Extra Credit

Moved Over, Sort Of

2008-09-26T10:01:00.002-04:00

I realized I haven't posted to the blog in a very long time. Reason being is that I've focused my efforts on the GC::VA blog. To see more of what's happening in the Art Department at Georgetown and what I'm up to, take a look HERE.

Photo Collage, En Francais

2008-02-28T08:19:00.007-05:00

More wonderful examples of the photo collage techniques to inspire our own compositions. Here's a nice collection of what are called "The Scattered Image" at Fubiz.net. To see the images at Fubiz, click HERE. And for 36 MORE photo collages, Scattered Images has a Flickr set HERE.

University Open

2008-02-20T09:39:00.005-05:00

The annual University Open is back again! The show features work from art students attending KY colleges and universities. This is an outstanding opportunity to submit and show your work and it's FREE! No entry fees. There are 3 cash prizes of $500, $300, and $100. The deadline to submit work is March 14.

Last year a number of Georgetown students were featured in the show. With the work that we are producing in the department, I know we can have another good year. Good luck!

For more information, visit LexArts by clicking HERE.

Pano-tastic

2008-02-16T11:09:00.004-05:00

The Washington Post site has a beautiful and interesting collection of "panoramic" images from Tokyo, Japan. Actually, they are interactive, 360 degree captures of twelve unique locations. To see the full collection, click HERE.

Looking the Part

2008-02-16T09:52:00.003-05:00

If you haven't seen it yet, one of the cool new things about Mac Mail in Leopard (at least I think so) are the new "stationary" templates you can use for writing email; basically they are HTML emails. Unfortunately 90% of the templates are unusable by professionals; they're mostly fun and cute looking. However, with a little work, you can convert some of the templates and rework them to serve your needs, i.e. looking and being professional.

I found a cool link at a site called TechnoSanity in which Jeff Turner explains how to rework some of the Apple stationary. With a little time in Photoshop and minor HTML knowhow, you can make something you'd be proud to attach your name to and clients will like to see. To find out more, visit the TechnoSanity article by clicking HERE.

4th Annual UK Advanced Photo Show

2008-02-06T14:02:00.000-05:00

Always a good show, the UK advanced photo students will be exhibiting "On Photography." The group show will feature the photo stylings of 14 upperclassman and grad students with a variety of works. Opening reception will be Monday, February 11 from 5-7 PM in the Reynolds Building, Barnhart Gallery (up on the second floor). The show runs through February 22. Hope to see you there.

Rezny Studio Open House

2008-01-30T09:08:00.001-05:00

Mary Rezny has been the greatest influence on my photographic success in Lexington, period. I had the great opportunity to intern for her when I was in grad school and have remained friends ever since. If you recall, she showed work here at Georgetown College in the Fall of 2006. My photo class even took a field trip to visit her.

This Friday she is hosting an open studio/house, featuring her work as well as artist Marco Logsdon. Her studio is located at 903 Manchester Street in the Distillery Art District of downtown Lexington. The event will be from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Hope to see you there!

The Inside Scoop

2008-01-28T11:32:00.001-05:00

There are all sorts of photo tips, tutorials and blogs out there to keep you busy from now until Kingdom come. With that said, I've found one that I've started to check out on a more regular basis. Some of you might recognize Scott Kelby's name: I recommend his books in class all the time. Well, he's got a nice blog that you ought to see. Photoshop Insider has all that you'd come to expect from Scott: news, tips, tricks, etc. Take a look by clicking HERE.

Phenomenal Photography

2008-01-15T13:34:00.000-05:00

Eduardo Angel (my grad school roommate) sent me a link to this wonderful photographer, Zena Holloway. Her work is some of the most beautiful, elegant, exquisite, and awe inspiring that I've seen in a while. To see more click the image above or HERE.

Art Department Composite, Revealed

2007-10-16T20:41:00.000-04:00

The art department needed a new group photo to go onto the school's website. So I began to develop an idea in my mind that eventually produced the final image that you see above.

I've been a fan of Annie Leibovitz's group portraits that she has done over the years for Vanity Fair. One photograph in particular, April 2001: Master Class, was one of my favorites that I thought I might be able to emulate for our department shot.

I had read once that for some of her group portraits that not everyone could make the scheduled shoot, so they had to photograph them on different days and then join them later in a composite image via Photoshop. Another aspect of her shoots is that she uses a specific light source for every little bit of lighting in the shot. I figured I could do the PS work, but the lighting might be a little tricky, considering I only had one good softbox for lighting. And after a little scouting on campus, I settled on the LRC fireside location that seemed to work out fine (aside from all our giggling and laughing while students were trying to study...sorry).

I had the final image in my mind, and in the end, everything came together...for the most part.

This is the finished PS file. It's pretty big, a little over 200 Mb with 14 layers. There are five layers with actual people on them and the rest are adjustment layers and other necessary effects to help blend the image together.

Karen and Elissa came about 30 min. earlier than everyone else due to schedule conflicts, etc. After individual head shots, I placed them together for the group shot. I had set up the chairs in front of the fireplace and a tripod from where I'd shoot. I already had the layout in mind before making the first shot. I wish I had a diagram drawn out to show you, but honestly it was all in my head (a dangerous place to be).

This is the only image that contains two people that ended up on the same layer.

A little bit later everyone else showed up. And again after headshots, I began to set up the group shot. Boris was first. If you'll notice, the lighting (my small softbox) moves for each shot, giving a unique Leibovitz-esque feel.

Then, by using a self time, I photographed Juilee, Daniel and myself. In the end I only used Juilee from this shot.

I was happy with Daniel from the previous shot, but I had done another with the softbox in a different location. As a result the shadows on his face become more dramatic, which I liked. I was fortunate–I didn't realize how close Daniel would be to Karen, but it worked out in the end.

Then for safe measure, I did a couple more shots of myself (Daniel pushed the trigger for me). And again I was glad a took a couple extra shots because I liked one of the other shots of myself as well.

In the end, most of the entire image comes from the shots of Juilee and Boris. The rest was just filling in the other figures and fixing lighting problems to match the overall look. The big key to success was shooting with the camera on a tripod–as a result, all the images blended together pretty seamlessly.

Shot with a Nikon D200, SB-800 flash, small softbox.

What the Duck

2007-10-12T10:09:00.000-04:00

If you like photography and enjoy a good laugh then you'll love What the Duck. I've seen the comic strip from time to time but just recently found them online. Check it out when you get a chance at What the Duck.

Not On Vacation

2007-10-12T10:07:00.000-04:00

Wow, it's been too long since the last time I wrote. Sorry for the delay; school has taken over my life, but I think I'm about to get a handle on things again.

Thanks for hangin' in there with me!

Nikon Fires Back

2007-08-24T08:56:00.001-04:00

Nikon announces two new flagship cameras, the D3 and D300.

"Nikon, you may move to the head of the class (although Canon will still be sitting in front of you)."

Canon Raises the Bar...Again

2007-08-20T22:28:00.000-04:00

Today, Canon announced their latest flagship camera, the EOS-1Ds Mark III. I hate to be one to compare megapixels, but this camera is up there, weighing in at 21 megapixels. That's basically the quality of traditional medium-format cameras. However, that power comes at a high price tag of $7999 (body only).

For more information, you can see Digital Photography Review's preview by clicking here.

And if you're working on a slightly smaller budget, you might want to check out Canon's 40D, a very nice pro-sumer level camera. It seems to be the equivalent of Nikon's D200. You can find its preview at DPR by clicking here.

Alas, poor Nikon, always the bride's maid...

The Film Lab Is Closing It's Doors

2007-07-05T08:17:00.000-04:00

My heart sank when I head the news: the Film Lab is closing. I read the article in the Herald. You can view the article HERE. Mary and Vern hold a special place in my heart. I was an intern for Mary during grad school. They're the best and I'll certainly miss stopping by to see them at the shop.

Monitor Calibration

2007-06-23T09:10:00.000-04:00

For anyone doing serious work on a computer, accurate color from your monitor is critical. If you are not aware, there are devices that can calibrate your display to a correct color standard. This process is called "monitor profiling." Sometimes the color correction is subtle, but other times it can cure a monitor that is completely out of whack. Either way, it is the FIRST step in accurate color.

The way they work is simple. You plug in the device to a USB port, attach it to your screen, and run the profiling software. What happens is that patches of color show beneath the device and it reads them and then corrects your monitor so that the colors are standardized.

I have my own device that I've been using for some time now. I use a "Spyder2" from ColorVision. It's very simple and easy to use. At Georgetown, we purchased an "eye-one display 2" from gretagmacbeth for the Mac lab. It's an excellent profiling system. (NOTE: the eye-one display 2 is part of MAC-On-Campus' student purchasing program!!!) A third option is a new, inexpensive one from Pantone called the hueyPRO. Imaging Resource just posted a review of the device (that's what got me writing this post).

So, if you're not calibrating your monitor, I STRONGLY suggest that you look into it. It can make a world of difference, and most importantly, it can give you confidence in knowing the images your see on your screen are accurate and correct!

Choosing A Digital Camera (Buying Guide)

2007-06-19T18:26:00.003-04:00

Digital cameras have become the standard in the photographic industry. Many students are interested in purchasing one, but it can be a difficult decision. So here are some of my recommendations when considering which camera to buy.

DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex)
If you can afford the plunge, I would recommend a DSLR. It gives you excellent image quality and the potential to have full control over your camera from exposure to focusing. And if you're used to film SLRs, it's a simple transition.

The Brand
I would either choose a Canon or Nikon. The reason is that these companies are two standards of the photographic industry with a large variety of lenses and accessories, all of which are typically high in quality.

Which Model?
Actual cameras can usually be placed into one of three catagories: consumer, pro-sumer, and professional; consumer being the least expensive, often easy to use but with the fewest custom functions and upgrades, while pro cameras are the most expensive with the highest quality, speed, and ability to customize.

What you need to figure out is (1)your purpose for this camera and (2)your budget. If you just want something to make good photographs and use as a hobby, look toward a consumer model. If you're more serious and are very interested in photography, look for a pro-sumer model. If you plan to do some jobs to make money with your camera and are on a budget, pro-sumer is good again. If you're going to make a living with the camera, look at pro models and high-end pro-sumers.

A note on megapixels: I've heard it said that a 6 megapixel camera is the equivilent of 35mm film. Thus, a 6 megapixel camera is a decent place to start. However, as cameras improve there has been another plateau near 10 megapixels. And then there are the pro cameras that move up to into the teens. 6-8 megapixels is good for normal shooting and consistent prints up to 8x10 and 11x14. With know-how, you can even print poster size with quality. My camera is 10 megapixels and has plenty of detail for 11x14 or 16x20 and larger with know-how.

Cost and Cameras
This is where the rubber meets the road: the price tag for a DSLR runs from about $500 - $5000 and up. Here are some current suggestions:

Consumer Level:
Canon: Rebel XS, Rebel XSi, Rebel XTi (400D)
Nikon: D60, D40, D40x

Pro-sumer Level:
Canon: 30D, 40D, 50D
Nikon: D80, D90, D200, D300

Pro-Level:
Canon: 1Ds Mark III, 1D Mark III, 5D Mark II, 1D Mark II N
Nikon: D3, D700, D2Xs, D2X, D2Hs, D2H

Buying Used?
You typically won't find DSLRs on sale or in student purchasing programs because they sell so quickly and easily. However, another option might be to buy a used camera. Often times people are upgrading to the next best thing and selling their "relatively old" cameras, which are still perfectly fine (especially for someone just starting out with a digital camera). Here are some older models that might be interesting:

Canon: Digital Rebel (300D), Digital Rebel XT (350D), 10D, 20D, 20Da, 1Ds Mark II, 1D Mark II, 1Ds, 1D
Nikon: D50, D70, D70s, D100, D1X, D1H, D1

Don't Forget the Lens
Last, but definitely not least, choosing a good lens is a big part of how well your camera will perform. Most consumer level cameras and some pro-sumers come with a lens as a "kit." The lens works, but may not always be the best. Do a little homework and try to make a wise decision because ultimately the lens is a big part of image quality. Also, be aware of the focal length changes between SLRs and DLSRs. The sensor inside a DSLR is typically smaller than a 35mm negative. Therefore, the focal length of a lens appears differently. There is usually a multiplication factor of roughly 1.5x. That means a normal 50mm lens will look more like a 75mm lens on a DSLR. A 17mm-55mm zoom lens mimics the look of a traditional 28mm-80mm.

Reviews
One last recommendation: do some research at Digital Photography Review. They typically have extremely in-depth reviews of cameras to help you make good decisions before buying.

Last Updated: November 27, 2008

Down...but not out!

2007-06-18T18:05:00.000-04:00

My website is down, along with my email. I'm in the process of changing domain names to "darrellkincer.com." This wasn't exactly on purpose, but I think it's for the best in the long-run.

So, if you need to contact me, you can reach me by email at darrellkincer@earthlink.net.

Thanks!

Steve Jobs and Apple Are At It Again

2007-06-13T08:46:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I noticed Apple has made some improvements. They've updated the interface of their entire website for one. But the big announcement is the upcoming release of Leopard. I guess that will be OS 10.5. If you have a little time, about 1.5 hours, you should check out Jobs' keynote speech at WWDC 2007 detailing the top 10 new improvements to Mac's latest operating system.

Only For the Hippest Cats

2007-06-05T21:13:00.000-04:00

That's right, fine art belt buckles. Oh yeah. Click HERE only if you're super cool.

Student Purchasing Programs

2007-05-29T21:43:00.000-04:00

If you're not aware of student purchasing programs you're missing out on some incredible opportunities to purchase professional equipment/applications at seriously discounted prices.

One program in particular is Adobe's. For example, they offer Lightroom for $99 instead of the regular $299. "$200 off, yes please."

I know it's difficult to pony up some extra money on top of all your other studio class expenses, but if there's something you might need, at least take a look and consider your options.

Oh yeah, and don't forget organizations such as SPE or CAA, and some publications offer discounts as well.

Pictureline.com is an interesting site with links to a list of programs, including Dyna-Lite, Hasselblad, Mamiya, Leaf, Toyo-View, Sekonic, Pocketwizard, Profoto, Induro, X-rite, Tenba, Skooba, Multicart, Manfrotto, and Speedotron.

A Sign of the Times

2007-05-25T11:03:00.000-04:00

I received a letter this week from my Alma Mater, SCAD. In it there was an update on the photography department that stated the following:

"The Photography department will be implementing a major change in the fall of 2007 to the undergraduate curriculum. First year students will now take photography foundations courses that emphasize camera vision, technique, aesthetics and creativity in an all-digital environment."

Did you notice that last part? They also went on to point out that "the department will maintain its commitment to a comprehensive program by continuing to teach all traditional and alternative photographic processes."

That sounds perfectly fine to me. In fact, I'm a bit surprised they hadn't changed already.

It leads me to seriously reexamine the direction of my own classes at Georgetown. For some time I've tried to begin implementing digital workflow within the courses I teach, or might have the opportunity to teach. And it looks like this coming fall, just like SCAD, I'll have my chance.

With my Intro Photo class I anticipate working in the traditional darkroom by creating photograms, building pinhole cameras and experimenting with mordançage. But as for shooting and post-production...I believe we'll be using a digital workflow. That means digital SLRs or a combination of film SLR and digital point and shoot.

An interesting side note is that I already have 4-5 students in an independent study, focusing exclusively on digital photography. There has been so much interest that it may be opened up as a special topics class.

I guess it's a sign of the times.

Get Up to Speed, in Louisville

2007-05-18T08:38:00.000-04:00

There are a couple photography shows going on at the Speed Museum in Louisville. Currently there is a free show called "A Large Format Photography Primer." It displays twenty large format photographs in conjunction with the Large Format Photography Conference to be held in Louisville this summer. This show opened April 3 and runs through September 9. The large format conference will be June 28 - July 1 with key note speaker Shelby Lee Adams. (Some of you might have remembered seeing the poster in the UK photo lab.)

The other show is "The Best of Photography and Film from the George Eastman House Collection." It runs June 19 - September 16 with an opening reception on Tuesday, June 19. I believe the exhibit costs a meager $10, by comparison to the $20 I'll spend on gas just driving there. It looks to be a pretty great collection, from early daguerreotypes to the work of Adams, Arbus, Capa, Evans, Newman, Lange, and Weston, to name just a few.

Hope to see you there!

...and you thought your camera had a lot of megapixels

2007-05-10T19:44:00.000-04:00

If you're interested, there's a 13 GIGAPIXEL photo of Harlem. To see a report at Rob Galbraith, click HERE. To see the actual image, click HERE.

I think some people have just a little too much free time.

Microsoft Photo Contest

2007-05-07T21:31:00.000-04:00

"Take Your Best Shot at a $20,000 Grand Prize and an amazing digital prize package!"

Microsoft is holding a FREE photo contest for student photographers. Click HERE for more details.

Extra Credit Gets Updated

2007-05-07T11:19:00.000-04:00

Just a quick note: I've updated the blog a bit. Most of the changes have occurred on the right-hand side of the blog relating to links.

Mordançage at Georgetown College

2007-05-03T12:18:00.002-04:00

This past week we finished the semester at Georgetown College with a mordançage project. We worked with photograms and photographs produced earlier in the semester with this unique chemical process to create new and amazing works. Everyone had a great experience making one-of-a-kind art objects. The results were remarkable. To see more finished pieces, click HERE.

Flickr and Stobist in Latest Issue of PDN

2007-05-03T10:14:00.000-04:00

An interesting read. If you're not a part of Flickr, maybe you should start to consider it! Check it out HERE.

Strobist Lighting Kits @ MPEX

2007-05-02T13:56:00.000-04:00

Are you freakin' kidding...this is AWESOME! If you're a photographer and need some off camera lighting, then you have just hit pay dirt. Midwest Photo Exchange in coordination with Strobist is now offering lighting kits at student prices with everything you need to get started. So pass the word around party people; and that goes double for all you UK lighting geeks! For more info click HERE.

And yes, you are welcome.

Art of the Street

2007-04-30T16:56:00.000-04:00

A great photo essay on street art at Time online. Click HERE and check it out!

Feature above, the work of Michael De Foe.

28 millimetres Project

2007-04-27T12:07:00.000-04:00

A great find forwarded to me from Eduardo Angel, former SCAD roommate and super-duper photo friend. Keepin' it real from Brooklyn, NY! Thanks Ed!

To find out more, visit 28millimetres.com.

End of Semester Reminders (@ UK)

2007-04-23T22:15:00.000-04:00

We're almost finished. A couple things to keep in mind:

55 Series Report - Get it turned in by the end of the week if you haven't already!!!

Robert C. May Make-up Paper - If you need to do one, get it done and e-mail it to me ASAP!!!

ReSubmissions - Must be in by the last day of your class!!!

Lab Clean-up - This coming Friday and Saturday. 1) Take everything home by Thursday night!!! That means EVERYTHING!!! 2) I'll have a sign in sheet above the light table. Make sure you sign in by innitialing next to your name when you come in to help clean? Don't give me any reason to lower your grade.

Picking Up Your Work - All work will be placed on a bookshelf outside of my office by Tuesday, May 1, noon. Pick up your work as soon as you can. I will not be responsible or lost or damaged work.

Herald Leader Scrutinizes Reynolds Building

2007-04-16T21:57:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday the Lexington Herald Leader ran a story on the "Dangerous Art Dungeon" we call the Reynolds Building. For more information, check out the story by clicking HERE.

Vote for me...PLEASE! a la American Idol

2007-04-16T19:15:00.000-04:00

I just tried this new thing today. I found this magazine called JPG. It works a bit like Flickr, but they actually publish a magazine from the images people submit. So I'm giving it a shot. The way it works is that they post your image and then people can vote on it to perhaps give it an edge in making it to the magazine. Yes, it'scorny, but it's fun. So if you get a chance, go visit my pic and see if you can't vote me into super-stardom!!! You can start by simply clicking on this image of The Sizzler here. BIG THANKS! (I'll keep you posted.)

Shots 96 (Call for Submissions)

2007-04-13T13:14:00.000-04:00

In grad school I came across a unique magazine of eclectic photographs simply called "SHOTS." It's a quarterly periodical featuring black and white photography from ametures to professionals. The magazine struck me because its imagery seems to have a look and feel that parallels a great deal of the student work I see at school.

Each quarter SHOTS has a call for submissions to be featured in the coming issue. Typically there is a theme, but from time to time, it's open to any type of subject matter. There is a fee of $15 to non-subscribers to submit up to 12 images (8x10 prints or TIFF files), but it is free for those with a subscription (which is $25).

The next deadline for submissions is May 1 with no theme. I'm sending in 9 photographs to see what happens. Submitting work can be a humbling experience. I'll let you know how it turns out...if I make it in. Ha, ha!

It might be an interesting adventure to send in some work and see if your photographs might get published. It's pretty easy to do. For more info on submitting, click HERE. Remember, they must get your work by May 1. There's still plenty of time. Good luck!

Quelle heure est-il?

2007-04-09T14:37:00.000-04:00

ART 120 (Photography) at Georgetown had its semi-annual lighting demo today. We explored the normal and perhaps "abnormal" uses of lighting with hot lights and flashes. If you’d like to see the results, click HERE to view the pics.

Printable photos are now ready to download HERE.

[Pictured above: Hannah in a "day for night" flash shot.]

University Open (Show)

2007-04-05T15:07:00.000-04:00

The University Open, "celebrating Kentucky's finest university art students," opens April 10 and runs through June 3 at ArtsPlace Gallery, 161 N. Mill St. The awards ceremony and reception will be Friday, April 13 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. The show will also be featured/open during Lexington's Gallery Hop for a reception on Friday, April 20 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM.

Congratulations to all those who have work in the show!

SMSC Student Show and Art Auction @ UK

2007-03-29T11:26:00.000-04:00

A nice event if you can swing by...(especially during the Gallery Hop)...

"Work from UK facutly and students being auctioned to the public. Proceeds will go toward renovation of the Barnhart Gallery in the UK Reynolds Building, which houses the art classes and artists' studios for the university. Exhibit runs from 3/26/07 - 4/6/07. Student Center, 404 South Limestone."

The silent auction will occur at the Rasdall Gallery (located in the UK Student Center) during the Gallery Hop on April 6 from 5-8 PM. There will also be an award presentation at 7 PM. Regular gallery hours are Monday - Friday 11 AM - 5 PM.

To find out more about the SMSC (Studio Major Student Council) click HERE.

Spring Break | The Matrix: Reprinted

2007-03-17T19:46:00.000-04:00

So I bet you're all wondering, "What does Prof. D do for Spring Break?" Well, I'm glad you asked. First, I shot a wedding and then edited all the photos with Adobe's Lightroom. Then, I did my taxes. And finally, I got to do what I wanted for a few days: test digital printing papers!

Yes, I know I'm a photo geek, but I had a great time testing out new media on my Epson printer. It's been a while since I've done this and I had been in the routine of using 1 or 2 different papers. The interesting thing is that there are a huge number of digital printing papers these days, which seriously outnumber the variety of traditional black and white printing papers. (A very simple comparison at Calumet is that they have 257 choices of b&w paper from 7 different companies while they have 491 choices of digital paper from 21 different companies.)

In grad school I had to do a toning project to sample different papers, developers, and toners. My professor referred to it as a "Matrix." So, I reinvented the project, this time printing digitally. I still have work to do, but as of today, I have finished 40 different samples for digital b&w prints. I'll also end up with 40 tonal varations of those papers. I've also tested 13 papers for color images with some more work to be done. In the end, I've tried around 50 different papers from about 15 different companies.

Now, why would I do this? 1) So I can know what paper will produce the perfect nuance and finished print from my printer. 2)So I can keep up to date with today's media options. 3) So I can pass my knowledge on to you, to make recommendations (as well as develop future class projects, when I finally get the chance to teach a digital class).

The biggest danger in such an undertaking is to lose sight of the ultimate goal, great photography. Never let technology, gear, or toys sidetrack you from producing strong images. Afterall, that is the true endeavor of the photographer.

Oh yeah, and I watched a LOT of basketball.

DIY Lens Hood

2007-03-17T13:09:00.000-04:00

Here's a great link to a site that shows you how to make your own lens hood, for FREE! There are dowloadable stencils that fit a myriad of different camera lenses. And why would you want a lens hood? To prevent lens flare, silly. They can be a very handy tool to cut out extra light coming in the front of your lens creating various exposure problems, especially when the brightest light in your shot is somewhere in front of your lens. Check it out HERE.

LensWork @ Low Prices

2007-03-13T22:13:00.000-04:00

Back issues of a select number of LensWork magazine are available for $5 a piece. It's a great price for an excellent publication. You can even look at excerpts of the issues as PDFs. If you're intetested, visit LensWork or just click HERE.

University Open (2nd Annual)

2007-03-08T12:10:00.000-05:00

The second annual University Open is right around the corner. It is a show held by the LexArts organization recognizing strong student artwork form Kentucky Colleges and Universities.

There is NO REASON why you shouldn't get involved. It's simple, and FREE! There are also cash prizes for the best work, not to mention bragging rights for the institution that puts all the others to shame.

This is how it works: by March 22, you must register your intentions to be involved in the show. By March 28, you must drop off your work, framed and ready to hang. The work will be jurried on March 30. Notice of acceptance comes April 2. Awards will be given on April 13. And the UO will be part of the Gallery Hop on April 20.

I am stopping just short of saying that participation in the UO is mandatory. This is an excellent opportunity with nothing to lose. Be involved!!! For more information, click HERE.

How True

2007-03-08T12:07:00.001-05:00

Toners From Photo II Demo

2007-02-23T10:04:00.000-05:00

Here is a listing of the toners we used in our Photo II toning project:

1. Kodak Rapid Selenium Toner, B&H SKU# KOTRSQ, $16.95 for 1 quart. I dilute this 1:10 in Fixer Remover, that is 100ml in 1L (although you can make it weaker or stronger depending on dilution). There's enough concentrate in the 1 quart bottle to make nearly 10L. Of all the toners, this is probably the best deal, especially if you're satisfied with the results of Selenium toning.

2. Fotospeed ST10 - Traditional Sepia Toner 10, B&H SKU# FOTST100ML, $11.99. One kit mixes to make 1L of Bleach and 1L of Re-developer.

3. Photographer's Formulary Copper Toner, B&H SKU# PHTC2L, $9.95, makes 2L. This kit has powders that are mixed together to create the Copper Toner.

4. Berg Color Toner (Yellow), B&H SKU# BETRY, $3.95, makes 1L. I guess you get what you pay for.

5. Berg Color Toner (Green), B&H SKU# BETRGR, $3.95, makes 1L. See #4 for description.

There are quite a few other toners that might be available to you, but sometimes they can be limited due to shipping constraints. Photographer's Formulary also has it's own site where you can buy all sorts of photographic chemistry, from toners, to developers, to non-silver and alternative process kits. Click on "Store" to see what they carry. Pretty interesting.

The Fine Digital Print

2007-02-11T13:29:00.000-05:00

In recent years digital printing has become a valid option for producing photographic prints. For many it has replaced the darkroom with a type of lightroom. The computer and inkjet printer have taken the place of the enlarger and chemistry. This transition happened to me out of sheer necessity. After I finished grad school I didn't have a darkroom in which to work. For a time I shot Polaroids to continue the photographic process. Eventually I began to research and test the waters of the digital world. That was 2003.

Thinking back, I had a professor in grad school named Craig Stevens who was a serious B&W guru. His knowledge and expertise of the silver based print was astounding. I thought he was B&W for life. But during my years at SCAD he had begun to experiment with digital printing and contemplated it’s future. The one thing I’ll never forget seeing was a For Sale sign in the grad darkroom with his name on it; it was a list of his entire wet darkroom, from Zone VI enlarger to plastic graduates.

I suppose that’s what gave me the urge to try digital printing as well, alongside the fact that a digital workspace was much more convenient in a one bedroom apartment at the time (not to mention portable for when I moved to a new home).

To begin, I looked into a specific type of printing called Piezography. This was a term coined by Jon Cone. He had created a system where you replace the inks in your printer with his pigmented inks: a gradation of tones from black to white for B&W printing. The system had incredible potential, although I had only mediocre results.

This is where a haunting realization hit me, as it may have hit many of you. Digital printing is not as easy as clicking the “Print” button. From that time until now I have experimented and tried all types of avenues to produce a high-quality fine print. Fortunately over the years I feel like I’ve arrived at the place where my digital prints can rival the quality of traditional darkroom prints. It’s taken a lot of practice. But now I’m in love with the capabilities of Photoshop and high-end printers.

One of the dangers I have encountered with the medium of digital printing is to compare it directly to traditional Silver or Chromogenic prints. They are not the same medium. It would be like comparing Silver to Platinum/Palladium. It’s not a fair comparison. All mediums have their own unique qualities and use should be considered for the unique assets of each. And if you are against the evolving technology of photography and want to remain "traditional," then I must ask "Why are you shooting film? Shouldn't you be making Daguerreotypes or Calotypes?" We must remember that Photography's history has always been linked to advancements in technology.

It bothers me when people disregard digital printing as a valid means of output. It bothers me in general when anyone becomes too legalistic about the practice of making art. It seems ridiculous to limit yourself. Now, I’m not saying that digital is the way for everyone to go, but it has definitely become a serious option that can expand the potential of your art making abilities as well as future marketability in the working world.

In conclusion, I’d like to mention a link to a guide I put together on Digital Printing in Photoshop. It is an eight-page guide with illustrations to get you started on the road to making better prints. There will probably be plenty of questions about options and how to refine the process, and those are things I’m definitely willing to discuss.

Maybe one day, many of you will step out of the dark and into the light like I did. (I just couldn’t resist one last jab.)

The Digital Gray Card

2007-01-29T22:33:00.000-05:00

If you're shooting RAW, then you need a digital gray card. This is not for exposure; it's used for color balance. I've been using a WhiBal for about a year now. It is a LIFE SAVER!

Adobe Photoshop LIGHTROOM

2007-01-29T15:09:00.000-05:00

Lightroom 1.0 has just been released for purchase for all you Digi Photo folks. It is $200 until April 30, then it goes to $300. It will ship out mid-February. I think this will be another benchmark for digital photography. Apple's Aperture is the only other competetor out there right now. And since Aperture doesn't run on a G4, I guess I'll be using Lightroom.

You can't tell this as I'm writing, but I'm actually drooling just a little bit.

Click HERE for more info about Lightroom.

Da Bidness

2007-01-28T13:15:00.000-05:00

For those of you with a nose for news and an interest in making it as a professional photographer, check out John Harrington's blog for the inside scoop HERE. He also just released a pretty decent book called "Best Business Prectices for Photographers." However, the blog is free.

Here's a fun EXAMPLE that might hit home with some of us! I definitely have to agree with John on this one.

Eye Candy

2007-01-28T12:55:00.000-05:00

I was at Joseph Beth over the weekend. They really have a nice selection of photographic periodicals (a.k.a., magazines), and not a bad collection of books either. (What I would especially recommend are the ones that deal more with the art of photography and the creative process, not just gear and techinical stuff.) They had a new magazine that caught my eye called JPG. Some really nice articles, such as how to retrofit your digital SLR with a Holga lens and a number of excellent photo essays.

So maybe next weekend, grab a friend, go to JB's, get a cup of coffee, and check out some of their great magazines.

(Within walking distance: Sqecial Media also has some excellent photo mags; just try not to get too distracted by all the awesome toys.)

SILVER

2007-01-28T12:37:00.000-05:00

For all of us shooting and printing with traditional black and white materials, there is an excellent opportunity brought to us by the folks at Ilford and Calumet. They are having there 2nd annual silver-print competition (a.k.a., a black and white photograph). The entry deadline is coming up in the next few months: between February 15 and March 16 to be exact. There will actually be a conference, although making it to Pasadena, CA during the last third of the semester might be a long shot. Entry fees are only $15 to submit 3 entrees for students! First prize for students is $1000!!! We should all seriously consider this opportunity. If you do it, I'll do it. Let's talk after class.

For more details click HERE.

The Nature of a Photograph

2007-01-28T12:08:00.000-05:00

One of the things that seems most powerful about a photograph is its ability to capture the ephemeral. It reveals the essence of a certain place or person in a moment. That moment becomes an eternal pause, allowing our eyes and mind to contemplate a reality that might not have be visible without the camera or photographic medium.

And perhaps too, that is why it is so difficult to create the photograph that lasts. All things must come together at once: light, subject, composition, and the magic if a specific moment, frozen in time.

Some Phaidon 55 Links

2007-01-12T09:35:00.000-05:00

55's as seen in class at Calumet
Try this link at Amazon.
This is a Listmania link at Amazon.
Here is one at Barnes & Noble.

And if you hurry, they actually have a lot of these books at the Fine Arts Library up on the second floor in the TR section!!!

B&H Shopping List for UK

2007-01-12T09:08:00.000-05:00

Here are some links to recommended materials at B&H:

Fiber Based Paper
Ilford Multigrade IV Variable Contrast Fiber Base Paper $62.39

Film
Ilford HP5plus $3.49
Ilford Delta 400 $4.59
Kodak T-Max 400 $4.99
Kodak Tri-X $3.69

Negative Sleeves
Print File 35-7b $5.95

3 Ring Storage Box (Work Box)
Besfile Archival Binder $8.95

Thermometer
Delta Thermometer $4.95

Back In The Saddle Again

2007-01-07T12:32:00.000-05:00

Alright, 2007. The break is almost over and we're just about ready for the Spring semester. Time to actually wake up from hibernating and do something. How about making photographs!

My break was pretty nice. Santa was good to me this year. Apparently he stopped by Amazon.com and picked up a load of photo books for me. My favorite, Elliott Erwitts "Snaps." If any of you made it to see him at R.C. May Lecture last Fall, you got a taste of this book. This is a 540+ page book of excellent photography. You'll have to see it to believe it. #2, I got a beautiful book of Abelardo Morrell's work (pictured above). Phaidon Press, what else do I need to say? Some technical books I got: Michael Grecco's "Lighting and the Dramatic Portrait," (not bad at all) and "Designing a Digital Portfolio," by Cynthia Baron, an outstanding resource. Oh yeah, and John Harrington's book, "Best Business Practices for Photographers," (a serious business book, which is a bit over my head).

I also had a great treat yesterday. I went with Jeff Rogers and Matt Anderson to Louisville for a photo workshop with Michael Wilson. If you remember before, he was on my Hero list. It's pretty cool when you get to meet someone you admire, and Michael was really nice. He seems to be the "quiet waters that run deep" kind of guy. I also got to go out to lunch with him. If you'd like to see some of his work, check out his site here. He's well know for his portraiture of musicians, such as Over the Rhine, Lyle Lovett.

Sorry I haven't written in a while. Things get hectic after Thanksgiving and into finals, as if you didn't know already. Actually, I got stuck on the island of "Lost," trying to look cool...or was that a cemeteray in Louisville.

Riding The Digital Wave

2006-11-24T18:24:00.000-05:00

I heard on NPR's Marketplace tonight that the digital camera would be one of the holiday's #1 gift purchases. Wow, what an exciting time to be involved in photography! And if you haven't made the plunge already, perhaps this might be an occasion to begin to consider such a purchase for yourself (or better yet, for someone to purchase it for you).

And if you're shopping around, I've got a couple tips and advice:

1) DSLR (digital single lens reflex) The prices may seem a bit stiff to begin with, but realize you'll never be buying film and never paying for processing again (nor will you be spending an hour developing B&W film). To start, you're looking at around a $600 committment and on upwards to $1000 - $2000 if you get real serious.

2) Canon or Nikon. These 2 companies are where you should be looking. They have quality cameras and quality glass, i.e. lenses. They both have an entry camera that's around $600 - Canon Digital Rebel XT and Nikon D40. There are other companies, but I am seriously biased towards one of these two great stalwarts of the industry.

3) At least 6 megapixels. 6 megapixels will give you the image quality of 35mm film. More than 6 start to move you into the image quality of medium format. (Hint: this might be a good time to look for a used medium format film camera too. The prices are dropping into the bargain basement.) Jeff Rogers has a very nice 40 x 60 inch photograph that he shot with a 6 megapixel camera. A lot of it comes down to editing and Photoshop know-how.

4) Buy Used. Some gear-heads get rid of perfectly good cameras because they always want the biggest, best, and newest equipment. So you might look into buying a used camera. I think we've reached a plateau in technology so it's becoming safe to take the digital plunge. Some recommendations: Canon's 300D, 10D, or 20D, Nikon's D70, D100, or D1. One word, eBay.

5) Point and Shoot? If you go point and shoot and save some money, make sure you have Aperture and Shutter Priority capabilities, so you can still get the motion and depth of field control that you've grown accustomed to (hopefully). However, you must realize you'll be making some sacrifices: not being able to shoot RAW, lighting for another example (no possibility of connecting to a flash, usually). But one enticing aspect is that these cameras are so small and light they can travel anywhere with little effort.

If you have questions, I wouldn't mind discussing such choices with you in person. However, I would recommend that you take a look at Digital Photography Review. They have huge and extensive information about cameras, comparisons, and news about the latest stuff. There are also links to Canon and Nikon to the right on the Links list.

And while you're at it, take a look some new programs: Apple's Aperture and Adobe's Lightroom. All I can say is WOW. Watch some of their QuickTime clips on how these applications work and what they can do; it's incredible. Plus, you can download free trial versions of the software (but you need a Mac G5 for Aperture).

I really believe this will be the future of photography. And I think it would be a disservice to you if I didn't at least mention some of these things.

New Links

2006-11-16T11:08:00.000-05:00

I added a couple new links over in the "Links" column.

One is for Mac-On-Campus. However, this has nothing to do with iPods or Apple in general. It's actually a resource for buying new, extremely nice photo equipment at a student discount. It might be something to check out if you're in the market for a light meter, strobe kit, or color management software. If you're interested in seeing some of their wares first hand, I believe they'll be visiting UK's photo department near the beginning of the Spring semester.

The other link is to pdnedu. It's Photo District News' magazine for students and educators. It's an interesting periodical with ideas and issues related to the educational realm of photography. I've enjoyed the regular version of PDN; it has interesting articles about the creative aspects of photo making alongside info on new gear and technology.

Check them out when you get a chance.

Quote of the Week

2006-11-16T10:52:00.000-05:00

"A photograph is the end product of someone caring about something 'out there.' The best photographs exude this caring attitude in a manner which is not definable but which is very evident." Bill Jay, from Occam's Razor

P4 Highlights

2006-11-03T16:58:00.000-05:00

To see more images from P4, click HERE.

Project 4 continues to be a high point in the Intro Photo Classes. The first part of the semester is designed to bring everyone up to speed on controlling the camera and learning how to print. Now, we're beginning to take those skills and create more artistic and thoughtful photographs.

Learning to see light is the first step in this process. Everyone tends to do much better and make more interesting images because of this focus on light, whether it be observed or created. We see broader ranges of tones in black and white photographs that begin to pop.

Now, the idea is to begin to use all these skills and move toward personal meaning and concept in your work, which is ultimately the goal as you use the camera and print as artistic tools. Remember, they are the "means," and not the "end."

Who Are Your Heroes?

2006-10-24T11:39:00.000-04:00

As an artist-photographer you should have other photographers that you admire. There ought to be people whose work inspires you. There ought to be a few books on your shelf of photography monographs, collections of a specific photographer's work. It's a bit like your favorite band or music.

Over time there have been a few photographers that I've come to admire:
Ralph Eugen Meatyard
Brett Weston
Richard Avedon
Josef Sudek
Paul Caponigro
Kenneth Josephson
Josef Koudelka (his book "Chaos")
Michael Wilson
...just to name a few.

I might suggest that you begin to spend some time looking at books in our library, or purchasing a few from Joseph Beth, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon.com. "The Photo Book" from Phaidon Press (suggested in the syllabus) is a good place to start. It has a huge collection of great photographers throughout history that might give you a preview or an idea about someone you might like to explore further.

I think it's nice to have your heroes for inspiration. They open you up your photographic world to new possibilities. And once you become inspired, you have the opportunity to stand on their shoulders to produce your own personal work.

Did You Think You Were A Good Photographer?

2006-10-14T10:12:00.000-04:00

So you're in your photo class, and you think you're taking some interesting shots... You're starting to feel pretty good about yourself... Well, guess what, there are a couple of other good photographers out there too that you ought to check out, just to keep you humble.

If you haven't already, you should visit flickr.com.

Sorry to ruin your day.

Quote of the Week

2006-10-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

"Creativity is meaningless without discipline." From a PBS documentary about a fiction writer that I saw this week.

Podcasts = Gold Mine

2006-10-12T12:14:00.000-04:00

If you haven't noticed already, there is a great resource on the web now: Podcasts (of which most are FREE). About a year ago I started looking around at the Podcast Directory in iTunes (at Apple). There were some pretty cool things, especially related to photography. One of my favorites was Photoshop TV, where 3 guys sit around and explain Photoshop techniques and current news. They also have a weekly contest for great prizes to try to find the most obscure facet of Photoshop possible. And, it's rather entertaining.

I hadn't looked at the Podcast Directory in a while, but I was curious today and took a peek. I did a search for "Photography" and there were over 50 matches!!! What an incredible resource, for FREE! Not only that but there are countless Podcast related to the Arts, Design, etc. If you haven't checked out Podcasts, it's time.

And don't worry, you don't have to have a vidoe iPod. All you need it iTunes. You download an episode of whatever you're interested in and then you can watch it on your computer in iTunes.

How easy...how informative...how entertaining. It's FREE.

Photo What You Know

2006-10-09T17:40:00.000-04:00

When you begin working with the camera everything is new and fresh. You want to take pictures of everything. You're still just learning techniques and skills and how to begin to master this craft. But at some point in time you move beyond this introduction stage to doing something with meaning and purpose. The camera and the print are now means to an end, your goals and artistic ideas.

You start to ask yourself, "What should I photograph?" and for many people a sense of struggle and dread begins to set in.

One answer to this questions that I might suggest is to photograph what you know. These will be the people, places, things, and ideas/themes that you already had an interest in before you ever picked up a camera. You have a history and personal knowledge of these subjects that provide a foundation and unique viewpoint, resulting in work that has depth and style.

Who are the people you know and meet? Where are the places you go or pass by? What are the objects and things you have, collect, or see around you? What are some of the ideas and themes in life that continue to pique your interest or come up in your conversations? AND once you've thought of those subjects, HOW then can you use your camera and the printed photograph to express those things to others in a beautiful and/or meaningful way?

(Shooting at home, a place I know well: the image at the beginning of this post was simply taken at home when I woke up one morning.)

Quotes of the day

2006-10-03T09:40:00.000-04:00

"If a photographer really expects to produce great work, they must, just like musicians, be prepared to practice their craft every day. This does not mean you must take pictures every day, but you must at least practice seeing every day." David Bayles

"The least valuable thing you can tell another photographer is that you either like or dislike their photograph." David Bayles

Getting the Most Out of Your Photo Class, Part: 2

2006-09-29T10:52:00.000-04:00

Educate yourself. Sometimes it is difficult to find the motivation to study and to work and to contemplate, but eventually you will come to the place where you develop a passion for something. (I'm hoping it might be photography.) There will come a time, probably toward the end of your college carrier, when you begin to realize you actually enjoy your classes, and it's not about making grades anymore, but rather it becomes more about developing yourself. You have found what you love, what makes you want to work and study and contemplate. Hopefully as an educator I can lead you down the right path, or give you some motivation to get you started, but eventually the training wheels come off and you set out on your own. I'm betting there will be friends and colleagues along the way to share in your journey, but you will set the directions and course of your life.

As that relates to photography, I STRONGLY SUGGEST that you begin to investigate resources that pique your interests and develop your knowledge (about photography). So here's a list of resources that I have found helpful:
1. Books...especially free ones (photo books are found in the TR 600's at the library!!!)
2. Magazines...especailly those that discuss ideas and content (about photography) and not just the technical stuff
3. Shows in local or nearby galleries and museums (of photography)
4. Lectures...the Robert C. May lectures at UK are an incredible opportunity to hear from important artist-photographers (UK, you don't know how lucky you are!)
5. The World Wide Web...there have to be countless sites about photography that are only a click away
6. Friends, colleagues, and mentors...who share the same passions as you (perhaps about photography) and keep you accountable to your own personal work

You can see where I'm going with this. The point is some day you will take the reins and follow your passions. What I'm suggesting is that you prepare yourself by laying out a road map of sorts that will help lead and guide you on your way. Take advantage of the resources you have now so you can make educated decisions and preparations for the life that's ahead of you.

Don't You Just Love Digital

2006-09-19T09:13:00.000-04:00

Show Me the Money!!!

2006-09-06T14:35:00.000-04:00

I read an interesting article in the June 2006 issue of PDN (Photo District News) entitled, "Salary Survey: Who Earns What." The article surveyed photographers to see what type of salaries they made. The results were very interesting, especially for those of us who would like to make a living with our camera.

Out of the 1040 photographers surveyed, the mean (average) salary was $95,000, while the median (middle) was $57,500. That's not too bad. The thing I find most interesting was the breakdown of who's making what in terms of their specialty, ESPECIALLY since I teach photography in Fine Art departments. (I guess the starving artist saying has some truth to it.)

According to this survey, Fine Art Photographers generate the lowest incomes. (PDN's quote says, "...pity the fine-art photographers, who obviously get up in the morning for reasons other than money.") By comparison, Advertising Photographers definitely bring home the bacon. Also to point out, "Consumer" refers to wedding and portrait photographers.

Obviously money is not the end all be all. But, it does force you to begin to think about where you're headed as a photographer. If this is to be your vocation, what do you need to do to make a living? What skills do you need to have in the working world? What can you do to stand out in the crowd and do well for yourself?

These are difficult questions, but ones that you can hopefully begin to answer by the end of your educational career! And hopefully questions I can help you solve and prepare for as a teacher.

Getting the Most Out of Your Photo Class, Part: 1

2006-09-01T17:10:00.000-04:00

Become an extrovert. To a certain degree, this is a true statement. It seems to me that the people who get the most out of a class are those who speak up, ask questions, and/or make an effort to get personal discussions with the professor.

Unfortunately, on many occasions I don't feel like I get the time or opportunity to give people the attention they deserve during class. Large class sizes or time constraints often cause individual critiques to run short. As a result, some students feel left out. My recommendation is to schedule a time where we can look at your work one on one and get personalized feedback.

I remember one time when a student asked me to take a look at some of her contact sheets. It was a great opportunity to discuss which images stood out and why. We talked about technical and compositional issues as well as ideas and directions for her work. That meeting seemed to be a springboard for a whole series of strong work with a more focused direction.

Your classmates are another invaluable resource, especially those with some years of photographic art making under their belt. Get in the habit if showing others your work and getting opinions (technically and aesthetically). Don't be shy; artwork is meant to be seen.

In conclusion, your photo class will be what you make it. Don't expect someone else to do it for you. Be proactive and take responsibility for your photographic future.

Opening up the floor.

2006-08-26T23:01:00.000-04:00

If you have a question or topic you would like to have answered on EXTRA CREDIT, please mail you suggestions to me at student@darrellkincerphoto.com. If it peeks the professor's interests, you just might be featured on an upcoming post.

Which camera should I buy?!?

2006-08-14T17:24:00.000-04:00

This can be a difficult question. At least with respect to my classes, we're talking about SLR (Single Lens Reflex) cameras. There are a lot of choices out there and a number of companies who make or have made excellent cameras.

My first two criteria in making this decision have to do with MONEY and USE. What sort of budget are you working with and what will you be using this camera for, i.e. will I be making a living with this piece of equipment or just taking some good snapshots? Answering those two questions can narrow things down quickly. Another way to think about it is, what sort of camera quality and capabilities/amenities would I like or do I need, and how much am I willing to pay for that?

At one point in time, that's how I decided on a Nikon N80. It did the things I liked and gave me some flexibility that more basic SLRs couldn't; and I didn't need the capabilities and price tag that came with the more "pro" level cameras. My most recent camera is a Nikon D200. It's a pretty serious camera that comes at a more serious price. I don't totally need all the amenities that the D200 provides, but I DO like and need the image quality that this DSLR (digital SLR) produces.

And that comes to another point: film or digital? Well, for my classes it's film (for now). But almost the entire photographic industry has moved to digital. So, maybe you get an old used camera or even just borrow one for the class to tide you over so you can save up and set your sights on the camera you'll be using in the not too distant future.

One more note- if you are buying a new camera, I would recommend a Canon or Nikon. Reason being...both Canon and Nikon have a very large variety of lenses to equip their SLR or DSLR bodies. And from what I've been told, even their basic lenses are very high in quality.

So good luck- and if you have more questions...we'll talk after class.

Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and do it all over again...

2006-08-14T16:39:00.000-04:00

It's been a great summer, but now it's almost over. Time to dust off the books, buy some new film, or just re-format your CF cards. I'm looking forward to getting back in the classroom/darkroom at UK and (for the first time) at Georgetown. It's shaping up to be an exciting semester.

I'm hoping to use this blog as a sounding board for topics related to class. The plan is to post information, tips, links, etc. that will be educational and maybe even enlightening.

So check back from time to time and see if there's any new EXTRA CREDIT.