My Photo Editor Mind - Ann Johansson
When I was a picture editor at the Los Angeles Times, I use to hire freelance photographer Ann Johansson. It’s funny; we barely knew each other in Los Angeles. I hired her for these evening performance gigs on the weekend. She’d come into the paper, we’d chat for a minute, and I wouldn’t see her again until the next time. After I started my freelance photo editing business, she hired me. I’m almost ashamed to say, before, I didn’t have the time to get to know Ann and even worse, to know her body of work. This woman has accomplished more than most photographers do in a lifetime. Imagine an assignment that literally takes you around the world; yeah, Ann did that! From Sierra Leone to Haiti, tornados to industries, and a book to help bring awareness to celebrity charities titled Cause + Celeb. Wait until you see what she’s working on now!
Here is one of my favorite images from her trip around the world.
My Photo Editor Mind: What should I blog about?
It’s been so long since I posted any blogs…I have been so busy that there wasn’t any time to think except for the work in front of me. I loved it! Then right in the middle of all that we went on a long-needed vacation to Spain. It’s been too long since I went out of the country. It’s amazing: once you step on the plane, you leave behind all the little stresses of life. Now I’m back to work and staring at a blank page wondering what to blog about, then I thought…I bet someone has a topic they would like to hear about. So let me know.
My Photo Editor Mind - Soft Edit
With that project almost done, now is the perfect time to review it and see what’s missing. I like to call this a soft edit. I think it’s really important to review your work, especially on longer-term projects to see what you missed, if the direction shifted, and to fill in the gaps. Have someone look at it that is critical, not one of your friends that thinks everything you shoot is great. You know who I’m talking about. If they can’t help you, then I can.
My Photo Editor Mind - Your Website
Your website is making a first impression on anyone who looks at it. Regardless of whether the images are good or not, if there are too many images and categories and it’s disorganized, that is what people will think of you. That’s their first impression of you. Enough thinking about it, let’s update your website! I will help you consolidate images and categories, and help you streamline your presentation, whether you are a seasoned pro or just starting out. And for gosh sakes….put your phone number on your website!
My Photo Editor Mind - Autofocus can hurt you
One of the major drawbacks of autofocus is that photographers sometimes rely on it to compose their images. But there’s a problem. The focus is smack dab right in the middle of the image, and the image reflects that. You end up with either a poorly framed image or an image that seems off balance with too much sky or too much ground. If you go through a variety of your images and notice this pattern, try various focus settings to help solve this problem. Don’t let this technology get in the way of your vision.
My Photo Editor Mind - Shoot This
As a photographer, it’s your job to show the world in a way I’ve never seen before. Surprise me. Make me look at something or someone in a new way. One of the best ways to do this is by trying different angles. So my challenge to you this week is shoot an image from the lowest vantage point possible. How low can you go? Post your pictures and let’s see who does this best!
My Photo Editor Mind - Ioana Moldovan
Ioana Moldovan is a freelance photographer in Romania. I met her after she asked me to edit her images of the Ukraine Army. I was immediately impressed. She was able to capture an intense situation yet show the intimacy and personal side of these young men fighting this war. She continues to explore various aspect of life in Romania and surrounding countries. Last year, she went to the Eddie Adams workshop and won the Bill Eppridge Memorial Award. I expected nothing less from her. And, very importantly, she can write too! She’s one to watch. You can see more of her work at http://ioanamoldovan.com.
My Photo Editor Mind - Sending Telepathic Suggestions
Whenever I see someone taking a picture, I can’t help myself, I send them ideas about how to improve what they are shooting. I even do this watching a movie, I talk to the screen…try a different angle, you’re standing for every shot! Try kneeling. It’s kind of weird. Even if I’m out and about, I saw all these people taking pictures, OMG if they just looked to the right, the light is beautiful, turn your head for goodness sake, the light, see the light. In another instance, I might see someone ready to take a shot, and oh my god, the shadow on the subject’s face, are you kidding me, you’re really going to take a photo? Oh geez, you just did. Not sure why I do this, maybe I’m a picture editor even deeper in my heart than I thought, always wanting to help someone improve.