Pictured: Susan Kennedy & Sean Walsh

When you’ve acquired an historic archive with over 2 million images that includes The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and JFK, where do you begin when it comes to digitizing, securing, uploading, distributing and marketing the work?

For Susan Kennedy and Sean Walsh, the answer was obvious: PhotoShelter.

The Archives’ History

The story of these images begins back in 1952 when Lensmen Press and Public Relations Photographic Agency was established by Andy Farren and Padraig MacBrien. Over the years they built the Irish Photo Archive which consists of over 2.6 million negatives, an amount of work that Sean Walsh describes as “a mammoth.”  Photographer Susan Kennedy purchased the Agency and acquired the archive back in 1995. Sean explains that the archive, made up of glass negatives, newspaper clippings, and 35mm film, had been moved around several times, stored in garages and beneath various office buildings. But once Sean and Susan moved into their new office in the northern part of Dublin, for the first time the archive was together and visible in one single room. It was then that Sean realized that something needed to be done: “I really pushed Susan to utilize it. It’s such a treasure, and it would be such a shame if there were a fire or a flood, all of this would be lost.” So they started looking into a potential buyer for this massive archive filled with historic moments. But, the archive was so large many shied away from purchasing the entire collection. Both Sean and Susan knew they wanted to use a service that would help organize their work, be user friendly, and allow these hidden treasures to be found. So they began their own online archiving, and chose PhotoShelter to help do the job.

Susan and Sean’s office is made up of 2 flatbed scanners and a handful of passionate and determined volunteers, without whom only a small fraction of the already 28,000+ scanned images would be digitized. Sean explains, “Because of the recession there’s a lot of brilliant people who are looking for work. We are fortunate to have found many bright and talented people who are willing to come in and dedicate their time to something they find stimulating. We are blessed.”

The Beatles arrive at Dublin Airport – 1st November 1963. Copyright: Irish Photo Archive

Keywords, Captions and Meta Data

The good news was that Agency photographers had made incredibly detailed notes and captions for each and every image they submitted. These notes are now helping structure the Search function of the Archive’s site. Explains Susan, “Every negative was assigned a number, so the file name becomes that number. We then type in the caption.” Irish Photo Archive’s caption strategy has not only led to great SEO, but it has translated into real business revenue. For each and every image within the archive, there are four pieces of crucial information that the photographer hand wrote:

1. Photographer’s Diary – contains the day to day job such as time/location information
2. Ledger – more details about the image, the people within the image
3. Head Cards – little boxes with each person’s name and all the images that relate to that person over a period of time
4. The Captions – more detail on the event

These critical pieces of information are written within the Description/Caption portion of the IPTC meta data and within the keywords in Aperture. They also have curated a generic list of keyword terms that fit all the photographs within the archive. “We looked up words that people were using to search, like ‘old timey photographs’ and added them to our keywords list,” says Susan. They then use the PhotoShelter Aperture plug-in to upload their photos along with all the keywords into their PhotoShelter Image Browser. They also run the PhotoShelter SEO grader regularly to check up on their score, and have had great luck when it comes to getting found. “We upload photographs and have really great success seeing them show up in Google Images due to our very specific keywording,” she explains.

PhotoShelter’s editable IPTC/Meta Data fields

Organizing Such a Large Archive

Their extremely organized Image Browser is a site in and of itself to behold. Nearly every one of their galleries and collections have a cover image set to visually represent the images within.  But the organizational tool that really makes the Image Browser so useful for them is the ability to have infinite nested collections. They create decade-organized collections, nest additional collections within, and segment by events such as business, entertainment, automobiles, sports, and so on. These specific topics hold even more specific collections that contain galleries of images. This organization method allows for website visitors to make sense of the site that has over 20,000 images. Sean and Susan also understand the importance of adding images to multiple galleries. “We can add a photograph to multiple galleries – so some photographs might fit into multiple categories, and this gives searchers a bigger chance to find exactly what they’re looking for,” Susan tells us.

The Rolling Stones in the airport bus on route to the customs hall at Dublin Airport. Copyright: Irish Photo Archive

Business Success with The Rolling Stones

Some of the more well known images in the archive are of a very young and fresh faced Rolling Stones when they played in Ireland the winter of 1965. Susan explains, “We uploaded the Stone’s images back in April of this year and within four weeks ABKCO Music and Records, an independent entertainment company located in New York,  found them. We only had about six up, and they asked for more so we found, scanned, and uploaded 30 more. ABKCO already had a photo of them playing the show, and you could see our photographer in one of the images. ABKCO couldn’t believe we had the ones of them practicing in the bathroom.” AMCO used the images as promotional materials for the Stone’s documentary, Charlie Is My Darling, released earlier this year. Twenty of the images are also currently on display at the Dublin Airport in celebration of the Stone’s 50th anniversary.

Harpist Maria O’Hara. Copyright: Irish Photo Archive

Irish Photo Archive’s immense collection (did we already mention it’s over 2 million images?) would probably seem daunting to most. But with Susan and Sean’s determination, the help of some volunteers, and PhotoShelter, they’re slowly — and more importantly, methodically —  digitizing and getting the job done.

Irish Photo Archive’s images are available for sale and license on their PhotoShelter website, see prices on their detailed Pricing Page.

The best client brief ever

APhotoEditor stumbled upon a real gem of a client brief this week. From the spring of 1969, here’s Mr. Mick Jagger asking Mr. Andy Warhol for some album artwork.

The real story behind “Morning After” photography

While nearly every photographer is happy for free press, wedding photographer Michelle Jonne recently found herself taking heat from bloggers, journalists, and tons of anonymous viewers after her “Morning After” photography went viral. Though not the first to coin the term, “Morning After” usually refers to a post-wedding photo shoot that showcases the newlyweds in a more intimate setting.

Photos by Michelle Jonne

Glamour magazine online and Fstoppers were among those giving Michelle a hard time for her work: “A new ‘trend’ seems to have rolled into the photography world, and it needs to die,” says Lauren Jonas from Fstoppers. “It needs to die now. It’s not good for photographers, for viewers, or for those in the image. What is this trend? It’s called the ‘day after’ wedding photography session, and to me it is narcissistic, unnecessary, and absurd.”

Now in an exclusive post on The Photo Brigade, Michelle responds to the criticism and defends her work. “If you really look at a wedding day, it’s ritualistic and hectic,” says Michelle. “You can’t possibly appreciate one another fully…That’s not pure to me. What happens when it’s over? I want to capture love and passion when no one is around. A time when the couple can truly relax and be themselves.”

“A word of advice,” she writes, “if you don’t like it, don’t look.”

Discover photos buried deep in your email

Netted reported on a really cool app this week that makes it easy to find any photo you’ve ever sent or received in your email account. Lost Photos is free for Windows (and $2.99 for Mac), and scans your Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, .Mac, and MobileMe account for all the photos buried deep and perhaps otherwise lost to the email underworld. Then you can share individual images on Facebook and Twitter or import the entire lot to your hard drive for safe keeping!

Source: lostphotosapp.com

Taking photo recognition beyond faces with EverPix

Facial recognition algorithms are becoming more commonplace in major photo programs, but cloud photo service Everpix is taking it one step further with their image analysis technology. What’s that mean? Basically, EverPix’s ultimate goal is to develop algorithms that can identify what’s in your photos – giving you the ability to then search for similar photos with photos. It’s a really important direction for photographers as our archives continue to grow and we need a fast, easy way to find specific images. (via PetaPixel and TechCrunch)

Everpix for the iPad

The Cambodian Diaspora by Pete Pin

Between 1975-1979, 1.7 million Cambodians perished during the nation’s horrific genocide, the Killing Fields. Since then, 150,000+ Cambodians displaced in refugee camps along the Thai-Cambodian border have resettled in the United States. Documentary photographer Pete Pin was born in one of these refugee camps and then moved to California before settling in Brooklyn, New York. With the support of the Magnum Foundation, Pete has started a Kickstarter campaign to document Cambodian communities across the U.S.

Photo by Pete Pin of his grandmother in Stockton, CA./The Cambodian Diaspora, Pete Pin 2010; Family portrait pre-revolution.

The Cambodian Diaspora strives to tell the untold stories of these refugees and their family history. Check out Pete’s campaign and consider donating to his worthy cause.

FotoWeekDC is November 9-18, 2012

FotoWeekDC is celbrating its 5th Annual International Awards Competition, honoring professional and emerging photographers from the DC region and from around the world. The actual Festival is taking place November 9-18, with cash prizes totaling $26,000. Winning images will be exhibited during the FotoWeekDC Festival as well as get some great online exposure. The event also features FotoWeekEDU seminars and portfolio reviews, where leading names in photography will share their insights and advice. Check out all the details here.

Split family face portraits by Ulric Collette

About a year ago My Modern Met featured self-taught photographer Ulric Collette‘s series “Genetic Portraits,” in which he takes two members from the same family and splices together their faces to create one single portrait. Some of the results are pretty freaky – but in a fascinating way. Ulric says that his latest set is a vast improvement, as he learned how to better control the lighting and handle retouching. Check out a few of our favorites below.

Photo by Ulric Collette

Photo by Ulric Collette

Photo by Ulric Collette

Photo by Ulric Collette

Behind the scenes at a McDonald’s burger photo shoot

Ever wonder why those Mickey D’s burgers look so much better in the ads than in-person? For whatever reason, McDonald’s thought it would be a good idea to let their Director of Marketing go “behind the scenes” at a burger photo shoot, and compare a photo of the burger you get in the store with a photo taken of a stylized burger. Personally, I think it makes getting a burger at McDonald’s just that much more disappointing. (via PetaPixel)

Click here to view the embedded video.

NY Times: The rise of the photo collective

We were so excited to see PhotoShelter members from photo collectives LUCEO, Grain, and Prime featured on the Lens blog this week, further supporting cooperations that the NY Times says are replacing the “lone wolf approach to photography.” Noting that the photo industry is “struggling,” photographers are bonding together to form collectives – groups of individual photographers who support each other in some shape or form.

Some collectives are based on a model of maintaining individual businesses, but promoting each other’s work; while others concentrate on creating group projects. The Lens blog interviewed representatives from a number of collectives, so be sure to check out the full post here.

Source: The Lens Blog

Photographer Menno Aden’s “Room Portraits”

Ever wonder what it would actually be like to observe a room from the perspective of a fly on the wall? German photographer Menno Aden makes that notion a reality with “Room Portraits,” a compelling series of photos taken from above. “A camera that the artist installed on the ceiling of various rooms takes pictures downwards of the interiors.” There’s a sense of intimacy and “I shouldn’t be here” brought out in these photos.

Photo by Menno Aden

Photographing people’s faces being blasted by air

Lithuanian photographer Tadao Cern‘s series (which is suggestively titled “Blow Job” ) features hilarious portraits of people being blasted by extremely strong bursts of air. The video below showcases the project in motion, and some great stills can be found on Tadao’s Behance page.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Homer Sykes’ “The Great British Public”

PhotoShelter member and British editorial stock photographer Homer Sykes is speaking at the London Festival of Photography this coming Monday, June 25. The festival is in its second year and encompasses street, documentary, and conceptual photography. There will be 18 different exhibitions, as well as workshops, talks, and screenings. Homer will be speaking as part of a talk on “The Great British Public” and showing work from his archive that spans 1967-present. (via Photo Archive News)

Photo by Homer Sykes

Instagram’s Instaglasses

If you’re one of the Instagram-obsessed, then German designer Markus Gerke has an idea to take your Instagram love to the max. The concept is “Instaglasses“, a pair of Ray-Ban-esque (what else?) sunglasses with a 5-megapixel camera that could apply filters to everything you see in real life. The idea would let you take a picture with the glasses and upload it right to Instagram. Because even taking out your cellphone takes too much effort these days?

Regardless of how over-the-top this sounds (applying a filter to make your blind date look more attractive anyone?) it definitely highlights something about how Instagram has infiltrated our culture. (via Digital Trends)

Source: Markus Gerke on Behance

Transit of Venus – Raleigh, North Carolina

PhotoShelter member Adam David Kissick caught the last trail of Venus in front of the sun on Tuesday. Photographers must use special filters designed for viewing or photographing the sun, as looking directly into the sun can result in serious eye injury (yikes!).

Photo by Adam David Kissick

Check out all PhotoShelter members’ photos of the transit of Venus here. What’s your favorite? Link to it in the comments.

“Thank God That’s Over” by Emiliano Granado

We’ve been a fan of Emiliano Granado‘s work for some time, and featured his last project “Time For Print,” a project that ended up scoring him a gig with Men’s Health. Recently he shared one of his latest projects, “Thank God That’s Over,” which showcases the wacky, fun, and sometimes sad world of giant cruise liners. Below is a shot that we think captures the essence of cruising, but check out the full series for more.

Photo by Emiliano Granado

Updates & trends from Vimeo, YouTube

Video sites Vimeo and YouTube both made headlines in the last few weeks: Vimeo for its new cloud-based Enhancer tool, and YouTube for its falling number of views.

Vimeo’s latest update features a cloud-based Enhancer tool that lets you make changes to your videos on-site – meaning that you don’t have to edit them on your computer and them re-upload. Enhancer tools include adding music, updating audio levels, and controlling the stand and end-point of a song. Don’t own the right music for your soundtrack? Choose from over 54,000 new soundtrack options for personal and commercials licenses. (via TechCrunch)

Click here to view the embedded video.

YouTube, on the other hand, is losing views – but on purpose. Since December 2011, views have dropped by 28% but “engagement” is on the rise (meaning the total time spent on-site). YouTube’s focus has shifted from bite-sized content to longer videos, which is a good move for advertisers who are becoming more concerned with user engagement than number of “clicks”. “Our goal is we want users to watch more and click less,” said Cristos Goodrow, YouTube’s director of engineering. In fact, YouTube has grown by 57% in the last year – so it seems to be working. (via AdAge)

Source: ComScore via AdAge

Norman Borden’s “Thank You For Smoking”

PhotoShelter member Norman Borden‘s series “Thank You For Smoking” is opening in a new exhibition at the Soho Photo Gallery in New York City June 6-30, 2012. The series includes “fifteen color images of cigarette and cigar smokers from all walks of life – young, old, blue collar, white collar, no collar, and includes one cop, a fisherman, a couple of fashionistas, etc. This show is not about the perils of smoking but about the role a cigarette or cigar plays in a smokers life – how it helps define their persona and still gives many the chance to reflect and relax.” Check out sohophoto.com/exhibitions for more information.

Photo by Norman Borden

“The napalm girl” 40 years later – by Joe McNally

This has to be one of the most touching stories: Joe McNally, who was commissioned by LIFE magazine some years ago to find and photograph subjects of Pulitzer Prize winning photos, shot Kim Phuc – the girl running from an airborne attack in this devastatingly iconic shot during the Vietnam War.

Photo by Nick Ut

The photo was taken by AP photographer Nick Ut, and turned Kim into a propaganda tool for the anti-war movement. Joe had the privilege of meeting and photographing Kim a few years ago, who had recently given birth to her newborn son. Joe knew to treat the situation with care, since showcasing her scars from the napalm burn was significant.

“For me, doing this assignment reconfirmed so many things I’ve always believed about photography,” says Joe in his blog post “On a Road, 40 Years Ago“. “That photo made on that horrible day was made in less than a second. Yet a lifetime spun on its power. With so many photographs being taken everywhere, easily, and thoughtlessly, it’s easy to forget how powerful they can be, and occasionally are.”

Photo by Joe McNally

Want to hear more stories from Joe McNally? Join us at Luminance, where Joe will be holding a workshop on “Lighting with Flash”. More information on the workshops and Luminance is available here: photoshelter.com/luminance 

A message from National Geographic’s DOP on art filters: “Please stop.”

One of National Geographic‘s many cool magazine features is “Your Shot,” which appears in the front of the book of every issue and is curated from reader submissions. Given the proliferation of Instagram, Hipstamatic and the like, the Director of Photography decided to get a little blunt in his rules for submitting filtered photos: “If you use one of the myriad alteration ‘filters’ available in your digital photo software, please stop.”

Other forms of manipulation – dodging and burning, cropping, stitched panoramas, etc. – were deemed “OK” but it seems filters get the boot. Which is interesting, because Nat Geo just did a whole expedition where photographers Instagram-ed their way to the summit. To be fair, though, those images were for the Nat Geo blog and not the magazine. We interviewed Senior Photo Editor Elizabeth Krist in a live webinar this week where she said also agreed that manipulation is a no-no. Elizabeth had a lot of advice for photographers on what type of photography Nat Geo seeks, so be sure to tune into the full conversation below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Ben Sklar: Editorial Category, The New York Times

Ben Sklar for The New York Times

Austin based photographer Ben Sklar had a vision of photographing the over 100,000 visitors that flock to Austin each year for the annual South By Southwest music festival. “I wanted to show the diversity and style of all the people, but do something that was more complex than what you would see on a street style blog,” he said. So Ben came up with the concept of surrounding the street walkers with a completely white background.

“I had already gotten my rentals, purchased my materials, and hired an assistant. Then the day before SXSW started I got a phone call from The New York Times Style photo editor Beth Bristow asking me to collaborate with my friend and NYT colleague Melena Ryzik on something for the style page. Beth left it completely open for me to work with Melena and come up with something. It was really a dream assignment,” he recalls.

Ben’s concept, which he originally was going to shoot on his own budget, ended up being fully funded and featured both in print and online in the NYT Fashion & Style section. Ben gives a shout out and thank you to all those photographed for their candid participation.

Rob Hornstra: Photo Books Category, Sochi Singers

Rob Hornstra/INSTITUTE

Documentary photographer Rob Hornstra’s long term project in Sochi – a Russian city on the Black Sea – documents singers in the city’s local restaurants. His photo book, Sochi Singers, explores the fierce competition between the city’s local dining businesses, and the eclectic mix of Roman, Greek, and other unidentifiable cultural elements that make up the decor.

Focusing on the atmosphere of these restaurants, Honstra’s project touches on the entire dining experience for the locals, and how conversation is not the main reason for dining out. Sochi Singers has also won first prize at World Press Photo (Arts & Entertainment Stories) and the Sony World Photography Awards (Arts & Culture stories).

Rob has recently finished his newest photo book, Life Here is Serious, documenting wrestlers from the North Caucasus. See his entire Sochi Singers series on his website.

Benedicte Desrus: Documentary Category, Marie Claire South Africa

Benedicte Desurus/Sipa Press for Marie Claire South Africa

French documentary photographer Benedicte Desrus focuses on humanitarian and social issues around the world. Her long term project documenting global obesity first began when she photographed Donna Simpson (above). The complex nature of the topic compelled Benedicte to continue exploring and create this series.

Obesity has “serious social and psychological dimensions that affects all age and socioeconomic groups,” she explains. “I hope my work can bring awareness to the issues and encourage people to discuss what can be done to make people healthier.” She’s also particularly interested in how different cultures treat obesity. “Although America is one of the fattest countries in the world, obesity is highly stigmatized.” Through her work, she seeks to highlight the root causes and reveal the true reality behind this sensitive subject.

Benedicte chose to submit her image of Donna to the PDN Photo Annual because she was the first person photographed for the project. “Her story, experience, and voice are important in my project. I think the image shocks some people but it also invites them to think about their reactions. Obesity is increasing and people have to face it.”

Heidi Levine: Photojournalism Category, Operation Free Libya

Heidi Levine for her series Operation Free Libya

Photojournalist Heidi Levine spent time in Libya, documenting the rebel fight against Qaddafi loyalists, with “full access from the rebels, until it was apparent they were losing. We would wrap our heads in scarves like them, jump on the back of pickup trucks and let the scarves’ pom-poms fly in the wind. Wherever we went, it was clear how unprepared the rebels were. Many said they’d never picked up a weapon before in their lives.”

For this particular shot, Heidi found herself in the crossfire, with the desert terrain offering no cover. “We were dependant on luck,” she says. “The wounded man in my photograph was conscious as he was surrounded by medics, ducking themselves from incoming fire. Their own expressions of horror could not be hidden as he lifted to see the extent of his wounded leg.” Of all the images in her series, she believes this particular image truly “magnifies the intensity of the risks that were taken by the medics.” You can view Heidi’s entire series Operation Free Libya on her website.

Other PhotoShelter members recognized in this year’s PDN Photo Annual include:

• Landon Nordeman – recognized in the Magazine Category for his work with The New Yorker
• Ryan Donnell – recognized in the Corporate Design Category for his work with Bates College
• Nadav Neuhaus – recognized in the Video Category

A big congratulations to all those recognized and awarded this year. To see all the winners be sure to check back on the PDN Photo Annual 2012 site.

PhotoShelter members and renowned travel & humanitarian photographers Gavin Gough and Matt Brandon are hosting a truly outstanding workshop this February in Penang, Malaysia. Attendees will spend a week capturing Thaipusam – the annual festival where some 800,000 Hindus will undertake a pilgrimage and engage in acts of devotion to their God of War. The price includes accommodation, meals, and more. Learn more about this amazing opportunity here.

Photo by Matt Brandon

Nature’s Best Photography magazine honors Russ Bishop

Russ Bishop, PhotoShelter member and fine art photographer, was a highly honored selection by Nature’s Best Photography magazine. His lighting image was also included in our 20 Stunning Photos of Nature’s Rarities collection in October. Congrats Russ!

Photo by Russ Bishop

PDN’s The Great Outdoors contest winners

Speaking of awards…PDN named 2011′s The Great Outdoors contest winners, among them PhotoShelter member Stephane Lacasa for his abstract man-of-war jellyfish image.

Photo by Stephane Lacasa

“Dear Sigma” contest asks if you’ve been good this year

Sigma wants to help check some photography gear off your wish list this holiday season with their “Dear Sigma” contest, running now through December 16. Photographers must visit Sigma’s Facebook page and fill out an entry form saying which Sigma products they’re dreaming of this year. The winner will be selected by a panel of judges from Sigma and receive $2,500 worth of Sigma gear.

Scanwiches exhibition @ JS55 Gallery

One of our favorite quirky photo bloggers and sandwich masters, Jon Chonko, is selling limited edition prints of his fantastical sandwich creations at JS55 Gallery in New York City. Jon has been creating and scanning sandwiches for some time and recently released a book. Now please excuse me, I just had a sudden craving for a BLT.

Photo by Jon Chonko

A secret holiday gift for an awesome photojournalist

This is pretty hush hush so we have to be deliberately circumspect. Who’s chipping in for this secret holiday gift for an awesome photographer?  Contribute to an alternative act of kindness – to find out more and get the password, send a Twitter direct message to @dbrabyn or email david@digitaltechparis.com.

This weekend, The Benevolent Media Festival will celebrate the people, organizations, and projects that work to compel others to care about a cause or take action on an issue. “Media Creators” are invited to host their own workshops or events to showcase their work for good (see full schedule here). We’re particularly excited about the Photography for Good: Slideshows & Discussion held on Sunday, which will showcase three professional photographers who have used their talent to bring social and environmental issues to light.

Dave Getzschman named a “Rising Star of Wedding Photography” by PDN

Congrats to PhotoShelter member Dave Getzschman for being named in PDN’s December magazine issue as one of the “Rising Stars of Wedding Photography”! Dave is a San Francisco-based documentary photographer who was recruited by wedding photographer and friend Ben Chrisman. While he’s retained his main newspaper client, his real work has been shooting weddings for Chrisman Studios. He was quoted by PDN, saying: “You really can shoot weddings in documentary fashion and you can have fun and challenge yourself. I do more photojournalism for weddings than I ever did for newspapers.”

New eBook “All About Lighting” from Camera Dojo

Kerry Garrison from Camera Dojo has released a new eBook titled “All About Lighting”. It’s 50 pages of information and insight on a variety of lighting topics including color balance, lighting angles, equipment, and more. You can get your copy for $14.99 here.

PhotographyBB Magazine releases its 45th Volume

To mark their 45th volume, PhotographyBB has released a Special Commemorative Edition that includes a tribute to Steve Jobs for his contributions to the world of technology. The volume also includes photography tips for creating a mood of mystery, how to find a photographic mentor, and much more.

The Mercy Project by James Whitlow Delano

After James Whitlow Delano lost his sister to cancer, he wanted to find a way to show his appreciation for the hospice center where she lived almost pain-free during her final months. So he set out to create a charity photo book project that would create awareness and raise funds for hospice and palliative care. The result was  The Mercy Project, a collection of 118 images from photographers who James asked to share one image that captured the meaning of mercy for them.

So I’m standing in for Grover, and want to give a huge shoutout to our friend Brad Mangin.

Brad contributed his San Franscisco Giants photography to a brand new book, Worth The Wait, all about the Giants 2010 championship season. It’s hot off the presses, accompanied by the writing of Brian Murphy, and sitting in my hands right now.  It is amazing to see Brad’s personal passion for baseball and his lifelong love of the SF Giants in full color, bound in elegant hardcover, tightly edited, and yes, autographed to members of the PhotoShelter staff. Definitely a keeper.  Kudos to Brad for this achievement.

If you love baseball, this one’s worth a look. Thanks for thinking of us Brad. (Putting this on the shelf next to my Mickey Mantle autograph. You know the one.)           

We consider ourselves lucky to be part of such an awesome photographer community here at PhotoShelter. Our members are constantly inspiring us, not just with the depth and quality of their work, but with the innovative ways they’re building successful photo businesses. Whether they’ve been in the industry for years or are just starting out, our members have a ton of industry insight and advice to share.
 
So we thought we’d spend some time talking with photographers to compile a series of profiles that illustrate the blood, sweat, and savvy that goes into building a strong photography career. Along the way our gracious narrators have shared personal anecdotes, insider equipment tips, and some secrets to finding photography success that even surprised us.
 
Here are highlights from the most recent profiles we’ve added to our growing library. Click through to our photographer profile page to read the full pieces. Our members truly are our greatest asset and we hope you’ll learn as much from them as we do every day. We’ll definitely be releasing more of these regularly.

Martin Bailey
Our first profiled photographer, Martin Bailey, just embarked on a month long photography expedition that will be making stops in Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, and the Patagonian coast.  Along with his co-host David Burren, Martin is guiding 27 photographers on a once in lifetime trip devoted exclusively to photographing the Antarctic’s pristine nature and wildlife.  In addition to providing the participants with an opportunity to photograph some of the more remote parts of the world, Martin and David are giving lectures and providing hands-on training on everything from selecting the white balances and exposures that will most accurately render the brilliant colors of the Antarctic, to final image processing in Lightroom.

photo by Martin Bailey

This is the sort of work Martin does best.  Whether it be through podcasts, forums, or workshops, Martin eagerly shares everything he knows about the art and business of photography to anyone willing to listen. “I’m under no delusions that I’m necessarily better from others,” he says, “but I’m unique. As is everyone else, so why protect our knowledge?  Only we can do the things that we do.”
 
Find out what role PhotoShelter plays in Martin’s not-so-secret recipe for success.

Keith Bedford
Just as Martin Bailey was departing his home in Tokyo for his expedition, photojournalist Keith Bedford was arriving to document Japan’s mounting nuclear and humanitarian crisis firsthand.  Keith’s most recent blog post touches on the emotionally draining and logistically challenging experience of covering the aftermath of natural disasters like last month’s tsunami.  He reports being heartened by the resilience of the people he’s encountered, like that of the mayor he recently met who had “lost his wife, yet has barely slept since the tsunami trying to hold his town together.”

photo by Keith Bedford

Keith has hopped from China to India to Afghanistan and Haiti in the past year, covering the stories that matter most to him.  Read on to learn how PhotoShelter helps him remain accessible when he’s so far from home.

Ed Mulholland
If sports photographer Ed Mulholland had not decided to send a few photos “on a goof” to boxing trade magazine FightNews nearly one decade ago, he might still be working in the healthcare industry.  Fortunately for HBO, ESPN.com, and the countless other fans of his work, Ed did take what felt at the time like a shot in the dark, and wound up covering a boxing match in Reading, PA two weeks later. “My beginning was a lot of luck,” Ed admits, “but I’ve worked incredibly hard since.”

photo by Ed Mulholland

Ed is currently working on a project for ESPN.com on UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie “The Answer” Edgar.  Ed was impressed by the way Edgar rallied after a near knockout in the first round of a recent bout with rival Gray Maynard, the only man who has ever defeated him in the ring.  That match ended as a draw, and the two are facing off again in May at UFC 13.   “On only one other occasion had I seen a fighter that bad off respond like Edgar had, so it got me thinking how it was possible?” Ed aims to find the answer to that question by documenting how he prepares for the rematch, both in the ring and at home.

You can read more on how Ed plans to deliver images from the match to ESPN.com in real-time through his PhotoShelter account.

Martin Vargas
Martin Vargas is the head of 33PHOTO, a visual communications company that works with some of Mexico’s largest corporations.  His team is currently knee-deep in annual report season.  Lest that bring to mind visions of sterile office buildings, it should be noted that 33PHOTO’s clients range from insurance firms to chemical plants.  Their assignments often bring them beyond the boardroom, into unpredictable and sometimes dangerous environments – like mine shafts and chaotic construction sites.  Experience has taught the 33PHOTO team to prepare for anything, so long hours, inhospitable conditions, and panicky clients don’t faze the them.  In Martin’s own words:

What is expected from me?  From us?  Well, everything! I’ve been a psychologist, counseling a frustrated project manager, a fixer, heck I’ve even made breakfast!  At the end of the day the client wants results; be creative, be on time, deliver on time, solve problems, and don’t give headaches.

Learn how Martin uses PhotoShelter to prevent client headaches.
 

photo by Martin Vargas