The judges have come back with the final 30 lucky entrants from the PEN Test Drive Competition who will ALL get to test drive the brand new Olympus PEN E-PL1 next generation digital camera!

Now remember this was not just a competition judged on imagery alone but also on the heartfelt, poignant and descriptive reasons why these photographers felt they should be one of the test drivers.

Congratulations to all those that entered and of course to the 30 finalists of which 3 will walk away with the Olympus PEN E-PL1with 14 - 42mm Lens Kit!!

 

Umbrella by Luan

 

Essential Animal by Chris

 

Vintage Girl by Monique

 

Fire Amongst the Pilons by Harimou

 

Washing Day by Naomi Frost

 

Abstract Art in Life by Luke Brown

 

London Calling by Nicolas Gonzalez

 

Vines Under the Nets by Maurie Roche

 

Drink by the Pool by Linda Nguan

 

And even though by Jess Tremp

 

Waves on Green by Phil

 

Smoke Figurine by Gamand

 

My Beach by Andy

 

Sydney Downpour by Cmitch

 

Reflected by Heather

 

Light Through the Ice by Leopold

 

Balloons Aloft by Judy

 

Please!! No Photos! by wildimagenation

 

5am Sydney Angel by Boraxtz

 

A Mount Buffalo Morning by jjb

 

At Glass at Must by tegans

 

Thirsty by Lenny

 

Green Gully by Twlake

 

Hilltop Grazing by Papatac

 

Marble Eye by Thomas

 

Australia by John White

 

Lengthening Shadows by Alohamae

 

Sleeping Beauties by Jazzyjane

 

The Cellist by Bradley Cummings

 

Twister by Leonard Metcalf

So it's Art Month in Sydney, and that means lots of delicious exhibitions to feast your eyes upon. I've taken the liberty of sifting through and finding the photography exhibits for all of you happy snappers and photo enthusiasts! Listed by location for your convenience (just cos I love ya!)

 

At the Australian Centre for Photography (257a Oxford St. Paddington)

Amy Stein 'Domesticated'

Today’s Photo Art Gallery Photographer of the Day is the wonderful sudiptorana!

Check out their gallery. http://www.photoartgallery.com/artist/sudiptorana

Here are couple of gems to whet your appetite…

 

 

 

 

The Easter Bunny has come early!! and he’s got gifts!!

Why not get something this Easter that will last on your wall instead if melt in you hands?

PhotoartCentre are offering 25% off all 12x12 inch Canvas Prints from now until April 6th.

Simply enter the code "Easter" When purchasing your 12x12 inch Canvas to receive your discount.

Remember if you want your gift to arrive before Easter you need to get your order in at least 2 weeks before so get cracking!!

 

Today’s Photo Art Gallery Photographer of the Day is the wonderful Oracle123!

Check out their gallery. http://www.photoartgallery.com/artist/Oracle123

Here are couple of gems to whet your appetite…

Hi Guys!

WELL what exciting news have I got?! NEWBIES!!! We have been looking for a special someone to enrich and stimulate the most important part of the Gallery (YOU!) and it looks like we may have found them!

Their main role will be to make the Community a vibrant and exciting place both on and offline, they will bring you and other members of Photo Art Gallery lots of new and creative ideas to make your experience completely and totally amazing at the Gallery.

They will be looking for members to help them out and take charge in areas all over the Site... So keep your eyes peeled!

Now... Competitions! If you want to win Laura Ashley's $10,000 living room makeover then you better get snapping of your living room and send your photo in along with why you deserve the makeover (some photos will speak for themselves!) then click RIGHT HERE !

Enjoy your week

 

Ciao

Annabella!

Today’s Photo Art Gallery Photographer of the Day is the wonderful timlock!

Check out their gallery. http://www.photoartgallery.com/artist/timlock

Here are couple of gems to whet your appetite…

 

You may have already heard of the photographer who won the wildlife photographer of the year, only to have it stripped after it was discovered the main subject matter in his photo, was in fact a domestic trained animal, not a wild one. It was a massive coup, in that this was one of the most well respected and anticipated photography competitions in the world, and to have the judges duped with some cleaver angles and perhaps a little digital trickery, was astonishing.

Well its happened again, in possibly an even bigger photo competition. Today, the organisers of World Press photo announced the disqualification of an entry that was originally placed third in the sports category section of the competition. After the image was declared a finalist it became aware to the attention of world press photo that the story had violated a major contest rule. After requesting the RAW image files, it became evident that an element had been removed from an original photograph.

This is outrageous in the World Press Photo circles. The biggest photojournalist awards in the world, and a faked image has made it through to be placed third before having to be removed from the contests site and the entrant disqualified.

Of course these images where altered digitally, as it is so easy to so on computers now days, but this is no new feat. People forget that photographers have always faked images to result in the desired effect. One of Australia’s most famous exploration photographers, Frank Hurly, was a known concoctor of images, never letting an ordinary picture get in the way of what could be a fantastic story. During his coverage of WWI he was in a bitter battle with his historical counterpart that wanted everything to be true to form and fact, Hurley however stated it was impossible to convey the sheer scale of such a battle without the use of composites. Often putting different skies, bomb explosions, soldiers, artillery and even planes into the original picture to create a more dramatic picture and a better story.

However its not just us mere mortal photographers who are effected, arguably one of the most well known photographers in the world, has recently been fired from his job. Peter Parker, Spider Man to those who aren’t up on their Marvel comic knowledge, photographer by day, super hero by night. Has been fired from his photography position with the Daily Bugle after, you guessed it, being caught photoshoping his images!  In a new edition of "the amazing Spider man" Peter Parker will be fired, as he struggles in both his super and regular life.

Although I must say, in a world of economic downturn and uncertain jobs, if a Spidey cant hold down a job, what hope do the rest of us have!!?

Keep an eye out for The unemployment issue — “Amazing Spider-Man #623"

click here to read more about the World Press Photo disqualification.

 

Today’s Photo Art Gallery Photographer of the Day is the wonderful mmdodd!

Check out their gallery. http://www.photoartgallery.com/artist/mmdodd

Here are couple of gems to whet your appetite…

Today’s Photo Art Gallery Photographer of the Day is the wonderful nathannathannathan!

Check out their gallery. http://www.photoartgallery.com/artist/nathannathannathan

Here are couple of gems to whet your appetite…

 

 

Passion. It's a word that gets thrown around in photography circles more often than a bat ball on a European beach in summer. It is however a powerful word and an even more powerful emotion when fully realised.

Photo Art Gallery member VladimirDI is a shining example of photographic purpose and passion to their craft. Vladimir D Ivanovic, lives in Melbourne, and since 1998 owns and operate a business named VIMS Management Services which is a highly unusual combination of Art and Sport Photography, Photoshop Digital Imaging Services and IT & Risk Management consulting.

 He was introduced to photography by his father Dimitrije way back in 1958, and to this moment and forever art and sport photography was and is one of the most important things in his life. Vladimirs' grandsons (Dushan is 11, and Milan is 7) are co-owners of his (not yet a brick and mortar) PhotoArt Gallery VIDIM (which is made up of their names, and in their native Serbian language also means I SEE). Other details about his professional, photography and Photoshop digital imaging background can be found on his sites: www.vims.org and www.photorimas.org , and on his grandsons’ sites: www.vimsmilan.org and www.dushanvims.org .

Photography is certainly in the family blood. Well we are honoured to have you as one of our members Vladimir and we congratulate you and your spirit of photography.

Check out his profile>  http://www.photoartgallery.com/artist/VladimirDI

Here is but a sample of Vladimir's imagery.

   

   

 

 

Drum roll please...

The WINNER of the Australia Day mini competition is reni with this shot:

Reni will be receiving a $150 Photo Art Centre voucher and a Moet Chandon chocolate gift box. Congratulations Reni!

And here's a preview of the other photos that will be published in our Australia Day book.

Steve's Images

Sparklezdtr

ronphoto

randompics

pixelicious

pironik

oceanblue

millie45

Lara.McCabe

jozioau

johnpfisk

honez

GOFOTOS

debambam

DavidaRich

darvell

cstronner

colhellmuth

apami

Vernon

PhillDanze

GeorgieSharp

PeterT

VladimirDI

msarlej

park70

ronberta

Congratulations everybody!
And stay tuned for the book

Today’s Photo Art Gallery Photographer of the Day is the splendid Mixy!

Check out their gallery. http://www.photoartgallery.com/artist/Mixy

Here are couple of gems to whet your appetite…

Mixy is a sydney-based artist who loves urban art, architecture and taking candid shots. And rumour has it she can make good banana bread!

The big question, what’s it all about? something people spend their whole lives pondering, reflecting, and meditating on.

In the Photography world at least, we don’t have to give away all our possessions and go and live in a monastery to find the answer, or at least something to occupy us.

With the advancement of technology in photography our industry is changing, and changing rapidly. Gone are the days where a photographer would deliver a set of proofs to a client, the client would order what they wanted and their interaction would more or less end there. Now the photographer is expected to deliver a whole lot more, and provide a much larger and longer service to their clients.

In my wedding industry for example. Now days a wedding photographer must have a website, having a blog is also handy. We must deliver a product that is complete, sturdy, and eye catching. The Wedding album has undergone massive facelifts over the years, and never before has there been so many unique options available to clients. Your client will see your albums and products at an expo you were at, or maybe they read your blog, perhaps they loved their friends photos you did. One thing is sure, you need to stand out amongst the multitude of photographers out there.

Its no longer a case of shooting a wedding and giving the bride some nice photos to show around, they want something outstanding, the only one of its kind. Its my job to deliver this to them. They want to be reached where they are, they want their friends and family to see the images with minimal effort, they want to be able to share their images with the world at the click of a button.

The good news for me is that each job is a significant project, and the price will reflect that. The hard part is to keep coming up with ideas to make my clients feel like they have the most special wedding photos in the world.

Clients know what’s going on, they know that Cameras can now shoot HD video as well as stills, why wouldn’t they expect to receive both these services in the one package? Canon has just realised their new update for the 5DmrkII meaning it is now capable of 24p HD movie.

I would wager 99% of my clients have an Ipod, use facebook, have or have seen an Iphone and love how it connects everything. Why cant they have their photos on these pieces of technology they already are so familiar with?

The answer is they can!!! I use all of these aspects in my business, I use facebook to post teasing images up with links to my site for the rest, I tag the couple so all their friends and family can see the images without ever having bothered the couple. Clients receive an album with their images presented beautifully and unique to all others. As well as a slideshow they can share via email and Phones with anyone.

But where are we going? With the development of more advanced Iphones and the new IPad, predicted to sell in the tens of millions around the world, how can we photographers keep up with everything?

How about your own IPad wedding album? something you can take with you wherever you go, without worrying about your photos being damaged or scratched. What about giving clients the option of laying out custom albums to show friends, or just browsing photos, and at the click of a button they send it to the world. Give them the option of viewing a slideshow you created for them or let them browse through and look at their individual images at their whim? How about creating the option for their relatives to touch the IPad screen and ordering a copy of their granddaughters Wedding album to be delivered to their door?

Yes all these things and more will be possible with the IPad, who knows what the future will bring?

Something to think about.

Glen

 

Today's Photo Art Gallery Photographer of the Day is the wonderful PabloDePasquale

Check out their gallery. http://www.photoartgallery.com/artist/PabloDePasquale

Here are couple of gems to whet your appetite.

Local business Photo Art Gallery is one of Australia’s largest online photographic art sites. Nestled away in Paddington, the Gallery is dedicated to promoting photographic imagery of the highest calibre. Andrew Coppin, CEO and founder, has given both amateur and professional photographers a place to gain exposure, promote their photography and share experiences. Andrew also prides the Gallery on being able to support local businesses and communities through the use of digital imagery.

Courtesy of valued members and wonderful photographers Naomi Frost and Ulysses Neto, the Gallery has donated three artworks to the St Vincent’s Healing Arts Program. The Pieces are currently located in the Aikenhead Building Level 3, between the Anaesthetics, Social Work and Physiotherapy Departments.

Committee Secretary of St Vincent’s Art Program Katarina Cvitkovic says “We want to thank Photo Art Gallery for this kind donation. Without the generous support of our Committee, who volunteer their time to this continuing project, and our donors, the Art Program would not be possible.”

St Vincent’s Campus has space available for changing exhibitions on Xavier Level 3 and Xavier Level 4. Each level is accessible to all – patients, visitors and staff. Each exhibition runs for a period of 5 weeks and is a fantastic way for photographers to support the Art Program as well as gain recognition for their work.

Photo Art Gallery are working with the Art Program to develop a program of exhibition for its members in 2011.

The images that the Gallery promotes and sells on behalf of its members can be purchased as wall art in various medium including framed prints, canvases and on aluminium. All the images displayed on the site can be purchased, some as limited edition collectors’ prints, either via the websites custom print module or via a personal valet order service to help you design and compile your art work. The valet service is available via the Live Chat functionality on the site or by calling the gallery direct on 1300 4 PHART. The site and images for sale can be viewed at www.photoartgallery.com.

Today's Photo Art Gallery Photographer of the Day is the wonderful kim_ryan!

Check out their gallery. http://www.photoartgallery.com/artist/kim_ryan

Here are couple of gems to whet your appetite

 

 

We have mentioned Matt Hull before. The head photographer over at Myoko Snowsports, this man knows what it takes to get outstanding pictures in tough conditions like fog and snow. He promised to write us something special, full of tips, hints and how he got started. Everything you need to know about shooting in the snow. Matt didn't disappoint, he has written a monster article over on the Tutorials section of Photoartgallery.

"I cant believe I get paid to do this..." Matt says about his job. Currently working with Myoko Snowsports in Japan, Matt gets paid to snowboard around and take photos of other people snowboarding around. A pretty sweet gig by any standards. And Matt tells us the story of how he went from working the dreaded 9 to 5 job to living the dream in the land of the rising sun, sourrounded by falling snow.

Matt has been published in magazines like Transfer Magazine and the sequence below is of a man named Tom Costa, who is travelling around Japan to find the best snow he can ski. His Website Where's Tom is creating a huge following showing Tom's exploits and adventures and Matt has featured there as well.

So take a leap over to the Tutorials section of the site and read the article Matt has written.

 

 

 

Sydney Siders of all shapes, sizes and colours today took off their cloths and stood naked on the Sydney Opera house Steps. Posing for renowned photographer Spencer Tunick, they helped create some installation art that will help celebrate Sydney’s Mardi Gras.

An amazing 5200 people helped create the artwork, Organisers had expected around 2500 people to turn up. Commissioned by the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardis Gras, "Mardis Gras: The Base" was an amazing spectacle. Not to mention the Naked Sydney siders beat the number of Naked Melbourne residents who turned out for a similar style shoot in 2001.

Among the many people that bared all, where Footy stars, TV celebrities and a Pregnant women who is due to be induced later today. However we at photoart gallery are hearing rumours that our very own resident photographer Emma was on the opera house steps herself!

As we eagerly await confirmation of these rumours we treat you to some of the rather pixelated scenes captured by Sydney’s media this morning.

Photograph: Herald Sun; Tony Zerna.

Today’s Photo Art Gallery Photographer of the Day is the wonderful sahil.verma…

Check out their gallery. http://www.photoartgallery.com/artist/sahil.verma

Here are couple of gems to whet your appetite…