Victorian Glamour Photography
In the 19th centuries the classical arts were very much admired; sculptures and paintings showing the naked body were the major part of art gallery and museum exhibitions. However the Victorians were very strict on morality, and in the family home a portrait of the Queen, a framed religious tract or a landscape print would be the normal pictures to grace their sitting room. No nudes here!
Soon after the invention of the photographic process by Daguerre in the 1830’s the first nude photographs were created. These early photographs were intended to provide good reference material for painters and sculptors. Many of the early nude photographs were posed in the manner of classic oil paintings to make them more acceptable to critics of this art form.
This new technology of photography was quickly taken up by artists eager for new ways to illustrate the undraped feminine form – and to make a lot of money! In the moral climate of the 19th century the only officially sanctioned photography of the body was for the production of artist’s studies. However many were produced as erotic images for the ‘discerning gentleman.’
The reality of the photographic image was considered quite ugly at this time, so the closer the photographer could make the photograph resemble a classical painting the less likely he was to be accused of creating something obscene. The model who was willing to pose unclothed was considered immoral, and ‘respectable’ women rarely posed in the nude during the early days of photography.
The technical process in the early years required extremely long exposures, so the nude model often had to stay extremely still for up to ten minutes while the shutter remained open. The pose of the model was often contrived. Theatrical settings were used – the chaise-longue covered in heavy brocade, floral drapes, large classical urns and other paraphernalia were used to set the scene.
One picture could cost a week’s salary, so the audience for nudes mostly consisted of artists and the upper echelon of society. The French pioneered erotic photography, producing nude postcards, so named because of their size, although they were never meant to be postally sent as this was illegal. Nude photographs were marketed in a monthly magazine called the “La Beaute” that targeted artists looking for poses. Each issue contained 75 nude images which could be ordered by mail, in the form of postcards, hand-tinted or sepia toned. Street dealers, tobacco shops, and a variety of other vendors bought the photographs for resale to American tourists and servicemen.
The emergence of the glamorous pin-up photograph came about because not only was the female form revealed in all its splendour, but it also allowed the model a chance to put her own personality into the picture. Often, burlesque actresses were hired as models and semi-nude photographs appeared on the cover of publications and throughout; while these would now be termed softcore, they were quite shocking for the time. Later on publications masquerading as “art magazines” or publications celebrated the new cult of naturism, with titles such as Photo Bits, Body in Art, Figure Photography, Nude Living and Modern Art for Men. Health and Efficiency, started in 1900, was a typical naturist magazine in Britain.
In this way the nude photograph caused a sexual response from the viewer as well as an appreciation of the artistry of the picture. Erotic postcards enjoyed considerable popularity at the turn of the 20th century. They could always be obtained, by those in the know, from suppliers in every walk of life who were out to make money from a profitable trade.
The majority of the pin-up cards were mild by today’s standards. They were created to show a pleasing image which would entertain and stimulate the viewer. These images have innocence about them. Although often saucy, they were not the blatant images seen in the top-shelf magazines around today.
In spite of the contrived coy poses of the models these vintage photographs have great charm. The use of a primitive lens, slow film and daylight studios created a luminous quality which any glamour photographers would be happy to achieve in their work today.
Canon EOS Rebel T3i SLR Camera review
Unveiled in early 2011, the Canon EOS Rebel T3i (EOS 600D) continues Canon’s Digital rebel tradition of providing ‘affordable’ digital SLR cameras. Ideal for entry level enthusiast, the Rebel T3i sits on the top end of Canons entry-level EOS line-up, above the existing Rebel T2i (EOS 550D). With tools to capture beautiful still images and Full HD movies, the Canon EOS Rebel T3i makes photography easy and fun. With the matchless range of EF-S lenses and other accessories from Canon, the Rebel T3i holds the key to the perfect shot.
Body Design and Handling
Unlike its predecessors, the Rebel T3i has an improved grip that’s a little deeper, front to back, coupled with a carved channel on the back that provides an anchor point for the thumb. Although bigger hands may still find it a tight squeeze, most users should find its grip more comfortable than its predecessors. It is also heftier than its predecessor, the T2i, weighing almost 60g more (583g compared to the T2i’s 525g)
As with many cameras in its class, the Canon EOS Rebel T3i utilizes a pentamirror viewfinder. Although it is one of the better pentamirror finders in the market, it is smaller and dimmer than the pentaprism finders used in more expensive cameras. The viewfinder shows approximately 95% of the scene to be captured, and the 5% ‘margin of error’ is of little consequence in normal use.
The Canon EOS Rebel T3i has an excellent 3:2, 1,040k dot display swivel-and-tilt articulated LCD screen. Hinged on the side instead of the based, it is useful for taking shots when using a tripod, or camera above the head type of shots. The ClearView display technology which has a layer of optical elastic material between the coverglass makes for unusually clear indoors and outdoors images.
First Class Still Shots
The Canon EOS Rebel T3i’s DIGIC 4 image processor and buffer enables capture of about 34 large/fine JPEG images, 6 RAW frames, and 4 RAW+JPEG frames. The DIGIC 4 processor also allows capture of 14-bit RAW images, and the 8-bit JPEGs are created from 14-bit data. The quality from both the swiveling LCD and the optical viewfinder is excellent, good enough to shoot at ISO 3,200 for a low-noise image.
With Peripheral Illumination Correction, the Rebel T3i is able to reduce Vignetting, a reduction of an image’s brightness or saturation at the periphery compared to the image center.
The Rebel T3i also has Creative Filter functions, which provides 5 filters, including the new Fisheye mode that creates a distortion as seen through a fisheye lens. The effect is applied after the shot is captured, and the strength of the effect is adjustable. This feature is not available for videos.
Unlike its predecessors, the Canon T3i offers nine-point auto focusing (AF) with a central f/2.8 focus point and eight single-axis points. All its AF points are cross-type, an advantage, as they are sensitive to both horizontal and vertical detail.
The Canon EOS Rebel T3i also comes with an Auto+ mode, which combines five Canon T3i’s systems, i.e.; Auto Exposure, Autofocus, Auto White Balance, Auto Lighting Optimizer, and Picture Style Auto, into one smart exposure mode.
Full High Definition Moving Pictures
The Canon EOS Rebel T3i comes with movie mode with Full HD 1,920 x 1,080 pixels at 24, 25, and 30 frames per second. 720p is available at 50 and 60 fps and VGA video is recorded at 30 and 25 fps. Zooming is a breeze with Video Digital Zoom, which allows a cropped zoom from between three and 10x magnification in 1080p resolution at all frame rates.
Another feature is the Video Snapshot mode that is brought in from Canons PowerShot and camcorder ranges. This feature allows recordings of short 2, 4 or 8 second video snippets, which are then stitched together and played back as a merged video. There is also an option to add audio soundtrack, choosing from the in-built five standard background music tracks, or import music to the SD card via the EOS utility. With this feature, multi-take videos can be produced without computer editing.
Other Handy Features
The T3i has a pop-up flash, with an X-sync of 1/200 second and a guide number of 43 feet (13m) at ISO 100 that can also function as an Integrated Speedlite Transmitter /wireless flash controller.
As with the T2i, it is HDMI-CEC compatible. With an HDMI to mini-HDMI (Type C) adapter or cable (purchase separately), you can play back your images on your HD TV as well as control the camera’s Playback functions via the CEC (Consumer Electronics) Protocol.
In Conclusion
With newly added features to the already impressive Rebel line, the Canon EOS Rebel T3i is a value for money investment for aspiring photographers. The quality of its still shots is among the best in its price range, and its video modes are quite comprehensive, offering excellent quality, if handled correctly.
Besides the Rebel T3i, Canon offers the T2i and the 60D, another two outstanding 18-megapixel digital SLRs within the same price range. All provides excellent image quality. However, in this authors opinion, the Canon EOS Rebel T3i has the best mix of features among the three.
[Top]Have A Passion For Photography Why Not Join A Photography Institute In Mumbai
Whenever you go for an outing with your buddies, do you often take snaps of the surroundings, more than your friends do? Even when you hang out with your friends, do you take shots of gardens, trees, urban scapes and other such sceneries in the surrounding? If your answer is yes, then it is a sign that you have a passion for photography.
If you want to go ahead with your passion, the best advice would be to join a photography institute. If you live in Mumbai, then it is even better for you. There are many institutes in the city that provide courses in professional photography.hy.
However, if you want to learn the best of professional photography, then you must watch out for a good photography institute in Mumbai. The city has many good photography institutes that will surely impart you with high standard knowledge of professional photography.
Instead of going for one of those ordinary photography courses that you will find dime in a dozen, it is always better to go for a professional course when you want to pursue the professional level.
If you want to know how to choose the right type of photography institute in Mumbai, you will have to do the following:
Search the internet, check periodicals and preferably photography magazines for finding the right kind of photography institute in the city. Mostly, the internet would be a helpful source for you.
Once you have come to known about a good photography institute, you should check to see, what type of photography courses they provide, for what duration and if they also have professional photography internship programs.
Finding a good photography institute in the city won’t be so difficult. However, you also must know about what all you will learn over there. A reputed photography institute always ensures that they provide the best of the best in photography imbibing the latest technology and techniques in the art.
Here is brief information about the skills that you are likely to learn at a reputed photography institute:
You will learn about the basics of photography here. In addition you will also learn the latest techniques of photography, such as taking the right angles and shots as per the conditions.
You will be taught about identifying a photogenic scenery and using the right technique that suits it.
They will also teach you about adding effects to your photos, such as black and white, sepia and other such effects.
In addition, you will be also taught about various latest models of cameras, different types of lenses, their powers, handling and cleaning the equipment.
The best you will gain out of this, is that you will get an opportunity to work as an intern with a magazine or a newspaper or even with a professional photographer.
When you get so many benefits by joining a good photography institute in the city, you should certainly go ahead with it. The only way you get to live your passion for photography is by going for a professional training.
[Top]What is Erotic Photography
Do you know what erotic photography is all about? Do you think that it is just as simple as the other arts? Is there a difference between pornography and erotic photography? This article will provide some answers. It will enlighten you and give you an approach into erotic photography.
There have been many definitions about what is erotic and what is art. Defining it can be difficult, particularly since everyone has different perceptions about art and erotica. Generally, it includes work of artistry that has the intention of suggesting erotic arousal and this is the reason why it portrays love making or simliar settings. It can be seen in music, sculptures, drawings, paintings and photographs. It is from this definition that some people misinterpret it as pornography. Bear in mind, that pornography is also identified as inducing erotic arousal because of love making scenes, but it is not art.
In every culture erotic photography has been present. The Paleolithic figures and the paintings in the cave are example of ancient erotic art. Visit Pompeii and witness Greek paintings covering the wrecked walls of Roman structures. In Peru on its southern area of America it has a group of individual known as Moshe that focusing on sculpture explicit scenes in their pottery. The museum Larco that is located in Lima has the complete arcade of erotic ceramics.
Erotic photography is also evident in Eastern cultures. Shunga in Japan showed in the 13th century up to the late 19th century has the old type of art. It continues to achieve popularity until photography was invented. In China, during the Ming dynasty there was much erotic art. In India the Kama Sutra remains very popular still today.
In Europe, the Renaissance included creation of erotica for the amusement of the aristocracy. Poet Pietro Arctino, maker of Marcantonio Raimondi, and Giulio Romano the designer joined together to make woodwork album, carved with text I Modi in the 16th century. These works continued well into the 20th century until photography took center stage. Other publishers such as Taschem came to show their erotic photography.
At present, erotic art remains on the fringes of society however the work is not as recognized as other types of art. There has been great development and growth in this area. Many new methods have been developed like the Impressionism and Realism.
To learn more about erotic photography you can visit http://www.eroticphotolounge.com. You will also have the opportunity to see some of the best example of erotic photography. It will help you open your mind in reality of photography that involves erotic pictures. To some people this type of photography is like pornography but for those who like classy and elegant photography it will really appeal.
[Top]Creative Senior Adults Busily Painting Masterpieces
The baby-boomers have become senior citizens and are discovering art at the same time. Senior art classes and programs are full of energetic individuals learning to express themselves through painting and drawing. Researchers say that art helps folks to cope with stress and trauma in their lives, as well as increasing self awareness. Art serves as a way to explore both the past and the present and previous training is not required. Seniors benefit from creating their own art no matter what their skill levels currently are. Studies suggest that regardless of specific skills, the practice of any form of art benefits social, physical and mental health.
Relationships are enriched with art and getting together with others in a program or class encourages socialization. The practice of art techniques begins to encourage the mind to see the world is new ways and provides a very unique and real sense of accomplishment and happiness. Art therapy improves the quality of life for seniors and depression fades away. A feeling of being in charge returns, along with an increased ability to make choices because there are countless choices to make in each work of art.
A ten-year-long study done at Columbia University Medical Center has associated a positive outlook with health benefits. Another two-year study of three-hundred seniors found that the art students had better health than those who did not participate, who also saw deterioration in their health. The active artists in the group were less depressed, used fewer medications, were less lonely, and had higher morale, along with being socially more active.
Many communities across the USA are reaching out to seniors, based on the above findings, to encourage them to discover the real rewards of creating a new art hobby in their lives. New York City’s Department of Cultural Affairs has created a program to match seniors with artists on a citywide basis for a seven-month-long residency program to encourage artistic creativity. In Chicago, Mather’s-More Than a Caf offers painting and art classes for seniors. In Los Angeles, older adults are encouraged to participate in Art Festivals held in various locations throughout the city. In Atlanta, the Parks and Recreation Department has Senior Centers which offer a wide variety of art classes specifically for seniors to encourage the “growth of new brain cells and make you feel young and energized.”
When the younger generation views the artistic talents of seniors it changes the way they view their elders. They become more appreciative and begin to value and view them as mentors, tutors, teachers, advisors and creators who are eager to share the wisdom they’ve gained through long life experiences.
In the Village of Stone Mountain, Georgia there is one enterprising entrepreneur who has come up with a way to help his fellow seniors make a little money from their hobbies, too. When Les Scarborough discovered that the senior budding artists at a local retirement home were simply hiding their art work under the bed, he decided to open a gallery in the village specifically to share their art work and sell it.
Les features the artwork of seniors at the Clothesline Art and Fine Art Treasures Gallery, along with his own photography, in downtown Stone Mountain, GA. He turns their artwork into post cards, greeting cards, DVDs, coffee table books, and calendars along with gallery quality Gicle prints on canvas and fine art papers. Gicle is the ultimate method for producing stunning gallery quality fine art prints.
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