As an innovator of fashion photography, Gian Paolo Barbieri’s various approaches and techniques helped to shape modern fashion photography.

Just as there was a reawakening of Italian fashion design, Barbieri made a point of becoming a friend of the designers. By befriending and eventually understanding their style and design, Barbieri was able to become a champion of the new era of Italian fashion and costume designers.

In doing so, Barbieri was able to be a driver of this reawakening of Italian fashion popularity.

Barbieri also helped to move fashion photography out of the catalogue by using innovative set design and styling. eclectic outdoor set design in exotic locations.

For Barbieri, fashion photography without art is empty, and so, he drew on his deep knowledge to enrich his shoots with references to art history.

Barbieri also relied on cinematic grandeur to help his images stand out. Not just replicating ideas, but shooting in a way to expand the conversation.

If you’re in the neighborhood, you can see Barbieri’s newest exhibit at House of Louvre Ostuni, in Ostuni, Italy. The exhibit is showing off many masterworks by Barbieri, as well as some previously unpublished photographs dating back to the 1960s.

All images used with permission.

Dr. Yitzhak Yifat, one of the three Israeli paratroopers seen in the 1967 photo of soldiers at the Western Wall, an iconic image of the Six-Day War, died on Saturday at the age of 81. Popularly dubbed “The Crying Paratroopers,” even though no one in it is crying, the photo became one of the most famous in Israeli history.

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Understanding the mechanics of a camera can be comforting. You set things up, press a button, and voilà, you get a photograph. However, there’s more to it than just pressing a button.

Coming to you from Alex Kilbee of The Photographic Eye, this thought-provoking video explores why pressing the shutter can cause so much anxiety. Kilbee starts by reminiscing about his first camera, a toy model. As a kid, he didn’t care about the technicalities. He just snapped pictures of friends without a second thought. This carefree approach changed as he learned more about photography. The more he learned, the more anxious he became.

Kilbee highlights the technical focus during his first year at photo school. It was all about film processing, image printing, and understanding apertures and shutter speeds. This technical knowledge felt safe and replicable. You follow steps and get predictable results, much like building a LEGO set with instructions. But this safety net of technicality also brought anxiety. Straying from the formula meant opening up to criticism.

Ansel Adams once said you don’t make a photograph just with a camera. You bring all your life experiences into it. Kilbee struggled with this idea. He wanted his photos to be edgy and cool but lacked the confidence to explore creatively. A specific assignment at photo school, shooting a still life, highlighted this struggle. His technically perfect photo was likened to a picture from a mundane magazine, which he found disheartening. This incident made him realize that technical proficiency alone wasn’t enough.

Kilbee’s journey toward embracing creativity took a turn when he discovered the Holga camera. A friend introduced him to this simple, plastic camera that stripped away all the technical concerns. It had basic settings and was all about capturing the essence of a moment. This experience was liberating, allowing him to focus on seeing the world differently and creating unique images.

Reflecting on his experiences, Kilbee found that overthinking technical perfection often overshadowed creativity. This realization was a turning point. He started incorporating his personal experiences and interests into his photography. This blend of technical skills and creative expression led to more fulfilling work.

Kilbee advises embracing both technical and creative aspects. Some of his photography, like portrait work, leans on technical precision. Other times, he lets go of technicalities to explore creativity, such as with his iPhone photography. This balance helps quiet the anxiety that comes with pressing the shutter and allows for a richer photographic journey. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Kilbee.

Thames & Hudson continues to make photography books more accessible by adding to its Photofile range.

This lineup of books showcases some of the finest photography from some of the best photographers of all time, all in an affordable and pocket-sized format. Each book provides a fantastic overview of the titular photographer’s work, and an insight into their practice via a detailed foreword. 

The award-winning photography book series already hosts an impressive list of photographers such as Sebastião Salgado, Helmut Newton, Gordon Parks, Don McCullin and Sophie Calle – and now comes the addition of Mary Ellen Mark.

Mary Ellen Mark was no doubt a divisive figure in the world of photography, but it cannot be understated that she left her mark on the medium.

As expressed in the book’s critical introduction, written by Caroline Bénichou, Mark’s work is often difficult to categorize, falling into the genres of reportage, documentary, and portraiture. 

But the one thing consistent in all her work is her ability to capture the human condition, capturing an empathetic bond between subject and viewer.

The 144-page ‘mini monograph’ includes images from Mark’s life’s work, including her celebrated series Ward 81, Falkland Road, Indian Circus and American Odyssey, as well as individual shots from her career not associated with a certain project.

Although the social context surrounding her subjects changes, Mark’s ability to capture each with an intimate and humane approach provides the viewer with greater insight and connection to them. Whether shots from a Hollywood set or an Indian circus, Mark transports you into the scene – and the Photofile book is a brilliant introduction to her work.

Mary Ellen Mark by Caroline Bénichou and published by Thames & Hudson is now available to order in the UK for £12.99. The US and Australian release date is yet to be confirmed.

You may also be interested in our guides to the best books on photography, the best coffee table books, and the best books on portraits.  

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The latest iPhones from Apple are set to redefine the boundaries of smartphone photography. Previous models introduced varying camera capabilities, with the larger iPhone offering a superior telephoto zoom. However, the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will both feature a 5x zoom equivalent, providing users with unmatched versatility.

Apple has responded to concerns about the differing camera specifications in previous models, stating that size constraints limited the capabilities of the smaller device. With the new Pro models expected to be slightly larger, Apple now has the opportunity to enhance both devices with the advanced 5x zoom technology.

Reports suggest that Apple will integrate periscope lenses into the new iPhone lineup, with suppliers gearing up to deliver cutting-edge components for the devices. The inclusion of the tetraprism, Apple’s unique periscope lens design, will further solidify the company’s commitment to innovation and superior quality.

While rumors are rife about the upcoming iPhone 17 models, industry experts predict that Apple’s focus on camera uniformity and advanced features will set a new standard in the smartphone market. The decision to equip both the Pro and Pro Max versions with a 5x zoom is a strategic move that resonates with consumer expectations and positions Apple as a leader in smartphone photography technology.

Apple’s New iPhone 17 Models to Revolutionize Smartphone Photography

The anticipation surrounding Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 models is reaching its peak, with new details emerging that promise to revolutionize smartphone photography. While the previous article highlighted the advancements in camera capabilities, there are additional facts that shed light on the innovative features consumers can expect from the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

What are the key enhancements in the iPhone 17 models that set them apart from their predecessors?

One of the key enhancements in the new iPhone 17 models is the introduction of sensor-shift image stabilization technology. This cutting-edge feature, previously seen in professional cameras, aims to minimize blur and improve image quality, especially in low-light conditions. This addition is poised to elevate the photography experience for users who rely on their smartphones to capture important moments.

What challenges or controversies are associated with the introduction of advanced camera technology in smartphones?

One of the challenges that smartphone manufacturers face when integrating advanced camera technology is striking a balance between enhanced features and maintaining a sleek design. As the demand for better camera performance grows, manufacturers must navigate the complexities of incorporating advanced lenses and sensors without compromising the overall aesthetics of the device. Controversies may arise if consumers feel that the focus on camera improvements comes at the expense of other essential features or results in a bulky device.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the new 5x zoom equivalent in the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max?

The 5x zoom equivalent in the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max presents several advantages, including the ability to capture detailed shots from a distance and enhanced versatility for different photography styles. Users can expect sharper images with greater clarity, especially when zooming in on subjects without sacrificing image quality. However, the increased zoom capabilities may also lead to challenges such as potential loss of image sharpness at maximum zoom levels and the need for steady hands or additional accessories to ensure stable shots.

Overall, the upcoming iPhone 17 models are poised to set a new benchmark in smartphone photography, with features that cater to the demands of both casual users and photography enthusiasts. Apple’s commitment to innovation and quality is evident in the incorporation of advanced technologies that promise to deliver exceptional imaging capabilities to users.

For more information on Apple’s latest developments in smartphone photography technology, visit Apple’s official website.

I’m a relatively late adopter of iPhone photography. I have a camera with lenses and processing skills as a professional photographer over 25 years. Why would I use a smartphone? Here’s why. I’m finding more and more that the capabilities working their way into these devices make it harder to not add it to my toolbox.

Night sky photography

While out with my students under the Milky Way-laden sky in Sedona, Arizona, it was time to try out the relatively new phone. As part of a Platypod Pro project showing how the new Platypod Grip works I upgraded to the iPhone 15 Pro. I created some images for that project and started to realize the capabilities of these capture devices.

The challenge was to see how this kit worked in making a Milky Way image. I have to say, pretty amazing! You need to make the camera be perfectly steady. Then, when invoking the “Night Mode” you can extend the time which the shutter is open, which, of course, opens new possibilities of subject capture.

iPhone 15 Pro settings

With the camera steady and Night Mode selected, the settings for these captures was 10 sec at ISO 5000 with an aperture of f/1.8. I was pretty taken aback with the quality of the image appearing magically on the scene. Make sure you do some research as you play with this technique. You’ll want to make sure the flash is turned off and you are capturing in the RAW format. This will give you a bit more latitude for post processing to bring out the best of the image. I found I needed to open the shadows a little along with massaging the highlights.

Gear

Obviously, the smartphone is a big part of this story. But the smartphone needs to be supported. Larry Tiefenbrunn from Platypod designed the Grip phone support. There are a number of phone holders on the market but Larry made this one specifically for photographers. It holds even the largest phone, a single twist of a lever enables easy positioning. It also folds down to a small form when not in use. I added a Platypod eXtreme base and a couple Platypod Handles. This is a support package that is light and packs into a very small form. And, I can’t not mention the iPhone 15 Pro. I often use this same support set up using a ball head for my camera. This is when I want a secondary camera support or don’t wish to haul a tripod at all.

Thoughts

Would I replace my OM 1 camera with a phone? Oh, heck no! BUT, the quote “The best camera is the one you have with you” has been attributed to several photographers. It’s not far off the mark. My phone is in a holster by my side almost all the time. This means I now have a pretty capable camera with me. And, I’m learning to use and trust it. Makes grabbing those serendipitous images that might have escaped me in the past much more likely.

Interested in learning more about night sky photography? I do workshops in the beautiful red rock country of Sedona, Arizona. You can learn more here.

Yours in Creative Photography,

Bob