THE WRITERS HAVE BEEN ON STRIKE SINCE MAY 2ND. WELL, NEW TONIGHT, A CENTRAL IOWA PHOTOGRAPHER IS RETIRING AFTER 67 YEARS IN THE BUSINESS. HE’S WELL KNOWN FOR DOCUMENTING LOCAL AND PERSONAL HISTORY, CAPTURING PHOTOGRAPHS OF DOZENS OF STATE FAIR QUEENS AND MOMENTS FROM THE STATE SENATE FLOOR. BUT AS KCCI PEPPER PURPURA REPORTS, HIS CLIENTS SAY THE THING THAT SETS HIM APART THE MOST IS THE RELATIONSHIPS HE’S BUILT AT DOCUMENTING DECADES. CHARLIE STOVER’S PHOTOGRAPHS HAVE GRACED MUSEUMS AND FAMILY HOMES. HE HAS DONE A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT TO BE ABLE TO GIVE US A FOOTPRINT, A HARD COPY FOOTPRINT OF OF LIFE, OF WHAT LIFE WAS LIKE FOR THE LAST 85 YEARS IN IOWA. BUT THE SECRET TO HIS SUCCESS IS NOT THE PRODUCT. IT’S THE PROCESS. IT’S THIS WILL ONLY COME UP TO ME. THIS YOU PHOTOGRAPHED MY WEDDING 40 YEARS AGO AND THAT WON’T COME ON. SHE SAYS, WELL, I GOT YOU BEAT. WELL, I HAVE DEAD 42. ANOTHER ONE, CALOMA. SHE SAYS, WELL, HE DID MINE 50 YEARS AGO. BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS TO BUILD THE BUSINESS. I CALL IT VISITING. IT’S SILLY. NOW STOVER IS SCALING DOWN. I’M 85 YEARS OLD NOW. MY WIFE IS. YOU’VE DONE ENOUGH. IF LEAVING A LEGACY OF CONNECTIONS FOR EACH PICTURE HE’S TAKEN. THANK YOU, CHARLIE. AND ALTOONA AND PEPPER PURPURA, KCCI EIGHT NEWS IOWA’S NEWS LEADER. AND STOVER’S FINAL SHOOT THIS EVENING WAS FOR HIS AL
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‘I still enjoy doing it, that’s the problem’: Renowned Iowa photographer retiring after 67 years
Updated: 10:42 PM CDT Sep 23, 2023
A renowned central Iowa photographer, known for shooting dozens of Iowa State Fair queens and moments from the state senate, is retiring after 67 years. Charlie Stover, 85, began his career as a teen at Lincoln High in Des Moines, which lead him to start his business. He would go on to start photographing the school’s students, and by 2007, he was inducted into the school’s hall of fame. “He has done a tremendous amount to be able to give us a footprint, a hard copy footprint of life, of what life was like for the past 85 years in Iowa,” Stover’s daughter Hollee Stover Nelson said.Stover became known for his panoramic pictures and group shots, some now hanging in the Iowa State Fairgrounds museum, but the reason he was able to maintain business was his motto; “visiting makes you money.”Stover says he utilized his personable nature to build relationships in the community that lasted. The reason clients chose him was because he “took the time to visit.” Even if he didn’t remember everyone he met, they remembered him because of the time he took to get to know each person.”He has been a part of many many memories for a lot of different families whether it be photographing their kids’ pictures, their senior pictures, their weddings,” Nelson said. In retirement, Stover plans to continue working, but less frequently. Nelson said his passion for his craft won’t allow him to stop working.”I’m 85 years old now, my wife says ‘you’ve done enough,’ but I still enjoy doing it, that’s the problem,” Stover said. Stover’s final shoot before retirement was Saturday at Lincoln High’s Class of ’73 50-year reunion.
A renowned central Iowa photographer, known for shooting dozens of Iowa State Fair queens and moments from the state senate, is retiring after 67 years.
Charlie Stover, 85, began his career as a teen at Lincoln High in Des Moines, which lead him to start his business. He would go on to start photographing the school’s students, and by 2007, he was inducted into the school’s hall of fame.
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“He has done a tremendous amount to be able to give us a footprint, a hard copy footprint of life, of what life was like for the past 85 years in Iowa,” Stover’s daughter Hollee Stover Nelson said.
Stover became known for his panoramic pictures and group shots, some now hanging in the Iowa State Fairgrounds museum, but the reason he was able to maintain business was his motto; “visiting makes you money.”
Stover says he utilized his personable nature to build relationships in the community that lasted. The reason clients chose him was because he “took the time to visit.” Even if he didn’t remember everyone he met, they remembered him because of the time he took to get to know each person.
“He has been a part of many many memories for a lot of different families whether it be photographing their kids’ pictures, their senior pictures, their weddings,” Nelson said.
In retirement, Stover plans to continue working, but less frequently. Nelson said his passion for his craft won’t allow him to stop working.
“I’m 85 years old now, my wife says ‘you’ve done enough,’ but I still enjoy doing it, that’s the problem,” Stover said.
Stover’s final shoot before retirement was Saturday at Lincoln High’s Class of ’73 50-year reunion.
September 23, 2023
Last month, three young artists from the Pueblo of Zuni had the opportunity to share their culture, history and traditional arts with the public through the Grand Canyon Cultural Demonstration Program. They are LaShea Harris, 24; Chasady Simplicio, 19; and Cassandra Tsalate, 21.
All three young people participated in the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project’s Emerging Artist Apprenticeship program, and Harris and Tsalate also completed the Advanced Artist Apprenticeship program. Kandis Quam, ZYEP’s assistant art coordinator, chaperoned the trip.
“We monitor our art students to see who has the capabilities to do something like this,” said Elroy Natachu Jr., ZYEP’s art coordinator. “We’re looking for young people with a solid work ethic and mental fortitude. They need to be motivated, self-driven, and able to push outside their comfort zone. With these three, we saw that light.”
The free cultural demonstrations took place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at various locations at and around Desert View Watchtower, the easternmost developed area along the park’s South Rim. The artists also conducted demonstrations for other youth at Grand Canyon High School; in both cases, the artists said they appreciated the opportunities to engage with the public.
“I was nervous at first, but I really liked talking to people,” said Simplicio, who creates traditional Zuni Pueblo weaving. “People wanted to know how long it takes to produce a piece. I explained that it depends on the weaver, and on the design. One woman was so interested in our weaving process; she had her own small loom to fix socks. I thought that was cool!”
The three artists shared living quarters while in residence at Grand Canyon National Park, and Simplicio noted this gave the trio opportunities to get to know each other better.
“We talked about meaning, color and design in our work,” they remembered. “I learned a lot from LaShea and Cassandra.”
Harris said she also felt “a lot of nerves” before the program started, in part because she embarked on her journey with traditional Zuni embroidery just a year ago.
“It was a little bit intimidating, but I enjoyed sharing what I knew,” she recalled. “It was a popular time for European tourists, and we introduced them to Zuni art.”
“I was trying not to be nervous,” said Tsalate, who produces Zuni Pueblo pottery, with a laugh. “I told myself it was like trying to teach someone here at home. The ranger told us to ask ourselves, what is one thing we can leave them with?
“So, I talked about the significance of these traditional arts in our culture, and what revitalizing them means for the future of our people,” she continued. “I also talked about being passionate about culture and history. That’s what makes me motivated… the history! Hopefully we inspired others.”
Indeed, through the cultural demonstration program, these young artists became teachers for peers and adults alike. Natachu said this is vital for the future of the Zuni people.
“Our art forms are culturally rooted,” he explained. “They share how we view the world. They show it through our Zuni lens. Without future culture bearers, the knowledge of these traditional art forms will be lost — the artistic processes, and what they were meant for.”
Tsalate said she hopes the cultural demonstration program encouraged others to embrace their talents, especially women. And, back home, she hopes more Zuni youth will get more deeply involved with art and culture.
To that end, Harris said ZYEP’s Emerging Artist Apprenticeship Program is a good place for young people to start exploring their interests, passions and talents in the arts. The program not only provides art instruction, it also connects young artists with experienced mentors who can help guide them on their artistic journeys.
“Our experience at the Grand Canyon shows how far the apprenticeships can take you,” Harris observed. “You never know what doors will open. It’s great that ZYEP offers these opportunities, exposing youth to different arts and showing them that they can do it.”
While the group were able to visit a few of the tourist sites along the South Rim during their stay, their main focus was their artwork and strengthening connections to their roots in a place that is sacred to the Zuni people.
“It was so scenic, and there was the cultural significance as well,” Harris said. “It felt different to do my embroidery there. I felt closer to our ancestors.”
Grand Canyon has been home to 11 tribes for generations, which means it is more than a national park, a World Heritage Site and a natural wonder of the world. It’s also a sacred space for entire peoples: Havasupai, Hualapai, Hopi, Yavapai-Apache, Kaibab band of Southern Paiute, Las Vegas band of Southern Paiute, Moapa band of Southern Paiute, Paiute Indian Tribes of Utah, San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, and Zuni.
The purpose of the Cultural Demonstration Program is to give members of those 11 traditionally associated tribes a voice at Grand Canyon by supporting interactions with the public through demonstrations of traditional Native practices and crafts. Made possible by grants from the Grand Canyon Conservancy, the program began in 2014 and continues to grow.
Now that she is back home, Harris said she is planning to take time to create something new. As she takes on larger embroidery projects, she is dedicated to further developing her own style.
Simplicio agreed, noting they plan to continue working on their weaving and learning more advanced techniques.
“I want to help my community by inspiring others, and showing them that you can make it as an artist, even if you’re a young person,” they said. “It’s always worth it to try something new.”
As for Tsalate, continuing with her pottery is one piece of a larger puzzle. Not only would she like to explore other mediums, like jewelry and basketry, she is pursuing an education in museum studies.
“I want to teach history,” she explained. “It’s so important. I want to open up conversations with our elders and encourage them to teach, as well.
“I also want to be in touch with other artists, people of all ages,” she continued. “It’s about bringing our community together, and improving access to outside resources like museums and national parks. I’m just so inspired.”
After this first experience with the Grand Canyon Cultural Demonstration Program, Natachu said he anticipates that this will become a regular part of ZYEP arts programming.
“We need to support the young people who have the capability to carry the torch into the future,” he said. “They must take our places one day.”
Bard College Hosting the Second Annual Conference of Rethinking Place: Bard-on-Mahicantuck
Little Priest Tribal College Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Indian Youth Service Corps Gets $3.5M Boost
Chickasaw Nation Breaks Ground for Child Development Center in Ada, Okla.
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Western Australia is home to some of the world’s rarest and most beautiful orchids.
The annual bloom from June to November draws tens of thousands of visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of some of the 12,000 species that burst into flower.
Wildflower photography is booming on social media with professional and amateur shutterbugs hunting the perfect snap.
Albany photographer Heather Brown says the key to the perfect wildflower snap is to take time to spot a variety of flowers.
Some wildflowers are the size of a 20-cent coin, making them hard to see.
“When you arrive, stand still and allow your eyes to adjust to seeing flowers,” she said.
“I am ‘flower blind’ until my eyes and mind get the feel of what is around me.”
Ms Brown says changing angles and perspectives, like getting low to shoot upwards, is a great way to get a unique shot and “reveal the personalities” of different species.
“Do at least three shots of each subject — landscape, portrait and try a tilting of the camera/phone to get more of the character in the image,” she said.
“We have so many favourable conditions that create such beautiful wildflowers – our isolation, the soil, the rocks, the climate, the animals and insects that co-exist and work with the wildflowers to keep them going.”
It’s also vital visitors move carefully through the landscape, Ms Brown says.
“Watch where you place your feet, knees and camera,” she cautions.
“Something tiny may be squished by your boots.”
Ms Brown sprays her shoes with methylated spirits to clean any potential biohazards such as dieback from the soles.
“Preservation is vital,” she said.
“We have so many critically endangered, almost completely extinct orchids that if you publish where you found them, some enthusiasts, may or may not turn up with a spade, which would wipe them out.”
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A plethora of lawsuits over photography hacks in fast food advertising have made food litigation one of the fastest-growing areas of law, according to legal experts.
A record number of lawsuits have been filed since 2020 alleging misrepresentation in food marketing against several fast food giants, including Taco Bell, Wendy’s, McDonald’s, Burger King, and Arby’s.
MANCHIN SLAMS BIDEN’S ‘BOTCHED’ IMPLEMENTATION OF INFLATION REDUCTION ACT
Much of the evidence from the complainants in the suits consists of advertising images compared to their real-life product inspirations. Advertising images have tall burgers with puffy buns and loads of toppings or hearty, crunchy tacos. By comparison, real-world food is limp, lifeless, and lacking substance, according to the plaintiffs.
Techniques in food photography have been known widely for several years, with McDonald’s Canada’s ‘behind the scenes’ video capturing a classic quarter pounder with cheese gaining over 12 million views since 2012.
“Here you can definitely see that there is a size difference” explains Hope Bagozzi, then-director of marketing for McDonald’s Canada, as she compares the store-made burger with the studio-made product that took hours to craft. According to Bagozzi, the difference is in part attributable to the steam trapped in the store’s serving box that wilts the bun, and in part to the tilting of the patty in the studio-burger to highlight the toppings in a two-dimensional image.
Bagozzi left McDonald’s in January 2020 to become the chief marketing officer of Tim Hortons.
“Customers aren’t stupid,” says the advertising firm Gourmet Ads, “[T]hey know that the images of food that they see on billboards, on menus, in magazines or on online ads aren’t as they appear in store.”
According to Gourmet Ads, techniques such as spraying foods with oil or steam or using tools to melt cheese on a burger “are all part of the plan to make customers not just see the food but make them desperately want it.”
Much of the cases, however, depend upon quantity, arguing that foods featured in advertising are more plentiful than what paying customers actually can purchase.
The legal standard for convincing a judge or jury to hold fast food companies liable is whether or not a “reasonable consumer” would be misled by the product’s marketing or labeling. A reasonable consumer must be an average individual, with general knowledge rather than the industry-insider perspective.
Although the court system usually has a very high view of the average consumer, most class-action lawsuits involving the quality or quantity of fast food products end up being settled before trial.
Bonnie Patten, executive director of the non-profit organization Truth in Advertising, told CNN Business that although most of these seem trivial, inflation and rising costs of food have made them even more important.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
For people who are “using their limited resources to purchase this, and then they’re not being provided with the quantity of food they’re expecting — that is an issue, no doubt,” Patten said.
“The best defense against deceptive marketing is an educated consumer,” she added.
A plethora of lawsuits over photography hacks in fast food advertising have made food litigation one of the fastest-growing areas of law, according to legal experts.
A record number of lawsuits have been filed since 2020 alleging misrepresentation in food marketing against several fast food giants, including Taco Bell, Wendy’s, McDonald’s, Burger King, and Arby’s.
MANCHIN SLAMS BIDEN’S ‘BOTCHED’ IMPLEMENTATION OF INFLATION REDUCTION ACT
Much of the evidence from the complainants in the suits consists of advertising images compared to their real-life product inspirations. Advertising images have tall burgers with puffy buns and loads of toppings or hearty, crunchy tacos. By comparison, real-world food is limp, lifeless, and lacking substance, according to the plaintiffs.
Techniques in food photography have been known widely for several years, with McDonald’s Canada’s ‘behind the scenes’ video capturing a classic quarter pounder with cheese gaining over 12 million views since 2012.
“Here you can definitely see that there is a size difference” explains Hope Bagozzi, then-director of marketing for McDonald’s Canada, as she compares the store-made burger with the studio-made product that took hours to craft. According to Bagozzi, the difference is in part attributable to the steam trapped in the store’s serving box that wilts the bun, and in part to the tilting of the patty in the studio-burger to highlight the toppings in a two-dimensional image.
Bagozzi left McDonald’s in January 2020 to become the chief marketing officer of Tim Hortons.
“Customers aren’t stupid,” says the advertising firm Gourmet Ads, “[T]hey know that the images of food that they see on billboards, on menus, in magazines or on online ads aren’t as they appear in store.”
According to Gourmet Ads, techniques such as spraying foods with oil or steam or using tools to melt cheese on a burger “are all part of the plan to make customers not just see the food but make them desperately want it.”
Much of the cases, however, depend upon quantity, arguing that foods featured in advertising are more plentiful than what paying customers actually can purchase.
The legal standard for convincing a judge or jury to hold fast food companies liable is whether or not a “reasonable consumer” would be misled by the product’s marketing or labeling. A reasonable consumer must be an average individual, with general knowledge rather than the industry-insider perspective.
Although the court system usually has a very high view of the average consumer, most class-action lawsuits involving the quality or quantity of fast food products end up being settled before trial.
Bonnie Patten, executive director of the non-profit organization Truth in Advertising, told CNN Business that although most of these seem trivial, inflation and rising costs of food have made them even more important.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
For people who are “using their limited resources to purchase this, and then they’re not being provided with the quantity of food they’re expecting — that is an issue, no doubt,” Patten said.
“The best defense against deceptive marketing is an educated consumer,” she added.
Original Location: Fast food photography and lawsuits: What you see isn’t what you get
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Saturday, September 23, 2023 6:36PM
HOUSTON, Texas — Only a select few humans – ever – have been photographed as often as pop culture’s undisputed queen, Beyoncé, over her illustrious, 26-year career. Even at her young age, Houston’s queen possesses a singular trait that elevates her above even the most apex celebrities: immortality.
Just how does the ultra-famous unlock the loftiest achievement of immortality? For many, it’s often through a single, transcendent photograph, which can transform a performer into an icon – and rocket a mere mortal into immortal status. And few photographers on the planet can bestow immortality on the globally famous like A-list artisan Markus Klinko.
To celebrate Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour homecoming – and his now legendary photos of her over the years – Klinko will meet fans from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23, at Tootsies for a showcase of some of his most famed works – including the ultra-rare Beyoncé “Diamond Dust” series, on view at Nicole Longnecker Gallery.
A statuesque, towering presence (he’s six-foot-four) with chiseled features and a flair for fashion, the Swiss-born Klinko looks every part a celeb himself. That star quality has no doubt helped him break the ice when photographing superstars like our Beyoncé, David Bowie, Lady Gaga, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Will Smith, Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, Kanye West, Anne Hathaway, Kate Winslet, Naomi Campbell, and Iman – to name a few. Not a bad resume for a former professional classical harp soloist who – sort of amazingly – only fell into photography after a hand injury (more on that later).
Continue reading this article from our ABC13 partners at Houston CultureMap.
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