OK - so you think you're good. But really - how well does your work stack up against some of the best imagery in the world? Are we great in our own minds, even our local communities - or can our work really stand its ground internationally - side by side with other equally amazing artists.
ronto Camera Club, October project images competition.
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At the risk of sounding like a broken record - I keep taunting the benefits of having to feel your environment and your inner soul when creating your images. But I haven't chatted much about post processing needing to feel and compliment the captured story and image.
"The Keyhole Sessions" is a group that offers an alternative to life drawing classes. However every once in a while they open it up to photographers. This past Tuesday evening saw the return to all things lusty with Girls on Film II. Held at the Moroccan-inspired Foundation Room, where five beautiful models played it up for a slew of photographers. It was an amazing opportunity to photograph subject matter outside of the daily grind. An atmosphere heavy with kink, sexual tension and urban edge. Models are often partly costumed and come with attitude. Think latex, leather, rope and restraints, all wrapped around models who are there to have as much fun as the artists.
Now that we have painted you a picture, let's turn to example to the top image "Luv Bites #6"
I wanted the post processing to say the same thing I was feeling: intrigue, voyeuristic, like I was transported back to the early 70s free love era. The mood was edgy and grunge like. I felt like a visual ease dropper, observing a dark underground passion fest though a keyhole.
My 1st attempts have me thinking Polaroid - instant capture of time. A medium that was used heavily in the late 60's / 70s. Polaroid film produces "texture and colors that are very real. They're not as perfect as digital, but they're not as cold and sterile, either. I also toyed with 4 x 5 film borders and grain, as well as retro cross processing and toning. Although the toning effect was challenging due to the dark nature of the original images. I'm still not sure which mood fits better with the shoot. This will come in time. For now I continue to experiment while the experience is still fresh in my mind .... and loins. LOL
The ability to 'feel' is an amazing gift and not one to be taken for granted. Emotion is also one of the most recognizable human elements that an artist can tap into. Whether you are searching for inspiration or want to tell a story or project a mood.
I often try to teach this concept to new artists when mentoring. It takes more than just skill and the obvious to tap into what we are experiencing at any given moment. It requires that we be honest and true to ourselves. It means that we can't be afraid to show what really is transpiring deep within our souls. Only then can a true piece of art be born.
Here is an example, a snap shot of time that I have recently endured. A self portrait taken in an abandon college. Feeling as broken, lonely and desolate as the environment that I was experiencing. I took advantage of all the texture and sensation that filled me and melted into my surroundings to tell a story. Thus the series "Broken was born.
This particular images is symbolic - Even when one door closes - another will open, revealing new opportunities, journeys and treasures. It's just a matter of summoning the strength to get up and walk through. To move forward to the next great thing that lies ahead.
To see more of the series, check out my Flickr sight: http://www.flickr.com/photos/orangeroads/
A Fun Summer Celebration on the Beach an A Great Cause. Mingle with your neighbours, local business owners, artists and community groups while raising money to help create the magic of a wish for a special child.
Come down to the Balmy Beach Club at the foot of Beech Avenue on Sunday, June 27 from 1-6pm to enjoy:
Founded in 1888, the Toronto Camera Club was the first camera club in Canada and among the first in North America. A member of The Greater Toronto Council of Camera Clubs, associated with The Photographic Society of America and the National Association for Photographic Art and a patron of the Canadian Association of Photographic Arts.
The Canadian Association for Photographic Art (CAPA)
The Canadian Association for Photographic Art was born in 1998 as a result of a merger between the National Association for Photographic Art (NAPA) and the Colour Photographic Association of Canada (CPAC).
The Beach Photo Club
The Beach Photo Club is a local community interest club, which is volunteer-driven to promote members interest and knowledge of photography. Formed in 1997, the first meeting was held at the Beach Arts Centre on Queen Street near Woodbine (now condos). A thriving local community club, which has seen over 28% growth in new memberships over the first 4 years of its existence.
A very healthy list of accomplishments in deed. But it doesn't stop there. The season also saw three (3) top Image placements, four (4) 2nd place merit awards, three (3) 3rd place merit awards and thirteen (13) honourable mentions.
WOW!
I just recently returned from a four day trip to Long Point Provincial Park. Every May long weekend, we have an infield mentoring session for members of my photo club. Although we preach many landscape shooting techniques, we also mentor members on how to conceptualize idea's .
I'm pretty diligent in spending time daily to do visual research. This is simply done by exposing yourself to many different selections of art. Lately, I have been admiring some great texturize pieces on flickr.
(Check out some of Azazelle's pieces, http://www.flickr.com/photos/azazelle/ ... her work is very inspiring).
It's from these amazing piece that I had formed a mental vision of a majestic tree in a field. I already knew exactly how I wanted to post process the final image, so no surprise when I magically happened to land on this one, by simply turning down a random road.
This particular image is comprised of the base image, two enhancement images (the birds and clouds) and three texture images. By using the layering properties in Photoshop, various blend modes and techniques, I was able to construct this master piece. There may be a few additional versions in the near future, but not straying too far from the original conceptualize idea that once only lived in my head.
You got to keep shooting. Even when you're not always feeling in the zone.
I haven't had the chance to get out and shoot landscapes, or work on my personal projects that I'm so passionate about. This alone I found was starting to tug heavily on mind, body and spirit. I know I need to get out and shoot, but how can I when daily obligations are fighting for your immediate attention?
Some of those obligations would include house hold chores - like laundry. which my neighbour has so kindly offered up his machine. So twice weekly, I head across the hall to do the deed. And every time, I am met with the cutest and most endearing set of puppy dog eyes and a wagging tail.
Let me introduce you to Mr. Winston, my neighbours pug. Day after day he will patiently wait on his favourite chair, waiting for Mike to come home from work. Refusing to move as any devoted dog I know would do.
And that's when it hit me. Inspiration of the furry kind. I slipped the tripod in on my 1st visit, and left it for him to get use to. Then I would focus and spend time with him on the second visit. By the time it came to placing the second load of laundry in the dryer, I was ready to shoot away. That's how I was able to capture the longing that you see in his eyes. A loving puppy who misses his master dearly and can't wait for his next meal.
nted to portray a more 70's retro, but elegant look. I may turn out a few more "working artist proofs" before I land on a final piece.A big thank you to Spacing Toronto for the article on our Building Storeys Show.
Spacing Toronto is pleased to partner with Heritage Toronto on our ongoing Building Storeys exhibit. This month's article features the Canada Linseed Oil Mills building that has been standing on Wabash Avenue for nearly one hundred years.
My Image, "Happy Days, Once again" is featured.
To read the full article [ click here ]
I get asked the question all the time .. "How much should I price my work for?". I really don't think there is a hard science to it, so many factors need to be considered.
Input factors to consider:
• Years in the art business
• Reputation
• Quality of work
• Previous history of sales
If the answers to the above reflect someone who has history and a reputation, then I would take cost times 3 for a base retail price. The Base retail then can be tailored to reflect the venue that the piece is being represented. I.e a piece selling in a gallery would go for more money than say an outdoor art show or private web site sale.
If the answers reflect someone who is new to the scene, as I once was, then take cost times 2 for a base retail price. The Base retail then can be tailored to reflect the venue that the piece is being represented.
Another way to gauge is to donate images for Charity auctions and see how many pesos' they fetch. Case in question: the attached image, print only fetched a hefty $450 at a recent silent auction benefiting AIDS. If purchased directly through myself, it could have gone as high as $290 depending on quality of paper.
This tells me two things:
• The image is of high quality and people would be please to hang on their walls;
• and that they are willing to part with their pesos to have such adornments in their homes
http://dcnonl.com/article/id37814/gtcontracting
Sunday, March 21, 2010, 6:00pm – 11:00pm
National Ballet School (400 Jarvis Street)
6:00 PM: Doors Open7:30 PM Sharp: Live Auction begins
Click here to purchase tickets online. For ticket inquiries tickets@actoronto.org
$90 General Admission
Includes: coat check, complimentary hors d'oeuvres, host bar, live auction, silent auction and entertainment provided by DJ Sumation.
A big Thank you to Treehugger for their BLOG post on our Building Stories show.
I was lucky enough to make it as a finalist in ECO Canada Photo Contest. My image is of a scenic view along the Ice Fields Parkway, Jasper provincial Park - under the category " Landscapes # 1 Toni Wallachy”. 
I have another success to share with you all. My 1st photo essay competition ever - I walked away with an Honourable Mention. Not too shabby for a newbie.
A collaborative effort by Heritage Toronto and members of the photography groups the Shadow Collective and the DK Photo Group, Building Storeys is a visual documentation and anecdotal exhibit of city's heritage building and sites. By showcasing some of Toronto's industrial past we hope to change the perception of heritage in our city, by revealing some of the hidden beauty of these sites.RESOLVE to update my mailing list on a regular basis.
RESOLVE to use my mailing list on a regular basis.
RESOLVE to organize my mailing list on a computer database.
RESOLVE to try a different color.
RESOLVE to experiment with a new media.
RESOLVE to expand my knowledge of art.
RESOLVE to meet more people.
RESOLVE to practice a ten-second commercial about myself so that I know what to say when meeting new people.
RESOLVE to send personal notes to the new people I meet and to those who have been good to me in the past.
RESOLVE to join and become involved in an artist organization (i.e. Artists’ Network).
RESOLVE to network with other people in business for themselves.
RESOLVE to understand better what it takes to be a self-employed artist.
RESOLVE to stop whining about not having enough time.
RESOLVE to say “no” to those things that are not important to me or that get in the way of what I want to be.
RESOLVE to figure out what success as an artist means to me.
RESOLVE to understand my work better and what it means to me.
RESOLVE to differentiate myself from other artists.
RESOLVE to take risks
Sometimes, you need to plant seeds in one year in order to grow in the next - one of my personal favourite things to do. I always look for ways to grew personally, artistically and intellectually.
For instance, a few seeds I sowed last year, have sprouted, and already 2010 is looking a whole lot greener.
Artists Network of Riverdale: In 2009, I joined the network in hopes to further understand the artist market and surround myself with other like minded people who are just as crazy and eccentric as I. I volunteered on a few of their functions, where I expressed interest in becoming more involved. In December, I was 1 of 5 new board members voted in to sit on the new Executive board . I look forward to sitting in on my 1st Exec meeting this Janu
ary.
Canadian Association of Photographic Arts: Also known as CAPA. A certified GTCCC judge now for a few years, I have been judging many various club competitions. A very rewarding experience that has exposed me to many different artistic styles and amazing works across the GTA. In 2009 I took a CAPA judging course to brush up on my skills. From there I applied to CAPA for my judging certification. I was still thinking that I would need to complete other duties to qualify. You can imagine just how surprised and delighted I was to get the official confirmation from CAPA notifing me that I was now one of their official Certified Judges. With only 26 judges listed in Ontario, this is quite an accomplishment.
So don't be afraid to throw on those overalls and rubber boots and toss a few seeds in the air. With a little optimism and work, you just never know where they will land and grew.
