Monday, April 29, 2019

The National Press Photographers Foundation Appointment and Michel du Cille Fund

Earlier this year, I accepted an appointment to the National Press Photographers Foundation board.  The NPPF is a non-profit organization that promotes photojournalists through providing grants and scholarships for education and continuing projects.  This is quite an honor to be associated with such a noble cause that not only helps a photographer grow but helps to share their work with others. 

Many times the public overlooks the importance of photojournalists.  Our goal is to amplify their significance and stress the important role visual storytelling has to society.  Thus the work we do helps photographers; enhancing their storytelling skills of the important issues of the day.  Helping one benefits the entire profession. 

Since joining the board, we have begun raising funds for the Michel du Cille Fellowship and Scholarship. Michel was honored for three Pulitzer Prizes in Photography, 1986 1988 & 2008.  Needless to say he was a talented and concerned photographer who made compelling and storytelling images.  He worked at the Miami Herald and The Washington Post.  He was a kind soul who mentored many and was a friend to all. In 2014, he died while covering the Ebola crisis in Liberia.

I was fortunate to meet Michel when we students at Indiana University.  We were friends ever since.  I along with many who knew him are honoring his memory and dedication to photojournalism.  

The NPPF is having a print auction to fund this project.  We put out a call for photographers to donate a print to be auction off.  The response was overwhelming.  Nearly 200 images were donated.  What other profession would have such an outpouring of support?  I am humbled and truly overwhelmed by the willingness of so many to help.  They are doing it for Michel.  They are doing it to support photojournalism.  They are doing it, “because this is what we do” (A favorite Michel saying.)
Frank Folwell and I organizing prints late one night. 
Frank Folwell with the David Hume Kennerly image of President Bush and Michelle Obama
Each image has a caption, photographer's bio and print information. 
NPPF board member Frank Folwell has taken the lead in coordinating and managing the images, compiling information, making prints and assembling the work for the online auction. In a limited quantity, this collection of historical and iconic photographs has been printed using archival museum-quality paper and inks.  Each one is personally signed by the photographer. 

Among those who have provided prints for the auction, David Hume Kennerly, David Burnett, Mannie Garcia, Michael O’Brien, Eli Reed, Carol Guzy, Diana Walker, Michel du Cille, Barbara Kinney, Larsen & Talbert, Nikki Kahn and Joe McNally. A memorable picture of Rosa Parks taken by Michel du Cille is included in the auction.

A gallery of several of the photographers who donated prints.  

Nikki Kahn
Carolyn Kaster

Leena Jayaswal 

Dennis Brack 

Win McNamee

Susan Biddle 

Please look at the outstanding images at the auction.  It is up for a limited time, May 1- May 15, 2019.  https://paddle8.com/auction/NPPF

More info about NPPF at http://www.NPPF.org
contact Larry Levin at Levin@nppf.org 
@NPPA
@NPPFoundation
@NPPFscholars
#NPPFduCilleAuction
#NPPFphotoAuction
#PhotoPrintAuction

Sunday, April 07, 2019

The Importance of Quality Real Estate Photography

Exterior shot in HDR with full frame sensor
The Importance of Quality Real Estate Photography

It might look easy but in actuality it is such an important sales tool that can't be taken for granted.  As you know, we are a visual society.  Our most precious memories are captured in photographs. We learn better with visuals.  And, we are enticed to buy things by images..

Good images provide you a leg up to market your property.  Making your place look great in photographs demands a professional photographer.  High-end equipment, knowing how to utilize the light and proper post-production are essential tools to quality photography.

Living room and dinning room.  Lines and angles are straight
A camera with a full sensor and large file size capture detail and in all lighting conditions that means better image quality.  The use of HDR (High Definition Resolution) creates images that captures a combination of lighting and brings out details in the photos.  

Various light sources and it looks natural
It is vital to show how the light showers each room.  Positioning, proper exposure and use of all available lights are the qualities that emphasize your space and how it looks.  

Great room and you can see the fire in the fireplace.

The most important aspect is make sure lines are straight and angles are true in your images.  The rooms must not look distorted.  Tilting your camera or a wide-angle lens can distort the room. Proper use of post-production techniques, will straighten lines and make the room look natural.  

For an estimate or any questions please send me an email larrylevin@larrymail.net

Photographs copyright 2019 Laurence L. Levin 
All rights reserved. No publications rights granted without written permission.
Instagram @larrylevin


Wednesday, April 03, 2019

Cherry Blossoms

Selective focusing
April 04--Tidal Basin--Washington, DC--Every year, there is a migration of people to the tidal basin to view the Cherry Blossoms.  No matter how many times over how many years you go, you still go again.  The change in weather, the vibrancy of color, or just to get up at sunrise to make the official start of spring, photographing the flowers is a necessity.  Every time is different, but the challenge is to make images differently from previous visits.  This year the challenge was to use selective focusing and depth of field.  And most importantly for me to stay out of other photographers' images and try to keep them out of mine.  One exception of course!

All images made with the Nikon Z6.

Washington Monument
Jefferson Memorial
As departing the park, just one more situation. 
Copyright 2019 Laurence L. Levin
All Rights Reserved. No publishing or usage granted without permission.
Instagram @larrylevin
LinkedIN Laurence L. Levin 
Facebook Larry Levin 
Rated #1 2019 DC Event Photographer by Peerspace