2009 Retouching Scandals

Reports are in that 2009 is going down as the year of retouching scandals.

Recently the cover of W Magazine was missing a portion of Demi Moore's hip. Also, not long ago, a Ralf Lauren model was carved down almost to oblivion. In an interview by Betty Sze, pro retoucher Jason Tuchman of Pistol Studios says that retouching mishaps are occurring because of client budgets and time constraints. Junior in house retouchers are getting the big projects, when the senior retouchers are the ones who should be doing the work.

Get more of the behind the scenes of the professional retouching industry interview here.

PDN promotes South Florida Photographers

There was an exciting positive promotion piece in PDN online this month about Miami and it's fantastic location for photographers and production photography. This is good news for other Florida photographers because it seems that we are sometimes overlooked. Clients fly their own photographers down for shoots, and somehow forget that there are amazing photographers in Florida too. The article reviews the numerous favorite locations for shooting outdoors throughout south Florida and the benefits of a tropical weather year-round. Popular area photographers such as Gio Alma, Brian Smith, and John Loomis all contributed their insights about the area. The article also highlights must-do activities for creative professionals.

Read the full article here.

Art Basel Miami 2009

Where: Miami, FL

When: December 3-6, 2009

What: Art Basel Miami is the leading art show in the United States. It is the sister show to Art Basel Switzerland. The show includes an international selection of top galleries and an exciting program of special exhibitions. 250 galleries and over 2,000 artists from 5 continents will be exhibiting at this years show. For tickets or more information visit: www.artbaselmiamibeach.com.

Microstock: Good vs. Evil

There is a big discussion going on right now in the photo world on whether microstock is good or evil for the present-day photographer. The discussion started with a controversial blog post written by John Harrington. In the blog, John discusses his opinion on what the microstock market has done to the existing photographic market, comparing it to pollution and illegal drug circles.

I have to say that I do agree with John in the sense that microstock has "polluted" the current photographic markets, which were once revered and respected. The fact that you can get an image for a penny doesn't sit well with photographers who are actually trying to feed a family and pay for a roof over their heads.

From where I sit, I see the future of the professional photographer being a part-time-only gig. There are only 24 hours in a day, and at least half of those hours have to be spent sleeping or doing other daily activities. Let's do the math; At a penny each, a photographer would have to sell four thousand photographs each month in order to make $2,000 per month. That is if you have a nice stock agency who only takes 50% of each sale. A photographer can't cover business expenses and personal expenses with only $2,000 each month. I spend, on average, several thousand a year on equipment upgrades, software, business licenses, insurance, etc. So in order to cover expenses and make $4,000 a month, a photographer would have to sell eight thousand images per month.

8000. It's impossible to shoot, retouch, categorize, keyword, submit, and update the number of images needed to sell eight thousand images a month.

The market is at a point now where there is no turning back either. I used to hear people say, "When people realize the value of a photographer and their knowledge the market will turn around." That's not going to happen. Digital photography is too accessible & there are enough people out there who know how to read a manual.

It is what it is and only time will tell what will happen with microstock and the present day photographer. Just make sure to keep on your toes.

V A Modeling Contest

Ford Models and V Magazine are teaming up for a second year in a row to hold their V A Modeling Contest. It is a global modeling contest in search of the next classic female beauty with a twist. Judges for the competition will award the winner with a photo fashion spread in V Magazine and a contract with Ford Models.

Lea Groesland was the V A Contest winner from 2009. You can view more of her photos at http://www.fordmodels.com.

You can submit photos and apply online for this year's contest here.

Commercial Photographer: a High Stress, Low Paying Job

A couple weeks ago, on October 29th, CNN Money posted a report of the top 15 Stressful Jobs that Pay Badly. Ranked just a little more stressful and underpaid than a Minister and an Assisted Living Director, I found Commercial Photographer at number 8. For those of you who are thinking of getting into the field, definitely make sure you are doing it for the right reasons. You won't become a millionaire. Plus, it is not always as glamorous as it seems. Commercial photographers contend with long days, heavy equipment, & hard work.

Here are their stats on the average Commercial Photographer:

Median Pay: $43,600

Percentage who say their job is stressful: 100%

To read the article: Stressful Jobs that Pay Badly

2009 Fashion Workshop Review

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend the 2009 Fall Fashion Photography Workshop. We had a wonderful crew! Thank you for your creativity and passion. Your talent shined through all day today.

Hair & Makeup: Naomi from About Face Design Team

Wardrobe Stylist: Kendall Rowsey

Model: Teal Arnold with BMG

I look forward to the next workshop in the Spring of 2010!

-Betsy

www.betsyhansen.com

Life After Softboxes at Daytona State College

Last week, I had the opportunity to present a half day lecture at Daytona State College for the 3rd year advanced lighting class. Steven Benson, the class teacher, called me up and invited me to come speak with the class. Together we decided that a fashion lighting demonstration would be a more invigorating experience for the students. I called up a few good friends of mine to see if they could spare some time to ride over with me: Lena G, a fabulous makeup & hair artist, Hope, a model with ABFAB Agency, and Becky, my intern. I was even able to bring some wonderful handmade clothing from a designer friend, Alicia Zutter.

Since the demonstration was for an "advanced" lighting class, I decided to come up with a couple different lighting concepts they most likely had not seen. My main decision was that there would be no soft boxes allowed. The only thing I remember using in school were the soft boxes because that was all that was taught. When I mentioned to the students during the lecture that I would not be using any soft boxes because I wanted to show them something different, I saw multiple heads bobbing up and down. A perfect sign that I had made the right decision.

I told the teacher & students what I was looking for in the way of lighting, and they set everything up for me. I worked with the model for a couple hours, changing the lighting to something "out of the box" halfway through. I explained what I was doing and why as I photographed.

The lecture was well received. One student said it was the most information they had received since school had started. Hopefully there was some exaggeration because I know the teachers have a wealth of knowledge, it's just weather the students take advantage of it.

DBCC Alum forever!

-Betsy

www.betsyhansen.com