Photographer earns national, international awards

By in Photography

Photographer earns national, international awards

Bryan Putnam of Art Sublimina Photography recently announced his photography has been recognized with national and international awards.

Putnam’s photograph Dandelion Head has been included in The 2023 Audubon Photography Awards: Top 100, according to a news release. The photo of a juvenile green heron ranked No. 38 on the list. In addition, he has been named 2023 Cape Fear Living Magazine’s Photographer of the Year. To round out these achievements, three of his photographs have been selected as finalists in the Bird Photographer of the Year 2023 competition.

Putnam (pictured at right), a North Carolina native, lives in Wilmington.

“Growing up, he was always fascinated with art, wildlife, and composition. His eye was always taking in lines and color and seeing arrangements and connections,” the release stated. “He is utterly fascinated with the interconnectedness of all things and how he, we, fit into it.”
 
The 2023 Audubon Photography Awards received almost 9,000 photographs from more than 2,200 individuals from the United States and Canada, according to the release. Audubon recognizes photographers in categories such as amateur, professional, youth, plants for birds, female birds, video, the Fisher Prize to the photograph with the highest score in originality and artistic merit, and a grand prize.

“One of my favorite experiences in my time as a photographer was spending time with two fledgling green herons on Greenfield Lake last summer,” Putnam said in the release. “This moment was magical for me, and ultimately, I was witness to this beauty flying away from the nest for the first time to a nearby tree. The experience is what these photos are all about.”

According to the release, Cape Fear Living holds an annual photography contest that looks for the best photographs and photographers that capture the Coastal Cape Fear Region. The juror and editor-in-chief chose photographs based on beauty and composition and selections came down to the photographer’s unique perspective and diversity in approach, the release stated. 

An Instant Film Fest Returns to DFW for a Weekend of Walks, Photography, and Local Music

By in Photography

An Instant Film Fest Returns to DFW for a Weekend of Walks, Photography, and Local Music
imageimage
Courtesy of Polacon
Courtesy of Polacon

As society creeps ever closer to virtual reality, digital-first doctrines, and artificially intelligent technology, it’s nice to go back to analog. Enter the Instant Film Society’s Polacon, an instant film convention that returns to DFW—Dallas and Denton, namely—for its biggest iteration yet.

Instant Film Society co-founder, Daniel Rodrigue, organized this year’s Polacon (September 29–October 1) and crammed it with events for three, nay, four days if you include Day Zero. Attendees will partake in a series of “PolaWalks,” which is to say photo walks with the PolaCon crew, panels with Q&As, meet-ups for like-minded instant film fans, live music by local bands such as, oh the Polyphonic Spree, workshops, plus much more.

Rodrigue, who founded the film society in 2012 alongside photographer Justin Goode, launched a version of Polacon that same year. It all started with a group walk. Local instant film enthusiasts, Rodrigue and Goode included, snapped photos during the State Fair of Texas.

“People were kind of organically doing other stuff, like meeting at somebody’s studio and doing photo shoots.”

“By 2013, people were coming in from out of town—like a group of about five or six from LA,” says Rodrigue. A year later, “people were kind of organically doing other stuff, like meeting at somebody’s studio and doing photo shoots.” The popularity within this community continued to grow with each year, sparking the official launch of Polacon in Denton come 2016.

As a Denton resident and University of North Texas alum, Rodrigue has spent many years covering the city’s local art and music scene. He chose to launch Polacon in Denton–as opposed to artsy Dallas neighborhoods Deep Ellum, Bishop Arts, or the Design District–because he loves the walkability of the city. Walkability that, Rodrigue notes, allows for more optimal photography.

“When you’re walking through an area, you see things you could never see when you’re driving,” Rodrigue says. “You just notice things in a different way, and everything becomes a lot more photographable when you’re on foot.”

“You just notice things in a different way, and everything becomes a lot more photographable when you’re on foot.”

Polacon starts with a “day zero” PolaWalk that begins at Dallas’ Dealy Plaza on September 28. Snap the historical site then wrap up at a happy hour at the Texas Theatre. Friday begins at 10 in the morning for the famous State Fair of Texas PolaWalk, for which all cameras are welcome. Rodrigue, however, encourages participants to bring their Polaroid or Instax cameras. (Admission to the fair isn’t included.) Rodrigue prefers to stroll the State Fair during opening weekend since “the stuffed animals are freshly loaded and caramel apples look their best.”

Denton festivities will commence Friday night at Rubber Gloves Studios, as the Instant Film Society teams up with drag and burlesque collective WTFemme Productions for a special music and drag show called Double Exxposure. On the music stage will be Lorelei K, Caleb De Casper, Harley Deville, and Maple. Marie de Menthe, Azùcar, Jackie O’Nasty Graves, Siggy Sauer will be performing burlesque and drag numbers.

“Everyone loves instant film these days,” says Marie de Menthe, “and we are fortunate to have a beautiful audience for our shows. Sure, you can commemorate the evening with a picture and put it on the internet, and it lives forever, but why not in the tangible beauty and unique rawness of a Polaroid?”

Throughout the night, photographers are encouraged to snap pictures and submit their best shot from the first day of the convention.

“I’ve been drawn to this event because instant film and burlesque go hand in hand,” says Siggy Sauer. “It keeps the vintage aspect alive while also being one of the most personal mementos you can get from a dancer.”

On Saturday, guests reconvene at Rubber Gloves during the day for the Zines & Things swap meet. As its name suggests, attendees will have the opportunity to sell and swap their photo books, zines, cyanotypes, original Polaroid and Instax images, as well as enlarged prints.

Polacon wraps on Sunday, once again at Rubber Gloves, with special performances by the Polyphonic Spree, who marks their return to Denton in over a decade, along with the all-women neo-psychedelic rock band, Pearl Earl. Ahead of the show, Pearl Earl’s Ariel Hartley teases an evening that will certainly be worth photographing.

“I hope from our performance you can expect a portal to another dimension open up,” says Hartley. “Expect to get groovy, maybe feel a little evil, maybe feel a little happy.”

Want more Thrillist? Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.

Alex Gonzalez is a Dallas-based writer who covers music, pop culture, arts, LGBTQ+ stories, and more.

Professional photographer presents on Cityscapes

By in Photography

Professional photographer presents on Cityscapes
cityscapes
New York City

Members of the Radford Photo Club will meet on Wednesday, Sept. 27, On at 6 p.m. at the Radford Public Library for a program about Cityscapes presented by Michele Borgarelli, an international award-winning photographer and a club member.

Borgarelli’s photography journey started when he received an Agfamatic 100 for his 10th birthday. “Since that time, I have been fascinated by photography and have been using Minolta, Polaroid, Rolleiflex, Pentax and Nikon cameras.” His photography interest is mainly focused on landscape, travel, street, and black and white photography.

Recently, he embraced the idea of Luigi Ghirri and Sebastiao Salgado: photography is a language through which stories can be told that can be understood by anybody. As such, Borgarelli’s work is now organized in projects aimed at telling different stories, sometimes with the same pictures.

“I do this by integrating the context of the photo itself in the new narrative I wish to portray with my own work. It is in this manner that new stories can emerge from the same images.”

The photo challenge for the September meeting is the recent club picnic. There is also an open category and a table for photos members would like to discuss.

The Radford Photo Club is made up of professional and amateur photographers from throughout the New River Valley. Meetings, events, and outings are open to the public. If you have questions about the club, email Lucy Gilmore at lucyg.gilmore@gmail.com or Michele Borgarelli at mborgarelli@gmail.com

11 Ways I Maintain Focus and Productivity as a Professional

By in Photography

11 Ways I Maintain Focus and Productivity as a Professional

Concentration and focus are among the most crucial skills to master as a freelancer and photographer. Being productive in your workspace is the key to gaining an edge over others when it comes to the basics. In this article, I have collected 11 of my best hacks for maintaining daily productivity.

1. Prioritize Planning and Organization

The first step toward leading a more productive lifestyle is effective planning and organization. This involves creating to-do lists, jotting down important tasks, and keeping a notebook. While I do keep some of my to-do items digitally, it is the act of physically writing things down that aids in better task recall. Consider investing in a quality Moleskine notebook, it will prove invaluable.

2. Master Time Management

It’s easy to get sidetracked and spend too much time on tasks you shouldn’t be doing. Personally, I sometimes procrastinate by tidying up or handling miscellaneous home errands. While taking breaks is important, knowing how to manage your working time versus your leisure time is crucial for efficiency. Remember, we all have the same 24 hours in a day; it’s up to you to manage your allotted time effectively.

3. Create an Inspiring Workspace

I place a high value on having an inspiring workspace. Your workspace should be functional and motivational. For me, this means working on a desktop setup rather than on a laptop. Although there are occasions when using a laptop is unavoidable, I always strive to work from my desktop setup instead of just using a laptop in bed or at a café. Additionally, surrounding yourself with small inspirational items, like an aroma lamp, can create a work-conducive environment every time you use it.

4. Set Clear Goals

You have numerous tasks to complete each day, and it’s impossible to accomplish everything in a single day. Knowing how to prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency is crucial for efficiency. Just because something is urgent doesn’t necessarily make it important, and vice versa. I categorize my to-do items into four categories: urgent and important, urgent and not important, not urgent but important, and not urgent and not important. I prioritize addressing urgent and important tasks first, which may include meeting image deadlines or working on an article.

5. Invest in Continuous Learning

Learning might not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering productivity, but it is closely linked. Photographers often fall into the trap of sticking with the same methods and techniques, both on and off set. While effective, this can hinder your personal development. A productive photographer continuously expands their knowledge as it exercises the brain.

6. Delegate and Outsource

You’re not a one-person operation. Chances are, you need an accountant to manage your business, at the very least. From there, consider hiring a retoucher or even finding a producer. Outsourcing allows you to focus on what’s truly important: your creativity. As an artist, free yourself from tasks that don’t inspire you; for me, that would be retouching.

7. Utilize Efficient Editing Techniques

Knowing how to edit your work efficiently saves time and strain on your eyes. I advocate using presets for this reason, but not just any presets—create your own. This greatly assists in developing your unique visual style. Embracing automation is also essential. I use a lot of Photoshop actions when I need to. As well as that, although I do use my own presets to edit images, I still go ahead and make adjustments unique to the specific image. I have learned which instrument does what, and this knowledge allows me to make beautiful edits in no time. I would strongly suggest learning and playing around with your editing software to really get a hang of what everything does and how they work in combination. 

8. Limit Distractions

Limiting distractions is self-evidently crucial for enhanced productivity. I’m easily distracted by things as significant as an email and as trivial as a fly on the wall. That’s one reason I use a monitor hood—it narrows my field of vision and helps me stay focused. Another helpful tactic is installing apps that block access to certain websites, such as Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. I personally use an app called SelfControl, available for free on the Mac App Store. Additionally, keeping your phone on silent and out of arm’s reach helps minimize distractions.

9. Embrace Automation

If you can’t outsource, automation is your next best option. There are solutions available that can sort through your photos, group them, and select the ones in focus, among other tasks. When I used to shoot events, I often relied on the auto-edit feature to process images more quickly. This is especially important when dealing with high volumes of work. Even if you primarily work in Photoshop, consider creating actions that save time on repetitive tasks. Another useful program is Retouch4Me, which offers AI-enabled presets for efficiently retouching multiple images at once.

10. Practice Self-Care

Taking care of yourself may not seem directly related to productivity, but it plays a significant role. Neglecting self-care can lead to fatigue, which hampers your ability to work efficiently. Taking time off, engaging in physical activities, or pursuing hobbies can help clear your mind and keep your mental engine running smoothly. In essence, regular maintenance for your brain is essential, so make self-care a priority.

11. Network and Collaborate

Networking is another point worth emphasizing. Knowing how to make efficient sales is a direct path to increasing profitability. Being an effective salesperson can attract higher-paying clients, allowing you to take on fewer assignments. Perhaps only three clients a month can meet your income targets. Productivity in this context involves being approachable, likable, and memorable.

Closing Remarks

These are my tips for becoming a more productive photographer. They have helped me establish a more efficient business model while working fewer hours and earning more. If you follow these tips, I believe you will see improvements in your life and a greater sense of efficiency. Have you found any productivity tips that have made a difference for you? Feel free to share them in the comments below!

Dana Claxton wins Audain Prize for Visual Art

By in Native

Dana Claxton wins Audain Prize for Visual Art

Multi-disciplinary artist’s practice “investigates Indigenous beauty, the body, the socio-political and the spiritual.”

Dana
Artist Dana Claxton at her North Vancouver home on Sept. 23. Photo by Jason Payne /PNG

Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.

Dana Claxton, a UBC professor and Indigenous multidisciplinary artist, has been awarded the 2023 Audain Prize for Visual Art, the top art award in B.C.

“Dana Claxton is one of B.C.’s greatest artists,” says Michael Audain, chairman of the Audain Foundation. “Besides having an outstanding international reputation, Ms. Claxton has had a considerable influence on younger artists and her UBC art students.”

Advertisement 2

Story continues below

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Claxton said she’s “in a daze” after receiving the award.

“I was surprised and elated,” said Claxton, who receives $100,000 from the foundation. “It’s a beautiful phone call to get. It makes me think about everybody who has lifted me up over the last 30 to 40 years. Everybody who I’ve worked with, their generosity and their creativity, the paths they were forging.”

Claxton is a multidisciplinary artist who works in film, video, photography, single/multi-channel video installation and performance art. She is also the department head of the department of art history, visual art and theory at the University of B.C.

Asked how she decides which art form to work in, she said “intuition, impulse and then research.”

“You see the image and then you’ve got to make it,” said Claxton, an Indigenous artist who is a member of the Wood Mountain Lakota First Nation in Saskatchewan. “I get inspired by everyday life, I get inspired by spiritual practices, my own Lakota culture. I’m inspired by reconciliation, I’m inspired by this complex history we all share, we live in a treaty country. There’s a lot to be inspired by. I’m inspired by the beauty of the natural world.”

Advertisement 3

Story continues below

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

She’s known for blending historical and contemporary themes in her art, “collapsing the historical, the ancient, the modern and the contemporary, and sometimes even the future.”

A good example is Buffalo Bone China, a multimedia work that includes a video showing scenes of buffalo galloping on the prairie, a bleached white bison skull and hands caressing china on a table.

Buffalo were slaughtered to near-extinction in the 19th century, literally killing off the food supply for Native people. Bizarrely, some of their bones were made into bone china in Britain.

“It’s incredible,” said Claxton. “While my own family was starving, the British were eating off the plates.”

buff
Buffalo Bone China, single channel video, broken china, stanchions, by Dana Claxton. PNG

Claxton’s ancestors came to Canada from the U.S. with Sitting Bull in 1877. Her family settled in the Wood Mountain reserve, which is in a beautiful region near Grasslands National Park in southwestern Saskatchewan.

The 64-year-old Claxton was born in Yorkton, Sask., grew up in Moose Jaw and moved to B.C. with her family when she was 11 years old. She credits her mother with her humanism and “teaching me how to see.”

Advertisement 4

Story continues below

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

“There was a fellow (in Moose Jaw) who was a street person, and he had no legs,” she recounts. “He travelled about downtown on his homemade board with wheels, and he always had his little black glove that was so worn out in front of him. My mom would give me money to go put in his glove.

“You can imagine, you’re four/five/six years old, and I was terrified of him, because he was different than me. But I always had to give him money. Through that he was humanized. I saw him as a human being, and I would look forward to my mom giving me 25 cents to go put in his glove. She taught me how to see people.”

She got her first camera at age 16, but she said it was her experience at Spirit Song, the Native theatre group in Vancouver, that really helped her find her path creatively.

“In the ’80s, it was this place where all urban Indians who were creative went to,” she said. “We got theatre training, dance and music and script writing. I wrote my first script there, the Red Paper, which is referencing the White Paper, (Pierre) Trudeau’s White Paper (on Native people). I made it into an experimental film, and never stopped from there.”

Advertisement 5

Story continues below

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

She hasn’t — her latest project is writing a script for a feature film with actor Sam Bob and Courtenay Crane.

“It’s a Vancouver story, and it’s wicked,” she said. “A beautiful Vancouver story from the mid-1970s of a young Salish man.”

  1. Cultural Belongings, LED firebox with transmounted chromogenic transparency, 2016, by Dana Claxton.

    Dana Claxton uses beauty to tell difficult truths about colonialism


  2. There is an unusual sight on South Granville on the west side of the 3000 block. Hanging in the front window of Winsor Gallery is a print of an Indian on a horse.

jmackie@postmedia.com

clax
Headdress, Duratran print in light box, by Dana Claxton. PNG
horse
Baby Boyz Gotta Indian Horse, by Dana Claxton. Photo by Handout /Vancouver Sun
mustang
Daddy’s Gotta New Ride, by Dana Claxton. Photo by Handout /Vancouver Sun
dance
Cultural Belongings, LED firebox with trans-mounted chromogenic transparency, by Dana Claxton. PNG
clax 2
Artist Dana Claxton at her North Vancouver home on Sept. 23. Photo by Jason Payne /PNG

Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don’t miss the news you need to know — add VancouverSun.com and TheProvince.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here.

You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber: For just $14 a month, you can get unlimited, ad-lite get unlimited, ad-lite access to The Vancouver Sun, The Province, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Vancouver Sun | The Province.

Comments

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. We have enabled email notifications—you will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings.

Join the Conversation

Sculpture at Brooklyn Borough Hall looks different from all angles

By in Sculpture

Sculpture at Brooklyn Borough Hall looks different from all angles
DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — The sculpture “Beacon, 2019” by Michael Alfano has been intriguing people walking by Brooklyn Borough Hall’s east courtyard since it was installed there in early August. The bronze and aluminum artwork takes on a different aspect depending upon the angle of view.  On his website, Alfano describes the piece as “the profile […]
«< 29 30 31 32 33 >»