Original Images

TwitterFacebookPinterestLinkedInEmail
TwitterFacebookPinterestLinkedInEmail
  • Home
  • Galleries
    • A Day At The Races…(Texas Motor Speedway)
    • Mexico
    • Alaska
    • Airshow Memories…
    • Props
    • Asian Wonders
    • On the base…
    • Talented Street Performances
    • In the Garden
    • Concert Shots – Joan Jett & The BlackHearts
    • The Happy Couple…
  • Blog
    • Use Your Eyes!
    • Some things can’t be taught!
    • Photography Training from the PRO’s…
    • Thought for the day…
    • Believe in yourself…field test your work!
    • To Enter…Or Not To Enter…PHOTO CONTESTS is the Question!
    • How to capture great vacation photographs!
    • So Many Opportunities for Photographers Across Canada!
    • Photographers – Craft Shows, Art Fairs and Events!
    • I am a softie at Christmas…
    • Photography is Not a Crime! Your Rights in Canada!
    • Holiday Wishes and A Brighter New Year To Come!
    • Updating my pricing…
    • “10 Quick Tips to Improve Your Photography”
    • Tips to get you going…
  • About Us/ Me..
  • Location
  • My Favourite Links
  • Clients – Past & Present
  • (COMING SOON!) Recorded For You…
  • Contact Me
  • 100 Photography Tips – FREE REPORT!
  • Newsletter & Email Updates
  • Shop

Monthly Archives: January 2017

To Enter…Or Not To Enter…PHOTO CONTESTS is the Question!

To Enter…Or Not To Enter…PHOTO CONTESTS is the Question!

I am a photographer…and there is nothing I love more than to share my work. Truthfully…I really love to sell my work and my services! It’s my passion. I want people to see what I shoot. I want their feedback, admiration, respect, and approval. Does that sound selfish? It may be, but the truth is, I do love what I do and the shots I take…so much so, that I want the world to see them! And…what better way to show off your work than by entering into a photo contest! You allow a whole new audience to see your work, and your photos have a chance to be judged and juried (and maybe selected) by a group of our peers! BUT…what about the scams that are out there?

Everyone owns a camera today (in one form or another)! iPhone, android, pocket camera, DSLR…you name it! And with the proliferation of photo enthusiasts, there is also a proliferation of photo contests. Don’t get me wrong…not all photo contests are scams, but you must be aware of the possibility (and I want to help you understand what you are up against)!

There are a number of reputable contests out there, that are run by respected magazines, photography organizations, photography clubs, photo agencies, and even some of the photo brands. On the other hand, there are an increasing number of contests run by websites, e-magazines, and lately, even by some Instagram accounts. But, how reputable are they? Do they really make any contribution to the world of photography? The truth is, based on entry fees charged, photo contests look like an easy way to earn some extra cash in some organizations.

There are legitimate contests that do have fees attached to each entry. Those fees allow the contest provider with an opportunity to limit the number of entries, and focus on those who are somewhat more serious about their photography. There are also a number of those contests who use the funds to provide scholarships to up and coming photographers or in support of personal projects with the monies collected from the applicants and sponsors (ie: National Geographic). But, what about those other contests? They are promoted by many new digital magazines or online communities that have no legitimacy. In some instances you don’t even know who the juries are, yet they want you to pay per image for entering these “contests.” What I am saying here is, if the entry fee is $10-40 per image to enter, and we assume that at least 1,000 submissions come in, there is a huge amount of money taken in, but the prize is just a couple of thousand for the top three winners. So, where does the balance of the money collected end up? Everyone has a right to earn money, but the increase in these kinds of contests certainly opens the door for amateur photographers to be used as easy marks to profit from.

The other hook, are the rules and regulations of the contest. There’s the license, which goes something like this: Participant retains ownership of the copyright in any submitted photographs. However, by entering photograph(s) in this Contest, participant grants Sponsor the irrevocable, perpetual right to edit, adapt, use and publish in any media now known or hereafter discovered any or all of the photographs without compensation to the participant, his or her successors or assigns, or any other entity. Entering a submission in this contest constitutes participant’s irrevocable assignment, conveyance, and transference to sponsor of the foregoing rights!

Even if you don’t win, they can still use your photos without any sort of compensation whatsoever! I guess there are some people who don’t care. They aren’t serious photographers and if one of their photos does get used, then it is something they can brag about to their friends. After all, with today’s proliferation of amateur photographers out there, this is a field where even a total amateur can get lucky and get a great photo, even if they did it by accident. When you put tens of millions of cameras in the hands of people, you’ll get some great photos even if the people with the cameras don’t know what they’re doing. And, if all the professional or serious amateur photographers out there avoided their contest, the contest holders probably wouldn’t care. They are working on percentages.

This shouldn’t scare you away from all contests, after all, not every photo contest has rules which are as one sided. Just make sure you read the rules before you enter any contest. Be sure that you know what you are getting yourself into, and what you are giving up. Photography is very subjective and even if you think you have a photo that is sure to win, it probably wont. You might end up giving away the photo and never receiving as much as a “thank you” for your efforts.

I hate to say it, but I have seen it get worse yet! Some of these contests don’t require an entry fee or any money (upfront). There are a lot of contests that allow you to make your entry at no charge, but ask you to pay later. When you submit to these unique contests, you will likely receive an email afterward, that will indicate your photo didn’t rank in the top three, but the jury liked your photo so much and they would like to print your photo in their upcoming annual book. And, in order to do so, they want you to pay a small fee for getting a copy of the printed book. If you agree to pay that fee, you will see your photo printed in a compiled photo book with a number of other randomly selected photos of other photographers who also agreed to pay the requested fee. Unfortunately, there was no selection and this is just a money grab, to take advantage of unwitting photographers.

How can you possibly to avoid all of these scam artists? Truthfully, it is better to do some research about the organization or magazine that is holding the contest. And, it’s better to do some research about the previous contests and the winners. You can easily get some information about that contest, and whether or not it is legitimate, or a scam. It really is up to you!

Do yourself a favour….always try to shoot your best and only submit to well known/ cognized photo contests. Always trust in yourself and your photography! Always compete with yourself first, consistently improving your art and technique! Don’t rely on every photo contest you see to assess your talent! Pick the right contests that have potential to support your photographic career! When you do enter a contest, always double check the terms and conditions about usage of images and licenses before you enter. And…most importantly, never pay for being featured in a printed book.

Good luck and good shooting!

I always welcome any feedback. Feel fee to send your questions and comments to scott.howard@originalimages.ca

 

How to capture great vacation photographs!

How to capture great vacation photographs

January 22, 2017

We’ve all been on vacation, and we’ve all taken vacation photos! The problem is that we usually miss out on some great opportunities. Not because we don’t care, but rather because we weren’t prepared! Shooting great vacation photos, even with a brand new, state of the art digital camera, takes some thought and know-how. To help you take terrific photos on your next vacation and to add fun into taking them, I’ve put together this list of common sense approaches. Bad vacation photos can be disappointing, for both you and your family and friends, but great shots can be the life of the party.

  1. Charge your batteries…or take along extras!!!
  2. Take care of your camera!!! (No dust or water)
  3. Ensure you have an adequate number of memory cards with you!!!
  4. It’s your camera (right?)!!! (Know it before you blow it…..read the manual)
  5. Always have your camera at the ready!
  6. Take along a sturdy lightweight tripod! (For low light and evening shots)
  7. Think about composition!!!
  8. Include people in your photos!!! (Try to shoot candids as well as posed shots)
  9. Include yourself in your photos!!! (Prove you were there)
  10. Try different angles! (Don’t be a typical tourist!)
  11. Include a variety of image types!!! (Portrait/ landscape….)
  12. Capture the mood of the trip!!! (Don’t let the weather affect your shots)
  13. Watch for distracting objects in the background of your images and position yourself accordingly!!!
  14. Tell a story with your images!!!
  15. Edit your photos carefully when you get back home!!! (Try some new effects, black and white, filters,etc…but, do it with your software!)
  16. Pick the “BEST” shots, organize them and then share with family and friends!
  17. Most importantly…Have fun, enjoy the trip, and take plenty of pictures to capture the memories!

Vacation photos are often some of the most boring collections known to man. Who hasn’t had to suffer through a slide show gone wrong or envelope after envelope of prints when a friend or family member returns from a vacation? Hopefully, these few tips will keep your photos fresh and your friends from suffering through this fate.

Happy shooting!

And if you have any other great tips you would like to see added to the list, please email me at scott.howard@originalimages.ca

 

So Many Opportunities for Photographers Across Canada!

So Many Opportunities for Photographers Across Canada!

Each year, Canada hosts a number of Craft Fairs and Artists Exhibits from East Coast to West Coast. Below is a list of fairs and shows you may wish to attend, either as a visitor or as an exhibitor! (I will update the list as new dates are identified!)

March 29 – April 2*
Toronto – One of a Kind
Direct Energy Center Exhibition Place
Weekdays & Saturday,
10 am-9 pm
Sunday, 10 am-6 pm
800 Exhibitors

April 6 – 9*
Ottawa, Ontario – Originals – The Spring Craft Sale
Ernst & Young Centre
4899 Uplands Drive
Thursday & Friday, 10 am to 9 pm
Saturday & Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm
180 exhibitors
A colourful promenade of specialty boutiques featuring the best in Canadian handmade including jewelry, fashions and accessories, visual art, home & garden décor.

April 29 – May 1
Edmonton, Alberta – Butterdome Spring Craft Sale
University of Alberta Butterdome
87 Avenue and 14 Street
Friday, 10 am to 10 pm
Saturday 10 am to 6 pm
Sunday 10 am to 5 pm
160 exhibitors

June 4 & 5
Windsor, Ontario – Art in the Park
Willistead Manor & Park
1899 Niagara St
Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm
Sunday; 10 am to 5 pm
275 exhibitors

June 11 & 12
Toronto, Ontario – Beaches Arts & Crafts Show
Kew Gardens Park, located between Queen St. East and the Boardwalk
10 am to 6 pm
150 Artisans

July 1 & 3
Niagara-by-the-Lake, Ontario – Artistry by the Lake
Queen’s Royal Park, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Presented by Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce
10 am to 5 pm
80 Artists

July 8-10
Goderich, Ontario – Festival of Arts & Crafts
Sponsored by the Huron Women’s Shelter
Colborne School Site, at the intersection of Britannia and Bayfield Road
135 Gibbons Street
Friday, noon to 8 pm
Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday, 11am to 4 pm
150 exhibitors

July 8-10
Toronto, Ontario – 55th Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition
Nathan Phillips Square
Friday, 10:30 am to 6:30pm
Saturday, 10:30 am to 6:30 pm
Sunday, 10:30 am to 6:30 pm
320 Artists
For more info: www.torontooutdoorart.org/exhibition
July 15-17
Muskoka, Ontario – Muskoka Arts & Crafts Summer Show
Annie Williams Memorial Park at the corner of Santa’s Village Road &
Wellington Street in Bracebridge, Ontario
Friday, 10 am to 7 pm
Saturday & Sunday, 10 am to 5pm
200 artists from across Canada

July 22-24
Haliburton, Ontario – Art & Craft Festival
Head Lake Park, 13 York Street
sponsored by the Rails End Gallery & Arts Centre
Friday, noon to 6 pm
Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm
Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm
130 Exhibitors

July 30 – August 1
Barrie, Ontario – Huronia Festival of Arts & Crafts
Lakeshore Drive, on the shores of Kempenfelt Bay
part of Kempenfest
370 exhibitors
August 2-4
Toronto, Ontario – Artisans at the Distillery, Summer Craft Show
Distillery District, downtown Toronto
11 am to 6 pm
65 Artisans

August 8 & 9
Qualicom Beach, British Columbia – Art & Photography in the Garden
Milner Gardens
2179 West Island Highway
10 am to 5 pm
24 Artists
Art, live music, and a silent auction

August 29 & 30
Amherstberg, Ontario – Art by the River
Fort Malden Historic Park
100 Laird Avenue
10 am to 5 pm
100 exhibitors

September 4-7
Toronto, Ontario – ArtFest at the Distillery, Fine Art & Craft Show
Distillery District, downtown Toronto
11 am to 6 pm
100 Artisans
September 11-13
Toronto, Ontario – Cabbagetown Arts & Crafts
Riverdale Park West
375 Sumach Street
Friday, 1 pm to 7 pm
Saturday & Sunday
10 am to 6 pm
170 exhibitors

September 19 – October 4
Caledon, Ontario – Headwaters Arts Festival
Alton Mill Art Centre
402 Queen Street W.
Saturday & Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm
50+ Artists

October 17 & 18
Mississauga, Ontario – Craftadian Fall Show
International Centre, Entrance 6
6900 Airport Road
11 am to 5 pm
150 Exhibitors

 

Feel free to submit your events or events you are aware of, and I will try my best to add them to our postings.

All the best!

scott.howard@originalimages.ca

I am providing these listings for free as a public service. The constantly changing art fair/ craft show business means that I can’t be held responsible for inaccurate listing information or typos. Please contact the promoters of each event to confirm specific attendance details before making your plans.

Photographers – Craft Shows, Art Fairs and Events!

Photographers – Craft Shows, Art Fairs and Events!

With a brand new year, comes a number of new events and opportunities to display your art, your talent, your skill and your final product! Well, I think this is the question of the week. “I am attending an event! How do I display my photos for sale?”

I am always open to new questions, and my objective is to provide as many solutions as I possibly can. In this instance, there are several answers. You can spend a lot of money on fancy displays, or you can attack the problem yourself with a DIY project, and a little imagination. All you need is a bit of free time, and you can build your table top of floor display with anything from a cardboard box, to wood, or even copper pipe. Yes, I did say copper pipe.

What I am not going to do is tell you to get a table…or a tent. I think those are the obvious elements required at any display. What I am going to do, is share with you a number of different ways to display your product when you get to your location. I am going to provide you with suggestions and those options, and links to allow you to check out those options.

      First – here is a new Pinterest board I have launched to provide you with some new display ideas for upcoming shows and events. There are a number of boards out there that provide detail and images of how to pull together an event. I have tried to keep you focused on the essentials.

How To Display Photos – https://www.pinterest.com/origimg/how-to-display-photos/

     Secondly, let me provide you with a number of links, that will allow those of you who may be so include, to purchase your fixtures…

Cheap Joe’s – http://www.cheapjoes.com/cheap-joe-s-canvas-print-rack.html

Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049V32V0/ref=s9_acsd_zwish_hd_bw_bs777_c_x_w?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-6&pf_rd_r=PPKM04FX66KNWX8XKFJK&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=bd8307f8-aa20-5aee-a766-665ed5b260d1&pf_rd_i=12897061

Jerry’s Artarama – http://www.jerrysartarama.com/canvas-print-racks

Displays4Sale- – http://www.displays4sale.com/StoreModules/SearchResults.aspx?c=Multi-Panel-Poster-Displays-Art-Displays&s=Art-Bins-Print-Bins-Poster-Bins

Dick Blick – http://www.dickblick.com/categories/printracks/details/

Or – http://www.dickblick.com/print/racks/

Amazon.ca – https://www.amazon.ca/Jack-Richeson-692043-Canvas-Medium/dp/B00CWH3LQY

Stuccu – http://n.stuccu.ca/s/Print%20Rack

Studio Six – http://www.studio-six.com/richeson-canvas-print-rack-large.html

Delta Art & Drafting – http://www.deltaart.ca/index.php/browse/category/id/Racks

Displays 2 Go – http://www.displays2go.ca/P-16558/Print-Rack-for-Poster-and-Canvas-Storage

Lowes – https://www.lowes.com/creative-ideas/other-areas/magazine-rack/project

     And lastly, here are a few links to DIY ideas.

E-how – http://www.ehow.com/how_5890036_build-print-rack.html

Thoughts on Making Art – https://maryfrances.faso.com/blog/108264/diy-print-rack

Vikram Madan – http://www.vikrammadan.com/blog/ultra-cheap-diy-print-rack

Home Edit – (look through this page for the leather rack – http://www.homedit.com/20-diy-magazine-rack-projects/

100 Things 2 Do – https://100things2do.ca/super-easy-magazine-rack/

Most importantly…”use your imagination”! I know some of these links will show you a book or magazine rack. Others will show you how to reuse a laundry rack or a hotel luggage rack. There are no “rules” for how to display your art. Your art is “creative”! Your display should reflect you as an individual.

Good luck and good selling!

If you have an image or an idea you would like to add, please don’t hesitate to send them to me at scott.howard@originalimages.ca. I will be sure to incorporate them into our posts.

Photography is Not a Crime! Your Rights in Canada!

Photography is Not a Crime! Your Rights in Canada!


 

In recent years, more and more, photographers have found themselves challenged about their images. Where they are taking them! Whether or not they are legally allowed to take them, and so on. I am sure, as a photographer, you too have had moments of wonder. “Am I breaking the law”? In most instances, you are well within your rights to photograph the subjects of your choosing.

Due to the number of questions I have fielded lately, I spent some time online, trying to pull together as much detail as possible. The best article I could find came from Bill Kellett of Vancouver (www.billkellett.ca) The article below

Canadian Photographer’s Rights assembled by BillKellett.ca

NOTE: PLEASE do your own research and be comfortable with the information you have.

     Photographer’s Rights & Responsibilities These guidelines are secondary to common sense, manners and respect –

  1. You can take a photograph of anything and anyone on any public property, (i.e.) streets, sidewalks, town squares, parks, government buildings open to the public, and public places are all OK. Except where a specific law prohibits it – generally a posted sign will advise – lack of sign does not ensure permission to photograph.
  2.  You may shoot on private property if it is open to the public, but you are obligated to stop if the owner or owner representative (security or manager) requests it. (i.e.) malls, retail stores, restaurants and office building lobbies.
  3. You may photograph at public festivals and public events whether they are on public or private property, paid admittance                or not. The event organizer or their representative (security) have the legal authority to demand that you stop taking pictures,   the photographer must comply or typically you will be evicted from the site. Lack of ‘photography not permitted’ signage does     not validate your photography.
  4. Private property owners can prevent photography ON their property, but not photography OF their property from a public location.
  5. Anyone can be photographed without consent when they are in a public place unless there is a reasonable expectation of privacy. (i.e.) private homes, restrooms, dressing rooms, medical facilities, phone booths & etc. Don’t confuse a ‘festival’ or similar event as a public place – paid admittance or not – see 3 above.
  6. Despite common misconceptions, the following subjects in a PUBLIC setting are almost always permissible: accidents, fire scenes, criminal activities, children, celebrities, law enforcement officers, bridges, infrastructure, transportation facilities, residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. – Don’t interfere or cause rescue delays of any incident. Use common sense.
  7. “For Security Purposes” is rarely an acceptable reason for restricting photography. Photographing from a public place cannot infringe on trade secrets, nor is it terrorist activity.
  8. Private parties cannot detain you against your will unless a serious crime was committed in their presence. The detainers may face serious legal charges.
  9. It is a crime for someone to threaten injury, detention, confiscation, or arrest because you are making photographs legally.
  10. You are not obligated to provide your identity or reason for photographing unless questioned by a law enforcement officer – most local laws require you to cooperate with the police. Employ common sense and respect – My name is Bill, I’m a hobby photographer.
  11. Private parties have no right to confiscate your equipment without a court order. Even law enforcement officers must obtain one unless making an arrest. No one can force you to delete photos you have made.

These are general guidelines regarding the right to make photos and should not be interpreted as legal advice. If you need legal help, please contact a lawyer.

When confronted, threatened with detention or the confiscation of equipment, ask the following questions: * What is your name? * What is the name of your employer? * May I leave? If not, what is the legal basis of my detention? * If equipment is being demanded, what is the legal basis for the confiscation?

Photographers Rights Canada Resources

www.sindark.com/2008/04/23/your-rights-as-a-canadian-photographer

www.photojunkie.ca/archive/category/blog/photographers

www.flickr.com/groups/central/discuss/26171/

http://ambientlight.ca/laws

USA Photographer’s Rights Advocate

http://photographyisnotacrime.com/

If you have more/ updated information to add to this post, please do not hesitate to let me know… scott.howard@originalimages.ca.

“When I have a camera in my hand, I know no fear.”

– Alfred Eisenstaedt

Pages

  • Home
  • Galleries
  • Blog
  • About Us/ Me..
  • Location
  • My Favourite Links
  • Clients – Past & Present
  • (COMING SOON!) Recorded For You…
  • Contact Me
  • 100 Photography Tips – FREE REPORT!
  • Newsletter & Email Updates

Archives

  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • September 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016

Categories

  • Photo Tip Of The Day (22)
  • Photographic Humour (2)
  • Photography Tips & Posts (14)
  • Photography Training (1)
  • Uncategorized (5)

WordPress

  • Log in
  • WordPress

Subscribe

  • Entries (RSS)
  • Comments (RSS)

Pages

  • Home
  • Galleries
  • Blog
  • About Us/ Me..
  • Location
  • My Favourite Links
  • Clients – Past & Present
  • (COMING SOON!) Recorded For You…
  • Contact Me
  • 100 Photography Tips – FREE REPORT!
  • Newsletter & Email Updates

Archives

  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • September 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016

Categories

  • Photo Tip Of The Day (22)
  • Photographic Humour (2)
  • Photography Tips & Posts (14)
  • Photography Training (1)
  • Uncategorized (5)

WordPress

  • Log in
  • WordPress
©2008-2017 Scott Howard/ Original Images Photography