ASMP South Florida Chapter's PhotoBlog

Nancy Brown's Love Affair With China

2011-09-14T22:07:00.000-04:00

When South Florida Chapter member Nancy Brown, who has been a professional photographer for three decades, took her first trip to China, she was immediately enthralled.

“When I stepped off the plane on my first visit,” she explains, “I began my photographic love affair with China and its people.”

Five years and six additional trips later, Nancy has released a 289-page large-sized coffee table photography book, "Simply China". In the book’s introduction, which contains text in both Chinese and English, Nancy explains how the deep kindness of the Chinese people, their pervasive warmth to a stranger in their midst, and the glorious beauty of China’s landscape, architecture, and art continues to move her.

Sunrise over 17th Century water town, Zhouzhuang, Jiangsu Province. © Nancy Brown

She also explains why, with the exception of the Forbidden City, she tends to head for the rural areas – what she calls “the real China” – where not many non-Chinese go.

Nancy comments, “It is heaven for me to wander around villages and remote areas of China with my cameras around my neck. Making the images in this book was pure joy, and I hope that those who see them feel the beauty and spirit of China as I do.”

The book is divided into seven sections: The Forbidden City, Inner Mongolia (the grasslands of China), Guangxi, West Sichuan, Zhouzhuang, Tibet, and Qinghai Province. Its numerous captivating images, ranging from a snowfall at The Great Wall, to yurts in the grasslands, to monks at a remote monastery, to wild Mongolian horses, powerfully reveal the beauty the photographer sees.

Buddhist Monk strolls with prayer beads in Lhasa, Tibet. © Nancy Brown

Nancy's first trip to China was in 2004 when the South Florida chapter, along with student's from the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale, were invited to attend the Duyun International Photography Exhibition in Guizhou Province, China. The chapter sent a selection of photographic prints that were among the thousands displayed at dozens of venues around the city. Between opening ceremonies and banquets, Nancy says she was first introduced to the Chinese people during photographic outings sponsored by the Chinese Photographers Association (CPA).

She quickly made friends within the CPA, which led to invitations to judge at other photography festivals, lecture at a photography trade school, and to specially designed trips to locations in China off the tourist track. Nancy reports that in remote Inner Mongolia, and again in the western Tibetan homelands of Sichuan and Qinghai Provinces, she would go nearly two weeks without seeing another Western face.

The Great Wall near Beijing after rare October snow fall. © Nancy Brown

Her relationships within China culminated in 2010 when she met in Beijing with the China Nationality Art Photographic Publishing House, which was interested in publishing a high quality coffee table book of photographs with a Western point of view. The book is also being distributed in China.

Nancy insisted the book be priced reasonably, and it is listed at $50 with the ISBN number of 978-0-615-42824-6. Available at Amazon, or an autobraphed copy can be purchased directly from her studio.

Nancy Brown shares photographs and makes friends with early morning exercise group, Yueqing, Zhejiang Province. © Tom Salyer

Nancy Brown has been a commercial photographer for over thirty years, specializing in lifestyle and beauty images for advertising agencies, magazines, design firms, book publishers, and pharmaceutical agencies. After working out of her New York studio for thirty years, she now works from Boca Raton, Florida. Nancy has had five photography books published and was made a Nikon Legend in 2001. Getty Images is her stock agency. China has become her favorite beauty subject.

Chapter Members Mentor Young Photographers

2011-07-21T19:56:00.002-04:00

ASMP South Florida Chapter members Dennie Cody and DK Khattiya are the first team to bring the Young Photographers Alliance Mentoring Program to Thailand, where they live and work part of the year.

E-mailing today from Bangkok, Cody says “We see this as a great opportunity to open doors to different cultures and bring unique new perspectives from the other side of the world to the YPA mission.”

Photograph by YPA Thailand mentee Suntuk Talek. Mentor Dennie Cody says Talek "photographed this image of smoke as part of this years theme which is "Energy is Everything". He sees the smoke as an indicator of the energy expelled from fire, from the universal saying "Where there is smoke there is fire."

Editorial Note: the following has been edited from news release provided by Deborah Free of the YPA.

The Young Photographer’s Alliance (YPA), an educational foundation dedicated to developing the talent of young photographers, announced today in New York City its second international mentoring opportunity for students and recent graduates of college-level photography programs. This year’s theme, “Everything is Energy,” focuses on the powerful forces that shape our world, our politics, our environment, our lives and ourselves.

“YPA’s inaugural mentoring program in 2010 was a resounding success and we’re thrilled to offer this tremendous opportunity to a new group of aspiring image makers,” commented Jerry Tavin, YPA Co-founder and president. “Energy is anything and everything,” he continued. “It can be human, physical, mental, spiritual, a force of nature, mechanical, technical, invented or created. The goal of this project is for young photographers to look beyond the obvious and explore the theme metaphorically in a way that sheds new light on the human condition.”

Thai photographers being mentored by South Florida Chapter members Dennie Cody and DK Khattiya , photographed by Cody in Bangkok.

Developed with the support of a grant from the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP), the YPA mentor program pairs emerging photographers with a leading photographer. Each student is encouraged to push boundaries and shed light on the subject in new and innovative ways within the context of their photographic specialty, including portraiture, photojournalism, landscape, architectural photography and more. The deliverables will be not only a collection of thought-provoking images, but also a written essay from each mentee that offers insight and inspiration to viewers. In addition to helping these protégées fine-tune their artistic talent and build their portfolios, the program offers them an unparalleled opportunity to develop business skills and explore markets for their work.

More than 50 students will be participating this year. The North American teams include students from colleges across the country mentored by 17 renowned photographers, including Barbara Bordnick, Lynne Damianos, Dirk Fletcher, Rafael Soldi and others. In addition, students in China, Thailand and the UK will partner with celebrated artists such as Sophie Batterbury, Dennie Cody, Shannon Fagan, Duangkamon Khattiya, Justin Sutcliffe and John Wright

Young Photographers Alliance is a global community where young photographers connect with the inspiration, resources and contacts they need to build successful and sustainable careers as the artists and communicators of the future. The foundation brings together a wealth of industry experience through its board and membership and offers real-world knowledge, insight, experience and contacts to help students and other emerging photographers develop their artistic skills and business acumen as photography professionals. Likewise, through its programs, YPA helps established photography professionals connect with the next generation of innovative image-makers. For more information, visit YPA online at www.YoungPhotographersAlliance.org.

In the weeks ahead, YPA will be seeking volunteers to assist with the 2011 YPA Awards Ceremony and Benefit, which will take place on Wednesday October 19. To volunteer or for more information, please contact Deborah Free at 585-768-7880 or deborah@youngphotographersalliance.org.

Backyard Creatures Crawl Into Personal Project

2011-05-03T13:21:00.000-04:00

Before chapter member Aaron Ansarov moved to South Florida four years ago, he spent 15 years in the U.S. Navy as a combat photojournalist and magazine photographer. He lives in Broward County with his wife Anna, 10-year-old son Corbin and 11-month-old daughter Anabella. As a guest blogger he wrote this post.

One of the most fascinating things a photographer can do to revitalize the passion in their lives is to just shut up, stop complaining and shoot photographs they love by way of a personal project.

Finding something that interests them and making images about it always turns out to be successful in one way or another. Whether its a marketable series of images for the next best selling book or simply a personal print in the bathroom, it's guaranteed something positive will happen... personal growth.

One such project for me has been my Backyard Treasures photographs.

Since I was a kid I’ve been fascinated by the multitudes of living creatures that surround us. No matter how big or small, these creatures’ lives have purpose. They’re right there under our noses in our own backyards, sidewalks and parks. But we tend to overlook, ignore, squish and exterminate them because they may not fit into our lives. If we get up really close and personal with these creatures we can see that they are worthy of understanding and appreciation. I am not sure they have souls, but I do know they have a story to tell and I want to show that through a portrait.

After 15 years as a military and combat photographer, I have seen and done more than most. I can honestly say I've been there, done that and got the t-shirt and photos to prove it. But when it comes to wrangling and photographing a portrait of a captured wild creature in a studio setting I was a little challenged.

For this personal project I set a parameters for myself and followed a few rules in order to make this project consistently follow a theme. It was very important not to drift from my parameters too much, remember that (like a creature) this project is a living and breathing entity that grows in it's own way.

- All creatures must not be harmed. To me, this is an obvious issue. Poisonous, stinky, slimy or just plain nasty, these are living creatures. They need to be treated with the utmost respect.

- All creatures must have come from the wild. No museums, zoos or pets. My subjects must come from the local area and the wild. In Florida we have a problem with many creatures that are not indigenous. That does not matter to me. If they are in the wild and making a life for themselves, then they are fair game.

- All creatures must be released back to the wild unharmed.

Within this framework I rely on my creativity, tempered with the manageability of the creature. Sometimes a subject will give me 30 minutes to shoot, while others will be there for two frames and fly away. The trick is to be prepared in advance.

I use a multitude of lighting scenarios with white or black backgrounds, often vinyl or foam core, and on occasion, I experiment with glass or plastics. I focus on the colors and design that make these creatures so unique. Removed from their natural setting, the eye sees what is most important, the subject.

When in my home studio I use Elinchrom light kits with a series of modifiers ranging from strip lights to a six-foot octabank. This gear is amazing and really makes a difference to me. Of course some may think it a little overkill to shoot a ladybug with an octabank, but I don't think so. The quality of light that comes from these is amazing.

I shoot with a Nikon D90 and a 60mm macro lens, and for larger creatures I use a 17-55mm, focusing as close as possible. When in a backyard other than my own, I use several Nikon SB-800 flashes controlled wirelessly.

So far, I have photographed over 150 species and I hope that I can eventually shoot every species in the U.S.

Images from this and other personal projects can be seen on my website at www.ansarov.com

Dead Queen Emerges From Watery Grave

2011-04-21T20:11:00.000-04:00

ASMP South Florida member George Kamper is a native of New York City, and has been working in Florida for several years. He shoots fashion, lifestyle, tourism and sports and works with motion creating TV advertisements. The following is adapted from his blog.

Presented with a wonderful challenge and having a can do attitude, I was recently tapped to produce the 30 second video spot for the Queen Mary "Dark Harbor" Campaign as well as simultaneously creating the outdoor billboard and web banner images.

View the 30 second Queen Mary's Dark Harbor spot on Vimeo.

From the high tide and full moon to the underwater lighting, every detail had to be planned in advance.

From start to finish this project had an open dialogue with the executive creative director Rob DeLuke of the Y Partnership. Utilizing Rob's and my point of view and eagerness to create something fresh and new, the sky - and the depths - had no limits.

Believe it or not, this actually evolved from a predominantly studio shoot utilizing stop motion, to a full blown outdoor, nighttime, on the water production utilizing the Canon 5D MkII.

The project was taken on because it was a challenge and Rob kept saying he wanted our input and vision. He wanted it to be super cool and scary, and not the least bit canned.

I should mention that this project had a pretty challenging budget. Which is one of the reasons I took it on. If this was a full blown Hollywood production, we probably wouldn't have come out with something as fresh and raw. Our motto is less money, more freedom!

We love the idea that we had to do everything ourselves, produce, scout, direct, light, camera operate, right down to providing the bug spray on site. That's not to say that we didn't have a wonderful crew, everyone contributed in a big way because we all saw this as a portfolio piece.

The first challenge was finding a location on the water where we could control the environment, didn't have to fight the waves,- remember the movie “Water World” - and could have some power availability and necessary shelter, rest rooms, food availability on site. There was no budget for a RV

We also wanted to shoot in an isolated area so we didn't have to fight off onlookers, other people's flash cameras, potential theft and the like. And it was sea turtle nesting season, another challenge because you can't shoot on the beach in Florida at night, as any light would confuse the hatchlings.

Lighting is the key to my work. I love it. When it works it can bring magic to a shoot! In this case, we knew the look we were trying to achieve and the key light had to come from underwater.

A tidal creek became the perfect location, located at John U. Lloyd State Park in Fort Lauderdale, and at night the creek was the perfect eerie location.

One of our greatest challenges was finding an actress who would be willing and strong enough to stand in water on cinder blocks in five feet of water, for five hours, at night, wearing a tattered ball gown, prostheses glued to her face and hands, blood dripping from her eyes, with seaweed entwined in her hair with a crown on her head.

We must give credit to Ashley DeLuke, Rob's daughter, who models and is a budding actress. She swam a marathon for us and was willing to go the extra mile.

We could see fish and crab moving around in the water. Ashley didn't know this, but part of the diver's job, armed with a spear behind her in the water, was to fend off any sea creatures that got too close.

Under the watchful eye of a helpful park ranger, we were a little nervous we might get stopped after the first take lighting on fire the Queen Mary life preserver ring floating in the creek. Everything went smoothly with several takes of flames in the water.

Many people contributed to the success of the project:

We talked with Robert Carmichael, Brownie Marine Group's CEO, who volunteered his services and equipment along with Mikkel Pitzner. They became our underwater diver and lighting solution. Brownie Marine is known for it's depth of knowledge regarding anything that has to do with diving and being around the water. They also work closely with Halcyon and the EUE, and hold several patents for diving solutions.

One of the first phone calls I made was to makeup artist June Ellis who does wonderful work and was up for the challenge of working with prostheses, blood, seaweed and water! In addition to all the research and testing she did, she was a great presence on set, and constantly checked in with Ashley to insure she was doing OK. In all makeup took five hours in studio and then five hours standing in the water. You gotta love crew that loves their job!

The wardrobe and jewelry were handled by stylist Melanie Whittle. I've got to say, from all the research she did identifying just the right style and fabrics, to personally sandpapering and distressing the gown, she's become one of my new heroes.

Peggy Chase Jordao, one of my go to people, handled props for me and made arrangements with Melanie and June to work on this production.

Gearing up for this shoot took me a couple of weeks since I hadn't fully made the transition to shooting video on my 5D's from motion picture 16mm and 35mm film. Chris King, who helped guide us through outfitting our 5D and was on set.

Special thanks has to go to my first assistant Jim Wenger who through thick and thin, was right beside me in five feet of water managing the dry ice. We had three different devices for managing the “smoke” on the water, and in the end, it was Jim’s ability to use a gloved hand that made the photo. Even though the dry ice burned his hand, he just kept taking it for the team.

The sound on the project had everything to do with setting the mood and making it interesting. Mark Sunderland composed and engineered the sound as well as voice over talent Zach Miller and Danielle Lillig. Lillig also wrote the spot with just the right amount of cleverness and restraint and we love her for it.

Every film maker knows it's not only what's in the can that counts, but how it's cut together. I've got to give super special thanks to the tech and editor, Zach Scheffer, who had the vision to put the spot together with the effects that really push it up a notch.

We wouldn't have those hands on that shot of the Queen for the billboard if it wasn't for fantastic retoucher and budding editor Christine Craig. She did a fab job on the Queen's skin and interpreting the lighting.

And lastly the person that deserves the most credit for this project is Rob DeLuke. He has a great eye, is always willing to go to battle for a great idea, who is willing to step out of a comfortable zone and back us up all the way.

Member Spotlight: David Benoliel Provokes A Feeling

2011-03-20T20:40:00.000-04:00

David Benoliel, who recently joined our South Florida chapter after moving to Miami from Paris, is featured in this Member Spotlight, an occasional series of articles introducing the photography of chapter members to each other.

David, who specializes in fashion and still life, reports he discovered photography only a few years ago, and since taking several workshops at the International Center of Photography in New York City on lighting and editing, he's learned the rest of his craft by himself during studio sessions. Working with a Hasselblad H4D, he works with clients in the United States and around the world.

"Fragility" was created for the exhibition "Arts For A Better World" during Art Basel 2010. David created 13 original works depicting beauty and nature. "It was a really exciting challenge and this one represents the fragility of earth getting old (with the white hair)", David says. (Makeup and Hair by Eliut Turin)

David distills his creative philosophy as follows:

"The collaboration of light and beauty is what breathes life into my work, the unique images are produced through my appreciation for strong features and sharp colors. I feel that an image should provoke a feeling and it should inspire or trigger something very deep within the observer. I like to reveal the beauty of each woman's personality and individuality through my photographs."

Model and reflection in mirror photographed for editorial fashion spread.

David is the owner of AD013 Studio that features shooting space, instruction and a "creative emporium", and is located North of downtown Miami in the Little River neighborhood.

"Cotton dream" was also shot for the "Arts For A Better World" exhibition, in which 40 artists participated. David says that "because the model looked so natural and fresh we decided to go with this mood of clean and pure with a touch of nature in it. The makeup on the lips to accentuate her doll-like innocence." (Makeup and Hair Eliut Turin)

Environment Awakens Through Lush Tropical Light

2011-03-10T20:09:00.001-05:00

Scherley Busch is currently exhibiting her latest fine art work “Eco Abstractions- Keeping it Real” in a one woman show at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery II in Miami. The ASMP South Florida chapter member says "Eco-Abstractions creates an awakening of our environment through a fantasy of vibrant colors, and dramatic abstractions of brilliant sunlight and sensual geography".

The Coconut Grove Grapevine blog notes
"Exhibiting intimate and fresh color photographic compositions, Scherley uses her camera to “paint with light” as lush tropical tones play against geometric angles and sinuous curves. She also uses Florida’s searing sunlight and sensual geography as her color palette.The exhibit bridges the gap between art and life by raising awareness and appreciation for our natural resources in all its 'abstractions.' "

Also showing are "Eco Soundscapes", a video and selections from Busch's Black and white colorized infrared images, "Miami DreamScapes" previously selected for exhibit by Art in Public Places at Miami International Airport.

The exhibition, which opened in February, runs through March 21 at The Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery, located in the Shoppes at Mayfair, 3390 Mary Street, Suite 128, Miami, FL, 33133.

Exhibit Challenges Teens About Hunger

2011-03-04T12:40:00.000-05:00

ASMP South Florida chapter member Benjamin Rusnak last week challenged high school students to think about hunger in their community by exhibiting and discussing his humanitarian photographs during Archbishop Curley Notre Dame's annual HungerFest.

"After The Chorus" - When asked who knew someone that had died, a chorus of names rose into the mountain air from a group of anxious women. After four tropical storms destroyed their crops, the subsistence farmer of Baie D'Orange, Haiti, waited at a hilltop delivery pint, hoping for aid to arrive. However, that aid was to late for the 40 people who died of malnutrition in late 2008."

The Miami Catholic school is hosting Rusnak's "Dreams and Tempests" exhibit of black and white panoramic photographs he has captured throughout Latin America and the Caribbean while working as a humanitarian photographer with Food for the Poor, Inc., an international relief and development agency.

Rusnak told the students that “working in the tropics, I have often been struck by the irony of people struggling to survive in what should be an idyllic setting. The poor search daily for adequate food, shelter and water under the same sun and palms where vacationers play. And despite their hardships, the poor still have the hope and faith to dream of living in the paradise that surrounds them."

"Rising Up"- Workers in a garbage dump in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, raise their hands when asked if they dream of a better life - one where they wouldn't have to earn a living by sifting through refuse for food and recyclables."

Rusnak told the students how he uses the foundations of solid journalistic story-telling to fund raise for the poor, and how his work depicts poverty in Honduras, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, and Guatemala.

"Dreams and Tempests" has recently been on display at the World Bank in Washington, D.C., KONA Gallery, CA, and George Mason University, VA and he has spoken about his work to people of all ages including engagements at the University of Florida and University of Central Florida.

"Breathlessly Alone" - A young girl sits tethered to an oxygen tank, alone in a Honduran hospital. Opportunistic infections that lead to respiratory problems are common among children with poor diets or chronic malnutrition."

HungerFest is a yearly event that raises consciousness of poverty and world hunger where ACND students demonstrate solidarity for the poor by abstaining from food and drink, other than water, from Friday afternoon until Saturday evening. They spend two days bagging lunches with products donated by the student body as well as the community, and deliver the food to Camillus House and the Miami Rescue Mission. ACND is located in Miami's Little Haiti district.

The mini-exhibit of nine five-foot-wide prints will hang in the school's art gallery through April 20, 2011, and may be viewed by appointment at 4949 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33137, by calling 305-751-8367.

Focus Your Passion With Portfolio Therapy

2011-03-04T11:26:00.001-05:00

After conducting a successful series of workshops in the "Land of Smiles" better known as Thailand, two South Florida ASMP photographers have returned to Miami to share their professional guidance with interested photographers here.

Bangkok, Thailand © 2010 DK and Dennie Cody

DK Khattiya and Dennie Cody, partners in a new consulting firm known as "Portfolio Therapy" are now planning a series of workshops in our area beginning with the first one on March 19, 2011. It is entitled "How to Become a Better Photographer" which is aimed at professional, emerging and advanced amateur photographers who are looking for direction in defining their career goals and creating a portfolio that tells their story.

Denny Cody, left, DK Khattiya, right. © 2010 DK and Dennie Cody

Dennie and Dk have also been doing "One on One" private sessions with many photographers, both here and in Thailand with success stories which include a newly minted fashion photographer, a new food photographer, an underwater photographer who has a new career shooting resorts and several others who are doing books based on their portfolio analysis.

Man with 3D glasses. © 2010 DK and Dennie Cody

Their "One on One" sessions focus on finding the passion and pattern in the photographer's work, which will define their best chances for success in the photo industry. Dennie says "most photographers are their own worst editors so we help them see what they cannot and when we make a suggestion, they almost always say wow you are right, I just never realized it before. That is when you know you are making a difference."

ASMP's Find A Photographer New Promotional video

2011-03-03T10:46:00.000-05:00

Please, take a look at the first national campaign to promote Find a Photographer search engine, and spread the word about it!

Member's Spotlight: South Florida Women Photographers

2011-01-09T05:50:00.000-05:00

Dear South Florida members:

We jump-start the year 2011 with our Member's Spotlight, with non other than our South Florida Women Photographers.

After the great event called " A Celebration of the Female Vision" we ran last November at the Freedom Tower, and the fantastic presentations by our great Panelists, plus the fine multimedia presentation of images from the local South Florida photo-community, we were also granted the Front Cover and Portfolio Spread for the December Edition of the ASMP Bulletin, distributed nationwide.

The Cover photo is from our member Lucrecia Diaz, and the Portfolio Section was awarded to our members Nancy Brown, Liz Ordoñez, Jessica Klewicki, D.K Khattiya, Claudia de Rubeis, Amy Postle and Maria Lankina, each one showcasing a sample image in their specialty. Lots of great submissions by other shooters were received, but limitations in magazine space imposed a limit to what was finally published, nonetheless, we are glad and proud of having our South Florida Chapter getting so much attention in the Bulletin.

More images from this celebration of the female vision in South Florida can be seen at this link:

FemaleVisionSouthFlorida

Congrats and our sincere thanks to all of you, women photographers in South Florida!

ASMP SFL Board

----------------------------------------------

"We live here. We shoot here.

Find us here"

www.findaphotographerflorida.com

----------------------------------------------

Reminder: all ASMP South Florida Members are cordially invited to submit their recent shootings, be it an Advertising/Editorial Campaign, Gallery opening, or even a Personal or Fine Art project, to be showcased in the Member's Spotlight.

Submit your images and text to

info@asmpflorida.org

Thanks!

ASMP South Florida receives a Grant from ASMP Foundation

2010-10-19T09:53:00.000-04:00

ASMP SFL Board Meeting, receiving the check from the ASMP Foundation

Dear all

The ASMP Foundation, after careful consideration, reviewed and approved funds to help finance the costs to carry on with our event "Celebrating the Female Vision: Women Photographers in South Florida" and we at the South Florida Chapter can't be any happier!

As we have explained before in other post, we plan on gathering the largest number of SFL women photographers ever assembled in one place, and we hope that this meeting and the interaction with relevant personalities of the of the media, Fine Art, Advertising, Legal, Journalistic and Educational areas, works well to build a more solid sense of community for our shooters.

We are making strong emphasis in the relevant fact that the ASMP SFL Chapter already has over 40 women photographers, and we will make our best efforts to promote them throughout the event, while also bringing relevance to all other non ASMP shooters, who struggle in South Florida in their pursue of their careers.

The meeting will be at the Freedom Tower in Downtown Miami on November the 9th. Stay tuned for details of the programs, as we confirm participation of different personalities to the event.

Thanks for your cooperation and participation in this project!

ASMP SFL Board

ASMP SFL Member's Spotlight: Jose Manuel Vidaurre

2010-10-13T10:27:00.000-04:00

Dear ASMP SFL members

This time, the Spotlight goes to Jose Manuel Vidaurre, a spanish-born shooter, who has lived in Miami for the last 8 years, and is one of the remarkable photographers who belongs in our South Florida Chapter.

Jose Manuel has been selected in Germany by Luerzer's Archive publisher for the book "200 BEST ADVERTISING PHOTOGRAPHERS WORLDWIDE", and he has a long list of 65 award certificates and trophies from three continents including The London International Advertising Award, The New York Festivals, FIAP, IPA, The Color Awards, Prix de la Photographie Paris and Creativity Annual among others. Jose Manuel has also been selected by Kingston Technologies for the program "Icons of Photography".

About the image: This is one of the 24 images created by Jose Manuel Vidaurre for the Miller "BE PART OF IT / IT'S MILLER TIME" campaign, currently being launched throughout 68 countries. Jose Manuel was first hired by the Agency to develop the photographic concepts of the images. After SAB Miller's approval at the Annual Convention, Jose was then commissioned to create the high resolution files required for oversized billboards and a vast array of other media.

For more spectacular images of Jose Manuel Vidaurre's work, just visit his website:

http://www.jmv-studio.com

--------------------------------------------------------

ASMP SFL Board

"We live here. We shoot here. Find us here"

www.findaphotographerflorida.com

----------------------------------------------------

Reminder: all ASMP South Florida Members are cordially invited to submit their recent shootings, be it an Advertising/Editorial Campaign, Gallery opening, or even a personal project, to be showcased in the Member's Spotlight.

Submit your images and text to

info@asmpflorida.org

Thanks!

“A Celebration of the Female Vision: Women Photographers in South Florida”

2010-10-08T15:48:00.000-04:00

©Jorge Parra

ASMP South Florida Chapter and ASMP Foundation Invite the Visual Arts Community
and Professional and Student Photographers to join us for:

“A Celebration of the Female Vision: Women Photographers in South Florida

The Freedom Tower,Downtown Miami

November 9, 2010 11AM- 4:30 PM

Event Program

11am – 1:30pm Brief Event Opening Speech:

by Jorge Parra. President American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) South Florida Chapter

Conference:

"Trends and Challenges in Photography"

Presented by the Director of the Miami Dade Gallery System, and Photography Curator Jorge Gutierrez

The Discussion Panel: - "Professional Women Photographers Today and Tomorrow"

Panel presentation addressing the challenges women photographers face and an exploration of ways to succeed in photographic careers. Several leading professional women photographers, and experts in related fields will lend their experiences to represent and discuss Fine Arts, Education, Advertising, Photojournalism, and other aspects of the industry.

- "Business Practices and Your Future in a Changing Industry"

Information on Copyright, intellectual property, legal issues, Strictly Business 3, negotiation, licensing and the current market.

Panel Moderated by: Liz Ordoñez (ASMP). Audience participation via a Q&A session.

Invited Panelists include:

-Silvia Lizama -- Barry Univ / Education and Fine Art -Debra Pierce -- Arts Institute Miami / Dept of Visual Arts -Ginny Dixon -- Miami Ad School graduate / Pulitzer Prize Winner

-Kathleen Carignan -- Copyright Attorney, Legal Art Miami -Scherley Busch -- ASMP SFL Board / Editorial/Portraits -Alexia Fodere -- ASMP SFL Board / Free Lance Photojournalist

-Nancy Brown -- ASMP / Fine Art and Commercial Photographer

ASMP South Florida Website Find a Photographer ASMP South Florida Blo

g1:30pm – 2:15pm

"Snack Time and Networking"

A chance to network and mingle over beverages and snacks

Build new relationships, get to know peers and emerging talent, share ideas, exchange contacts and get inspired.

2:15 pm – 3:15pm

Master Guest speaker : CANDACE BARBOT

Candace is a Pulitzer Prize finalist and award winner Photographer who is at the forefront of Multimedia and Images in Motion creativity and technology She also teaches at the University of Miami.

You can read more about Candace in her website

www.pulp2pixelmedia.com

3:15pm - 4pm

"Round Table discussion groups"

A time to talk about and show your work. A great group of professionals from the Arts, Advertising, and Business fronts will provide advice on several

matters. Bring your portfolio or new works in progress. Students are encouraged to participate.

4:30pm: Opening of

South Florida Women Photography Multimedia Exhibition

A multimedia slideshow-video projected exhibition will showcase select works of professional women photographers in South Florida.

Exhibition begins during the conference and continues through Dec. 9 at the Freedom Tower.

Note: small program changes and participants may occur due to unexpected reasons

Sponsored by ASMP Foundation, Miami Dade Gallery System, Arts Institue Ft Lauderdale,Miami University of Design /AI, Barry University ,Legal Art Foundation, Miami AdFed, Heineken, Coco Water,

and others.

MEET THE ASMP SOUTH FLORIDA (ASMP SFL) BOARD OF DIRECTORS. A NEW BOARD FOR A NEW DECADE

2010-09-22T10:26:00.001-04:00

Dear members: just take some minutes to get to know your Board of Directors in the ASMP South Florida Chapter.
It is so interesting that now we have Board members under 40, an interesting input of fresh, young energy, providing new approaches to business and marketing, while still being lucky to count on the experience and knowledge from Board members who have helped the chapter for more than 10 years, and still feel the drive to keep helping and advising us.

It is just wonderful to also count with the presence of two women, ASMP members, working with us at the new Board. It is the very first time in years that women take the initiative and decide to join our efforts on the Board, and I personally thank them for this!

This team is working hard on producing a series of events that we hope will create a sparkle for motivation, inspiration and a refreshed feeling of community that we need to rebuild. We will keep you posted on these matters, and soon!

Without further a do, here is your ASMP SFL Board:

Meet Board Member and current President, Jorge Parra:

I have been an Advertising, Fashion and Fine Art photographer for over 24 years. My career dates back to my time and life in Venezuela, my country of origin. Fast forward, and since 2005 I have relocated myself and my family to the US, and have been living and working in Miami, rebuilding my career from scratch in an altogether new market for me.

Since my arrival in 2005, I got involved with the local SFL Chapter, under the leadership of Matt Pace, one year later was appointed Board Member,

2 years later I became Vice-President, and now my time has come to lead the group, assisted by a great team of new and young Board members, while gladly accompanied by the experienced fellows who keep their energy and determination focused on helping the SFL Chapter. Just recently, I have been invited to join the Advisory Board for Visual Arts Trends of the Arts Institute of Ft Lauderdale. I am also an active member of the Editorial Photographers Group.

Some of my work can be seen at my main website:
www.JorgeParra.com
And if you are in the mood to follow my train of thoughts, just visit my PhotoBlog, at :
www.PureVisualEnergy.com
My FaceBook page is:

www.facebook.com/jorgeparraphotography

"As a creative photographer, I specialize in transforming people, places and things into objects of desire for Advertising, Editorial and Fine Art Exhibitions. My blend of Fashion, Beauty and Fine Art Photography diffuses the line between personal and commercial work to create compelling visual messages, and I have fun doing it!"

Jorge Parra.

Meet Board Member: Matthew Pace. First Vice-President

I am a Corporate and Food photographer, based in Miami, South Florida, I shoot "People in Places" and "The Taste, Place, and Face of Food" for clients in the food industry. My background came from editorial, working with the LiaisonAgency and Getty Images both in New York. My travels have taken me everywhere exposing me to the to a myriad of situations that challenged and broadened my skills.That rich experience was the school that helped to make my career.

I have been with ASMP for 15 years serving as Board member,Forum Moderator,Program Director,President .Currently I am Vice-President and moderator of my own group "Fine Art Photographers" at LinkedIn Groups .. Through it all, I have met some of the finest photographers who I now call friends.

Work can be seen:www.matthewpace.comwww.matthewpacefood.com

blogs:www.matthewpacephoto.blogspot.com www.matthewpacefood.blogspot.com

.."for me the camera is a passport allowing me access to places and lives, opening doors often inaccessable to most;a privileged trip welcomed and relished.With it I become witness,confessor, confident, and admirer of subject and place...From it,I accept the responsibility to the present and to the record for the future.Stealing a moment and holding it forever,as a portal to the future's past, making we photographers, thieves of time."

Meet Board Member: Aaron Ansarov. Second Vice-President

Aaron Ansarov spent 15 years in the US Navy as a magazine and combat photographer. After traveling the world and telling visual stories in both peacetime and war, Aaron retired early and transitioned to commercial life. Aaron has quickly made South Florida his home and enjoys the most challenging of assignments. After all, with a background like his, everything else is a day at the beach.

Aaron's work can be seen at: www.ansarov.com

He is also the Founder and President of a new photo agency consisting of this generation's TOP military based photographers.

Their work can be seen at:
www.legionphoto.com

Meet Board member: Tom Salyer. Chapter Treasurer

"I'm a Miami based multimedia photographer and producer that blends my experience as a corporate photographer, creating environmental portraits of real people on location with my ability as a photojournalist capturing events as they unfold through traditional photojournalism, with a keen ear for storytelling sound.

After working as a staff photographer with United Press International covering international news events inthe 1980s, I've been freelance for the past 20 years, an ASMP member since 1993 and chapter board member since 1998.

My work can be viewed at www.TomSalyer.com and www.MiamiMultimediaPhotographer.com"

Meet Board Member: Sandy Levy. Membership Chair.

Sandy was a photographic hobbyist starting about the age of 8, learning darkroom technique from his Dad. Sandy graduated from the University of Miami in 1968, studying photojournalism under the direction of Wilson Hicks, the first photo editor of LIFE Magazine. Since graduating college in 1968, Sandy has been a full-time professional photographer first working as a newspaper photographer and since 1971, in business for himself as a free-lance advertising photographer. Sandy has extensive Television, film and newspaper experience prior to founding Visual Impact Photography in 1971 including Chief Photographer for The Miami Beach Sun-Reporter Newspaper and a film cameraman for a local TV station. Since 1971 when opening Visual Impact Photography, Sandy has specialized in studio photography, primarily large format. Sandy has expertise in all types of panoramic photography, up to and including 360 degree on one piece of film or digitally.

Sandy also now specializes in high-end digital online virtual tours with clients such as Cunard Lines for the Virtual Tour of the Queen Mary II, the Miami-Dade College, The Miami-Dade Resources Recovery Facility, The Florida State College: Florida School of the Arts, and a number of industrial sites and professional offices.

Having wide experience in 3D still photography, Sandy currently holds a United States Patent on a 3D viewing process for large display transparencies.

Sandy has been active in a number of professional photographic organizations and is a member of The Professional Photographers of America, The American Society of Media Photographers and has served for many years on the Board of Directors of the South Florida Chapter of The American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP). Sandy is also Membership Chairman of ASMP.

Meet Board Member: Alexia Fodere. Secretary and Events Coordinator.

Alexia is a Miami-based Photographer, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, specializes in portraits, architecture, and photojournalism.

Initially trained as a photojournalist, working for the Miami Herald with some of the best photographers and photo editors in the industry.

Her work has been published in The New York Daily News, Wall Street Journal, Sun Sentinel, Palm Beach Post, Chicago Tribune, Virginia Quarterly Review, Architectural Digest, Florida Design, Elle Décor, The Swiss Press and the Associated Press among others.

Alexia's work can be seen at her main site: http://omegaeye.com/

Meet Board Member: Benjamin Rusnak

Benjamin Rusnak is a humanitarian photojournalist. Since 2000, he has documented poverty in the Caribbean and Latin America as staff photographer for Food For The Poor, the largest international relief and development agency in the United States, based in Coconut Creek, FL. He brought a decade of newspaper experience to telling the stories of those in need in the developing world.

His work has been recognized by Pictures of the Year International, the Best of Photojournalism, the International Photography Awards, the New York Photo Awards, Photo District News, the Atlanta Photojournalism Seminar, the Alexia Foundation and the China International Press Photo Contest. In 2008, Rusnak tied himself for first place to win the prestigious Gordon Parks Award. In 2009, his exhibition of Dreams & Tempests premiered as part of the citywide festival, Atlanta Celebrates Photography. In 2010, Rusnak was honored with InterAction's Effective Assistance Award for humanitarian photography. Learn how to help: www.foodforthepoor.org

See more images: www.benjaminrusnak.com

Meet Board Member Scherley Busch:

Scherley Busch is best known for her documentary photography and editorial portraiture. Her photographic career spans over 20 years in advertising, annual report, fine art, architectural/interiors, journalistic/event photography and portraiture. Her passion for visual communication has recently expanded to involve multi media assignments.

Selected by Art in Public Places to exhibit her fine art photography in Miami International Airport and Tallahassee Artport Galleries, Scherley’s honors also include invitations from Florida Governors Crist and Chiles to exhibit in the state Capitol and Governor’s Mansion. She has also been recognized by the Florida State Attorney General for her portrait contribution to the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame; exhibited a one woman show in the United States Senate Russell Rotunda, Washington, D.C.; and received ADDY awards for her commercial photography.

Scherley has lectured at the University of Miami and Miami Dade Community College. Her work appears in national and international magazines and in corporate advertising as well as in private and public art collections, galleries and museums. She is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University, attended the University of Salamanca, Spain and New York University.

Scherley's Website: scherleybuschstudios.com

Meet Board Member Joe Woolf:

I got my first camera when I was 5. I first used the darkroom when I was 14. I was fascinated with the idea of painting with light.

With a BFA from RIT and 10+ years of experience, I am able to achieve creative vision and quality for each of my clients. Because of my love of photography, it shows in my work.

Joe's website is: www.woolf-photography.com/

Meet board member David Ramos:

I grew up in South Florida, and still live in Hollywood between Ft. Lauderdale and Miami. I love this area and like to share it with all of my friends, old and new. I have been taking photos since 1986, ever since I took my first photography class. I discovered I have a passion for it and I that I love to create images to share and enjoy with others. With digital technology my wife and I have rediscovered the photographic medium and have surrounded ourselves with others that use photography to express their creative vision, and have entered a new phase of self expression.

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" We live here, we shoot here, Find us here"

www.findaphotographerflorida.com

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Thanks everyone!!

The ASMP SFL Board.

SOUTH FLORIDA ASMP CHAPTER PRESENTS: SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING SEMINAR WITH CLARK DEVER .

2010-09-10T16:38:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone!!.

Hoping you enjoyed your summer and are ready to work hard after Labor Day, we would like to update your information regarding our coming activities.

Next September the 16th, at 7 PM, ASMP SoFla will present the first seminar of the season: Social Media Marketing, with Clark Dever, exploring the opportunities for business that we can derive from our Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin accounts.

A must-see event for everyone!

Clark Dever shares his in-depth knowledge of Social Media Marketing

during this engaging presentation. Do not miss this opportunity to

learn how to build your brand with the social web. Clark talks about

the strategy behind the practices; while teaching by example in this

exciting seminar.

Seminar Topics:

-Learn how to build your business utilizing Facebook ,Twitter and Linkedin.

-Receive a brief primer on Social Media etiquette and grammar.

-See how you can automate parts of your Social Media marketing and

integrate it with your existing web presence.

-Learn about tools and resources that make Social Media Marketing

easier and more effective.

-Find out how to leverage your existing mailing lists to automatically

locate your best clients.

-Learn how to monitor and increase the conversion rate of your Social

Media Marketing efforts.

Buffalo, NY photographer Clark Dever is best known for his Twelve

Hours in a City project. Utilizing only Twitter, a Facebook Fan Page

and an “All-You-Can-Jet Pass,” Clark and his crew flew over 65,000

miles around the United State during September 2009. Effective use

ofSocial Media led to the project being featured on CNN, Time.com,

ABC, World News Tonight and in an internationally published article

by the Associated Press.

Clark will also be available for a limited number of private

consultations. To find our more and book your time today, please

visit:

http://www.clarkdever.com/photo/consulting/

Clark's presentation will be at the Arts Institute of Ft Lauderdale,

starting at 7 PM

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The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale

1799 S.E. 17th Street.

Harbor Walk Room # 215.

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316-3013

http://www.artinstitutes.edu/fort-lauderdale/Default.aspx

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Directions from South to The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale – Harbor Walk Building:

I-95 north to SR 84 (Marina Mile), Exit east

Continue east to US1/Federal Highway

Turn left on US1 and continue approximately ½ mile to SE 17th Street

Turn right at SE 17th Street – continue past the 2nd traffic light (Cordova Road)

Turn right immediately before the sign for The International Culinary School and The Chef’s Palette Restaurant

Parking is available on the first, second and third levels.

The elevator will take you to the 2nd Floor.

Directions from North to The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale:

I-95 south to Davie Boulevard, Exit east

Continue East to US1/Federal Highway

Turn right on US1 and continue about ½ mile to SE 17th Street

Turn left on 17th Street

continue past the 2nd traffic light (Cordova Road)

Turn right immediately before the sign for The International Culinary School and The Chef’s Palette Restaurant

Parking is available on the first, second and third levels.

The elevator will take you to the 2nd Floor.

Please stay tuned for upcoming events we are working on. We will be posting detailed info about new ASMP SoFla events we are preparing for the entire season, hoping we manage to provide information, education, Hands-on participation, networking and funfor our members.

IN a separate message you will receive info about upcoming events from the

"Friends of ASMP South Florida" Program, definitely an interesting added value for our members.

ASMP SoFla Board.

Hotwire-Digital, a "Friend of ASMP SoFla" invites to the Hasseblad MultiShot event in Boca Raton

2010-09-02T10:06:00.000-04:00

Join Hotwire-Digital for a full day of hands-on learning about Hasselblad
Multishot technology used by Fine Art Reproduction in the world's most
prestigious museums and art galleries and top landscape and
architectural photographers.

See for yourself how entrepreneurs and not-for-profits can use this
technology from masterpieces to architectural interiors (used by the
National Smithsonian Museums,Modern Museum of Art, and the
National Archives and Records Administration for accurate
preservation and faithful reproduction.)

These informative learning sessions are designed to inspire and
expand your creativity.

- choose from one or all on Saturday, September 18th, 2010:

11:00-1:00	Moving Beyond 35mm An introduction to Hasselblad medium-format camera systems
1:00-2:00	Fine Art Reproduction and Giclee printing Dan Coya
2:00-4:00	Multishot Technology John Williams
4:00-5:00	Broncolor Lighting
5:00-7:00	Open Shooting Hands-on

NOTE:

Where:

Marc Hickman Studios
1050 NW 1st. Ave. # 15
Boca Raton, FL 33432
Registration is required, but attendance is no charge

http://hotwire-digital.com/boca-raton-hasselblad-event

This is a creative community-based event, please forward
to friends and colleagues who may be interested.

---
Norah Silva
Hotwire-Digital
(561) 350-8910
Research - http://www.hotwire-digital.com
Shop Securely - https://store.hotwire-digital.com

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Just remember, this is not an ASMP event, this program is created

and developed by the “Friends of ASMP South Florida”, who are

cordially inviting our membership to get together, interact and learn,

in our quest for a better local community.

Stay tuned for more information about this program, which will also

bring special discounts and offers from local Photo businesses,

and more exchanges with other Organizations in South Florida
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ASMP South Florida Board.

Message from ASMP General Counsel Victor Perlman: Protest the new 1099 Requirements

2010-08-31T18:42:00.000-04:00

Dear ASMP Members and Small Business Owners:

One of the provisions of the new healthcare reform legislation will significantly impact the administrative burdens of your business unless the IRS changes it.

As of now, starting next year, if you pay any person or corporation more than $600 in a year for goods or services, you must report that to both the IRS and the entity or person whom you paid. For example, if you bought a new camera or lens for $1,000, you would have to report that on your income tax returns and issue a 1099 to the company from which you made the purchase. Fortunately, there is now an exemption for credit card transactions, but that doesn’t apply if you paid by cash or check.

The good news is that the IRS has asked for comments from the public. Please copy and paste the sample letter,available a the link below, edit it as you choose, and email it to Notice.Comments@irscounsel.treas.gov. Please be sure that the subject line of your email says Notice 2010-51. Please note that the emails must be sent by Sept. 29, 2010.

We understand the government’s desire to track cash transactions, but the current system would impose an unacceptable record-keeping and reporting burden on small businesses like yours.

Full message and sample letter at this link:

http://bit.ly/9KvGjH

Thank you for your support and your membership in ASMP,

Victor S. Perlman

General Counsel and Managing Director

INTRODUCING THE "FRIENDS OF ASMP SOUTH FLORIDA PROGRAM", AND THE FRIENDS-SPONSORED EVENTS FOR THE END OF SUMMER

2010-08-17T18:30:00.000-04:00

Dear South Florida members,

We hope you enjoy the new strategic alliances we are building in South Florida, in order for our SoFla ASMP Chapter to get more dynamically involved with local events, organizations, groups and companies, hereby branded as the “Friends of ASMP South Florida Program”, which will allow us to develop a stronger visual community, bringing more exposure and visibility to ASMP SoFla, and providing more local member benefits.

In this very first occasion, we have a round of interesting seminars for end of August and early september, coming from our friends from the Hollywood-based Professional Photographers Guild of Florida (PPGF), our sister organization, led by our ASMP General Member, Robert Stolpe.

http://ppgf.com/

and from from Fotomission, a non-profit organization which has dedicated many years to help finding homes and parents for kids in foster care programs, and is now producing a series of seminars and workshops, to gather more funds for such amazing activity. Fotomission was founded and is led by Chendo Perez, yet another of our ASMP South Florida General Members.

http://fotomission.org

EVENTS FOR AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER:

The Professional Photographers Guild of Florida, is inviting us for August the 18th at 7:00PM for a seminar about Lighting methods of the glamour era, introducing the Old Hollywood Clock System, and it’s applications to contemporary lighting.
The presenter is Miami photographer Jorge Parra (current President of ASMP South Florida), and the conversation on the 18th will set the stage for a future hands-on lighting workshop, dates still to be announced.

All details in the links:

http://www.meetup.com/The-Professional-Photographers-Guild-of-Florida-PPGF-COM/calendar/13873360/

For the end of August , Fotomission has a seminar on Color Management and Digital workflow, and for early September there is a great workshop on Digital Printing, both of which may be of interest to many in the community. Details on the Fotomission site: -Color Management and Digital Workflow: Saturday, August 28, 2010 from 10:00AM to 4:PM with a break for lunch

http://www.fotomission.org/workshops/color_management/index.html

-The Digital Printing workshop: Saturday, September 4, 2010 from 10:00AM to 5:00PM with a break for lunch

http://www.fotomission.org/workshops/digital_printing/index.html

Just remember, these are not ASMP events, these are programs created and developed by the “Friends of ASMP South Florida”, who are cordially inviting our membership to get together, interact and learn, in our quest for a better local community. Stay tuned for more information about this program, which will also bring special discounts and offers from local Photo businesses, and more exchanges with other Organizations in South Florida.

We are in conversations with several companies and studios to make them “Friends of ASMP SoFla”, in order to generate additional benefits for our local members.

Cheers!

ASMP South Florida Board

The " Light of Florida" Project travels to China: Exhibition and Award.

2010-07-20T11:39:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone!!

It is with great pleasure that we can announce to our membership and the entire photo community that our project called " The Light of Florida" ( LOF) is moving full speed ahead, and we have great news just arriving from China.

This time, thanks to our contacts with the Chinese photographic organizations, fostered and fully developed by our Board Member Tom Salyer, and our General Member Nancy Brown, we were invited to participate in one of the biggest Chinese Photo Festivals, called "Quinghai Three Rivers Photo Festival", Quinghai Province, Xining, China, and for the occasion, we chose to submit the images that our South Florida members ( and some Central Florida members) submitted for the LOF project.

The pics here, sent by Tom directly from China of the opening ceremony, the premises and Exhibition Halls, speak for themselves. However, the Juror Panel of the Festival picked the Light of Florida Exhibit as the winner for " Best Thematic Show", amongst thousands of images from all over the world, so our sincere congratulations go to all ASMP South Florida Members, as we all can proudly showcase this award as a group effort, which we must continue to push forward. Our extended congrats to ASMP Central Chapter too!

The poster in the image above is the announcement of the ASMP Light of Florida Exhibition and below you see Nancy Brown picking up the award on behalf of the Chapter.

As you may recall, our first attempts to fulfill our plan to have a printed "Light of Florida" book during all of 2009, encountered the financial problems we all are aware of, putting the entire project on hold.

It was the decision of the Board in full to not stop and fight adversity, as to finally manage to fulfill our goals, and even though we are still on the process to make it happen, we feel we are getting closer and closer, and the South Florida ASMP Chapter will eventually have it's LOF Book.

To that effect, and in order to offer an opportunity to all members who did not participate in the first round of images, and to all the many new members of the Chapter, we will issue a call for action to submit more images soon, so stay tuned to your email account, as you will receive an official note of this invite, with the details.

For the moments, let's enjoy the images and the great news Tom and Nancy are sending us from China, and feel free to spread the voice about this fine award the ASMP South Florida Chapter and all it's members have just received!! Below you will see Tom and Nancy with a translator, during a walk through the exhibit.

MANY THANKS TO TOM AND NANCY AND CONGRATS TO ALL SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER MEMBERS!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK FELLOWS!!

Jorge Parra
President
ASMP South Florida

The Light of Florida goes to China

2010-04-01T13:19:00.000-04:00

It is an exciting prospect to share our images of Florida with the Chinese people. I participated in the group show that went to the 2nd annual Photography Festival in Duyun, Southern China. It was a wonderful experience and the show had strong international representation. The headliner from the United States was Ansel Adams, and we had an outstanding group of work from our members. Below are some photos from the 2004 show.

Chairman Mao's Daughter opens the show in 2004

There are obvious concerns about the Chinese lack of respect for copyrighted work and their history is not good on this topic. We can only trust our counterparts at the Chinese Photographers Association to respect our rights and only use the images for prints in the exhibit for which they are intended.

One of the exhibit spaces in Duyun

I would strongly urge anyone who has the chance to go to the show to attend and represent our group in person. It will be a very worthwhile experience and great travel adventure.

The Crew:
Glen McGlaughlin, Jesus Arenguran, Nancy Brown, Tom Salyer, DK and Dennie Cody and Jillen Lippincott

Paul Morris
Morphoto Inc.
www.morphoto.com

“The Light of Florida travels to China”- Deadline approaching

2010-03-26T09:03:00.000-04:00

Great news for our South/Central Florida Members!

We have been working on finding the best options and promotion for our great project “Light of Florida” (LOF) which we started last year.

We are happy to announce that we have been invited by..

Qinhai International Photo Art Festival

to submit the Light of Florida Project for a print exhibition in China: the 2010 China (Qinhai) Sanjiangyuan International Photographic Art Festival in Xining —- the capital city of Qinhai province, China.
Date: July 20 to July 23, 2010

Participants in the original project may see the work that was originally selected by our judging panel, http:/www.lightofflorida.com

We are invited to submit around 80 images, and that is our goal. So that the LOF project is well represented in the event, you may select up to 3 images from your original submission. We wish to represent the project, with the book is a separate entity.

Now, what do we need from you?

In a main folder named (______your name_________)

(1) We need to gather Hi Resolution files with proper metadata. Image size should be no less than 11x14 inches @ 300 DPI, file format should be JPEG with the best possible compression (10-12). Photographers are encouraged to submit 2-3 Hi Res files from your original submission and/or images that are already present on the website.

(2) A Rich Text Format of your bio named (Your Name/ BIO / Image Descriptions ) a brief 2-3 sentence of your bio,include website or contact info…

EG. # (filename)= Lakeside,Florida..7am..a quiet area where bird lovers find Egrets..
#(filename)= Tarpon Springs,Florida ..10am, where Greeks used to sponge fish but now own restaurants.

These digital files will be delivered to China, to be printed and mounted there (no cost at all for us) for the exhibition. Again, there is no cost for us to run this exhibition!!

DEADLINE: We have a tight schedule for delivery of those files, so please, make this a priority in your schedule. April 1 , 2010 FINAL DEADLINE.

Images can be uploaded via FTP to our server (using programs like Fetch, Cyberdog, PureFtp, or even Firefox). Create a folder with your full name, add your images in that folder and upload it.

PLEASE, remember to add all necessary Metadata to properly identify and protect your work. Any work with no info/contact will be rejected. The Chinese ask for NO OFFENSIVE images…bear in mind respects to their culture.

For those who may need help with metadata information, please visit www.dpbestflow.org for full info and details.

FTP instructions:

ftp.findaphotographerflorida.com

user name ” asmpmembers “

password ” floridalight ” ****

Note: Do NOT use the quote signs to log in.

Image size should be no less than 11x14 inches @ 300 DPI.

NOW READ THIS>>>>

The Festival Organizer will make pictures and mount them for the exhibition. The pictures and CD will not be returned to the sender. The Organizers understand that the copyright belong to the authors. The Festival Organizers have no right to use these pictures without getting approved by the author.

Legal Stuff: (don’t get scared; it’s to cover us and them)

By submitting my images to this exhibit, I am agreeing to having my images printed for exhibition purpose, and also usage as promotion for its purpose by the Festival and promotion by our local chapter. I warrant the I am the original sole creator and copyright owner of the images rendered, that they are not subject to any transfer of copyright to another, and have proper release wherever a release is needed and does not infringe or otherwise violate any copyright,trademark or trade name of another.

I indemnify and hold ASMP, its LOF committee, and the Festival harmless from any misuse by them or by another party. I further indemnify ASMP, its LOF committee, the Festival and its organizers against any expenses (including attorney fees and costs),
judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any threatened, pending or filed action, suit or proceeding, based on a claimed violation of warranty above.

We will keep you posted on more news about LOF as it appears. We will keep pressing hard on the Book part of Project and take advantage of this exhibit and contacts to do so. We are thrilled to have the exhibition in China becoming a reality, as it will also help us reach our goals for this great project.

Coverage from this Exhibit we will use on our Blog and promote its usage to our email promotion of “Find us Here” reaching out to art buyers, editors, agencies. It will enhance our membership and draw great attention.

There is an opportunity for those of you who wish to attend the festival and also partake in a 7-10 day photo trip organized by the Festival Organization. More info should come soon on the costs… Let us know who would like to attend.

Our deadline for submission of the Project's images is approaching. Please take action now!

Thanks for your prompt cooperation!

Light of Florida Committee

ASMP South Florida Member's Spot Light: Sandy Levy

2009-12-15T07:42:00.000-05:00

Member's Spot Light: Sandy Levy

Introducing our first ASMP South Florida Member's Spotlight: Showcasing your best project, be it a portfolio work, editorial publication, advertising campaign, social awareness job or fine art project.

Please enjoy our first SpotLight for Miami photographer Sandy Levy, in his own words:

I would like to talk about a very touching moment as a result of photographing kids waiting for adoption for the Heart Gallery of Broward.

What happened was that a child named Cleveland was one of the kids that I photographed several months ago for the Heart Gallery. I shot Cleveland, just a week or two before he turned 18, he was adopted.
This is particularly special and critical because: Once a child turns 18, they are no longer in the program and are considered adults. Then they are more or less on their own. It is quite unusual for a child that old to get adopted. In some extreme cases, they end up in the streets.

Barbara Schechter Executive Director of The Heart Gallery of Broward County pulled me aside at an awards presentation event on Oct. 14, and told me that my photo was responsible for Cleveland's new Mom becoming interested in adopting him. Obviously Barbara was very pleased and frankly, it really gave me a very warm feeling as well, as this was also very special for me.

Barbara contacted me a week or two later asking if I could be at the courthouse when the official adoption took place in the Judges chambers. She told me she would understand if I could not be there, but she hoped that I would be able to go. Of course I accepted and I did not mind taking a camera.

The reason that Cleveland's adoption was rushed in the judge's chambers before National Adoption Day was that by Nov. 15, Cleveland would be over 18 and therefore ineligible for this type of adoption.
Cleveland and his Mom also thanked me privately and that was very nice to hear. In addition, Cleveland would possibly like to become a photographer. I found out he is already an accomplished amateur photographer as he proudly showed me some of his photos.

I must say that the feeling of satisfaction knowing that an image that you make was in some way at least partly responsible for a difficult-to-adopt child to find a family, is quite amazing and wonderful.
I told NBC 6 that I cannot recall another photo assignment that was as personally satisfying to me in my 40 years as a professional photographer. Not monetarily satisfying of course, but personally satisfying!.

You can find more information about Sandy Levy and his photographic work at his main website:

www.levyphoto.com

You can also find more info about Sandy and all our shooters in our ASMP's South Florida Chapter, by visiting our Local Search Engine, Find a Photographer, in the link below:

www.findaphotographerflorida.com

"We live here, we shoot here, find us here!"

Kind Regards!!

New South Florida Find a Photographer Website

2009-11-04T07:07:00.000-05:00

We are now ready to launch and promote our new South Florida search engine, our new Find a Photographer.

Please take a look at our new website

www.FindaPhotographerSouthFlorida.com

And spread the word about our dedicated engine, covering ASMP South Florida Chapter members in good standing.

We are getting ready to make large scale local, regional and national promotions for this website, as part of the revamped marketing plan strategy we are setting up to bring more business to our members.

We will keep using our slogan, " We live here, we shoot here, find us here", as part of the promotional efforts we are pursuing.

Stay tuned for more info, as we will soon be unveiling a new totally rebuilt website for our South Florida Chapter, and also a new website, fully dedicated to the " Light of Florida" Project.

Our very special thanks to our Board members Paul Morris, Joe Wolf and David Ramos for their commitment to make this new websites a reality. Great job guys!

Best wishes to all

Jorge Parra

Light of Florida Update

2009-06-18T11:33:00.000-04:00

Light of Florida update:

Our talks with the Florida Film Society continued this Monday as Jorge Parra,Paul Morris and myself met to continue discussions on sponsorship. Recent budget cuts from the State have placed a temporary hold on our publication despite the interest and excitement our images have created in Tallahassee.

In July, a new state sponsor will review our project, and together with the Film Society, might consider partnering to produce the type of book with the quality we are all expecting. Several ideas were discussed including a "teaser" version but It was agreed that going halfway was not in our best interests and would not do justice to anyone.

In the meantime, we are pursuing to launch an email quarterly promotion, showing images from LOF that will feature their creators sporting a brief write up from each. It will point to a Light of Florida site, that will show one image from each participant and will link that image to each respective website. Also featured will be our own Find a Photographer . This email campaign will be part of our Find us Here program, something we all need in this time.

Stay tuned for further updates..

matthew pace
president /s.fl.

See The Light

2009-03-16T15:08:00.000-04:00

Come and See the Light ... the "Light of Florida"

Join us for a visual presentation of the un-edited submissions for the Florida light book promotion project. See below, To read more about the project and see the book mock-up that was presented to the State Film Board. While you here sign is as a follower and post a comment.

Contributors can applaud yourselves and take a bow, you deserve it for submitting a fabulous collection of images for the project. Everyone is invited, members and guests come and view the collection before selections are made by a panel of independent editors. You will have a chance to meet the other members that submitted work and get to know the faces behind the images.

The images will be juried for our book by the end of this month, but before that, we would like to share them all with you in this ASMP Open Screen Event, Open To The Public.

When and Where

Thursday, March 19

Barry University

Andy Gato Gallery, Thompson Hall, 2nd Floor

11300 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami Shores

6:30pm gathering 7:30pm showtime.

Refreshments will be served.

Use the links below for a campus map and directions:

Directions
Campus Map

Parking is on the west side of Miami Ave.

ASMP/SoFla FLORIDA LIGHT BOOK PROJECT

2009-01-09T15:19:00.000-05:00

Please note the book's cover is only conceptual and was created as a mock-up by vice president Jorge Parra when the project was first presented to the Governor's Office of Film & Entertainment.

ASMP/SoFla needs your best pictures for a new book promoting Florida to art directors and film producers throughout the world. With additional books going to the tourist industries, this is a great opportunity for members to get their work seen by people who may be able to positively affect their careers as professional photographers.

What we're looking for: Your best non-studio CONTEMPORARY work focusing on the use of Florida's unique natural lighting. Your subjects are open and we're looking for images from all over Florida.

Who can enter? All levels of membership.

How much will it cost me? Nothing. The state is picking up the tab.

How many books will be printed? Depending on the final price, as many as 2,000.

Who will judge? Images will be juried from an online archive by three professionals and/or academics in the publishing arts who are NOT members of the ASMP. To insure fairness, please make sure your images do not reveal your name, i.e, through a watermark. The selected images will then be put into a pool to be edited by an art director not associated with the ASMP. His or her final selections for inclusion in the book are final.

Deadline: Up to 15 images may be submitted by JANUARY 31st to president Matthew Pace (matthew@matthewpace.com). Please submit low res images at 72dpi @ 1500dpi max width. Please make sure each image has embedded Metadata which must include LOCATION and TIME OF DAY.

Notification Date: March 1 (tentative) for those images that will appear in the book.

Publication Date: June 2009 (tentative).

The release of the book will be promoted to the media and the public through a festive PR event in Miami. Date and place TBA.

To see Jorge's mock-up of the book, please click here.

Sneak Preview of ASMP Archive Projection on Miami's Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

2009-01-07T13:05:00.001-05:00

Last night president Matthew Pace and vice president Jorge Parra assisted Felix Pike of Media Stage in the first test of the Archive Projection Project (APP). Using a 16K projector and a slew of electronic equipment, the guys climbed up into the Sears Tower at the Arsht Center overlooking Biscayne Boulevard and commenced to project the ASMP Archive onto the Knight Concert Hall across the street. The test shows more needs to be done on the technical side but member images looked great. Hopefully more images will be forthcoming from membership so that they can be included in the Archive. This is a great way to bring attention to yourself and your art. Please note, we are looking for images showcasing the south Florida lifestyle in work and play. For a more critical look at last night's semi-spectacular, please watch Matthew Pace's take on his own work below.

"Find Us Here" Celebration of Fine Art Photography a Big Success!

2008-12-17T15:54:00.000-05:00

Click Pictures to Enlarge.

Photo by Jorge Parra

Our Chapter's "Find Us Here" show was a resounding success. 40 fine art photographs from our membership were displayed at the Luna Star Gallery over a two week period with two different openings during Art Basel. Some were even sold! None of this would have happened without the indefatigable efforts of Dennie Cody who spearheaded and prodded us all to participate in the event. Special kudos go to DK Cody who was right there by his side and Matthew Pace, Paul Morris, my son Dave and myself who joined them in this Herculean effort (Can you say "transform a cafe into a gallery?"). To learn more about the show, click the highlighted copy above.

I think we can all agree that part of what made the show so great was that it brought us all together for the openings and the take-downs. Some of us haven't seen each other in quite a while and it was great to get together once again. Finally, a big shout out goes to Alexis at the Luna Star Cafe. Without her openness, it could never have happened.

DC Copeland

Film Meets Art...and the ASMP/SoFla Archive

2008-12-01T14:07:00.000-05:00

ASMP/SoFla promoted the chapter's Archive at Film Meets Art, a special pre-Art Basel opening with FilMiami.org, the Film and Television division of Miami-Dade County. The December 1st cocktail reception hosted by Jeff Peel, director of Miami-Dade's Mayor's Office of Film and Entertainment, happened at the Seth Jason Beitler Fine Arts gallery in the Wynwood Arts District. The Archive was projected on a wall separating member's work from the monumental sculptures of John Henry. As you can see from the short video by Jorge Parra, the opening attracted many people from the film, TV, and arts communities.