100 Best Travel Photos of 2009

by Todd Stern

I was happy to see this morning that 4 of my images have been chosen for the Los Angeles Times Best 100 Travel Photos of 2009. Please check them out if you're interested:http://www.latimes.com/travel/photos2009/. My images are 33, 62, 83 and 86. I hope that everyone is having a very nice holiday break.

HO HO HO IN THE VALLEY

My photo was named Photo of The Day by @discover_LA / discoverlosangeles.com today!

This is one of those happy, unexpected things. I never submitted the photo, they found it through my Flickr photostream, I'm assuming they did a tag search for Los Angeles Christmas or something like that.

Discover Los Angeles is run by LA INC. - The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau - a private, nonprofit business association whose primary mission is to market and promote Los Angeles as the premier site for meetings, conventions and leisure travel. Though not part of city government, LA INC. is recognized as the city’s official tourism marketing organization.

Photo of the Day: www.discoverlosangeles.com/play/photo-of-the-day.html

Facebook Page where the Photo of the Day is announced (90,000+ fans): www.facebook.com/losangelesfan

http://www.discoverlosangeles.com

And their flickr group is http://www.flickr.com/groups/discoverlosangeles

Candy Cane Lane With The Clauses
Photo credit © Lydia Marcus www.lydiamarcus.com
Photographed December 29, 2007 in Woodland Hills, CA

New Year's Exhibition

Lenscratch is having a New Year's Day Exhibition of your favorite image that you have taken in 2009. Send me an image and a title and location, and I will include it in the show! XOXO

Penn at the Getty

Hi All,
I finally made it to see Irving Penn's exhibition, Small Trades, at the Getty. I enjoyed it so much I returned three days later to see it again. Before the exhibition if you were to ask me who are the ten photographers who most inspire and influence me, I might have neglected to include Penn on that list. Now, he is at the top. I was always aware and appreciative of his artistry and technical capabilities, yet after seeing this particular project I understood that he was also a sociologist. What struck me most, beyond his gorgeous Platinum/Palladium prints, which by the way were gotten by the process of creating an inter-negative, a long and tedious endeavor, was the dignity and pride of the workers who sat for his portraits. From the street sweeper to the firemen, it was extremely apparent that all these laymen and a few laywomen took great pride in their vocation. In fact, standing on the canvas that Penn had hung in each of his Paris, London, and New York studios his sitters completely transformed into the person of their métier, and Penn captured that.

I could not help but compare the workers in these portraits to what has become of America's working class today. Automation, the loss of manufacturing jobs to overseas laborers who do the same work for a twentieth of the wage, the conversion of a work force from one which makes things to one that services others, and the obsession, a malaise that has placed a stranglehold on our culture, of wanting to be rich and famous above all else has led in my opinion to, in part, a culture which abstains from being prideful in what they do and a job well-done.

Penn was aware that many of the trades that his sitters so proudly emoted were nearing extinction. Penn not only so beautifully captured the essence of these workers, he also captured an era gone not to be witnessed again except at his exhibitions.

Cindy Schafer: Closing Reception & Memorial January 9th 7-10pm

During 2009 I co-curated, with fellow photographer and friend Marilyn Galosy, an alternative exhibition space in South Pasadena. Our current and last show in this space is MATES: a series of Holga images Cindy took on her travels through the Czech Republic, India and Southeast Asia.

We held an opening reception on Nov 14th which was small yet enthusiastically attended, so much so that it was 2 hrs past our official 'end' time before we realized we needed to close the doors and go home. It was so positive and energizing that we decided then to have a closing reception, in hopes more people could attend after the crush of the holidays had passed. Cindy even rang me on her drive home from the opening to say how much she enjoyed the evening and the opportunity to discuss her work and answer questions with each person who attended, and that she couldn't wait to do it again in January. Shortly before leaving for Thanksgiving we had settled on January 9th as the date and planned to send out the announcement after we each returned from our respective travels.

In her statement about MATES she says, "I believe in the humanity and interconnectedness of us all. I hope that by revealing intimate, thought provoking details of ordinary events and life's everyday scenes, I connect myself and my viewers to a world bigger than ourselves."

I'm so honored to have known Cindy and had the chance to showcase her photography. Over the past two years we'd had many versions of a conversation that began "so, how are you doing ..." Both of us questioning, guiding, counseling, and cheering each other on in the mostly solitary business of being an artist. When I called to ask if I could mount a show of her work she was on her way to a commercial job, and literally screamed into phone YES!! She told me she'd recently been neglecting her fine art, wasn't even sure she WAS an artist, and my invitation reminded her not to doubt herself so.

She was a dear friend and I feel her loss every day.

Please join us in honoring Cindy, her incredible life force, and her lovely work.

Saturday January 9, 2010

7-10pm

Gallery@MSY is inside Mission Street Yoga

1017 E. Mission Street.

South Pasadena CA 91030

Map and directions can be found here

**Pieces in the MATES show are not for sale; they were printed by Cindy for this exhibition and will return to her family.

Anyone can purchase prints through her smugmug website - the LAUNDRY series is available now and MATES will be ready by January 20th. Gallery@MSY will not take a commission on these sales**

Paris Photo 2009

Be sure to check Lenscratch for Marian Crostic's two-part review of Paris Photo!!!

Happy Holidays!

Thanks to all for a wonderful evening, and especially big thanks to all that helped set up and clean up! It was great to share food, images, fun, and conversation, and I wish you all wonderful things in the New Year!

Save the dates:
January 9th -- Closing for Cindy Schafer's show and impromtu memorial for her at Gallery@MSY. More to follow.

January 14-17th Photo LA
January 14-16th Review LA
January 15th PORTFOLIO WALK at the Double Tree in Santa Monica
January 16th PHOTGRAPHER'S DANCE!!!

Onward!

I'm happy to announce that two of my "Now It's a Church" images have been accepted to Basho Project's Onward 10 exhibit, jurored by Debbie Fleming Caffery. Also, my image, "Ilsa's Basket," will be exhibited in the Electron Salon at LACDA, opening January 14th. Last, but not least, as part of Group SC09, my Palm Springs documentation will be exhibited at The LA Art Show, MOPLA, and The New York Photo Festival. Good times!

Holga 3.0

I'm thrilled that an image from my series "The Edge of Innocence" has been selected for the Photomedia Center Holga 3.0 show, which is an on-line exhibition at photomediacenter.org. The show will be launching in a few days and will be featured on the site for the next two months.

If you have a few minutes, check our their website and the show. Thanks!

Noelle

Wet Plate Collodion Workshop on Jan. 9-10th 2010

Jan. 9-10th, 2010 Wet Plate Collodion Workshop by Will Dunniway.

I am trying to form this workshop...if anyone interested in joining me, please contact me

Here is more info on this workshop

Date: Jan. 9 -10th 2010

Location: Corona, CA

The cost of the workshop is $350. 

Here is some info about this workshop I got form e-mail...

The basic wet plate collodion course description:

Students will learn the making of ambrotypes (glass direct positives) and tintypes. (Ferrotypes, tin plate direct positives) Students are guided through the process step-by-step from the mixing, pouring, exposing and development of plates poured with wet collodion. The newest edition of the manual, Making the Wet Collodion Plate in 16 Steps manual by Will Dunniway is included along with all materials in the course fee. Students will use a period 1860 field camera with 1860-70 lenses. Workshop features 2 days of intensive hands-on training in the making of ambrotypes, ferrotypes (tintypes), and glass plate negatives. Each student will make and take home a self-portrait/still life tintype/ambrotypes.   All materials and equipment provided.

The workshop is not about the historical use of the process. It is about the use of wet plate collodion in a contemporary setting. It just so happens that I am an historical tin-typist with 18 years in the field doing this wet plate process.

I use an original wet plate camera in the sun room so the the exposure is a known constant. This reduces the time that each student needs to learn making and exposing their plates. I do not require anything remotely historical. I will also help you adapt newer 'view' type cameras with wet plate backs. Given this, my equipment is all original by default. This is the only equipment I use. My students have really enjoyed working with this rare camera equipment . The look these old lens give is incredible. In the end you will go away with a working knowledge of the process, not it's historical interpretation.

Here are some details for you:

You need not bring anything except old clothes that you don't mind being stained and or an apron. You might want some latex gloves if your hands are sensitive and you don't want stained. The silver nitrate will turn whatever part of your skin it touches dark, dark brown for 5 days or so.

Instruction begins at 9 am on Saturday till around 5 pm. Sunday we begin at 9 am here again in Corona. The Sunday workshop/shoot will end around 2-3 pm that day.

Please arrive Saturday as soon as you can. 8 am onward will be fine. There will be Peets coffee, fruit bagels etc. Ted Robert's, 28 year veteran with LA Times with assist.

Web sites ~ http://www.dunniway.com

http://www.collodion-artist.com

Gerry Clausing

Gerry Clausing, from the most recent Next Step class, has two remarkable images in the Magic Silver 2010 show in Kentucky, and two are in the Julia Dean Show Off 2009. Congrats Gerry!

Check Out this site!

Bestflow.org

Holiday Party

Next Step Holiday Party at Julia Dean's
This is who has RSVPd YES so far...if your name is not on the list, please let me know (or if it's on it and you are NOT coming):

Eric Bickford Phil Condit
Laurie McCormick Michael Kirchoff
Rico Mandel Karen Florek
Jaime Johnson Zoran Milosavijevic
Rebecca Gaal Linda Morrow
Jacqueline Truong Enrique Ahumada
Erich Hoeber Nancy Baron
Judy Hoffman Catharine Stebbins
Gray Malin Pieter Lessing
Wenzu Chang Noelle Gilbert
Maya Meyers Mark Tanner
Michael Butler Nancy McLeod
Liv Naesheim Doria Anslemo
Melisa Sharpe Sylvia Denlinger
Susan Gast Maura Brennen
Shelby Ring Lydia Marcus
Robby Larson Gerry Clausing
Susan Gast Gianina Ferreyra
Ellen Cantor
Cindy Bendat Linda Cotter

The party starts at 6:30 on Thursday, the 17th and here's the schedule:
6:30 to 8: drinking and eating (bring booze, juice, wine, and FOOD--not just snacks) I'll get all the paper goods
8-9:30 photo exchange, video, memorial for Cindy Schafer, and looking at work
Instead of bringing a portfolio, I would be happy to prepare a power point of everyone's work...if you want to send me 5-10 images, by the 15th, I will happily add you. Or you can bring a portfolio. Or just look at other people's work!

A couple of things to think about--parking might be tight so you could car pool, meet at the Whole Foods Parking lot on Rose and Lincoln and car pool over,etc. Also I hope we have enough chairs, but we will make do... I would love to have some help setting up and if one of my fabulous assistants could do the projector, I'd be incredibly grateful!

Also for the photo exchange, bring a print around 8x10 print in an envelope with your name marked on the outside.....

Congrats are in order!

Todd Stern and Nancy McLeod have work in the newest issue of F Stop Magazine!

Judy Hoffman, Michael Kirchoff, Laurie McCormick, and Liz Huston had work in the LACDA show that recently opened!





Tom Johnson, Laurie Mc Cormick, Michael Butler, Judy Hoffman, and Linda Morrow all have work in the Blue exhibition at the Vermont Photoworkplace--and it was a BLIND jurying!! Congrats to all!

My work is for Sale on the Fraction blog

The talented publisher of Fraction magazine, David Bram, is doing something that's unique and unbelievably generous. David is featuring OTHER photographer's work in a Holiday Print Sale on the Fraction Magazine blog. Have a look and if you are interested in purchasing, you can contact me directly...(alinesmithson@yahoo.com). That's right, he's doing this in the spirit of the season and giving all the proceeds to the photographer. Perhaps Mr. Claus lives in New Mexico after all, at least in his downtime.

More on Cindy

If you are on Facebook, and would like to leave a message about Cindy that her family will read, you can join this group:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=353446960203&ref=ts

There is a memorial in the works, but it will probably take place sometime in January....
We are considering creating a foundation in her name...

R.I.P. Cindy

It is with a heavy heart that I write this post, and I regret more than you know that most of you will learn this sad news in a blog post.

Cindy Shafer was killed in a plane accident last night (Nov. 29). She and her husband Bruce were traveling in a small plane from an island off the Canadian Coast, where they have a home, on their way to Vancouver to catch a commercial flight to Southern California. Six of the 8 passengers aboard were killed in this tragic accident. Cindy's husband was also among those killed.

Cindy's good friend Janelle will be planning a memorial for Cindy in Southern California. Details will be announced as they are available.

For those who knew Cindy, she was a bright light, someone people gravitated to at a party, a positive force of energy. She was fun to be around, but serious about the global condition, the environment and the lives of every day people, and her passions are reflected in her beautiful images and her body of work.

http://synergyimages.blogspot.com/

http://www.synergyimages.com/#s=0&mi=1&pt=0&pi=1&p=-1&a=0&at=0

She is missed already.

R.I.P. Cindy

xoxo

If anyone needs more info, please leave a comment and how to reach you. Noelle

Palm Spring Photo Festival

This might be worth attending. Check it out!

With Gratitude

I'm in a Normal Rockwell frame of mind, especially since reviewing the new book Norman Rockwell: Behind the Camera for photo-eye recently. And today being THANKSgiving gives me the opportunity to share what I am grateful for:

I am grateful for being continually inspired, moved, and wowed by photographers willing to take chances, expose realities, imagine new ones, document and think about our world.

I am grateful for our wonderful community of caring, supportive, and enthusiastic individuals that take the time to send an e-mail, comment on Facebook, send a tweet, pass on a high-five, or a hello.

I am grateful for all the gallerists, curators, editors, directors, and organizations that support our journeys and really want us to succeed.

I am grateful for my students who have all become friends and inspirations.

I am grateful for well made equipment that lasts for half a century.

I am grateful for film and the feeling of excitement that comes from looking at new negatives.

I am grateful for Translight Colors darkroom and local labs don't give up hope that film is not dead.

I am grateful for my fellow photographers who have given me so much to think about, to write about, to learn about...

I am grateful for your comments, for taking the time to read Lenscratch, for making me aware of your work, or sharing someone else's.

I am grateful for the internet and the world-wide friendships it has allowed me to create.

I hope your holiday is filled with warmth, love, food, drinks, memories, and photographs...don't forget to send your one best image of Thanksgiving to me by December 5th...

Discount on A&I Photo Books

Got this discount deal...if interested in photo books, check out here

$20 for $60 Worth of Photo Books at A&I Books 

Get your digital photos out of their hard-drive nooks with today's Groupon to A&I Books, recently featured by Hewlett-Packard as a way to get high-quality photography books. For $20, you get $60 worth of custom-designed photo books that are perfect to display the photos you took of the Ansel Adams exhibit. Make a handful of small books to promote your art, photography, or theater production, commemorate your dog with his own coffee-table tome, or give your significant other, mother, or mailman a sweet gift for the holidays. This Groupon can't be used toward shipping cost; shipping for most orders is $15, but depends on quantity and speed.

A&I Books makes making your own photo book easier than sticking photos into slipcovers for a photo album, and the results are brilliant and professional. After receiving your Groupon, go to A&I Books to download its free, intuitive software. (Feel free to use InDesign or Photoshop instead.) Drag and drop your digital photos into the program's templates, and use the ID# on your Groupon to activate your credit at checkout. Your custom-designed book will be printed in-house at A&I on high-quality paper, with superior image saturation and color density. The finished product will be delivered to your door, or to your office in the Dojo District if you prefer. Books are available in hard and soft cover. Get a few small 4x4 and 5x5 books ($14 for soft cover with 40 pages, $24 for hard cover) or an 8.5x11 hard cover with 60 pages ($53). If you have a bigger project in mind, you can use your Groupon toward the cost and pay the remaining balance.

Perfectly bound family photos on high-quality paper make thoughtful holiday gifts for anyone, especially people who prefer photo books to word books. If you don't own photos, make new memories by getting together with friends for a photo shoot and preserving them on bound pages, or you can gain exposure for your artistic talents with a perfect portfolio option.

Note: You have one year to use this Groupon. To redeem for multiple books, all copies must be for the same project.

I Spy With My Plastic Eye

I Spy With My Plastic Eye, is a group print exhibition visualized by photographer, Astor Morgan. The exhibit, brought to life by A&I, is a testament to the unique qualities of toy cameras. Each artist approached their imagery with a singular voice, using a variety of film types, techniques, and cameras.

Because the charity weSpark will benefit from proceeds of this exhibit, special arrangements have been made with the contributing artists to allow their prints so be sold at unprecedented prices. Please visit, www.weSpark.org .

Contributing Artists:
Zoe Wiseman, Aline Smithson, Anne Elliot Cutting, Monica Orozco, Erin McGuire, April Rocha, Christiane Ingenthron, Carmen Luceno, Connie Conway, Daniel Lupercio, Ellen Stone, Gal Harpaz, Maura Brennan, Nicole Cooper, Noelle Swan Gilbert, Jason Costanzo, Joshua Elliot, Liv Naesheim, Manuello Paganelli, Maura Brennan, Meg Madison, Niki Mustain, Nelson Blanton, Thomas Michael Alleman, Astor Morgan, Michael Kirchoff, Jolie Margulies, Karen Florek, Evan Walsh and Vern Evans.

Sponsored by:
A&I, HP, Fuji, Freestyle, Light Leaks Magazine, Lens Babys, and Julia Dean.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

7:00pm – 10:00pm

A&I Hollywood

933 N. Highland Avenue

Hollywood, CA

Jamie Johnson is a runner-up for the Berenice Abbott Prize!!

Congrats to Jamie Johnson, a wonderful children's photographers, has been chronicaling the lives of homeless children in Los Angeles.

Often times we find our passion when we least expect. As a struggling actress, I turned to photography to nourish my body and soul; it was a hobby I had enjoyed throughout my life. Then one day I photographed some children and my world changed. With my lens I captured the purest of images, children full of hope and innocence, playfulness and pain. I had found my calling. Five years ago, a request by a foundation in Los Angeles to photograph the homeless families of our city, deepened my passion. More than 15,000 children in Los Angeles are homeless and I soon found myself walking the streets with my camera and capturing the lives of these “forgotten people”.

Interviews

I am featured on a blog today that also has a number of other terrific interviews and lots of things to explore. If you have time, take a look!

Ireland with Keith Carter

MIchael Kirchoff send me this from someone who is organizing this trip:

I thought you might be interested in the workshop I am
organizing with award winning, internationally known photographer Keith
Carter in May 2010 in Ireland (Aran Islands/Co. Clare) to share information
about the opportunity to study with Keith for a week in a magical Ireland
setting. Below are the basics about the workshop...limited to just 10
participants. If you are interested and/or I can answer any questions,
please feel free to contact me at pcurtindelker@gmail.com. I will be happy
to send a complete itinerary and registration forms. Also, if you know of
other photographers who might be interested, please share the info with
them. Many thanks...Patricia Delker for Magic Images Workshops.

Ireland with Keith Carter

Aran Islands/Co. Clare Photography Workshop

May 15 - 23, 2010

Tour Size: Tour size is limited to first 10 registrants.



Magic Images Photo Workshops is pleased to offer this opportunity to explore
a unique area of Ireland with award winning, internationally known
photographer KEITH CARTER. Whether you are a first time traveler or repeat
visitor to Ireland, this photo tour will provide the chance to delve into
Ireland's history and mysteries while investigating the emotional and
narrative aesthetic of your image making. Keith will offer insights,
lessons, critique and commentary as participants explore symbolism,
metaphor, mystery and culture.

This is a workshop for serious amateurs and professionals seeking more
passion in their work. Discussion will also include developing projects,
editing, and the ins and outs of publication. Additional invited speakers
will provide background on Celtic spirituality, Irish craft and music.



Our time will be spent in Galway, the Aran Islands (Inishmore, Inishmaan and
Inisheer), and Doolin, Co. Clare in the west of Ireland where we will also
venture into the Burren, one of Ireland's unique landscapes. We will visit
monastic ruins, saint's graves, small villages, ancient forts, holy wells,
and even a fairy ring. We stay at wonderful B&B's where we dine on superb
meals, and enjoy speakers on various aspects of Celtic myth and culture. We
often go to out of the way spots not frequented by tourists.



Cost: $2,425 includes all accommodations, all ground transportation and
ferries, all breakfasts, five evening meals, speakers and guest artists.
(Register before January 1, 2010 and pay a final cost of $2,325.)
Registration fee is $750 with balance due 45 days before departure.



For complete, itinerary, terms and registration, request a form from Magic
Images at pcurtindelker@gmail.com.

Lots going on tonight and tomorrow

Liz Houston has an Opening at George Billis Gallery in Culver City
"The Illusionists - Artist Reception" on Saturday, November 7 at 5:00pm.
More info here:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=161514202197



Laurie McCormick has work in a group show at the Melrose Lightspace, open tonight only from 8-11pm
Melrose Lightspace
7600 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles , CA 90046
323.651.3893



This Sunday and next Sunday, Gray Malin has openings at the David Streets Gallery in Beverly Hills (see attachment)
This is from Gray:
I am truly honored to announce some very exciting news. Earlier this week my new Vintage de la Renta Dressseries along with select other photographs were picked up by David W. Streets Gallery - the biggest gallery in Beverly Hills! For me this is a dream come true and I have posted photographs of the exhibition along with press and more exciting details at www.graymalin.com/blog. Please check the posting out as it's the MOST exciting bit of news I have ever published.

You also are invited to come celebrate my work and my new series alongside two major opening events occurring in the gallery this November -- Sunday, 11/8 from 3-6pm and Sunday, 11/15 from 3-6pm. Both A-List event details are in the invitation below so please mark your calendars. If you have never been to an event at David Streets Gallery, his parties are nothing short of fabulous!

Once again please check out my posting at www.graymalin.com/blog and feel free to pass this invitation along to your family and friends to invite them as well.



Ellen Cantor was on exhibition last night at the San Pedro Art Walk...she'd be happy to meet anyone at the gallery who wants to see it: cantorbird@cox.net

I'm Exhibiting in Pasadena

The Incredible Catharine Stebbins is curating a show of my work.  Come support two of your fellow next steppers at once! 

20x200

Big news...

Ode to Mr. Penn

Duane Michaels modeled in a set-up a la Mr. Penn...

Here's another great resource for competitions:
http://www.bostonphotographyfocus.org/2009/10/26/calls-for-entry-octobernovember-2009/

The Artist's Gallery

Better known as the TAG Gallery is moving to Bergamot next year and is looking for new members now thru the beginning of November. It's a cooperative gallery, and if you'd like more information, e-mail Katherine at: Katherine@katherinekean.com

Print Center Competition

http://www.printcenter.org/pc_comp.html

The Scavenger Project

Sounds like fun...
http://arthousecoop.com/projects/scavengerproject

If you live on the Eastside...

I just discovered a co-operative gallery in Glendale if you have any interest:
http://gallerygodo.net/contact.html

Last Picture Show

drkrm.gallery announces Last Picture Show '09, a year-end Group Exhibition and Fundraiser. The show will run from November 14th to December 20th, 2009 with an opening reception Saturday November 14th, 2009

drkrm. gallery is seeking photographers and photographic artists to participate in an upcoming curated group show. Interested artists should respond with a brief introduction and description of your work (eg, size, medium ect) with a jpeg sample or link to your website. Photography and photo based work only. If selected, there is a one time $100 donation to cover expenses, including postcards and a gala reception.

All proceeds will benefit the continued survival of drkrm.gallery as one of the few exhibition spaces in Los Angeles dedicated exclusively to the emerging fine art and documentary photographer. The show will be widely promoted and could lead to a possible solo show in the future.

Deadline for entries November 3rd. Work selected must be delivered and ready to install by November 8th.

Call or e-mail with any questions.

curators:
John Matkowsky 323.223.6867
drkrmgallery@gmail.com

Jay Lopez 213.595.7419
jay@jaylopez.net

Mimi Haddon

Mimi is featured on Communication Arts Insights. Read here.

Submit!

This competition has a juror you will be familiar with...
http://www.vtphotoworkplace.com/id39.html

12 Lessons from Cole Thompson

Worth a read:
http://www.colethompsonphotography.com/12Images12Lessons.htm

Cheap Paper

Zoran passed on this site for paper that seems really reasonable!
http://www.atlex.com/
My favorite Epson paper, Ultra smooth Fine Art Paper is cheaper at Atlex in the smaller size (13x19),
but cheaper at Sammy's in the larger size (17x22)...hmmmm

And now actually, I checked B and H and that's the cheapest!

Location: El Toro Marine

Todd Brown

Hope all is well with everyone! So I just wanted to give an update. I have now been living in Phnom Penh, Cambodia for the past 8 months, actually two of which was spent working in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. It has been a fun adventure. I would love to share some of my video art with you guys!

Please have a look at http://www.youtube.com/asiamedialab

Rico Mandel's Green Holiday Soiree

Come join us for an awesome, green, festive holiday celebration that will be the talk of the town! We've put this event together by special arrangement with Marrakesh House in Culver City, California 90232 the showcase green remodel private residence of filmmaker and avant-environmentalist Chris Paine (Who Killed the Electric Car?).

We’ve laid out the banquet tables, decorated with a natural eco friendly holiday theme, minimized our carbon footprint and opted for dining alfresco, Southern California LA Style! We’ve hand selected a winning sustainable menu, using locally sourced purveyors and a "Farm to Table" philosophy. We’ve selected a wonderful Jazz trio, to bring that certain holiday "je ne sais quois" to our festivities. Eat, drink, savor dance, saunter, mingle, stir your soul and smile! We’ve even thrown in a few cool holiday themed artistic activities including a photographic exhibit to keep the crowd mingling in-between courses. We will be accepting donations for several eco themed non-profit organizations. Donations will be accepted on the night, as you wish, if you wish. Who knows what else we will come up with for the event.

Tickets must be purchased in advance

Early bird by Oct 31 - $150 per person
After Oct 31 $195 Per person

Location Culver City CA - Details to be sent upon ticket purchase

To Purchase tickets to this event go to http://bit.ly/1eqzZO

Epson Printer for Sale

Anyone interested in an Epson R1800 printer? It hasn't' been used in months so not sure what is happening with the nozzles. Otherwise it works fine though (one of the trays in loose but it doesn't effect printing at all... and I have a whole load of paper to go along with it. It's packed in the box and I'm hoping to just hand it off to the next owner.... perhaps an artist or student in need?

Contact Maya Meyers
studio@mayamyers.com
310-963-2623

Taryn Simon on TED

Worth watching:
http://www.ted.com/talks/taryn_simon_photographs_secret_sites.html

Next Step Babies!!!

Huge congratulations to Jacqueline Veissid and her husband Mono who welcomed Stella Maritza on September 23rd, weighing in at 6 lbs. 9 oz...if you want to send congratulations: mysterwitty@yahoo.com




Huge congratulations to Kyle Boorman on the birth of his daugher, Ellie Angelina. If you want to send congratulations:
kyle@kyleboorman.com

Anyone want to sell a Mamiya 7 II?

Or let me try it out...?

Melrose Light Space This Saturday!

from Catherine Singer

SUBMIT!

To the International Student Photography Competition

I'm No Longer a Virgin

This is the first time I've posted anything on our Blog. This is an image I took at a Day of the Dead celebration. I hope people enjoy it. And, I hope I see some of you at Liz's show tonight!!

Mitch Epstein Lecture

Liz Houston and Gray Malin

Liz has two shows coming up, also check out her very clever website:
1)
This Saturday, October 10, 2009, the artist's group that I started earlier this year, The Omnific Society, are having our first group art show! The artwork spans quite a range of talents: we will be showing photography, paintings, sculpture, jewelry, mixed media, photomontages, and some live performances. I will have several pieces in the show, many of which you have never seen.
Admission is free, food and refreshments (yes that means wine, beer and water) will be served, and the artwork is priced to move. It is destined to be a really great time. I hope to see you there!

"I'm Not Angry, I'm Full of Power" The Art Show.
10.10.09 (One Night Only)
The First Group Show of the Omnific Society
at
The Zakheim Art Conservation Studio
3633 Eastham Drive
Culver City, CA
5pm - 10pm

Link to the facebook event page:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=154542826843&ref=share

2)
November 7 through November 19, 2009, I will be in an art show at the George Billis Gallery.
The reception is on November 7, 2009 from 5-8pm. This is a very very very important show for me, as it will be my first at a gallery of this size and weight. I will be exhibiting new pieces printed on metal, which I am very excited about! If you can make it out to this opening reception, I would be eternally grateful! I'd love nothing more than to show this gallery big shots that I can bring in a good crowd...

George Billis Gallery
2716 South La Cienega
Culver City, CA 90034
November 7, 2009 from 5-8pm

Gary Malin has an opening this coming Tuesday

Whom I am so into these days...

photo by Lori Vrba

As you know, I like to take pictures of kids, and babies...and these days, I am so into Lori Vrba's work...Yes, film, darkroom, silver gelatin prints, selenium toning, and Hasselblad...

Visit her website, click here

F-Stop!

I'm happy to announce that four of my "Now It's a Church" images have been published in the Group Exhibit of the current issue of F-Stop Magazine (www.fstopmagazine.com). You'll find them in the fifth row from the bottom.

This is a series that I began last spring in Next Step I.

Low cost frames

Thanks to Catherine Singer....print it and start shopping!

JDPW Instructor and The Berenice Abbott Prize Winner Exhibitions

When: Saturday, October 17th, 2009, 5-8 pm
Where: The Julia Dean Gallery

Gary Malin Opening

Gray invited you to "Apeeling Moments: A Gallery Show of a New Collection of Work by Gray Malin" on Tuesday, October 13 at 6:30pm.

Event: Apeeling Moments: A Gallery Show of a New Collection of Work by Gray Malin
"Move over Warhol"
What: Opening
Start Time: Tuesday, October 13 at 6:30pm
End Time: Tuesday, October 13 at 9:30pm
Where: ARTLAB GALLERY

Maura Brennan

Bravo to Maura on her recent successes! Maura Brennan's color Holga image "Birthday Party" was selected by juror Mary Ellen Mark for a "Portraits" exhibition in November at the Center for Fine Art Photography in Fort Collins, Colorado.



Maura's B&W Holga "Swimming Pool" was chosen for a "Reflections" exhibition at the Vermont PhotoPlace Gallery in Middlebury, Vermont. "Reflections" show runs Oct.8- Nov. 7th, 2009.

Catharine Stebbins: Opening Reception and Art Walk

Hi all: I co-curate the gallery@MSY (inside Mission Street Yoga in South Pasadena) and the opening reception for our curator's show is this Saturday, Oct 3rd, 7-9pm during South Pasadena's Artsfest. There will be other gallery openings, open studios, wine & food and a free shuttle bus around the downtown area. If you're up for a field trip you can take the Gold Line to the Mission Street stop and walk 1/2 block to the studio.

Hope to see you there!

Looking for catering, wine supplier sponsorship...

I am helping out with this wonderful event...looking for catering, and wine supplier sponsorship...plesae let me know if there is any lead...

Save the date: Feb 20, 2010 at the Stephen Cohen Gallery, Los Angeles...
Auction will raise money for documentary photography
Photography for Social Change

for more information on this silent auction, click here

Copyright Alliance

If you are concern about artist's right and copyrights, go here to have your voice heard:
Copyright Alliance
(Thanks to Leba)

7th & Grand

Rico Mandel, The Culinarian

Our very own, Rico Mandel, photographer, chef, Renaissance man, is starting a new business--if you are interested in learning more and be added to his mailing list, drop Rico a line: rico@fineculinaryexperience.com

Submission Opportunities

There's lots of opportunities here:
http://www.spenational.org/opportunities/submissions.html
and here:
http://www.texasphoto.org/NatNewsCompetitions.html

October 30, 2009 OPEN CALL FOR PHOTOGRAPHY Magic Silver 2010 is a
juried photography exhibition designed to encourage and reward those
involved in photographic media, and to provide a format for
exhibition. Juror: Ken Merfeld. Awards: A total of $1000 will be
awarded as determined by the juror. Eligibility: Any artist 18 years
or older working in traditional photography, experimental or
non-traditional light sensitive processes, digital media, or video are
encouraged to apply. Catalog: An exhibition catalog will be produced
with reproductions of work by all accepted artists. All artwork should
be sent framed or otherwise ready to install. Entry fee. Contact:
Becky Atkinson Alley, Director of University Galleries, Murray State
OR 270-809-6734 OR http://www.murraystate.edu/artgallery OR
becky.atkinson@murraystate.edu

November 1, 2009 MAGAZINE ART & LITERARY CONTEST Open to several
mediums of art and literature. There are six categories of art;
Painting, Computer Graphic Art, Sculpting, Drawing, Mixed Media and
Photography. There are three categories of literature; Fictional Short
Stories, Non-Fictional Short Stories and Poetry. All entries MUST have
an ANGEL theme. Religion will not play a part in any of the
judging. The winning entries and artist's / writer's profiles will be
published in our premier magazine and online. Artists and Writers
retain all copyrights and artwork! First Prize (US) $3000 in each
category; Second Prize (US) $1500 in each category; Third Prize (US)
$500 in each category; Honorable Mention (US) $200 in each
category. Contact: http://www.onangelsmagazine.com/about.html OR
info@onangelsmagazine.com

Oct 10, 2009 OPEN CALL FOR IMAGES All cutting edge photographers and
video artists are invited to respond to the open call for
IMAGE/PROJECT to be juried by Guggenheim fellow and internationally
acclaimed photographer, Taryn Simon. Entry fee. Contact: Sara
Yousefnejad, Arlington Arts Center, 3550 Wilson Blvd, Arlington VA
22201 OR
http://www.arlingtonartscenter.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/image-project-prospectus.pdf

Tia Tuenge is could use some help...

Hi Friends,

I recently have become involved with the Midnight Mission Family Housing Program (for more info.) http://www.midnightmission.org/services-housing.asp

It's an amazing and very effective program, which gives families a chance to move from homeless to self-reliant.

My involvement includes Co-chairing the Teach a Kid to Fish Bowl fundraising event, plus I have created a pilot workshop that I will be teaching this fall for the women in the program.

If this sounds like a cause you can get behind PLEASE post the attached Save-the-Date postcard on your facebook and spread the love. And contact me at: tiatuenge@live.com

Together we CAN create a better world.

Much love and gratitude,
Tia

Nancy MacLeod

Nancy MacLeod will be exhibiting in The Relentless Eye/Global Cellphone Photography 2009 Exhibition at the Helen Day Art Center in Stowe, VT opening on September 25th.