Victoria Police Department releases suspect photos in inappropriate photography case

Victoria Police Department releases suspect photos in inappropriate photography case


Police release photos of wanted man




VICTORIA, Texas – On Friday, July 7 around 3:30 p.m., Victoria Police Department officers were at Target at 7608 NE Zac Lentz Pkwy for an inappropriate photography case investigation. Authorities said two women in a dressing room were inappropriately photographed by a suspect. Investigators released two photos of the possible suspect. Police said the suspect followed the women into the dressing room area and used his cell phone to take photos of the victims while they tried on clothes.



VPD releases two photos in inappropriate photography case




The suspect was confronted and left the store.



Second photo in inappropriate photography case




Backstage at the New Museum of Broadway

Backstage at the New Museum of Broadway

A dressing room from “Cats” is on display during the grand opening of the Museum of Broadway by New York’s Times Square.


TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images

In 2017, two-time Tony Award winning producer Julie Boardman posed the question: Why isn’t there a museum dedicated to Broadway? 

To solve what seemed like an obvious oversight, she approached her friend Diane Nicoletti, founder agency Rubik Marketing. “Almost for fun we started brainstorming and then it just started getting a little more serious,” Nicoletti says.

Nicoletti and Boardman, both 40, met as undergraduates at the University of Southern California and have worked on a series of projects together over the last decade. But they wanted to dig deeper. In November, after five years in the works, they opened the Museum of Broadway in a former Irish pub next to the iconic Lyceum Theatre, the district’s oldest continuously operating theater. 

While the museum is for-profit, a portion of every ticket sold (with prices starting from US$39) is donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Visitors take a self-guided tour through three floors of Broadway history; many of the original costumes, props, posters, notes, and set pieces are on display from shows ranging from Rent to West Side Story to Cats. There’s even a scale reproduction of the Gershwin Theatre, showing miniature models of the cast and crew from Wicked as they warm up, get dressed, and perform.

Diane Nicoletti, right, and Julie Boardman met as undergraduates at the University of Southern California.


Bruce Glikas/Getty Images

“We wanted it to have an experiential vibe to it,” Nicoletti says. “We wanted to immerse guests into the world of Broadway and into the show.” 

Penta met co-founders and producers Boardman and Nicoletti at the Museum of Broadway to find out more.

The Museum of Broadway is a love story to Broadway, stuffed with history and original artifacts. How did you fund such an ambitious project? 

Boardman: At the beginning it was self-funded. The next step was to get funding in the Broadway community. We had some artists on board [and] meetings with key players in the industry: the licensing companies, the theater owners. We [wanted] to make sure that people were open to it—because it’s a very small community, and if you’re not embraced it’s a little harder to get things off the ground. 

The exhibition begins with a walk up a back-stage staircase to the third floor, adorned with photos and text explaining how performers (and, in particular, dancers) use the stairs to warm up. It’s a very intimate beginning… 

Boardman: It was a bit of a creative solve to get people to the third floor to start the experience—a lot of people don’t necessarily know or haven’t been backstage.

Each room has a concept. Tell us about the Showboat room, which has an art installation from paper artist Rachel Marks, featuring the scattered pages of a book… 

Nicoletti: For Showboat we knew that we wanted some kind of paper art to represent it as one of the first musicals [derived] from a [novel] with a serious topic, so we wanted to find the pages of the book and create an art installation from it. 

Most of the exhibitions are celebratory. But a more somber room is dedicated to the performers and Broadway workers who lost their lives during the AIDS epidemic. How did you approach such a sensitive subject? 

Nicoletti: It’s a quiet room. … We worked with [American artist] Debbie Millman to create the wallpaper of names [of those who lost their lives]. She did it so beautifully and so respectfully. And then we worked with HotXTea for the red ribbon installation, representing AIDS awareness. 

Why is it an important story to tell? 

Boardman: As we were crafting the timeline, we show that we stand on the shoulders of those who come before us. So it was important [to include] all the people we lost along the way. Had the AIDS epidemic not happened, the future would have looked very different. It was really important to us to pause, stop, reflect, and remember everyone who we had lost. 

The museum opened last November. Who is visiting? 

Nicoletti: We knew tourists were going to be a big focus, because New York and Broadway are almost synonymous to each other—so when you do come to New York, you probably have a Broadway element to your visit. So [the museum] becomes an add-on to maybe a show or two that you’ve seen. 

Boardman: We’re also seeing all ages. Everybody has a different entry point of when Broadway came into their consciousness. Maybe you started coming in high school or a teacher took you when you were little. It’s interesting to see inter-generational groups come to the museum, the grandparents saying: Oh yeah, I first saw a show in 1965. It’s all about memory and the love of theater. 

You focus more on musicals—why?

Nicoletti: As we were developing it, we’d get that question: Why aren’t you incorporating plays? The American musicals are such a big part of American history, whereas plays date back to the Greek or Romans. 

Boardman: Plays are there. But it is an experiential museum, so when you walk in you hear the music from the shows. You can’t accomplish that with a play. 

What is your favorite room? 

Nicoletti: I always say The Phantom of the Opera because it was the first show that I saw, so there’s this nostalgic element to that particular room. 

Boardman: Something that excites me is that last major exhibit: the making of a Broadway show. People are being exposed to other jobs—you could be a press agent or report on Broadway. There are so many different ways to be part of it. By going into that exhibit, people are going to inevitably be inspired and maybe that helps change their path, so I’m excited to see what the future holds in terms of the stories that are told. 

Are you doing talks, too?

Nicoletti: In February, we did a couple of events around Black History Month, we’ve done talks around Women’s History Month, we invite shows to come and do talks. It allows us to dive deeper into certain topics. For student groups who come in, we have workshops. We even have an educational guide for teachers created by Barrie Gelles, who is getting her doctoral degree in theater. 

You worked on the museum during the pandemic, when Broadway itself suffered the longest shut down in its history. That must have been emotional… 

Boardman: It shut down and then we could not come back to work for such a long time. There’s nothing like sitting inside a theater and the magic and the energy and what happens on the stage. This is a place where people can come together to celebrate Broadway, to remember. 

What has been the largest challenge? 

Boardman: At one point it was the real estate, the construction, the supply chain. We had to be very diligent to get this built. Now it is getting people to come. We really hope people like it—and it turns out they do. It’s very moving to see people go through. When people visit after they have seen a show I think they will see [Broadway] in a bit of a different light. We’re hoping to deepen the experience. 

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. 

How to Sell Photography Prints: Part 1

How to Sell Photography Prints: Part 1

Once your photos improve after practicing photography for a while, they will likely also attract a larger audience. And at some point, you might be asked if your photos are for sale. It is how I got into selling my images as prints more than ten years ago. In this article, I share an easy way to get started.

But first things first: When you start with photography, ideally, it should be out of the love for the craft and not to make money, because it takes time to create consistent income from photography. So, don’t rush and focus on learning new techniques and creating a solid portfolio of high-quality images first. 

Setting Up a Print Shop

As an artist, it’s great to have a website, and in the long run, it’s something to invest in, especially if you want to become a professional photographer. But most likely, you first started sharing your photos on social media or some dedicated photo-sharing platform. It might also be the place where your images are gaining traction.

You might now think that if you want to sell prints of your work, you must first create a homepage. It is certainly a good idea because it allows you to build your brand along the way. But if that’s not your goal and you want to keep things simple and just be able to offer prints of your work, it’s not a requirement.

Several online art marketplaces allow you to set up a store, upload your work, and start selling it in less than a day. You will spend most of that time tagging photos and adding descriptions. The effort is comparable to sharing images on social media.

Redbubble

For example, I want to share my experience with Redbubble, an online art marketplace you can use to sell your photos worldwide. It is possible because of Redbubble’s network of manufacturers located all around the globe.

I’ve been using Redbubble for more than ten years to sell my art. The print options Redbubble offers are good quality — I’ve tested some of them for the feature video — delivery fees are reasonable, and it’s possible to set custom margins. There’s no fixed monthly fee involved, which is great to get started. Redbubble will take its share consisting mostly of manufacturing and delivery fees only if you sell something — but more on that later. 

What I also consider important is that using Redbubble is easy for potential buyers of your art. Redbubble automates everything for you, including payment and updating the customer with information about the production and delivery of your work.

Expectations

Let’s talk about the custom margins you can set up on Redbubble. They are essential, and not all marketplaces allow this. Some have fixed prices, which limits the amount you can earn per sale.  Setting the margins in Redbubble can be done in the central dashboard, where you apply percentages to the product categories you sell. Lowering or increasing the prices of your work requires just a few clicks.

Now the question is what you can earn on Redbubble. On the one hand, it depends on the margins you set, and on the other hand, more importantly, it depends on the number of photos you offer for sale and the traffic you generate for your art. 

That last piece is crucial because having a global marketplace on which you can list your art doesn’t generate many sales anymore. When I started with Redbubble, most of my sales were via the marketplace. Over the years, Redbubble has added a lot of different product categories and grown the number of artists on the platform. As a result, a photographer selling prints will get close to no traffic via the marketplace. The typical audience on Redbubble will either not look for your work or not find it.

It means that you must do the marketing yourself. If your social media following is large, it might not concern you. But for me, Redbubble has lost one of its advantages. Since you can now expect that the people ending up on your Redbubble store will get there via the links you share, you should be able to make an educated guess on how much you can earn based on the size of your audience.

But that’s the same with any platform, even more so if you sell via your homepage. Eventually, it’s all about finding ways to direct potential customers to our art.

Cons

There are several reasons for not using one of the global art marketplaces, and I will share a few with you. Some are specific to Redbubble, and some apply to any comparable platform.

Above, I mentioned that using Redbubble is free until you make a sale. The only cost you had to pay in the past was for printing and delivery. The margin you set up would end up in your pocket minus the taxes you must pay. This has changed: Redbubble has introduced different account tiers. There’s now a standard, premium, and pro account. And it’s not up to you to choose. Redbubble decides based on your performance and when you sign-up with Redbubble, you don’t know what you get.

I was placed in the premium category once this change was introduced. Hence, I continue to use Redbubble as before. But if you end up in the standard tier, you will pay a fee to Redbubble for the sales you make. This fee gets deducted from your earnings. Redbubble is still free, and you will not have to pay for using it. But you better increase your margins if you end up in the standard tier to compensate for this fee. And that’s the thing with using such platforms: You are subject to whatever policy and price changes they introduce. You don’t have control over your storefront.

Another aspect that you might not like with platforms like Redbubble is the limited branding possibility. Your storefront on Redbubble looks like any other. You can add a header, a logo, and custom titles and text. But it’s not the same as having a homepage.  If you want to build long-lasting customer relationships, possibly conducting business with them several times, a generic platform like Redbubble is not the right place for you.

It’s also not the right place to brand your work as fine art. That’s because of all the other types of products on the platform and the limited ways to brand your work. Redbubble targets the masses, which makes it hard to use for fine art.

Conclusion

You’ve now heard some pros and cons of using a global art marketplace like Redbubble. To get started selling prints as a hobbyist photographer, it’s a viable option. I wouldn’t have used them for so long if I didn’t think so. But due to recent changes on the platform and the decline of my sales via the marketplace, I started to move on. I want to offer my customers a more premium and fully branded experience when buying prints.  There are again several ways to do this, some relatively simple with monthly costs of up to $50, others much cheaper but involving a lot more work to set up and maintain. 

In part two of this series, I will share the option I selected for my homepage and what’s required to set up a professional store.

Join Us for a Colossal Workshop on Crafting Paper Entomology Displays with Guardabosques

Join Us for a Colossal Workshop on Crafting Paper Entomology Displays with Guardabosques

All images © Guardabosques, shared with permission

We’re thrilled that artists Caro Silvero and Juan Elizalde of Guardabosques (previously) will be joining us this August for a papercraft workshop. The Buenos Aires-based pair will show students how to create the entomological display shown above using new templates designed specifically for Colossal. Grab your scissors and glue, and watch butterflies and beetles come to life during the 1.5-hour virtual session.

Register here, and if you’re a Colossal Member, be sure to use the code in your account for $10 off. Ten percent of proceeds from this workshop will be donated to the Center for Biological Diversity.

 

A detail shot of a paper entomology display of butterflies, moths, and beetles

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Join Us for a Colossal Workshop on Crafting Paper Entomology Displays with Guardabosques appeared first on Colossal.

It’s Time To Center Indigenous Voices

It’s Time To Center Indigenous Voices

When we relaunched HuffPost Voices about a year ago, I felt exhilarated about a whole site dedicated to the experiences, struggles and joys of structurally marginalized people. And because many of us occupy more than one space, we wanted to emphasize intersectionality. Today, Voices is bursting at the seams with nuanced stories about everything from how anti-LGBTQ+ policies affect us to accurate racial representation on shows we love (or love to hate).

Voices is a place where you can connect with your most genuine self, where the cultural stories you consume come thoughtfully from people within the community. That should be the standard, and we’re hoping to set it.

Another intention that guides us at Voices is to give you important stories that don’t exist anywhere else (I mean, other than TikTok). That was the impetus for launching our new Indigenous Voices section. Much of the journalism regarding what it means to be Indigenous today is all too reductive, relying on tropes or tragedy. And while you better believe we will address the historical and persisting attempts at erasure of Indigenous people, there’s also a lot of joy — an act of resistance in itself — that the world needs to see.

Our stories will examine the complexities that tribal communities and those with Indigenous backgrounds experience today, while reflecting on what it means to survive and thrive in this cultural, geographical and inherently political identity. We’ve been dropping some jewels along the way, and I’m thrilled to announce the (ethically sourced) diamond in our crown: a stunning photo essay, coming next week, exploring the impact of “Reservation Dogs,” the first ever Indigenous-led series to grace our screens. The show, centering the experiences of four Native teens in Muscogee Nation, is both sharp and illuminating, full of the authenticity that only an all-Indigenous cast and writers room can bring.

Our essay, featuring photos by Jonathan Blaustein and words by Indigenous writer Chyana Marie Sage, reveals tender, behind-the-scenes moments and draws on exclusive interviews from two of the leading actors, Devery Jacobs and D’Pharoah Woon-A-Tai. Remember their names; they’re well on their way to becoming huge stars.

Much of the journalism regarding what it means to be Indigenous today is all too reductive, relying on tropes or tragedy.

Sage, who is writing a memoir about growing up Cree in Canada, calls the show a win for everyone in the diaspora. “Speaking with Devery and D’Pharoah, and listening to their perspectives and stories — we had so many similarities,” she tells me. “There are so many common threads among us Indigenous people, no matter what nation we are from. We just understand each other’s struggles, joys, and the passion for representation.”

And that’s the whole point of Voices as a unique online space: Here, we as people of color and queer people can feel seen, rather than gazed upon. It’s your favorite group chat brought to life, with people you trust engaging in discussions that matter to you right now. On Indigenous Voices, you’ll hear from Native organizers, artists, chefs, actors and researchers of all ages and gender expressions.

In the stories that we’ll publish in the coming weeks and beyond, we’ll lean into what the future holds in these communities, and look at the evolving concept of sovereignty through the eyes of young activists. To stay updated, check out our Indigenous Voices home and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Above all, the stories you’ll find in Indigenous Voices upend the concept of assimilation. This rich culture is an absolute flex, and we’ll remind you of that every single day. As Sage aptly put it to me: “Amidst all the adversity that has been stacked against us, we are still here, and we are vibrant and thriving.”

Voices Director Raj Punjabi and Cree journalist Chyana Marie Sage.

Voices Director Raj Punjabi and Cree journalist Chyana Marie Sage.
Photos: Damon Sheleur / Chyana Marie Sage

FX is the launch sponsor of Indigenous Voices. The editorial product was developed and created independently by HuffPost’s editorial team, with no input from the sponsor.

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That’s Edutainment!!! The 2023 Pageant of the Masters ‘Art Colony’ at Laguna Beach Festival of Arts Now Through September 1, 2023

That’s Edutainment!!! The 2023 Pageant of the Masters ‘Art Colony’ at Laguna Beach Festival of Arts Now Through September 1, 2023

Kiss the Hand during the Pageant.

July 10, 2023

By Lydia E. Ringwald

Now celebrating its 90th year, the internationally lauded Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach, is unique as a both educational and entertaining theatrical production.

Living tableaux renditions of artworks, intermingled with live performances, historical photographs and a narrative with insights into the artworks and lives of artists and  are bound together into multi-media production with original music arrangements and rich sound of a full orchestra.

This theme for this year’s Pageant is ‘Art Colony: In the Company of Artists’ explores the memorable stories of artists from various historical time periods, who supported each other and often collaborated together to forge their new vision into an art movement.

The show opens highlighting artworks of the entourage of Impressionist painters including Claude Monet, Eduard Manet and August Renoir who introduced an ‘impressionist’ vision of shimmering natural color and light.

The enchanting narrative then references the Renaissance, one of the greatest and most profound collaboration of artists in the art history of the Western world that includes tableaux of Michelangelo’s famous ‘Pieta’ sculpture, along with the glazed terra cotta ‘Annunciation’ by Luca della Robbia and the enchanting decorative bejeweled ‘Salt Cellar’ by Benvenuto Cellini.

The story continues on an Artist’s Journey featuring the striking paintings of John Singer Sargent and artistic collaborations of artists at the Academie Julian in Paris, then makes a transition to New York City exploring artists John Sloan, George Benjamin Luks in the “Ashcan School’ whose gritty images explore the street life of the common working people.

Artworks referencing the art colony at Taos, New Mexico include tableaux of Zuni Kachina sculptures, the votive artwork of the native American people the artwork of the native people that inspired the paintings of artists who traveled to Taos and founded art colonies there.

The entourage of artists of the Belle Epoque surrounding Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec includes live dancers and singers, the Denizens of the Demimonde’ of Moulin Rouge‘ that inspired Toulouse-Lautrec’s iconic master works and Loie Fuller, dancing in ecstasy in flowing diaphanous gowns.

Contemporary artistic collaborations explore the artists of the Harlem Renaissance and visit East L.A.’s Chicano Art community with a final highlight featuring the art colony in Laguna Beach, with its beautiful coastline that has attracted artists over the generations from the original plein-air painters, then later in time into the 1960s to highlight the art of respected Laguna Beach artist, Roger Kuntz.

Tickets to this stunning show are available at Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters www.foapom.com with entry that includes an opportunity to wander through the Festival of Arts to view art before the 8:30 pm show in the amphitheater begins.

Visit the art show

Artists in the Festival each offer their individual unique aesthetic. A few highlights include the intriguing iconographic paintings of Judith Haron and Wendy Wirth’s shimmering oceanscapes and dusky, fragrant desertscapes.

Cheryl Walsh.

When wandering through the amazing ‘maze’ of artists booths, also visit Michael Situ, who paints his illuminating landscapes and seascapes on location. You may also find him with paint and pallet at his booth in the Festival of Arts.

Be amazed by Jilly Maytorena’s unique combination of embroidery on canvas and Cheryl Walsh’s underwater photography exploring the mythology of mermaids.

In 30 minute sessions, Artist/photographer Cheryl Walsh captures her models in the undulating watery depths flaunting flowing diaphanous gowns and flashing sleek fishtails, suspended in beauty for an evanescent and magical moment in time.

Wendy Wirth.

The Pageant and Festival of Arts also offers an opportunity for families to enjoy and share art together for the entire summer season.

Click the Festival of Arts for a schedule of live performances on the Festival grounds stage and an array of art classes and workshops for both children and adults, all included with an entry ticket to the Festival of Arts.

Enjoy the ambiance and bring a picnic at the lovely Festival of Arts tables that surround the stage area and savor a glass of wine while listening to live jazz, blues and soft rock.

Education and Entertainment.   That’s Edutainment!!

The Pageant of the Masters and the Festival of the Arts offers art patrons opportunities to indulge in a pleasurable and delightful learning experience, where learning itself is a delight and where education and entertainment merge into the thrilling feeling of enlightenment.

A ticket to the Pageant also includs entry to the Festival of Arts. Or purchase a summer pass to the Festival for repeated visits to enjoy concerts and complimentary art classes throughout the summer season.

“That’s Edutainment”!!!

The Photo Studio 308 Introduces Professional Photography Services To Meet The Diverse Needs Of The Customers

The Photo Studio 308 Introduces Professional Photography Services To Meet The Diverse Needs Of The Customers
Photo Studio 308 Headshot Photography

Photo Studio 308 Headshot Photography

Photo Studio 308 Engagement Photographer NYC

Photo Studio 308 Engagement Photographer NYC

Photo Studio 308 Affordable Wedding Photographer NYC

Photo Studio 308 Affordable Wedding Photographer NYC

Discover the Versatility of The Photo Studio 308: Professional Photography Services Tailored to Meet Your Diverse Needs

NEW YORK, NEW YORK, UNITED STATED, July 10, 2023/EINPresswire.com/ — The Photo Studio 308, a leading provider of professional photography and studio rental services, is delighted to announce the launch of its innovative and creative solutions for individuals and businesses in need of captivating visual content. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for storytelling through imagery, The Studio offers a comprehensive range of services that cater to diverse needs, ensuring remarkable results every time.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the demand for high-quality visuals has never been more critical. Whether it’s showcasing products, capturing memorable events, or expressing personal narratives, The Photo Studio 308 empowers clients with the ability to transform ideas into stunning visuals that leave a lasting impression. Through a combination of cutting-edge equipment, artistic vision, and technical expertise, The Studio elevates the art of photography to new heights. It also offers top-notch studio rental services to cater to the exact needs of the customers.

The Photo Studio 308 has recently introduced a wide range of affordable photography services including engagement photography, wedding photography, headshot photography and much more. At the heart of The Studio’s success is a team of exceptionally talented photographers, each with their unique artistic style and a wealth of experience in various genres. With an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, The Studio ensures that each client’s vision is understood and executed flawlessly. The Affordable Wedding Photographer NYC will carefully understand the exact needs of the customers and offer them the required services as per their needs.

From fashion and portraiture to commercial and lifestyle photography, The Studio offers a versatile range of services that cater to a broad spectrum of needs. The photographers are highly experienced at headshot photography. These headshot photographs can give online business an excellent boost. The photographers also make use of high quality lenses and equipment to ensure that the headshot stands out on the online business page of the company. The headshots are also clicked as per the exact requirements of the customers. The Photo Studio 308 are also equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for the best interest of the customers.

The Photo Studio 308 sets itself apart by not only delivering exceptional photography services but also by providing a seamless and enjoyable experience for clients. From the moment a project is initiated to the final delivery of the finished product, The Studio places great emphasis on professionalism, open communication, and attention to detail. Clients can expect a collaborative approach, where their ideas are valued, and their vision is translated into captivating visuals that align with their objectives. The Photo Studio 308 also offers T-Shirt printing services to the customers. The Engagement Photographer NYC is highly experienced and will offer the customers with top-notch services as per requirements.

In addition to its commitment to excellence, The Studio also recognizes the importance of keeping pace with technological advancements in the field of photography. By investing in state-of-the-art equipment and staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends, The Studio ensures that clients benefit from cutting-edge techniques and solutions. From high-resolution imagery to post-production editing and retouching, The Photo Studio 308 employs the most advanced tools to deliver remarkable results that stand out in a visually saturated world.

To learn more about The Studio and its range of professional photography services, please visit the website.

About The Photo Studio 308:

The Photo Studio 308 is a premier destination for professional photography services, specializing in a wide range of genres including fashion, portraiture, commercial, and lifestyle photography. With a team of highly skilled photographers and a commitment to excellence, The Studio provides clients with visually striking imagery that exceeds expectations. From concept development to the final product, The Studio offers a seamless and collaborative experience, ensuring outstanding results tailored to each client’s unique vision.

Carlos Betancur
Carlos Kremmer
+1 347-618-1852
booking@photostudio308.com
Visit us on social media:
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Photo Studio 308 Affordable Wedding Photographer NYC Polaroid Photo Booth

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Understanding the power of composition in photography

Understanding the power of composition in photography

“Composition is the bedrock on which all great photographs are built,” said Alex Kilbee in his video above. However, he also acknowledged that it can be extremely confusing, especially for beginners. So, whether you’re new to photography or want to take things a notch up, he offers easy and understandable tips to help you get there.

First, Kilbee explains that composition in photography has actually evolved over the centuries due to all the rules, ideas, and formulas built up over time. However, many photography educators tend to use these to show how much they know. As a result, learners get confused instead of understanding what makes a harmonious and well-composed image.

Instead of looking at photography composition as a set of rules that must be followed, he suggests taking it as a toolbox with various tools that you can use based on the scene before you. How would you use these tools to capture a subject or scene to portray it the way you want it?

That said, how do you know if you have a well-composed image? For Kilbee, the best composition is the one that feels right. As such, you have to practice trusting your gut when it comes to approaching photography composition. That also means breaking the rules if you have to — just make sure you’re intentional about it. “Break them with conviction,” as he aptly said.

Do you agree with Kilbee’s point of view about photography composition? Do you have you have your own views about the topic? Share your insights with us in the comments below, or in our group discussions if you’re already part of the Photofocus Community!

Jonathan Bayer obituary

Jonathan Bayer obituary
image

My friend Jonathan Bayer, who has died aged 87, was both a noted photographer and a writer on photography. His work, like him, was droll, watchful and kind.

His gelatine silver print Arthur, Arthur (1956), in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, shows a large praying mantis clinging to net curtains. Although it suggests the inevitable triumph of nature over man, the image’s mood is curious rather than fearful. So, too, with Jonathan’s later work – Trees and Pram in Park (circa 1977, part of the Government Art Collection), and the elegiac Thames landscapes in the book Eye on the Estuary (2000) are meditations on fading worlds.

Jonathan’s background shaped his eye. When I met him a decade ago over a board lunch at a London prison, Jonathan asked what I did in (his term) “real life”. I answered that I was writing a book on the Bauhaus, patiently explaining that it had been a German art school. His answer – “Yes, my father was at the Bauhaus” – took me aback, as did his gentle admission that that father had been Herbert Bayer, head of printing at the school and inventor of its celebrated typefaces.

Herbert was, in fact, Jonathan’s stepfather, having married his mother, Joella (nee Haweis), after she divorced Jonathan’s father, Julien Levy. Joella was the daughter of the poet and notorious bohemian Mina Loy; Julien was also of the avant-garde aristocracy. It was his New York gallery that had brought Paris to the US in the 1930s, in the form of Surrealists such as René Magritte and Max Ernst, drawn to the French capital. Jonathan spent his infancy dandled on their knees.

In 1946 the Bayers moved to Aspen, Colorado, taking the 10-year-old Jonathan with them. There he was sent to the progressive Fountain Valley school, where he studied alongside Matisse’s grandson. After that he went to Harvard, and then to a PhD in international relations at the University of Pennsylvania. Finding life at the Washington office of the European Coal and Steel Community dull, he moved to London in 1972 to pursue a more congenial career as a photographer.

In 1987 Jonathan co-founded the cooperative London Independent Photography group. He also began to paint, showing at the Morley Gallery – sophisticated works with echoes of his stepfather’s Bauhaus friends Josef Albers and Paul Klee.

Paintings by these two also hung in his south London flat, where he entertained with the mid-Atlantic courtliness of one of the nicer characters from Henry James. Jonathan was a great laugher, and provoker of laughter; his lamb hotchpotch was memorable.

In 2013, he married his longtime partner, Miranda Townsend, who survives him.