Tips and images by Chris Ranier at Kingston’s “Icons of Photography” Website
A few months ago, I posted a story about the Kingston Icon’s of Photography program and Website. I think the site is an excellent resource, filled with captivating images, as well as tips and techniques from some of the world’s most well-known photographers. To read my overview of the site, with a description for how I like to navigate through it, visit this page.
This month’s featured Kingston Icon is National Geographic photographer Chris Ranier. Rainier’s life mission has been to document the world’s disappearing tribes and cultures. Under the Techniques section, Ranier shares his thoughts about a number of topics, including B&W vs. color, tips for working in remote areas, the importance of backgrounds and other advice. He also tells a story about how his Hasselblad ended up floating down a river during a portrait shoot in New Guinea (that must have hurt).
Other Kingston “Icons of Photography” include: Harry Benson, Barbara Bordnick, Colin Finlay, Douglas Kirkland, Gerd Ludwig and Peter Read Miller.
Direct link to Chris Ranier’s gallery on the Kingston Icons Website.
Podcast User Magazine Interview
First, I’d like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year. With the new year came a new issue of Podcast User Magazine. I’ve been reading the magazine for nearly a year, and I highly recommend it. In their January 2007 issue, I was very fortunate to have been interviewed (in text form) for their “Inside the Podcasters’ Studio” section. Thank you to everyone at the magazine for the opportunity to share my story. Podcasting has definitely helped changed my life for the better and I feel very fortunate to have learned from so many others who have shared their experiences and technical know-how.
(above) A composite of the first 12 Podcast User Magazine covers, released over the last 12 months. All but the first two with white backgrounds were designed by Mark Hunter, host of the tartanpodcast and all are available for download at the magazine’s website.
The amount of information in each issue is quite amazing. There are stories about podcasters, reviews of equipment, podcasting news and tips, and much more. The subscription is free and it is available as a PDF download directly or via RSS here.
(above) Some of the people who make Podcast User Magazine possible. Photographed at the Podcast & Portable Media Expo, September, 2006. (left to right) Chuck Tomasi, host of multiple podcasts; Paul Parkinson, Editor of Podcast User Magazine; Ewan Spence, host of TPN Rock; Judy and Paul Hutchinson from TotalPodcastrophe; and Linda Mills. Photo ©Andrew Darlow.
I look forward to reading many more Podcast User Magazines in the upcoming months and years.
Let us know what you want to see on the “menu.” We welcome feedback and read all submissions. The form below is sent directly to Andrew Darlow’s e-mail and will not be posted on this site.
Photographer Steve Simon: New Book & Feature on The Digital Journalist
I met Steve Simon, a photojournalist and portrait photographer based in New York City at the PhotoPlus Expo in New York City. He is a very talented photographer with an extensive body of work from many parts of the world.
I was especially moved by his book, Heroines & Heroes: Hope, HIV and Africa. That book shows hopeful, inspiring images of life as well as some shocking images depicting the effects that HIV and AIDS have had in Africa. I thought that another book by Simon, The Republicans, which was shot with a “behind the scenes” feel, really showcases Simon’s talent as a visual storyteller.
The cover of Steve Simon’s most recent book: Heroines & Heroes: Hope, HIV and Africa
This month, Simon’s work is featured on The Digital Journalist. You can find the story and a gallery of Simon’s work here.
Steve also recently wrote this article about the PhotoPlus Expo for CreativePro.com. I contributed a small section about some of the recent pigment-based inkjet printers that were on display at the show.
There is also a book launch & lecture by Steve Simon on December 1 in conjunction with World AIDS Day –
7pm, Barnes and Noble Chelsea, 675 6th Avenue, New York City (Corner 22nd Street).
For more information about Steve Simon and his work, visit https://www.stevesimonphoto.com. I recommend browsing through some of Simon’s online galleries from the link on the bottom left of his site. Just choose a topic and click “go.” I found the Allegiance series particularly striking.