Vault Photographic

Paris Photo 15-18 November 2007

2007-10-25T06:33:00.000-07:00

It's not that far away and its different from the London version. It's a must do event.

They say: 'Over the decade since it first began, Paris Photo has won recognition as the world's premier fair for still photography.This unique event offers a deep and broad view of the medium, with the best of fine art photography from the earliest days until now and a forward-looking survey of what's happening in this art form today.

Paris Photo is organizing its eleventh edition determined to maintain its standards of excellence and its support for photography in all its diversity. From November 15th through November 18th, 2007 it will bring together some hundred galleries and publishers from the world over.With its exhibitions, book signings, prize award ceremonies and lectures, during those five days Paris Photo will be the eye of the world.'

www.parisphoto.fr

Report from the PMA Europe 2007 UK regional conference

2007-10-24T07:54:00.000-07:00

Do I feel let down by our industry well no, not the PMA anyway I think they strive to inject enthusiasm into a apparently moribund industry. Let me clarify that, a professional imaging industry, I think the high street retailer is a little bit more enthusiastic though not much, where was everybody from the professional imaging Labs from around the country Metro, Bayer, Golden shots, Acrom, Loxleys, Leach colour, I could go on and on yes our industry has been hit hard by the loss of film and the move to digital but we had enough warning, do we feel let down by our main industry players i.e. Fuji and Kodak, yes, the likes of Asda, Boots Tesco, yes you get it, large users of material and equipment! might take there attention, but do you really need them to hold your hand, we the pro industry drove this market during the 70's and 80's and now this, antipathy, fragmentation. It's got to change, do we have anything to fear, off course that's business but manage change.

The conference, some great inspirational speakers like Dr Glen Omura from Michigan State University, "American" Stephen Giordano, Lucidiom. "American" these guys talk and inspire yes its high street slanted, but take some thing from it! Richard Worsley from the tomorrow project "British" presented in our understated way, but very interesting, then you had The self appointed messiah, who does he inspire other than himself, and maybe HP who he plugged at every opportunity, I fail to understand his role at the PMA the most grandiose, self congratulatory pumped up bullshit I have heard for a long time, yes we know about "Facebook" "Myspace" the fact our kids use there camera phones and save there images on computers and swap them so what, it does not mean anything, you were not getting that work before because it did not exist so what are you missing! Its more images thats for certain that's good, years ago when I was growing up we did not have the budget to produce those images photographically or for that matter cameras that were in our price range as kids, the way images are used and created now is fantastic and its good for our industry we will only get a percentage, but that is what's so good about digital imaging, the fact people can edit and manipulate, and only have printed what they require, off course this applies to professional photographers, however convince through your marketing that it is in there interest to let you the pro imaging house handle the post editing and printing, we are the professional technicians its our job to make our clients work look outstanding it's what sells there business and while they are tied up trying to do it they are not selling there services, and I know there are some good photographers out there who are also good technicians who can print there own work as good as a pro house but generally the two roles are diametrically opposed, and those pros who use the likes of Boots and Tesco etc... well they are not pros are they! So don't try to capture that market by trying to compete on price you will never win that way. No I have not mentioned Jessop's, think they have enough problems! I digress, our industry has got great potential stop navel gazing and get out there and take it.

So far this year, I have visited PMA Las Vegas, San Francisco, Hong Kong and Seattle, next year Australia and Japan to get a feel for these markets to see what they are doing and to keep ahead and to transfer that information in a small way to The Vault. I hope it works, I do know that I am as excited now by images and there production, however they are produced, as when I started in this industry commercially back in 1979. So pro industry shake your morose view off, do not listen to the doomongers, our industry will survive it will just be different.

Hasselblad H3D II

2007-09-26T09:29:00.000-07:00

Not long since I had a demo of the H3D and already within a year Hasselblad have brought out a successor in H3D II.

www.hasselblad.co.uk

Photoworks magazine

2007-09-26T09:21:00.000-07:00

Based in Brighton, Photoworks describe themselves as an arts organisation. They 'commission new photography projects, produce exhibitions and publications, and initiate research and education programmes'.
They regard collaboration as an important aspect of they way they work with photographers, artists through to curators and writers.

Photoworks also attempts to bring photography to new and alternative venues.

They want to make 'contemporary photography accessible' to everyone.

The magazine is subscription based though i have also seen it in Borders.

www.photoworksuk.org

At the time of writing this blog entry, Photoworks are looking for an Administrator: Photoworks is currently recruiting a new Adminstrator: 'to manage our busy office in the heart of Brighton. This is an exceptional opportunity to play a pivotal role in the development of Photoworks.
The post is for 32 hours per week at £16,000 - £18,000 pro rata.

Lee Miller at Victoria and Albert Museum

2007-09-21T08:27:00.000-07:00

Entitled 'The Art of Lee Miller' running 15 September 2007 - 6 January 2008 and sponsored by Olympus.

The exhibition is the 'first complete retrospective of her life and work, exploring her transformation from artist's muse to ground-breaking artist.'

www.vam.ac.uk

Ilford Photo - inkjet papers

2007-09-21T07:54:00.000-07:00

Ilford says on its home page

'Over the 125 year history of ILFORD there has always been a positive commitment to the traditional world of silver halide black and white photography. HARMAN technology Limited, trading as ILFORD PHOTO, is “Passionate about Black and White” and intends to continue this commitment.'

So, after a turbulent period, and the demise of Agfa, they are back on track producing some high quality papers for inkjet printers.

www.ilfordphoto.com

The Vault is preparing a portfolio of prints on Ilford 's inkjet papers. Results on Ilford's Baryta fibre based paper are looking superb!
Some images will be posted on the blog very soon.

PMA - Photo Market Association

2007-09-13T05:34:00.000-07:00

David Lane, Managing Director of The Vault will be visiting the PMA conference in Birmingham 9-10th October 2007. The PMA, Photo Marketing Association, is a professional trade association which aims to 'help the worldwide photo imaging community achieve business success and adapt to new technologies'. All the key players, Fuji, Kodak, Epsom will have their wares on show.

www.pmai.org

David will report on the conference on his return.

Digital Camera Race

2007-09-10T01:36:00.000-07:00

Canon have upped the stakes with the 1Ds Mk III 22Mp camera. Have a look on dpreview:
www.dpreview.com
There are forum discussions and reviews about the camera.

Does this mean we're catching up with 'medium format' digital quality in a portable body? The price tag set at £6,000 is relatively high but a lot less than a digital back. Is it a viable debate comparing this new camera to digital backs? I'll summarise some user reviews here once the camera hits the marketplace or if i can get hold of one to use. As a Canon user I don't know about the Nikon cameras.

Professional Photographer magazine

2007-08-30T06:20:00.000-07:00

In the editor's words 'The title is the perfect read for the professional and the advanced enthusiast, who are looking for information about high-end products, and enjoy hearing about the working environment of other pros'.

A long established magazine whose previous editors include Steve Hynes and Jon Tarrant (who currently writes for the BJP and when i last heard he was teaching mathematics on the Isle of Wight).

Visit their website

They also run a competition called 'Professional Photographer of the Year'. Details will be on their website.

Vision 2007. November 8, 2007 - The Bridge, London

2007-08-29T23:31:00.000-07:00

The British Journal of Photography's annual one day event for all aspiring and pro photographers.
Exhibitors at Vision 2007 will collaborate with BJP to provide a wide range of free seminars, lectures, workshops and portfolio clinics. Visitors will also have the opportunity to hear successful photographers discuss their work and success.

There is a portfolio clinic with approximately 300 allocated spots - 10-15min each. Has to be booked before the show.

Exhibitors include Magum Photos, Fuji Professional, Photographers Gallery, Association of Photographers.

November 8, 2007 - The Bridge, London SE1

Full details of Vision 2007

Brighton Photo Biennial 2008

2007-08-20T03:44:00.000-07:00

Brighton Photo Biennial is currently preparing for October 2008, check out their website for opportunities.

The Biennial is 'committed to stimulating critical debate on photography in all its forms: new and historic, digital and analogue, still and moving. Bringing together known and unknown bodies of work, new commissions and previously unseen images, BPB aims to reach the widest possible audience'.
BPB also runs a continuous education programme that is active during and between Biennials, creating grass roots projects with local communities, artists and individuals.
No doubt the Fringe will also start to pick up momentum soon and The Vault digital imaging lab will be offering a discount on printing, mounting and framing for all participating photographers.

Julian Stallabrass has been appointed the Curator for Brighton Photo Biennial's third edition, taking place in October 2008.

The Vault
www.bpb.org.uk

Proud galleries

2007-08-20T03:08:00.000-07:00

Two galleries in central London and one in Camden worth a visit.

At the time of writing this post there are numerous job opportunities at Proud.

www.proud.co.uk

Noorderlicht Festival

2007-08-20T02:50:00.000-07:00

Over recent years Nooderlicht has been recognised as an important photographic event in Europe with international participation. An opportunity for all photographers to participate although this years deadline has passed. The numerous exhibitions in Groningen are outlined on their website. Visiting this years festival will provide you with a good idea of the quality of photography and expectation of the judges. A contrast to Perpignan!

http://www.noorderlicht.com/eng/index.html

Visa Pour l'image, Perpignan

2007-08-20T02:20:00.000-07:00

One of the most important dates in any photojournalists diary, especially at a time when publishing journalistic and documentary work is very difficult. Photographers need to develop new ideas for distributing their work. Participating and/or attending festivals like Perpignan is important in deleoping new platforms for your work. Thousands of professional photojournalists have an opportunity to talk to their peers in an intrnational arena.
There are numerous exhbitions and evening screenings.

All the details and information you need is available on their website.
There is a flashback section which illustrates the activites and work exhibited in the past festivals.
www.visapourlimage.com

Runs from 1st to 16th September 2007.

Hasselblad HD3 demo

2007-08-07T04:00:00.000-07:00

Photographer Bip Mistry , a Vaultarian, recently had a demonstration of the Hasselblad HD3 39 megapixel camera. All the technical details are available on their website so here are few thoughts from Bip on the camera:

- the H3D with a standard lens is really nice to handle, not bulky or heavy as a mamiya rb67 for example.
- the image in the viewfinder looks so big that you feel like you are in the scene!
- a number of configurations for working the buttons and functions of the camera lets you find the best way to use it for yourself.
- the 28mm lens is a delight with software in the camera to correct the distortion.
- exceptional image quality as you'd expect.
- crystal clear images.
- maybe i should ask Hasselblad for a job!

So, we have 8, 10, 12, 16 megapixel (35mm) DSLR cameras. There is a gap and then we have 22, 31 and 39 megapixel digital backs. All the smaller megapixel users should consider checking out a digital back. As most photographers have a good idea about the difference between 35mm and medium/large format film they should understand (and see) the same in the digital world.

Understanding the difference is one thing, bridging the finacial gap is another. If you can't afford to buy you can always rent from various caompanies in London. Some of thse companies will be featured on this blog soon.

Get a website up and running!

2007-08-07T03:44:00.000-07:00

It's very easy and economical to produce a website with Clikpic. Numerous photographers and students who use The Vault don't have a website, or they are in the process of having one made. Clikpic works as an instant solution and can also work as a long term solution. It is easy to work from a selection of templates and then upload images. Keeping the site updated is also easy to do and you can do it from anywhere in the world.

www.clickpic.com

Along with Clikpic you caould also have a blog with blogger.com which can be used as a more personal presentation of thoughts and images and it can be done to compliment your website.

A website is your online portfolio which is expected by your potential clients, advertising, marketing and design companies. Using a simple and uncluttered design will helpp to show off your images at their best. Less is more!

Brighton Pride Discount

2007-07-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

The Vault is offering a 20% discount on developing, printing and direct to print packages for all people who want to print their images taken at Pride in Brighton. For more details on how to get the best from your images come and see us or call us on 01273 688 733.

We can download your images from any media and any type of camera.

Brighton pride

Artwave artists discounts

2007-07-24T23:35:00.000-07:00

Every year The Vault will be offering artists participating in the Lewes Artwave festival a discount on copying, mounting and exhibition services. A large number of artists have their artwork including paintings, drawings other types of flat artwork copied onto 5x4 transparency. This transparency can then be scanned on a high-res flatbed digital scanner providing the artist with a colour corrected and balanced digital file from which an infinite number of prints can be produced on a wide selection of archival papers using archival inks.

Artwave website.

Fujifilm Distinctions Awards 2007

2007-07-12T02:29:00.000-07:00

Lead the way!

Win up to £1,000 cash in the Fujifilm Distinctions Awards 2007
Lead the way in creative photography. Film is the creative choice, so if you shoot inspiring and creative photographs on film then you can win up to £1,000 cash in the Fujifilm Distinctions Awards 2007.

HOW TO ENTER
All images must be taken on Fujifilm Professional film. Images must be scanned and submitted via the Fujifilm Distinctions website, www.fujifilmdistinctions.co.uk The Awards are open to all UK based photographers.

PRIZES
There are three cash prizes in the Fujifilm Distinctions Awards 2007. The overall winner will receive £1,000. The second placed photographer will receive £500 and third place will receive £250.

A shortlist of Merit winners will be chosen at the start of October 2007 by our judging panel of photographic industry experts. Each Merit winner will be presented with a certificate and invited to submit a print for final judging. Entries can be submitted from 1 April 2007 and the closing date is 1 October 2007.

www.fujifilmdistinctions.co.uk

Free Trial of British Journal of Photography

2007-07-12T02:18:00.000-07:00

Sign up today for 2-weeks free online access to www.bjp-online.com

Entering your details only takes a couple of minutes and will allow you free access to this week’s news, features, equipment reviews and much more.

BJP makes sure that professional photographers and the photographic industry are kept up to date with what matters. BJP is first with news, benchmark technical reviews, interviews with leading photographers, job vacancies, exhibition and competition listings, reviews of books and shows and many competitions and awards.

Enjoy this sample of BJP! A free trial is the first step to getting your BJP weekly. With a subscription you get 51 issues of BJP, THE BIG BOOK directory worth £32 on it’s own and ongoing access to this website.

www.bjphoto.co.uk

Host Gallery

2007-07-03T03:56:00.000-07:00

Host Gallery is an integral part of foto8. They are currently showing Flandrien: Hard Men and Heroes.

http://www.hostgallery.co.uk

' Stephan Vanfleteren’s powerful black and white photographs provide an intimate and emotional portrait of these legendary sportsmen and the sport which dominates the social and cultural life of Flanders, the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium. The unremarkable landscape breeds this particular type of rider who thrives in the driving rain and the bitter cold and on cobbled streets and treacherous inclines.

Stephan Vanfleteren, represented by the Panos Pictures agency, has been photographing the Flandrien for more than 15 years.'

A truly inspiring exhibition.

Ei8ht magazine and foto8 website

2007-07-03T03:24:00.000-07:00

This is a magazine to keep in touch with. Superb photography and high quality design have brought the magazine awards and respect in the photographic community. Brighton based photographer Ewan Spencer was recently featured inEi8ht magazine (The Vault handled some of the scanning work!)

There is an opportunity to submit your story. EI8HT FEATURES: Specific stories, that may consist of coverage of international affairs, projects on personal themes or an exploration
of story telling through the medium of photography. Long term personal projects are of special interest to us, those that are unique and wouldn't necessarily be published by the mainstream media

There is a magazine, website and bookshop.

http://www.foto8.com

Victoria and Albert Museum

2007-06-13T23:41:00.000-07:00

The V&A began collecting photography in 1852. Its collection is now is one of the most important in the world. It holds over half million images, by both classic and contemporary photographers, and illustrates a wide range of processes, techniques and subject matter.

'The Photography gallery focuses on the history of photography, with an annual display of around 40 outstanding photographs from the V&A's collection.'

Website: V&A

Project Assistance Award £5,000 cash

2007-06-13T23:32:00.000-07:00

A chance to win £5,000 cash to fulfill your photography project.
'The contest is open to photographers based in the UK or Ireland aged over 21 years old and not currently in full-time education (although final year students graduating this summer before our 03 December 2007 deadline may apply).'

Full details for the award can be found at the British Journal of Photography website.

National Union of Journalists

2007-06-13T23:21:00.000-07:00

With over 35,000 members photographers should consider joining the NUJ.

Benefits include:

Discounted training workshops in computer software like Photoshop, Quark...
Legal advice
Freelance directory
Brighton chapel
Press cards
Monthly magazine
Rates guidelines

The union supports 'writers and reporters, editors and sub-editors, photographers and illustrators, working in broadcasting, newspapers, magazines, books, on the internet and in public relations.'