Model releases are an important legal tool for anyone who plans to use their photographs for commercial purposes. The legal contracts protect photographers from a variety of legal claims, such as invasion of privacy and defamation, by memorializing in writing the rights and obligations of the subject and the photographer. For photographers who don’t want to carry around a stack of documents, “there’s an app for that.” In fact, there are several. While mobile apps may not be sufficient when photographing professional models, they will certainly do the trick for street photographers and other professionals who shoot on the fly….
Nikon continues to roll out new model with the introduction of its latest full-frame SLR, the D750. In terms of cost and features, the new model falls between the entry level D610 and the professional grade D810. However, it shares many key features with the more expensive model. For photographers who may be considering an upgrade, below is a brief summary of the Nikon D750’s specs: Effective pixels: 24.3 millionImage sensor format: FXTop continuous shooting speed: 6.5 frames per second at full resolutionISO sensitivity: 100 -12,800 (expandable to 51,200)Video: Full HD, 1080p at 60/50/30/25/24pImage sensor: CMOS sensor with AA filterFastest…
Paul Graham’s “Does Yellow Run Forever?” recently debuted at the Pace/MacGill Gallery in New York City. Photo taken from the Pace/MacGillWebsite Graham is a renowned British photographer whose use of color in the late 1970s and early 1980s is credited with revolutionizing the genre. His first acclaimed series captured life along England’s primary arterial road and is entitled A1: The Great North Road. His went on to create twelve distinct bodies of work, which have been the subject of more than 80 solo exhibitions worldwide. His latest exhibit, Does Yellow Run Forever?, featured nearly 20 large-scale…
Given the number of digital editing tools available, a photographer’s final image may be remarkably different from what the camera initially captured. The background may be completely different, words and phrases may be added, or the subject’s features may be distorted. Models should be advised of these possibilities prior to signing a release. As discussed in prior posts, a model release is a contract between the subject and the photographer. The subject grants permission for his or her image to be used for commercial purposes. In exchange, the photographer provides something of value, which can range from monetary payment to…
What if Edward Hopper had used a camera rather than a paintbrush? A new exhibit at the Whitney Museum of American Art explores this exact question by pairing Hopper’s paintings from the museum’s permanent collection with the work of contemporary photographers. Edward Hopper, an American realist painter, is known for his use of light and shadow to create mood. While his paintings depict everyday American life in the 1920s through 1960s, they are anything but ordinary. Through the use of light, shapes, and angles, he conveys great beauty and deep emotion. “Nighthawks,” one of his most famous paintings, depicts customers…
Nikon claims that the D810 is the best Digital SLR it has ever released. Many of the early reviews agree. Are the changes in the D810 significant enough to upgrade if you already own the D800 or D800E? The D810 is an incredible camera, with a number of well thought out improvements over previous models. But, for most amateur photographers, the differences between the models do not justify the spread of about $1500 it might cost to sell the D800 and buy the D810. Depending on your personal preferences or photography demands, there are a few features that may convince…
Every year, the website www.1X.com releases a yearbook of its best photos. This year 1X.com’s “Passion”, does not disappoint. 1x is one of the most exclusive photography communities on the Internet. Unlike Flickr or Instagram, it caters strictly to professional or semi-professional photographers. A team of curators selects the photos displayed in the site’s online galleries, as you would find in any New York gallery. At the end of each year, they select the best photos for inclusion in their yearbook. It contains 220 full size photographs, which feature stochastic printing and superior quality paper. The limited edition publication has…
When Do Photographers Need a Model Release? A model release is a legal agreement between a photographer and a subject. It is designed to release the photographer from certain types of liability that may arise from use of the image, such as rights of publicity, invasion of privacy, and defamation claims. Many photographers mistakenly believe that you only need a release when photographing a professional model. However, to ensure the best legal protection, you should obtain a release any time you take a picture where a person could be recognized. Examples include a couple strolling the beach, a performer…
The ProOptic 500mm f/6.3 is a good quality 500 mirror lens alternative for photographers who do not regularly shoot at this range. At only $160, its drawbacks are not that significant. In the category of mirror lenses, this one is undoubtedly the best. The ProOptic only weighs 1.5 pounds and reaches less than 4.5 inches long when racked out. It balances nicely on most cameras and is easy to shoot handheld. It is at its best with wildlife and street photography provided you are good with manual focus. The most obvious drawback to the ProOptic is that it does not…
The summer is finally here and there are some excellent exhibits in New York City where you are sure to find some inspiring fine art photography. Here are a few thought-provoking photography galleries in Chelsea that are worth seeing: Andrea Meislin Gallery presents Barry Frydlender’s fourth solo exhibition – Yaffo-Tel Aviv – will be at the gallery May 8 through June 21, 2014 and will be accompanied by a color printed catalogue with Essays by Leon Wieseltier, Ileana Selejan and Sharon Rotbard. The exhibition will include eight large-scale photographs created between 1998 and 2014, and presenting the view reflected from…