period of time.

So, this is where I need your help.

How would you like this site to look like? What are the main things that you think a blog dedicated to photography should have? A one sidebar layout or two? Bigger header? Bigger footer?

Tell me what you think. Help me in this process so that you can also enjoy it more. Or, is it good the way it is?

Share your thoughts on the comments bellow. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

For my feed readers, you probably need to pop around the site to take a look at how it is right now.

Thanks again for any help you may provide.