To Photoshop or not to Photoshop?

Everyone knows that Adobe's Photoshop is a great tool that really helps make photos better. I believe this 100% BUT... And it's this BUT that is critical. We use Photoshop on a daily basis at Locker 14 to clean, crop, fix imperfections, and add elements to existing images.

Reasons why “fixing it in post” doesn't really fix it

1. Doesn't show off your camera skills, which is what you want to be known for


2. Can put doubt in your client's mind about your technical ability


3. Some things Photoshop just can't reproduce


4. Photoshop can only help to the extent that the operator has the skills


5. If you can't fix it yourself, then you will have to pay someone to bail you out. You look bad and lose money.
   

Top five habits to reduce your dependance on “fixing it later”

1. Understand your camera through and through and all its applications


2. Learn more about lighting and composition to help you set up better photos


3. Test yourself every time you pick up a camera to be better than the last time


4. Make it a habit to give your clients their work before they leave the set... it will have to be done right then


5. Shoot and show your clients what they are getting as you go. This will let them guide you to a better photo and makes less work later.
   
   

Read Bryan Traylor's full article here

MultiChoice Film Talent Incubator

Sixteen of South Africa's talented aspirant film professionals have been chosen from hundreds of applicants to attend MultiChoice's Film Talent Incubator.

The Film Talent Incubator initiative was introduced in 2007, in response to South Africa's burgeoning film industry. Says Itumeleng Letebele, MultiChoice CSI manager, “The Film Talent Incubator is one of our most exciting CSI initiatives because it allows us to contribute towards the promotion of local ‘content development' in a meaningful and sustainable way.”

The interactive full-time 20-week programme kicked off in the first week of April 2008 and will run until mid-September, when graduation takes place.

Apply now for African Photo Entrepreneur Programme

The African Photo Entrepreneur Programme is specifically aimed at growing photo entrepreneurs who can compete on the global stage in terms of photo production and market savvy. Only 40 African Photo Entrepreneurs will qualify for this programme and applications close 30 June 2008.

Launched ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the programme will be run in South Africa in the latter half of 2008. Sponsored in part by the European Union through Gijima KZN, an initiative of the Department of Economic Development, the programme requires participants to apply to be selected. A panel of eminent judges will ensure the standard of participants is high.

The programme will include participation in the Digital Campus, a photo assignment, and for those who carry out the assignment successfully, a further two-day Global Competitiveness Masterclass.

The aim of the whole programme is to equip participants to become adept at supplying the needs of international publishing, art and product markets. It not only involves photography, digital imaging and digital workflow skills and disciplines, but also an awareness of market demands and routes to market.

To apply, CLICK HERE

Filmmaking youth take action

The first-ever Filmmaking Youth Taking Action (FYTA) Film Festival launches in June 2008. Hosted by the University of Johannesburg in association with the Gauteng Film Commission, Embassy of Mexico in South Africa and Nedbank, it will take place 13 - 16June in Auckland Park, Johannesburg.

Inspired by the need to fight against young minds being numbed by stereotypes, conventions and trashy entertainment, this festival aims to reignite the passion in young filmmakers. It aims to encourage them to speak their minds and join the movement, realising that while escapism is great, when it outweighs and white-washes all reason it becomes dangerous. FYTA Films also enables young filmmakers to tell their own stories.

There are voices outside of Hollywood and FYTA is there to help uncover them amongst the true free spirits of society- the youth! This year we join forces with Mexican filmmakers to explore the common ground between our countries - in film, in history and in daily life.

The festival consists of three main categories:

1. Mexican-South African Film Showcase
2. Workshops and colloquia
3. Young Filmmakers Showcase

Entrance to all screenings and workshops is free. The festival will be held at the University of Johannesburg's FADA Building on Bunting Road, Auckland Park.

For more information, go to www.fytafilms.org.

Internships remain critical for ad, design industry

The advertising and design industry: a profession that appeals to a select creative few, resulting in an exceptionally small pool of resources. While retaining and developing skills is an industry priority, the decision of the Media, Advertising, Print, Packaging and Publishing (MAPPP) SETA to forego its 2008 internship programme is both extremely disappointing and short-sighted - especially in view of the programme's high rate of success...

Read more of Peter Upton's article here