The Compelling Frame

If you caught yesterday's Apple announcement about the new iPhones launching soon, you'll know the advances in technology are truly stupendous. We are most definitely in the midst of a golden age in the visual arts. Technology is making it possible to create billions of photographs every day. Yet, world and humanitarian photographer, David duChemin believes the majority of the images produced on a daily bases fall short because they lack soul. In other words, the photographs we mass produce are not compelling enough.

The photographs we see today often don't stop us in our tracks or stir our curiosity or evoke an emotion. They tend to be much of the same trite look at our beautiful and surprising world. When we do encounter a photograph – be it our own or photographed by someone else – that has an impact on us, we remember it more vividly, almost as if we can experience it again and again.

Some are indeed so compelling that they create a response within us, perhaps, even a set of actions that affect humanity the world over. Now, don't you want to make an impact, however small or big, with your photography?

But what stands in the way? Practicing and producing the same photographs again and again is of no use to anyone. We've also been told about the classic rules of composition – the rule of thirds or the golden spiral – but these have held us hostage for far too long.

Going Beyond The Rules

We have limited ourselves with our visual vocabulary to go deeper and create stronger images. David duChemin, who has authored nearly 10 books on photography (see below), insists that it is possible to learn the visual language, or syntax, that is essential in creating compelling photographs.

Understanding and then expressing ourselves by using this new visual lingo, expands our abilities to do so much more. Better yet, you'll never ever feel like you are in a creative rut again.

Interviewing David

David just launched The Compelling Frame, an in-depth course for photographers eager to consistently create compelling frame. I spoke with him at length about how photographers can stop spinning their wheels and get on the path to making photographs that make them truly proud of their accomplishments. Give this a listen (approximately 35 minutes):

What's In The Course?

Just as soon as I recorded my interview with David, I knew I had to be a part of his course, so I signed up!

Here's what is in the course: 19 awesome lessons (videos you can watch again and again), 31 creative exercises, an opportunity to study the masters, a ton of bonuses that are actually useful and a vibrant and exclusive community called The VISION-DRIVEN.

I'm willing to bet that a year from now, my photographs are going to be several levels above where they are today because of The Compelling Frame course and The VISION DRIVEN community online.

This course is open only for a very short duration. I suppose that's one way to really gauge who is serious about elevating their craft, right? Here's my recommendation and it isn't biased in any way (the links in this post are not affiliate links at all):

You could continue making photographs and not sense any momentum in your artwork or you could spend a modest amount of money ($295), to enroll in this course (yes, with me) and truly accelerate your growth.

Enrollment for The Compelling Frame ends in about eight days. My suggestion is that you don't wait. Jump in now.

David's Books

Money could be tight, or now may not be the right time for you to be a part of this course, in your path as a photographer. I get it. So, really the next best thing would be to read David's advice through his books (these are affiliate links):

• The Soul of The Camera
• The Visual Toolbox
• Within The Frame
• Photographically Speaking
• Visionmongers
• A Beautiful Anarchy
• Vision & Voice
• The Print And The Process
• How To Feed A Starving Artist

I'm going to sound like a total fan boy, but I own every book David has written. In an environment where there is so much noise, David's words of wisdom are a clear and consistent signal that is well-timed. Wherever you are in your photographic journey, I highly recommend David's resources for photographers.

I've followed his work as a photographer and a teacher for a long time and in 2011 chose him to win the first Annual Tiffinbox Award.

Visit David's website, follow him on Facebook and Instagram. His YouTube channel is one of my favorites. You are in for quite a thrill.

And, to answer the question this post poses: yes, the compelling frame is most definitely within your reach. With the right guide, the right community and a lot of intentional practice or play, photography will cease to be a foreign language and it will become more intuitive for you.

Create Client Experiences

Brian Callaway, a destination wedding photographer based in Southern California, believes it is very important to create client experiences that are memorable. It's this mantra that has helped the business he shares with his wife, Allison, a worldwide success; naming them the top wedding photographers in the world!

Together with their fine artist’s eye, technical mastery and photojournalist’s gift for anticipation and timing, they are unmatched when it comes to creating the images and experience that is the story of your love and celebration.

Want to learn more about how to create client experiences that will ultimately also make you memorable? Brian and his wife routinely conduct workshops for photographers. If you live in or near India, you are in for a real treat. Brian is speaking at Silk Inspire 2017, in Goa, India, from October 6 through October 10, 2017. Now is the time to register for this event!

Interview With Brian Callaway

Just as I have interviewed Arjun Kartha and Jen Huang, I was thrilled to speak with Brian about his journey from comedic television actor to wedding photography. Check out this interview now:

The Same Portfolio

Register Now For Silk Inspire 2017

My friend Sephi Bergerson, who is producing this awesome wedding photography festival, tells me that he is pulling all the stops to make Silk Inspire an incredible learning and social experience for all of you. But to be a part of it, you have to register now for Silk Inspire and then get there.

If you are already in India and you are a wedding photographer, you must be a part of this event. In addition to the amazing speakers, you will get to meet other photographers like you who are also discovering their place in this industry. Look, even I'll be there, and I am looking forward to hanging out with you.

Let me know in the comments, if you are coming to Goa, in October.

Fine Art Wedding & Portrait Photography

California-based fine art wedding and portrait photographer, Jen Huang, is set to speak at Silk Inspire 2017.

Jen's work has been published in numerous bridal publications, including Harper’s Bazaar, Town & Country Weddings, Brides Magazine, Style Me Pretty, Martha Stewart, The Boston Globe and New York Magazine. 

Jen's fine art wedding and portrait photography is often described as being painterly. Her evocative images are created using medium format film cameras. The simple but elegant compositions you see below are her signature style that makes her one of the top wedding photographers in the world.

Be sure to follow Jen through her blog or her Facebook page.

Interview With Jen Huang

In advance of Jen's presentation at Silk Inspire 2017, in Goa, India, from October 6th through October 10th, I sat down with her to talk about her unique approach to wedding and portrait photography. Give this a listen now:

Be sure to check out Jen's interview on the Silk Inspire blog as well!

A Mini Portfolio

Register For Silk Inspire 2017

If you haven't watched the first interview in this series, with Delhi-based photographer Arjun Kartha, please do so.

Secondly, you should consider registering for SILK INSPIRE 2017, India's first wedding photography festival.

Chris Knight is a photographer based in New York City. We sat down to talk about his upcoming book, The Dramatic Portrait.

He combines his unconditional love of art history with his conditional love of technology, topping it off with a flare for the cinematic and an uncompromising eye for detail.

Chris also has a full blown workshop via RGGEDU.com called Dramatic Portraiture & Lighting With Chris Knight.

Use the code: TIFFINBOX (to get 15% off for a very limited time)

The Interview

The questions I asked Chris:

1) I love reading biographies on photographer's websites and yours stands out a bit.

Speaking of yourself you say: “He combines his unconditional love of art history with his conditional love of technology, topping it off with a flare for the cinematic and an uncompromising eye for detail.”

Where did you acquire that kind of discipline?

2) Your photographs remind me of paintings that one would see in a museum. Is that your end goal?

3) Why is drama so important to you in portraits?

4) You give light and shadow almost equal value in telling a story. Most of your photographs don't draw attention to the use of artificial light. Is that a skill that was taught to you or is it something that you have honed yourself?

5) Let's talk about your book, The Dramatic Portrait: The Art of Crafting Light and Shadow. What prompted you to write this book and who is it for?

6) Most photography books about portraits jump right into loop lighting or Rembrandt lighting. You spend nearly 40 pages describing the history of portraiture? Why do you believe this is important?

7) You say: “The hows and whys are inextricably entangled in a successful photograph, and hitting both of those points shows mastery of the technical medium.” Can you explain that briefly?

8) What does it mean to you to have a published book? Does it open more doors for you to teach?

9) What can we expect from you next?

10) How can people find you and your work online?

The Dramatic Portrait

Buy Chris Knight's book now or buy the PROEDU.com tutorial today. For a limited time, PROEDU.com is including the book with the purchase of the tutorial.

Do you prefer to buy The Dramatic Portrait on Amazon?

You can also catch Chris Knight teaching at CreativeLive in these online workshops:

Exploring Low Key Portraiture

Creating Advanced Masks

How To Work Faster In Adobe Photoshop CC

Feel free to use this affiliate link for CreativeLive when you browse through Chris Knight's courses.

The Portrait Portfolio

Here's a small sample of Chris' portrait photography. I urge you to visit his website and bookmark it. It's absolutely stunning work!

The Food Photographer

Simi Jois, started as a marketing and branding professional but transitioned to becoming a food photographer. Now based in Chicago, Illinois, her food photography has been featured on MSN, Fox News Magazine, Better Homes, and theKitchn. She is a frequent contributor on the Daily Meal.

Raised in an art-emphasized home subconsciously trained her mind to engage creatively with color, texture, light, shadow and composition. Simi uses photographic images as her canvas and the lens as her brush. She did not have to look far for a subject – her passion for creating flavors provided her with infinite permutations of expression. Painting with ingredients, pairing exotic spices for mutual enhancement and richness of flavor, Simi narrates her stories through the play of light and bold strokes of color.

The Interview

A few weeks back, we sat down to chat about her journey as a food photographer:

Interview Highlights

You will learn that:

1) Simi's parents, both artists, inspired her
2) Her becoming a mom was the catalyst for taking up photography
3) She loves to cook
4) Finding comfort in the ingredients, aroma, and texture motivate her to try different set-ups
5) Her other inspiration are painters from the Renaissance period
6) Simi is creatively challenged to produce photographs that don't look overly styled
7) How the power of observation in day-to-day events and places can help your photography
8) She loves to play with light and uses speed lights, reflectors, and Nikon cameras
9) She is intrigued by shadows just as much as the light
10) How a simple garnish of mint on blueberries can create a punchy image

Simi Jois' Food Photography

Additional Resources

Check out Simi's tutorial on painting prop boards.

Do you want to learn more about food photography? Check out the CreativeLive courses offered here.

Lastly, Don Giannatti is offering a spectacular 8-week food photography course that you simply can't pass up. For $75, it is a no-brainer and in my opinion, there is no better photography instructor to guide you through this wonderful genre of photography.