There’s nothing quite like capturing a child’s wonder for life — the curiosity, the surprise, the discovery.

But photographing these moments requires a special kind of photographer, one who not only knows how to snap a portrait but also understands what it takes to bring out a child’s emotions.

In the latest interview of Advancing Your Photography, Marc Silber sits down with accomplished child and baby photographer Lena Hyde for an in depth discussion of what you can do to improve your own family photography.

Lena’s claim to fame resides in her uncanny ability at connecting with children. With experience taking portraits of kids of every age — from newborns through young adults — Lena has developed a naturalness in both method and style that manages to bring out the best in her clients’ families.

Watch the interview and you’ll learn all about:

1. Natural Lighting — Lena makes it a point never to use artificial light sources. To do this she stays away from in-studio shoots and is constantly on the hunt for the best spots for natural lighting. Watch and learn as she offers a few tips that you can use in getting the right light for your shoot.

2. Photographing Children –If you’ve ever tried to get a kid to sit still and smile for a picture, you know how hard photographing children can be. But for Lena, this is an obstacle she has turned into an advantage. Listen in as she describes how to make a child feel comfortable during a photo shoot… as well as her amazing ability at using finger-puppets WHILE shooting.

3. The Importance of Environment — “I spend the time to go to the client and shoot in their world,” Lena says. “This makes it more comfortable for the family being on their own turf.” Plus, as Lena points out, nothing matches better with the walls of a home than photographs taken in the home itself.

To see more of Lena Hydes’ tips and techniques on how to improve your child photography, watch the latest episode of Advancing Your Photography with Marc Silber. Also, be sure to check out more of Lena’s amazing work at her website, www.LenaHyde.com.

Photo © Lena Hyde 2010 All Rights Reserved.

   © Patrick Roddie 2009

I recently interviewed well-known Burning Man photographer Patrick Roddie on Advancing Your Photography. Roddie is a self-taught photographer and he shares some great tips for portrait photography that he’s learned while shooting his Burning Man photos for the past 13 years.

Patrick doesn’t follow a strict checklist of techniques when it comes to photographing people. Instead, he focuses on connecting with people and capturing the moment. You’ll see examples of how he does this in our show, along with his stunning results.

He told me he first learned photography by taking pictures of “stuff,” and wasn’t sure how to approach and take pictures of people, he was a bit timid in fact.  When he started shooting at Burning Man he said his photography took a radical shift and he overcame his fear of capturing intimate and candid photographs. As a point of advice, he said if you are yourself and trust yourself, capturing portraits are much easier than you may think.

Roddie approaches every portrait by maintaining eye contact with his subject as he frames the photo in his mind and raises his camera to quickly take the shot. If you worry too much about lenses or F-Stops, you might miss the moment. But on the other hand he describes how you have to have your equipment always on the ready, like an emergency kit—don’t get caught off guard.

Tune in to AYP and watch the show. Then tell me what you learned and attach a sample of your own candids or get out and capture your own images and send them along!

Have you ever wanted to capture the great moments in your travels, but just don’t know where to begin? Well, who better to learn from than a three-time Travel Photographer of the Year award-winner?

In the latest interview of Advancing Your Photography, Marc Silber sits down with award-winning travel photographer Bob Holmes to offer some answers to this question, as well as an in depth discussion of what you can do to improve your own travel and outdoor photography.

With a career marked by several successful decades in the industry, Bob Holmes is a globe-trotting photographer who has captured breathtaking photos everywhere from the snow-capped mountains of Nepal to the rocky shores of the California coast. He has worked for magazines like National Geographic, Lonely Planet and Departures, and has been the sole photographer for 46 books. Perhaps most impressively, Bob has been named Travel Photographer of the Year a record three times.

Watch the interview and you’ll learn all about:

1. Learning to See Light — As primarily an outdoor photographer, Bob does not like to use artificial light. Watch the interview as he talks about the importance of seeing light not with your eyes, but recognizing how the camera would see it. Most people don’t see, Bob says, because they’re too busy looking.

2. Composition — As a photographer, you are responsible for what you choose to leave in (as well as what you choose to leave out) of your photos. Listen to Bob talk about the importance of always scanning the edges of your frames, and why there should never be anything in it that you did not intend to be in it.

3. Photography is like a Violin — “Keep shooting,” Bob tells us. “Shoot as much as you can. Photography is deceptively simple. You can’t expect to pick up a violin and play it within a week, and you can’t expect to pick up a camera and take great photos within a week. It just doesn’t happen.”

To see more of Bob Holmes’ tips and techniques on how to improve your travel and outdoor photography, watch the latest episode of “Advancing Your Photography” with Marc Silber. Also, be sure to check out more of Bob’s amazing work at his website, www.RobertHolmesPhotography.com.

Photos Copyright Robert Holmes

Photo copyright Jim Goldstein

It’s two interviews for the price of one today at The Marc Silber Show!

We’ve been busy here at SilberStudios.tv, and now we have two great interviews to share with you. Acclaimed landscape photographer Jim Goldstein and award-winning wildlife photographer Florian Schulz each sit down with us for a set of engaging, informative interviews.

In the first, watch as we chat with Jim Goldstein and pick his brain on how to capture captivating images of nature.

Jim’s nature and fine art photography has been featured in numerous publications such as Outdoor Photographer and Popular Photography, as well as Penthouse Magazine and Huffington Post. His work is characterized by a deep passion for landscapes and travel, and this comes across in the enthusiasm with which he offers tips and techniques that you can use to improve your own photography.

Watch the interview and you’ll learn all about:

1. The Importance of Foreground — Try to craft a very sharp foreground. Jim advises to give your viewer something clear to latch on to in your photographs (whether it’s a rock formation or an animal’s eyes), and then their attention will go to somewhere outside of this focus point.

2. Golden Hour Lighting — The short hour when the sun is resting on the horizon offers a nature photographer some of the best lighting of the day. And since choosing the right light is half the battle, take full advantage of Golden Hour Lighting.

3. Exploration — For Jim, exploration is as important as creation in photography. This is because the exhilaration of discovering something unique can propel you to strive harder for that original image, and this eagerness and curiosity will show up in your photographs.

In our second interview, watch as wildlife photographer Florian Schulz discusses his thrilling career photographing planet Earth’s most beautiful creatures.

Florian’s work has earned him multiple accolades, including the award for BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Conservation Photographer of the Year by the National Wildlife Foundation. He has photographs featured in the Natural History Museum in New York, as well as a number of exhibits currently touring the country.

Florian believes photography should be a mix of adventure and gaining world experiences, and this enthusiasm for life is matched in intensity only by his dedication to long-term nature conservation photography projects.

Watch the interview and you’ll learn all about:

1. Capturing the Natural World — Listen to Florian as he discusses the importance of “immersing yourself in the natural world.” As a wildlife photographer, you are working on nature’s terms, so it is essential that you familiarize yourself with them.

2. Thinking of the Bigger Picture –Before you shoot, think about the story that is connected with the image. Watch Florian as he describes how to capture the narrative behind the photograph.

3. Dramatic Foreground– Watch as Florian talks about the importance of creating  eye-catching foregrounds that will leave viewers wanting more.

To see more tips and tricks on how to improve your wildlife photography, watch our interview with Florian Schulz. Also, to learn more about capturing incredible landscape photographs, watch our interview with Jim Goldstein.

After you watch the videos, let us know what you think. What did you learn from Jim and Florian?

Marc Silber Show guests win multiple Photo District News (PDN) Photo Annual 2010 awards.

PDN is an award-winning magazine focusing on the photographic community. Since 1980 PDN has been a premier source for breaking photo industry news, in-depth feature stories and work from today’s best emerging photographers.

The Marc Silber Show congratulates four of our past guests for winning PDN awards for their amazing work! Click on their links below to catch their videos if you haven’t yet, to find out what their secret sauce is!

Baldomero Fernandez  took home the Magazine/Editorial category with a photograph of actress Carla Gugino for the cover of New York Moves magazine.

Chase Jarvis won the advertising category with his awesome SanDisk Extreme Pro campaign.

RJ Muna secured the Corporate Design/Photo Product category with his series of marketing images created for the ODC Dance Company. And,

John Lund captured the Stock Photography category with his sumo stock series.

See all the PDN Photo Annual 2010 winners here:

Way to go guys and thanks again for giving us an inside look into your world of photography!

And after you watch, tell us what you learned and if you’re brave, attach one of your own photos.

Photo Copyright Matthew Jordan Smith

In the latest episode of “Advancing Your Photography,” Marc Silber sits down with successful fashion and portrait photographer Matthew Jordan Smith to discuss his unique style, as well as his tips and techniques on how to make people look and feel beautiful.

With a vibrant style and genuine enthusiasm for the art of photography, Matthew Jordan Smith has created beautiful images for magazines like Elle, Essence and Brides. He has done ad campaigns for Olay, and his list of subjects reads like a who’s-who of Hollywood’s most recognizable celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey, Tyra Banks, Mandy Moore and Samuel L. Jackson.

The allure of Matthew’s work centers on his ability to connect with people and identify what makes them beautiful. This unique skill is what lends his photographs genuine emotion, and his dedication to building a relationship with every person he shoots is central to what he sees as the foundation of great portrait photography.

Watch the interview and you’ll learn all about:

1. The Importance of Research — Before every shoot, Matthew makes sure he knows exactly how he wants to photograph a particular subject. That means looking at how the person has been photographed in the past and making notes about what works and what doesn’t. Listen as Matthew talks about other tips he uses when setting up a shoot.

2. Imitate the Sun –The single most important technique Matthew uses in lighting for a shoot is to use the sun as your guide. In the interview Matthew talks about which positions the sun is at its most useful, and how you can use this knowledge when setting up your own shoot.

3. Developing Your Own Creative Stamp — After all the tricks of the trade are mastered, Matthew says, the only way to become a great photographer is to truly be secure in who you are. Watch as Matthew describes why this is key to stamping your work with a unique creative signature.

To see more of Matthew Jordan Smith’s tips and techniques on how to improve your portrait and fashion photography, watch the latest episode of “Advancing Your Photography” with Marc Silber. Also, be sure to check out more of Matthew’s amazing work on his site mjs-exp.com.

We’d also like to send a special thanks to Fanlala.com for access to their video of the MJS shoot.

Nelson Mandela. Photo copyright Neal Menschel

In the latest episode of “Advancing Your Photography,” Marc Silber sits down with famed photojournalist Neal Menschel to discuss his career as a photographer, as well as his tips and techniques on how to improve your own photography.

With a career that spans over 25 years, Neal Menschel has photographed some of the most important world events of the last few decades. He captured the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, photographed Nelson Mandela when apartheid ended in South Africa, and has covered half a dozen different presidential elections. He was director of photography at the Christian Science Monitor for 13 years, and his clients have included Newsweek and the New York Times.

Neal’s images capture the depth and emotion indicative of a master photographer. His experiences working as a photojournalist and teacher of photography have given him insight into what it takes to capture incredible photos, and he is unique as an artist in how effectively he is able to teach these techniques to others.

Watch the interview and you’ll learn all about:

1. The Importance of Anticipation — In Neal’s line of work, you never know when the unpredictable will happen. That’s why you always have to be on top of your game and ready to shoot at the drop of a hat. Watch Neal discuss how he keeps himself prepared for any situation.

2. Creating a Rapport with Your Subject — Many of Neal’s photographs manage to capture an emotional depth in his subjects because he has spent the time to get to know them before he even lifts a camera to his eye. Watch as he describes the importance of developing a rapport with the people he is shooting, and how this relationship turns into a “collaboration” that is essential to great photography.

3. How to Capture a Heart-Grabbing Image — From composition and lighting suggestions to the importance of using Sandisk cards (”in ten years I’ve never had one fail,” he says), Neal offers specific tips and tricks on what you can do to create moving, heart-wrenching images.

To see more of Neal Menschel’s tips and techniques on how to improve your photography, be sure to watch the latest episode of “Advancing Your Photography” with Marc Silber. Also, check out more of Neal’s amazing work over at www.nealmenschel.com.

The new site layout!

Hello, everyone! Big news here at SilberStudios.tv – I’m proud to announce the launch of our brand new website!  In addition to a face lift of the overall design, the new site is now integrated with the Silber Studios site.  That means you now have complete and easy access to my photography studio, Silber Studios, which has been home to the Marc Silber Show since 2008.

Beginning with our first photo video, Photowalking with Marc Silber and Robert Scoble back in October of ‘08, the Marc Silber Show has produced nearly 50 subsequent videos.  It’s been a wild ride, and we’ve learned a lot since then (and hopefully you have to).

One of the things we realized was that our initial site design, which listed videos vertically, had become quite unwieldy if you wanted to quickly view all the videos available. So in our quest to make the art of photography as fun, engaging and simple as possible, we decided it was time to update.

Introducing Silber Studios 2.0! With a new grid layout (which allows you to quickly find specific videos), pages that now include 6 links to other videos, an expanded movie player size, and a randomization of which videos are displayed (so you’ll never have the same visual experience on a page), Silber Studios is committed to creating new features that will help you find the best tips and tricks from today’s top photographers.

And that’s just for today! There are some very exciting features coming soon that are still in development, so make sure to stay tuned for future improvements.

In the meantime, I invite you to check out the new site. And don’t forget to leave a comment and share your thoughts.

Photograph © Amy Deputy 2010. All Rights Reserved

In the latest episode of “Advancing Your Photography,” Marc Silber sits down with acclaimed wedding and portrait photographer Amy Deputy to talk about what it takes to capture moving images of wedding ceremonies.

A widely-celebrated photographer in the world of weddings, Amy Deputy has been described by American Photo as among the top ten in the country. Photo District News called her portfolio among the top 15 in the country, and Washingtonian Bride and Groom has chosen her work as some of the best in the area for the past seven years.

Amy’s true talent, from which all her work emerges, is her ability to connect with people. Her photographs capture the singular moments during weddings that are only possible from someone with a deep curiosity of the love and friendship between people, and it is precisely this connection that makes her a unique teacher of the art of photography.

Watch the interview and you’ll learn all about:

1. The Importance of People — To be a great wedding or portrait photographer, says Amy, you have to love people. Plain and simple. Listen to Amy as she talks about her fascination with people, and how her respect for clients helps create an atmosphere of trust and freedom.

2. Amy’s Three Elements of a Wonderful Photograph –For Amy, the foundation to taking a beautiful picture must begin with three very important elements. Watch the interview as she describes each ingredient, as well as what you need to master in order to bring them together.

3. Photography is the Art of Paying Attention — A close friend and mentor of Amy’s once taught her that all people speak the language of the heart. In the interview you’ll hear all about how this mentor changed Amy’s life, and how his lessons can help you drastically improve your own photography.

To see more of Amy Deputy’s tips and techniques on how to improve your wedding photography, be sure to watch the latest episode of “Advancing Your Photography” with Marc Silber. Also, check out more of Amy’s amazing work over at AmyDeputyPhotography.com.

Soccer Player Brandi Chastain. Photograph © John Todd 2010. All Rights Reserved

In the latest episode of “Advancing Your Photography,” Marc Silber sits down with acclaimed sports photographer John Todd to talk about what it takes to capture great action images in sports.

As one of the most respected photographers in the world of sports and soccer, Todd’s clients include Nike, the U.S. Soccer Federation, and the Maverick’s Big Wave Surfing Contest. He is also the team photographer for Major League Soccer’s San Jose Earthquakes and the U.S. Men and Women’s Soccer Teams.

With images that capture the spirit and drama of some of the world’s most gifted athletes, John Todd has made a career out of taking big, bold, beautiful photographs. This also makes him the perfect mentor to photographers who want to improve their game.

Watch the interview and you’ll learn all about:

1. How to Approach a Sports Shoot — Whether you’re photographing your nephew’s youth soccer game or handling a World Cup match with international superstars, John offers important advice on how you should prepare for your shoot. Watch the interview and you’ll learn what he means when he says he approaches every shoot as if it were a “globe.”

2. Simple and Clean — Hear what John has to say about what he considers to be the two most important aspects of an image that pops out and wows.

3. Visualizing the End Result — Echoing photography icon Ansel Adams, John touts the philosophy of preparedness. Hear what he has to say about “seeing with your mind’s eye” and picturing exactly what you want your photograph to look like… before you ever press a button.

To see more of John Todd’s tips and techniques on how to improve your sports photography, be sure to watch the latest episode of “Advancing Your Photography” with Marc Silber. Also, check out more of John’s amazing work over at www.JohnTodd.com.

Photograph © Hunter Freeman 2010. All Rights Reserved

In the latest episode of Advancing Your Photography, Marc Silber sits down with acclaimed creative photographer Hunter Freeman. As a leader in the field of art and advertising photography, Hunter has worked for a wide array of big-name companies, including Apple, Wells Fargo and PG&E.

Whether it’s shooting surreal images of astronauts at the laundromat, a chef decorating a cake or close-ups of the latest Mac computer, Hunter’s expertise in the art of crafting beautiful photographs comes from a uniquely diverse career. This experience makes his advice on the subject of photography virtually indispensable for both beginners and professionals.

Watch the video and you’ll learn all about:

1. “You can’t pose a real moment” — The greatest moments, says Hunter, happen when your subjects aren’t posing. Listen to how he creates a comfortable atmosphere for his shoots, and how these yield “real moments.”

2. Lighting and composition — Whether it’s indoor or out, in the kitchen or on the side of the road, Hunter talks about what it takes to capture the right elements in your photographs. Hear specific tips you can use on improving your lighting and composition techniques.

3. KISS — No, Hunter doesn’t discuss Gene Simmons’ rock band, rather the acronym. “Keep It Simple Stupid” is key to Hunter’s approach to his shoots. Hear how he uses this maxim to streamline his images and craft simple yet engaging photographs.

To see more of Hunter Freeman’s unique advice on how to improve your photography, be sure to watch the latest episode of “Advancing Your Photography” with Marc Silber. Also, check out some of Hunter’s amazing shots over at HunterFreeman.com.

Photograph © Jeff Pflueger 2010. All Rights Reserved

With the Winter Olympics in Vancouver in full swing, photographers the world over are eager to learn what it takes to capture great outdoor shots in extreme environments.

In the 20th episode of “Advancing Your Photography,” Marc Silber gets a chance to learn some of these tips as he sits down for an interview with acclaimed outdoor photographer and photojournalist Jeff Pflueger. Jeff’s work has appeared in publications such as National Geographic, the New York Times, Outside, Men’s Journal and Sunset Magazine, and his assignments have brought him to some of the world’s harshest environments.

Whether it’s traveling north of the arctic circle, up “first ascent” mountain climbs or down class 5 rivers, Jeff’s sense of adventure requires him to maintain a sense of both preparation and spontaneity. This experience infuses his expertise on the subject of photography with the determination and subtlety that are singular to a master photographer.

Watch the video and you’ll learn all about:

1. How to take proper care of your equipment - With a workplace that can be in sub-zero weather or at the mercy of white-water rapids, Jeff is well aware of the importance of keeping your equipment safe from the elements. Hear what he has to say about “babying” your camera and backing up your work.

2. The importance of preparation -  A photographer’s job is to make people interested, so the trick is to show them something new. For Jeff, the key to this is research. In the interview you’ll learn all about how Jeff gets himself ready for a shoot, and why he tries to become an expert in everything he photographs.

3. Jeff’s key piece of advice for beginning photographers - Hear what Jeff calls the simplest, most important piece of advice he offers to people trying to get into photography.

To see more of Jeff Pflueger’s unique advice on how to improve your photography, be sure to watch the latest episode of “Advancing Your Photography” with Marc Silber. Also, check out some of Jeff’s articles and amazing shots over at JeffPflueger.com.

Photograph © Michael Zagaris 2010. All Rights Reserved

In the latest episode of “Advancing Your Photography,” Marc Silber sits down for an interview with acclaimed rock ‘n’ roll photographer Michael Zagaris. As one of the most notable names in both the music and photography worlds, Michael has been the band photographer for acts like The Who, Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones, and is currently the team photographer for both the San Francisco Forty-Niners and the Oakland A’s.

In a career that most artists can only dream of, Michael has picked up countless stories of his days on the road with some of the world’s most famous musicians and athletes. His ideas on style, technique and composition are a unique combination of experience and talent, and his take on the art of photography is unlike any other.

Watch the video and you’ll learn all about:

1.  What it means to be called an “Inside-Out Shooter” — Michael has gained attention over the years for his unique ability to gain insight into his subjects and capture their most intimate moments. Find out how he does it.

2.  What is it like to photograph rock royalty? –  Many of this year’s Grammy nominees appear in Michael’s images: from Carlos Santana, Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton, to Madonna, Bono and Bruce Springsteen (who recently won the award for Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance).

3.  How do you “become what you shoot?” — Though it may sound like a puzzling phrase at first, Michael’s mantra of becoming what you shoot is central to his photography. Listen in on our interview to find out what he means and how you can use it to help strengthen your craft.

To see more of Michael Zagaris’ unique advice on how to improve your photography, be sure to watch the latest episode of “Advancing Your Photography” with Marc Silber. Also, check out some of Michael’s amazing shots over at www.WolfgangsVault.com.

Photograph © Chris Burkard 2009. All Rights Reserved

The latest episode of Advancing Your Photography (AYP) finds the Silber Studios team interviewing surf photography phenom Chris Burkard. At just 23, Burkard has had more success than many photographers twice his age. He has worked for over 35 national and international magazines, is the winner of the first annual Follow The Light Foundation grant, and has been the senior staff photographer for Water Magazine and Surfline.com. He also recently published his first book, The California Surf Project.

With little formal training, Chris brings a raw, youthful enthusiasm to his photography. His shots, whether they’re of surfers jetting through the curl of a wave or the sun rising behind a field of grass, show a unique ability to capture light and composition. In our interview, you’ll learn about Chris’s tips on how to elevate you photography to the next level.

1. Inspiration — The key to taking great photos, says Chris, is finding out what inspires people. Photographers are blessed to able to travel the world and bring little pieces of it back with them through their art, and your goal should be to inspire others to travel in your footsteps.

2. It’s all about the simple moments — Chris finds inspiration in simplicity. As a surf photographer, he prefers to use natural light and document surf culture with native scenes. One key piece of advice he offers is to shoot things and locations that are attainable so people can actually see themselves going there.

3. “The insect perspective” — In trying to get those unique angles, Chris sometimes uses what he calls “the insect perspective.” Get down beneath eye-level and try for a bug’s-eye view of your subjects. You’ll be surprised at the unique shots.

4. Think about what is really significant — Most photographers tend to believe what really matters is their own perspective of what they’re shooting. But as Chris says, many times it’s not what you the photographer are seeing, but rather what your subject is seeing, thinking or feeling. Considering this perspective reversal will increase your awareness and add a whole new layer of depth to your shots.

To learn more about Chris Burkard’s indispensable advice on how to advance your photography, watch the latest episode of AYP. Also, make sure to check out Chris’ site over at burkardphoto.com.

 Photograph © Teru Kuwayama 2009. All Rights Reserved.

In the latest episode of Advancing Your Photography (AYP), I interview photographer Teru Kuwayama, a veteran, well-traveled photographer who has made a name for himself as one of the leading documentary photojournalists in the industry. His work has been featured in magazines such as Outside, Fortune, Newsweek and National Geographic, and he has received numerous awards and accolades, including grants from the Alexia Foundation for World Peace and the New Fork Foundation for the Arts. He is currently on a John S. Knight Fellowship at Stanford University.

Teru’s passion for photography arises out of a need for exploration. He frequently finds himself on assignment in countries throughout Asia and the Middle East, always striving to dig deeper and ask questions. His travels in Pakistan, Iraq and Afghanistan have brought him to the forefront of conflict, and still his curiosity pushes him further. In our interview, you’ll learn about what motivates Teru as a photographer, as well as his advice for  improving your own photography.

1. Curiosity – A desire to travel, to go deeper and to really connect with people plays a key role in Teru’s passionate photography. At the core of his work is sheer curiosity in the way things work, as well as how they don’t, and that should be your first step.

2. Be a contrarian – When Teru is handed an assignment and told to look for a specific shot, he tends to pursue the opposite. He looks for the “counter-narrative” in the story he is being told, and this allows him to be more aware of what’s really happening.

3. Compassion – The only way a viewer will be truly impacted by your work is if there is a palpable feeling between the photographer and subject. Photograph what you are passionate about.

4. Don’t think too much – Photographers, by nature, can be an obsessive breed. Even the best can lose themselves in the minutiae of their work. Ultimately, however, cameras and equipment are just a series of tools  at your disposal, and it is important not to get too distracted by anything more complicated than the act of looking at something beautiful and deciding to record it.

To hear more of Teru’s  advice on how to advance your photography, watch the latest episode of AYP. Also, be sure to check out Teru’s work over at TeruKuwayama.com.

Photograph above © Camille Seaman 2009. All Rights Reserved.

In the latest episode of Advancing Your Photography (AYP), I had the chance to interview artist and photographer Camille Seaman. Aside from having her work featured in magazines like Newsweek, Outside, Men’s Journal, Camera Arts, Issues, PDN and American Photo, Camille has also self-published several books, like Melting Away: Polar Images and My China. On top of that she has won numerous awards, including a National Geographic Award in 2006 and the Critical Mass Top Monograph Award in 2007.

The daughter of a Native American father and an African American mother, Camille offers a unique perspective on the art of photography that is at once an artistic inspiration as well as a practical set of suggestions. Watch the interview and you’ll learn all about:

1. Having a connection to your work – Raised as a part of a small Native American fishing tribe, Camille grew up knowing that she was a part of everything around her. The goal of her photography is to help people feel this connection to their planet.

2. Capturing natural light – Be sensitive to the quality of light wherever you go. Look at old paintings from the masters — Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Caravaggio — and pay attention to how they sculpt light. After sharpening her awareness to the qualities of light, Camille finds she can photograph inanimate object (like the gorgeous iceberg above) with the same intimacy she would use to shoot portraits of people.

3. The importance of your card – Camille offers an amusing if slightly scary story about a trip to Antarctica, where it was so wet that her camera strap began to unharness without her knowing. Just as she was stepping off the ship, the camera fell into a pool and was ruined by saltwater. Amazingly, her Sandisk card remained in perfect shape.

4. Composition — According to Camille, the important thing to remember when considering composition is that, as a photographer, you are trying to arrange objects in order to activate space. To do this, don’t think of the shot as three-dimensional. Think of it as a dance, where objects can interact and draw the eye, and you are the choreographer.

To see more of Camille’s indispensable advice on the art of photography, watch the newest episode of AYP. Also, be sure to check out a collection of Camille’s work over at CamilleSeaman.com.

In the latest episode of Marc Silber’s Photography Show, I interview accomplished dance and commercial photographer RJ Muna, who has made a career out of crafting innovative art. Aside from being a regular in such magazines as Commercial Arts and American Photography, RJ has won over 150 national awards, including the International Center of Photography’s Infinity Award for Applied Photography and the Lucie Award for Best Commercial Photographer.

In our interview, RJ fills us in on his preferred style, offers some helpful tips on getting the right lighting for your shoot and tells us what it’s like to photograph professional dancers. Here’s some more advice from the interview:

1. Develop a concept — Having a well-thought out concept is RJ’s essential ingredient for developing a great photo shoot. For him, the conceptual underpinning is the most important aspect. Once that is in place, all else follows.

2. How to get the right lighting — Try to start with one light, and determine where that will come from (whether it’s above, to the side, etc.). Then from there you can start to fill in the edges with key or edge lights.

3. Dance photography — When dancers come into RJ’s studio, he allows them to move freely before shooting, and then picks up on each dancer’s unique personality. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to be passionate about what you are shooting — “there is nothing more exciting than watching a human body in motion,” he says.

4. The magical element — To capture that elusive bit of magic in your work, RJ offers some great advice:  try to do something off balance from what you would expect. Put a new spin or angle on the standard, and that little bit extra will make it unique.

To see more insights into perfecting the art of photography, check out my interview with RJ Muna. Also, be sure to check out more of RJ’s work at his website, RJMuna.com.

Actor Chiwetel Ejiofor. Photograph © Baldomero Fernandez 2009. All Rights Reserved.

In the latest episode of Marc Silber’s Photography Show, I interview famed fashion and portrait photographer Baldomero Fernandez. Baldomero’s work has been featured in numerous magazines and trade journals, including The New Yorker and on the cover of Life Magazine. He’s also appeared in American Photography Annuals for the last decade, and has won numerous awards, including one from MTV for his work on a PSA.

In the interview, Baldomero offers some revealing insights into his personal motivations as well as tips on advancing your own photography. Here’s a taste of what you’ll learn:

1. Tell a story — Baldomero’s biggest passion in photography comes from his ability to tell a story. Creating a narrative, whether it’s preplanned or it just comes to you on the spot, is essential to great photography.

2. Be deliberate — The secret to creating good portraiture is being deliberate. A set that looks natural and effortless only achieves this because it has been thoroughly planned. Staging and presentation are everything.

3. Keep it simple — Even though you may have a dozen of lights up, the importance of simple lighting can’t be overstated. Baldomero also tries not to give his models a lot of direction, but rather lets the environment bring out the shot.

4. Stay focused — Most artists have interests in numerous places, as well as photography, so staying on point can be difficult. Baldomero overcomes this by diving back into his images and editing out the things he gets sidetracked on.

To hear more insights from Baldomero Fernandez, check out the latest interview from The Marc Silber Show. Also, make sure to visit more of Baldomero’s work at www.baldomero.com.

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It’s alway a pleasure and an adventure to talk with Chase. This time we met up in the bay area and talked about his new book The Best Camera, his new iPhone app and other amazing things he’s been up to.  He discussed some practical advice for “turning an image on its head,” which is his signature move.  What you’ll hear is how he keeps himself inspired, in fact you’ll find it rather catching, so get ready to go out and get shots after viewing this. And yes, he does tell you what the “best camera” is. So tune in and be prepared to advance your photography…

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In the latest episode of Marc Silber’s Photography Show, I interview famed stock photographer John Lund, whose thirty-year career in photography has shaped him into one of the leading artists in the industry. Lund’s work has been featured in countless photography publications, journals and trade magazines.

During the interview, viewers are offered a candid look at a photographer with genuine skill and experience. With a style he himself describes as “clean, graphic and conceptual,” Lund offers a detailed breakdown of the process he goes through when creating each of his fantastic photographs — from initial conception, through the shooting of various images and finally to the polished product. Through this combination of high art ideas, multiple photographic images and some digital tweaking, Lund manages to create “new photographic realities [that] illustrate concepts.”

But the best part is he wants to share his techniques with you. So to hear more about Lund’s work, as well as his essential advice for both amateur and professional photographers, check out our latest photography show episode.