F8 | The Photographers Perspective

In this episode of the Out of Chicago Podcast, Rick Sammon sits down with Abercrombie & Kent’s Bob Simpson to discuss photography travel to Antarctica. Abercrombie & Kent, a luxury travel company, offers tours around the world. Bob discusses Antarctica’s amazing features — the ice, colors and wildlife — and talks about how to start planning a tour to “the bottom of the world.” Bob also gives a few details regarding landing sites, and how to deal with weather. Following a discussion with Bob, Rick welcomes Chris Smith as they talk about some cold weather shooting tips. Rick also mentions his upcoming excursion to Antarctica, taking place December 19 – January 4. More information can be found on Rick’s website. Photo: Abercrombie & Kent The post The bottom of the world and cold weather photography with A&K’s Bob Simpson and Rick Sammon: OOC Podcast Episode 53 appeared first on Out of Chicago Photography.

On this two-part episode of the Out of Chicago Podcast, Chris starts by talking to Out of New York instructor Rick Sammon about his recent wildlife experiences, as well as the new Canon 5D Mark IV. Rick tells us about some of the biggest new features of the Mark IV, and also tells us what some of his favorite lenses are when he’s traveling for wildlife photography. Finally, he gives some quick tips when going on safari. Rick is the author of several books, including the upcoming “Evolution of an Image: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Creative Photographic Process,” on sale in October. From there, Rick takes over and talks to Kenya-based photographer Jonathan Scott to further explore the world of safari wildlife photography. Jonathan, along with his wife Angela, are the only couple to have individually won the Overall Award in the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition (1987 and 2002, respectively). He has also hosted several TV series for the BBC, Animal Planet and Discovery Channel, in

In this week’s podcast, Chris Smith and Malinda Kavetschanky talk about October’s Out of New York Conference, the “Shootingest” Photography Conference on Earth! Chris and Malinda introduce you to the world-class list of speakers who are coming, including Bryan Peterson, Rick Sammon, Lindsay Adler, Valerie Jardin, RC Concepcion, John Kosmopoulos, Frank Smith, Steve Simon, Gabriel Biderman and more! They also discuss the photowalks and Sunday On-the-Street Workshops. If you’re already signed up for Out of New York, or are still considering attending, this is the podcast for you! Don’t forget — you can get a FREE conference registration by posting your favorite New York photos to Instagram with the hashtag #oony2016. Submissions open until Sept. 1; winners will be chosen Sept. 2. The post Getting ready for Out of New York: OOC Podcast Episode 51 appeared first on Out of Chicago Photography.

In this special episode of the Out of Chicago Podcast, Michael Novo sits down with Jason Groupp of WPPI to discuss next week’s Visual Nation Expo in Oak Brook, Ill. Jason talks about his past and how he got started with WPPI, as well as some of the benefits that Visual Nation and other smaller conferences have to offer. The event runs Aug. 15-18 at the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center. Visual Nation will feature speakers such as Lindsay Adler, João Carlos, Bob and Dawn Davis, Scott Robert Lim, Joe Switzer, Brooke Shaden, Roberta Valenzuela and more. You can still sign up for the conference by visiting visualnationexpo.com. Be sure to sign up with the promo code “GROUPP” and receive FREE conference admission! This gives you access to all platform classes, keynotes, the expo and nightly parties. Hope to see you there! The post Gearing up for Visual Nation with Jason Groupp: OOC Podcast Episode 50 appeared first on Out of Chicago Photography.

Michael Novo hosts Chicago-based photographer Nick Ulivieri during the Out of Chicago Conference, on this week’s Out of Chicago Podcast. Ulivieri, who shoots travel, corporate and aerial photography, is also an expert at using Instagram. He discusses finding your voice and utilizing that on the popular photography social network, and honing in on a specific point of view. Nick also tells us what businesses are looking for in photographic partners, discussing engagement amongst your followers. You can follow Nick on Instagram at @nick_ulivieri. The post Defining Instagram with Nick Ulivieri: OOC Podcast Episode 49 appeared first on Out of Chicago Photography.

In this episode of the Out of Chicago Podcast, New York-based photographer James Maher joins Michael Novo during the Out of Chicago Conference. James discusses his desire for street photography and the historical street photographers that inspire him and his work. He talks about “waiting for the moment,” allowing for great candid photography on the street. He also gives tips on how to make people feel comfortable on the street if you’re photographing them. James will share some of his favorite New York locations on Wednesday on our blog, and he’ll also be teaching at the Out of New York Conference in October. To learn more and register, visit outofnewyork.com today! The post Candid street photography techniques with James Maher: OOC Podcast Episode 48 appeared first on Out of Chicago Photography.

In this episode, Michael Novo sits down with Photofocus founder Scott Bourne to discuss the business of photography during the Out of Chicago Conference. Scott, who was the closing speaker at June’s Out of Chicago Conference, discusses his beginnings in Pit Alley as a motorsports photographer in Indianapolis, and how he evolved into a thriving bird photographer. He also talks about competition, pricing strategies and evolution as a photographer. For more information about Scott, be sure to check out Photofocus.com, and listen to him on the Mind Your Own Business podcast with fellow photographer Skip Cohen! The post The business of photography with Scott Bourne: OOC Podcast Episode 47 appeared first on Out of Chicago Photography.

In this episode, Michael Novo sits down with Chicago’s Angie McMonigal and Toronto’s Michael Muraz during the Out of Chicago Conference. Despite both being architectural photographers, Angie and Michael focus on vastly different subjects. Angie focuses on the fine, abstract details on both the exteriors and interiors of buildings. Michael, on the other hand, focuses on cityscapes as well as commercial exteriors and interiors. Angie and Michael discuss their collaborative on-the-street workshop at the Out of New York Conference this October, focusing on skyline and detailed architectural photographs. They’ll also be teaching their own classes prior to the workshop. You can find out more at outofnewyork.com. Both photographers recommend getting ready for a shoot as well as their favorite gear. Angie will also be joining Chris Smith for an upcoming On the Water Architecture Workshop on August 28. Be sure to sign up today! The post Abstract architecture and cityscapes with Angie McMonigal and Michael Muraz

In this episode, Chicago-based photographer Jordana Wright joins Michael Novo during the Out of Chicago Conference. As a food and lifestyle photographer who travels internationally for her work, Wright gives tips on how to travel with photography equipment, regardless of what you’re shooting. She also bridges the gap between travel and food photography, discussing how a typical food and restaurant shoot is planned when you’re away from home. Her love of food photography has granted her access to food festivals, independent restaurants, gardens and vineyards in the British Virgin Islands, Spain, California, the Mid-Atlantic region and Chicago. Wright is also hosting a workshop in Granada, “Nicaragua Awaits,” in October. You can learn more at jordanawright.com. The post Global food photography tips with Jordana Wright: OOC Podcast Episode 45 appeared first on Out of Chicago Photography.

Out of Chicago instructor and award-winning commercial and car photographer Tim Wallace joins Michael Novo for this episode of the Out of Chicago Podcast. Wallace discusses his history in the military and as a photographer. Based out of the United Kingdom, Wallace has worked for clients such as Aston Martin, Jaguar, Audi and Peugeot. He tells us about his motivation and passion, and challenges listeners to figure out what motivates them as photographers. Wallace also discusses his shooting style, and takes a step back comparing film vs. digital photography. You can learn more about Wallace, as well as find out about upcoming workshops and classes, at ambientlife.co.uk. The post Motivation and shooting style with Tim Wallace: OOC Podcast Episode 44 appeared first on Out of Chicago Photography.

In this episode of the Out of Chicago Podcast, Michael Novo sits down with Bryan Peterson to discuss photographic exposure. Peterson, who presented at the Out of Chicago Conference, is a photographer and author of several books, including “Understanding Exposure.” He explains how he went about writing “Understanding Exposure,” and why exposure is more complicated beyond ISO and aperture settings in dark and light settings. The book, originally released in 1990, was released in its fourth edition in March. It teaches photographers how to capture the images they desire by explaining exposure concepts in-depth — including light, aperture and shutter speed. “Understanding Exposure” has sold over a million copies, and is available in nine languages. He also gives some tips on how to better enhance your portraits by using items like diffusers, as well as how to best compose portraits as a beginner photographer. Historically a commercial photographer, Peterson also runs an online photo school and workshops acros

In this packed episode of the Out of Chicago Podcast, Chris gives some last minute details for this weekend’s Out of Chicago Conference. He discusses the first-ever photo crawl, gear check, pre-conference workshops and more! Even if you can’t make this weekend’s conference, you’ll want to check out the pre-conference workshops taking place Thursday and Friday. You can see the complete schedule for the weekend at summer.outofchicago.com. And, if you’re interested in hearing Rick Sammon talk for FREE, visit our registration site! Chris then talks to Ray Heinbokel from Midwest Camera Repair to discuss what they’re offering during the conference — including $30 sensor cleanings! If you’re having problems with your camera or lenses, look no further! Finally, Malinda joins Chris to talk to Mandy Woods, of Bar Louie’s Dearborn Station Printers Row location. Mandy and her crew will be holding parties for attendees on Friday and Saturday night at Bar Louie, our favorite bar right down the street from the University

This week, we’re joined by commercial and editorial portrait photographer Steven Brokaw. Steven takes us on the journey of starting off your portfolio from scratch, and then getting into the world of commercial photography. He gives us some amazing tips on how to start a portfolio and then how to transition into working with professional agencies and models. After the show, we have a quick bonus session with Steven, where we talk about how to name your studio. Believe it or not, the name you choose to work under is more important than you might think, and before you start building your brand. Steve also discusses call sheets, which can be found online. Find out more about Steve at stevenbrokawphotography.com, and you can sign up for his classes at June’s Out of Chicago Conference. The post Getting started with commercial portrait photography, with Steven Brokaw: OOC Podcast Episode 41 appeared first on Out of Chicago Photography.

“Business Manager to the Photography Stars” Corwin Hiebert sits down with Chris Smith to discuss business and creativity practices for photographers. Corwin, author of the Business Action Planner for Photographers and Living the Dream, discusses how he helps photographers work through issues and barriers to success. He alludes to some of the pain points in the industry, pulling from his experience as an agent and representative to several photographers. He is also involved in 5 Day Deal and Craft & Vision, both of which offer educational resources and eBooks for photographers and other creatives. Corwin will be teaching two classes at June’s Out of Chicago Conference — “Making a Living” and “Drawing a Crowd.” You can register and learn more about the conference by visiting summer.outofchicago.com. The post Business, photography, and creativity with Corwin Hiebert: OOC Podcast Episode 40 appeared first on Out of Chicago Photography.

This week on the Out of Chicago Podcast, Chris joins Jim Welninski to discuss Jim’s upcoming involvement with Out of Chicago. In addition to teaching at the Summer and New York Conferences, Jim will be co-leading a four-session fine art architectural workshop with Chris beginning tonight. You can learn more about that event and sign up on our event page. In addition to his architectural work, Jim is known for long exposure photography, as well as black and white photography. Jim specifically discusses the advantages of shooting in flat light, which enables him to recreate light later to create his vision for black and white photographs. He also gives some tips about long exposures and architectural photography. To learn more about Jim, visit alteredspacephoto.com. The post Fine art photography with Jim Welninski: OOC Podcast Episode 39 appeared first on Out of Chicago Photography.

This week on the Out of Chicago podcast, Chris sits down with street photographer Valerie Jardin, who will be presenting at both June’s Out of Chicago Conference and October’s Out of New York Conference. She also runs the Street Focus Podcast for the This Week in Photo network. Valerie talks about her recent trip to Rome, where she taught a street photography workshop. She also discusses her favorite spots for street photography in the world, including Paris and New York City. In discussing street photography, Valerie mentions that it’s important to “find a style that fits you best.” She also talks about some of her favorite gear for street photography. Valerie is coming out with a street photography eBook in May, and recently published a course on Lynda.com, titled “Street Photography: Two Hours in a Neighborhood.” Finally, Valerie is judging a Call for Entires for the MPLS Photo Center. To see Valerie in-person, be sure to sign up for her classes at the Out of Chicago Conference and Out of New York

This week, Michael Novo talks with Jerry and Melissa Ghionis, a husband and wife photography team that splits their time between Los Angeles and Australia. The couple discuss how to work together, as well as how to get a head start as a new photographer. Melissa dives into her customer service philosophy, while Jerry talks about online criticism from other photographers. The pair also talks about copying ideas, “keeping it fresh” and copyright infringement. Between the two of them, Jerry and Melissa have developed the Ice Light and Omega Reflector. They also offer training through their Ice Society website. Jerry is a Grand Master of WPPI, and is the most awarded photographer of that organization. The post The customer service experience with Jerry and Melissa Ghionis: OOC Podcast Episode 37 appeared first on Out of Chicago Photography.

This week on the Out of Chicago Podcast, we recap this weekend’s Portrait Conference with Chris Smith, Michael Novo and Malinda Kavetschanky. The first annual Portrait Conference was a huge success! The weekend started with a great keynote from Lindsay Adler and the results from our first ever print competition. Congratulations to the winners: Best Illustrative: Mouse Trap, Kevin Bailey Best Wedding: Peek A Boo, Diego Ivan Martirena Best Photojournalism: The Reptile, Russ Heritage Best Portrait: The English Press, Diego Ivan Martirena Best of Show: Mouse Trap, Kevin Bailey Saturday featured classes throughout the day as well as a photowalk by Giulio Sciorio, and then finished with all-day workshops on Sunday with Nick Page, Steve Nielsen, Mark Serrano and Detklef Körtge. One of the other highlights of the weekend was Robin Hansen from Picsy Photography. Check out #outofchicagopicsyphoto on Instagram, and you’ll see some “wonderful” family photos from some of our attendees. If you follow @outofchica

Long Island, Queens-based photographer Jen Rozenbaum joins Michael Novo this week on the Out of Chicago Podcast. Jen, who will be teaching at this weekend’s Out of Chicago Portrait Conference, discusses some of the keys to getting started with  boudoir photography, approaching the business side of things and keeping the confidence up in your subjects. In addition to her client work, Jen also focuses on educating fellow photographers, and has a following in the Jen Rozenbaum’s Boudoir Group on Facebook, as well as her website. The post Boudoir photography techniques with Jen Rozenbaum: OOC Podcast Episode 35 appeared first on Out of Chicago Photography.

In this episode of the Out of Chicago Podcast, Chris talks to Washington-based photographer Nick Page. Nick, who will be presenting at the Out of Chicago Portrait Conference, specializes in photographing weddings, portraits, architecture and fine art landscapes. He also co-hosts several podcasts for Improve Photography. He discusses his speedlight setup, leading into his conference workshop discussing on-location event lighting. He discusses the Yongnuo line of budget speedlights, including the YN-568EX II, YN-560 IV and YN-622C-TX flash controller. In addition to his client work, Nick offers photography workshops and 1-on-1 Skype teaching sessions. His 1-on-1 sessions highlight using editing platforms to learn new skills and using it in a tasteful manner. He also offers free technique instruction on his YouTube channel. Finally, Nick also discusses his use of social media — including Facebook and Instagram — saying, “The entire purpose for doing photography is to show it to other people.” The post Speed