Friday, January 31, 2025

The Unsung Heroes of Tragedy: How Disaster Photojournalists Balance Duty and Well-Being


Photojournalist Job Description – Disaster Coverage (e.g., Plane Crashes)

A Photojournalist covering disasters like plane crashes is responsible for capturing compelling, accurate, and ethical visual storytelling in high-risk environments. Their role involves documenting the immediate aftermath, rescue efforts, survivor experiences, and investigative developments while ensuring public awareness through impactful imagery.

Key Responsibilities:

  • On-Site Coverage: Arrive at disaster scenes quickly to capture real-time, high-quality photographs.
  • Ethical Storytelling: Maintain sensitivity when photographing victims, first responders, and affected families.
  • Collaboration: Work with reporters, news agencies, and emergency officials to gather context for images.
  • Technical Expertise: Use professional cameras, drones, and editing software to produce publishable images.
  • Fast Turnaround: Edit and submit images under tight deadlines for news publications or agencies.
  • Safety Compliance: Follow emergency protocols, wear protective gear, and respect no-entry zones.
  • Travel & Flexibility: Be prepared for unpredictable hours and rapid deployment to remote or hazardous locations.


How They Take Care of Themselves

Covering disasters can be physically, emotionally, and mentally taxing. Photojournalists follow these self-care strategies:

Physical Well-Being:

  • Protective Gear: Wear helmets, masks, gloves, and sturdy clothing in hazardous areas.
  • Emergency Preparedness: Carry first-aid kits, emergency food, and water.
  • Vaccinations & Health Precautions: Stay updated on necessary vaccines and avoid contamination risks.

Mental & Emotional Resilience:

  • Psychological Support: Seek therapy or peer counseling to process traumatic scenes.
  • Desensitization Training: Undergo trauma-awareness programs to manage stress exposure.
  • Breaks & Downtime: Take regular time off to avoid burnout.

Ethical Boundaries & Safety:

  • Know When to Step Back: Avoid intrusive photography in sensitive moments.
  • Situational Awareness: Stay informed about safety risks, including structural hazards and civil unrest.
  • Support Network: Connect with other journalists for mutual support and guidance.

Disaster photojournalists play a crucial role in informing the world, but their well-being is just as important as their work.


COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

Why Boosting Social Media Marketing During a Recession Is a Smart Business Move


Increasing your social media marketing during a potential recession is a smart strategy for several reasons:

1. Cost-Effective Marketing

Social media offers a high return on investment compared to traditional advertising. Organic content, targeted ads, and engagement strategies can keep your brand visible without breaking the bank.

2. Increased Consumer Engagement

During economic downturns, people spend more time online researching before making purchases. Strong social media presence helps build trust and keeps your brand top-of-mind.

3. Competitor Advantage

Many businesses cut marketing budgets during recessions. Maintaining or increasing your efforts allows you to capture market share while competitors pull back.

4. Strengthening Customer Loyalty

Regular social media interactions foster relationships with your audience, creating long-term loyalty. Engaging content reassures customers that your business remains strong and reliable.

5. Adaptability and Market Insights

Social media allows you to quickly adjust messaging based on consumer behavior, economic shifts, and trends, keeping your strategy relevant.

6. Showcasing Value and Affordability

During a recession, customers prioritize value. Use social media to highlight cost-effective solutions, promotions, and testimonials that prove your services are worth the investment.

Reach out to me! pattifriday@hotmail.com with subject line: Boost Social



COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

Monday, January 27, 2025

Literary and Photography Intellectual Property


Literary Intellectual Property

Literary intellectual property falls under copyright law and includes any original written or textual work. Here's what is protected:

Examples of Literary Works:

  • Books (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, etc.)
  • Articles and essays
  • Screenplays and scripts
  • Lyrics for songs
  • Novels and short stories
  • Technical manuals and guides
  • Blogs and online content (if original and substantive)


Protections for Literary Works:

  1. Ownership Rights:

    • The creator has the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and display the work publicly.
    • They can license or sell these rights to others.
  2. Duration:

    • Protection typically lasts the creator's lifetime plus a specified number of years (e.g., 70 years in many countries).
  3. Infringement:

    • Copying or using someone’s literary work without permission is illegal unless it falls under fair use (e.g., educational, research, or criticism purposes).
  4. Derivative Works:

    • Adaptations, like turning a novel into a screenplay, are protected as derivative works under the copyright holder's rights.



Photography Intellectual Property

Photographs are also protected under copyright law as original visual works. The photographer automatically owns the copyright at the moment a photo is taken, as long as it is an original work.

Examples of Photography Protected by IP:

  • Portraits and landscapes
  • Wildlife or nature photos
  • Product photography
  • Photojournalism and event photography
  • Conceptual and fine art photography

Protections for Photographs:

  1. Ownership Rights:

    • Photographers have the right to reproduce, distribute, display, and modify their photos.
    • Copyright can be transferred or licensed for commercial use (e.g., stock photography).
  2. Duration:

    • The copyright duration is similar to literary works: the creator's lifetime plus additional years, depending on the jurisdiction.
  3. Infringement:

    • Using a photo without permission, even for social media or commercial purposes, constitutes copyright infringement unless:
      • Fair use applies.
      • The image is in the public domain.
      • Proper licensing agreements are in place.
  4. Watermarking and Metadata:

    • Photographers often use watermarks or embed metadata in digital files to assert their rights and track unauthorized use.
  5. Moral Rights:

    • In some countries, photographers have the right to be credited for their work and to prevent distortion or misuse of their photos.


Overlap of Literary and Photography IP

Both types of intellectual property can overlap when:

  • Photographers create text-based work (e.g., captions, books on photography).
  • Literary creators use original photographs for book covers, illustrations, or storytelling.

By registering your work with relevant copyright offices or licensing platforms, you can strengthen your rights and pursue remedies if infringements occur.


COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day



January 27 is International Holocaust Remembrance Day, designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2005. This date commemorates the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp,1945.



The day honors the memory of the six million Jews, along with millions of other victims, including Romani people, disabled individuals, political prisoners, and others, who were murdered during the Holocaust.



It serves as a time to reflect on the horrors of the Holocaust, educate about its history, and reaffirm a commitment to combat antisemitism, racism, and all forms of intolerance to prevent such atrocities from happening again. Events around the world often include ceremonies, survivor testimonies, educational programs, and moments of silence.


COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

Flash Friday: Photography Micro-Learning Series by Patti Friday



Flash Friday is a photography micro-learning course delivered in a series of email newsletters, blog posts and LinkedIn articles by Photographer, Author & Photo Arts Teacher Patti Friday, Any camera that you own or borrow and enjoy using is perfect!

Subscribe here to receive Flash Friday. It is FREE! 

Check out this archive of lessons.




"Flash Friday" is a weekly short session focusing on quick photography skills or tips, especially discovering mastering photography concepts and ideas in a snapshot (bite-sized) format. Photographers, the industry, history and cool tidbits of photo life will be published. The content will be informative, wild and wonderful.

CLICK to subscribe.




By delivering small, practical lessons, learners can progressively improve their skills and knowledge about photography without feeling overwhelmed.

Subscribe here to receive Flash Friday. It is FREE! 




What is Micro-learning? Read here.

A micro-learning series is a structured sequence of brief, focused educational sessions designed to teach a specific topic or skill in small, digestible chunks. The goal is to provide learners with bite-sized content that they can consume quickly and apply immediately. Each lesson in the series is typically short (often 5-10 minutes), making it ideal for busy learners who want to pick up new skills without committing to long, traditional courses.



Key characteristics of a micro-learning series include:

  1. Thematic Focus: Each micro-learning series focuses on a single topic or skill, offering quick, actionable insights in a concentrated form.

  2. Short, Digestible Lessons: The content is broken into small lessons that are easy to consume in short periods, making it perfect for learning on-the-go.

  3. Sequential Learning: While each lesson is self-contained, the series typically builds on previous lessons, allowing learners to progressively master new concepts or techniques.

  4. Interactive and Engaging: Micro-learning often includes quizzes, prompts, or activities to reinforce learning, keeping learners engaged and helping them apply what they've learned right away.

  5. Flexible Delivery: These series are often delivered in formats such as short videos, articles, slideshows, or even audio clips, making them accessible across devices and ideal for mobile learning.

  6. Goal-Oriented: A micro-learning series usually has clear learning outcomes, such as mastering a specific skill or concept by the end of the series.



Subscribe here to receive Flash Friday. It is FREE! 




COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

Sunday, January 26, 2025

Why are Colombian Flowers the Best in the World?


Colombia is famous for many things; coffee, gold, landscapes and the charm of its people but few things create as much awe and affection as the quality and variety of its flowers.



Millions of plants blooming across the country in every color of the rainbow, are one of the many reasons why Colombian flowers are so special.

   


Which Colombian flowers are the most loved?

There are thousands of flowers in Colombia but three stand out: roses, carnations and orchids. Roses are by far the country’s most popular and on one farm alone, you’ll find 30 different colors (and Colombians are sensitive to the color of their roses handing red ones to lovers, white ones to brides-to-be and placing yellow roses on the graves of loved ones) Colombian carnations are considered the best in the world for their quality, beauty and longevity. If you live in the US and have worn a carnation in your buttonhole, the chances are it came from Colombia. Orchids, of course, are a far more specialist flower, desired by collectors and enthusiasts across the globe. Colombia has the largest number of orchids in the world, with more than 4,000 different species and 1,543 that are only found in Colombia. Besides the big three, Colombia is also beloved for blooms including chrysanthemums, lilies and Michaelmas daisies.



Approximately 78% of the fresh flowers imported into the United States come from Colombia, according to recent industry data. Colombia is the largest supplier of fresh flowers to the U.S., benefiting from favorable trade agreements (like the Andean Trade Preference Act) and an ideal climate for flower cultivation. Other major suppliers include Ecuador, with around 15% of U.S. flower imports, followed by smaller contributions from countries like the Netherlands and Mexico.

In 2023, Canada imported fresh cut flowers and buds valued at approximately $151.8 million USD, totaling around 19.2 million kilograms.The primary countries supplying these imports and their respective shares of the total import value are:

  • Colombia: $86.97 million USD (57.3%)
  • Ecuador: $38.96 million USD (25.7%)
  • Netherlands: $11.53 million USD (7.6%)
  • United States: $4.08 million USD (2.7%)
  • Mexico: $2.19 million USD (1.4%)

These five countries collectively account for approximately 94.7% of Canada's fresh cut flower imports.

Why are Colombian flowers so famous?

First, there’s the incredible biodiversity. Colombia has more than 130,000 different plant species on its soil thanks to its range of climates and eco-systems. There’s a place for every plant. Secondly, Colombia has near-perfect conditions for commercial flower production, which is why its flowers are so famous. The country’s main flower-growing area is on the savannah around Bogota, because it has consistent temperatures all year round and the same amount of light every day (around 12 hours) Best of all, some 100,000 years ago the savannah was actually a lake and even though it’s dry now, it still has dense, clay-rich soil and a massive network of wetlands, tributaries and waterfalls, perfect for flower-growing. Still, the capital doesn’t retain all the glory. You’ll find species like heliconia and bird of paradise flowers (strelitzia) growing happily on the coast.

   

Who buys Colombian flowers?

Millions of people. Colombia is one of the world’s top flower producers, exporting flowers worth more than USD$1 billion every year and the industry is growing. In 2003, 55% of all cut flowers imported into the United States came from Colombia. Ten years later that figure was up to 65% and it now exceeds 70%. One reason Colombia exports so many flowers to the US is because it’s so close, just a couple of hours from Miami International Airport, which processes 187,000 tons of fresh-picked flowers every year. That’s a lot of blooms and there’s always a surge before Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day too.

Source:  Columbia



COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

Still Life Photography: Key Elements, Types and Reason to Practice It


Still life photography
is a genre of photography that focuses on capturing inanimate objects, typically arranged in a thoughtful composition. The goal is to create visually appealing or meaningful images by emphasizing elements such as lighting, texture, color, and form. Still life photography is often used to showcase art, convey emotion, or highlight the beauty of everyday objects.

Key Elements of Still Life Photography:

  1. Subject Choice:

    • The subjects can range from natural objects (flowers, fruits, stones) to man-made items (books, ceramics, or tools). The chosen objects often reflect the photographer's creative vision or message.
  2. Composition:

    • Careful arrangement of objects is crucial. Popular compositional techniques include the Rule of Thirds, leading lines, and negative space to create balance and focus.
  3. Lighting:

    • Lighting plays a significant role in creating mood and highlighting textures. Photographers often use soft, diffused light for a gentle effect or dramatic lighting to create contrast and depth.
  4. Backgrounds and Props:

    • Simple backgrounds are common to keep the focus on the subject, though textured or colored backdrops can add interest. Props may be used to tell a story or complement the main subject.
  5. Textures and Details:

    • Emphasis on textures, patterns, and intricate details can bring still life images to life, inviting viewers to "feel" the objects visually.
  6. Symbolism and Storytelling:

    • Many still life photos aim to convey a deeper meaning or evoke emotions. Historical still life paintings often included objects symbolizing life, death, and time—this approach is also common in photography.

Types of Still Life Photography:

  1. Traditional Still Life: Inspired by classical still life painting, with carefully curated and symbolic arrangements.
  2. Product Photography: A commercial form of still life photography used to showcase products for marketing or advertisements.
  3. Tabletop Photography: Focused on small setups, such as food or items on a table.
  4. Flat Lay Photography: Objects are arranged and photographed from a top-down perspective, often used in social media and branding.

Why Practice Still Life Photography?

  • Creativity and Control: You have complete control over the subject, lighting, and arrangement, making it an excellent genre for developing your artistic vision.
  • Skill Development: It helps hone skills in composition, lighting, and storytelling.
  • Accessibility: Still life can be practiced anywhere with simple objects and minimal equipment.

Whether used for artistic expression, storytelling, or commercial purposes, still life photography offers endless opportunities for creativity and experimentation.


COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

Portrait Photography: Environmental Candid Documentary



Environmental portraiture is a style of photography that captures a subject in their natural surroundings or environment, rather than in a studio or artificial setting. The goal is to portray the individual within a context that adds depth and meaning to the portrait, often revealing aspects of their personality, lifestyle, or profession through the surroundings. It's a blend of portrait photography and documentary photography, aiming to tell a story about the subject and their relationship to their environment. This approach can create more intimate and authentic portraits by incorporating elements of the subject's life into the composition.





Candid portraiture refers to a style of photography where the subject is captured in an unposed, spontaneous moment, typically without the subject's awareness or direct interaction with the photographer. Unlike traditional posed portraits, candid portraits often convey natural expressions, genuine emotions, and a sense of authenticity, as the subject is not consciously aware of being photographed. This style emphasizes the realness and rawness of a person in their natural state, often showcasing moments of everyday life or personal interactions. Candid portraiture can feel more intimate and personal because it captures the subject as they truly are, without the influence of artificial poses or staging.





Documentary portraiture is a genre of photography that blends portraiture with documentary storytelling. It captures individuals in their real-life contexts, often within environments or situations that are significant to their personal story or broader social, cultural, or historical narratives. Unlike traditional studio portraits, documentary portraits emphasize authenticity and context, aiming to tell a deeper story about the subject's life, experiences, and surroundings.

In documentary portraiture, the photographer often works to capture moments that reveal emotional depth, personality, and the subject’s connection to their environment or community. These portraits can serve as visual narratives, shedding light on personal or social issues, and they are commonly seen in photojournalism or ethnographic photography. The goal is not just to capture a likeness but to offer insight into the subject's world, sometimes evoking empathy or raising awareness about broader societal themes.


COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

Editorial Photography: A versatile and exciting field for Photographers interested in storytelling




















Editorial photography refers to images created to accompany and enhance storytelling in magazines, newspapers, blogs, and other media. These photos are often used in articles, features, or stories to visually communicate ideas, evoke emotions, or provide context. Unlike commercial photography, which focuses on selling products or services, editorial photography is centered on narrative and visual storytelling.

Here are some key characteristics of editorial photography:

  1. Story-Driven: Editorial photography complements written content, aligning closely with the story's theme or message. For example, a fashion editorial might highlight a seasonal trend, while a news article could feature portraits of interview subjects.

  2. Creative Freedom: While it often has a specific brief or concept, editorial photography allows for more artistic interpretation, providing the photographer room to experiment with composition, lighting, and mood.

  3. Varied Subjects: Editorial photography spans diverse genres, including fashion, lifestyle, travel, food, and documentary.

  4. Licensing and Usage: Editorial images are typically not used for advertising or commercial purposes but must align with the story's context and comply with copyright laws.

  5. Realism and Authenticity: Editorial photography often captures candid or natural moments, making the imagery relatable and authentic to the audience.

It’s a versatile and exciting field for photographers interested in storytelling!


COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

List of 20 Areas a Photographer can Specialize in or Explore



So you want to be a photographer? That's fantastic! Photography offers such a diverse range of subjects to specialize in, each offering its own unique challenges and rewards. Here are some areas you might consider exploring or specializing in:


1. Portrait Photography

  • Individual Portraits
  • Family Portraits
  • Headshots (e.g., Corporate, Modeling)
  • Self-Portraits
  • Environmental Portraits

2. Landscape Photography

  • Natural Landscapes
  • Urban Landscapes
  • Seascapes
  • Aerial Landscapes (Drone Photography)
  • Nightscapes (Stars, Aurora Borealis)

3. Wildlife Photography

  • Birds
  • Mammals
  • Marine Life
  • Insects and Macro Wildlife

4. Event Photography

  • Weddings
  • Concerts
  • Sports Events
  • Festivals and Cultural Events
  • Corporate Events

5. Commercial Photography

  • Product Photography
  • Food Photography
  • Fashion Photography
  • Real Estate and Architecture Photography
  • Advertising and Marketing Campaigns

6. Fine Art Photography

  • Conceptual Photography
  • Abstract Photography
  • Black-and-White Photography
  • Surreal or Experimental Art

7. Documentary Photography

  • Photojournalism
  • Social Documentary
  • Street Photography
  • Travel and Cultural Documentation

8. Macro Photography

  • Close-ups of Flowers
  • Insects
  • Textures (e.g., Fabrics, Feathers, Leaves)

9. Sports and Action Photography

  • Professional Sports (e.g., Football, Basketball)
  • Adventure Sports (e.g., Surfing, Rock Climbing)
  • Motorsport Photography

10. Travel Photography

  • Landscapes and Scenery
  • Local Cultures and People
  • Historic Sites and Monuments

11. Architectural Photography

  • Interior Photography
  • Exterior Photography
  • Urban Infrastructure (e.g., Bridges, Skyscrapers)

12. Aerial Photography

  • Drone Photography
  • Helicopter and Plane Photography

13. Fashion and Beauty Photography

  • Editorial Shoots
  • Runway Photography
  • Studio Beauty Portraits

14. Underwater Photography

  • Marine Life
  • Coral Reefs
  • Underwater Models or Divers

15. Scientific Photography

  • Astrophotography
  • Microscopy (Photographing through Microscopes)
  • Medical Imaging

16. Conceptual and Creative Photography

  • Still Life Photography
  • Double Exposure Photography
  • Digital Manipulation and Composites

17. Cultural and Ethnographic Photography

  • Indigenous Communities
  • Religious Ceremonies
  • Traditional Crafts and Daily Life

18. Pet Photography

  • Dogs, Cats, and Domestic Pets
  • Exotic Pets
  • Animal Portraits

19. Stock Photography

  • Generic Themes (e.g., Business, Healthcare, Nature)
  • Lifestyle and Everyday Scenes

20. Experimental Photography

  • Light Painting
  • Motion Blur and Long Exposures
  • Infrared or UV Photography



COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.
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