These Lightroom Presets are Exactly What Photographers Need

These Lightroom Presets are Exactly What Photographers Need
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Event photographers are going to love this! With the Phoblographer’s presets, you can speed up how you work in Lightroom. You folks asked for them, and now you’ve got them! Over the years, the Phoblographer’s staffers have tested various cameras and lenses as well as film emulsions. So we decided to make Lightroom presets that look like the classic film look that you’d see in magazines. In fact, we based it off of old-school photojournalism. That’s what we named them for; and we think they’re some of the best lightroom presets that you’ll get your hands on. This article gives you visual examples of all 20 presets in our Photojournalism Presets Pack, as applied to various portraits we’ve taken over the years. And if you want, you can purchase them right here at our store.

The Phoblographer has a large database of portraits that we’ve shot over the years. So we’ve tested these presets on Canon, Nikon, Sony, Leica, Panasonic Lumix, Olympus, OM System, and Fujifilm RAW files. No matter what camera you own, you’re probably going to like these Lightroom presets.

Why Buy These Lightroom Presets

A total of 20 different presets make up our first Presets Pack. Ten of these are color-based and the remaining 10 are focused on black and white results. We developed these to ensure the results don’t overlap between presets, and keeping in mind that they are meant to help you edit with ease. Some of these are Adaptive presets, meaning they scan your photos for faces and skies and skilfully apply edit masks only to those areas. They were developed by us on Adobe Lightroom Classic and you can even adjust the intensity of the presets using the Amount slider in the Develop module

For those of you who’d like to use these presets on the go, we have good news for you. You can even upload these presets to Adobe Lightroom (formerly known as Lightroom Mobile), to be able to use them on your mobile devices.

Color Presets

Use the sliders below to see the effects of each preset on the portrait.

PJ 01 – HKG
PJ 02 – Warm Bazaar
PJ 03 – Bright Street Sights
PJ 04 – LA Sunset
PJ 05 – Dark Moody Blues
PJ 06 – Pastel Sunrise
PJ 07 – Color Blast
PJ 08 – A Hazy Awakening
PJ 09 – Vintage NYC Autumn
PJ 10 – Purple Heart

Black And White

PJ 11 – Monsoon Masala
PJ 12 – Monochrome Lights
PJ 13 – Your Parents’ Albums
PJ 14 – Open Your Eyes Tomorrow
PJ 15 – Find Me I’m Lost
PJ 16 – Silver Sparks
PJ 17 – Gritty Max
PJ 18 – Love The Back Alleys
PJ 19 – ND Sky Monochrome
PJ 20 – Portrait Pop

These are available for purchase right now. You can buy the color or monochrome sets separately or buy both of them together at a discount. Visit our online store to buy them.

Photographer captures the impact of climate change on Louisiana landscapes

Photographer captures the impact of climate change on Louisiana landscapes

When it comes to capturing idyllic Louisiana, photographers and artists have a lot to work with. Swamps, bayous, coast and sky feature prominently in depictions of the region, showing off a verdant landscape that many associate with good times, sportsmanship, working the land, and other aspects of Louisiana’s vibrant culture. 

On the opposite end of the spectrum, disaster-driven imagery also dominates visual representations of the state. Scenes of flooding, storm damage, and environmental hazards regularly surface after natural disasters, depicting a place in crisis. For residents, both versions of Louisiana are the truth — but they also know there’s a more complex story to tell under the surface. 

That’s where New Orleans-based photographer Virginia Hanusik comes in. Her work is beautiful, capturing plays of light and undercurrents of drama where the built environment intersects with nature. Her landscapes also tell the story of a changing climate, where rising waters and a disappearing coast necessitates a shift in how people interact with the natural world. 

When Hanusik came to Lafayette last week to promote her new book, “Into the Quiet and the Light,” she said, “there’s a certain kind of representation of Louisiana that’s so often seen through the lens of disaster, and being on the front lines of climate change. There is also so much beauty here that I think because of the state’s history of being extracted and exploited, doesn’t necessarily make it to mass media consumption. So it’s a place that, through my work, I’m trying to both talk about the inherent beauty that exists here, while also talking about the symptoms rather than the causes of the current environmental crisis we’re in.” 

Hanusik grew up in the Hudson River Valley, a place renowned for natural beauty. In the nineteenth century, the Hudson River School of painters created a uniquely American ideal of scenic landscapes — pastoral and sun-drenched, with an ethereal quality. She says that growing up in upstate New York helped her recognize the diverse ways in which places are depicted in the arts and media, and Hanusik brought that influence with her when she moved to New Orleans and started capturing coastal Louisiana 10 years ago. 

She also has a background in architecture, and says that design features prominently in her work. 

“There’s a lot of interesting architecture here, to say the least,” says Hanusik. “I love looking at the different typologies around living on the water and with the water, that are really so unique to this place. It really speaks to the way that individuals have approached their attempts at engineering their way to still existing here.” 

In addition to Hanusik’s photos, “Into the Quiet and the Light: Water, Life, and Land Loss in South Louisiana” includes 17 contributions from Louisiana artists, writers, chefs and musicians. Grammy-winning Cajun musician Louis Michot contributed a poem in French, with the line “let the rivers fill our cups, rebuilding our lands here in paradise.” It speaks to a common thread Hanusik has uncovered through her work: the love that Louisianans feel for their state. 



Louis Michot at Wild Child Wine

Louis Michot plays at a book signing event for photographer Virginia Hanusik at Wild Child Wine in Lafayette, La on June 28.




“I’ve spent a lot of time in the coastal parishes, down in Plaquemines and Terrebonne and Lafourche. And there’s no denying that when you’re talking to someone who’s lived adjacent to a plot of land for generations, and now it’s underwater, it’s clear that the climate is changing, things are different,” she says. “But regardless of your opinions on that, the common ground that I found with most people is such a deep love for the state, and wanting to preserve as much as we can. Preserving land, but also stories of that land. And that’s kind of what is included in this book as well.”

Revolutionizing Photography with Cutting-Edge AI Innovations

Revolutionizing Photography with Cutting-Edge AI Innovations

A groundbreaking shift is underway in the realm of photography innovation, as companies delve into the potential of advanced artificial intelligence to redefine the way we capture and interact with images.

Recent reports suggest that a major tech giant is poised to unveil a whole new level of AI integration dedicated to revolutionizing photo-taking experiences. Rather than leaving anyone out of group photos, a new feature dubbed “Inclusive Capture” ensures that all individuals are seamlessly incorporated into the frame. This innovation hints at a future where multiple photographers can seamlessly merge their shots into a cohesive group picture.

Additionally, another innovative feature, “Screen Insight,” promises to enhance the way users interact with their screenshots. By utilizing AI technology to analyze and categorize the content within these images, users can effortlessly retrieve vital information by simply posing inquiries. This marks a transformative leap towards optimizing everyday tasks through AI-powered assistance.

Moreover, a feature known as “Visual Studio” is on the horizon, offering a glimpse into a realm where personalized content creation is streamlined through the power of AI. By empowering users to envision their desired output, AI algorithms will work behind the scenes to transform these ideas into reality, reminiscent of cutting-edge generative AI technologies in other industry-leading platforms.

While these advancements are initially slated for exclusive integration within a specific device series, the narrative of democratizing AI-driven photography enhancements across a wider spectrum remains a compelling prospect for the future of visual technology. Stay tuned for official announcements heralding this new era of AI-infused photography.

Pushing the Boundaries of AI in Photography: Exploring Uncharted Innovations

As the realm of photography innovation continues to evolve, there are hidden gems in the world of cutting-edge AI developments that are yet to be fully explored. While the previous article shed light on remarkable advancements in the integration of artificial intelligence for photography enhancement, let’s delve deeper into some lesser-known facets that are shaping the future of visual technology.

Key Questions:
1. What are the ethical implications of AI altering images in significant ways?
2. How do these AI-driven advancements impact the traditional roles of photographers and artists?
3. Are there concerns about privacy and data security when utilizing AI for image processing?

Answers and Insights:
1. The ethical considerations surrounding AI’s ability to manipulate images raise questions about authenticity and truth in photography. Debates continue to swirl around the notion of altered reality through AI enhancements.
2. The role of photographers and artists is transitioning as AI becomes more adept at generating creative content. While some see it as a threat, others view it as a tool for amplifying artistic expression.
3. Privacy and data security concerns arise with the use of AI algorithms that analyze and categorize personal images. Safeguards must be in place to protect user data from potential misuse or breaches.

Advantages and Disadvantages:
Advantages:
– AI-driven features like “Inclusive Capture” and “Visual Studio” open up new possibilities for creativity and convenience in photography.
– The ability to extract valuable information from images through AI-powered tools like “Screen Insight” can revolutionize how we interact with visual content.

Disadvantages:
– Overreliance on AI for image editing may diminish the human touch and authenticity in photography.
– The potential for misuse of AI-generated images poses risks to privacy and data security that need careful consideration.

As companies continue to push the boundaries of AI in photography, navigating these challenges and controversies will be crucial in ensuring a responsible and innovative approach to revolutionizing visual technology.

For more insights on the latest advancements in AI and photography, visit CreativeAI.org.

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Brigg photographer left hearbroken after blaze at her studio

Brigg photographer left hearbroken after blaze at her studio

A photographer has been left “heartbroken” following a fire at her North Lincolnshire studio.

Hannah Dobson’s workspace at Brigg Garden Centre suffered serious damage in a fire on Saturday 29 June.

Ms Dobson said the incident had hit her “livelihood hard” and left her without a studio.

She had been based there for almost two years.

The 31 year old has been a photographer for six years.

She specialises in baby and family pictures but also does wedding photography.

She found out about the blaze from the manager of the garden centre where her studio is based.

Ms Dobson said: “Working with young kids I have a lot of equipment in there, which just isn’t useable now, and the space itself can’t be used.

“I’ve only got a couple of weddings, so it’s a tricky situation for income right now.

“I’m heartbroken because it’s not just about income for me, I love my job. I don’t have a huge amount of reserves and I’ve lost all my stuff.

“It’s my main source of income.”

Ms Dobson thinks she won’t be back up and running again in her studio until at least September.

Follow BBC Lincolnshire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastyorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk

Newborn Photography Studio in Woodlands, TX Announces Houston’s Premiere Maternity Photographer

Newborn Photography Studio in Woodlands, TX Announces Houston’s Premiere Maternity Photographer
Houston’s premiere Maternity photographer

Capturing the glow of motherhood in Houston! ? Book your maternity shoot with the premier photographer in town today. ? #MaternityMagic?✨

Newborn Photographer Spring TX

Capturing little miracles in Spring, TX ?✨ Book your newborn photo session now! #NewbornPhotographer

newborn photo session

Capturing pure magic in Woodlands, TX ✨ ?? Book your newborn photo session today! ✨ #NewbornPhotography #WoodlandsTX

Capture the beauty of motherhood with Houston’s premier maternity photographer at our Woodlands studio. Book your session now!

Houston’s leading maternity photographer now available at our Woodlands studio! Specializing in capturing the essence of motherhood.”

— Smitra

WOODLANDS, TEXAS, UNITED STATE, July 2, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ — Newborn Photography Studio, a leading photography studio in Woodlands, TX, is proud to announce the addition of a new maternity photographer to their team. With a focus on capturing the beauty and joy of pregnancy, the studio is now offering maternity photography services to expecting mothers in the Houston area.

The new maternity photographer, Sumitra , brings years of experience and a unique artistic eye to the team at Newborn Photography Studio. Her passion for capturing the beauty of motherhood and her attention to detail make her the perfect addition to the studio’s team of talented photographers. Sumitra expertise in maternity photography will allow the studio to expand its services and provide expecting mothers with stunning and timeless images to cherish for a lifetime.

“We are thrilled to have Nancy join our team as our premiere Maternity Photography Woodlands” said the owner of Houston newborn photographer. “Her talent and passion for capturing the beauty of pregnancy align perfectly with our studio’s mission to provide families with high-quality and meaningful photographs. We are excited to offer expecting mothers in Houston the opportunity to document this special time in their lives with Sumitra expertise.”

The addition of maternity photography services to Newborn Photography Studio’s offerings is a testament to the studio’s commitment to providing families with a full range of photography services. From newborn and Cake smash photography The Woodlands TX portraits to maternity and milestone sessions, the studio strives to capture every special moment in a family’s journey. With the new addition of a maternity photographer, the studio is now able to cater to the needs of expecting mothers and provide them with beautiful and timeless images to cherish forever.

Newborn Photography Studio’s maternity photography services are now available for booking. Expecting mothers in the Houston area can schedule a session with Sarah Johnson to capture the beauty and joy of their pregnancy. For more information about the studio and its services, please visit their website or contact them directly.

About Newborn Photography Studio:

Newborn Photography Studio is a premier photography studio based in Woodlands, TX, specializing in newborn, family, maternity, and milestone photography. With a team of talented photographers and a commitment to capturing every special moment, the studio has become a trusted name in the Houston area. For more information, please visit their website or follow them on social media.

Media Contact:

Newborn Photography Studio

71 N Concord Valley Cir, Spring, TX 77382

+12816875874

info@familymomentphotography.com

www.familymomentphotography.com

https://www.facebook.com/BestPhotographersWoodlandsTX

https://twitter.com/FamilymomentP

www.instagram.com/familymoment_photography

https://www.pinterest.com/familymomentphotography/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-moment-photography

https://www.youtube.com/@newbornphotographystudio

https://maps.app.goo.gl/nwPgdPDJwSXETay38

Jiya Sehgal
Newborn Photography Studio
+1 281-687-5874
https://www.facebook.com/BestPhotographersWoodlandsTX
Visit us on social media:
Facebook
X
LinkedIn
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YouTube
Other

Book your newborn photo session ✨🌿👶 today!

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Commission on Judicial Qualifications advises candidates on endorsements, courthouse photography in campaign materials

Commission on Judicial Qualifications advises candidates on endorsements, courthouse photography in campaign materials
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The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications issued an advisory opinion Monday on campaign endorsements and other campaign conduct.

The opinion states that a judicial candidate may seek the endorsement of a candidate who is running at the same time as them even if it is not in the same election cycle. However, the judicial candidate may not endorse or contribute to the other individual’s campaign or attend their events.

“Nonetheless, as many trial court judges across the state are selected by partisan election, they will inevitably need to engage in some political activities when seeking judicial office,” the opinion states. “Canon 4 of the Code of Judicial Conduct attempts to strike a balance between the judicial candidate’s need to speak and act in furtherance of the candidate’s judicial campaign while preserving the public’s interest in maintaining the judiciary’s independence, impartiality, and integrity.”

The analysis of the opinion warns candidates should pay close attention to the Indiana Judicial Conduct Rules 4.1 and 4.2 on what political activities are allowed of state judges.

The use of public areas of the courthouse for taking photographs for campaign materials is permitted in limited circumstances. It is allowed if it is an area a member of the public would be permitted to engage in. It is not allowed if it is a court facility restricted to judges, court staff and attorneys.

The commission encourages candidates to reach out if they have further questions.

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Revolutionizing Mobile Photography with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13

Revolutionizing Mobile Photography with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13

A Breakthrough in Imaging Technology: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 sets a new standard in mobile photography with its cutting-edge camera features. Step into a world of unparalleled detail and clarity with the 108-megapixel main camera, capturing breathtaking images like never before. Accompanied by an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens and a 2-megapixel depth sensor, this phone allows you to explore new dimensions of creativity, particularly in portrait photography.

Capturing Moments in High Definition: Say goodbye to blurry or pixelated videos – the Redmi Note 13 records at a smooth 30 frames per second in Full HD quality with both its rear and front cameras. With a powerful 16-megapixel selfie camera, your video calls and self-portraits will now exhibit exceptional sharpness and color accuracy.

Breathtaking Display and Enhanced Security: Immerse yourself in the brilliance of a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13. Boasting a peak brightness of 1000 nits and a 120 Hz refresh rate, every visual experience on this device is bound to be captivating and fluid. Moreover, the integrated fingerprint sensor on the side ensures swift and secure access to your device.

Power and Efficiency: Equipped with a 5000 mAh battery that supports 33-watt fast charging, the Redmi Note 13 guarantees long-lasting performance and quick recharging capabilities, keeping up with your dynamic lifestyle effortlessly. Experience the future of mobile photography and communication with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13.

Revolutionizing Mobile Photography Beyond Megapixels: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 pushes the boundaries of mobile photography with innovative features that go beyond just megapixels. While the 108-megapixel main camera is a standout feature, what truly sets this device apart is its advanced artificial intelligence capabilities. The phone’s AI algorithms optimize settings in real-time, ensuring that every shot is perfectly balanced in terms of exposure, saturation, and clarity.

Exploring the Night Sky: One of the lesser-known but powerful features of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 is its night mode photography. With the ability to capture stunning low-light shots with minimal noise and maximum detail, this phone opens up a whole new realm of possibilities for nighttime photography enthusiasts. Whether it’s cityscapes under the stars or intimate candlelit dinners, this device excels in bringing out the beauty of the night.

Unleashing Your Creativity: Beyond traditional photography, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 offers a range of creative tools and modes to inspire your artistic side. From dynamic video filters to AI-powered editing features, you can unleash your creativity without limitations. The phone’s Pro mode also allows enthusiasts to fine-tune settings like ISO, shutter speed, and white balance, giving them full control over their photography experience.

Key Questions and Answers:

  • What sets the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 apart from other smartphones in terms of photography?
    The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 combines high megapixel count with advanced AI capabilities, resulting in perfectly optimized shots.
  • What is the standout feature of the night mode photography on the Redmi Note 13?
    The phone excels in capturing detailed shots in low-light conditions, elevating nighttime photography to new heights.
  • How does the Pro mode on the Redmi Note 13 cater to photography enthusiasts?
    Enthusiasts can fine-tune settings like ISO and shutter speed, granting them full creative control over their shots.

Advantages and Disadvantages:

  • Advantages:
    • Advanced AI capabilities for optimized shots
    • Powerful night mode photography
    • Range of creative tools and modes for artistic expression
  • Disadvantages:
    • May face competition from other brands offering similar features
    • Learning curve for beginners to fully harness the device’s potential

Key Challenges and Controversies: One of the key challenges associated with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 is staying ahead in a rapidly evolving mobile photography market. With competitors constantly innovating and introducing new features, Xiaomi must continue to push boundaries and maintain its edge to retain its position as a leader in mobile photography.

For more insights on the latest advancements in mobile photography and technology, visit the official Xiaomi website at mi.com. Explore the future of imaging and communication with Xiaomi’s cutting-edge devices.

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Choctaw Artist Norma Howard inducted into Native American Artists Hall of Fame

Choctaw Artist Norma Howard inducted into Native American Artists Hall of Fame

We accept milestone birthday greetings for ages 1, 5, 13, 15, 16, 18, 21, 30, 40, 50, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80 and above. Couples may send announcements of silver wedding anniversary at 25 years of marriage, golden anniversary at 50 years, or 60+ anniversaries. We do not post wedding announcements. News from graduates of higher education only and sports submissions will be accepted as space allows. We welcome all letters from Choctaw tribal members. However, because of the volume of mail, it isn’t possible to publish all letters our readers send. Letters chosen for publication must be under 150 words. We require full contact information. Only the writer’s full name and city will be published. All events sent to the Biskinik will run the month of the event or the month prior to the event if the event falls on the first of the month.

Mail to: Biskinik
P.O. Box 1210
Durant, OK 74702

or complete the form below:

Murder Ballads And Southern Photography From Kristine Potter

Murder Ballads And Southern Photography From Kristine Potter
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Beautiful and terrible.

These murder ballads.

Like the region they emanate from.

The Momentary in Bentonville, AR exhibits “Kristine Potter: Dark Waters,” richly detailed black-and-white photographs inspired by the enigmatic terrain surrounding bodies of water bearing the names of violence in the American South. Places like “Murder Creek,” “Deadman’s Branch,” and “Bloody Fork.”

Threaded throughout the series of photographs are Potter’s references to murder ballads–a genre of traditional folk songs in which women are often menaced or killed by men in rivers and forests. That’s how the presentation begins. Visitors enter a darkened space and watch a video recalling an open mic night where Nashville-based musician friends of Potter’s (b. 1977; Dallas) howl out the mournful tunes.

Like “Banks of the Ohio” with lyrics including:

I held a knife against her breast

As into my arms she pressed

She said Willie, don’t you murder me

I’m unprepared for eternity

These songs have become a backing track for the South to many, tinting the way people perceive the region. Violence against women as a feature of cultural consumption.

Sit with them. Listen to the words. Then move on to Potter’s photographs.

The Photographs

The pictures land differently after listening to the songs. Go swimming in the ocean after having watched “The Little Mermaid” and then do the same after watching “Jaws” and you’ll get the picture.

They also land differently for women than men. Murder ballads aren’t about women killing men.

“When (Potter) was taking some of these photographs, she talked about her experience walking through these woods into these bodies of water and having these nerve wracking feelings that she would turn the corner and run into something or someone, and she recognized that wasn’t quite a rational feeling, but it was a feeling she couldn’t escape,” Elise Raborg, curatorial associate of contemporary art at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and The Momentary, told Forbes.com. “When she turned to walk to her car, she felt like she had to walk at a brisk pace, and she was exploring what caused that.”

Potter, who orchestrated the hanging of her photographs in the exhibition, attempted to replicate that sensation in how the galleries ebb and flow.

“She’s setting up these moments where you can step into the shoes, the perspective of these women,” Raborg explains. “(Potter) adjusted the height of these hangs. It gives you this sensation of actually being immersed in the landscape; are you laying on the ground looking up at the canopy or are you about to be thrown in the turbulent water? It gives you this uneasy sense.”

Walking through the exhibition alone, looking over your shoulder, as if walking through the woods alone. Anxious if not outright fearful.

The photos, however, are neutral. It’s the music and history that puts these vibes on otherwise benign landscapes.

Water.

Water conceals–bodies, histories?

So can woods.

“The whole show is playing off of this, that when we go to the South and we think about this space, it has a very particular history associated with it,” Alejo Benedetti, curator of contemporary art at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and The Momentary, told Forbes.com. “There’s a mythos built into the landscape (and) when you are in (the exhibition), you’re feeling some of that.”

A cello plays an eerie bass note interspersed with voices and claps augmenting “Dark Waters’” foreboding mood.

The Women

Potter’s portraits reflect the experience of young women who occupy a realm of constant vigilance and exposed fragility. Beauty, allure, and peril.

Set up by the murder ballads, the photographs of woods and water play tricks on the mind. So do the women.

Are they contemporary? Historic?

The continuing appeal murder ballads, the domestic violence statistics, prove there’s no difference in some ways.

Timely. Timeless.

Potter is often questioned why she puts her subjects in period specific dress. She doesn’t. The only instructions she gives models–selected from her Nashville circle of friends–is to wear lighter colors because she’s shooting against a dark background and not to wear anything with visible labels or logos.

What they’re photographed in is what they show up wearing.

“Some of this may be because thrifting is big, but she’s not trying to hide anything,” Benedetti explains. “(One) woman has a nose ring, so it’s not like she’s trying to set up this moment where it’s specifically in the past. There’s no desire there, but it is really telling of all of us when we see (these women) and we immediately stick it in a particular moment in time. We often do this with the South, period. We hear the banjo and we think this is a very particular moment in time. The show plays with that.”

Many of Potter’s photographs read as snapshots, as if there’s more to see than meets the eye just out of frame–or just out of time.

“Moments throughout these works sometimes feel almost cinematic in the way that they’re photographed, and you will catch (photographs) that feel like, ‘oh, I’ve just happened across some moment in time.’ There’s a story that’s happening here. I don’t have all the nuances or all the details of that story,” Benedetti said. “You’re not going get all those, but you can start to see as these (pictures) are working together, how we are getting pieces and parts of that story and it feels like (Potter’s) setting that up for us, and to a degree, she is, she’s not trying to give us answers, but she is trying to set the stage with these works.”

The South

Potter’s photographs neither honor nor dishonor the South. Or perhaps they do both.

Louisiana and Florida.

Yes. And No.

Alabama and Kentucky.

Yes and no.

Tennessee, too.

“(The photographs are) not exclusively focused on one specific place because when we’re talking about ‘the South,’ we’re talking about this amorphous idea of a place, and it’s almost impossible to separate this mystique of the South–for good or bad–from the place, and that is really critical to the work that (Potter’s) making,” Benedetti said. “Some of these photos, as you’re walking through (the exhibition), you’re thinking I could walk right out in the Ozark woods, it feels familiar.”

Right outside.

Siting “Dark Waters” in a historic Southern building now serving as a music venue and art gallery amplifies Potter’s themes. The Momentary was once a Kraft cheese factory.

Spanish moss. Dirt roads. A crucifix. An old car.

The South is an egret sitting on razor wire. A junk tire resting on a mighty oak tree.

The South is a place. An idea. A feeling.

“It’s too easy to simply say, ‘the South is this thing,’ and that is part of (Potter’s) exploration,” Benedetti adds.

A beautifully sung song about a man killing a woman who didn’t share his passion for her.

A million other contradictions.

But the same goes for the rest of the nation. Where in American can you not find beauty and tragedy in equal proportions? Women being killed by men doesn’t cease where accents change.

The South is America and America is the South.

Judge not, lest you be judged.

A book with Potter’s photographs seen in the exhibition including commentary on the murder ballads is available for purchase.

Explore Mysticism in Photography at MoMo Gallery’s “In the Time of Spirits”

Explore Mysticism in Photography at MoMo Gallery’s “In the Time of Spirits”

New Mexico Magazine: What do you think photography allows us to communicate that words cannot?
Bill Shapiro: Photos have this ability to let you time travel, let you travel to a different part of the world where you’ve never been, and to feel these really human emotions. Photos in general allow the viewer, very quickly, to place themselves in the photo.

NMM: What made you choose the images we will see in this exhibit?
BS: These photos have this sense of spirit and a subtle sense of surrealism. These pictures put you in a headspace or a frame of mind that, to me, feels a little bit transcendent.

NMM: How did you choose the photographers you wanted to highlight?
BS: It’s all photographers that people probably haven’t heard of, but they should. I started with about 10, which I knew would be too many. I looking for works that would complement each other—that don’t step on each other’s toes, but sort of speak to each other. These five really seemed to work together.

NMM: Many of the works in In the Time of Spirits are black and white. Are you particularly drawn to black-and-white images, or is this somewhat of a coincidence?
BS: I do often find myself falling for photographers who shoot in black and white. Part of that is, with color, you can sometimes be distracted by the color. Sometimes, as we see on Instagram, people get very excited by a red umbrella on a dark street. But that doesn’t make a great photo. The framing and composition and depth is more focused or more apparent in a black-and-white image.

At the same time, you look at Lula’s pictures, and the color of those makes them so evocative. She gets a lot of the power of her photos from her lovely color palette. It’s very soft, and almost sensual.

In Odhiambo’s photos, his colors just absolutely sing. That yellow jacket on the man, I love that. Color has the potential, as we see in his work, in and of itself to make you feel something. Taken in Kenya’s biggest slum, those bright colors play against what we think we will find in a slum. He is showing us another side, that even in this environment of hardship, there is this rich and vibrant vein of color and optimism and the human spirit. That’s one reason why his work is so surprising, you don’t expect to look at a photo of poverty and think, Oh my God, that makes me happy. And yet, it does.

NMM: What do you think about social media, particularly Instagram, and this notion that it has, in a sense, turned us all into photographers?
BS: I am a huge fan of Instagram. It has turned so many people not only into photographers—or people who take pictures—but into wiser consumers of imagery.

We have more exposure to photos than we ever have before. But you have to do a little bit of work to get to the really good photographers on Instagram. There’s a lot of noise, a lot of people taking pictures of red umbrellas. It’s thrilling that everybody can see so many amazing pictures these days. But it still takes work to find the true gems. What Instagram has done is get people more interested in looking. There’s this great quote about how being a photographer, and looking at pictures, can teach you to see. I think people who look at pictures see more beauty.

Read more: A new Couse-Sharp Historic Site exhibition looks at the varied and complex ways Taos influences artists.