Nancy Brown's Love Affair With China

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

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.

Dead Queen Emerges From Watery Grave

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"We live here. We shoot here. 

Find us here"

www.findaphotographerflorida.com

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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!