Category: Photography

As a consumer, it’s your responsibility to check and confirm that you are buying a product that meets or exceeds your expectations. You need to consider the price. Is the price too low for the item? If it’s unreasonably low, there may be something amiss. If a deal looks too good, it typically is. This is especially true if you are buying it sight unseen like most online purchases.

Here are some of the top things you need to check for when you are buying second-hand or surplus equipment:

1. The Camera Body

The first thing you want to check for is the body of the camera. You want to consider the condition of the camera body. Is it dented? Is it scuffed? If there is a lot of physical damage to the body, you can bet that the camera was dropped and mishandled. This is a major red flag. You also want to unscrew the cap to check for the lens area. You’ll want to look at the mirror and focus screen too. Try to see if there is any residual oil there.

You want to look closely at all of the screens and other sensitive areas of the camera. You don’t want to find any signs of oil because it could dictate that the internals of the camera are faulty. Try to position the camera facing downwards and use a flashlight to look inside.

2. Shutter Count

The shutter on a camera can be compared to a car’s mileage. You want to check to see how many times the shutter has been used. This can tell you how often the camera was used. It’s always best to avoid buying a camera that has a high shutter count especially if it’s consumer-grade equipment. Cameras that are meant for consumers aren’t meant to last nearly as long as professional-grade equipment.

3. Sensors

You want to check the sensors too. You can take a test shot with the camera between f16 and f22. Try to shoot at the sky. You’ll want to zoom out and zoom in to check if there are any noticeable blemishes that you can see. You can check for anything from lines to scratches to see if the sensor has been damaged.

4. Lenses

It’s not necessarily a dealbreaker if the lenses show signs of scuffing or wear on the outer shell. However, you want to ensure the lenses continue to fit tightly. You also want them to turn smoothly. It’s a good idea to check for any internal fogging as it can tell you if there are smears inside and you also want to ensure there is no dust trapped inside. You can connect the lenses directly to the camera body and test them out. You want the autofocus to lock on quickly. If it takes a long time, there could be something wrong.

5. Aperture Blades

You want to check the aperture blades. You can do this by pushing the lever that’s at the rear end of the lenses. Some lenses do not have these. However, if they do, you’ll want it to operate smoothly.

6. Focus Sharpness

It’s always a good idea to check for the sharpness of the photos it takes. You can use a test chart to do this easily. You’ll want to place the chart directly on a wall and place the camera on a still surface like a tripod. From there, you can take some shots using a remote or self-timer. Once you have the shots, zoom in and see if it focuses properly.

7. Mold

You want to avoid buying any equipment that has been overly used in humid environments. Humidity can be a real problem for camera equipment. The lenses likely have mold and fungus if they have been exposed to them for too long. Look for web-like patterns on the lenses to check for this.

8. Second-Hand Accessories

You are going to want to check to see if the camera comes with all of the much-needed accessories that you will be using. This includes all of the charging cables, lens caps, and more. It’s always a good idea to find cameras that come with even more after-market or officially branded accessories. However, it’s not necessary. It can save you money, however.

You’ll want to ensure all of the accessories are compatible. You want the flashes and everything to work with the intended model.

9. How To Test The Equipment

It’s always a good idea to start taking as many shots as you can in different lighting conditions and more. You want to take over 100 shots. Try to shoot some macro shots, some medium-range, and some long-range shots. See if everything comes out to your liking.

10. Refurbished Lenses

It’s always possible to score some great deals on refurbished lenses. Buying any camera equipment second-hand can save you a lot of money. However, you do need to know what to look out for and what to avoid. Use the tips in this article to save plenty of money that you can use to get great photography equipment at massive savings.

In an age of uncertainty, hardship and strife, it’s the little things that remind us of what it means to be human that matter more and more. Behind every struggle to protect the world that we call home, or the right to be who we are is a face of strength and courage.

Now in its fifth edition, the Portrait of Humanity award by 1854 and British Journal of Photography returns once more to celebrate that which unites us in a time of division.

Benefits:

Get exhibited worldwide

Portrait of Humanity sits amongst the most viewed photographic exhibitions in global history. 30 winning images and three winning bodies of work will be part of a major internationally-touring exhibition.

Get published in a photobook

200 shortlisted images will be featured in the Portrait of Humanity book

Get judged by industry leaders

Judges from past years include Alessandra Sanguinetti and Newsha Tavakolian, Magnum photographers; Fiona Shields, Head of Photography at the Guardian, and Mallory Benedict, Photo Editor at National Geographic

Get featured in international press

Alongside coveted print and digital coverage from BJP, Portrait of Humanity award winners have been featured by BBC, The Guardian, The Times, The Independent, CNN, Metro and many more

Fees: free of charge.

Photography contest link:

After the great success of the first edition, our International Photo Festival is back from 23 September to 2 October 2022 in Bologna, Italy. With this open call you can become part of it and claim your free daily pass to come to visit us.

The theme of this edition is Today is Yesterday’s Tomorrow, meant as an occasion to reflect on the strong moment of change we are living. The eternal return of history; the need to live the present while recognizing the power of actions and how the future depends on our decisions today; the different points of view we share and the speculative interpretation of reality.

There are many angles to interpret this theme. This is why we invite you to send yours and join this open call that represents the main channel through which become part of our festival. We are selecting indeed at least 3 works for individual shows, up to 40 images for a collective installation, and up to 20 projects for the projections. Plus, as an applicant you can claim your free daily pass to attend the festival!

We look forward to reviewing your applications – together with a jury comprising photographers who were the protagonist of last year’s edition – and to welcoming you to Bologna this September.

Award

3 Individual Exhibitions at PhMuseum Days 2022 /

The panel composed of Silvia Rosi, Alejandro Chaskielberg, Ligia Popławska, and the PhMuseum Team will select at least 3 projects from all the submissions to be granted an individual exhibition within the main program of the festival. Each of the selected photographers will receive a production budget, plus travel and accomodation expenses to attend the main weekend on 22-25 September.

Eligible for the prize are complete or ongoing projects that interprete the theme of the festival, which is Today is Yesterday’s Tomorrow.

A 40-Image Collective Show at PhMuseum Days 2022 /

The panel composed of Silvia Rosi, Alejandro Chaskielberg, Ligia Popławska, and the PhMuseum Team will select up to 40 images for a collective installation that will challenge the main theme of the festival: Today is Yesterday’s Tomorrow.

Eligible for this exhibition are both applicants presenting a structured body of work and those applying with a selection of images on the festival theme.

A Collective Projection of 20 works /

The panel composed of Silvia Rosi, Alejandro Chaskielberg, Ligia Popławska, and the PhMuseum Team will select up to 20 projects among all of the submissions to take parte in a collective video projection that will be included in the festival’s main program.

Venue

The festival will have its headquarters DumBO, a project of urban re-generation that is transforming a former railways deposit into a multifunctional space for the new generations. Plus, we are working for free installations in key areas of the city.

Read more

Combined photography / photogravure printmaking workshop, arrive 21 – 26 Aug 2022 (5 days / 6 nights).
The course consists of a few days of photography of your choice (still-life, landscape, abstract, natural/studio lighting), and then making photogravure plates of a few selected images which you will ink, wipe and pull through a traditional etching press to produce unique hand-crafted gravure (etching) prints.

We will go through the stages of photographic post-production and image processing, e.g. cataloguing, editing, image processing (Lightroom / Photoshop).

Note: you can use any digital camera, a DSLR or a smartphone. What matters most is how you use your camera, not what you use.

For more information on the workshop see https://www.tariqdajani.com/workshops
For the tutor Tariq Dajani see https://www.tariqdajani.com/my-story

Duration of residency

5 days / 6 nights (21 – 26 Aug 2022).There may be a possibility to stay longer if needed.

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided by Casa da Cabaza, a stylishly renovated Galician farmhouse that functions as a rural B&B and a creative centre. It is located between a lake and a forest in the green countryside of Galicia, northwestern Spain. It is a beautiful location, far from the busy world, peaceful and close to nature. It is also our home, and that of our dogs, horses, cats and free-ranging chickens. In our spare time we enjoy gardening, horse riding, reading and writing, cooking healthy meals, music and connecting with the nature and life around us. Casa da Cabaza has 4 spacious rooms with double beds and 1 room with 2 single beds. All the rooms have private bathrooms and ample storage space. Linen, towels and weekly room cleaning are included. Several rooms have writing desks. Let us know if this is necessary for your stay. There is a large lounge area which is used for meals, recreation and work. There are various outdoor terraces, spacious gardens and other areas which are part of the farm (organic vegetable garden, horse paddocks, chicken house, fruit tree orchards, etc). Accommodation during the workshop is full-board, which includes all meals and drinks.The ethos at Casa da Cabaza is similar to the philosophy that shapes our permaculture-inspired, organic vegetable garden and our approach to horse training. We aim to create an environment that allows for the growth and development of both the individual and the collective in a holistic and respectful manner. A greater learning and sharing of knowledge, ideas and inspiration, is achieved through connecting and (partially) working with others. Artists may share their room and meals with their partner for an additional fee. For more information on where you will stay see https://www.casacabaza.com

Disciplines, work equipment and assistance

We provide photographers, artists and printmakers the opportunity to escape the busy world to have time and space to recharge and developskills and knowledge through tuition, inspiration and practice.The photography and photogravure printmaking workshop is ideally suited to photographers/printmakers/artists with any level of experience who wish to develop their photographic skills in a specific area of their choice, and have the unique experience of etching a selected image or two onto a master metal plate and producing hand-made  photogravure prints from the plate.The print studio is equipped for polymer photogravure printmaking, digital image processing and Giclée inkjet printing. The equipment includes a UV light exposure unit, indoor/outdoor exposure meters, a Harry Rochat cast iron etching press, a digital printing station with a calibrated Eizo monitor and an Epson SC-P800 A2 printer. There is also a small photographic studio suitable for portraiture/still-life, with pro-lighting, stands, backdrops and props, plus there are numerous places around the property for studio-backdrop set-ups and outdoor photography.Course materials are included and provided for the workshop. The materials for photogravure printmaking will include Toyobo polymer plates, oil-based inks and a range of quality etching papers. Inking tools, gloves, wiping cloths, studio aprons, cleaning supplies, paper towels, etc, will be provided. There are sufficient materials for the course. Additional plates and papers can be purchased if needed.

Studio / Workspace

The studio and other spaces are shared. Artists guest rooms do afford relatively spacious private spaces for computer work, drawing and other non-messy practices. See above for a full description of the studio spaces.   

Fees and support

The fee is €1200 for 5 days / 6 nights, which includes accommodation, materials for the courses, meals, drinks and collection from local transportation points if needed. An accompanying partner (sharing your room and meals/drinks but not participating in the workshop) would be an extra €240Fees do NOT include international/national travel or personal/medical insurance. 

Expectations towards the artist

It is optional if you wish to present your work or to give a talk. However we do encourage communication and participation with others to help create a pleasant and inspiring environment for everyone’s benefit.

Application information

Write by email to Tariq at tariq@tariqdajani.com at least 4 weeks prior to arrival to enquire about availabilityInclude any areas of photography/printmaking that are of specific interest.When accepted you will be invited to pay a non-refundable booking fee of 50% of the total fee. When this is paid your place is confirmed. The remainder is paid before or on arrival at Casa da Cabaza.

Application link:

Photographer Rey Rey Rodriguez met with The Australian, “Men’s Health 2015 Man of the Year” Damien Rider seven years ago today. The duo created the viral photoshoot entitled, “Skate Against Child Abuse,” which was created for Rider’s self-funded organization, “Paddle Against Child Abuse (P.A.C.A.).”

In 2014, their mutual friend, primatologist Cassandra Row, connected the two on social media. At the time, Rey Rey Rodriguez was a rising visual artist, who was always looking for new and interesting shoots to expand his art portfolio, and had just founded his brand, The Mind of Rey Rey ®. Damien Rider was the founder of Rider Cosmeceuticals, Paddle Against Child Abuse (PACA) and The Damien Rider Foundation.

After mentioning that he’d be skateboarding with his friend Dan Osper throughout multiple states, and that his starting point would be South Florida, they planned to meet at Adam Kings Skatepark in Hollywood, FL. On the day of, Damien and Dan had arrived early, and were already riding and doing tricks on their skateboards. Rodriguez began taking shots as other skateboarders arrived to the park and joined the photoshoot.

The photos were edited, sent to P.A.C.A., shared on social media, and soon gained lots of attention. Rodriguez has said about the project, “It was an honor working with Damien. He’s an awesome person, and his organization helps many people that are suffering and need help.”

P.A.C.A. is a yearly event that is held on the first week of each year. That date represents the day Damien set off on a solo paddle journey of 800km, to raise child abuse awareness and to symbolize the beginning a new strong year. His organization has aligned with “Child Safe Australia” to create a safe place where people affected by their past traumas can share there stories, have a good time, and heal together. Damien is a skater, a paddle boarder, and the winner of 4 world records in extreme sports. He continues to use his notoriety to help all that have been abused, and to spread child abuse awareness.

Damien Rider can be reached via his official website: OBMlearning.com

Rey Rey Rodriguez can be reached via his company website: TheMindofReyRey.com

Theme:  Wildlife photography contest and art exhibition

Country: United Kingdom

Open: photographers worldwide

Status: open

Deadline: 31^st March 2022

About: Are you passionate about taking photos of wildlife in Africa or in Amazon forest. You are taking photos there and you have any photos that you feel exceptional and you want to share then take part in this wildlife photography contest. Important prizes are waiting for you.

This contest is in partnership of BBC wildlife fund.

Prizes: worth 16500 part of it will go to the conservation fund.

Contest website:

Global Photo award open application for the Photo award, For this year a lot of prizes to win. Total amount of prizes is 10000$.

About:

Categories

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People

Photos should display people as their main focus.
Images can also be drone or underwater photos.

   – Family
   – Culture and Lifestyle
   – Portrait and Self-Portrait
   – Artistic 
   – Travel
   – Street Photography
   – Others – any photos focusing on people not listed above

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Nature

Photos should display natural scenes, elements and textures as their main focus.
Images can also be drone, macro or underwater photos.

   – Landscape and Aerial images
   – Astrological objects and phenomena
   – Geological formation
   – Weather phenomena
   – Flora & Fauna 
   – Animals 
   – Underwater Life
   – Others – any photos focusing on nature not listed above

Fees to Enter

The entrance fee can be paid via PayPal or with credit card (offered by PayPal) on the website when submitting a photo. Each photo must be submitted separately.

$ 30 for the 1st photo
$ 25 for the 2nd photo
$ 15 for every further photo

Key Dates

2021.12.31 Early Bird Deadline
2022.04.17 Final Submission Deadline
2022.05.08 Announcement of the Shortlisted Candidates
2022.05.15 Announcement of the Winners

Prizes

In total, $10,000 USD in cash prizes are awarded.
$ 5,000 in each of the two main categories (Nature and People) are split accordingly:

$ 3,500 for the 1st Place 
$ 1,000 for the 2nd Place
$    500 for the 3rd Place

The winners receive their prize via PayPal and are responsible according to their tax liability.

Photo contest link

GAIA – Stories of Lands and Food Photo competition with the aim of supporting and enhancing the talent of national and international photographers whose works have the quality of promoting the territorial identities of all over the world and to enhance its cultures and typicality through the narration of food and wine traditions, to allow them a fruitful exchange of experiences, direct comparison with professionals in the sector and the expansion of skills, as well as to increase the possibilities of making themselves known by a wider audience, offering them the opportunity to exhibit during the Gaia Photo Fest and to be published in the annual catalog of the award.

Website:

The theme of the competition is Food and Territory: iconography of an indissoluble relationship. A theme that explores the traditions, memory and culture of peoples through photographs that represent iconographic images of the relationship between food and territory. Images able to tell the food placed in relation with the Territory of which it is typical and with the Humanity that populates it.

The competition is open to everyone and is spread over two categories:

Single Photos

Projects and Portfolios

Gaia Photo Fest 2022 submissions are open from October 10, 2021 to April 15, 2022.

Website:

Photocrowd organizes a photography contest related to ancient heritage. Photographers around the globe are invited to take part in this contest and submit their photos.

Important to know:

Deadline: 3 June 2022

Fees: yes

Photography contest theme:

Our oldest structures, sites and artefacts, dating back many hundreds or thousands of years, provide evocative subject matter for the globetrotting photographer and history buff. In some locations structures remain intact or have been reconstructed, such as at Pompeii or Stonehenge, whilst in others there are only the merest traces of ancient civilisations remaining. Some sites are very well known, and photographed by many photographers each day, so present a real challenge if an original image is being sought. Photographing ancient artefacts usually involves photographing in museums, and here the challenges involve glass, permissions and limited viewpoints. We’re not sticking to a strict definition of ancient, but we could say that subjects must be no later in their origin than the Middle Ages.

Submit your entry here: