We Love You!
xo,
Claxton Represents
12.31.2012
12.21.2012
Fresh Work Friday! So Fresh!
Our guys really get around! Here's a little compilation of some new work for your enjoyment. Also, Updates on the Instagram Debacle!
Eric Prine is always on the road. Subject Andrew Odom currently lives in Georgia with his wife and daughter building their tiny house. They are huge advocates of deliberate living and created the Tiny r(E)volution - www.tinyrevolution.us
Attic Fire stopped in Cleveland recently, just to see this awesome building. Architect Frank Gehry is famous for his unique brand of architecture, often comprised of flowing and twisting sheets of metal on a building’s façade
Check out more on the Attic Fire Blog!
Brian Sorg spent a little time in Michigan last week....
Look at Brian Sorg's blog. Look at it again. I'm sure you missed something.
John Foster has been in London recently. This new sleeve design has nothing to do with that but it's super cool.
Have a great weekend! We're all still here! And it's officially winter!!
12.19.2012
Instagram, deception and delusion
The furor raised over Instagram's new Terms of Service from basically everyone with a phone and the internet has raised some interesting questions and brought out a lot of opinions.
In my opinion, Instagram should not have the right to sell your images without your permission and credit. I do not have that power as an editor and would never allow that to happen to any of the artists I represent. There is a business to photography and that is why there are commercial photographers. That is why fine art photographers work so hard to have gallery shows where the paying public can see their work. That is why photographers painstakingly edit their images to sell to stock agencies who market their work and take a commission from sales. Instagram wants to be a self sustaining business. Perhaps, rather than think they can be a player in the world of commercial stock photography while bypassing the rules that so many of us work so hard to maintain, they should accept what they are and become a subscription service. On Flickr you can have galleries for free, but if you want to be a Pro, you've got to pay.
Jonathan Jones, of the Guardian, has written an article on Instagram and the demise of photography as a valid form of art: "Join Instagram, join a collective act of self-delusion"
...."My camera gathers dust. The act of picking it up fills me with embarrassment. Taking a picture feels like signing up to some mad collective self-delusion that we are all artists with an eye for beauty, when the tragicomic truth is that the sheer plenitude and repetition of modern amateur photography makes beauty glib. If Instagram did deny that its users are the authors of their robotic images, it would only be stating the obvious".
Instagram has not been ignoring the response. In an update after yesterday's outcry, Instagram has no "intention" to sell your photos.
An excerpt from this update: "it was interpreted by many that we were going to sell your photos to others without any compensation." This may have been interpreted that way because the TOS update states "you agree that a business or other entity may pay us to display your username, likeness, photos (along with any associated metadata), and/or actions you take, in connection with paid or sponsored content or promotions, without any compensation to you." I suggest paying close attention to all updates and really looking over the final terms before deciding whether or not to keep your Instagram account.
From Huffington Post, some Instagram Alternatives
When all else fails....follow the Unicorn Code.
In my opinion, Instagram should not have the right to sell your images without your permission and credit. I do not have that power as an editor and would never allow that to happen to any of the artists I represent. There is a business to photography and that is why there are commercial photographers. That is why fine art photographers work so hard to have gallery shows where the paying public can see their work. That is why photographers painstakingly edit their images to sell to stock agencies who market their work and take a commission from sales. Instagram wants to be a self sustaining business. Perhaps, rather than think they can be a player in the world of commercial stock photography while bypassing the rules that so many of us work so hard to maintain, they should accept what they are and become a subscription service. On Flickr you can have galleries for free, but if you want to be a Pro, you've got to pay.
Jonathan Jones, of the Guardian, has written an article on Instagram and the demise of photography as a valid form of art: "Join Instagram, join a collective act of self-delusion"
...."My camera gathers dust. The act of picking it up fills me with embarrassment. Taking a picture feels like signing up to some mad collective self-delusion that we are all artists with an eye for beauty, when the tragicomic truth is that the sheer plenitude and repetition of modern amateur photography makes beauty glib. If Instagram did deny that its users are the authors of their robotic images, it would only be stating the obvious".
Instagram has not been ignoring the response. In an update after yesterday's outcry, Instagram has no "intention" to sell your photos.
An excerpt from this update: "it was interpreted by many that we were going to sell your photos to others without any compensation." This may have been interpreted that way because the TOS update states "you agree that a business or other entity may pay us to display your username, likeness, photos (along with any associated metadata), and/or actions you take, in connection with paid or sponsored content or promotions, without any compensation to you." I suggest paying close attention to all updates and really looking over the final terms before deciding whether or not to keep your Instagram account.
From Huffington Post, some Instagram Alternatives
When all else fails....follow the Unicorn Code.
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| © Sarah Claxton, taken with Instagram for iPhone |
12.18.2012
Instagram jumps the shark
If you're on the internet today then you've probably noticed that some of your friends and acquaintances are freaking out about Instagram's new terms of service.
Before getting into it, here is a photo I recently took using Instagram! While meandering about the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art's gift shop I spotted our own John Foster's book: New Masters of Poster Design. It's awesome! Take a moment now to be wildly impressed by John Foster, go look at his website and drawings and writings.
Now....here are some paragraphs on Instagram that are rubbing people the wrong way, and some that I find suspicious after reading the new terms in their entirety:
1.Instagram does not claim ownership of any Content that you post on or through the Service. Instead, you hereby grant to Instagram a non-exclusive, fully paid and royalty-free, transferable, sub licensable, worldwide license to use the Content that you post on or through the Service, excpet that you can control who can view certain of your Content and activities on the Service as described in the Service's Privacy Policy, available here: http://instagram.com/legal/privacy/
This paragraph is expanded unter the Proprietary Rights in Content on Instagram section: 1. Instagram does NOT claim ANY ownership rights in the text, files, images, photos, video, sounds, musical works, works of authorship, applications, or any other materials (collectively, "Content") that you post on or through the Instagram Services. By displaying or publishing ("posting") any Content on or through the Instagram Services, you hereby grant to Instagram a non-exclusive, fully paid and royalty-free, worldwide, limited license to use, modify, delete from, add to, publicly perform, publicly display, reproduce and translate such Content, including without limitation distributing part or all of the Site in any media formats through any media channels, except Content not shared publicly ("private") will not be distributed outside the Instagram Services.
2.Some or all of the Service may be supported by advertising revenue. To help us deliver interesting paid or sponsored content or promotions, you agree that a business or other entity may pay us to display your username, likeness, photos (along with any associated metadata), and/or actions you take, in connection with paid or sponsored content or promotions, without any compensation to you. If you are under the age of eighteen (18), or under any other applicable age of majority, you represent that at least one of your parents or legal guardians has also agreed to this provision (and the use of your name, likeness, username, and/or photos (along with any associated metadata)) on your behalf.
If you read a little bit further you will find this paragraph in the Rights section:
4. You represent and warrant that: (i) you own the Content posted by you on or through the Service or otherwise have the right to grant the rights and licenses set forth in these Terms of Use; (ii) the posting and use of your Content on or through the Service does not violate, misappropriate or infringe on the rights of any third party, including, without limitation, privacy rights, publicity rights, copyrights, trademark and/or other intellectual property rights; (iii) you agree to pay for all royalties, fees, and other monies owed by reason of Content you post on or through the Service; and (iv) you have the legal right and capacity to enter into these Terms of Use in your jurisdiction.
*you can easily find model and property releases through an internet search. have fun getting releases from every person wearing an outfit that deserves to be photographed.
Just in case you run into any major problems, you should be aware that:
ARBITRATION NOTICE: EXCEPT IF YOU OPT-OUT AND EXCEPT FOR CERTAIN TYPES OF DISPUTES DESCRIBED IN THE ARBITRATION SECTION BELOW, YOU AGREE THAT DISPUTES BETWEEN YOU AND INSTAGRAM WILL BE RESOLVED BY BINDING, INDIVIDUAL ARBITRATION AND YOU WAIVE YOUR RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OR CLASS-WIDE ARBITRATION.
Included towards the end of the terms:
You may opt out of this agreement to arbitrate. If you do so, neither you nor Instagram can require the other to participate in an arbitration proceeding. To opt out, you must notify Instagram in writing within 30 days of the date that you first became subject to this arbitration provision. You must use this address to opt out:
Instagram, LLC ATTN: Arbitration Opt-out
1601 Willow Rd., Menlo Park, Ca 94025
Some articles about the changes with helpful information:
"Long story short, the door seems open for Instagram to do exactly what the Web is suggesting it might do. Whether it will be just as bad as what the hive mind believes will happen is an entirely different story – and seems unlikely, given the track record of Facebook and other Web 2.0 services." - WSJ
Will you be terminating your instagram account? Have an opinion about this or other photography related social media outlets and their legal terms & conditions?
We know you do! Please comment, we'd love to hear from you.
We know you do! Please comment, we'd love to hear from you.
12.17.2012
Media Monday: Photo Love
What a whirlwind December has been! As we close in on the end of the year it's nice to take a look back. Here's a great post from PhotoShelter with 57 reasons photography was awesome and inspiring in 2012....
and we love it.
And in the spirit of looking forward....
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO BRIAN SORG!
12.03.2012
Media Monday: Past and Present
A look at things to come in the industry and a nod to our past......
APhotoEditor reviews Eyeist, an online photography review service
&
Happy 100th, Gordon Parks
11.30.2012
Fresh Work Friday: EXCITING NEW THINGS!
We've got two, TWO!, new pieces to share with you today!
Eric Prine has a new blog! Do you often wonder what he shoots in his free time? What does this busy man photograph when he's doing it for himself?
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| © Eric Prine |
Do yourself a favor and follow it.
I'm sure most of you already follow Brian Sorg's blog, because we all love what he shoots when he's doing it for himself. I'm sure most of you also follow his series on Davey.
Impressed? Tell us what you think.
11.28.2012
Attic Fire...So Dreamy....
The 2011 HGTV Dream Home, photographed by Attic Fire:
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| © Attic Fire |
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| © Attic Fire |
11.26.2012
Media Monday: Testing Testing
Testing is a great way to experiment with your photography, build your skills and expand your portfolio. We absolutely love this blog by Chicagoan Rachel Waters, with *most* of the photography by our very own Brian Sorg.
What better way to play with your medium than an awesome fashion and foodie blog?
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| © Brian Sorg |
11.20.2012
nicotine.
nicotine can be fun.
Nicotine is a monthly online fashion and art magazine.
Check out issue seven for a series from contributor Brian Sorg.
Thanks to Lizzy Oppenheimer for not only being an awesome photo editor to work with but for having such a cool side project and for letting us participate.
The rest of the team and contributors seem cool too.
Check out issue seven for a series from contributor Brian Sorg.
Thanks to Lizzy Oppenheimer for not only being an awesome photo editor to work with but for having such a cool side project and for letting us participate.
The rest of the team and contributors seem cool too.
11.19.2012
Media Monday: Art for Sandy Relief
There is still very much a need for funds to go to relief from the lasting effects of Sandy. Here are two great ways to donate and get something in return - other than that great feeling that you've helped.
20x200 has paired up with Time photo editors to curate a selection of 12 images from legendary photographers. All proceeds from the sale of these images will go to six local charities, all working directly on the ground to aid recovery efforts.
Tonight, Foley Gallery presents #SANDY, a benefit for Sandy relief efforts featuring iPhone photographs by renowned contemporary photographers. 100% of the revenue will be donated to Occupy Sandy and Alison Thompson's Rockaway Relief center run by Third Wave.
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| © Ben Lowy |
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| © Ed Kashi |
If you are in New York and able to attend you can find more information on the facebook event page. If you can't make it you can still buy prints online. Prints are 10x10, $50. Check out the online gallery preview.
11.16.2012
Fresh Work Friday: Conservation Animation
Here's a fun piece promoting conservation at the Philadelphia Zoo.
Directed and animated by the talented Maxwell Sorensen!
Maxwell makes some really cool stuff for his work -
11.14.2012
Joshua Cogan: Tomorrow We Disappear
There is a place where magic still exists.
Since the 1970s, 2,800 performer families have called New Delhi's Kathputli Colony their home. Last year, the government issued relocation permits to the colony residents; the slum is to be bulldozed to make room for New Delhi's first-ever skyscraper, The Raheja Phoenix.
Since the 1970s, 2,800 performer families have called New Delhi's Kathputli Colony their home. Last year, the government issued relocation permits to the colony residents; the slum is to be bulldozed to make room for New Delhi's first-ever skyscraper, The Raheja Phoenix.
Joshua Cogan recently spent four months documenting this time of transition while working on the film Tomorrow We Disappear, to be released next year.
In his fifth exhibit opening at Sixth & I, the Emm
y award-winning photographer showcases a visual journey through India's last colony of magicians, acrobats, and puppeteers as part of FotoWeekDC’s 2012 festival. He will be joined by the beautiful musical stylings of V:shal Kanwar. Experience the last remnants of this culture born out of folk art and molded by poverty.
RSVP to the opening. Exhibit on view through January 31, 2013
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| © Joshua Cogan |
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| © Joshua Cogan |
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| © Joshua Cogan |
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| © Joshua Cogan |
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| © Joshua Cogan |
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| © Joshua Cogan |
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| © Joshua Cogan |
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| © Joshua Cogan |
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| © Joshua Cogan |
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| © Joshua Cogan |
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| © Joshua Cogan |
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| © Joshua Cogan |
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| © Joshua Cogan |
11.12.2012
Media Monday: Disappearance of Darkness
The Disappearance of Darkness: Photography at the End of the Analog Era
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| Robert Burley |
“To be present at these events made me realize I was witnessing not only a radical change in my medium but also a dizzying moment in history.”
Robert Burley began documenting the demise of analog photography manufacturers in 2005. The book of this project was published this month by Princeton Architectural Press. The book is hardcover, 160 pages, featuring 71 large format prints.
“The book marks a point in time when photography – at least photography as practiced by the majority – ceased to be a physical medium,” says Burley. “Photographs are no longer material objects created on film or paper – they have become dematerialized data stored in a cloud somewhere else. This alters one of the photograph’s most important characteristics – it’s relationship to time and place.”
A review by Pete Brook from "Wired":....'Part documentary, part devotional gesture, The Disappearance of Darkness includes essays of fantastic insight by Alison Nordstrom, curator at George Eastman House; François Cheval, chief curator of the Niepce Museum; and Andrea Kunard, associate curator of photographs at the National Gallery of Canada. There’s much to contemplate and as such the book is a photography nerd’s tome. Nordstrom writes:
“The advent of chemical photography was sudden and celebrated. [...] Perhaps no technological invention since movable type has so profoundly affected how and what we know or remember, and how we understand ourselves. Unlike the start of this phenomenom, however, the end has come, in T.S. Eliot’s words, ‘not with a bang but a whimper.’”
Even though Burley now sees the shuttering of former film manufacturers as “inevitable,” and even though he witnessed closures and demolition first-hand, he doesn’t yet know exactly what it all means.'
At this pivotal point in the history of photography, what do you think it all means?
11.08.2012
Who's Shooting What.....
11.05.2012
Media Monday: Hurricane Aftermath
We feel very lucky that our New York office was not affected by the Hurricane. We rode the storm out while on a quick trip to DC and made it back to NYC after a couple of extra days. We've seen firsthand some of the devastation caused and we've been viewing tons of images coming out in the media.
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| Before: General views of Casino Pier in Seaside Heights, New Jersey on Jun. 21, 2012. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/WireImage) After: The roller coaster at the Casino Pier in Seaside Heights, NJ on Nov. 1, 2012, just days after the boardwalk was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. (Photo by Bonnie Jo Mount/The Washington Post via Getty Images) |
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The media coverage of the storm allows people all over the country to see the short and long-term affects of the storm. If you're not in the area and still want to help, here are some options:
11.02.2012
Fresh Work Friday: Maps!
We will be revealing several cool new projects from the talented
Maxwell Sorensen in the coming weeks! To begin, here is a new animated music video he did for These United States.
Maxwell Sorensen in the coming weeks! To begin, here is a new animated music video he did for These United States.
This video is a hybrid of handmade objects and computer animation. Maxwell photographed the handmade characters and many fabric textures and then put everything back together in the computer. Most of this project was done in After Effects, with a little bit of Illustrator and Photoshop work along the way....and a ton of rendering at the end.
There are various references to Maxwell's life and interests in the video - including the 1986 Ford in which he learned to drive stick. Go, Max, go!
10.26.2012
Fresh Work Friday: Confidence in Motion
Here's a recent Subaru ad photographed by Eric Prine:
Great working with Adasia and the fantastic crew. If you need any tips on where to pick apples or pumpkins this fall near New York, we've got a list!
10.22.2012
Helloooo Cleveland!
Attic Fire recently photographed the Cleveland Museum of Art
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| © Attic Fire |
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| © Attic Fire |
What a fun mix of classic and modern...check out more here!
10.18.2012
10.15.2012
Media Monday! Intriguing!!
Heard of the Nokia 808 PureView? Neither had we. It's a cell phone. With a 41 MP CAMERA. During a debate party full of photo industry people it was mentioned and we had to have our own debate. Is it real? Is it necessary? Is it totally CRAZY?
It is indeed real and there is a great review of the camera, not the phone, from Digital Photography Review.
If you don't have time to read it all, here's their final word:
"The 808 proves that Nokia can innovate, and its PureView technology has piqued the interest of serious photographers, being one of the most important innovations - arguable the most important - in mobile photography since the smartphone era dawned five or so years ago. As such, the 808 is intriguing not just in itself, but because of what it represents. Things could be about to get interesting...."
What do you think? What implications could this have for the future of digital photography, if any?
10.12.2012
Fresh Work Friday - Tequila!
Brian Leatart had some fun shooting for Tequilero,
a new magazine dedicated to everything Tequila!
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| © Brian Leatart |
10.10.2012
Cabin in the Woods....
No, not this Cabin in the Woods:
This one is a little more 'homey' and a lot less terrifying!
I'm sure you'd love to spend some time (maybe not alone) in this gorgeous Jackson Hole, WY cabin photographed by Attic Fire:
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| © Attic Fire |
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| © Attic Fire |
Be careful... it's isolated out there.
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| © Attic Fire |
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