Help Refugees is a non-profit organization that provides the necessary resources for refugees around the world. Through more than 80 ongoing projects, they are able to benefit refugees with funding, food, and shelter. The organization just designed a whole new way to contribute to the cause, by opening up their very own store, Choose Love. The space itself was donated by Shaftesbury – a Real Estate Investment Trust, concluding that the money you spend goes solely to the cause, and not towards the store’s rent or maintenance. Choose Love is the first of its kind, with a very unconventional way to supply goods for refugees. Instead of just buying materials for yourself and the store donating all proceeds its organization, you essentially shop for refugees first hand, leaving empty handed yourself but with the satisfaction of knowing you made a difference in someone’s less fortunate life and situation. Plus, when buying any items on sale, you get a short story of why they were chosen specifically. It’s so intimate and personal this way, and also you aren’t stuck with the thought of your money going into the wrong hands. There are so many different resources to purchase for refugees, such as toiletries, winter gear, arts and crafts, cooking supplies, and more stuff that sometimes we take for granted. Photographer, Jack Harries was there to support and capture some behind the scenes documentation on his Instagram to help spread the word.
The Choose Love store also features stunning portraits of refugees that will benefit from your help, courtesy of photographer Alice Aedy. The portraits displayed around the entire shop, is a beautiful reminder of why you’re there helping in the first place. Plenty of other creators and influencers were in attendance to support, shopping their heart out to aid in the refugee crisis.
Go to Help Refugee’s online shop, or visit the Choose Love store at – 18 Broadwick St, Soho, London W1F 8HS. Photos courtesy of Jack Harries
via RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230553 http://ift.tt/2zQi3Dt
0 Comments
Snapchat Adds New Photo Recognition Feature
11/30/2017
It seems that every other day Snapchat is adding a new feature to enhance our social media sharing experience—today is no different. First discovered by Mashable, Snapchat has just released a new addition to the app’s capabilities—filters and photo stickers based on photo recognition. The app will now be able to analyze your photos and suggest proper filters that go with whatever you’ve photographed. These will be accessible in the regular cycle of filters, but certain filters will only appear based on your photo’s content. For example, say you take a photo of a particularly delicious meal, intuitively a fun filter saying “What Diet?” would then be available to liven up your photo. It doesn’t stop at food photos though, other categories with compatible filters include concerts, beaches, pets, and sports.
These filters aren’t just for fun—Mashable says, “These contextual filters could serve as ads in the future. Snap filed a patent for an advertising system that used object recognition to serve relevant filters back in 2015.” Brands can pay to sponsor filters, thus serving as a source of revenue for the Snapchat company.
It is safe to say advancement to the Snapchat experience won’t stop here. In the coming weeks, the app will continue to undergo major redesigns and updates in order to boost the company’s earning report for the coming year. Update your Snapchat app to up your photo game by checking out this new feature, so you can continue on in sharing anything and everything with these cool, relevant filters.
via RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230553 http://ift.tt/2nijJjv With the holidays right around the corner, it’s time to start your search for the perfect gifts for friends and family. Though everyone loves the look of presents under the Christmas tree, we can’t forget about those perfectly decorated stockings that hang above the fireplace, ready to be stuffed full of little treats. We’ve compiled a list of 30 must-have stocking stuffers for all the photography lovers in your life:
This film is compatible with Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 9 Camera, and comes in color, black&white, or rainbow frame. $12.49
This spray provides on-the-spot fog for photographers looking to change up their photo look. $11.95
This film provides high saturation images with fine grain structure for those looking for an old-school photo experience. $2.99
This strap allows for movement and flexibility while providing protection with a steady grip on your camera. $29.95
This thermos is perfect for those photographers that can’t begin their day without a warm cup of coffee. $13.95
This tripod is compact and light-weight, making it the perfect choice for photographers on-the-go. $19.57
This little keychain is a great token of love to any photographer, and even has a shutter you can press for fun. $5.00
8. Lenspen This compact lens cleaner is a must-have tool in anyone’s collection of photo gear. $14.95
These cookie cutters merge photography and baking, making it a great choice for photo-lovers with a sweet tooth. $19.99
This string set is a fun and easy way to display your photos for all to see. $14.00
This phone case takes iPhone photography to the next level with a built-in lens that’ll make you feel like you’ve got hold of an actual camera. $13.99
12. Polaroid Camera Post-It Dispenser This is a perfect little gift for those photographers with an office/studio space. $13.29
13. Collapsible Reflector Discs This set of reflector discs provide instant lighting fixes in the easiest way possible. $17.37
The rainsleeve camera cover makes shooting in any weather condition a possibility. $6.95
15. Gorillatorch Tripod Flashlight This awesome lighting tool is light-weight and can wrap around any surface, meaning you never have to forfeit light quality again. $72.99
These string lights take the metal photo clips up a level by adding a nice glow to your displayed photos. $12.99
The Floating Hand Grip is essential for all go-pro users who want to capture adventures in the water. $29.99
There a dozens of photography t-shirts to choose from, so you can let the world know you’ve got a love for photos even when a camera isn’t hanging from your neck. $19.95
These lens caps are a cute and fun way to spice up your camera’s look. $10.00
This attachable lens comes with a photo case that is sure to take your iPhone photography to new places. $35.00
21. Altura Camera Cleaning Kit This cleaning kit is a must-have, with all the right tools for keeping your photo gear in the best condition. $9.99
22. Camera Roll Toilet Paper Cover This toilet paper cover is a fun gift for photography fanatics who want to flaunt their photo-love…even in the bathroom. $11.99
23. Sony Polarizing Filter Kit This filter kit is an awesome addition to any camera gear collection, with minimal hassle in achieving an all-new image look. $99.95
This little pendant is a sweet token of love for anyone who holds photography near to their hearts. $21.99
25. BlackRapid Breathe Camera Strap This camera strap is an awesome choice for photographers who are in constant action and often shoot on-the-go. $81.95
26. Canon Wireless Remote Control Photographers will never have to miss a group photo again with this remote that lets you control shutter even when you aren’t behind the camera. $44.95
This tiny photo album is great for displaying pictures of the people you love in an album you can carry anywhere. $13.95
This is an awesome gift for game lovers, with the added bonus of cool aerial photography. $59.99
29. Rocket Blaster Dust Removal Tool This is an essential tool for ensuring you have the best quality images possible. $11.99
30. easyCover Silicone Protection Cover This is a good addition to any camera gear collection, for added safety to your beloved equipment. $29.95 via RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230553 http://ift.tt/2zStkmU The FlowMotion One is said to be the newest and most reliable smartphone 3D stabilizers on the market today. The ultimate tool for video creators, travelers, or even those who just simply want to capture their memories on camera without the inevitable shakiness.
Have an edge on the rest, with smooth and steady videos that seem as though they were conducted by a professional with pricey and bulky camera stabilizing equipment. The effortlessness behind the motion shooting with this tool, is that of a miracle, and the answer to any vlogger’s dream.The One is compact and lightweight compared to other smartphone stabilizers, so much that you are afforded the opportunity to fold it up and fit it in your pocket. The size and mobilization of this product gives you the advantage to pull it out whenever you feel the moment is right for shooting. It’s the perfect storm for getting those on-the-spot Snapchat and Instagram stories, since they come and go so fast. Easily connect your smartphone with bluetooth, and say goodbye to those annoying in-the-way wires. Plus with the stabilizer, comes a premium and sleek travel case with room for accessories and extra batteries. A main feature of the One is its AutoFocus technology, providing the ability to follow any object or person you care to focus on, making your job even more of a breeze. Clearly this product really only needs content to shoot and a hand to hold. It doesn’t end here for the One, with its options of modes to choose from including:
In order to have all the features One provides, such as panorama, motion time-lapse, and a range of other professional shooting modes make sure to download The FlowMotion App for IOS and Android. Within the App you’re able to view and organize all your footage, hassle-free. With the video world growing at a rapid pace in business and pleasure, we recommend the FlowMotion One to all creators in the field. Get yours The FlowMotion One! via RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230553 http://ift.tt/2ilYjjy
Our #ThursdayTheme last week was reflection photography. This type of photography uses reflective surfaces to capture exceptionally beautiful and standout images and you guys certainly managed this!
“Art is not a reflection of reality, it is the reality of a reflection”-Jean-Luc Goddard
He’s done it again! Our #FridayFoto this week is from Kev Parker!
Here’s what Julie had to say about Kev’s image: “I have so much respect for you wildlife photographers. The patience you must have is beyond me. But it certainly pays off when you catch a moment like this one. Obviously this couldn’t be more perfect for the theme with that stunning reflection. But I also love the rich colours and the shallow depth of field. What a beautiful capture Kev – thank you for sharing it with us!“
Thank you so much for all your contributions.
Alison Stewart
Amanda Anderson
Anne Harry Silvis
Becca Haigh
Caroline Over
Catriona Scott
Chantal Macleod-Holdsworth
Charlotte Green
Chelle Lundy
Deirdre Eaglesham
Erika Lewis Forsythe
Hannah Lamprell
Jeannie Gane
Kate Barker
Laura Elizabeth Wood
Lesley Smith
Lone Kiter
Michael Carver
Michelle Wright
Nathan Pentecost
Niki Durkan
Olwyn Hunter Young
Stefano Calderan
Pop by and request to join – you’ll love it! The post Reflection Photography – A selection of images from our #ThursdayTheme appeared first on Tea Break Tog. via RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230553 http://ift.tt/2ngQrS2 Humanity DOES Still Exist Thanks to Youtube
11/29/2017
November 17th marked a sad day for Casey Neistat and his YouTube community. For those who don’t know or need reminding, a little over a year ago Casey released a video on his YouTube channel detailing the struggles of his beloved UPS deliveryman Marlan Franklyn.
Marlan took to the screen to share that his sister, Merlex, who lives in St. Vincent, had fallen sick three years ago due to nonfunctioning kidneys. Because St. Vincent does not have the proper public facilities to handle this kind of illness, Marlan had been covering the expenses of an incredibly costly private treatment for his sister, who needs dialysis twice a week, which drained him of a large majority of his money.
Marlan and Casey used this video to spread word of a GoFundMe page for Marlan’s sister, asking for any contribution to help out this man who gave all he had for his sister.
The Youtube community stepped up to the task and exceeded all expectations, helping Marlan to surpass his $125k goal, raising a whopping $151,792. Marlan’s infectious kind nature, warmth, and admirable dedication to his family prompted strangers from around the world to band together in proving that humanity does, in fact, still exist.
Now, about a year later, Casey and Marlan took to YouTube again to share the heartbreaking news that Marlan’s sister Merlex has passed away. A teary-eyed Marlan shared touching remarks about his sister, who he explains was always taller than him and served as a bodyguard who protected him from bullies when they were young. Pausing for a moment to grapple with his loss, Marlan is comforted by Casey who claps his back and says, “You’ve been good, man.”
Marlan takes this opportunity to address the YouTube community with a heartfelt thank-you for all they have done for someone they have never even met. He says, “It is you guys who have been good. I really don’t know how to express my gratitude towards you guys…From my family, I want to really thank you guys for your prayers, and for your financial support, and for your encouraging words.” To see a community of people come together in a genuine act of humanity truly does bring a little light into the world, as it helps us to remember that we are truly all in this together. It doesn’t take overtly heroic acts or large amounts of money to make a difference, it takes lending a helping hand in whatever way you can manage, even if it comes in the form of small donations or kind words and support. Casey remarks that this makes him “optimistic about where this world’s headed.” The news about Marlan’s sister is terribly sad as she fought a noble battle against her sickness, but Marlan’s unwavering dedication to Merlex and the YouTube community’s unity in helping him and his family is a much needed dose of Faith in Humanity.
Take a look at the full video here:
via RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230553 http://ift.tt/2Bwl3ST
Wanna hear a crazy Instagram statistic? Posts that use at least one hashtag gets 12.6% more engagement. So what I’m telling you is this: if you want more Instagram followers, comments, and likes, using hashtags is the best way to make it happen. Faster. Friends, you want to know what this means?! Your Instagram account can (and should) get randomly discovered by users searching hashtags. If you’re not waving a ribbon and shaking a tambourine hearing this amazing news, we can’t be friends. In fact, Instagram openly states it wants people to use hashtags in their posts (so, go on bae, use all 30 of ’em). Instagram’s objective is to keep users on Instagram as long as possible and hashtags make it easier to find posts/photos people are searching for. But this is where things get tricky. HOW DO YOU KNOW WHICH HASHTAGS TO USE? HOW DO YOU FIND THE BEST HASHTAGS? There’s a lot to take into consideration, but this short video walks you through my exact process… If you’d like to download the stock photo created in this video, it’s yours for FREE! Simply click >>HERE<< to use it on Instagram account and start connecting with your followers! If you’d like even more detailed information, worksheets, and a step-by-step plan, I invite you to check out the October issue of Social Curator: “A Comprehensive Guide to Finding the Best Instagram Hashtags for Your Business”. This guide is everything I know about using the right hashtags and how I’ve leveraged them to get more Instagram followers…if you’d like to learn more, I’ll see you on the inside of Social Curator!
via RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230553 http://ift.tt/2zCxDyB Film photography has recently made a resurgence, despite constantly advancing technology, and photographers are choosing to shoot and develop their own film for everything from portraits to to landscape. While it may look daunting to DIY, setting up your own darkroom to develop your film isn’t as complicated as it sounds, as long as you have a space for it.
Here is a step-by-step for making your own darkroom: 1.Pick your place. First, you need to choose a location with outlets for your darkroom. This can be any room you can make light-tight, be it a spare bedroom, spacious closet or basement. A room with no windows is preferable, but if you choose a room with windows you will need to black it out, using either blackout curtains or blackout sheeting to tightly cover them so the room is completely dark. Once you’ve done this, you’ll be able to confirm that your room is light-tight by turning off all the lights and letting your eyes adjust, if there is even a small crack of light, you will be able to tell. 2. Split the room. You should designate a “wet” side and a “dry” side of your darkroom, because this will make the developing process much smoother. The dry side should be the side with the outlets, and the wet side preferably closer to a water source. Both sides will hold different key elements to processing your film.
3. Get the right equipment. First you will need a table for both the wet and dry sides. For the dry side, you will need:
For the wet side, you will need:
4. Set up your equipment. You should arrange your equipment so that the process will flow smoothly, meaning items should be placed where they are easily accessible and allow you to move seamlessly into your next step. You will want to set up the dry side near an outlet so that you can use your safelight to illuminate what you’re doing without interrupting the developing process. The wet side should have an area where you can hang photos to dry.
5. Set up your chemicals. You will need to lay out your four trays which will hold four different substances. The first tray is the Developer, second is the Fixer, third is the Stopper bath, and the last is a Washer try filled with water to rinse to prints. Developer and Fixer chemical solutions can be purchased at mostly any photography specialty store, and for the Stopper bath substance you can use either acetic acid, pickling vinegar or a specialized premixed stop bath solution. Once these trays are laid out you should label them properly and assign/label a set of tongs to each trays—these should not be mixed.
Now that you have your room set up with a completely blacked out interior, a dry side with the essentials, and a wet side with the essentials, you are ready to start developing your photos! If you’ve done it before, then get to it. If you are new to developing film, check out this quick how-to video to get the ball rolling:
Hoping to broaden your vistas of knowledge without leaving the friendly confines of home? We feel you–learning is great, people and pants not so much. Here’s a list of ten online educational courses (of various prices, levels, and points of emphasis) which come highly recommended by the Resource staff. Even though no one will be watching, please try to stay off your smartphone–for the sake of education.
Hoping to “explore the artistic aspects, scientific foundations, and techniques of digital photography,” but refuse to do so with any institution that lacks an outstanding, hundreds-years-old track record of academic excellence? This is the course for you. Offered by Harvard University both in-person and online, “Exposing Digital Photography” seeks to impart to students an “understanding of the scientific basis of photography…to improve their photographic technique…and to effectively use photographic software tools.” Taught by Dan Armendariz, and covering topics such as: quality of light, exposure control, depth of field and aesthetics, this 12-module course is expected to take about 10-15 hours depending on your speed in completing assignment. Best part: it’s free, and lectures can be watched at your own convenience.
Sue Bryce is a giant in the field of portrait photography; she’s also a highly entertaining personality able to make you feel like a welcome guest in her home. Right now she’s offering–through Sue Bryce Education a subscription to unlimited courses for only $35/month (or $299 for the year) but get this…first month is only $7. With over 17k thriving students thus far and counting, her class has the Resource seal of approval. All in all, she’s offering a heckuva lot of content with over 200 courses plus every Tuesday Sue teaches a live streamed class for members only. Throughout the process, she’ll teach you “posing, shooting, marketing, selling, and everything else you need to know to run a successful contemporary portrait photography business.”
In an offering from CreativeLive, PhotoShop Hall of Famer Ben Willmore promises to help you “make the transition from” following step-by-step guides to “‘Ah-ha! I finally GET Photoshop!’” With 24 full HD video lessons ranging from thirty-five minutes to an hour-and-a-half, his class has had 40.8K students, with 135 reviews giving it a score of 99% satisfaction. For a limited time only, this class is also 50% off ($99 from $199). Offering downloadable content and mobile capability, this class is perfect for on-the-go learning.
Udemy, the online learning platform, is offering four levels of tutorials on HDR, the increasingly popular imaging technique which is becoming a must-know for the professional photographer. Nicely aggregated by Photographycourse.net, these range from “HDR Photography for Beginners” to “Mastering HDR Picture Making” and “The HDR Masterclass.” Each is currently on sale for $10–from a typical price of $30 or $50 depending on level–and features three hours of on-demand video, the purchase of which includes lifetime access. The classes can be accessed on mobile and come with a Certificate of Completion. This way everyone will know you’re one of the good HDR’ers.
Want to take an online course but afraid it won’t be legit enough? Look no further, the New York Institute of Photography’s “Professional Photography Course” has got you covered. For $764, you get six units of course material ranging from “Your and Your Equipment” to “Professional Pathways,” all taught in HD video available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They also provide a platform for fellow students to communicate, a professional mentor to help you through the process, and the availability of purchasing all of the course materials in printed form as a reference library. Students are given 18 months to complete the course, and receive a CPP (certified professional photographer) license upon doing so. As per former student Tanuj Kumar: NYIP is the “best course for a full understanding of professional photography.”
Sometimes you gotta spend money to make money. Case in point: NYIP’s “Business for Photographers,” a 5 unit courses covering such topics as “What is Marketing” and “Sizing Up The Market–Your Market.” Just like NYIP’s above course listing^, videos are available 24/7 and students are given 18 months for completion. Graduates are eligible to become PPA certified (Professional Photographers of America). At $552 upfront, or $764 on layaway, this course is sure to (hopefully) pay for itself.
Strobist, the “world’s most popular resource for photographers who want how to learn to use their flashes like a pro” (Resource pun unintended), offers on its website a text-based course entitled Lighting 101. With accompanying photographs and an easy-to-understand progression from “First Steps” to “Hard Light” and more, the course is entirely free and extremely comprehensive. Perfect for focusing in on specific aspects or reading through on a rainy day, Lighting 101 can get you started, provide a pre-shoot a brush-up, or help you test your aging knowledge for its modern-day accuracy.
“The Art of Photography,” a 40-video, 4-module course taught by RMIT University professor Dr. Shane Hulbert, is designed to “broaden your understanding of contemporary photographic art.” It’s perfect for the creative photographer who has harnessed their skills and is looking to better understand their place in history so as to creative more relevant work. Perhaps even more appealing to the artistic mold, it’s completely free. With over 91k students thus far, the course has a 4.5 star rating out of five. It also ends just in time for Christmas (December 19), but enrollment ends soon (November 20), so get going!
Norwich University of the Arts wants to help you “get to grips” with new media. Aimed at aspiring/currently practicing commercial photographers, their online course “Commercial Photography: Still and Moving Image,” is a four week program which explores the various avenues photography has taken alongside improved and unique technology. It covers, for example, CGI, animation, mobile, and moving image photography. This all in the service of “find[ing] out how to create work that is new, exciting, and individual.”
“What’s stopping you?” begins the headline of this free, 7-day ecourse offered by the Editor of Whim Magazine. “The answer,” it follows, is “self-doubt and a lack of confidence in your own work.” They intend to “banish” that doubt, helping you to learn to have confidence in your work through a week’s worth of programming covering such topics as: defining your own measure of success, staying inspired, overcoming setbacks, and increasing your online presence. Further, they provide a 21-page printable workbook, 50 free educational resources, an email script, and “fun worksheets” to “get you thinking.” To use their own words, “what are you waiting for? ;)” via RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230553 http://ift.tt/2Adqfx4 NASA Launches 10 Nikon D5 Cameras Into Orbit
11/28/2017
On November 12th, NASA launched 10 Nikon D5 cameras into orbit as a part of a re-supply mission to the International Space Station. After purchasing 53 of the Nikon cameras back in August, the first round became a part of the Orbital OA-8 Space Station Cargo Resupply Mission, and will orbit outer space for approximately 12-18 months. The D5 cameras purchased by Nasa from Nikon are unmodified, which means these 20.8-megapixel full-frame cameras are the same model that you can buy yourself from any camera store.
The D5 cameras will join the D4 models that currently orbit the Earth, taking photographs and checking solar panels. In order to protect the gear from extreme heating or cooling when used on spacewalks outside the ISS, the D5 cameras will likely be used with a white thermal cover for protection. Additionally, the cameras will be used for both astronaut training at facilities on Earth, and for the documentation of intra and extravehicular activities at the ISS.
NASA has a long history with Nikon—they first started using Nikon gear in 1971 with the use of their NIKKOR lenses on Apollo 15. NASA has continued to rely on Nikon products for the years that followed. On this relationship, Nikon says, “[We have] supported the research and observation of extreme environments such as space and the Antarctic with strong and durable cameras and NIKKOR interchangeable lenses developed based on its optical and precision technologies.” It’s hard to imagine cameras that we use here on Earth for every day photography are capable of capturing the stunning images of Earth’s orbit and outer space that NASA releases, but these cameras are well-known for their excellent image quality, even when orbiting above the stratosphere. This past August, as a tribute to their collaboration, NASA released this time-lapse video compiled from thousands of still images that displays some of this intergalactic beauty captured by their cameras :
|
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
October 2021
Categories |