Danica Patrick needs a Photographer

[jimmyd]

Originally Posted by R_Fredrick_Smith

So the question is why did the SI artistic team not go the extra mile and do some creative post processing?
Cheers,
rfs

Post budget? Or a reduced post budget? Who knows. Here's another reality possbily worth pondering, one that has nothing to do with photography: SI knows they're gonna sell the same number (or more) of magazines regardless of whether they pour a ton of cash into the production and post of these swimsuit shoots or not... plus web and video/TV applications that generate revenue. More money spent, in the minds of the beancounters, doesn't equal more in terms of sales and licensing for something as branded and iconic as SI's Swimsuit Edition.

[lsc1]

Well jimmyD, if they're gonna let a little thing like money get in the way of producing some kick ass images , I say we (collective we as in G1 members) release the "Ports Illustrated No Swimsuit" issue simultaneously next year. That'll teach those bean counting back office people a thing or two.

[Bodyscapes]

I find this thread very insightful to the real life of a top level professional photographer.

I remember watching a program (can't remember it's name) a few years ago where they pitted three junior photographers in a competition against each other. These were studio shoots where each photographer had the resources of a stylist, hair and make-up pro, and studio assistants. The photographer had to make all the choices, with the help of their respective experts, for the shoot. They were under the pressure of a time limit.

In the end they were judged by pro photographers and a magazine editor. The winner was given a contract to shoot for the magazine.

This was, as an aspiring photographer, the best "reality" show that I've ever viewed on my television. Another show (again I only saw it once) was where they had 3 or 4 or 5 photographers do a timed shoot in a particular location and their work was judged against each other. Another insight on how a pro works within the elements of a shoot.

Many of you here on G1, who's work I admire, hold workshops. I wonder if there's a desire/demand by those of us out there who have aspirations to produce photographs near to your work to compete in non-pro competition of this sort where you would be the judge? The reward to the winner may be product from a sponsor and/or working with you on a shoot. I think this would be a huge learning experience.

My $0.02 Canadian

[Al_Nowak]

Originally Posted by Bodyscapes

I wonder if there's a desire/demand by those of us out there who have aspirations to produce photographs near to your work to compete in non-pro competition of this sort where you would be the judge? The reward to the winner may be product from a sponsor and/or working with you on a shoot. I think this would be a huge learning experience.

Arrrrggghhhhh, Photography as a competitive sport. What next? A point system for judging photos? 1 to 10 for focus, exposure, composition, lighting, model, background, etc...

Photography is too damn subjective to be a competitive sport. Look at any photo contest results, and 9 times out of 10 you'll probably say "Why in heaven's name did they pick THAT crap as the winner? Don't believe me? Check out Pop Photo's contest ANY year...

The reality "competition" shows are interesting, but I seriously doubt that they reflect the real world. They ran "The Shot" competitive photography TV series here in the states recently. In each case, the models, location, and apparently even lens selection was predetermined and the photographer was dropped into the sitiuation with a few minutes to get a shot. With luck, the photographer did a bit of set dressing, related to the model, and did some rudimentary lighting setup before shooting.

The image judges were Russell Stewart, a photographer, some make-up/hair stylist guy I had never heard of, and some woman who left so little impression on me I have no idea who she was or what she did. Did I agree with their "winners"? Not always..., some images obviously stood out, but in the majority of cases it could have gone several ways IF the result was based solely on the images.

So how are you going to judge these images? Extra points for perky nipples, inches of bare skin exposed, hair style improvised at the shoot, or what? How about emotional content? Easy to judge right? Then there's aesthetics... it staggers the mind. How about sexual content? 10 points for wood?

Gimme a break...