This film, created and produced by Ron Dawson of Dare Dreamer Media, perfectly captures the emotion and creative energy of PartnerCon 2009, New Orleans. It is such an honor both serve, and be a part of, this amazing community of professional photographers/artists and friends.

Planning is well underway for PartnerCon 2010!

Save the date: November 16-18, 2010 New Orleans

I’m really excited about this first episode of the new year, featuring a conversation with landscape photographer John Anderson.   And, joining John in our interview is film-maker Mark Corliss.

I discovered John’s work through a series of poignant films produced by Mark which provide a comprehensive exploration of John’s creative journey in an authentic and really inspiring, deeply personal format.

John worked with Ansel Adams in the past, and shares stories about these experiences, along with details about his photography background, his body of work and the influence of the natural world on his craft and lifestyle. We explore a wide range of topics, including the traditions and nuances of the landscape photography marketplace, the grandeur and beauty of light, and John’s experience with transitioning from 4×5 film to the digital realm.

John was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 6 years ago, and throughout our conversation you will witness how he has used this physical challenge to transform his life in a positive way – providing him unique opportunities for increased creative energy, companionship and artistic success.

Join me now for a conversation with John Anderson…

One of my favorite things about producing the Folio Podcast is hearing directly from photographers about the behind-the-scenes stories and inspirations related to their work.  Many times a favorite image will take on a whole new level of value and meaning to me once I know more from the artist about how and why it was created.

I’ve decided to reach out to photographers I admire and showcase their work here on the blog, along with the story about the making of the image in the photographer’s own words.

Kicking off the series is an image created by Sydney-based photographer Steve Coleman.  I’m inspired by Steve on many levels — including his thoughtful and passionate approach to photography, and his appreciation of the natural world.  In addition, Steve generously shares his branding and design expertise with the creative community through his column on the Livebooks blog, and via his Facebook page.

Thank you Steve for agreeing to participate, and for sharing with us the story behind the making of this wonderful image.

Steve Coleman: “I don’t think I have a favourite image.  My liking for my photographs seems to change with my mood. Often how I feel about a picture has a lot to do with the circumstances around which I shot the image. This picture of the red sky over the Sydney’s Opera House almost did not happen, and in the process taught me an important lesson about landscape photography. For this reason I’m particularly proud of this photograph.

“I had been waiting almost an hour and a half before I took this shot. It was a wet, dark, grey, gloomy, depressing morning. No interesting light. No drama in the sky.  A nothing kind of morning. I had just packed up all my camera gear and was about to leave.  Suddenly the sun broke through a small break in the clouds. The sky lit up for no more than 45 seconds. It took me about 30 seconds to open the tripod, mount my Mamiya 7 camera, guess at the exposure and dial it in. I hand held a split ND filter to take the edge off the light. I had time for  two exposures and then the light was gone. Back to gloom.  This image taught me to be patient, watch and be prepared. I am thankful for this experience.”

Shot on  6 x 7  Velvia 50 Film / Mamiya 7II / 43MM

Image copyright: Steve Coleman

PartnerCon 2009 has had a profound affect on me.  There are so many stories to be told, and so many images to be shared.  The city of New Orleans and all of the photographers that came together have a firm grasp on my heart.  Thank you to ALL of you for what you do, and for your treasured friendships and inspiration!

Much more to come as I gather my thoughts.  In the meantime, a few images.

I’ve been getting great submissions for the Folio Hunt blog recently, and have been enjoying sorting through the images and determining which to showcase.  I’m really thrilled to have just posted the work of photographer Smith Eliot.

You can see her full bio on her website, and on Folio Hunt, but this first paragraph may be just enough to entice you to want to learn more…

“I was born on a commune in Topanga California.  My parents were amongst the first hippies and lived in a school bus.  What a wonderful bus it was!  On one side it had a mural of Leonard Peltier wearing a tiger-striped speedo, holding chrysanthemum in his right hand and a rifle in his left hand.  The other side was completely black. In the winter we faced the black side towards the sun to keep warm…”

These images are from a body of work that Smith has titled, “The Secrets We Keep.”

Images Copyright: Smith Eliot

Two people I dig — Joe McNally and Miki Johnson – on the topic of blogging.  Joe is an internationally acclaimed photographer and longtime photojournalist.  Miki is a former senior editor with American Photo Magazine, and is currently editor of Resolve (in addition to the many other social media initiatives she manages for Livebooks).

I really enjoyed this interview.  Some great insights on the topic of blogging and the photography profession.  

Joe McNally: Blogging & Shooting – RESOLVE Blog from liveBooks on Vimeo.