a photographer's sketchbook

ASMP Bulletin, 01 Feb 2010. Pages 4 - 5

2010-03-22T15:10:00.001-07:00

ASMP Bulletin
01 Feb 2010

ASMP Pittsburgh WHAT DO I CHARGE?

2010-01-04T16:11:00.000-08:00

I want to personally invite you to ASMP Pittsburgh Chapter is presentation of Susan Carr's What do I charge? a candid discussion on licensing and pricing your work. Take the mystery out of determining your fees and setting licensing terms. Get real world strategies for pricing in this tough business climate. Learn how to sell your prices with confidence.

This Practical Seminar Includes:

What you need to know about copyright.
A real world look at how to license photography.
Why are copyright, licensing and pricing connected?
Pricing models.
Learn the steps to determining what to charge.
Selling your price.

This is a program that grew out of the Strictly Business Series and has been updated to include recent market changes. This program is valuable to the emerging photographer as well as a great refresher for the established shooter.

$25.00 ASMP Member$50.00 Non-member$40.00 Professional Association Members$0.00 Special price for students and faculty of Point Park University donating meeting space for this seminar*
$10.00 Student*

One of my strategic initiatives as ASMP president, is the emphasis on copyright registration, read it here. One important component to that is the hands on workshop Susan conducts the following morning after her programs. Register here: http://bit.ly/6L9yVn

If you have any questions regarding either of these programs please give me a call or send me an e-mail. It will be great to see you all next week.

FREE Digital Seminar at Pittsburgh Filmmakers SOLD OUT

2009-10-14T17:19:00.000-07:00

Basics of Adobe Photoshop Richard Kelly 6-8 p.m. October 15 2009

References for this seminar : Digital Shoebox blog Basic Digital blog

If you have never taken a class at Pittsburgh Filmmakers’ School of Film, Photography and Digital Media, or if Fall 2009 is your first term with us, you are invited to enroll in all or part of this free seminar that will introduce students to the potential of digital image capture, still image manipulation, editing and posting to the web. Each two-hour class will give students a broad overview of the subject, and students will go home with useful practical tips. There is no charge of any kind. Only new students, as defined above, may register. Enrollment is strictly limited, so please register only for the classes you plan to attend. These classes are available on a non-credit basis only.

ASMP Position on Google Books Settlement

2009-09-26T12:57:00.000-07:00

The Google Books Settlement between Google and the Authors Guild and The AAP seemed to be a solution for both parties, answering to some degree the video I posted earlier this week by Lawrence Lessig. Prof. Lessig wondered how a settlement might be reached when he produced that video three years ago. The problem with this settlement, is that it does not include all of the parties (photographers and illustrators) impacted by the Google Scanning and plan to post using the Google Books Search, based on their copyright status. ASMP has been investigating the settlement and offering our perspective to protect photographers interest. Read it here.

"Photographers File Objections To Proposed Google Settlement"

ASMP General Counsel Victor Perlman said, "The vast majority of photographers and graphic artists, whose works have been and continue to be digitized by Google without authorization, and who have been members of the plaintiffs' class since June 2006, would neither receive compensation for past infringement nor any benefit going forward." Perlman added, "The visual arts community has copyright interests at stake that are just as important as the copyright interests of authors and publishers that this Proposed Settlement is designed to protect."

"ASMP Position on the Google Books Settlement" - ASMP believes that the proposed settlement has far-reaching consequences for the work product and the livelihoods of its more than 6,000 member photographers, and that the settlement does not adequately protect their interests. Therefore, ASMP plans to submit its views to the Court on or before September 4, 2009, the new deadline for filing objections and other comments.

A Chinese Fire Drill Happy Hour invitation

2009-09-25T06:42:00.000-07:00

Host:	Richard Kelly
Type:	Party - Mixer
Network:	Global

Date:	Friday, October 9, 2009
Time:	5:30pm - 8:00pm
Location:	Richard Kelly's Studio
Street:	333 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA
City/Town:	Pittsburgh, PA
	View Google Map

Phone:	4123700582
Email:	richard@richardkelly.com

You are invited to come to Richard's studio for an evening of cocktails, food and photos from his recent trip to China.
Studio #437 in Bay 33 off Terminal Street and East Carson Street in the Southside.

Known historically as the Terminal Building-now know as Riverwalk Corporate Centre.

Richard just returned from a ten day journey to China as an invited guest of the China Photographers Association, to jury the 13th International Photography Exhibition. There were over 70,000 entries making it the second largest Photography contest globally. Richard also gave two presentations in Lishui China to university students and photography enthusiasts. He presented. "PITTSBURGH, an Urban Landscape" 8 images from this presentation were donated to the LISHUI PHOTOGRAPHY MUSEUM for their permanent collection. The second presentation was "Motivation for Shooting and the Value of the Photograph," Richard showcased his work from commercial projects to personal and very personal photographs, including images made using his iPhone Camera.

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Back to Work and Google Books

2009-09-22T09:59:00.000-07:00

Just returned from China, the new Semester has started at Pittsburgh Filmmakers and the ball is rolling on a number of client projects. The G-20 International Summit of World Leaders starts tomorrow in Pittsburgh. To say I am optimistic about the future would be an understatement. I am curious by nature and I try to learn as much as I can about a subject.

Especially one that may impact my business in some way. Google a wonderful and innovative company, I mean who can live with out their favorite search engine or gmail or this blog. Having said that their inovation sometimes has costs and challenges. They are always pushing the envelope and you have got to respect them for that, the question is do they respect me and my fellow writers and visual artists or are we just a source (free) for material to search?

Here is a 3 year old presentation by Lawrence Lessig worth watching especially the last few minutes. After you watch this stay tuned we will continue the conversation.

Concert Photography

2009-08-11T05:01:00.000-07:00

It seems a lot of of my students want to shoot concerts. What's not to like music and photography. This week someone e-mailed a link to Todd Owyoung's blog I Shoot Shows, it has some great concert photos as well as practical advice on approaching a concert see the blog here.

Another concert photographer I like is David Bergman and his blog All Access here.

Here is a forum dedicated to Music Photographers here

Concert and Live events do have business issues you should be aware of. Here are some links to articles about contracts at concerts:

A Photo Editor here

PDN Pulse here

John Harrington has a concert photography primer on his site Photo Business Forum here

Good shooting

Silver Eye Adobe Lightroom Workshop- SOLD OUT

2009-06-11T09:01:00.001-07:00

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom with Richard Kelly -SOLD OUT

Saturday, June 13, 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Learn the ins and outs of Adobe’s popular photo management software Lightroom. Using your own computer Richard Kelly will show you how to streamline your digital photography workflow and learn to sort and find your photos faster. You will need to have this software loaded on to your own laptop computer. Members, $65.00; Non-members, $75.00. Lunch included. Class size limited to six participants. Reservations required.

#ASMP Strictly Business Blog_ Video

2009-06-11T08:58:00.000-07:00

This week Gail Mooney Kelly gives Video Tips for Photographers here

ASMP Strictly Business Blog

Brian Kaldorf Blog

2009-05-26T07:34:00.001-07:00

Check out my intern from a few years ago, he has a new series based on Alice in Wonderland. link here

SILVER EYE CENTER Call for Entries SELF PORTRAIT

2009-05-26T07:22:00.000-07:00

My Favorite Photo Gallery on the Southside here is Pittsburgh, Silver Eye Center for Photography, is calling for photographers to submit for exhibition, the SELF PORTRAIT.

read about it here

Kat Dalager Art Buyer at Campbell Mithun on Personal Work

2009-05-26T06:04:00.000-07:00

Humble Monkey Productions produced an interview with Kat Dalager at Campbell Mithun on Personal work in your commercial portfolio.

Kat Dalager Interview_Personal Work Question from Andrew Kamin on Vimeo.

A Social Media Strategy ASMP Stricly Business

2009-05-15T18:33:00.000-07:00

Check out this Social Media Strategy Post

ASMP Strictly Business Video Defining Your Message

2009-05-14T06:36:00.000-07:00

today's ASMP Strictly Business video of Leslie Burns-Dell’Acqua outlines process for defining your message

SILVER EYE CENTER WORKSHOP ADOBE LIGHTROOM LAB

2009-05-14T06:01:00.001-07:00

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom with Richard Kelly

Saturday, June 13, 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Silver Eye Website Join today here

ASMP Elects New Board Officers, Directors

2009-05-11T17:38:00.000-07:00

ASMP Elects New Board Officers, Directors

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) has announced that Richard Kelly, a Pittsburgh-based corporate and editorial photographer and owner of Richard Kelly Photography, has been chosen as President for the 2009-10 year.

Here is the link

Jack Hollingsworth’s - Photographer Makeover

2009-05-11T11:29:00.000-07:00

ASMP members receive a 15% discount on Jack Hollingsworth’s upcoming workshop Photographer Makeover: leveraging web 2.0 tools and techniques to redefine your business and brand
June 1-4, 2009
Austin, Texas

E-mail me for the ASMP Discount Code. I will need your ASMP Member Number.
richard@richardkelly.com or kelly@asmp.org

Richard Kelly
ASMP President

Strictly Business Post today " Shooting your way out..."

2009-04-24T08:10:00.000-07:00

ASMP Strictly Business Blog

The Only Way Out is to Shoot Our Way Out. link

ASMP Strictly Business Lecture Basic Business Video

2009-04-13T15:53:00.000-07:00

The SB2 Video's have finally hit the web, here is the first installment, my video presentation of business basics. I asked my business team of adviser's what advice they would offer to emerging photographers. This is what they said, here is the link

My Team: Carl Caputo, Caputo Insurance; Cindy Moore, Esq.; David Oster, C.P.A.; Donna Dooley, Financial Advisor.

Mentor Appreciation Week - Art Kane

2009-04-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

I have been fortunate to have had very good mentors and teachers throughout my discovery and practice of photography. Sometime in the near future I will share some of the stories and learning experiences that these mentors shared with me.

Today, I would like to briefly celebrate the life of Art Kane, born Arthur Kanofsky on April 9 1925, he died February 21 1995 here is the NY Times Obituary.

Here is the link to the Art Kane Portfolio

Here is the link to the Art Directors Club page featuring Art Kane

Here is the link to the story of the picture A Great Day in Harlem

Here is the link to the "A Great Day in Harlem" film by Jean Bach

Here is the link to Harper's Magazine Art Kane & Andy Warhol portraits

Here is the link to a film made about the Ghost Army, which Art served in WWII

Now that we got that out of the way, what about the mentoring story.

I was Art Kane's First Assistant, in the mid 1980's. He taught me many things over the course of our friendship here are a few of those lessons.

Art said that good photography, will tell more than one story, and if it is really good will reveal much about the photographer.

Another variation of that concept, A good art director/designer will make a good photographer look good. A bad art director/designer will make a great photographer look bad. A great art director/designer will make a good photographer look great. He always said to only work with great art director/designer. And I do.

Edit with your gut, not with your head. Photographers tend to over think their photographs, to the seduction of the making of the pictures, or the subject, the lens we just bought, or the trendy technique. He never seconded guessed his edits.

As a former art director, Art approached each assignment or project first with a concept. He carried a pad with pen sketches and had the visual for the photograph pretty mapped out. But as true as he was to the original idea - layout, he always reminded me that even though it was good to have an idea going into a shoot, don't be afraid to change your mind once you get there. Many times after a editing a shoot, I would go back to his original sketch, something he rarely did, many times the photographs matched the sketch.

And finally, when shooting, editing or presenting your work, think like a filmmaker. If whatever it is, is not moving the scene or films intention forward, take it out. Art and I went to films, talked about films and referenced films throughout our friendship. He introduced me to BLADERUNNER, which we referenced in a number of his projects.

Thanks Art, I still have a lot to learn.

Mentor Appreciation Week - Kurt Markus

2009-04-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

April is a crazy month for me, with in a short period of a few weeks, My friends Paul (April 5) and Ian (April 2) in New York, My dad (April 6), and two of my mentors, Art Kane and Kurt Markus (also April 6) and me on April 10 have birthdays. That is a lot of Arian's to contend with.

Anyway, it seems like the perfect week to talk about mentors. Using two of my own as examples of why mentors and mentoring is important in the artist's development.

Kurt Markus, is a photographer based in Kalispell, Montana. Kurt and I met back around 1988. He had recently released a book, After Barbed Wire, to great acclaim and his photography of cowboys and horses was segueing to models and fashion. His photo agent referred Kurt to me as a photo assistant, familiar to the challenges of shooting Fashion in NYC.

Kurt's career, like many of the photographers I worked with was not the photo-school path, Kurt had many different paths before photography, the one I choose to follow was that he was a writer / editor of Western Horseman. Knowing of Kurt's writing career, really sets the tone for his photography career. Kurt has a deep understanding of photography's history and it's place. He understands and has control over this interpretation of life and light.

And that is what Kurt taught me, by example his, "code of a photographer." His version of Gene Autrey's Cowboy code. His respect for his subjects, his production team, his locations, and his work is something I have adopted.

Another lesson is one of simplicity, his selection of light, his selection of composition, of location, of gesture. Simpler is better.

Having worked for a conceptual creator in Art Kane, it was a valuable lesson to realize that a photographer does not always have to go into a photograph with too much of an idea. But a sensitivity to the space, light, subject may be enough.

a valuable lesson, for today's emerging photographer, was the importance of the craft of photography. Sometimes, it is trendy, especially in the fashion photo world, to not have a complete understanding and practice for the craft of photography or it's history. Kurt respected both.

To my good friend and mentor Happy Birthday. April 6

NEW ASMP Strictly Business Blog_My Online Watercooler

2009-04-03T07:30:00.000-07:00

Here is what I have to say today on the ASMP Strictly Business Blog

ASMP Launches Strictly Business Blog

2009-03-24T08:55:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to the new ASMP Strictly Business blog

Omnicom Group Passes the Buck

2009-03-19T12:06:00.000-07:00

Welcome to business 3.0, that must be it, this ain't your daddy's business anymore. Now it seems that the little guy is supposed to finance the big guy. Maybe this is what they (the smarter guys in the room) were calling the "new" bank, I look in the mirror and see they must be talking about me.

Well at least it seems like the middle guys the ad agencies think they want to pass the risk onto the production companies and the photographers. Many trade groups and pundits have spoken out against this new model, here is what the American Society of Media Photographers had to say.

Omnicom Passes the Buck

It has been brought to the attention of the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) that the Omnicom Group, the world’s largest advertising agency holding company, has changed its terms and conditions in an effort to limit their agency liability and in so doing transfer that liability to independent photographers and producers. Basically, by disclosing their agency status and for whom they are acting, the advertising agency is only liable to the extent that their client has specifically paid them for any amounts payable to you. Additionally, ASMP has been informed that reps are being told that there will no longer be any advances on assignments.

These new policies are most probably the result of the market and governmental pressures experienced by major corporate clients such as GM who in their effort to avoid bankruptcy are now prioritizing their financial obligations and will make payment according to those priorities. In other words, some suppliers will be waiting significantly longer to be paid depending upon the client’s priorities. That being the case, agencies do not want to be left on the hook for reimbursement of monies expended on behalf of their clients, especially where the fear of bankruptcy exists.

These terms and conditions are simply not in the best interests of photographers, producers or clients. This action, clearly taken in anticipation of increasingly difficult financial conditions is a unilateral effort to shift the burden onto those who are least prepared to bear it. Should an independent photographer of moderate means be the banker for a Fortune 100 company? By eliminating their customary role as intermediate financier, agencies are removing value from the value-added chain, and that will ultimately lead to an overall dampening effect on commerce.

Meanwhile, there is no incentive for the agencies to make photographer friendly changes to their terms and conditions as long as photographers are willing to accept the current terms. Notice of these changes should be included in your blogs and discussed on related lists and social networking sites. The issue needs to become viral and requires significant support from key photographers in order to gain traction and effect change. If it is business as usual for the agencies, then nothing will be accomplished.

ASMP would recommend that photographers include in their paperwork a statement making it clear that there will be no grant of copyright license until all related assignment invoices are paid in full. Images should be registered with the Copyright Office immediately upon completion of the shoot and prior to first publication and/or possible infringement so that in the event that legal action – a last resort – is needed, recovery of statutory damages and court costs will be possible.

In addition, the Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP) recommends the following:

“If an agency's internal policy insists upon these payment terms (sequential liability), the production company should:

a) Make sure the advertiser ("client") also signs this agreement. If it is a rider, the terms of payment and the full contract price should be added to the rider.  

b) Be provided with the advertiser billing and contact information. 

c) Copy the advertiser on all invoices. 

d) Notify the advertiser of payment due as soon as terms of the contract (payment dates) are not met by the agency.”

As a possible course of action, since the agencies are shifting liability to their corporate clients, perhaps photographers should consider approaching the clients directly for advances and or other payments prior to the beginning of the assignment.

Ultimately, this is a case of the supplier beware!

A Photo Editor said," It certainly seems to
be the trend these days where citizens are held responsible for
corporations that can't pay their bills but an advertising agency
eliminating their traditional role as financier for advertising
campaigns maybe signals an impending overhaul of the way business is
conducted. "

My Friend John Harrington over at Photo Business News & Forum had this to say, " it is important that you understand how companies are attempting to negotiate with you either beforehand, or afterwards in unfoavorable purchase order language that changes substantively the terms under which your initial contract was agreed to. On more than one occasion I have had to have Purchase Order language modified to be consistent with the intitial contract."

And Nick Parish last week wrote in CREATIVITY ONLINE, ""If there is a problem here with people assuming risk and liability we need to come up with a collective solution to that," says Miller. "It's interesting to see what did go on in U.K. and will be interesting to see if production companies here act the same way on an absolute basis."

The production companies say the changes would erode their business model and force them to bear the weight of a client default more heavily than at present. Spokespersons from Omnicom and WPP did not respond to requests for comment.

"How can an ad agency go to a client and demand that they pay them up front and then stick this to us?" asks one head of a high-profile production company. "I didn't realize we were also in the banking business. When no one can finance anything, they're asking us to do it."

what is social networking all about ? and should I ?

2009-03-10T06:56:00.000-07:00

This is a remixed video on research by Karl Fisch, Scott McLeod, and Jeff Bronman.

Here is a commentary on Social Media.

Finally, a link to a very funny video about Social Network sites, from the Smithsonian

The ASMP responded to the "New Facebook Terms & Conditions," which Facebook later reversed to the previous T&C. Due to public outcry the are reviewing those terms.

Facebook's new approach as written in the Chicago Tribune by Wailin

Here is PhotoAttorney Carolyn Wrights post on the FACEBOOK issue

Concept Art Gallery Exhibit One Week Left

2009-01-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

Now that the Holiday's are over and Change has finally arrived in America, I Hope you can stop by and check out the last week of the PITTSBURGH exhibit at the Concept Art Gallery.

Featuring my urban landscape's and the Pittsburgh Bridge series.

In the coming days, we will be launching our Fine Art Photography website and online marketplace so stay tuned.

Organizing your Digital Shoebox 2.0

2009-01-12T19:04:00.000-08:00

Seminar: Sorting and Storing Your Digital Photographs - useful techniques for photographers, artists, designers and other creative professionals.
Saturday, January 17, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Photographer Richard Kelly will share his knowledge of how to keep track and manage the ever growing digital shoe-box. The newest software will be discussed and evaluated, including Adobe PhotoShop Lightroom and Expression Media Pro. Master the task of getting them off your computer and into a safe organized space for the future. This is an expanded and updated version of last year’s workshop. Members and students $60.00; Non members $75.00. Reservations required. Lunch included.
For reservations and more information, call education coordinator Sylvia Ehler, 412-431-1810, ext. 11 or Silver Eye Center for Photography programs.

Pittsburgh Tribune Review of PITTSBURGH Show

2008-11-21T10:10:00.000-08:00

Five Photographers Offer an Eye on Pittsburgh by Kurt Shaw.

Dylan, Mark and I were on hand at the opening reception to the PITTSBURGH a century of photography show. We are all three teachers and many of our students from Pittsburgh Filmmakers and Carnegie Mellon University,were in attendance, as well a number of friends, family and clients. It was great to talk about photography and Pittsburgh with so many people.

I ran into Clyde "Red" Hare this past Wednesday, he was unable to make the reception but I know he wanted to be there. Red took a picture of the Heinz Endowments, DOWNTOWN NOW photography team.

One of the real highlights of the PITTSBURGH show, reception, was seeing the work juxtaposed in one place. From Luke Swank's Pittsburgh to Clyde's through to my own. Same city, such different perspectives. As Mark Perrott said to me as my wife Jennifer Pesci-Kelly took our picture in front of the Luke Swank wall, "This is a good night for Photography in Pittsburgh." And he was right.

Pittsburgh A CENTURY OF PHOTOGRAPHY

2008-11-12T09:26:00.000-08:00

Pittsburgh A CENTURY OF PHOTOGRAPHY

at the the Concept Art Gallery

November 15th - January 31st 2008

Reception November 15th at 5-7 pm.

Featuring Photography by

Clyde Hare
Richard Kelly
Mark Perrott
Luke Swank
Dylan Vitone

Concept Art Gallery
1031 South Braddock Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15218
USA

Behind the lens at Thoughtform Design

2008-10-20T16:22:00.000-07:00

After last weeks presentation at Thoughtform Design I was invited to sit down with Project Strategist John Sotirakis, and some of his colleagues, for a brief Q&A. Jonathon Hill was one of those and he created the web page of my presentation.

We talked about photography, culture of the amateur, the influence of stock photography on assignment work and our clients interpretation of a visual comp. I talked about the journey from Assistant to producer to photographer. The importance of mentors and mentoring and why I love teaching.

An additional caption and attribution should be noted on the photograph of Greg Louganis, that was a Polaroid test, from a photo shoot in 1986, I was the first assistant and the photographer was David Vance.

Dreams, Goals & Lists

2008-10-13T05:25:00.000-07:00

This morning I am presenting to THOUGHTFORM Inc, a Pittsburgh based design firm. I was invited by my friend and colleague, John Sotirakis,to tell some stories that I refer to as "behind the lens" (reference to "Behind the Music," on VH-1).

Going back to my early mentors, David Vance, Art Kane and Kurt Markus the experiences of assisting, producing and shooting come full circle in the photograph that I am creating today for clients and my personal projects.

Later I will share some of the stories.

Shutterbug Magazine Radio Professionalism and Ethics

2008-10-07T05:28:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to participate in an interview on Shutterbug Magazine radio. The theme was ethics and professionalism in photography. As a photographer and educator these topics come up from time to time in the studio or in the classroom, but it is a rare opportunity to talk about business ethics to a more mainstream audience.

The topic was partly inspired by recent news coverage of photojournalists creating new images from multiple frames using image editing software and the comments of a popular conceptual photographer who created images of a political candidate. Although very different circumstances, both have started multiple discussions online and in the mainstream media about the photography industry and the professional standards and ethics we stand by.

As I prepared for the interview I looked back at some of my experiences over the twenty years I have been a professional. My personal opinion is that the expectations of our profession have not changed, but that society has both raised the bar of what is acceptable and at the same time been an accomplice to more and more sifting under the bar.

Here is the link to the interview, let's see what develops. Bad puns never die they must be archival!

Richard Kelly Photographs • Writers + Light Exhibit at Carnegie Library Main Pittsburgh

2008-08-14T08:29:00.000-07:00

Carl Kurlander, producer & director. The screenwriter of St. Elmos Fire author of The F-Word with Louie Anderson. Photographed in Schenley Park.

So many of the people I've photographed over the years are writers--it's actually quite poetic that I've had a chance to visually tell the story of so many storytellers. For the month of August, I have an exhibit called "Writers + Light" at the Main Library of the Carnegie Library Pittsburgh in Oakland. It will be on display in the gallery to the left of the main lobby until the end of August, 2008.

I hope you can stop by and check it out. Here is the Artist Statement and the Captions for the photographs.

Writers + Light
Richard Kelly

Artist Statement

I discovered photography during my weekly visits to the Ellwood City Public library. It started with simple curiosity as I read my way around the library eager to read and learn any and everything. The photography books captivated me. That perfect balance of art and science, photography became my obsession and my passion.

Books were my window to the world. Through books I came to appreciate the art of writing and those that write. I place writers on a very high pedestal; having often interacted with writers, Magazine writers, screenwriters, playwrights, non-fiction writers, and novelists. Writers have introduced me to other worlds, inner exploration, new ideas, introspection, drama, laughter, art, sport, tragedy and much more.

My approach to this body of work has remained true to my course. To create a portrait that tells a story that explains just enough but does not reveal it all, like a good writer.

These images span time from the early nineties to last month. Some were for assignments for publication in magazines, author portraits for publicity, book covers or just plain fun. Most of these sessions with writers are long conversations about the subjects that they write about, books read and experiences we’ve had. I love photographing writers.

These images are part of a continuing body of work called ARTIST’S & SCIENTIST’S: people who use the creative process. Many of the photographs were created with a 4x5 SUPER GRAPHIC using POLAROID type 55 film. The square images were created with a Hasselblad 6x6 format. Two images were made with a FUJIFILM S-3 Digital Camera.

Biography:

Richard Kelly is an editorial and corporate photographer who photographs environmental portraits with style. Richard’s body of work includes commissioned assignments and personal works, both satisfying his mission to capture real people in real places with real passions. Portfolios of his environmental portraits of artists, actors, and captains of industry have been published in numerous magazines including Pittsburgh Professional, People, Information Week and CIO.
Richard’s photographs have been exhibited at Nikon House, the United Nations and Silver Eye Center for Photography, and his work is in various private collections. Richard has been commissioned to participate in The Heinz Endowment Downtown Now Photography Project, which details recent cultural and structural transformations in downtown Pittsburgh.

As a prominent figure in the Pittsburgh photography community, Richard was the Director of Photography for WQED Multimedia from March of 2003 to March of 2007, and is currently the President of Indigo Factory, Inc. He is also an adjunct instructor at Pittsburgh Filmmakers and a member of Silver Eye Center for Photography and American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) and the Society of Photoggraphic Educators (SPE). He is First Vice-President and a National Director and of the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP
He lives with his wife Jennifer Pesci-Kelly and daughter Grace Ann on Pittsburgh’s Southside.

Captions

WRITERS + LIGHT

Pittsburgh Writers

Richard Kelly

1. Bill Deasy, songwriter and novelist Ransom Seaborn- photographed at WQED Studio A (2005)

2. Bob Corbin, songwriter and performer Corbin Hanner- photographed at WQED Studio A (2005)

3. Duane Michals, photographer The Adventures of Constantine Cavafy-photographed East Carson Street on the Pittsburgh Southside (2004)

4. Lee Gutkind, author ALMOST HUMAN: MAKING ROBOTS THINK and editor of Creative Non-Fiction – Photographed near the Greenfield Bridge (2003)

5. William “Bill” Moushey, investigative reporter Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and director of Innocence Institute of Point Park University –Photographed at the Innocence Institute file room at Point Park University.

6. Jeff Sewald, producer, writer and director Gridiron & Steel – Photographed on the South Shore of the Monongahela River (2008)

7. Bob Evans, editorial director of InformationWeek and TechWeb – Photographed at his home in the East End of Pittsburgh

8. Jeanne Marie Laskas, journalist and author Growing Girls – Photographed on the Southside of Pittsburgh

9. Shauna Seliy, author When we get there- Photographed on the Southside of Pittsburgh (2006)

10. Stewart O’Nan, author Snow Angels- Photographed at Schenley Park

11. Rob Rogers, editorial cartoonist Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Photographed in his kitchen in Lawrenceville

12. Robert Bianco, TV Critic USA Today – Photographed in his bathroom in Lawrenceville

13. Chip Walter, author Thumbs, Toes and Tears¬- Photographed in Studio on the Southside

14. Carl Kurlander, producer &director.The screenwriter of St. Elmos Fire author of The F-Word with Louie Anderson. Photographed in Schenley Park.

...try a different lens she says.

2008-07-11T05:24:00.000-07:00

Tracing my steps through downtown Pittsburgh not long ago, while working on a project called Downtown Now I felt like I was bumping up against a mime wall, you know those invisible walls created by mime's with their hands. I had just finished up a multi-week project using a canon d-Slr and my trusty 28-70mm lens and everything was feeling done before. I was looking for light and interesting people and seeing none of it.
At dinner that evening, Jennifer, my wife and muse, said slightly muffled, "try a different lens!"
Of course the advice is good, she only gives good advice, but what struck me is that she had to say it at all. You see this is the advice I give to my friends and students when they get "stuck" with the photographers version to writer's block. Sometimes, changing a lens or film or format will be just the kick in the seat of the pants that we (I) need to find what we were looking for.

I graduated now what? Keeping the flame lit.

2008-05-22T05:43:00.000-07:00

It's the end of another semester and for many of my students they have finished their last portfolio review and are graduating. The last semester for many of them has been a flash of ideas, shooting sessions, late nights in the darkroom, (or in front of a monitor) and placing photographs into matte's and then finally the portfolio review. During that crazy last semester, little attention is paid to what's next. I would like to answer some of the questions that my students have asked me over the past few years, usually a few months after graduation. Usually it's an e-mail sometimes a phone call, basically it boils down to two questions.

1. How do I make money doing this?

2. I haven't taken a picture in months?

The first question, I regret, takes a lot longer to answer and I hope to visit that topic over time. Today I would like to take the first step in answering the second.

If you attend any educational institution you have assignments. Those assignments, have deadlines and a critical review. But once you take that last critique and that experience is over you are entering - my world - the real world.

There is no demand, no deadlines, nothing that you have to do. As a creative person with a need to create, you have no limitations and therefore nothing to do. In my experience you will need to create a framework, with rules, guidelines and limitations. Narrow your decisions and take a step forward to being a craftsman and a professional. You will have to be disciplined and self-motivating to move forward.

I am very project motivated. A project - even the personal ones, need these basic attributes:

1. A mission. Why do I want to do this? what is my passion? what is my story?

2. A deadline. If there is no end date, you will be less likely to finish. I like exhibits as a motivation.

3. A schedule and budget. to keep you on track.

4. Peer and Mentor review. Periodically it is a good idea to share what you are doing to get feedback. Just like when you were in school you chatted by the printer or the print washer and your "peers" or your "Mentors" gave you immediate feedback. You are going to still want that interaction.

5. A box. When the project is complete put it in a box. This is really a metaphor to hang it on a wall, put it on the web, create a book. But when you have completed your mission celebrate by sharing it and then move on to the next project . (go back to 1 and repeat.)

We will continue with projects and developing the mission.

Lot #89 Schenley Park Pool, Summer 2005

2008-05-13T06:29:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I participated in the Silver Eye Center for Photography Benefit Auction. Held every two years it offers some interesting and exciting opportunities for the photography collector. They had a great turnout, SRO. I was fortunate to be in the front of the SECP as Sam Berkovitz (of the Concept Art Gallery)the auctioneer handled 134 lots, including a Duane Michals, Luke Swank, Mary Ellen Mark, W. Eugene Smith, Clyde Hare, David Graham and yours truly. It is aways an honor to be included in these benefit auctions I have been invited to many, over the years. I also added to my personal photography collection by buying a print from photographer Mark Roh, "Abandoned Treatment Room in Alcatraz" lot #17.
I created this photographer's sketchbook, to discuss ideas and photography, I thought I would elaborate on the creation of the image that I donated to SECP, "Schenley Park Pool, Summer 2005, Lot # 89. (sold to bidder #352 for $400).

I pass this city parks swimming pool many times in a week. It is in the Pittsburgh Schenley Park. I had been commissioned to document the City Park for an arts project back in 2005. To benefit The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, I knew that I wanted to photograph aspects of the parks that related to fun, family interaction, rather than nature.

There seemed to be many aspects of the parks that we all utilize and I thought the pools, tennis clay courts and basketball courts offered photographic opportunities that I could capture. I decided to use a 4x5 Super Graphic camera with a Schnieder 210 lens and using ready load Kodak Portra 160VC film.

I chose a morning that I knew would light the lifeguard chair. On previous mornings, I had arrived too early, the pool sits in an area of the park surrounded by trees on a high ridge. I did not want to arrive too late or I would have people to contend with. This probably comes as a surprise to many people that know me, as I am known for my photographs of people. But as I mature I find myself really enjoying landscapes sans people. I found my spot to set up the tripod, as I had envisioned the image in my mind. I pulled the dark cloth overhead and composed the image. I use a technique of swinging the lens plane out of focus so that only one key area of the image plane is in sharp focus. I moved the tripod and tried a couple of different angles. Working for Art Kane in the 1980's, taught me to always start with a concept - either in your mind or on paper, and then be willing to try another angle or idea once you get there. Not just be willing, but push yourself to try something different. It is important to cover as much as you can while you have the light, the subject and the camera together. Editing the image(s) later is where the concept and idea finally gel together into the selected photograph. More importantly the photograph selected by the photographer.

Genesis and the Big Bang theory

2008-04-29T17:11:00.000-07:00

My inspiration for this blog started as most of my ideas do, as a flicker of light. They usually occur in the shower, or on a walk with my daughter, sometimes even when I am driving in the car. As a teacher and a student of life, celebrating that flash of light, the flare of a concept, the light-bulb over the head, is what my career as a photographer is all about.

The creative process - the how, the why, the where and most important to me, the who.

I want to explore the idea of ideas and the photographic performance of those ideas and share them with my fellow students and friends.