Under Review

[On the Reed Magnet Wall] are just some of the gallery cards that Gary Reed & Barb Pullin acquired over the course of their visits — plus their well-used schedule of events

On the Reed Magnet Wall are just some of the gallery cards that Gary Reed & Barb Pullin acquired over the course of their visits — plus their well-used schedule of events

The Month of Photography 2015 was a roaring success! This year’s MoP ran from mid February to the end of May with one show going all the way to July. Gary and I put together a weekly list of openings that we planned on attending, and invited friends to join us. We were out every week from Wednesday to Saturday and hit a grand total of 72 openings — it was exhilarating!

The MoP organizers really had their stuff together on the www.mopdenver.com website. The photography and information of each Gallery, Coffee House and Sponsor was effective, colorful and clear; a helpful feature that made it super-easy to find out each day what and where events would be happening.

After a few times out, we discovered a consistent theme going on with the exhibits: White walls, white frames and white mats seemed to be the standard presentation. After several weeks everyone else was talking about it too. I have to admit, this style lent added visual punch by making the photographs stand out and not compete with their surroundings.

This event also brought the creative community together and gave everyone an opportunity to make new friends, see old ones and see to it that photography was the buzz around town!

 

There were so many fantastic photography exhibitions. Here – in no particular order – are the ones that left the strongest impression on us:

 

Donna Rae Altieri: 50 Years in Your Face / Ironton Studios and Gallery

In a word: “Fun”. Donna’s photography over the decades is just so entertaining and a joy to see.

 

Jason DeMarte: Confected / Rule Gallery

“Amazing and Beautiful” Congrats to Valerie and Rachael.

 

The Long Road: A Photographic Journey / The work and legacy of Hal Gould and Denver’s Camera Obscura Gallery Dona Laurita Gallery in Louisville

Being there at the opening and it also being Hal’s birthday made it a special day. It was like a taste of the old Camera Obscura days. Gallery owner Dona Laurita put together a fantastic exhibit.

 

Role Play – CPAC Group Show Exhibition / Redline Project Space Gallery

Well-presented and engaging. Great job Rupert Jenkins and Connor King.

 

Liz Hickok: Ground Waters / Michael Warren Contemporary Gallery

Liz’s work is so unique. We loved it and the mural at 34th and Downing was spectacular.

 

Mike McClung, Barb, Liz Hickok, Gary and Warren Campbell at the Groundwaters show

Mike McClung, Barb, Liz Hickok, Gary and Warren Campbell at the Ground Waters show

 

 

Analog / Mike Wright Gallery

Mike and Sarah hit a major home run with this blockbuster.

 

Carol Golemboski, Barb, Bill Adams, Marti Foxhoven and Gary at Mike Wright Gallery

Carol Golemboski, Barb, Bill Adams, Marti Foxhoven and Gary at the Mike Wright Gallery. Selfie by Gary Reed

 

 

Focus Spark / Gallery

A group show, this one curated by Mark Sink had wonderful style and variety and Reed’s own Marti Foxhoven sold one of her pieces!

 

Grays Space Gallery / Curated by Sarah LaVigne

Sarah always pulls together a great show and this one certainly did not disappoint — a fantastic way to kick off the MoP season.

 

Entre Nous: The Salon Romantique / Presents The Nude / Entre Nous Galerie

Elegant — to say the least.

 

Mark Sink, Rupert Jenkins, Barb and Gary outside at Entre Nous

Mark Sink, Rupert Jenkins, Barb and Gary outside at Entre Nous. Photo by Sam Nguyen

 

 

Not As It Seems & Vigorous Revelations / Valkarie Gallery

Two exhibits at Belmar that were well curated and worthy of a top MoP listing. We even bought two pieces! I’d like to put a shout out to Bob Jewett and his amazing show.

 

What Has Never Been… Is / Hinterland

When Sabin Aell puts a show together you know it’s gonna rock!

 

Travelers 5, It’s all in Black and White, Focal Points / Tbellphotographic Studio

The three shows for MoP at Tbell Gallery. The Travelers show curated by Sharon Meriash is always, always a fun and interesting exhibit. Reed’s Bob Jewett and Gary Reed were amongst the selected photographers. The Black and White show is also a MoP tradition that we would never miss, and the final show, Focal Points, was another wonderful collaboration of Terri Bell and Sharon Meriash. So good, we bought two pieces here also! And BTW, Jody Akers took Best of Show in the Black and White Show.

 

Gary and Barb at Travelers 5 Show

At the Travelers 5 Show. Photo by Mark Sink

 

 

The Origins of Photography, Past and Present / The Pattern Shop Studio

Wow, what a collection of vintage imagery. No wonder it ran for over two months.

 

Damak to Denver: A Picture Me Here Project / Curated by Brigid McAuliffe Denver Photo Art/John Fielders Colorado Gallery

Get to know their story and all you can say is “Amazing!”. Images that really make you think about how and where you grew up. Not only that but by far the best food!

 

The Dairy Center for the Arts, Boulder

There were three shows here at the same time and each was well displayed, well curated and totally fascinating.

 

Alternative Processes / Art Students League of Denver

Now how great was it that ASLD was showing photography! This was a small but very interesting exhibit.

 

Lift / St. Mark’s

OK, so the girls rocked it again with fantastic images of all shapes, sizes and styles.

 

Surface Film / Anthology Fine Art

Zach and Kendra’s annual photo show/ fundraiser for Trout Unlimited. This show gets stronger every year and this one had some very cool images.

 

Barb Gary at the Anthology Show

The Anthology Show. Selfie by Gary Reed

 

 

 

Far Between / Robischon Gallery

Well done, Jim. This exhibit was definitely in our top five.

 

Gary and Barb at Robischon Gallery

At the Robischon Gallery. Photo by Richard Alden Peterson

 

 

 

Kristen Hatgi: A Tented Sky / Gildar Gallery

Delicious!

 

Redline was once again the mothership of MoP and hosted ‘Playing with Beauty’.

This was another show curated by Mark Sink that was both big and beautiful. The opening night brought everyone together for a great time, great art and a chance to see and be seen with some of the incredible talent Denver has to offer.

It was an amazing journey and we’re sorry it’s over. Looking forward to 2017!

 

5 Ways Your Camera Can Get You Busted

5WaysCameraGetYouBusted

One of the basic rules of citizen and professional journalism is:

“If it’s in public view and you’re on public property, you have the right to photograph it.”

Most of us would rather spend a week in the Department of Motor Vehicles before intentionally breaking the law. Unfortunately, as in all of life, the above rule is subject to many grey areas, areas that, without some forethought and a healthy dose of common sense, can spell legal trouble for Joe or Jane Photographer. So there are some caveats to consider before planning your next public photo venture.

An addendum to the first rule:

“Just because you have the right to take a picture does not always mean it’s prudent to do so.”

Also remember, there’s a big difference between taking a photo and how a photo is utilized, especially in regards to its commercial use. The issue of copyright is vast and ever-changing but that’s another story for another day. This list will focus on keeping you out of hot water during the photo op.

 

1) The Clear As Mud “Reasonable Expectation of Privacy” Rule

Be it amateur or professional photography, photojournalism or just plain photo-opportunism, the old catch-all rule of “reasonable expectation of privacy” is being strained to its limits.

Digital photography, the Internet, and most of all, the fact that an estimated 87% of the population does not leave the house these days without a camera (phone), ensures that everyone is a potential media maven.

Though they are bound by the same rules as professionals; I would guess, of that 87%— 86.9% are ignorant of privacy laws and have little interest in learning about them.

So this commentary is aimed at you, the serious and semi-serious devotee who works at and respects the art and craft of photography.

“Reasonable expectation of privacy” often comes down to context. Using a seemingly innocuous photo of a person (especially if they are well known) to illustrate a controversial article or story, is playing with legal fire.

On the other hand, elected officials and well known public figures give up certain rights to privacy when they make the decision to enter the public arena (this is where the “clear as mud” part comes in).

Applying this to a more un-famous level, a violation of privacy can occur with:

“The intentional intrusion upon the solitude or seclusion of another or his private affairs or concerns that would be highly offensive to a reasonable person.” Restatement of Torts 2d, Section 652B

Again the “clear as mud” part takes effect when the term “highly offensive to a reasonable person” rears its ugly head.

A “reasonable person” is often described in legal terms as a “person in society who exercises average care, skill, and judgment in conduct and who serves as a comparative standard for determining liability”.

A reasonable person is NOT the narcissistic pinhead who ambushes that lovely photogenic, hopelessly in-love couple in the park by circling around them a lá Cecil Beaton, motor-drive clicking away, as he bellows at them to “Work it!!”

This is very likely to get you a civil suit or a punch in the nose, and in this litigious age, the punch in the nose might be the lesser of two evils.

 

2) Barging Into a National Park Thinking You’re Spike Lee

National parks may have certain restrictions particular to them. Before a frame can be exposed, anything that smacks of commercial photography may carry limitations and possibly liability considerations. The proprietors at Yellowstone Park, for example, will not be thrilled if you waltz in with your production company and expect to shoot your indie film at the expense of the stunning natural surroundings. Permits will likely be required in cases such as:

A) Activity taking place in restricted area(s) of the park.

B) Using any sets, props, crew, actors, etc., that are not part of the natural surroundings or facilities.

C) Administrative expenses that park officials may incur to monitor and coordinate activity.

These examples may sound extreme for the average photographer who just wants to get off the beaten path and snap a few stills, but if they apply to you, skirting the bounds of any one of these points is likely to attract unwanted attention from park officials. If, however, you are a commercial or pro photographer and plan to stay on the beaten path, the same park rules that apply to the average visitor will generally apply to you. In the end, rules and regulations can vary from state to state and are often selectively enforced, so always check with The Local Powers That Be.

 

3) Showing Unusual Interest in Government Buildings, Military Installations or Barak Obama’s House

Yes, things are vastly different in the post 911 world. The New Normal has not been kind to Joe and Jane Photographer, particularly as it relates to government and military installations. Here’s the gist of the US Code, Sec. “Photographing and sketching defense installations”:

“… it shall be unlawful to make any photograph, sketch, picture, drawing, map, or graphical representation of such vital military and naval installations or equipment without first obtaining permission… and promptly submitting the product obtained to such commanding officer or higher authority for censorship…”

If you want to argue citizen’s rights with a two hundred and seventy-five pound MP (military policeman), go right ahead, but as anyone who’s spent time in a military brig will tell you, it’s a guaranteed no-win proposition.

And besides, US Code, Sec. “Photographing and sketching defense installations” sez so.

 

4) Despite Their “Awww Factor”, Children Have Rights Too

Yes, kids are adorable and they make great photo subjects, but no matter how benign ones intent, following them around a public street or park like a deranged paparazzi will quickly attract the wrong kind of attention.

Even if they may not know them, the average passerby is generally protective enough of small children to get on their cell phone and alert the police. Again, even with the most innocent of intentions, a photographer can find themselves in real trouble over seemingly nothing.

Children are entitled to a reasonable expectation of privacy in public; the same rights as everyone else. There’s not much they can do discourage the random nut job with a camera— and they don’t have the punching ability of Sean Penn. So, to avoid jail, keep a healthy distance from the little ones, or at least clear it with their parents before snapping away.

 

5) Photographing the Police While They’re in the Process of Beating The Crap Out of Someone

Okay, that headline may sound a little hyperbolic, but this has become an ongoing issue with the advent and proliferation of digital photography amongst the general populace. To be clear, any US citizen has the legal right to photograph an officer of the law while he or she is in the act of doing their job in a public place. Assuming that you are photographing from a reasonably safe distance from the action, you should be on fairly solid legal ground. Problems can arise however, when said law officer perceives said photographer to be an “obstruction of justice”.

This is where it can get a little tricky. Apparently, “obstruction of justice” can be a subjective term amongst the law enforcement community and may be defined as anything from physically intervening between officer and his subject, to standing fifty feet away on an adjacent street corner picking ones nose. Ultimately, it is up to a judge to decide, but in the heat of the moment, It’s pretty much up to the officer to determine what is or what is not “obstruction of justice”.

So be careful, arguing with a policeman rarely ends well for anyone and will usually guarantee you an overnight stay in the Flat Iron Inn. Once again, let common sense prevail. Take a deep breadth, explain your case if you must, but in calm even tone with a minimum of hand gestures and body language.

And above all, never touch a police officer in any way. The law is heavily weighted in their favor to help them do a very difficult and dangerous job. If your camera, film or memory card is confiscated; let it play out in court. Nothing is guaranteed, but never try to bargain with an officer during a heated scenario like this.

http://gizmodo.com/5900680/7-rules-for-recording-police

 

 

This article does not constitute legal advice and is not meant to be taken as such. It does, however, encourage Common Sense. Local statutes may differ from state to state, county to county, etc.. It is always a good idea to check with the local authorities if you are in doubt about anything, different places may have restrictions that are unique to them.

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Beautify Your Photographs While Making a Great First Impression

We were recently introduced to a new type of laminate for photographs, ink jet and poster prints we call “Crystal” for its faceted like surface. This is very different than a normal gloss or lustre coating. Being 5 ML thick with full UV protection, this laminate is extremely durable. We put it to the test for over 2 months and found it to be one of the toughest cold mount poly laminates we have seen. Our test clients loved it immediately and all but demanded we add it to our lineup of products. No doubt about it, the blacks are much richer, colors have more pop and the image has more depth and clarity. We first started offering this product strictly on our Gallery Mounts because it is tough enough to go through our edging machine and not show any scuffs or damage.

Now, we have make it available for any print mounted to any type of substrate. Fine art prints from wildlife and scenic’s to abstracts and commercial prints never looked richer or have had better protection. Check out our samples at the lab or if you are out of town just call us to have one sent out to you. My personal recommendation for an incredible eye catching, heart stopping, WOW kind of print is to put this laminate on Kodak Metallic paper. Although it also looks great on Fuji Crystal Archive C print paper and Fuji Flex, the Metallic is killer.

“It cost half the price and looks twice as good as a picture frame!”

The Gallery Mount Photo Mount and Art Framing Collection.
For over 8 years now we have seen the popularity of this type of display for photographs, posters Print being edged as part of the Gallery Mount processand ink jet prints take off. The clean contemporary look of this art framing concept is very attractive and fits almost any decor. The fact that it is usually less expensive than other art framing ideas, more durable and so versatile has made it a fan favorite. Clients with fine art installations either in home or offices especially love it. Because of its durability, no glass to break or cause those nasty reflections, many institutions such as park visitor centers, museums and anywhere there is a high volume of traffic have made the switch. The base substrate is MDF in either 3/8 or 1/2″ thick. We recently produced over 100 pieces for a hospital in Massachusetts using Flame Retardant MDF so that the final product would meet their building code requirements.

Close up of Gallery Mount processPractically finger print proof, it can be cleaned with most any glass cleaner product so the care and feeding is very easy and minimal. Gallery Mounts are available in a variety of styles and edge colors. Between the ‘Flat’, ‘Float’ and ‘Box’ versions there is almost an unlimited variety you can create by mixing, matching and stacking them together to get a totally custom look. Over 22 edge colors and literally thousands of background matte colors round out the photo mounting options available. Also, they are very easy to hang using a frenchClose-up of beautiful Gallery Mount edge cleat for the Float and Box styles. The Flat version is hung by a keyhole and all hanging hardware is included. All images are coated with a UV protective laminate in either our new Crystal surface or our traditional Velvet. Durable, cleanable, less expensive and great looking, this is the only way to display your artwork, awards, posters and more. If your in the neighborhood please stop by as we have plenty of samples for you to see. If you have had a Gallery Mount made we would love to hear your thoughts about it. Also let us know about any creative designs or applications you may have come up with.