A lesson learned from my own workshop, and a message for 'Chris' the Pirate Hater.

 The disputed image - Gio under the waterfall at Bagni San Filippo

The other day I received an email from a former workshop student. The message was in reference to an image I had on my website (a version of the image above) and the student was asking why I had put my copyright info on his image and used it in my portfolio.

I was a bit surprised because I clearly remember taking the image myself and I would certainly never knowingly take credit for someone else’s image. As soon as I was able, I got on my computer, reviewed the metadata and the date/time stamps of the image and I verified that I had many similar images from the same sequence. The images were taken by my camera as verified by the embedded serial number and camera information.

I reported my findings back to the student, who, naturally, found it difficult to accept that he could have some of my images on his computer. I do not think anything untoward happened, I recalled borrowing a memory card that day and I assume that when I returned the card, it may still have had my images on it.

Honestly, I don’t know for sure, it’s a complete guess how he got them and frankly, it is totally irrelevant to this post. I don’t think he stole my images and I certainly did not steal his, it was just a simple case of mistaken attribution.

Unfortunately, during our back and forth emails trying to sort this out, I received the following email message from another party:

Why would any photographer copy another photographers work and tag it as their own? Just how many stolen photographs do you have in your portfolio?

Chris…

I don’t know ‘Chris’. The contact info he provided was just a fake number and a fake email. Chris, if you are reading this, it’s really easy to make accusations, false accusations in this case, without knowing all the facts. However, in this case, you made a very wrong assumption, and made no attempt to ascertain the facts.

I don’t take such accusations lightly. I have never copied someone’s work and claimed it as my own. It makes my blood boil that some nameless, faceless person may be shredding my good reputation without the facts or truth of the situation.

However, this episode certainly brings to light an important lesson if you are attending a workshop. Be sure you take care to guard and protect your images.

If you borrow a memory card from someone, be sure to format the card before using it and after you are finished with it. Do not let anyone copy your RAW files. If your camera allows you to enter copyright information, be sure it is entered so all of your images are copyrighted upon creation, with your name and any other relevant data. Take all steps necessary to ensure you have your work properly organized and verified. 

In the end, I know these images were mine. It was never really a question for me, I remember many details about that day and this shooting sequence in particular. In fact, I can recall many details about most of my shoots, they are burned into my brain. However, because of some carelessness or sloppy handling of a memory card, I have so far spent several hours trying to collect proof that these were my images. That’s time I could have been doing something much more enjoyable and constructive.

Update! 2011 Fine Art Nude Workshops in Tuscany

Iveta in Tuscany, shot at my workshop in 2010

The past month has flown by me. I had corporate assignments in Mexico City and Houston, Texas, then came back to Europe for an eight hour drive to Tuscany, Italy for my holidays. At the moment, I am completely exhausted, but I already have so much to catch up on. I wanted to quickly update you regarding my Summer workshops in Tuscany.

The big news is that we have added another week of workshops from 26 June to 2 July, 2011. This will give us three weeks of fine art nude photography workshops this year in Tuscany. Our second week, from 3 July to 9 July has only one place remaining and the third week, from 10 July to 16 July, is fully booked. 

The main difference for this added week is that it will focus on what I like to call an ‘intimidation-free’ experience. In other words, no matter what level of proficiency or experience you have with fine art nude photography, this workshop will allow you to find your own creative space and help you to take amazing images with our experienced models.

This will be a no-stress, no-complications experience. You can learn at your own pace and comfort-level. In this workshop, you will learn everything you need to know to: contact, communicate with and direct models; how to find great images and control the lighting and locations to your needs; how to edit and select your images and how to process them for the best result.

For more information, or to sign-up, please click here to visit the ViewFinder Center.

Bound

Bound, shot at Orangerie le Club, Wängi, Switzerland

For me, this image evokes tension, allure, eroticism and playfulness. This was a fun shoot, organized by the model. We kept everything as simple as possible, which was a good thing, considering that we were in a sex club that was open for business. I am not into sex clubs, but this place is one of the nicest clubs of any kind I have been to, it really has a nice atmosphere. 

Feel free to share this image on your twitter feed or facebook profile using the convenient toolbar at the bottom of the browser window. Feel free to leave me a comment and let me know what type of posts you want to see in the future. What can I tell you about my work or shooting techniques, what would you like to know?

Do you want to be a nude photographer or just a GWC: a guy (or girl) with a camera?

Iveta, shot at my workshop in Tuscany, Italy, Summer 2010

Nude photography, in all of its many forms and manifestations is a very large planet within the solar system of people photography. Whether you are shooting fine art nudes, glamour nudes, implied nudes, erotic nudes, conceptual nudes, landscape nudes, infrared nudes, fetish nudes, bondage nudes, black & white nudes, sculptural nudes (the list goes on and on) or a combination of different types of nudes, you need to have a purpose for shooting them.

Without purpose, you may fall into that dreaded category of photographers who take pictures of naked women (or men) for the sheer and selfish pleasure of seeing them naked, also known as a GWC.

So how do you avoid becoming a photography cliché?

Find your purpose, your reason, your concept, your muse: Look for a way to create images with purpose and meaning. If you can’t figure out what type of photographer you want to be, then be certain about what type of photographer you do not want to be. Sit down with your images, review them, analyze them, understand them, show them to others and ask them questions about them. What do these images have in common? What stands out? What do you feel when you see them? Do they remind you of something? Do they speak to you? Do you see a story or message in the images?

Interpretation is everything. What I see in an image may be completely different from what the next person sees, it all depends on your own experiences and references.

In my own work, I mainly focus on three types of nudes: bodies in motion, sculptural nudes and erotic nudes. In all of my photographs, I try to present my models as strong, independent and desirable women. I try to give them power in the image. I try to create a visual story in the image. I do not want to show my models as weak or powerless, I do not want to exploit them or demean them. I want to bring out the best of what I see in them. 

The image above features Iveta, one of the models I have worked with most frequently. On the surface, perhaps some would say that this image portrays her as weak. I prefer to see her more in the role of the sole survivor. Alone, washed up in the surf, naked and alone in the sand. She may be down, she may be struggling, but in the next moment, she will persevere and overcome the challenges she is facing.

In my Amore Toscana fine art nude workshops I discuss topics similar to this one. I challenge my students to find their own personal purpose, direction and vision. 

My 2011 Workshops

     

Hello everyone,

PLEASE NOTE: Both nude weeks are filling up quickly, week one is already half-full and week two is nearly completely full. sRegistrations are on a first come first served basis. If you are interested in attending, please register as soon as possible.

I am happy to announce my 2011 Art Nude Photography workshops in Tuscany. This is my third year teaching these workshops and I have enjoyed putting these events together along with my wife Kellie and also with support from Michele from il Poggiolo, all the models, and finally Dave Kai Piper.

If you aren’t that interested in nudes you can also check out my Beyond Postcards travel and landscapes in Tuscany photography workshops in April and June 2011. This workshops will show you some of my favorite locations in Southern Tuscany, allowing you to not only capture great photos with my instruction and guidance, but also to experience Tuscany with all of your senses.

Below is a press release. 

Kind regards,

Bryon Paul McCartney

Amore Toscana and Beyond Postcards
Photography Workshops

San Quirico d’Orcia, Tuscany, Italy

WINTERTHUR, Switzerland - (3 February 2011) - ViewFinder Center returns to Tuscany this spring and summer for a third season of photography workshops, led by award-winning fine art photographer Bryon Paul McCartney. New for this year is the Beyond Postcards: Landscape and Life photography workshops. Immediately following the summer session of Beyond Postcards, ViewFinder will hold its Amore Toscana Fine Art Nude Photography workshops, with two different six-day programs combining beautiful experienced models, stunning Tuscan landscapes and expert hands-on guidance.

Beyond Postcards: Landscape and Life photography workshop 

Offered two times this year, first in spring (17 - 24 April), and again in the summer (26 June - 2 July), this workshop will give photographers opportunities to learn new techniques and re-energize their creative approach to move from ordinary snapshots to making compelling images that reflect their own personal point of view. (One-week workshop Fee: €1850)

Amore Toscana Fine Art Nude Photography workshops

Workshop I. LIGHT, FORM & EXPRESSION  3 - 9 July, 2011

Light, form and expression are the foundations of fine art figure photography. This workshop will help photographers better understand how to work with these key elements. During shooting sessions, students  will learn how to “design” their images using natural lighting, posing techniques, light modifying equipment and post-processing technsiques. They’ll also develop skills to communicate ideas and effectively work with and direct models. We will also talk about where to find inspiration for images and how to get expressive images. (One-week workshop Fee: €2550)

Workshop II: Personal Vision & Portfolio 10 - 16 July, 2011

A photographer’s unique style does not happen by accident, it must be developed over time and will grow with confidence and experience. In this workshop, students will be challenged to explore and investigate their own individual ideas and intentions towards fine art nude photography. We will discuss and shoot various genres and techniques in fine art nude photography to encourage students to break out of the routine and further refine their own style. By expanding experiences, each photography will clearly focus on building up and advancing their personal work. (One-week workshop Fee: €2550)

“Photography workshops are a great way to re-energize your creative approach and dive deep into your hobby or craft,” says Bryon Paul McCartney, founder and director of ViewFinder Center for Photography. “We’ve developed each week to provide focused and intensive study, with hands-on instruction and interactive projects that give students the opportunity to immerse themselves in their passion for photography.”  

Against the backdrop of a stunning location that offers unlimited inspiration, each workshop is designed to provide a dynamic learning experience. Students will be challenged to explore their personal creative expression and master new technical skills. Students will take on several assignments and be responsible for delivering a portfolio of images for the closing night’s student showcase. 

The Workshop Experience

Each workshop is limited to eight (8) students to ensure that participants and the instructor have every opportunity to work together and create a personalized learning experience. Workshops include image review sessions, hands-on shooting and assignment work, as well as group discussions and critiques. “All the students will prepare a show of their work from the week and participate in the final evening’s slideshow,” says McCartney. “It’s a chance for everyone celebrate their accomplishments.”

In addition to providing an inspiring and rewarding learning experience, the workshops create a community of photographers. “We focus on small group workshops, with a mix of individual and group activities. Planning each day together over cappuccinos in the morning and exchanging stories and new techniques while dining on local specialties and Italian wines in the evening add to the community atmosphere and give workshop students opportunities to create a network of photography colleagues,” McCartney explains.   

Why Attend a Workshop? 

Having attended several workshops himself, McCartney takes the workshop experience very seriously. In short, you can be assured that Bryon and his team will challenge, teach and guide you through this experience. No portfolio or previous experience with models is required for the workshops, but students are asked to bring their best photos to share with the group at the beginning of each week. Past students have included intermediate amateurs and working professionals. 

Through shooting and post-processing photos, observing others, group discussions and reviews and individual feedback sessions with Bryon, each student will develop their photography skills and vision, whether they are taking their travel photography to a new level in the Beyond Postcards workshop, or exploring figure photography in one of the Fine Art Nude photography workshops. “At the end of their experience, students take away fantastic memories, new skills, a wealth of ideas and inspirations, and a new group of friends,” says McCartney. “Most importantly, they leave with their own personal portfolio of amazing new images from their time in Tuscany.”

The Location

San Quirico d’Orcia is in southern Tuscany, just off the beaten tourist path, but in the center of the famed region that produces Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montepulciano wines. According to McCartney, “This area stimulates all of the senses. The eyes with it’s romantic vistas and painted skies. The ears with the lively hum of village life. The nose with the inviting smell of the rustic Etruscan cooking. The tongue with bold flavors of the San Giovese wines. And, the hands and fingers with the earthy soils. It really is a pleasure to return here, year after year.” The workshops explore fascinating locations beyond its residence at il Poggiolo, including the natural hot springs of Bagni San Filippo, abandoned factories and farmhouses, and the local villages. 

“We selected this location especially to inspire our students,” says McCartney. “The beautiful il Poggiolo provides an ideal creative environment, high quality housing and spacious rooms for meeting, relaxing and, naturally, for taking great photos. To make the Amore Toscana workshops truly special, we add a high level of service and attention to detail so every student can relax and enjoy the week while they explore and develop their own photographic point of view.”

More details and registration online at http://www.viewfindercenter.com/photo-workshops-in-tuscany/