Obama Inaguration via GigaPan and advanced photo techniques

ExpressDigital's Weekly Run Down
Photography News that's Fit to Blog (This Week)
by Kerry Raminiak

The Webby Award nominees have been announced. Of particular interest to photographers are Best Use of Photography and Self-Promotion/Portfolio sites, although there are nearly 70 categories with up to five nominees in each --resulting in an entire day lost if you are so inclined. FYI: The Webby Awards are the “Oscar” for websites and typically become the annual benchmarks of website technologies and trends. We pay close attention as we make plans to improve PhotoReflect templates and functionality.

Fascinating article from Smash Mag condensing tips and tricks in artistic photography. They make it seem like anybody can do high speed, tilt-shift, motion blur, smoke art and more high-impact and truly beautiful pieces. I’m an intimidated rookie but this had gotten me inspired as the days get longer and the weather nicer. (Source credit: Twitter Follower @smashingmag)

And, finally. We’ve been holding on to this item for a while, but it is still worth a mention... especially since we can use it to commemorate the President's first 100 days in office.

David Bergman’s GigaPan of President Obama’s Inaugural Address is pretty incredible. We spent a little too much time spying on the upper deck and trying to identify famous people and politicians sitting just behind the president (whom, we also noticed had his eyes closed). Though our application uses for the product are pretty limited the results are nonetheless splendid. If you are gigapanning, let us know, comment with a link.

Don’t forget that our Facebook Friends and Twitter Followers are privy to special contests. We also like to send shout-outs to friends with really cool pictures and ideas (see, for example, the @smashingmag reference above).

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Look 'Ma No Photographer

I recently heard about a new concept that caught my attention. A professional photo studio located in a mall that has everything a normal studio would have except for a photographer. It is called Pose and is being tested at Quail Springs Mall in Oklahoma City. My sources tell me that this concept is being tested by the same folks that developed Glamour Shots many years ago. They have a track record and this concept might just work. It seems to be the photo booth of the digital teenager and young adult generation. Here is how it works straight from their website at www.posestudio.com:

Professional Photo studio. Professional Portraits. No Photographer.
Professional Lighting & Camera. Professional Background. No Photographer.
It takes less than 5 minutes to get 20 professional portraits.
POSE yourself. Get just what YOU want.

How does POSE work?
No reservations needed. No Session fee. No obligation to buy.
Simply walk into the studio, press the red button and POSE.
You have 15 seconds after pressing the red button before your portrait session will begin.
POSE takes a portrait every 10 seconds for a total of 20 professional portraits!
After your session, enter up to 6 email addresses (or a 10 digit phone number) to use as your POSE password.
You will receive a link to your POSE images via email.
You can order onsite at the POSE Studio or online.
We ship portraits directly to your home. Fast.

What do I bring to POSE?
Bring your friends. Bring your family. Bring your favorite things.

How do I POSE for my portraits?
Jump. Sit. Stand. POSE. It's up to YOU.
You don't have to stand still in front of the camera, just move. Turn around. Slight moves, glances and smiles can all create the perfect POSE.

I know many of you pros reading this are close to a full meltdown, however take it for what it is. Here is a link to a few of the photos that have been posted on their Facebook page:

I discovered a trick - type the word "test" in the search box and you will get a few sample sessions.

I have heard from three pro photographers who have actually visited the location and had pictures taken. All three were pleasently surprised with the ease of use, but disappointed with the website and on-line after session experience. I will be visiting the location in the next few weeks and look forward to reporting back.

Check it out and let me know your thoughts.

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