email: info@jasonswales.info

Focus on Imaging 2012

Register for the greatest show in the country and be amazed…

 

The Focus on Imaging conference and show returns to the NEC in Birmingham on the 4th to the 7th March 2012. (image courtesy of Focus) 

If you haven’t experienced this event in the past, then make 2012 the year that you make the effort and register on line for the date of your choice. All days are busy, so there isn’t any real advantage as to which day you attend, however, if you want to hold out for any last minute offers, then the last day sees most exhibitors reduce their show stock to some great bargain prices.

Also, this year there is an App available for download via the iTunes store that shows everything you will need for the show. So with that in hand and your pass, the floor is yours to try new cameras, lenses, bags, accessories, prints etc. One last thing, take your camera with you if you want to take some model shots on set, ideally with a 70mm – 200mm f/2.8, a 1.4 teleconverter would also be of benefit.

Once downloaded and installed on your phone this App is an ideal companion for the show itself. It provides information on the lead up to the event and videos of the how the event is put together.

For the event itself there is loads of information and guides of what’s on, where and times of demonstrations to name a few. Also there is a neat section to follow any updates via Twitter and Facebook if you wish.

The information section gives you the most common question and answers, where the video at the time of this post allows you to view three images, one of which is the highlights of the 2011 exhibition.

The news section is updated regularly and gives you updates on who is trading and links to other Apps, for example the Flash Centre, which is always a stand worth visiting with some helpful and friendly staff on hand.

So, if you haven’t already downloaded the App or registered for a place, perhaps it is time to do it today?

500px makes your images easier to display

Upgrading to ‘awesome’ gives you the option for a simple portfolio…

 

Finally, there is an application that allows photographers the opportunity to display their work in a professional manner, not only in a great design, but also in a manner that allows an easy user interface.

500px.com is the site and once inside it you will not only be able to view other photographer’s work, but will also see how easy it is to upload your own work for others to view. There are two types of account, a basic version, which in itself is extremely useful, but for an additional $50 dollars, you can upgrade to the ‘awesome’ version, which is the version you want if you would like to take advantage of displaying your work in a portfolio. The advantages of this are fairly self explanatory, but the ease of use is what makes it so popular and friendly to the user who is new to this type of presentation.

Once you have set up your account details, you can then set some personal preferences and link your 500px site to other applications, for example twitter, flickr etc. My personal view is that it may well take over the popularity of flickr, especially if the user requires are more professional screen and viewing experience. Whilst flickr has it’s advantages and upgrades allow a cleaner interface, 500px will appeal to photographers who want to show their best work. Ipad and IOS 5 platforms also support the interface, so displaying your portfolio is easier to view and has a very quick response time.

One of the great things about the site is the ability for others to leave ‘affections’ for your images, comment on them and generally make you feel good about your work. With this type of confidence and encouragement, it can only lead you onto taking further images and then adding them to your account as you progress.

I have uploaded a few images into my account and I will, over time add more, allowing for only the best images to be part of the account.

So, if you are not using it, or have not heard of it before, go over to the site and take a look. My site can be found here.