You are currently browsing tylersharpphotography’s articles.
The PDN Pulse blog is a great news source, with numerous daily updates on developments and stories in the photography realm, and this little gem showed up in my RSS feed today.
Titled: “Producers of New Instant Film for Polaroid Cameras To Open New York Store,” it details a little more of Polaroids comeback at the hands of some motivated individuals at the Impossible Project.
For those who didn’t know, they are producing PX 100 and PX 600 black and white instant film packs, for use in vintage Polaroid SX-70 and 600 cameras. There are 8 instant pictures in a pack, for about $21.
They have opened a store in New York, where the film can be purchased, and the film is also available online. The rest of the story can be found here.
Polaroid Packs can be ordered on The Impossible Project’s website here.
Hooray for the Impossible Project, and the comeback of Polaroid. Happy Shooting.
When video and still camera systems finally merged in DSLR’s, it was a natural, and progressive step that was nothing short of revolutionary.
It has altered the lives of many photographer/filmmakers for the better, and will continue to do so as the technology improves, and catches up with the demands and dreams of those of us who use it professionally. Video DSLRs are a phenomenon that will continue to gain momentum and respect, and will ultimately become a cornerstone in producing professional, dynamic work from the field.
However, because the concept and capabilities of video DSLRs are still in their infancy, subtle, calculated use of these cameras can provide photographers, videographers, and journalists with rare opportunities of access. Authorities, security, and the State at large have not really caught on to the concept yet, and we are thus offered a temporary cloak of video secrecy.
Photographers can operate under their usual moniker and not experience the harassment, scrutiny, or rejection that a videographer might receive in the same venue. And armed with a DSLR capable of video, a simple suffix difference on a credentials badge gives the photographer the advantage in many situations, even exclusive access, and precious footage.
For instance, while filming on assignment in Lahore, Pakistan, I visited the Badshahi Mosque a number of days in a row. I was allowed to take my Nikon D3 inside, even with large lenses, but not allowed to take the Canon XH-A1 video camera. If my D3 would’ve had video capabilities at the time, I could’ve filmed as much as I wanted, unbothered by the security that patrolled the 17th century sandstone marvel, and come away with breathtaking footage.
Likewise, in Moscow, three different undercover agents stopped us for trying to film with a shoulder mounted video camera in Red Square, asking us for permits and credentials. Meanwhile, I continued to photograph at will, even on a tripod, unbothered, and unwatched.
The list could go on, but I think you get the point, and might even be starting to plot yourself.
This temporary loop in the system will undoubtedly dwindle, hand in hand, with the rapid progress and escalating popularity of DSLR video. But with a deft and subtle dash of espionage, photographers and journalists can still operate under the video radar in otherwise forbidden locations.
After all, you are only taking pictures, right?
Dallas is full of good photographers, however, it is not full of good print studios.
More times than should be the case, I have had a friend or fellow photographer ask me where I print my photographs, or if I could recommend a good print studio. Well that is what I am here to do today. For any who are searching, or are currently dissatisfied with impersonal and sub-par printing, I have some advice; go to Artizen.
At 1211 Dragon St in the Design District, they are right across the street from Photographs Do Not Bend Gallery. The owner, who is a good family friend of mine, has been involved with the photography and print industry since the 70′s, and the in house master printmaker, Damon, can print just about anything you can imagine. They have a wide range of archival papers, canvases, substrates, and even UV coated, sticky backed photo paper for outdoor use. Damon is not just a master printer, he is an artist, and will work with you to create something unique, professional, and innovative.
I print all of my photographs there, and had an amazing experience during the printing of my solo show back in October at the Cube Creative. Damon knows things about image making and post production that most of us don’t, and he makes photographs look better than you ever thought was possible. Hal Samples and Dylan Hollingsworth print most of their work there, and even a good portion of La Reunion’s materials have been printed there.
In my opinion, Artizen’s quality of equipment, materials, and technical expertise is un-matched in the city of Dallas, and even pushes the envelope of printing innovation across the country, even internationally. I suggest you give it a try.
Drop by, or send Damon an email: ddaniels@artizenfinearts.com, and tell him you want the Photopolus special! 
Happy Printing!
Artizen Studios
1211 Dragon Street
Dallas, TX 75207-4005
(214) 979-2160
Dear Fellow Photo Snipers, I just wanted to share some exciting news…
A photo story that I wrote about Lee Harvey’s was just published online for Pictory Magazine’s theme, A Neighborhood Treasure. It is story #6, and both the patron’s of Lee Harvey’s or I couldn’t be happier.
Enjoy: http://www.pictorymag.com/showcases/neighborhood-treasure/
When I saw this theme, I knew immediately that I wanted to shine a small documentary light on my favorite bar down the street, and so I waited for the right time to get a good shot. On the night of the record snow a few weeks ago, I walked down the street hoping to walk into an empty bar, in an effort to get a unique picture that accurately represents the bar we all know and love. I explained to Kevin (the bartender in the photo) that I was writing this story, and asked if I could take his picture once I was all set up. He was extremely helpful, and even excited to be a part of my project.
I set up a small wireless flash unit with a diffuser and some colored gels on top of the fireplace in front of the bar, and carefully selected the best angle. When I was all ready, I told him to pour me a four fingers of Maker’s, and then snapped this frame. I was very pleased with the results, and apparently so was Pictory Magazine.
I talked to the owner of Lee Harvey’s last night, and though he really liked the story, he said, “couldn’t you take out the part about the toilet overflowing in the bathroom?” As much as I would like to accommodate his request, the toilet in the men’s bathroom is pretty frisky, and makes the place all the more charming to me.
I hope that you like the story, and if you haven’t been to Lee Harvey’s before, then you should go, and ask to see the cat testicles.
P.S. If you are interested, the original, un-edited version of the story is on my site here.
Hello Photopolus fans, Tyler Sharp here. Some of you may know me, most of you don’t, but I will be attempting to contribute to this wonderful website on a regular basis, starting now.
In a quest to establish myself as an accredited photojournalist, I have been scouring various websites, blogs, and publications in search of the best work, the most dramatic methods, and the most poignant photo essays. Consider it surveying the competition.
Without a doubt, one of the most prestigious of arenas for photojournalists and emerging photographers is burn magazine, an online publication curated by David Alan Harvey. For one, if you don’t know Mr. Harvey’s work, you should. He is a full member of the Magnum Photo collective, has shot over 40 articles for National Geographic, and has won countless awards and honors over the years. He conducts and teaches photo workshops all over the world, runs numerous blogs, founded, and now curates this photographic realm of genius.
The site is open to submissions, both single images and photographic essays, but they only accept and publish the highest caliber of material. I have submitted a number of times to no avail, but see it as a very clear and admirable goal to pursue. They also offer a grant from their Emerging Photographer’s Fund, which is $15,000 this year, to breathe life into a photographer’s personal project of either journalistic or artistic imperatives. The deadline for proposals is April 15th, 2010, and the winner will be announced in June of 2010.
I highly recommend viewing some of the published work on the site, as it is some of the best around. Enjoy.
www.photopolus.etsy.com
