Category Archives: Photography

Burt and Missy Finger have long been fans of Carlotta Corpron, a modernist photographer who developed a couple of quiet but committed proteges in Denton.

Corpron’s influence in Texas started just ahead of midcentury and was still palpable when Ronald Reagan won the presidency in 1980.

The late Texas Woman’s University professor’s work anchors “Denton Modernism: 1940-1980,” the current exhibit at the Fingers’ gallery, Photographs Do Not Bend, in the Dallas Design District. The exhibit ends Saturday.

“This started to germinate many years ago,” Missy Finger said.

She and her husband, Burt, have lived in Denton but now live in Dallas. Missy Finger is a Denton High School graduate. Burt Finger has contributed to the Denton arts scene, including a highlight titled “Shine,” an exhibit of his collection of antique shoeshine boxes and vintage shoeshine-themed photographs that spent time in the Meadows Gallery at the local Patterson-Appleton Arts Center. At one point, Burt Finger lived close to Corpron in Denton, but didn’t know it.

“Given that our connection with that and the fact that we specialize in photography and photo-based works, we are very familiar with Carlotta, who taught photography at Texas Woman’s University,” Missy Finger said. “She, in her own right, has made a name for herself in the world of photography.”

The Fingers opened their gallery in 1995, and the couple was already pursuing Corpron’s abstract photography.

Corpron was a student of modernism at Columbia University before she joined the art faculty at what was then Texas State College for Women, now TWU. Corpron and her peers at TWU helped launch the first studio art program taught in a public Texas college. Most of the faculty who taught in that program studied under painter and photographer Arthur Wesley Dow, who is also known for his mentoring of Georgia O’Keeffe. He was the head of the art department at Columbia, where TWU’s studio art faculty studied.

Corpron’s photographs have long been documented in the history of photography. Her archive is now housed at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art in Fort Worth.

Corpron put TWU on the map, Burt Finger said. She studied under the esteemed Bauhaus artists László Moholy-Nagy and György Kepes.

“Both of those photographers came to Denton as artists-in-residence,” Burt Finger said. “They had an impact on students, but they had a huge impact on Carlotta.”

Corpron blazed a trail for herself and for women in photography. She landed a solo show at the Art Institute of Chicago in 1953, a move that brought her some of the limelight for being one of a handful of women photographers working in abstraction. Her work was exhibited in New York, one of the country’s long-standing art centers, and her work has been published in books about photography.

The Fingers said Corpron’s curiosity about light, and how to use it abstractly, distinguished her as a photographer. One of her best-known photographs is a reference to one of the most famous spots in Dallas. A Walk Through Fair Park uses streaks and slopes of art to suggest a landscape and an energy.

“So we became very interested in Carlotta and finding her work locally. We were very interested in that history,” Missy Finger said. “And we learned things along the way about the school, the studio art program and how innovative they were. We learned how important some of the features that came out of that program were for her contemporaries, so to speak.”

The Fingers said they have long appreciated the way Corpron uses light, shadow, depth and composition in her photographs.

“Carlotta was doing work that really was based on a European thought and European vision,” Burt Finger said. “And it was very rare in the United States. I think her students were just enamored with a new way of using photography. You know, most photography courses were more toward portraiture. Or trees or rocks, or trees or landscapes. This completely turned the whole world upside down.”

While the exhibit centers on Corpron’s art, the Fingers discovered the work of two of her students — Margaret Hicks-Havins and Ida Lansky.

Hicks-Havins took a photography class with Corpron in 1967, and the Fingers included a photograph she took that year in the exhibit, along with some of her paintings. Hicks-Havins earned art degrees at both TWU and the University of North Texas, and then became the director of the Navarro College art department in Corsicana.

Lansky eventually stopped making art to study nursing and later library science. But she held onto her photographs, which the Fingers discovered about a year after Lansky died. The show also includes work by Barbara Maples, a contemporary of Corpron’s, TWU teacher Edith Brisac, Clarence Tripp and more. The Fingers also include photographs by Kepes, the Bauhaus artist and Institute of Design teacher who was a friend and mentor of Corpron’s

The work exhibited shows the thread of abstraction that Carlotta wove into her own art and teaching.

“Carlotta, as a teacher, has used this way of thinking, this dialogue that she’s having with light and experiments and all of these things there,” Missy Finger said. “She’s influencing her students. So you can see in the show how this thread is going, throughout the exhibition. We’re also showing early Bauhaus photographs in the exhibition to show the comparison of what was happening in that early part of the 20th century.”

In the vibrant landscape of Berlin, Marius Sperlich emerges as a visionary artist, using the human body, particularly the face, as a canvas for his miniature worlds, surreal narratives, and delightful tales.

With a profound obsession for close-ups that ignite the viewer’s imagination, Sperlich masterfully manipulates the human form, often in unconventional and intriguing ways. His approach mirrors that of a director crafting a cinematic masterpiece. Each photograph is meticulously planned, resembling a script, with a carefully curated atmosphere and emotion guiding the protagonists.

In Sperlich’s creative process, preparation is paramount. He meticulously outlines his productions, only to deconstruct them later, infusing his characters with depth and authenticity. Imperfections and unexpected turns breathe life into his ideas, rendering them captivating, genuine, and tangible. Through his artistry, Sperlich strives to evoke profound emotions in his audience. Rooted in the discomfort of the unfamiliar, his work ventures beyond the confines of comfort, urging viewers to experience the world through a new and exhilarating lens.

Scroll down and inspire yourself. Please check Marius’s Instagram for more amazing work.

You can find more info about Marius Sperlich:

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Barry Nadell is a name synonymous with success and reinvention. From his early days as a stockbroker in Beverly Hills to becoming a globally published photographer, his journey is nothing short of remarkable. In this article, we delve into the life and career of Barry Nadell, a man whose diverse experiences have shaped him into a celebrated figure in the world of glamour and fashion photography.

A Diverse Path to Success

Barry’s journey to success is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. After graduating with a degree in Finance from Arizona State University, he initially embarked on a career as a stockbroker during a challenging market period. Later, he transitioned to a successful career in life insurance sales. However, it was after his divorce that he decided to reinvent himself and start building for the future.

Undeterred by past setbacks, Barry ventured into the world of entrepreneurship, primarily in direct marketing. His early endeavors included creating a video on using magic for couples to meet and producing infomercials for various products. Although these ventures didn’t align with his long-term goals, they laid the foundation for his future success.

In 1994, a suggestion from a client led Barry to explore the background screening industry. Armed with a simple business card and a trifold brochure, he signed his first client and quickly realized the potential of this business. His expertise in background screening, including rewriting laws in California, led to invitations to serve as an expert witness in legal cases involving background checks.

The Spark of a New Passion

Barry’s career took an unexpected turn when he discovered a passion for horses, specifically Cowboy Mounted Shooting. For over 12 years, he excelled in this sport, traveling the country and winning accolades. However, arthritis in his hand forced him to step away.

It was during this transition period that Barry received an invitation to judge a bikini contest in the Bahamas. Feeling bored, he decided to assist the photographers by carrying their lights. Encouraged by one photographer who offered to mentor him, Barry embraced photography. Armed with new equipment and skills, he embarked on a journey that would see him published in magazines and sought after by models worldwide.

Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success

Barry’s success in both business and photography can be attributed to his unwavering determination and willingness to take calculated risks. He emphasized the importance of believing in oneself and the value one brings to their chosen field. He learned from the best by investing in photography classes and always striving for improvement.

Balancing Work and Life

As a Virgo, Barry maintains a meticulous approach to balancing work and personal life. He advises against procrastination, emphasizing the importance of completing tasks promptly, even if it means working beyond regular hours. This disciplined approach has undoubtedly contributed to his achievements.

Reflecting on Achievements

Throughout his career, Barry has achieved numerous milestones. These include building a successful business, selling it for millions, and influencing legislation in California through his expertise in background screening. He also takes pride in his role as a supportive parent and his philanthropic efforts.

Barry’s achievement in creating his ranch and cowboy saloon is nothing short of remarkable, offering an outstanding setting for both living and honing his photography skills.

In the realm of photography, Barry’s journey has been punctuated by noteworthy milestones. His work has graced the pages of esteemed publications, and his peers within the photography community have accorded him due recognition, affirming his position as a highly accomplished photographer.

Looking Ahead

In the ever-evolving world of glamour and fashion photography, Barry acknowledges the importance of staying relevant. He recognizes the significance of platforms such as Instagram for models and continually anticipates emerging trends in the industry.

Barry remains ceaselessly dedicated to his current endeavor, a cinematic tribute to the remarkable life of his mother. This extraordinary woman, a true trailblazer, profoundly impacted his life. Emerging from the harrowing circumstances of a battered wife at the tender age of 20, she fearlessly navigated a path that led her to becoming an adored figure within Hollywood. Her roles as both a celebrated dress designer and a philanthropist garnered her immense respect, raising substantial funds for charitable causes through her creative work and charitable gatherings.

Building Professional Relationships

Barry places great value on professional relationships. He maintains friendships from networking groups and believes in honesty and proactive communication. He actively supports charitable events, fostering connections in both his personal and professional life.

A Remarkable Journey Continues

Barry Nadell’s journey from Wall Street to the world of glamour and fashion photography is a testament to his adaptability, resilience, and unwavering determination. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, photographers, and professionals, reminding us that success is attainable through hard work, calculated risks, and a belief in one’s abilities. As he continues to make his mark in the world, Barry is proof that reinvention can lead to extraordinary achievements.

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Samsung Electronics has just released its latest entry into the portable storage market—the Samsung Portable SSD T9. As the newest addition to the revered T series of portable hard drives, the T9 aims to set new standards in speed, capacity, and robust design.

Specifications

Measuring in at just 88 x 60 x 14mm and weighing a mere 122 grams, the Samsung T9 is designed to be compact and easily transportable. Despite its small size, the drive offers substantial storage capacities, available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB variants.

At the heart of the Samsung T9 is a state-of-the-art PCB design, a departure from the more commonly used M.2 ultra-fast SSDs. This choice of internal architecture allows for incredible transfer speeds of up to 2000MB/s. To ensure the device stays cool during high-performance use, it’s housed in a sealed aluminium enclosure.

Further enhancing its durability, the drive is encased in a rubber-clad outer layer. Although not waterproof, this design offers a degree of resistance to rain and helps the drive stay in place on surfaces. The drive also features a USB Type-C interface for seamless connection and data transfer. Upon connection, a small blue LED light at the back of the device indicates that the drive is active.

Price Points

For the budget-conscious, the 1TB version of the Samsung Portable SSD T9 is priced at an affordable £117.49. Those looking for more storage can opt for the 2TB version, available at £199.99. The highest capacity 4TB variant comes with a premium price tag of £362.79, but for those in need of considerable storage space and speed, it may well be worth the investment.

Compatibility and Software

The T9 is compatible with both PCs and Macs, but optimal performance on a Mac requires the installation of Samsung Portable SSD Software 1.0. This software is included on the drive and ensures users can experience the maximum data transfer speeds advertised.

A Drive for Professionals and Enthusiasts Alike

The Samsung Portable SSD T9 seems tailored for a range of uses. It’s small enough to accompany videographers using cameras like the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema, and its speed and capacity make it ideal for both video and still photography. Its plug-and-play functionality on PCs and simple software installation on Macs also make it user-friendly, appealing to amateurs and professionals alike.

Final Thoughts

While we await hands-on reviews to get a fuller picture of how the Samsung Portable SSD T9 performs under real-world conditions, on paper, the drive looks set to make a significant impact on the portable storage market. With its combination of speed, capacity, and robust design, it promises to be a compelling option for anyone in need of a high-performance portable storage solution.

For more details and to make a purchase, visit Samsung’s official website or authorised retailers.

Renowned Brazilian-born multimedia artist Lucas Levitan has carved a niche for himself through his innovative project, “Photo Invasion”. Now residing in Madrid, Levitan scours the depths of Instagram, unearthing random photos to which he adds his unique creative touch. Each image is transformed, revealing a previously unseen ‘hidden story’ within the frame.

Levitan’s latest series continues to captivate audiences with its unexpected and imaginative twists. With a spirit of playful experimentation, the artist infuses every piece with his signature creativity, aiming to not only entertain but also to engage his audience in a truly ‘unique and memorable way’. Through his art, Levitan invites viewers into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and where the boundaries of visual storytelling are pushed to new and exciting limits.

Scroll down and inspire yourself. Please check Lucas’s Instagram link for more amazing work.

You can find Lucas Levitan on the web:

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As a Brazilian multimedia artist based in Madrid, I thrive on exploring a range of creative outlets to express myself. Whether I’m illustrating today, filming yesterday, taking photographs last month, or working as an art director last year, I’m constantly evolving and seeking out new avenues for self-expression. Drawing inspiration from the everyday world around me, I love to add a playful twist to reality through my art. By de-contextualizing ordinary objects and scenes, I create intriguing and captivating images that challenge viewers to see the world in a new light.

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One of my most notable projects is Photo Invasion, where I take photos from strangers on social media and add my own illustrative touch to create unexpected and whimsical stories. My artwork has been showcased in numerous countries, with art installations that have travelled from Brazil to Germany, the UK, America, and Spain. At the heart of my creative process is the desire to have fun and engage my audience in unique and memorable ways.

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LONDON, Oct. 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Photography is now available on prescription for people struggling with their mental health, as part of a pilot project launched by Wex Photo Video and supported by the National Academy of Social Prescribing (NASP).

Social prescribing works by a GP or healthcare professional referring a patient to a link worker who gets to know the individual and prescribes activities to enrich their life. Through the ‘Photography on Prescription’ programme, patients and community groups will access equipment provided by Wex and photography masterclasses with the goal of improving their mental health.

Research suggests that taking part in creative activities such as photography can help people suffering from depression, anxiety and even PTSD^[2] by boosting self-esteem, reducing stress and combatting loneliness. Social prescribing can reduce the need for medical support and has been shown in some cases to reduce GP consultations by an average of 28% and A&E attendances by 24%^[1].

Paul Wareham, Marketing Director of Wex Photo Video, says; “Photography can be so much more than a hobby; it’s a powerful tool for conveying emotion. By giving people with mental health difficulties access to masterclasses, equipment and ongoing support, we want to connect them to a wider community; help develop their self-esteem and give them a channel for self-expression. Whilst photography will never be the total solution, we hope that this project will help some people who are currently struggling.”

Three community groups have already signed up to be a part of the programme including Arts Network in London, creativeShift in Bristol and START Centre in Greater Manchester. It will include;

• Photography masterclasses: Wex Photo Video will host in-person photography masterclasses to educate participants about the art and science of photography, allowing them to build a community at the same time as developing their skills and techniques. The masterclasses will be led by photographer Daniel Regan who uses the power of photography to facilitate difficult conversations and explore complex emotional experiences

• Photography equipment: Participants in the programme will be able to use provided Canon cameras with their photos printed out in specially created journals to help them embark on their creative journey

• Online resources: Wex Photo Video will provide online resources to programme participants so they can continue to explore the world of photography beyond the pilot project

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Supporting ‘Photography on Prescription’, Dr Alex George, an NHS doctor and mental health ambassador says: “Social prescribing can boost self-esteem and improve your mental wellbeing. Having recently taken up photography, I can say first-hand that there is something truly remarkable about being behind the camera. Many people with mental health issues struggle to express their thoughts and emotions with words, which can make it difficult to convey how they are feeling and what they need. The saying goes that ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ – that’s exactly what makes photography such a powerful outlet for self-expression.” 

The first masterclass was held at Arts Network on 26^th September and focused on the theme of ‘Who am I?‘. Using the Canon cameras, participants captured images to tell a story about their identity with Daniel Regan encouraging them to look at their world differently.

Feedback from the participants was positive with Daniel’s creative direction helping to inspire and focus the group. Laura, from Lewisham in London, said she would absolutely use photography to support her mental well-being and that she “feels more motivated than ever to use her camera to express [her] emotions.”

Charlotte Osborn-Forde, Chief Executive of the National Academy for Social Prescribing, says: “Social prescribing typically involves a GP or other healthcare professional referring a patient to a link worker who works closely with that person to understand the issues that are affecting their health and wellbeing. From there, the link worker supports that person to develop a plan, which could include getting practical support for housing or debt, or taking part in activities like gardening, dance, cooking, painting or, thanks to initiatives like this, photography.

A key part of the NHS’s Personalised Care programme, social prescribing can make a huge difference to people experiencing loneliness, poor mental health or a wide range of physical health conditions.”

The project is the first step in what Wex hopes will become a long-term initiative to support people, especially those with low level mental health issues, through photography. Their ambition is to expand the ‘Photography on prescription’ programme to partner with more community groups and add to their online resources.

For more information on Wex Events and how to use photography as a therapeutic tool, please visit the website here.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2236825/Wex_Photo_Video.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/wex-photo-video-launches-programme-to-make-photography-available-on-prescription-for-those-struggling-with-mental-health-301944806.html

Meet Zay Yar Lin, a distinguished photographer hailing from Myanmar, whose work has garnered international acclaim and numerous awards. His lens traverses the globe, capturing exquisite and impactful images that delve into the essence of various cultures, traditions, and everyday life.

For Zay, the magic of photography lies in the interplay of lighting, composition, and color, each element adding depth and allure to his visual narratives. Beyond these technical aspects, he believes in the profound significance of capturing moments and weaving compelling stories through his lens. Zay’s passion finds its focus in three distinctive styles: culture, portraits, and landscapes. Through these lenses, he skillfully tells the stories of people and places, painting vivid and meaningful portraits of the world around us.

Scroll down and inspire yourself. Please check Zay’s Website and Instagram for more amazing work.

You can find more info about Zay Yar Lin:

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As an internationally recognized and award-winning photographer hailing from Myanmar, Zay journey in the realm of photography began in 2014. Fueled by a passion for creativity, his aim has always been to capture the essence of interesting, beautiful, and awe-inspiring moments through his lens.

Photography quickly became Zay’s love affair, prompting me to embark on extensive travels and capture the world’s wonders. Despite his role as a seafarer, serving as the Captain of a ship, he dedicated his precious vacation time to honing his craft. Zay’s ultimate aspiration? To transition into a full-time professional photographer.

Being largely self-taught, Zay relied on the wealth of knowledge and inspiration available on social media and online photography communities. It was through these platforms that he cultivated his skills and found his artistic voice. In 2014, his dedication bore fruit when he clinched his first international photography award—an achievement that served as a powerful catalyst, propelling his further into the realm of photography.

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On the first page of Micaiah Carter’s debut photography book, “What’s My Name,” there is a picture of three men in ’70s garb—high-waist slacks, black leather vest, round sunglasses—posing on the checkered floor of a photo studio. One of the men sits on a stool, while the other two are standing, dapping each other up. Carter, who has made a name for himself as one of the most in-demand celebrity and fashion editorial photographers, did not shoot this particular image. It comes from a trove of family pictures he sprinkled throughout his 230-page book, which is being published by Prestel and will be available for purchase on October 3. The tome features images of superstars like Zendaya and Megan Thee Stallion rendered in Carter’s signature artistic style: soft, colorful, and cozy, lending the distinct feeling that you know the subjects personally. In the case of the photo of the three men, Carter knows them better than most: the guy on the right, who’s biting down on a wooden pipe and holding up his fist, is Carter’s father. “That’s an image of him and his friends in Vietnam,” the photographer says. “It’s part of a series of shoots they did at a local portrait shop. My dad had these in his scrapbook and let me use them for my projects while he was alive.”

When Prestel approached Carter to create a book of his photographic works, the photog instantly knew he wanted to include images from his family’s archive. In college, he’d leaf through pictures of his grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles—which reminded Carter that a penchant for style and having a great eye was in his blood. “This series of images guided me,” he adds. “When looking at my family album and my own, I realized there were a lot of subconscious juxtapositions between the two.” Among them: “a viewpoint of where things are today, especially compared to the photos of the past,” he says. “It gave me a real look at my parents’ endurance during the Civil Rights era and into the Black Power movement. Comparing them to my images tells the story of where we are now, and the expression and revolution that still exists since the ’70s.”

An homage to his lineage can even be found in the title of the book, whose foreword was written by Tracee Ellis Ross (she and Carter have been friends since he shot the photographs for her inaugural Pattern campaign). “‘What’s my name’ is a saying that my family uses all the time. It gives a sense of identity to who you are.”

Below, browse through a sampling of the photos in “What’s My Name.”