The life of a professional photographer is often romanticized, but the reality is that it can be a demanding and stressful career path. From the pressure to constantly create to the financial instability that often comes with freelance work, there are many challenges that photographers face. However, there are also ways to find happiness and success in this field.

Coming to you from Scott Choucino with Tin House Studio, this insightful video explores various aspects of a photographer’s life that can contribute to overall well-being and success. Choucino emphasizes the importance of financial stability, advocating for the creation of multiple income streams to alleviate the stress associated with unpredictable freelance work. He debunks the myth of the “purist” photographer who solely relies on photography for income, encouraging viewers to explore additional avenues that can provide financial security and creative fulfillment. 

Choucino also stresses the significance of discipline over inspiration and motivation. He acknowledges the challenges of staying motivated, particularly during difficult times or uninspiring weather, but emphasizes the power of setting a schedule and sticking to it. By prioritizing discipline, photographers can ensure consistent progress and avoid the pitfalls of waiting for inspiration to strike. Additionally, Choucino advocates for living below one’s means, a practice that provides financial security during slow periods and allows for greater freedom and peace of mind.

Building on these foundational principles, Choucino highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He shares his personal experience of prioritizing sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet, emphasizing the positive impact these changes have had on his energy levels, mental clarity, and overall well-being. By taking care of their physical and mental health, photographers can optimize their creative potential and approach their work with renewed focus and enthusiasm. Finally, Choucino encourages viewers to pursue their passions within the field of photography. He shares his own journey of transitioning from wedding photography, which he found unfulfilling, to studio work that aligns with his personal interests and creative vision. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Choucino.

In a world increasingly dominated by digital content and virtual experiences, there’s something refreshingly tangible about holding a printed magazine in your hands. Since its launch in 2020, quarterly magazine FRAMES has captivated photography enthusiasts by delivering that tactile experience – with the highest quality of paper stock and printing.

But that’s not all! The membership fee also includes access to additional monthly digital publications, a fantastic digital platform, a thriving online community that can help you critique your work, and a series of events in which you can chat directly with world-class photographers.

So what’s on offer, exactly, and how can photographers take advantage? Essentially, there are three main strands to a FRAMES membership, so let’s look at each of these in turn.

1. The print magazine

Each issue of the FRAMES Quarterly Magazine is a meticulously curated collection of the world’s most inspiring and thought-provoking photography across diverse genres and styles. The guiding ethos is simple yet powerful: “Excellent photography belongs on paper.”

This stunning 112-page publication, printed on luxurious 140gsm uncoated paper, is filled with striking images and captivating stories. Contributors range from legendary photojournalists such as Steve McCurry to emerging talents just finding their creative voices.

“We don’t concentrate on any specific style: the common denominator is just great imagery,” explains editor-in-chief Tomasz Trzebiatowski. “So a typical issue might feature gritty street photography alongside serene landscapes and conceptual portraits.”

By paying the utmost attention to printing quality and material selection, FRAMES magazine creates an absorbing, distraction-free experience. Tomasz explains, “We want readers to truly be present with the photography, to appreciate the nuances, colours and emotion in these powerful images.”

2. The digital content

The FRAMES experience extends far beyond the printed page. Members gain access to a wealth of digital content, starting with the monthly FRAMES Digital Companions. These downloadable PDF publications complement the quarterly magazine with additional features, including interviews, photography how-tos and hi-res image galleries.

The digital aspect allows FRAMES to constantly educate and inspire members. As Tomasz points out, “We have talented writers contributing new content regularly, so you’ll always have fresh material to stimulate your creativity between printed issues.”

3. The worldwide community

Perhaps the thing that sets FRAMES apart the most is the lively community of photographers that it connects via its exclusive website and bespoke app. This is where members can truly immerse themselves in a global hub of photographic knowledge and inspiration.

All members gain access to an online forum for sharing work, giving and receiving feedback, discussing techniques and connecting with other passionate photographers worldwide. There are dedicated channels for interviews, editing tutorials, photo contests and more.

“The community is extremely supportive and welcoming to all levels,” notes Tomasz. “Beginners can get advice from seasoned pros, while accomplished artists still find value in seeing different perspectives and styles.”

The crown jewel of the community is the live monthly events featuring legendary photographers such as Martin Parr, Alec Soth, Ami Vitale, Martin Parr and Nick Brandt. FRAMES members have exclusive access to these virtual masterclasses and can engage in direct chats with these iconic practitioners.

“Imagine being able to have a candid conversation about creativity and get feedback directly from one of the world’s top photographers,” says Tomasz. “That’s an incredible opportunity FRAMES provides: it’s like an ongoing photography conference or workshop.”

Seamless experience

We’d suggest that these three individual elements are each, in themselves, worth the membership cost alone. What makes FRAMES so special, though, is how it blends diverse mediums and delivery methods into one cohesive, constantly refreshing photography experience.

So, for example, at any given time, you can:

• Absorb the latest issue of the beautiful printed magazine
• Dig into insightful articles and tutorials in the Digital Companions
• Share and critique your own work, and that of others, in the online forum
• Attend a live virtual workshop with a renowned photographer
• Browse tips and discussions in the FRAMES mobile app

In short, you’re not just subscribing to a magazine; you’re joining a vibrant, multi-faceted photography community that continually sparks enthusiasm, a growth mindset and networking opportunities.

As Tomasz says: “We’ve created a hub that feeds the photography passion through every possible channel: in your hands, on your devices, in live conversations. Our goal is to inspire and educate photographers in as many ways as possible, meaning everyone from total beginners to experienced professionals will find it super-useful.”

So how much does all this cost?

Incredibly, it costs just $17 per month, including free global shipping of the printed magazine wherever you are in the world. And we reckon that represents excellent value for avid photographers of all types.

Whether you’re a professional or an enthusiast, FRAMES has created a global community united by a love of capturing striking visuals and telling evocative stories. As Tomasz says: “We believe in providing a community that inspires people to pick up a camera and let their creativity run wild. That’s the core of what FRAMES is all about – delivering the absolute best photography experience to ignite and nurture everyone’s artistic expression.”

Valentina Sergi (1997) is a fashion photographer with a passion for pastel colors, bold contrasts, and the vibrancy of images. Her professional work has led her to photograph a variety of subjects in exclusive locations, and her photographs have become a constant presence in many well-known fashion publications. However, what truly sets Valentina Sergi apart is her ability to craft an emotionally compelling narrative through the lens of her camera. Colors, the interplay of light and shadows, patterns, people’s hands, the warmth of an embrace, places steeped in nostalgia, and the hidden stories behind a wrinkle are all elements that Valentina Sergi seeks to capture in order to create a pure aesthetic composed of images that oscillate between the real and the surreal.

The A-Mors Series: A Deep Exploration of Love

One of Valentina Sergi’s most significant projects is the series titled A-Mors. This series delves into the theme of love in a profound and provocative manner. It revolves around genuine love, a love that has been eagerly anticipated, yet so strong that it overcomes the fragility of a tender heart. The intriguing wordplay in the title, where “A-Mors” appears to derive from the Latin “a-mors” (without death), underscores the eternity of this sentiment. In this series, Valentina Sergi explores the concept of an eternal love that transcends temporal boundaries. Her photographs capture moments of passion and affection, while simultaneously evoking a sense of transcendence.

Sergi’s works are emotional and surreal, with a strong conceptual underpinning. Valentina understands that photography is not merely the recording of an objective reality, but rather the presentation of stories, concepts, and worlds as she perceives them through her personal experiences, culture, and sensibilities.

Her connection between cinema and photography is evident, and this cross-pollination of the arts allows her to bring innovation to her work. The photographer leaves us with a famous quote by Vincent Peters, who states, “A photograph is not just made with a camera; it is brought to the act of photography with all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.“

As a photographer who specialises in family and newborn images, Louise’s timeless images aim to tell a story about each family. She does this by creating a relaxed and organic atmosphere to capture the raw beauty of the special bond between family members. “If the subjects aren’t fully relaxed, then it shows,” Louise says. “But taking a short break to reset can really help.” Lots of patience is required, especially with newborns but, having young children of her own, she understands what’s required to get the balance between the perfect shot and a happy and calm family.

Louise prefers working in her clients’ homes and shooting with natural light. “For this shot, we were in their apartment, which had high ceilings and was flooded with natural light,” she says. “Capturing babies and young children requires you to increase your shutter speed as there are sudden movements and changes in facial expressions.” With her background in design, Louise uses a mixture of textures and fabrics to create further depth and interest. “The new mother chose a beautiful dress from a collection I have for these sessions. The delicate sleeves add a touch of elegance to the image,” she says.

In post-production, Louise carried out some basic editing steps, adding some texture around the newborn’s hairline to ensure she visually dominated the frame. “Newborns tend to have a red undertone to their skin, which quite often has patches and pimples, so I took the saturation down along with the texture,” she explains. “Once I had removed the main blemishes, the skin appeared much smoother but I avoided heavy airbrushing to keep the subject looking natural.”

Louise B is a London-based photographer. Her career started with working in fashion design, where part of her job was Product Photography. Later Louise worked at at WGSN, a world-leading trend forecasters, with clients such as Vogue and Alexander Mc Queen to name a few. After the birth of her first child, she pursued her long passion for photography, enrolling on a course at the British Academy of Photography. Louise is also a supporter and volunteer for the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) which supports parents through birth and early parenthood. 

Tech details

Camera: Nikon D750
Lens: Nikon 50mm f/1.8
Aperture: f/1.8
Shutter speed: 1/200 sec
ISO: 320

On Friday, April 24, Oppo India held the Oppo Ambassador Conclave in Mumbai to showcase the Find X7 Ultra and announce the Imagine IF Photography Awards contest. The initiative, with renowned director and screenwriter SS Rajamouli as its Indian ambassador, aims to inspire creativity in mobile photography. Oppo launched the Imagine IF Photography Awards globally in 2023, and this marks its inaugural year in India. The first edition of the awards saw over 700,000 entries from 51 countries.

Imagine IF Photography Awards 2024: Contest details, prizes

Participants can submit their smartphone photographs for ‘Round 1’ until June 15th (midnight IST). From these entries, 50 winners will be announced in the last week of June and proceed to Round 2. The second phase will begin in early July, with the final six winners announced on July 25th, 2024.

The competition is open to all Indian citizens over the age of 18. There are nine entry categories: landscape, portrait, colours, unfading moment, fashion, snapshot, light, travel, and collection. A panel of expert photographers will judge the entries, including celebrity wedding and portrait photographer and Oppo Imaging Expert Joseph Radhik, wildlife photographer Arzoo Khurana, fashion photographer Arjun Mark, and other global judges.

The Gold winner will receive a cash prize of Rs 5,00,000, two Silver winners will receive Rs 2,00,000 each, and three Bronze winners will receive Rs 1,00,000 each. Additionally, all five winners will have the opportunity to attend the 2024 Paris Show, receive the latest Oppo phone, and collaborate with Oppo India on photography-led projects. For more information, visit the official event website at https://imagine-if.oppo.com/en/categories/?dataTab=guide. Oppo India encourages all mobile photographers to seize this exciting opportunity to explore their artistic expression and bring their creativity to life.

Oppo Find X7 Ultra showcased in India

These details were announced during the Oppo Ambassador Conclave in Mumbai, which began with the unveiling of the Find X7 Ultra. Unfortunately, the X7 series, despite being one of the best photography-focused phones of the year, is only available in the Chinese market.

Industry leaders, influencers, and Oppo ambassadors attended the event. Rajeev Masand (COO, Dharma Cornerstone), Anubhav Sinha (Director), Sudeep Chatterjee (DOP), Monaz Todywalla (CEO, PHD Media India), and Raj Kamble (COO, Famous) led discussions on the evolution of smartphone photography, AI advancements, and the rise of content creators.

“As an artist, I’ve always believed in pushing the boundaries of creativity, exploring uncharted territories, and inspiring others to do the same,” said SS Rajamouli. “The Oppo Imagine IF India Photography Awards 2024 represents a bold step towards celebrating innovation and imagination in mobile photography, and I am thrilled to be a part of this initiative. Let’s capture the extraordinary, let’s imagine the impossible, and let’s create a legacy of inspiration for generations to come.”

Sushant Vashistha, Head of Digital Marketing, Oppo India, said, “Oppo India is proud to bring the Imagine IF Photography Awards to the country, providing a platform to showcase the incredible talent of Indian photographers… This year, we can’t wait to see some incredible photographs from India being showcased on the global stage.”

My inputs

I was fortunate enough to attend the Oppo Ambassador Conclave, and it was an inspiring experience. The discussions on mobile photography’s evolution were incredibly insightful. Oppo’s dedication to pushing the limits of smartphone cameras is evident, and the Imagine IF Photography Awards serve as a testament to this commitment. I’m eager to see the stunning images that Indian photographers will submit for this exciting contest.

I have been using the Find X7 Ultra for the past few days and I am impressed by its camera capabilities. It is unfortunate that the X7 series won’t be released in India. However, the discussions about Oppo’s commitment to innovation leave me hopeful that the Find X8 series, rumored to arrive next year, will be available in the Indian market.

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Editor’s note: This interview is the fifth in a series highlighting professionals at work in the Chesapeake Bay arena. Listen to the full interviews in our Chesapeake Uncharted podcast.

For Jay Fleming, a body of water is his body of work.

Over the past decade and a half, the Annapolis native has devoted himself to visually documenting the Chesapeake Bay. His Nikon camera freezes in time indelible images of life on and underneath the water: sea-cured men dredging for oysters, blue crabs bobbing, wading birds wading and skipjacks casting rippling reflections in the tide.

Along the way, Fleming, 36, has established himself as one of the region’s top nature photographers. He has compiled his photographs into a pair of books: Working the Water (2016) and Island Life (2021). His work has also been seen on display at gallery exhibits and gracing the walls of countless businesses and homes.

His mother is an official with the Maryland Department of Natural resources, and his father is a former National Geographic staff photographer. It might seem like he was practically born into the business, but his initial path was circuitous.

Fleming graduated from St. Mary’s College in Southern Maryland with a degree in economics. After stints with the Maryland DNR and the National Park Service at Yellowstone, he found his calling as a photographer for Maryland’s seafood marketing program. Within a few years, he left that job to concentrate on his own photography full time.

In addition to selling his prints, he shoots assignments for glossy magazines and leads photography workshops on the Bay and around the world.

“Every time I’m out on the water and I can watch the sun come up, I consider myself fortunate,” he said. “When I’m out on the water on a Monday and I think about all the people I know who have to sit in an office, I know that I picked the right path for myself.”

The Bay Journal caught up with Fleming during a rare moment on land at his office and gallery on Maryland’s Kent Island. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Question: How did you end up pursuing the Bay as the subject of your art?

Answer: I grew up in a photography family. My dad [Kevin Fleming] was a photographer. He basically shot for about 50 years, and he worked for National Geographic. My dad was over in Delaware, and we would always go out shooting together. And it got to a point where we got really competitive when I was, like, 15 years old.

Sometimes, I was actually shooting better pictures than him, which bothered him. But we still enjoyed it. At a certain point, I realized I needed to find my own territory. I had grown up on the Bay fishing and crabbing, kayaking, all that, so that’s when I kind of took a deep dive into what was going on in the Bay.

Q: Did you ever take any formal photography classes?

A: Nope. I took AP studio art in high school. But other than that, no formal training — just learning on my own and learning by mistake.

Q: You’ve been successful working your way into the waterman culture. How were you able to win that trust?

A: What I do is an incredibly valuable marketing tool for the seafood industry. It’s bridging the gap between the seafood harvesters, the seafood processors and then the consumer. So, it’s educating people as to where the product is coming from, the process by which it’s being brought to shore and the people who are involved with it.

Q: So, you call up a waterman and say, “Hey, can I hop on your boat with you at 5 a.m.?”

A: Pretty much, yeah. There’s a little more to it than that. But finding the right boat to go out with involves finding the people who are following the [regulatory and legal] rules because people who aren’t following the rules — they’re not going to want to be photographed.

Q: Tell me about your first book, Working the Water.

A: That idea of documenting the whole seafood industry was really inspired by a couple of people. Art Daniels, who was a skipjack captain on Deal Island, was the first one who led me out to shoot pictures on a workboat. I went out dredging with him in the winter. I connected with him through his grandson, Lee Daniels, who works for the state now. I got to see that whole process, and I really became interested in seeing more of it.

Q: The number of watermen on the Bay continues to dwindle. Sea level rise threatens many remaining islands. Does that drive you, this idea that “if I don’t do this now, it may be lost to history”?

A: Absolutely. That was how I felt about my [second] book, Island Life, even more. Smith Island and Tangier Island [the Bay’s last inhabited offshore islands] have changed a lot since I started working on that book in 2010. I shot a picture of the last house on Holland Island about six months before it went into the water [in 2010]. That picture’s become somewhat of a historical piece because it was, like, the last time anybody went out there and really documented that house before it was completely gone.

Q: It gives you an appreciation for what the future might be.

A: I saw Holland Island foreshadowing what could happen to Smith Island and Tangier Island. A lot of other islands in the Bay have disappeared or are disappearing, so it’s not a new phenomenon. But the idea of having these active communities with a working seafood economy still happening on them going away within our lifetimes is pretty scary. And I knew that I needed to document that.

Q: Is there anything we can do to help these communities?

A: Buy local seafood and ask where your seafood is coming from. As an individual, that’s what you can do to support the seafood industry: Buy local seafood.

Q: The current Chesapeake Bay cleanup agreement expires in 2025. Do you have any advice on restoring the Bay going forward?

A: I think a lot of emphasis needs to be put on these [invasive] blue catfish. I think we spend a lot of effort and money on projects that really have no tangible deliverables. There’s nothing where we can say, “Oh, look what we’ve done.” You need some sort of suppression program, [so] you could go and say, “Look, we killed 2 million blue catfish.”

Listen to the full interview at bayjournal.com/podcasts.

Follow Moderator, BoredPanda staff

Hey there, Pandas! My name is Diana (though some prefer to refer to me as Diane, Deanna, and even Liana sometimes), and I am a Community Post Moderator Lead for Bored Panda.

As my position title states, I am one of the people (employed Pandas for bamboo) over here who work with the community side of things on this website to ensure all is well, and while at that, I also help various creators and artists get recognition for the incredible work they do by connecting them to a large worldwide audience.

Other than that, outside of work, you can find me brewing a nice cup of coffee, making a pizza from scratch, or baking brownies. I also love traveling, concerts, and cats (heavy on that, because I am a cat mom).

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