What to Photograph: Try a Photojournalism Approach to Your Neighborhood

Photo from "If this street were mine" / Raphael Alves

Raphael Alves can give us all a great deal of inspiration. The photographer, located in Manaus, Brazil, undertook a project to begin photographing his neighborhood. His approach is classic photojournalism, capturing secret moments, candid action, and hidden beauty. But capturing what is real and what is in your face, should one only happen to look closer. There is colorful lyricism in today's featured video outlining Raphael's project and showcasing some of his beautiful work.
 

In our photography courses at the New York Institute of Photography, we often stress that the everyday makes for extraordinary subjects. If tourists from abroad were to visit your neighborhood for the first time, they would photograph every single detail. It would all be startling, exotic, and new to them. What you might not fully appreciate because of your daily exposure will intoxicate others. So learn to look with fresh eyes at your surroundings. Pretend that you're a tourist in your own community, if that's what it takes to see your world from a photographer's perspective.
 

 
 

We're the New York Institute of Photography, a distance education school teaching photography since 1910 - over 100 years of knowledge and experience. Listen to the following podcast to learn more about who we are and what we do.

AUDIO LINK: WHAT IS THE NEW YORK INSTITUTE OF PHOTOGRAPHY? [20:58M]

Setting Up Your Photography Studio for Newborns

 

As part of a photography school, I'm always on the lookout for how-to materials to share with our New York Institute of Photography blog readers. I just came across this wonderful, candid video with a working professional photographer talking about how to set up your studio for capturing images of newborns. Anamaria Brandt, an Orange County, CA pro, is a huge advocate for keeping the studio uncluttered, keeping everything out in the open so it can be easily selected by the photographer and client, and improving whenever possible (you'll like what she did with huge, fluffy cotton balls!). Enjoy Ana's photography tips, including her overall philosophy:

The idea behind photo sessions is to not be formal and stiff. It should be to capture the moments - to snap this time in history. Let kids be kids and have fun - relax! We have plenty of ways to keep little ones busy and after photographing children for over 20 years, I know what works! When it comes to family sessions, it may take some time, but if you can trust the experience, we can capture amazing moments.
 

 
 

We're the New York Institute of Photography, a distance education school teaching photography since 1910 - over 100 years of knowledge and experience. Listen to the following podcast to learn more about who we are and what we do.

AUDIO LINK: WHAT IS THE NEW YORK INSTITUTE OF PHOTOGRAPHY? [20:58M]

New Breed of Photojournalist: Joey L Documents Endangered Cultures

Sikeri Initiation (Photo by Joey L.)

Canadian photographer Joey L, based in Brooklyn, NY, has always been fascinated with travel. His new flavor of photojournalism is to turn a sensitive eye as a photographer to preserving traditional ways of life that are endangered. Today's Video Pick is a behind-the-scenes short documentary of one of Joey L's photo shoots, and you'll see how he and his crew - as well as hired local assistants - become more than just distanced observers when they travel into the Indonesian rainforest to take photographs of the Mentawai people. A young team of adventurous professional photographers, traveling with their gear and perhaps the most important things of all, an open mind and heart, preserve the dignity and everyday lives of people who choose not to conform to contemporary traditions. Visit the Joey L website for his outstanding portfolio. It's inspirational and provides our photography students with yet another professional pathway option, combining the love of travel with a love of photography.

We're the New York Institute of Photography, a distance education school teaching photography since 1910 - over 100 years of knowledge and experience. Listen to the following podcast to learn more about who we are and what we do.

AUDIO LINK: WHAT IS THE NEW YORK INSTITUTE OF PHOTOGRAPHY? [20:58M]

Video Pick: Photo Tips for Dramatic Portraits

Fashion portrait of model Eliza Lugo by Lorenzo Pickett

I'm always looking for photographers who use simple home setups to showcase their techniques to our students, and I found a great video from Lorenzo Pickett, whose amazing model Eliza Lugo helped to create some wonderful fashion portraits in color and black and white. In our featured video, Lorenzo walks you through his complete setup and discusses lighting, make-up, and his camera lens and settings. The end results have gathered good attention, too - congratulations, Lorenzo! Visit his website for more information.

We're the New York Institute of Photography, a distance education school teaching photography since 1910 - over 100 years of knowledge and experience. Listen to the following podcast to learn more about who we are and what we do.

AUDIO LINK: WHAT IS THE NEW YORK INSTITUTE OF PHOTOGRAPHY? [20:58M]

How You Can Be a Better Photographer By Studying with New York Institute of Photography

How fitting that we're in Academy Award season - we've just produced a new video! Perhaps it isn't quite Oscar caliber, but we think it gets across the message quite well regarding how the New York Institute of Photography can help anyone become a better photographer. Watch the video, then click here to learn more.

We're the New York Institute of Photography, a distance education school teaching photography since 1910 - over 100 years of knowledge and experience. Listen to the following podcast to learn more about who we are and what we do. WHAT IS THE NEW YORK INSTITUTE OF PHOTOGRAPHY? [20:58M]