In this short How To Tuesday Photography Techniques and Tips video I demonstrate the new updates to Lightroom Classic and how they can work for you! I recently did a photo shoot at a very spooky New Orleans attraction, St. Louis Cemetery No. 2 where all of it’s residents are above ground! Watch this video belowwwwwww BOO!
I’m not trying to start trouble here…but if you know me at all, I am a photographic broken record. I repeat myself ALOT and in my 15+ years of teaching photography I have always said the “Proof is in the Print” and “Shoot for the Wall” over and over and over…
This is because I do believe the print is the medium to fully express the power of a photograph. We see with our eyes, light falling on our subject, we print for the viewer as light then falls on the print. It was an amazing event to see so many great New Orleans photographers represent their best work at UNDEREXPOSED!
Desmond Venable of the Red Wolf Brass Band performs at 2017 Satchmo Fest at the U.S. Mint.
The moments and the magic were abound despite the wet conditions at this year’s Satchmo Summerfest at the U.S. Mint in New Orleans. I always look forward to photographing this music festival for so many reasons.
Dancers old and young get down to the music at Satchmo Fest.
Satchmo Fest is not a large festival, it actually takes place all within the confines of the U.S. Mint in the SE corner of the French Quarter, hosting two music stages and one indoor symposium area on the third floor. All within this three day festival you have access and easy options of great New Orleans food and drink. What makes this festival special is that you also have access to the best of the best in scholars and musicians knowledgable in the music and history of the festival’s namesake: Louis Armstrong.
I hope you enjoy this gallery of DAY 1 of Satchmo Summerfest…stay tuned for Day 2 !
Zack Smith and Jennifer Shaw presenting “How To Prepare Your Photography Portfolio” to the New Orleans Photo Alliance on August 8, 2017
I was honored to speak to about 20 New Orleans photographers this week on the steps needed to create your best photography portfolio for exhibition and presentation. I spoke on a few topics I feel are important and then photographer Jennifer Shaw presented her well researched information on crafting your artist statement. Here are some highlights from our talk and critique.
A portfolio is a collection of images that you bring together to show a body of work. You can create a portfolio for several reasons.
+Gallery Inclusion for a Fine Art show
+Prospective Client like an Ad Agency
+Wedding or Portrait Client, and more
Here’s an example of two of my portfolios and how I present them. I also added my “leave behind” and branding materials!
Always include your best work. This collection of work should easily show your creative style, technical proficiency, and be to the point. Your portfolio should be tailored towards the job you want and appeal to the client’s creative vision.
+What kind of work does the gallery, agency, or creative team look for?
+Research each of your target’s website, past exhibition and client roster
+Practice empathy – put yourself in your client’s shoes – what are they thinking?
Your passion for what you do will be evident in the collection of your best work. The way
you carry yourself and speak on your work will show confidence in your vision and art. Your portfolio should be presented in both the best way to showcase the work collected and it should meet submission guidelines for your client/gallery etc.
+How does the gallery or agency take submission? Most will have this clear on their website. Can’t find it? Pick up the phone and give them a call. Phones are great.
+Do they accept Digital or Print submissions? Do they return your physical portfolio?
+Ask how to follow up? Consider you’re not the only one with the great idea to send your work!
Amidst the crowds and logos and branding there is magic, mystery and tons of moments during Jazz Fest in New Orleans, Louisiana. ©Zack Smith Photography 2017
Jazz Fest means so much to so many people and I hope you enjoy this photo gallery of what it means to me as an observer of the inside scoop and witness to the tantalizing fringe.The name “Jazz Fest” (all caps of course, Amen.) in New Orleans is now synonymous with an over reaching 24 hour a day, 10 day work week of music, moments, and more music. During the fairgrounds portion of this music marathon, the Mid City/Bayou St. John neighborhood gets over run with daytime wafting decibels. At night, the countless clubs, bars, and faubourg haunts carry multiple musical acts and sunrise shows to be remembered and soon dubbed “legendary”. But what happens during these watershed moments are the hours spent in recording studios, rehearsal halls, and off the beaten path venues that makes Jazz Fest legendary. Musicians flock to New Orleans to play a gig or two, or ten but you can find them recording in local studios and taking part in very non-traditional music happenings around town.
During the course of this years Jazz Fest Season I had the pleasure of photographing for a different department at Jazz Fest thus finding new moments and new angles for what I thought was an overshot fest. I was wrong. There are so many undiscovered views that uncover themselves when looked at with new eyes. Photographing the world around us with a fresh set of eyes, a new perspective, can often lead to new discoveries.
As part of my ongoing portrait series at The New Orleans Airlift Music Box, I was able to photograph Mike Dillon’s New Orleans Punk Rock Percussion Consortium and Dustan Louque’s Dub Down Babylon, all with amazing performers and special guests. During this festival season I was also asked to document an epic recording session from local transplant blues man, Seth Walker. The session was done at The Music Shed and featured the legendary New Orleans drummer Johnny Vidacovich, New York jazz organist John Medeski, and bassist Myles Weeks.
I hope you enjoy this gallery from 10 days of festival life, love, and magic moments!
ALL IMAGES ©Zack Smith Photography and may not be used outside of this gallery. If you like the images, share the gallery! If you’re in the image, send me an email! zack@zacksmith.com
At the ceremonial sound of the bell, the Fairgrounds opens at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival as crowds race to claim their coveted spot on the lawn.
Yvonne Grant dances to Jonathan Batiste and Stay Human at her first Jazz Fest
Visiting country Cuba brought many musicians to Jazz Fest, Conga Los Hoyos was an amazing percussion group that played and marched many times.
Visiting country Cuba brought many musicians to Jazz Fest, Conga Los Hoyos was an amazing percussion group that played and marched many times.
Big Chief Juan Pardo and the Golden Comanche Indians backstage at the Jazz and Heritage Stage on Friday, April 28th
I documented the progression of muralist Roberto Guerra Hechaverria as he painted in a mural near the Cuba Pavillion.
Muralist Roberto Guerra Hechaverria painting at Jazz Fest 2017.
New Orleans muralist and poster artist BMike, Brandon Odums, poses in front of his original painting of New Orleans musician Jonathan Batiste.
Decisions, decisions, decisions. The Cubes tell all…
Dance where you can, under the stars or under the trees.
The Original Big 9 Social Aid and Pleasure Club march with The Chosen Ones Brass Band through the pathways of Jazz Fest.
The Original Big 9 Social Aid and Pleasure Club march with The Chosen Ones Brass Band through the pathways of Jazz Fest.
The Original Big 9 Social Aid and Pleasure Club march with The Chosen Ones Brass Band through the pathways of Jazz Fest.
Muralist Roberto Guerra Hechaverria continues his mural at Jazz Fest 2017.
Roberto Guerra Hechaverria continues his mural…
Members of the Uptown Swingers SAPC prepare backstage at the Economy Hall tent on Saturday, April 29th.
Jonathan Batiste and Stay Human perform on the Acura Stage.
Participants rush into the Gentilly entrance of Jazz Fest on Saturday, April 29th. I achieved this effect by using a 4 stop neutral density filter which allowed me to choose a longer shutter speed but not overexpose the images. I used a tripod as well.
Tiff Lamson of GIVERS performs with Mike Dillon’s New Orleans Punk Rock Percussion Consortium (MDsNOPRPC) at The New Orleans Airlift’s Music Box Village.
Band leader MIke Dillon directs and plays w/ the NOPRPC at The Music Box
Mark Southerland at The Music Box playing the telephone…yes, it plays.
Clint Maedgen sings as Mike D shows his famous evil face on vibes…
Behold: The musicians of Mike Dillon’s New Orleans Punk Rock Percussion Consortium: Tiff Lamson, Brian Haas, Simon Berz, Paul Thibodeaux, Mark Southerland, Mike Dillon, Andre Bohren, Clint Maedgen, Steven Montalvo, Otto Schrang and much much more!
The Dub Down Babylon musicians at the Music Box
Dustan is an old friend, and when asked if he could do a portrait with a gas mask, i said yes before he finished his sentence!
I had never met or photographed Nels Cline of Wilco, and it was an honor to meet and shoot this gentle soul!
I have enjoyed Leyla McCalla’s voice and music for so long, thank you AGAIN to the Music Box for bringing this portrait of a wonderful human together…
Blato Zlato, Margaret Hebert, Rob Cambre, Eric Heigle, Josh Werner, and Simon Berz round out the Dub Down Babylon set!
Engineer and producer Ben Lorio with John Medeski, Myles Weeks, Seth Walker and Johnny Vidacovich
Seth Walker and John Medeski
Johnny Vidacovich and Seth Walker
John Medeski – I had never photographed Mr. Medeski outside of a live show setting, and this was a truly unique moment to watch this master at work!
Watching another master at work – Mr. Johnny Vidacovich. Here Seth and Myles listen as Johnny explains the difference between horizontal and vertical rhythm. Yes, we went there.
Myles Weeks
FINISHED!
Musician Jason Marsalis sits out on stage right during a solo by his keyboard player at the Jazz Tent.
Dancers do their thing, all day long, at the Fais Do Do stage at Jazz Fest.
Musicians Tiffany Lamson and Kelli Jones-Savoy step out at the Fais Do Do stage for some Cajun and Zydeco good times.
Musician Jon Gross post show at Economy Hall!
Nathan Williams of Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas GET DOWN all the way down at the Fais Do Do stage!
New Generation Brass Band with Lady and Men Rollers and Scene Boosters SAPC
New Generation Brass Band with Lady and Men Rollers and Scene Boosters SAPC
The Original Big 7 Social Aid and Pleasure Club at Jazz Fest 2017
The Original Big 7 Social Aid and Pleasure Club at Jazz Fest 2017
Trumpet and Keyboard player Michael Girardot performs over a sea of people at the Acura Stage of Jazz Fest 2017
Trap and net maker Kernis Huval from Sunset, LA
Big Chief Juan Pardo and Big Queen Anndrea Y. Pardo of the Golden Comanches march on Jazz Fest
Thank you to the “Grow St. Bernard” class at the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundations series. I enjoyed talking about “Build Your Brand” using high quality content and SEO marketing! PHOTO: SBEDF/Grow St. Bernard
I was recently honored with the opportunity to talk to a wonderful group of St. Bernard Parish business owners and entrepreneurs as part of the Grow St. Bernard initiative.
Grow St. Bernard, a new seminar series, is from the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation and the St. Bernard Chamber, and it offers professional insight on a variety of topics important to emerging and growing businesses. The educational series encourages business owners and professionals to turn information into action; and participants will benefit from learning and sharing with the cohort of small businesses. The 2017 series includes presentations, panels, and workshops from notable guest speakers on everything from business planning to marketing and beyond.
I was so happy when they asked me to present on “Build Your Brand” and talk about the ways I have incorporated my brand and marketing philosophy into how I use social media and my website to drive traffic and generate leads and followers.
Did you know St. Bernard Parish is home to one of the highest percentage of locally owned businesses in the Greater New Orleans region? Another reason why I love living in Louisiana! Grow St. Bernard is an effort developed to provide business owners and professionals with the practical skills necessary to grow their company with limited resources and staffing. Participants who complete the program will gain valuable knowledge of current trends and best practices for operating a business successfully. Participation is open to all individuals regardless of location or occupation. Love this, and I loved every minute of talking with business owners about why quality content is essential in promoting and marketing their businesses brand, products, and services.
The May 2nd group from Grow St. Bernard! PHOTO SBDEF/Grow St. Bernard
I was grateful to have WGNO’s News with a Twist producer JD take interest in my upcoming supermoon photography workshop in New Orleans. We met at Crescent Park and filmed a segment for an upcoming Photography Tips video.
You can view that here:
http://wgno.com/2016/12/12/tips-you-need-to-photograph-the-supermoon/
SIGN UP for the Workshop HERE! – https://www.zacksmith.com/new-orleans-supermoon-photography-workshop-2016/
TEXT From Article on WGNO.com:
Do you ever wonder why some pictures of the moon look outstanding, but yours just look fuzzy, blurry, or just really, really, small? Well the reason is probably your camera setup. According to Zack Smith, owner of Zack Smith Photography, you can’t just point and shoot to get that impressive picture.
“Our cameras are really smart, our smart phones are really smart. But what they want to do is give us an average scene,” he says. “When we’re photographing the moon, it’s anything but average. It’s dark and it’s bright and the camera has to pick one unless we put it on manual and spot meter and pick it ourselves.”
Zack has been working in photography for 19 years and knows a thing or two about getting that great shot. His number one tip? You have to have the right tools!...WATCH THE REST HERE
Ever wanted to photograph Jazz Fest from the inside? This great experience is awaiting your submission!!! I highly recommend any photographer I have taught to get your portfolio together and submit now!
Jazz Fest Volunteer Photographer Program 2017
The Volunteer Photographer Program is a community outreach project of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation’s Archive. The mission of the program is to provide documentation of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell for the Foundation Archive. This documentation goes beyond the stages and music to include the “internal culture” of Jazz Fest- the food, art, culture and people who attend the festival. These other aspects are crucial in making Jazz Fest an annual success.
The program joins photographers, from a variety of backgrounds, with the Festival and Archive to provide the unique experience of photographing the world renowned New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Volunteer Photographers must be at least 18 years of age.
Dates: April 28-30 and May 4-7, 2017
Festival Location: Fair Grounds Race Course, 1751 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70119
Applicant categories:
Position Description & Requirements
Volunteer Photographers must be able to manage and edit hundreds or even thousands of digital images and understand that the work of photographing the Jazz Fest is physically demanding. Photographers often walk many miles a day around the Fair Grounds Race Course and are responsible for their own photography gear. There can often be a variety of weather conditions – rain (lots of mud) or shine (lots of dust) and in potentially *very* hot weather.
Selected volunteer photographers are responsible for providing the Archive with the images taken at the festival. Without all submissions there will be an historical gap in the documentation of the 2017 festival. Any photographer who does not submit their images will not be in good standing with the Foundation.
Juried Process
A three-person jury of photographers will select photographers based on the following criteria:
How to Apply
Set up a profile at http://www.callforentry.org The application can be found in the Call For Entry listings under “New Orleans Jazz Fest Volunteer Photographers” beginning Saturday October 15, 2016 and the deadline to apply is Sunday, November 27, 2016. Direct all questions to archive@jazzandheritage.org
No more than 150 applications can be accepted.
ALL Inquiries can be directed to:
Rachel E. Lyons, Archivist
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation
901 Toulouse St.
New Orleans LA 70112
This past weekend I was a student. A student of light and all those light hunters that came b4.
Understanding the characteristics of light is to understand photography. If we are travelers, we can be in tune with our subject and surroundings anywhere we go but if we do not know the light we are lost. We must always be aware of the natural light and tune in to it’s tones, hues, and it’s warmth.
I love documenting place when I travel. Upon arriving to a new city I am always trying to tap into it’s quality of light at any given moment. That quality of light will lead me to the tones, angles, and colors that are best represented by that light. Sometimes I arrive at dawn and the low light greets the street like a warm whip, and I am quick to spy my shots. I know this light won’t last long…
Harsh mid-day light is not ideal for portraits, but some trees, shrubbery, and flat roofed houses create a contrast not seen in the low sun hours of dawn and dusk. As I walk around I am noticing the characteristics of the light on different textures, patterns, and topography as it relates to the specific town or area I am in. Each area of the world has it’s own Light Attitude “the way light interacts with its’ environment, specific to place”…I am noticing shadows harsh and shadows soft. I am noticing the way the light makes me feel – I am studying the light as in each new place I am always a student.
Come be a student with me as we learn the Light Attitude of Crescent Park this weekend, October 15th at 6am and again at 6pm. Visit the link to learn more –
https://www.zacksmith.com/sunrise-and-sunset-photo-walk-at-crescent-park/
For now, enjoy this light study I did over the weekend in Cayucos, CA. Such amazing Light Attitude! I saw such extreme variations and gradations in color and light while i was there…What a wonderful place! After talking with a local watercolor artist there, I was backed up by his comments that the latitude of light has such a high range! I knew it! Attitude AND Latitude! Go figure…
Right now there are thousands of Louisiana residents without homes due to the epic flooding that took place over this last weekend. Recent numbers say over 40,000 homes were damaged. Many were not ready for the flooding and had to be rescued from rooftops or stranded on highways. The storm that passed through was slow and vigilant causing little alarm on it’s approach but wreaked devastating havoc on Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Denham Springs and surrounding areas.
Many of my cousins and family members are going through the gutting process and about to start talking with FEMA and Red Cross…and it all brings me back to the aftermath of Katrina. I remember those times for the bad and I also remember it was the friends and family that helped each other to get back to a “new” normal.
Here is a post I made on Facebook about HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH YOUR LOSS in preparation for grant, loan, and assistant opportunities – please share!
Here are a few websites you can visit if you have the inclination to help those in need. Thank you – Zack
ONLINE DONATIONS
• Red Cross
• Companion Animal Alliance, Baton Rouge’s city animal shelter
• NOLA Pay It Forward
• United Way of Southeast Louisiana
• Denham Springs Animal Shelter, which was devastated by the floods
• Tangi Humane Society, which is privately run and was devastated by the floods
• Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana
• Assess the Need
St. Landry-Evangeline United Way
337-942-7815
www.uwsle.org
United Way of Acadiana
337-233-8302
www.unitedwayofacadiana.org
United Way of Iberia
337-364-0424
www.unitedwayofiberia.org
United Way of Southwest Louisiana
337-433-1088
www.unitedwayswla.org
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