Category Archives: art

art, photography

So, What’s In A Print?

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It occurred to me recently that many “new” photographers are greatly undervaluing their prints.

Now, it may be that the quality of materials and processes are lacking, or that they are selling open editions (no limit to quantity), but I think I know the most harmful culprit.  I believe the market is being set by people that may not fully understand what goes in to the production of a great print.

So, I had the idea to shoot an entertaining and factual video that follows a photographer (me… surprise, surprise) from start to finish, including what it takes to capture a photograph worthy of printing and selling.  Then, of course, the less-than-glamorous process of locking oneself in the isolation of the digital darkroom to fully realize the original intent of the image.  And so on.  I’m sure you get it, but I really do hope to create a visually compelling story of the birth of a great photographic print.

I aim to do this for all of us.  All of us photographers out there that sometimes struggle with how to price our work.  All of us that struggle with a largely uninformed public as to what we actually do.  “You just bought a nice digital camera and go take pretty pictures, right?”  Or my favorite… “You are just better at photoshop than most, so you can make really cool pictures.”

I have a trip to Wyoming coming up in October that I hope/ trust will be the perfect backdrop for this short film.  I hope to have it ready just in time for Christmas…

Please feel free to comment and let me know what I need to be sure to convey through this video.

~ andrew

 
Take your photography to a new level… check out my new workshop dates:
 
Grand Teton Photographic Tour/ Workshops 2014
More Destination Photo Tours/ Workshops 2014
 
If you are interested in licensing any of the images/ video from this post, please visit my stock agency:
 
Tandem Stills + Motion // andrew r. slaton
 
If you are interested in purchasing prints from this post, please check my prints for sale, or email me directly for a custom request:
 
andrew r. slaton // photographer // prints
 
For assignment work requests, please email me: andrew@andrewslatonphoto.com
 
Thanks for visiting AndrewSlatonBlog.com!
 
all images and content © ARS Media, LLC 2014
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art, travel

Travel as Art

A man said Why,

why does traveling

in cars and in trains make him feel sad,

a beautiful sadness.

I’ve felt this before.

It’s the people in the cities

you’ll never know,

it is everything you pass by,

wondering

will you ever

return.”

~ The Innocence Mission, Song About Traveling

 

 
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Woman On A Bus, Durango, Mexico, 2014
 
 
If you are interested in learning more about photography, taking your art to a new level please check out my new workshop dates:
 
Destination Photo Tours/ Workshops 2014
Private, Destination Workshops 2014
 
If you are interested in licensing any of the images/ video from this post, please visit my stock agency:
 
Tandem Stills + Motion // andrew r. slaton
 
If you are interested in purchasing prints from this post, please check my prints for sale, or email me directly for a custom request:
 
andrew r. slaton // photographer // prints
 
For assignment work requests, please email me: andrew@andrewslatonphoto.com
 
Thanks for visiting AndrewSlatonBlog.com!
 
all images and content © ARS Media, LLC 2014
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art, photography

Finding Art in the Everyday

To me, photography is the simultaneous recognition, in a fraction of a second, of the significance of an event.
~ Henri Cartier-Bresson

There is undoubtedly an artful rhythm to life.  And at times, we as artists slow down long enough to tap into this oft elusive cadence.

It’s a practice in patience and awareness.  But the beauty of photography is that we can express ourselves through these musical moments by capturing and sharing them.  The trick is, however, to be present and a part of the symphony… and not merely a spectator or a thief.

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Henri Cartier-Bresson was a master at capturing the “decisive moment”.  And I’ve always admired his work and ability to stay connected to the artful rhythm.

Whether shooting exotic animals and pristine landscapes in far off lands, or your niece and nephews at a pool in the suburbs, this metered, musical  thread persists.   It’s our calling as photographers and artists to connect with it and create.  It’s our connection to a masterfully creative God.   And, dare I say, it’s sometimes our only significant means of contributing to the joy of others.

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Moments come and go.  We have the gift of capturing and sharing these myriad artful events.

It gives me great pleasure and peace when I remember this.  And I hope it does you too.

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How do you tap into the artful rhythm?

— andrew

 The photograph itself doesn’t interest me. I want only to capture a minute part of reality.

~ Henri Cartier-Bresson

 
If you are interested in learning more about photography, taking your art to a new level please check out my new workshop dates:
 
Grand Teton Photographic Tour/ Workshops 2014
More Destination Photo Tours/ Workshops 2014
 
If you are interested in licensing any of the images/ video from this post, please visit my stock agency:
 
Tandem Stills + Motion // andrew r. slaton
 
If you are interested in purchasing prints from this post, please check my prints for sale, or email me directly for a custom request:
 
andrew r. slaton // photographer // prints
 
For assignment work requests, please email me: andrew@andrewslatonphoto.com
 
Thanks for visiting AndrewSlatonBlog.com!
 
all images and content © ARS Media, LLC 2014
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art, nature, photography

Silence, In Black and White

When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs.  When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.”  ~ Ansel Adams

 
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Storm and Colorado River, South Rim, Grand Canyon NP, AZ, 2014
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If you are interested in learning more about photography, taking your art to a new level please check out my new workshop dates:
 
Destination Photo Tours/ Workshops 2014
Private, Destination Workshops 2014
 
If you are interested in licensing any of the images/ video from this post, please visit my stock agency:
 
Tandem Stills + Motion // andrew r. slaton
 
If you are interested in purchasing prints from this post, please check my prints for sale, or email me directly for a custom request:
 
andrew r. slaton // photographer // prints
 
For assignment work requests, please email me: andrew@andrewslatonphoto.com
 
Thanks for visiting AndrewSlatonBlog.com!
 
all images and content © ARS Media, LLC 2014
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art, photography

Images of South Sudan | Solo Exhibition

In January of this year, I was asked to shoot a job more than half-way around the world in a country I new nothing about.

Ravaged by decades of war, disease, poverty, and hopelessness, South Sudan is struggling for rebirth.

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On November 7, Seed Effect, will be celebrating their fourth year of bringing hope, love, life, and transformation to the people of South Sudan through Christ-centered micro-finance.

My life, and countless lives in Africa have been changed through the work of Seed Effect, so please help me support them by coming out for this fantastic event… anyone and everyone is invited, so please spread the word!

This is also very special to me because they will be featuring my photography from the trip in January in my first solo exhibition.  All proceeds go directly to empowering the South Sudanese people.

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Those who come will see a variety of work, all shot within a 10 day period.  From broad landscapes to intimate portraits, Africa street scenes and the beauty of nature.  All tell the story of hope and redemption for a tired yet resilient people.  A people that you can help through Seed Effect.  Not with a “hand out”, but rather with a “hand up”.

Seed Effect offers group-guaranteed small business loans, teaching folks how to start, maintain, and grow a business.  As a consequence, they can provide for their family, send their children to school, and make a better life for their community.  This movement is crucial to the success of this fledgling country.

I have seen first hand the amazing work that is happening in the world’s newest country through Seed Effect.  So please join me and support them however you can!  I hope to see all of you at Seed Effect Turns 4 in November!

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When:  November 7, 2013, 6-9pm

Where:  The Laundry | 1818 Chestnut St., Dallas, TX, 75226

More information available at SeedEffect.org/SETurns4.

–andrew

all images and content © andrew r. slaton | photographer 2013

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