The Portland Metro Photographic News

The goal of the Pacific Northwest Color Management Users Group is to raise the level of awareness of color management, expand the market acceptance & practice of color management, and provide a forum to help those either using the technology or those deciding to implement color management.

The last CMUG event 'Profiling Digital Cameras' on January 21st, conducted by Michael Neumann, gave us all a strong grounding in the more theoretical aspects of camera profiling. However, Michael ran short of time to do the hands on and demo portion that many had been expecting to see.

So, CMUG Central decided this presented the perfect opportunity to enhance the experience by offering its first hands on seminar!

Practical Hands-On with ColorChecker PassPort, Wednesday March 10th at Gary Hush Photo Studio. Free to attendees of Michael's January 21st event, and only $5 for everyone else!

Mark Fitzgerald, of The Digital Darkroom and author of several books will be presenting. Mark has a brand new Canon 5D and will only have had a ColorChecker Passport for 2 weeks, so his presentation will illustrate how easy (or hard) this product is to use. However, Mark is a great presenter and (we think) can help convey the ColorChecker Passport workflow process quite well. Mark will also cover why JPEG and RAW files don't look the same, what is DNG and why it is important, and using the profile presets that come with LightRoom and Photoshop.

Further, any attendee from the January 21st Michael Neumann CMUG event can bring 1 digital camera to make a Passport profile, free. Compliments of CMUG, Mark Fitzgerald and Gary Hush Photo Studio. Be sure to also bring a USB drive so you can get a copy of the profile you create. Other who did not attend the 21st event can bring theirs too, and we'll try to get everyone accommodated as best as possible.

With very little fanfare Wal-Mart has been quietly replacing Kodak's long-standing digital printing Kiosks with Hewlett-Packard's "Prints In Minutes" systems.

         
Out with the old, and in with the new.   Kodak's photo printing Kiosk (left) is being replace with the HP Kiosk (right) at Wal-Mart

In recent Twitter comments, Chief Marketing Officer at Kodak (Jeffrey Hayzlett) said HP was guilty of "shame on you tactics".  He goes on to say, HP undercuts rivals by drastically lowering printer prices and then profits by keeping the price of ink refills artificially high.

Apparently someone has forgotten their 20th century photographic history.  Who was it that taught the world to sell cheap, disposable, plastic film cameras in order to reap the profits of selling expensive photographic paper and chemicals to photofinishing labs around the world?  That's right. It was George Eastman's brilliantly conceived enterprise, Kodak.

So welcome, Kodak, to the competitive world of photographic processing that you created and dominated for decades.  It's another sign of the times and, unfortunately, another indicator of one of the photographic community's founding father's inability to keep pace in the digital age.

Joseph Cartright is a friend and an acclaimed New York City-based photographer specializing in Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle Photography. Joseph has been at the forefront of digital photography since its inception in the late 80s.

When can a photographer be satisfied with his/her work?

Joseph crafts some of the most unusual, imaginative and inspired works of photographic art. But when does he find satisfaction in his art.

Joseph shares his thoughts on Being Satisfied and provides PMPN readers some stunning imagery.

Read more...

© Joseph Cartright

Tiny bubbles may be the solution for absolutely verifying the authenticity of a photographic print.  ARTtrust has announced an identification system at this year's PMA Convention that provides indisputable proof of a photograph's history and authenticity.  As DNA is to forensics, ARTtrust's Bubble Tags promise a similar level of legal identification.

Read more...

February's winners will be announced on Monday, March 8th.  Good luck to all those who shared their photography and entered PMPN's contest.  The colorful "RED" gallery can be viewed by PMPN Members by clicking here.

Get those cameras ready!  Our Photo Contest theme for March is "DOORS".  Doors are integral to our daily lives and have long been a source of literary and photographic inspiration.  Take this month to explore DOORS and share your images in our March Members' Photo Contest.  Watch for details in the Members' Lounge this week.

It's true.  Our Pacific Northwest photographic community is a hotbed of activities and opportunities for lovers of the photographic art.  And here are just a sampling of the events coming to our community in March.

• Photolucida's Exposed: Critical Mass 2009 Exhibit in Seattle.  Read more...
• The 3D Center of Art & Photography Exhibit of Davide Lee's "Observing the Human Parade".  Read more...
• Eric Brody's "Fort Stevens in Color" Exhibit at Pro Photo Supply.  Read more...
• Susan Burnstine's Exhibit at Newspace.  Read more...
• Lightbox Photographic's Series of Photoshop & Lightroom Workshops by Mark Fitzgerald.  Read more..

Check out PMPN's Photo Events Calendar to plan your March photographic schedule.

If it's happening in photography, it's happening in the Pacific Northwest

Alternative processing is alive and well in the Pacific Northwest.  Vaughn Hutchins has announced a workshop dedicated solely to the 19th century photographic processing technique of Carbon Printing -- a process that yields stunning black & white, raised relief images with a range of tonal values that exceed silver-gelatin and platinum prints.

The one-of-a-kind alternative process workshop takes place on Friday, May 7, 2010 at the Newport Visual Art Center.

Read more...

The internet is full of ads declaring the necessity of owning a high-end digital camera to achieve photographic bliss. It's a trap that's easy to fall into -- an expensive trap.  But what is the essential tool that students of photography should value most.

Long-time friend, admired instructor and "overtly political" photographer, Steven Katzman, brings his thoughts on "what's really important" to PMPN readers.

Read more....

Famed Los Angeles fine art photographer, Susan Burnstine, brings her dream-like black and white imagery to the Pacific Northwest.  Hosted by The Newspace Center for Photography, this exhibit includes an rare lecture opportunity.  Meet Susan as she shares her techniques and her vision.

Read more...

John Baugeuess's "Why Not?" is his first retrospective covering a career of stellar photography in commercial, journalism and fine art.  While Caleb Charland's black and white "Demonstrations" exhibits his fascination with the physical world. Both exhibits can be seen during March at Portland's own Blue Sky Gallery.

Read more...

© 2010, PMPN

For students traveling long distances to attend Steve's upcoming Lightroom 2 Workshops, a (Develop Module) workshop on February 21st has been added to avoid driving back to Salem
for the second session on the 27th.

Steve Ancell presents two workshops on Adobe's Lightroom 2.  One session each covering the Library and Develop modules of Adobe's photographic image editing program in Salem, Oregon. (February 20th - Library Module - and February 21st and 27th - Develop Module)

Read more...

 PMPN's guest commentator, Jon Canfield is a photographer, instructor, writer and friend with a love of nature, macro, and landscape subjects. He is a frequent contributor to PC Photo, Outdoor Photographer, Digital Photo Pro, and Shutterbug magazines where he writes on a variety of subjects, particularly in the digital output area.

Jon shares his love of the black and white image and how it continues to call to him and shape his photography in this age of the color digital image.

As a prolific writer on digital output, Jon is in the unique position of understanding the potential of modern digital photographic printers for producing stunning, museum-quality black and white images.

Read more...

© Jon Canfield

Our judges have made their decision, and Patricia Mark's Abandoned Life is the winner of January's Members' Photo Contest, Abandoned.  With so many exceptional pictures submitted for January's contest, picking a winner was no easy task.

Read all about this month's winner and runner ups in PMPN's Members' Lounge.  And start getting ready for February's contest: RED.

One of the Pacific Northwest's most sought after workshop instructors, Steve Anchell, contributes his technical thoughts and considerable expertise on the topic of accurate color balance in professional photography.  If you're looking to gain an understanding of the best professional practices for achieving accurate color balance in a studio environment, don't miss this illustrated educational article.

Read more...

Lan Su Chinese Garden has long been a favorite of the camera. With its carefully arranged succession of scenes, unfolding one after another and its harmonious melding of art, architecture and nature, photographers from all over the world have captured it ever-changing appearance.
At the request of many photographers wishing to use their photographs for commercial use and requesting special access to the Garden to capture the shifting light and changing seasons, Lan Su Chinese Garden is pleased to offer an annual Photography Membership.

(photo © Dan Kvitka Photography)

This new $150 membership, designed for professional and amateur photographers, is being “snapped” up as it offers:

• Yearlong admission to the Garden with photo shooting during all Garden hours
• Special early-entry to the Garden at 9am on the first Monday of each month
• Two after-hour admissions to capture twilight & darkness in the Garden
• Full rights to sell photos or use images for commercial endeavors
• Invitations to special Photography Member events, lectures and workshops
• One guest free each visit
• 10% discount in the Teahouse & Garden Shop
• Subscription to the Lan Su newsletter and e-news

 Photo Opportunity Coming to Lan Su Chinese Garden in February

Chinese New Year

Year of the Tiger
February 14 - 28

An annual festival for families and children this celebration includes lion dances, puppet shows, martial arts and demonstrations sharing the rich culture and history of Chinese New Year. This two week celebration culminates with traditional lantern viewing on February 28th. Throughout the festival, all visitors receive a red envelope, symbolizing good luck for the coming year.

More information about the Photographer Membership Program can be found here.

239 NW Everett Street
Portland, OR 97209
Hours: 10 to 5 November-March & 10 to 6 April-October.
General admission: $8.50. Discounts for seniors, students and families
(503) 228-8131

Digital imaging has made it easy for photographers to scale pictures to virtually any dimensions.  But, as in the traditional darkroom, proportions rule.  Forcing an image to fit a final print size that is not proportional to the original image size will result in a distorted image.  PMPN offers this brief primer on proportions to take some of the mystery out of the topic for new photographers.

Read more...

 PMPN continues its series on local manufacturers of photo-related products with the story of onOne Software.  The company's family of innovative plug-ins for Photoshop, Lightroom and Aperture are the world's benchmark for add-ons.  onOne's plug-ins provide powerful solutions to photographic imaging problems and creative tools to help photographers achieve their visions.

Read more...

The photographic treasures of America's master steam railroad photographer, Ogle Winston Link (1914 - 2001), are featured at the Charles A. Hartman Fine Art Gallery in February. O. Winston Link documented the life, times and death of the steam railroad in the United States.  His work will be on exhibit from February 3rd to March 13th to the delight of railroad fans throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Read more...

This year's Columbia Council of Camera Clubs' Spring Workshop is open to the public.  Noted photographer, John Shaw, will be conducting an intensive, one-day workshop (April 3rd) on the workings of Adobe's Lightroom 2.  Here's a chance to learn and work with a Nikon "Legend Behind the Lens" while enhancing your skills in one of today's most popular digital imaging programs.

Read more...

 Portland's Oregonian newspaper has published the rules and entry form for the 2010 Travel Photo Contest.  The contest is open to all amateur photographers.  This year's submission deadline is February 26, 2010.

Read more...

Terry Donnelly and Mary Liz Austin provide the experience and tender loving care that has make their travel and stock image photography business a Pacific Northwest jewel.  Located on Vashon Island, this couple has forged a model business that is enduring the battlefield of a struggling economy and strengthening the bonds of their personal lives.  PMPN is pleased to feature Terry Donnelly and Mary Liz Austin as our Showcase Photographers.

Read more...

 There's no shortage of Internet hosting services for sharing or selling your images.  PMPN has looked at many of the current providers by signing up for their services and going through the process of setting up the initial site.  Although many of the services were found to be acceptable, the clear winner in our evaluation was SmugMug.  Read more...

 2010 marks the first year of the Annual Art Auction to benefit Portland's Focus On Youth organization.  Focus On Youth brings hope to our inner-city children through photographic education.   Teaching life's lessons through the craft of photography provides these students with many of the tools they will need to rise from their circumstances and enjoy successful adult lives.  We, the photographic community, have the opportunity and responsibility to show our support for the youth of our inner city by providing photographic art to this critical fund raising auction. Your contribution of photography will certainly make a difference.

Read more...

 
© Nate Mumford

Is 2010 the year you realize your dream of attending a photography workshop?  If so, it could be the inspirational event that changes your photographic life.  Selecting the workshop that best meets your photography goals is an important decision.  Long-time PMPN friend and Director of the Santa Fe Photographic Workshops, Reid Callanan, offers some practical advice on making that important choice.

Read more...

Opening a DSLR camera box for the first time can be intimidating.  Learning all the controls and rules of composition can be nerve-wracking.  PMPN has composed a list of photo tips for beginners that will make the experience more enjoyable and those first pictures more rewarding.  Read more...

"From the Editor" takes a look at the numerous on-line debates that are attempting to determine just what Ansel Adams might have thought of today's digital imaging technologies.  And how he might or might not have used these non-traditional photographic advancements in his art.  But rather than add his own speculation, Editor Tom Hubbard asked the question of someone who can speak with a little more authority.  Read Tom's interview with Matthew Adams, who is not only Ansel's grandson but also the President of The Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite.

Read more...

Photograph courtesy of The Ansel Adams Gallery.

Before you open pocketbook and part with those hard-earned dollars on your first DSLR, here's some advice and guidelines to help you make a choice that you and your billfold can live with.  Editor, Tom Hubbard, provides some helpful hints and a checklist for making that critical purchase.  Arming yourself with this information will take the uncertainty out of shopping for that first DSLR while making your trip to the camera shop more productive and enjoyable.

Portland is rich in photographic educational opportunities. If you're looking for a hands-on, classroom setting, be sure to check out the Photo Education section of this site.  From beginner to pro, there are classes throughout the area designed for your level of experience and interests.

If you're a "do-it-yourselfer", one of the nation's leading educational blog authors is located in the area and offers FREE educational instruction from this site.  Check out the many Hub's Photo Blogs shown in the right-hand sidebar of this page.

Planning a photographic excursion or family vacation to the great Northwest?  Then Portland and the surrounding area are sure to delight. Regardless of your photographic interests, you'll find a wealth of shooting opportunities within a 50 mile radius of Portland's city center.  Check out our Visitor's' Photo Guide for great photo ideas, tips and location recommendations.

The success of this Portland-dedicated Internet project, and the vitality of the businesses who have chosen to support your interest in the photographic art by becoming sponsors, rely on your active support.  Please take every opportunity to make your photo-related purchases from one of our many loyal sponsors.  Providing our financial support for these retailers, who have been reliable local sources for all our photographic needs for decades, is more important than ever during these sluggish economic times.