Summer is on its way out, and before that peaceful river or puddle in your backyard freezes for the winter I say we take a month to pay tribute to the very natural resource that sustains our life - Water. Our bodies, and our world, is made up almost entirely of it. This month let's try and find a way to capture the natural emotion we feel when surrounded by small or large amounts of water. Ponds, rivers, raindrops...But don't be afraid to think outside the box. Also, don't deny yourself the opportunity to include secondary subjects. If you are a portrait photographer, look for a way to bring landscapes into your images. If you are a landscape photographer, try to use water to accent something in your images.
As with all challenges, the subject matter is wide open. I have been SO impressed with the submissions over the last two months, and again cannot wait to see the entries come across for this challenge.
I'm almost positive we are going to start posting all or most of the entries for each month so we each can see how others have interpreted the challenge. Stay tuned!
Also, please invite your friends! The more entries we have each month, the more each of us can learn and grow as photographers.
This months inspiration : http://500px.com/search?q=water
Digital file of your photograph should be emailed to glassburners@enterthedarkroom.com by the 25th of the month. Film or instant entries should be scanned and submitted.
Follow Glassburners on Twitter : @glassburners
Follow Glassburners on Google+ : http://bit.ly/xHqfrV
Follow Glassburners on Instagram : @jamestravismichael
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Monday, August 12, 2013
HERE'S SOMETHING YOU MIGHT LIKE
David DuChemin is one of my favorite photographers/people. He is the founder of a eBook company called Craft & Vision which sells super helpful titles at only $5 a piece. There are a few free titles, but this one just came up. The book is called "Ten ways to improve your craft without buying gear". Check it.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
002 : ABANDONED - AUGUST 2013 PHOTO CHALLENGE
I have personally always been emotionally moved by places or things that once have held or supported life but now have been left to deteriorate and waste away. In this "disposable society" we live in, it seems that more and more of what we create ends up lost and forgotten. I'm not quite sure what it is, but I'm excited to see what you come up with!
Think outside of the box, don't just jump towards the obvious. Keep your eyes peeled for a couple weeks, and let your imagination wander. Plan your shot! Don't be afraid to come back to your scene when the light suits it best, but also don't expect for the subject of your photograph to be there later. Best of luck!
This month's inspiration can be found at 500px.com by following this link.
Updated Rules/Regs/FAQs can be found in the previous posts, but here are some quick notes.
Digital file of your photograph should be emailed to glassburners@enterthedarkroom.com by the 25th of the month. Film or instant entries should be scanned and submitted.
Follow Glassburners on Twitter : @glassburners
Follow Glassburners on Google+ : http://bit.ly/xHqfrV
Follow Glassburners on Instagram : @jamestravismichael
Enjoy this challenge!
Think outside of the box, don't just jump towards the obvious. Keep your eyes peeled for a couple weeks, and let your imagination wander. Plan your shot! Don't be afraid to come back to your scene when the light suits it best, but also don't expect for the subject of your photograph to be there later. Best of luck!
This month's inspiration can be found at 500px.com by following this link.
Updated Rules/Regs/FAQs can be found in the previous posts, but here are some quick notes.
Digital file of your photograph should be emailed to glassburners@enterthedarkroom.com by the 25th of the month. Film or instant entries should be scanned and submitted.
Follow Glassburners on Twitter : @glassburners
Follow Glassburners on Google+ : http://bit.ly/xHqfrV
Follow Glassburners on Instagram : @jamestravismichael
Enjoy this challenge!
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
AND THE JULY 2013 WINNER IS....
CHALLENGE 001 - GOLDEN HOUR - WINNING ENTRY - RACHEL CROCE
CHALLENGE 001 - GOLDEN HOUR - RUNNER UP - SEAN DOUGHERTY
Congratulations Rachel! You are the first winner in Glassburners Photo Club History! You just won a million bucks! To see more photos from Rachel, you can check out her Instagram feed by clicking here!
Also, a congrats to Sean! His golden hour image has earned him second place honors this month! You can check out his Instagram feed by clicking here!
I'm so happy that so many people decided to submit entries this first month. There is a huge interest from many different people, and I look forward to the August 2013 challenge.
I've been back and forth about uploading all the entries for each month for everyone to view. My biggest hangup is that I don't own the rights to your photos, and I don't want to upload them somewhere that may take ownership of those images (ie Google+, Facebook) without your authorization. Leave your thoughts in the comment section!
Saturday, July 27, 2013
MONTH ONE COMES TO A CLOSE, FAQ HAS BEEN UPDATED
Entries have been accepted for July 2013, and I'm happy to say we have many submissions for this months challenge using the Golden Hour! I'm pumped that there has been so much interest, and I look forward to continuing this club and developing (pun intended) more ideas, more challenges, and better photographers.
A winner will be decided shortly, and will be posted before August 1st. Also, stay tuned for next months challenge!
In other news, the FAQ post has been updated with some of the questions I've received throughout this month. This post will constantly be improved and supplemented, so check back frequently. Click on the link in the right hand column of this blog under Labels that says FAQ for easy access. And please, don't be afraid to ask a question. You can post questions in the comment section of any blog post, and I will answer them for you and everyone.
Also, don't forget to follow Glassburners on Twitter (twitter.com/glassburners) or on Instagram (@jamestravismichael) for updates and reminders each month. There also is a Google+ page, and a Facebook page could be coming soon.
4 more days until August. I wonder what the challenge will be.....
A winner will be decided shortly, and will be posted before August 1st. Also, stay tuned for next months challenge!
In other news, the FAQ post has been updated with some of the questions I've received throughout this month. This post will constantly be improved and supplemented, so check back frequently. Click on the link in the right hand column of this blog under Labels that says FAQ for easy access. And please, don't be afraid to ask a question. You can post questions in the comment section of any blog post, and I will answer them for you and everyone.
Also, don't forget to follow Glassburners on Twitter (twitter.com/glassburners) or on Instagram (@jamestravismichael) for updates and reminders each month. There also is a Google+ page, and a Facebook page could be coming soon.
4 more days until August. I wonder what the challenge will be.....
Sunday, June 30, 2013
001 : GOLDEN HOUR - JULY 2013 PHOTO CHALLENGE
It's our first challenge!
Since this month will only be open to a small handful of invited participants, I thought we would go with a very broad topic, something that each of us could use as a guide to create a vast array of unique photographs but all surrounding a common theme. The topic is "The Golden Hour", that special time of natural light in the early morning after dawn and early evening right before dusk. The light isn't too hard or too bright, and everything naturally just seems to look better.
For some education/inspiration, check out this article at Digital Photography School here.
So let this be your push to go out and take more photographs. Spend a few mornings or evenings out and about with your camera, and try to improve upon every shot you take. Choose your best one, and send it in!
Rules/Regs/FAQs can be found in the previous posts, but here are some quick notes.
Digital file of your photograph should be emailed to glassburners@enterthedarkroom.com by the 25th of the month. File should be 72dpi and no wider than 1280 pixels. Film or instant entries should be scanned and submitted.
Follow Glassburners on Twitter : @glassburners
Follow Glassburners on Google+ : http://bit.ly/xHqfrV
Follow Glassburners on Instagram : @jamestravismichael
Enjoy this challenge! I can't wait to see the entries, and I can't wait to see what the new challenge will be next month!
Since this month will only be open to a small handful of invited participants, I thought we would go with a very broad topic, something that each of us could use as a guide to create a vast array of unique photographs but all surrounding a common theme. The topic is "The Golden Hour", that special time of natural light in the early morning after dawn and early evening right before dusk. The light isn't too hard or too bright, and everything naturally just seems to look better.
For some education/inspiration, check out this article at Digital Photography School here.
So let this be your push to go out and take more photographs. Spend a few mornings or evenings out and about with your camera, and try to improve upon every shot you take. Choose your best one, and send it in!
Rules/Regs/FAQs can be found in the previous posts, but here are some quick notes.
Digital file of your photograph should be emailed to glassburners@enterthedarkroom.com by the 25th of the month. File should be 72dpi and no wider than 1280 pixels. Film or instant entries should be scanned and submitted.
Follow Glassburners on Twitter : @glassburners
Follow Glassburners on Google+ : http://bit.ly/xHqfrV
Follow Glassburners on Instagram : @jamestravismichael
Enjoy this challenge! I can't wait to see the entries, and I can't wait to see what the new challenge will be next month!
Saturday, June 22, 2013
FAQ
Q : Do I need to sign up to be a member?
A : No. Just submit your entry!
Q : Can I submit more than one entry?
A : Nope. Pick your best work! This is what it's all about!
Q : When is my photo due each month?
A : Photo entries are due on the 25th of each month. Photos are generally judged within 2-6 days after that, winners are announced by the 1st of the following month. You can submit your photo after the due date if you wish to be critiqued, but ultimately any tardy entries will be disqualified.
Q : Can I invite my friends to participate?
A : Absolutely. Glassburners is for everybody! Even your grandma!
Q : Can I submit work I have created in previous months or years?
A : Any submission to a monthly challenge should be a creation you have made during the challenge month. The goal of Glassburners Photo Club is to motivate us to get out and shoot more, not operate the search function in Adobe Bridge. If you have a work that fits perfectly into this months challenge, go out and make it better!
Q : How do I submit a picture?
A : All digital files should be electronically mailed to glassburners@enterthedarkroom.com. For a detailed look into the details of submission, check out our Nitty Gritty Rules and Regs Post.
Q : Can I edit or enhance my images?
A : You bet. Some people are "purists" in that they feel the image should be complete after the shutter button is clicked. This has never been my philosophy, and I will explain why. I used to do all kinds of post production in the darkroom. I could adjust exposure and contrast. I could superimpose, or otherwise create "layers". I would touch up dust marks or other imperfections with pens after the print was developed. I would dye my images sepia or blue to create a different effect. Photoshop just makes all that a whole lot easier, that's all. Edit away my friends.
Q : I don't have access to the Internet. Can I submit via mail or in person?
A : Really??
A : No. Just submit your entry!
Q : Can I submit more than one entry?
A : Nope. Pick your best work! This is what it's all about!
Q : When is my photo due each month?
A : Photo entries are due on the 25th of each month. Photos are generally judged within 2-6 days after that, winners are announced by the 1st of the following month. You can submit your photo after the due date if you wish to be critiqued, but ultimately any tardy entries will be disqualified.
A : Absolutely. Glassburners is for everybody! Even your grandma!
Q : Can I submit work I have created in previous months or years?
A : Any submission to a monthly challenge should be a creation you have made during the challenge month. The goal of Glassburners Photo Club is to motivate us to get out and shoot more, not operate the search function in Adobe Bridge. If you have a work that fits perfectly into this months challenge, go out and make it better!
Q : How do I submit a picture?
A : All digital files should be electronically mailed to glassburners@enterthedarkroom.com. For a detailed look into the details of submission, check out our Nitty Gritty Rules and Regs Post.
Q : Can I edit or enhance my images?
A : You bet. Some people are "purists" in that they feel the image should be complete after the shutter button is clicked. This has never been my philosophy, and I will explain why. I used to do all kinds of post production in the darkroom. I could adjust exposure and contrast. I could superimpose, or otherwise create "layers". I would touch up dust marks or other imperfections with pens after the print was developed. I would dye my images sepia or blue to create a different effect. Photoshop just makes all that a whole lot easier, that's all. Edit away my friends.
A : Really??
THE NITTY GRITTY - RULES AND REGS (updated June 22, 2013)
The following are a list of simple guidelines that must be followed in order to submit a monthly entry. These are designed specifically to nurture you into a more polished, well-rounded photographer, as well as promote seamless simple judging.
1. Each participant must submit a digital copy of your work to :
glassburners@enterthedarkroom.com
The digital file should be set to 72 dpi and should be no larger than 1280 pixels wide.
Digital files will be displayed on our blog site for all members and non- members to view. The winner for each month will have their photograph displayed as the banner for the following month.
2. Name Your Work. Each digital photo must contain the artists name and title of the work as the file name, as well as the subject line in your email submission. This greatly assists in the judging and print return process.
3. Prizes. At first, winning entries each month will be featured on the Glassburners blog and The Darkroom Photography and Design's website with credit to the artist and promotions for your company or personal website. Eventually we would like to offer print credits or sponsored prizes. This certainly is not a far-fetched goal.
4. Deadlines. A new challenge will be available on the Glassburners blog on the first of each month. Entries are due by the 25th of each month. Entries received after the deadline may or may not be displayed on the website, but will not be judged. Please keep in mind turn around time for digital prints as well as days when the Postal Service is not open for business. In-person drop offs are not accepted. Notifications and reminders will be available on Twitter and Facebook.
The Long and the Short of it:
Each entry needs to be submitted digitally via email. Each entry should contain the name of the artist and the name of the image. Winners get a prize. Don't miss deadlines. Easy peasy.
Any questions or clarifications should be found on the FAQ post. Additional questions can be submitted via email, our Facebook page, or through the comment section below.
1. Each participant must submit a digital copy of your work to :
glassburners@enterthedarkroom.com
The digital file should be set to 72 dpi and should be no larger than 1280 pixels wide.
Digital files will be displayed on our blog site for all members and non- members to view. The winner for each month will have their photograph displayed as the banner for the following month.
2. Name Your Work. Each digital photo must contain the artists name and title of the work as the file name, as well as the subject line in your email submission. This greatly assists in the judging and print return process.
3. Prizes. At first, winning entries each month will be featured on the Glassburners blog and The Darkroom Photography and Design's website with credit to the artist and promotions for your company or personal website. Eventually we would like to offer print credits or sponsored prizes. This certainly is not a far-fetched goal.
4. Deadlines. A new challenge will be available on the Glassburners blog on the first of each month. Entries are due by the 25th of each month. Entries received after the deadline may or may not be displayed on the website, but will not be judged. Please keep in mind turn around time for digital prints as well as days when the Postal Service is not open for business. In-person drop offs are not accepted. Notifications and reminders will be available on Twitter and Facebook.
The Long and the Short of it:
Each entry needs to be submitted digitally via email. Each entry should contain the name of the artist and the name of the image. Winners get a prize. Don't miss deadlines. Easy peasy.
Any questions or clarifications should be found on the FAQ post. Additional questions can be submitted via email, our Facebook page, or through the comment section below.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
GLASSBURNERS IS LAUNCHING
Glassburners Photography Club, the long awaited and long anticipated photo inspiration group, is launching very soon. Why join a club? I thought you might ask. I have found that one of the things that hinders me from becoming a better photographer is that I don't make the time to go out and make photographs unless I am commissioned. You can read books and blogs, talk to your friends, and even go out and buy expensive camera gear but nothing develops your skill and vision better than simply going out and clicking the shutter on your favorite camera.
The idea is we will have monthly challenges focusing on one topic that will inspire each member of the group to create a picture. The topics will be presented to get your wheels turning, but will leave much of the composing and creating up to you. Each participating member will submit their image, it will be judged by a panel of diversified critics, and the image will be featured on our website for the month. Details will come.
We intend to have lots of extras including periodic group meets, photo walks, and challenges apart from the monthly project. We also expect to have somewhat of a rolling membership. While the purpose of the group is to inspire us to develop of habit of going out and creating, we fully expect for members to submit entries based on their availability that month. We don't foresee kicking you out of the group or hunting you down while on vacation if you don't submit an entry for a particular month. Submit when you can.
Wait, you're not a professional with a high dollar DSLR who makes a living as a photographer?? It's okay. Really. This group is designed to attract the occasional wildlife photographer, the semi-professional/hobbiest, and even the "iphoneographer". Yes, you can submit camera phone images! And yes, if you are that pro shooter with the new Canon 5D Mark III and an 85mm f/1.2L, your images are most certainly welcome as well. Glassburners is for everyone. Even your grandma.
Glassburners is a product of a realization I had about myself as a photographer when I found myself at one of those "plateau's". I felt like I had to get back to basics. "Basics" for me took me back to sophomore photography class with a Minolta SRT-101. By senior year, I was the president of the photography club and shared a self-built darkroom with my best friend in the basement of my grandmas house. It was a time of fantastic learning. No matter who you are, I think you can agree we all can afford to learn more.
Stay tuned for a more formal list of guidelines and a more clear understanding of how this is going to work.
-Jim
The idea is we will have monthly challenges focusing on one topic that will inspire each member of the group to create a picture. The topics will be presented to get your wheels turning, but will leave much of the composing and creating up to you. Each participating member will submit their image, it will be judged by a panel of diversified critics, and the image will be featured on our website for the month. Details will come.
We intend to have lots of extras including periodic group meets, photo walks, and challenges apart from the monthly project. We also expect to have somewhat of a rolling membership. While the purpose of the group is to inspire us to develop of habit of going out and creating, we fully expect for members to submit entries based on their availability that month. We don't foresee kicking you out of the group or hunting you down while on vacation if you don't submit an entry for a particular month. Submit when you can.
Wait, you're not a professional with a high dollar DSLR who makes a living as a photographer?? It's okay. Really. This group is designed to attract the occasional wildlife photographer, the semi-professional/hobbiest, and even the "iphoneographer". Yes, you can submit camera phone images! And yes, if you are that pro shooter with the new Canon 5D Mark III and an 85mm f/1.2L, your images are most certainly welcome as well. Glassburners is for everyone. Even your grandma.
Glassburners is a product of a realization I had about myself as a photographer when I found myself at one of those "plateau's". I felt like I had to get back to basics. "Basics" for me took me back to sophomore photography class with a Minolta SRT-101. By senior year, I was the president of the photography club and shared a self-built darkroom with my best friend in the basement of my grandmas house. It was a time of fantastic learning. No matter who you are, I think you can agree we all can afford to learn more.
Stay tuned for a more formal list of guidelines and a more clear understanding of how this is going to work.
-Jim
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