Top Eight: Photography Websites You Should Fave

Everybody's got their list of favorite sites they like to visit on a regular basis. Photographers, in specific have their own special sites that they visit for information, inspiration, or entertainment. I probably have a million different sites that I visit for various reasons, a few hundred of which I visit on a weekly basis. So I've broken down a few of them and will periodically highlight some that I think are most relevant to me at the moment. I wouldn't even say the list is in order and is not an actual TOP website listing, but Top Eight sounded better than Featured Eight. So lets begin.

Nude Art Model, © 2009 Terrell Neasley

1. F-Stoppers - Originally founded by Patrick Hall and Lee Morris, FStoppers has a plethora of writers and a boat load of information on just about everything, which can be proven if you check the archives. This is one of the sites I visit primarily for Photography News updates, Gear Reviews, and general well-written and interesting articles on photography. They are in no way limited to photography as you can also get the low-down on practically anything video.

2. PhotoFocus - This is likely the site I currently visit the most. Scott Bourne is one of my favorite photogs doing his thing today. He lives here in Las Vegas (never met him personally, though) and along with Jerry Ghionis and Richard Harrington, Scott consistently puts out some of the best material that will benefit you as a photographer concerning gear, photo techniques, and business best practices. This site has been up since 1998, so the man's been doing this on a regular basis for quite a while. And because of that, he'll be turning over the reins to his bud Richard next November to focus on some other areas of interest in his life, namely racing! I like the man's insight and the way he puts it honestly on the line. He can be very introspective, especially as of recently, and that's to our benefit. Scott Bourne will keep you from later on having one of those, "If I knew back then what I know now" kind of moments if you listen to him today.

3. Photo Attorney - I first found out about Carolyn E. Wright about 5 years ago. She's an attorney. She's a photographer. And right now, her law practice specifically serves the needs of photographers. I mean, 'nuff said. She should definitely be on your list of faves and you should be reading her periodically or at the very least researching her site to review posts relative to your current specific needs. In fact, stop reading my post and go check her out. Come back when you are done.

4. Digital Photo Pro - This site is actually the online version of the magazine I used to subscribe to. It was one of my original sources I used in my initial development as a photographer. When I chose to get serious with this gig in 2005, one of the first things I did was to subscribe to this magazine. The issues helped me with inspiration and creativity. From this source, I found out how good everyone was and how I needed to be better. Regular articles on the new and up and coming young photographers, along with tips and techniques on lighting helped me expand my portfolio and get noticed.

Nude Art Model, © 2012 Terrell Neasley

5. Crisis Lab - I'm still trying to figure this guy out, but I like the hell out of him. Kevin Good runs this joint and much of it is focused on cinematography. I just came across him recently researching some information about the new Tamron 24-70mm lens with image stabilization compared to the Nikon version as well as Canon's new higher priced version for a grand more. Tamron has the only version with image stabilization and since I spend a few days a week working at B & C Camera, I want to be better educated when customers ask me about these systems. Now, I'm hooked. Kevin and his crew are funny, but incredibly informed and they present information to you that makes sense and demands your attention. If you are a Nikon shooter, you may have to get past his Canon bias. It can be harsh. You've been warned.

6. Chase Jarvis - Now this is my point about mentioning that this list is not in order. No way would I be saying CJ is ranked 6th out of 8 in anything. Let me put it to you this way. I'm a grown ass man. I'm 44 years old, but if there was anybody I'd say I want to be like when I grow up, its Chase Jarvis. I'm mean, granted...I'm only speaking photographically here. I don't know him personally, but as far as a business model, I couldn't complain one bit if my business suddenly mirrored his. I say that with only one caveat. If he's not doing nudes, then all bets are off. I'll just be me.

I came across his work a few years back while researching options for back-ups that photographers use. We're not like the typical consumer who can back up everything they've done over the years in a Gig or two.  Every time I take a picture, that's an almost 50mb file. I can fill up hard drives fairly quickly. In my research, I came across Chase Jarvis' video on his data management and workflow techniques and was amazed at his redundancy, efficiency, and the overall system he has in place when he goes on assignment. I won't even get into the people on his team. But I think it's amazing. He continues to inspire as he was recently sailing with a bud off the coast of South Africa and South America.

7. NikonRumors / CanonRumors - Here is where I go to put my ear to the rumor mill. Whether you're a Nikon shooter or Canon, both these sites have the low down on what's coming up in new announcements, news and info. They both seem to have to goods on speculated topics and gear. In fact, I'm going to take a break and go check'em out now. Maybe get a bite to eat. In fact, I'll be back in a couple hours.

Nude Art Model, © 2010 Terrell Neasley

....A few hours later

8. How Is Should Have Ended  - Yeah, photography...no. But you recall what I said earlier about cinema, right...moving photos...well, this qualifies. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. HISHE is an animation parody about the movies we go to the theaters to watch. I'm always going to see movies. My fave HISHE animation clips are the "Inception", "Lord of the Rings", and "Star Trek" parodies on how these movies SHOULD have ended. Its funny, highly entertaining, and should definitely be on your list of favorites.

Anyhoo... Here is Kevin Good giving his analysis on the 24-70mm lens for Tamron, Nikon, and Canon.

"Paradigm Shift" by Mike McGrath

Making preparation for my wedding shoot in July. The day is fast approaching and there's still some stuff I need to get. I've opted to rent some equipment from LensRentals.com. I REALLY wanted to have that Mark II, for this shoot, but the things been on back-order for ever. I'm happy I was able to go through them and find what I needed. Garrett recommended them and so far, I've found them pretty easy to work with. They are a company out of Memphis and FedEX your rentals anywhere in the US. I found their prices reasonable as well. I made sure to insure everything, with the exception of the camera body, surprisingly. They'll insure the lenses, but not a camera body. I'm guessing the insurance is for repair costs for a lens, but they figure if you mess up a camera body, you've pretty much bought it anyway. Well, interesting enough, Digital Photo Pro has an article in the latest issue about taking care of your bottom line and this feature is on insurance for your photo business. I think its worth while for you to look into it. I've subscribed to this magazine for about 2 years now and its worth it.

Its been a while but I interviewed another model recently, but actually, she interviewed me, I think. The girl had a bunch of questions...good questions, and it took us about 4 hours of coke refills at a local pub to sort through it all. She's got a plethora of ideas of concepts she'd like to shoot and I'm only happy to oblige her. Hopefully within the next week or so, I'll be posting new work of her. Like I said, its been a while since I've shot a nude. So I guess I finally got my wish. I finally put off shooting nudes for a while. Granted, I didn't do so in lieu of shooting other things. I had to put photo on hold all together. I did get in some shots here and there, but I also reworked some of my older images and organized my files. Its time to ship another body of work off the the Library of Congress and I'm still doing all my meta-tagging. So I've posted a mish-mage of stuff I've been working on.

Another priority is getting my Las Vegas Art Models Group up and running better than before. I've got a few ideas but making them happen is something different. I haven't done a workshop in quite some time and I guess a few people began to get concerned about my welfare in that no one had heard from me in a while. There are some who knew what's been going on but a great many hadn't a clue. My issue has been to revamp the group and refocus on the reason I started the group in the first place, but I need to do so in a manner that makes the group at least pay for itself. I've been out of pocket in this thing for quite some time. I may as well make it a profit-oriented venture so that I can expand my resources and broaden my capabilities/options. Getting models hasn't been such a big thing, but many times, more than one is necessary and that is where affordability comes into place. Paying models for these gigs has been important since the main reason I started the group was to give models more venues to earn money at what they do, through my own workshops and sessions, but also through networking. For a while, any person or business needing a model knew that I could deliver and I passed on recommendations. The same held true for artists and photographers. Some of the artists in my drawing groups came away with commissions and I had photographers make connections as well. So any of you readers with suggestions, I'd be more than happy for your support.

A few changes coming up is a new name. PhotoAnthems.com will be the new name for my blog and website in the near future. I need a logo design and maybe a new blog layout. I still have work to do in that regard, but don't be surprised when it pops up and you think you've come to the wrong site. You can also now follow me on Twitter! Don't know if I want to keep up with it yet, but I'm gonna play with it for a while. So at any rate, come give me some love at www.twitter.com/ArtNudePhotog. And if you're gonna be traveling anywhere, visit My Rovia Travel Site before hand to see if you can save some money. So far it hasn't been beaten as far as I've seen and they also price match. So check out the deals.

And finally, there's "Paradigm Shift" I'd be interested in knowing what you might be inclined to feel towards, this life-sized bronze sculpture by artist Mike McGrath, of a female nude, squatting with knees spread, and exhibited in a privately controlled space, but viewable to the public. I can still visualize it as art, but I'd like to know what you think about the venue. Right now its exhibited at the Burien/Interim Arts Space, or B/IAS. Would you say its too explicit?

"Paradigm Shift" by Mike McGrath