Today’s Photo from Ted Grussing Photography: Stanford Mall or Filoli Gardens or Both

By in Photography

Today’s Photo from Ted Grussing Photography: Stanford Mall or Filoli Gardens or Both


Healing Paws

Healing Paws

…it was a wonderful trip and as always it is good to be back home. The show went well and I hope to have the link to it soon … then there was the days of shooting and fun with family that followed. Last Thursday it was off to Filoli Gardens in the morning and from there to the Stanford Mall for more flower shooting. For years my daughter has been telling me how beautiful the flowers were at the Stanford Mall and I was about to find out.

A constant during my visit was rainfall … along the coast, inland, it didn’t matter and the terrific thing is that all the flowers had droplets of water on them.

The shot above Scabiosa Fama is from the Stanford Mall and I was absolutely amazed at all of the flowers that are on display there. A great place for the whole family … the photographer in the family will have endless beautiful flowers to shoot and the rest of the family can spend the family fortune in the seemingly endless number of high end stores in the mall. Seems to me that the Mall may well be the place of choice for the family outing.

Filoli as always has an endless array of flower beds in bloom and who can dispute the beauty for all to enjoy. It is a step back into a different way of life and not in an unpleasant way.

So you choose … hard to pass either of them up … shoot Filoli in the morning and shoot your wallet at the Stanford Mall in the afternoon 🙂

Have a beautiful day … keep breathing and smile!

Cheers,

Ted

Filled with dreams and songs of love, I wander
afield.


Sedona Gift Shop

Sedona Gift Shop

Meditation, softened by the peaceful lands of grain and
the illimitable blue sea overhead, draws my heart to
my lips as one whose talent is in song.

I yield to the thousand felicities of this transport, like a
child led by his father’s hand; and no questions darken
this day of my content.

Afield by Max Ehrmann

###

photo_tedgrussingThe easiest way to reach Mr. Grussing is by email: ted@tedgrussing.com

In addition to sales of photographs already taken Ted does special shoots for patrons on request and also does air-to-air photography for those who want photographs of their airplanes in flight. All special photographic sessions are billed on an hourly basis.

Ted also does one-on-one workshops for those interested in learning the techniques he uses.  By special arrangement Ted will do one-on-one aerial photography workshops which will include actual photo sessions in the air.

More about Ted Grussing …

Library gallery hosts photography exhibit

By in Photography

Library gallery hosts photography exhibit

Cherishing Moments in Time Exhibit by Lisa E. Bristol continues at MJPL

It takes a personal sensitivity to see the moment, and get the photo. Sometimes it is simply being in the right place at the right time.

Lia E. Bristol’s photography has of late been realized as having captured moments in time, and thus the name of her photography business, Cherishing Moments in Time. In the past year between Nebraska City and Auburn four old barns have been lost due to strong winds or mankind choosing their removal. Things taken for granted as always being there are no more, except for her remaining photographs.

In 1980 Bristol graduated from college with a BA and an accompanying Concentration in Design She was the only undergraduate to place with an award in the college juried art show.

“My appreciation for form, light, balance and design was molded into a solid foundation which has found creative expression throughout my years of floral design, photography, and sewing. My hope is that your heart will cherish your moments in time, and experience the same through my photography as well.”

The Cherishing Moments in Time exhibit is in the Kimmel Gallery at Morton-James Public Library, 923 1st Corso, Nebraska City, 68410. The exhibit is available during regular Library hours: 9-6 Monday -Thursday; 9-5 Friday and 9-1 Saturdays. The exhibit will run to May 26 due to the holiday weekend.

Stony Plain’s Railene Hooper named Canadian Wedding Photography of the Year

By in Photography

Stony Plain’s Railene Hooper named Canadian Wedding Photography of the Year
Stony Plain's Railene Hooper, a graduate of Spruce Grove Composite High School, recently became the first Albertan to be named Canadian Wedding Photographer of the Year by the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC). Photo supplied.
Stony Plain’s Railene Hooper, a graduate of Spruce Grove Composite High School, recently became the first Albertan to be named Canadian Wedding Photographer of the Year by the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC). Photo supplied.

Stony Plain’s Railene Hooper is living every photographer’s dream.

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Last month, she was named the 2023 Canadian Wedding Photographer of the Year by the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC) just months after becoming the first Alberta Wedding Photographer of the Year in 2022.

“I am so honoured and so grateful to be the recipient of this award. I never imagined this would happen so fast in my career so I’m really excited to be able to keep adding to this,” said Hooper.

Growing up in Stony Plain, Hooper was always more interested in sports, particularly basketball, than she was in photography. In fact, she did not take pictures in any capacity until enrolling in the Communications Technology course at Spruce Grove Composite High School (SGCHS).

Still unsure of what she wanted to do upon graduation, she decided to study sociology at Concordia University of Edmonton while playing basketball on scholarship.

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After receiving her degree, she transferred to the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) to play two more years of basketball. It was at this point, she decided to pursue a photographic technology diploma. During those two years, her passion for the art form began to flourish. She found her niche in portraiture and stuck with it.

“It was a pretty intense course that I wasn’t expecting but it grew into a strong love for photography. I discovered I liked being able to connect with people and capture moments of genuine emotion,” said Hooper.

After her convocation, she found her first job with a high-volume school and sports photography business. While the experience was great for her portfolio, Hooper said she knew early on this particular style of photography was not for her. She desired a more intimate setting where she could really get to know her clients.

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Eventually, in 2016, an opportunity opened up to work with one of her former professors from NAIT, Robert Bray. He was looking for a photographer to come onboard his personal business, Robert Bray Portrait Design. Already aware of Hooper and her skillset, he chose to bring her under his wing.

A 40-year veteran of the industry, Bray is a three-time recipient of the PPOC Canadian Portrait Photographer of the Year award and a six-time recipient of the PPOC Alberta Portrait Photographer of the Year award. In 2005, Bray was commissioned by the Government of Canada to photograph Queen Elizabeth II for Canada’s official Royal Portrait.

“It has been amazing working for Robert. I was able to fine-tune my skills and I owe a lot of what I know and do to him,” said Hooper.

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In the early days of their professional relationship, Bray would bring Hooper along to the weddings he was shooting to have her shadow his process and techniques. Six years later, she is the business’ go-to wedding photographer with Bray focusing more on his passion for family portraiture.

Perhaps the most important lesson Hooper has learned from Bray is how to spot good lighting — the most important aspect of photography. Further, she has blended the best aspects of his often traditional work with her own creativity to form a unique style of portraiture she describes as modern and fun. Where Bray’s portraits have the subject staring into the camera, Hooper’s portraits are more candid in an effort to capture the raw emotions of the moment being captured.

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“I’ve tried my best to take the timelessness of Robert’s work and add a little more emotion and interaction between the subjects,” said Hooper.

In 2022, the PPOC introduced the Alberta Wedding Photographer of the Year award after years of requests to do so. Taking home the distinction was Hooper’s collection of four separate images titled, “The Most Beautiful View is Shared With You,” “Our Love is a Fortress,” “Leaping Into Love,” and “Walking With Excitement.” The latter two also respectively won the Best In Class Photojournalistic Wedding and Best In Class Wedding Group awards.

Figuring she had nothing to lose, she decided to submit these same four photographs to the PPOC’s 2023 awards. In the past, she had been nominated for the Canadian Wedding Photographer of the Year award but never won.

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On Apr. 22, the PPOC hosted its annual gala — this year in Canmore, Alta. — where the award recipients were named. Not only was Hooper at long last named Canadian Wedding Photographer of the Year, but she also became the first Albertan to receive the title.

“It’s cool that Alberta is being recognized on the map in Canada now for wedding photography because we have some really talented wedding photographers. I’m excited to be able to represent that,” said Hooper.

Thinking outside of the box with her portraiture this past year is what she believes led to her recent successes with the PPOC. Doing so has allowed her to “find herself” in photography and have more fun with her clients along the way. She said this leads to better results because everyone involved in the process is more relaxed, ultimately benefitting the photographs.

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At the national gala in Canmore, Hooper also won the Best In Class Photojournalistic Wedding award for “Leaping Into Love” and received her Craftsman of Photographic Arts (CPA) designation from the PPOC.

“As a national competition, the images are of such high calibre so I am over the moon excited and very happy,” said Hooper.

As if this was not all enough, Hooper also dethroned Quebec’s Rabih Madi, a “legend” within the photographic world who held the title of Canadian Wedding Photographer of the Year for the past three years (2020, 2021, and 2022).

Having never dreamed she could reach such heights when she first picked up a camera in high school, Hooper said her advice for young photographers is to simply create work they love. If someone puts their whole heart into their work, she said others, including clients, are bound to see its value.

“I feel really lucky to do photography and create portraits for people. Sometimes I feel like we can forget how much impact a portrait can have on people’s lives. You don’t realize the impact that you have in the moments you capture until they’re a memory,” said Hooper.

rhowell@postmedia.com

https://twitter.com/rudyhowellrepex

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Mind-bending wildlife photo leaves people baffled – can you work it out?

By in Photography

Mind-bending wildlife photo leaves people baffled – can you work it out?

A mind-bending photo of a bird has been causing a stir online with some unable to believe it is real.

The picture, entitled Gap, was captured by Japanese photographer Kenichi Ohno.

It shows an egret wading in the shallow water, with a concrete wall behind it casting a shadow on the lake.

The perspective of the photograph makes it seem as though the bird has been edited on top of two different backgrounds.

A different view of the same scene reveals how the concrete block creates the optical illusion.

The explanation behind the picture, showing the cut in the water from the cream wall


The explanation behind the picture, showing the cut in the water from the cream wall


Credit: Kenichi Ohno / AJAPS / Animal News Agency

Social media users have been left baffled by the picture.

One said: “There is no way this is not photoshopped!”

Another added: “This one hurt my brain until I figured it out.”

The photograph was submitted as part of the 39th Japanese Nature photo contest put on by the The All-Japan Association of Photographic Societies.

It was honoured as a special selection winner.

How to use layers to create complex street photography

By in Photography

How to use layers to create complex street photography

At some point in your street photography practice, you’ll want to start experimenting with different techniques to level up your images. Layering is one such technique which is effective in adding complexity to street photography. In case you’re wondering how you can use it for your work, today’s tips will give you some ideas.

In the video above, Canada-based Ivan Chow shares his insights on how to use layers to add depth and dimension to your street captures. As he mentioned, many street photography masters are known for their clever use of layers. The best-known of them are William Klein, Saul Leiter, and Alex Webb. By studying the best work of these masters, Chow came up with his own understanding of what a layer means.

He views layers as messages that a photographer wants to communicate in an image. Hence, a complex street photo often uses several layers to tell a story. He suggests starting with a stationary layer that serves as the base of an image. Then, work your way up to as many layers as your composition needs. The next layers can be colors, a human subject, or other elements.

The key, he said, is to know what you want to tell, and what you want in the composition to achieve it. He then proceeds to share a bunch of street photos he took and his thought process for each shot. It takes a lot of practice and patience, so you have to be ready to make time for it. Also, be prepared to fail several times before you get the shots you want.

Got a go-to technique for using layers to create complex street photography compositions? Share it with us in the comments below, or in our group discussion if you’re already part of the Photofocus Community!

Jacobson House Native Art Center to host grand reopening after 3-year closure during pandemic

By in Native

Jacobson House Native Art Center to host grand reopening after 3-year closure during pandemic
image

The Jacobson House Native Art Center is hosting its reopening on May 20 and celebrating with a new exhibit, silent art auction and tribal performances.

The center closed when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and during its closure, the University of Oklahoma reinvested into the property. Now three years later, the Jacobson House Native Art Center is reopening its doors to the public with a new look and new displays.

Chair of the Jacobson House Board of Trustees, Brent Greenwood, detailed the obstacles faced during the center’s closure.

“(The closing) gave us the chance to get some things done to the house,” Greenwood said. “There were a lot of talks and discussions leading up to what has happened, and it’s been years trying to get on the same page to get OU on board with our efforts. I think it’s all about timing, and it all fell into place for us. The investment also created a renewed energy amongst the board and the community.”

The Jacobson House is named after Oscar B. Jacobson, the OU School of Art director from 1915 to 1954. Jacobson and his wife Sophie built the house in 1917 and 1918, raised their three children and kick-started their careers within the home.

The pair co-wrote essays on Native American art, and Sophie published works such as “Berber Art” under the pen name of Jeanne D’Ucel.

Alongside his work at OU, Jacobson taught lectures on Native American art and promoted artists across America and in Europe. During the Great Depression, Jacobson commissioned Native American artists for work through the Works Progress Admistration’s Federal Art Project.

Jacobson is credited for creating a program that led to the group known as the Kiowa Six, a group of six people from the Kiowa tribe who were admitted into OU and whose art was shown around the world by Jacobson.

“What we’re doing today is continuing the mission of the Jacobson House, which was to promote Native arts and culture through programming, services and outreach to the community,” Greenwood said.

The Jacobson House Native Art Center’s reopening will showcase artwork by the Kiowa Six, as well as other Native American artists. The event will also feature singers, a tribal blessing, a reading from a Kiowa Six’s descendant Oscar Hokeah, a food truck outdoors and more.

With the house located within walking distance from the university, the reopening will provide students the ability to witness and draw inspiration from what Greenwood describes as “a moment in time.”

“(Art) documents are the provenance of where our people were at that time,” Greenwood said. “That narrative and explanation isn’t often told through a tribal lens.”

The Jacobson House Native Art Center will reopen from noon to 6 p.m. on May 20. The event is free to attend.

This story was edited by Silas Bales and Emma Blakley. Nikkie Aisha copy edited this story.

Five tips for carwash marketing – Professional Carwashing & Detailing

By in Art World News

Five tips for carwash marketing – Professional Carwashing & Detailing

Use social media to the fullest

Social media is a great way to grow your audience and keep them in the loop of anything going on in the business. Use social media to showcase your car wash, announcing offers, or even showcase before and after images of customers cars. With the proliferation of stories and TikTok/Instagram Reels, take advantage of those mediums as well to target a younger audience.

Take great images and video

A picture or video can say a thousand words. The way you show your carwash can affect the perception of your customers. As noted in the social media section, taking before and after content of cars can help customers see the quality of the wash, enticing them to come in. Showcasing state-of-the-art equipment or the carwash in action will also give confidence in your carwash.

Use clear and concise signage

Signage helps customers know what they’re getting into and the features the car wash will have. Most carwashes have a tiered washes, with more features for premium washes. Try to nudge customers to pick a more expensive option by letting them know that it is the better or best wash for their vehicle. With banners or flags, it can bring down a customer who wasn’t thinking of getting a car wash as a drive-in customer. It would also help find the entrance to the carwash. Branding can also bring an identity with signage, giving a brand touch to everything a customer sees.

Create a website

Creating a website can give potential and current customers information before going to your car wash. Letting customers read about your car wash and services provided would help them be better informed in their decision.  If there is a monthly membership for your car wash, let customers purchase or manage it online.

Advertise locally

Get the word out! Billboards are great, but in the age of digital media, more eyes will be focused on screens. Set up a budget for digital ads and target within your city or region. The more exposure, the more business you will receive.

While these tips won’t make you a marketing expert, it will certainly help you lead you and your business in the right direction. It will increase your exposure and customers which will increase revenue and even repeat customers.

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