This Blog Has Moved!

Hi Everyone!

After a lot of thought, I decided to create a new blog.  I hope you enjoy it.  No worries, all of my old posts and photos have been imported to it's new location.

VISIT MY NEW BLOG!

As always, thanks for support!

Much Love, A.

29 Ways to Stay Creative *Video from TO_FU on Vimeo*

Every once in a while it's important for everyone (not just artists) to take a step back and re-evaluate their level of creativity. Is their something more you can do?  Are you stuck in a rut?  Has your work been looking the same lately (and not in a good way)?  This video highlights 29 ways to stay creative. Enjoy!


29 WAYS TO STAY CREATIVE from TO-FU on Vimeo.

%A.L. Kohlmann
A.L. Kohlmann Imagery
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A Visit to Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple

Hi Everyone -

Taking a break from blog reviews to actually finally post some photos!  I know, it's been a while.  I did some personal photo shoots over the holidays and then life got overly stressful.  I just read an article at the Digital Photography School about whether people are photography "bingers" or "snackers," meaning they take large volumes of photos every few weeks or they take photos almost every day.  I have to admit, I'm a binger...but I wish I were more of snacker. 

Anyway, today I binged and I did this at one of the coolest places possible - the Frank Lloyd Wright Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois.  The design for the Unity Temple was started in 1905 by Wright to provide "a new Unitarian Universalist Church to replace one lost to fire." The Temple was built between 1906 and 1908 on a small budget and is crafted primarily of concrete.  It seems crude but it translates as sleek and beautiful. 

The Unity Temple is still a functioning facility and the Unity Temple Restoration Foundation (UTRF) has been working tirelessly for years to raise money to preserve this treasure.  Thanks to UTRF's handout, I was able to provide a lot of the information about the history of the Unity Temple in this post.  I recommend visiting their website for even more history and about their restoration efforts.  Also, take a few minutes to listen to this great PODCAST done by NPR in the Unity Temple about Wright and his work there.  As for my own experience today at the Unity Temple,

I found it both calming and exciting.  The

architecture was amazing, as was the beautiful design of the stainglass windows.  The colors were warm and inviting and even though it is a church, I felt like it did not mind me photographing it.  It was a wonderful experience.  If you are ever in the Chicagoland area, it is a must see. 

In the mean time, enjoy a sampling of my photoset from today.

%A.L. Kohlmann of A.L. Kohlmann Imagery

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Favorite Photo Blogs: Part 3

I love to be inspired and sometimes, since being able to go out and take pictures every day is not an option, I have my favorite photo blogs that I follow to keep me in the artistic frame of mind.  I am doing a series on my own blog highlighting my favorite sites across the web.  Here is part three:

Favorite Photo Blogs: Most Unconventional, Interesting, and Unique!
This was a very fun category of blogs to research!  There are so many exciting websites out there today that are highlighting photography, literature, fashion, and art in a creative manner.  Now, the reasons these blogs fall under the "Unconventional, Interesting, and Unique" category is that they are not first and foremost photography blogs like the others I have featured in Parts 1 & 2.  They are their own special creations.  Check them out and see for yourself!

1. You, Me, and Charlie
You, Me, and Charlie is a website created by actress Dianna Agron.  She dubs it as a "playground of sorts" for people throughout the world to highlight their own creativity, be it through art, word, or music.  I find this site exciting and fascinating.  I am always overjoyed by the copious amounts of creativity that the world has and finally found a place to appropriately place it.  My favorite area of this blog (of course) is entitled "Point & Shoot."  It's full of beautiful photos and stories from guest contributors, amatuer photographers, and professional photographers from across the web.  This site is whimsical and exciting and may consume hours of your life if you are not careful - but in a good way!

2.  Mr. Kate
Mr. Kate is primarily a fashion, home, and living blog - but that doesn't mean it doesn't have amazing art.  The website sums itself up best:

"Mr. Kate is a lifestyle brand for generation Y and Z but X and Boomers totally dig it too! with an emphasis on eco-friendly and on-the-cheap, Mr. Kate creator Kate Albrecht guides and inspires people to dress funky with thrift store finds, decorate their places with DIY and flea market projects, cook easy and healthy yummies and be involved and aware of the world around them."    -Mr. Kate Website

As if this premise wasn't intriguing enough, the photo diaries, fashion photographs, and little photo trinkets throughout the site are enough to make any person who loves fun, real photography squeal with delight.  The content is exciting, but the photos, at least for me, are the greatest perk.

3. White On Rice Couple
White On Rice Couple is a site dedicated to "stories of food. travel. life. through photography."  This blog is a beautiful representation of a couple's passions in life detailed through photography.  It is a almagam of receipes, adventures, travels, and storytelling.  The photography is crisp, profound, and beautiful and most are wonderful as stand alone pieces or simply enhanced by a story.  Not checking out this blog would be disappointing, because it brings so much happiness through words and photos alike.

Well everyone.  Three different categories of blogs featuring photography, nine different amazing websites.  Don't forget to checkout Part 1 (Mainstream Sites: CNN, NPR, & National Geographic) and Part 2 (Newspapers/Magazines: LA Times, NY Times, and The New Yorker).  All have something wonderful to offer in their own right - be it the news through pictures, stories of the past, or unique and fun intepretations of life.  I'm wrapping up my blog series for now, but no worries - the more blogs I come across with amazing photography, the more I will want to showcase.

Enjoy!
% A.L. Kohlmann

Also, don't forget to "Like" my new page on Facebook, follow this blog via Twitter (@alkohlmannphoto), follow A.L. Kohlmann imagery on Pinterest or simply visit my photography website.   As always, thanks for the support!

Kodachrome Film Documentary – PictureCorrect

Hey Everyone!

Came across this documentary on Twitter.  Kodachrome was the first color film and has since ceased production.  This is a true exercise in the process of photography and a great short film.

Kodachrome Film Documentary – PictureCorrect

Enjoy!

Favorite Photo Blogs: Part 2

I love to be inspired and sometimes, since being able to go out and take pictures every day is not an option, I have my favorite photo blogs that I follow to keep me in the artistic frame of mind.  I am doing a series on my own blog highlighting my favorite sites across the web.  Here is part two:

Favorite Photo Blogs: Most Interesting Newspaper/Magazine Photo Blogs

 

1. The Los Angles Times Framework Photography Blog

The LA Times Framework Blog is one of my favorite sites to visit to view the news in photos.  Photojournalism has never been my forte since I am admittedly more passive about my work and rarely take photos involving people, however I have the utmost respect for photojournalists and the work they do.  I love the LA Times's "This Week In Pictures" which highlights news from the US and around the world.  Not only do the photos show the news from a different perspective, but they are stunning as well.  I find this way to find out the week's new much more profound than watching it on TV or reading it on the web.

 

2.  The New York Times Lens

The NY Times Lens is a blog that I visit almost daily.  Showcasing photos of the day from their own photojournalists and across the web, their content is diverse and interesting.

I think the Lens website describes itself the best:

"Lens is the photography blog of The New York Times, presenting the finest and most interesting visual and multimedia reporting — photographs, videos and slide shows. A showcase for Times photographers, it also seeks to highlight the best work of other newspapers, magazines and news and picture agencies; in print, in books, in galleries, in museums and on the Web"- Lens website

Also, they have the most amazing array of archived photos and events, so no matter what you are looking for, you are bound to find it here.

3. The New Yorker Photo Booth
The New Yorker Photo Booth truly reads in a blog format, which is one of my favorite aspects of this site.  Each day there is a new post from a different blogger.  The content is unique and features either archived or current photography.  I love that each photo spread has an accompanying story and the tone and style is always different depending on the blogger.  A deviation from some of the other magazine/newspaper blogs in its content and style.


So those are my top three Newspaper and Magazine blogs.  I know to some they seem cliche because these are arguablely some of top newspapers/magazines in the nation, but that's why they are so wonderful.  They have the resources and time to make some truly wonderful blogs.  They convey current topics through photos in a way that others cannot.

Do you agree?  Check out these blog sites and give me your feedback.  Do you know of other newspaper/magazine photo blogs that blow you away like these did to me?  Also, stay tuned, my next Favorite Blog post is about unconventional photo blogs out there... I have a couple ideas, but am open to suggestions.

Happy Blogging!
%A.L. Kohlmann - A.L. Kohlmann Imagery

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Twitter (@alkohlmannphoto) and Pinterest!

Favorite Photo Blogs: Part 1

I love to be inspired and sometimes since being able to go out and take pictures every day is not an option, I have my favorite photo blogs that I follow to keep me in the artistic frame of mind.  I am doing a series on my own blog highlighting my favorite sites across the web.  Here is part one:

Favorite Photo Blogs: Mainstream Sites That Tell A Story

1. CNN's Photo Blog

CNN's Photo Blog has had some of the most touching, raw, and emotional work from a mainstream website that I have encountered in a long time.  If you have been following my blog or twitter for some time, you may see me re-tweet or reference them often.  Their photo spreads feature photographers from across the world and touch on sometimes taboo subjects.  Their recent spread by Marvi Lacar about depression was especially profound.

2.  NPR's Picture Show

NPR's Picture Show is a new blog find for me.  Again, this blog features artists from around the world who are taking pictures of everything from the continuing crisis in Haiti to the Westminster Dog Show.  There is no topic too minuscule to be showcased in this photo blog.  One of my favorite features about this blog is that there is often an accompanying audio about the spread.  Photography isn't just about beautiful pictures, it's about telling a story.

3. National Geographic Photography

National Geographic Photography is not in and of itself a blog, however they change the photos daily and feature important topics both culturally and to our environment.  One of my first experiences with true photography was from my family's monthly subscription.  To this day, the National Geographic photographers and their work still manage to take my breath away.

So tell me, what are your thoughts on my top three favorite mainstream photo blogs?  Are there others that you think rank up in the top 3?  Let me know.  My next post will feature my top three mainstream newspaper photography blogs. Interested?

%A.L. Kohlmann

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Video: NGL Brian Skerry: Ocean Soul

Hi Everyone -

Here's a narrated video from National Geographic Live that I wanted to share. It speaks of the challenges of underwater photography and some goregeous images.

So here it is: National Geographic Live!: Brian Skerry: Ocean Soul



%A.L. Kohlmann

https://twitter.com/alkohlmannphoto

GIMP vs. Photoshop: Yikes, That's a Loaded Comparison!

Wow....

That's all I can say after doing, what I feel to be, A LOT of research on what was to be today's post. GIMP vs. Photoshop. As a person who used to use Photoshop and now uses GIMP, I felt that this was a good topic to touch upon. I never realized how loaded it really was for photographers and graphic designers out there, both serious and casual users alike.

When you Google 'GIMP vs. Photoshop,' there are over 480,000 results within seconds. This tells me that this is a debate that has gone on a long time and has a lot of fuel behind it with likely no real resolution.  Now, I just want to make it clear that my initial goal was to compare GIMP, for X Windows systems, and Adobe Photoshop (- NOT Photoshop Elements. I have no experience with Elements, so I feel I cannot speak to it.)  After my research I abandoned my attempt at a post to compare the two and instead thought I would reflect on my own experience with both.

So here it is...

As I have alluded to many times in the past, I began my photography career doing all of my work in the darkroom. It wasn't until the last couple of years that I have branched out into digital photography. Like I have said, this was initially out of necessity, however I have come to enjoy it deeply.  Throughout college I had the privilege (yes, privilege) of using Adobe Photoshop.  We had it in every digital lab and it was at my disposal 24 hours a day.  Back then I was also more daring with pirating software and even had a version on my computer (ah, to be young... and stupid).  It introduced me to a whole new world of digital imagery and image manipulation.  It got me excited about some day owning a legitimate D-SLR and the possibilities that it may afford a professional photography business in the future.

Once I entered in the real world, started grad school for a career that definitely frowns upon pirated software, and realized that I had absolutely no money, Photoshop became less of a reality for me.  My computer crashed and I lost that old pirated version.  My grad school studies were not for art (sadly), so my 24 hour access was gone.  I no longer had access to my school's or parent's darkroom - so I just stopped doing photography.  It felt SO wrong - I was lost.  Once grad school ended and I had *some* disposable income, I was able to save up for a D-SLR.  I was excited again.  I felt whole.  But I had no clue anymore what I was doing.  It was clear then that it was a necessity for me to find a good photo editing program.  

Now, I have always been a fan of open source software.  Open Office got me through grad school and even had features my Microsoft Works didn't have.  I had heard about GIMP from a friend, who was just as poor as I was, and I decided to try it out - I liked that it was free and the interface looked much like what I had learned on (Photoshop).  I must admit that it's a clumsy program in some ways and I had to Google a lot of things to figure out some more complicated actions, but ultimately, it mirrored Photoshop in a way that I understood and I grew to love it.

So again, this post did not end up what I wanted it to be.  I ditched that idea 480,000 results ago.  It did however force me to take a look at my personal experiences with the software.  I will acknowledge that both have their highs and lows and you have to choose the one that is right for what you need, not what the industry is telling you you need.  Ultimately, I feel that GIMP is right for me.  Oddly it makes me feel like part of a community and I enjoy the hunt to discover how to do things in this program.  And honestly, I cannot afford Photoshop - not saying that I would, at this point in my career, buy it if I could.  I simply don't need it right now.  Photoshop did however prepare me for using GIMP and I am unsure if I had never used both how easy GIMP would have been for me.  

So what's your favorite photo editing tool? GIMP? Photoshop? Elements?  Have you used more than one and have a preference?  I'd be interested to know.  Ultimately, I'd like to say "screw the software" and go back to film, but now that's just not practical for me.  Maybe, someday.  Until then, GIMP, you're my man.  But Photoshop, I do love you too, because you taught me what possibilities there were and ultimately, you are a wonderful program as well.

% A.L. Kohlmann

Visit me at A.L. Kohlmann Imagery.  New photos coming to the gallery soon!

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A Photographer's Perspective on SOPA

Hi Everyone -

Credit: Mad In Crafts

Word around the web today is that the SOPA bill has been pulled due to the outcry across the internet this week.  Though I have yet to confirm this rumor, I have a feeling that SOPA, PIPA, and bills like it have only began to rear their heads in our government.  As a photographer, I have mixed feelings about this bill.  I am 100% against it.  However as a person who posts their work on the internet, it has made me take a step back and look at why a bill like this could be supported by some industries, including my own.

Don't  know what SOPA is? Visit the Wall Street Journal for comprehensive overview of the bill.

I have heard too many stories from friends, fellow colleagues, and strangers across the web - all photographers - who have come across their own copyrighted work uncredited on some stranger's website. Bottom line:  Unless a person has permission to share or use an image and/or credit has been given, then it's basically stealing.  Now we can all admit that it's easy to go to Google Images and yank a photo off the web with a simple right click.  I've done it.  Heck, I did it in this post.  But you must give credit where credit is due and sometimes, credit and money is due.  A lot of hard work, time, and money have gone into these creative endeavors.  

Now, while I think that some day there should be stricter laws surrounding copyrighted materials, I do not think that the solution in the SOPA bill is the answer.  How do you find the balance between protecting your work and protecting your constitutional rights?  I don't have the answer to that.  I have simply made it more difficult for people to steal my work.  I use watermarks, low resolution photos, and disable right clicking on my website.  With that said, people can crop photos to remove watermarks and may not need high resolution photos for their own site.  And who knows, maybe you can screen shot my work and print it with a color printer.  Any way you look at it, the only safe way to protect your photos is to not put them online at all - but then how do you get your work out  there?  It's a battle.  For great tips on protecting your photos online, visit NatureFocused.com's article.

So that's my opinion on the matter. SOPA is out of line and I can say that because we have free speech and the ability to voice our opinions online.  Does it bring an issue dear to my heart to the surface? Absolutely.  So, fellow bloggers, photographers, and artists, how will we contend with this?  I will end my post today with an article written by musicians, artists, and creative types in Hollywood who echo my sentiments on Goodreads.com.

Let me know your thoughts and Happy Blogging and Photographing!

%A.L. Kohlmann