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.

Models for Tuscany Workshops 2011

Apocalyptic Sunshine, 2010, Pienza, Italy. Taken at an abandoned terra cotta factory. Model: Colleen D.

A quick note to let everyone know that my Amore Toscana fine art nude workshops in Tuscany, Italy are nearly sold out. We are now considering adding new dates, so if you are interested in attending, please let us know as soon as possible

I am really excited to have these great models joining us this year:

July 3-9, 2011

Ulorin Vex 

Zoi Gorman 

Toyin  *Updated 15. Feb 2011*

July 10-16, 2011

Ulorin Vex

Ruby Slate Balthazar 

Anita de Bauch  *Updated 15. Feb 2011*

As we finalize discussions and confirm other models we will update this listing.

Image Notes:

This image reminds me of the chaos in our daily lives. It was taken rather quickly during my Amore Toscana 2010 fine art nude workshops. I borrowed the model for this quick shot in-between student shooting sessions. The timing was perfect as the sun was setting on the horizon. I feel that her expression helps to underscore the sense of confusion and lost feeling that I wanted in this setting. Her pose gives the impression that she is protectively shielding herself from the invading light. In post-processing, I used a cross-processing technique to give the image an alien color tone.

Back from Tuscany, Grounded in Zürich

This past Monday we packed up our rental car for the long journey home from Tuscany. We were fortunate to have had three weeks at our second home in San Quirico d’Orcia, but it is always sad to leave. This year we offered two one-week fine art nude workshops and it was relaxing but depressingly quiet after everyone departed.

However, both workshops were a fantastic success. Students in the first week were beginners in fine art nude photography, but everyone turned out some amazing images. During the second week, the students focused on developing their personal style and for some, it turned out to be a deeply personal and engaging process.

Below are some of the student images from both weeks. As soon as I am able, I will post more details about both weeks. At the moment, I should have been on a plane bound for NYC, but I contracted an infection from a cut on my foot while running around Tuscany, so I am grounded until this thing heals up. 

Student images from my Fine Art Nude Workshops in Tuscany 2010

by Bernhard E.by Dan D.

by Doris T.by Eric A.

by John H.by Fabien Q.by John M.

by Herb N.by Ian A.
by Dan D.by Eric A.
by Sam K.

A review of our Tuscany workshops

Spaces are filling up and we are thrilled with all of the interest we have received for the 2010 Tuscany fine art nude photography workshops. We have received a lot of questions and while we can easily talk about the experience ourselves, it is always much more credible to hear it from someone else. In that spirit, I want to share a blog post from jLorenzo, who attended our 2009 Tuscany workshop.

I think this post gives you a good idea of what you can expect from my workshops. Above all, this is a photography workshop and we want you to come away from these few days with a new found interest and inspiration for your future photography work. However, Kellie and I also pride ourselves on our personal approach, attention to detail and in sharing our own Tuscan experiences with our guests. 

Read the post and if you still have questions, please let us know.

Kind regards,

Bryon