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Photo Of The Week By Trevor Owen
May 23rd, 2013

Photo By Trevor Owen

“The photo was taken on a reptile shoot in a small studio setting above a reptile shop in Filton Bristol, UK. The camera used was a Nikon D300s with a Nikor 105mm Micro f2.8 lens. The iguana was in a light tent and two off camera flashes were used outside the light tent. The technical details are ISO 100 1/50sec at f9, Matrix metering, manual exposure mode and manual white balance. I was inspired to take this photograph first for having a great love for nature and trying to catch up on my preferred photographic subjects: nature, landscapes, macro and HDR. Now, retired from my studio where for forty years was taking weddings, portraits, and commercial photography and having to photograph what made me my living. Since selling my Hasselblad cameras and going digital in the last five years, I am back learning the fascinating world of the sub! jects I now photograph, and enjoying every minute of my new found passion.” – Trevor

Architecture Photo Contest Finalists!
May 22nd, 2013

A big thank you to all the photographers that shared their photos displaying architecture in a creative and beautiful way. This competition generated a collection of creative and interesting photo, be sure to browse all the entries as all are amazing!

Congratulations to the following finalists (shown in no particular order) and stay tuned for the winner’s selection by our friend and professional photographer Jeff Vanuga:

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Congratulations to the People’s Choice. This photo was selected by our member’s votes:

A Conversation With Guest Judge Sarah Lee
May 22nd, 2013

From Kona on the Big Island of Hawai’i, Sarah Lee is incessantly
glued to camera viewfinders, DaFiNs, and the sea. Her love for
photography, particularly underwater and surf photography was shaped by a
childhood where she was constantly playing in and around the ocean. As a
long-distance swimmer and surfer, her strength as an athlete in the ocean
and tide allows her to capture swimmers and surfers in the special way she
does beneath the sea. “My aim in making photos is to capture and
accentuate the beauty in what surrounds me. Photography to me is a mode of
visual problem solving and a way to perpetuate the stoke, whether it be
above the surface or below.”

How did you get started in photography and how do you describe your style?

I got started in photography through my desire as a child to get out,
explore, and capture what surrounded me – whether in the coffee fields of
Hawai’i or the coastline and the ocean. Once I figured out what a camera
could do, I was hooked and it took off from there.

I would describe my style as simple, light-hearted and fun. My primary aim
with photography at this stage in my life is to capture the joy and beauty
found between the interaction of humans and the sea.

What is the most challenging shoot you have ever done and why?

Since the beginning of 2012, I’ve been out and about shooting photo and
video content for a adventure film series that’s starting up, Alison’s
Adventures <http://www.alisonsadventures.com/> (www.alisonsadventures.com).
It was a huge challenge, traveling around to various destinations such as
Australia, New Zealand, Hawai’i, Grand Canyon, and Fiji as a two-girl team
both doing the work of a full production team, lugging around cameras,
tripods, sound gear, boards, sponsor gear to shoot, and ocean gear in
varying weather conditions and trying situations. Tons of work but totally
worth it.

What is the shoot you are most proud of and why?

I was commissioned to shoot underwater photos of the capsule collection for
forte_forte, an Italian fashion company. It was very challenging and
tricky to take out very expensive pieces of clothing and photograph them
“under the clouds” of the sea, still life and on models. The models and I
worked very hard to make those photos happen, and because of our hard work,
the photos turned out amazingly!

What is the best time of the day for you to shoot underwater photos?

For “standard” underwater photos, early morning to early afternoon is the
best … though I have been falling in love with taking underwater photos
within the last hour of the setting sun.

Please share with us some tips on how to constantly improve your style?

For water photography, it’s all about going out there and seeing what
happens. Perfect planning to put yourself in the place for perfect
accidents to happen … because there’s not much you can control once
you’re in the water and the ocean will give you something different every
time!

Two Of A Kind Photo Contest Finalists!
May 21st, 2013

Thank you to all the photographers that shared their photos showing the main subject in pairs. This competition gathered one of the most creative and interesting photo galleries, be sure to browse all the entries as all are amazing and unique!

Congratulations to the following finalists (in no particular order) and stay tuned for the winner’s selection by friend and professional photographer Jason S. Moore:

10.

Congratulations to the People’s Choice:

Below The Knees Photo Contest Winners!
May 20th, 2013

Thank you to all the photographers that shared their lower POV shots in this photo contest. We strive to promote creativity through these unique themes and we get so excited to see that the creativity of the participants over exceeds our expectations! Be sure to browse the gallery as there are so many amazing concepts and the quality of the images is stunning.

A special thanks to professional photographer Tom Barnes for his collaboration in selecting the following winners:

Congratulations to LLOYDWRIGHT winner of the Epiphanie Plum Stella Camera Bag with photo Final Preparations

“The most interesting shot in the finalists, I absolutely love B&W and this ticks all the boxes for me, the use of the HP filter on the image really brings out the muscle/knee shapes, a great image.” – Tom

Congratulations to the following Runners Up:

KrisMontgomery with photo Lift-Off

“Levitation or just children sitting on a bench? Again, the contrast between legs and shoes in B&W is just great, the shadows on the floor look like the legs are levitating and the the crop has been well done. ” – Tom

knicknack87 with photo Cruisin

“It’s the interesting angle that makes this shot for me, I also love how the streaks of the road almost make the grain of the wood on the board.” – Tom

Congratulations to DarkDaisies the People’s Choice and winner of a year of ViewBug PRO with photo Grace & Beauty