Light & Abstraction

Dilmah: The Worlds First Ethical Tea

I recently was introduced to a brand of tea called Dilmah. As is prone to happen in my life, I stumbled upon the tea accidentally. It is available at the local grocery store in Lusaka, Zambia. Shortly there after, I took some photographs of my morning activities (tea included!) which were placed on my personal blog. Directly, after that I was contacted by my friend Gloria who is actually promoting Dilmah tea on her blog in the U.S. I think my life is always full of these sorts of happy coincidences!

As you all know, I whole heartily support sustainable projects, and this support often crosses over into my professional life as I love to work with sustainable organizations. I was thrilled to learn that not only does Dilmah promote sustainable tea growing, the founder of Dilmah, Merrill J Fernando, also started the MJF Charitable Foundation that helps tea growers and underprivileged workers in Sri Lanka. The MJF Charitable Foundation represents an alternative economic model, and it is much more than a charity because it represents a genuinely sustainable and fair way of doing business.

It took Merrill just under 40 years to bring his family tea, Dilmah, to consumers. The concept of a young, middle class Sri Lankan seeking to establish an ethical, producer owned tea business was at the time both controversial and fiercely opposed. Then as now, big transnational businesses controlled the tea industry. During the four decades he fought to achieve his dream, he continued to fulfill the commitment of caring for his staff and workers as comes naturally to any family business. As his business was blessed with success, his company and consequently his social justice obligation, grew. 

As if that wasn't enough to convince you already, Dilmah makes a fantastic cup of tea! I've only tried out the sweet mint so far but it is superb!  Dilmah's core foundation is based on integrity, ethics, quality, authenticity,freshness, and sustainability. The UN uses Dilmah as an example to other nations how sustainability can change the financial climate of a nation which Dilmah has for Sri Lanka.

I encourage you to check out their newest Dilmah promotion, The Chefs & the Teamaker, where chefs from around the world create recipes utilizing Dilmah's tea and you can too! Dilmah should be the light shining at the end of the tunnel for countries everywhere looking to take back their local industries for the betterment of their country!

Moth to the Flame

Weekend in Pictures: Chaminuka

 © Crystaline Randazzo Photography - All images are copyright of Crystaline Randazzo and in no way are to be used by Google, Google Advertisers or any third party. These are not your pictures. Steal them and I will sue you.

Inspire Me Monday: Ken Heyman

I put together an inspiration board of some of Ken Heyman's work that I loved, and I realized that I hadn't really explained the inspiration for inspiration Monday. I started doing inspiration folders in grad school. I had a professor who created little books of inspiration that he carried around to inspire him.  At some point in grad school I started putting all of those photos I love in a screen saver folder, my screen saver changes ever so often and I get to inspired on a regular basis.  I have gotten more questions about the photos on my screensaver than I can count. I love having certain photos up in my office to remind me that it only takes me in the right place at the right time to do something beautiful. Having so many people comment on the photos made me realize that others are equally inspired, if not equally motivated to go out and find inspiration. So this is how Inspire Me Monday began.

If you guys read my Monday blog last Monday then you probably saw this  weeks inspiration coming, but I needed to do a separate inspiration board on Ken Haymen. I highly recommend you watch some interviews of Ken on Mark Bussell's blog. Ken has some unbelievable stories and shot some of the most famous people of his era.

In the interview Ken talked about how he photographed relationships, and that was the very basis for his photography. What a powerful statement, and fantastic honor. To be able to photograph relationships, and that emotional connection that individuals can give or receive.

After my experiences this year, I can truly say that I am inspired by the sheer capacity of humanity. It astounds me what each individual can endure, withstand, and be capable of. Even in the very worst of circumstances, the touch of a hand can express what words cannot say. A hot meal and conversation can put a stitch in the rips of a heart, and wrapping your arms around allows you to hold each other up. That is what humanity is about, life, death, and tragedy have nothing on love.

I am so amazed by people, by what each individual can endure, withstand, and be capable of. We each have the unique opportunity to effect those around us. And so today I am dually inspired by the humanity of Ken's work and the capacity of humanity.

Finding Beauty in the Depths....

Does the phoenix rise from the ashes?

Is there beauty in death?

Life eternal…

Or only hell on earth?

Is it self sacrifice…

To fall from the tree

In hopes another…

Grows up in your place

Or is that only masochism?

Does rebirth lie dormant?

Does circumstance forced its existence?

Or does the power to reinvent….

Lie only within the individual

 © Crystaline Randazzo Photography - All images are copyright of Crystaline Randazzo and in no way are to be used by Google, Google Advertisers or any third party. These are not your pictures. Steal them and I will sue you.

Inspire Me Monday: Margaret Mead

This week I stumbled upon a jewel of an interview, and am currently floating along on a cloud of inspiration. I don't know if any of you believe in fate, but it all came together in a way that can only be described as kismet. On Friday, I was researching non-profits in Zambia and came across one called Mamma Cash, on one of the side panels was the following quote:

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful people can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."-Margaret Mead

Honestly, I have never heard of Margaret Mead but I loved the philosophy behind the words. The truth is that I truly believe that individuals can make changes, and that change is started by tiny ripples and not by crashing waves. I posted the quote on my facebook page and didn't think a thing about it.

Then later that night as I was reading my blogs I came across the following article on New York Times The Lens: http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/11/learning-photography-from-margaret-mead/

I was stunned, Margaret Mead is a photographer? Research ensued. It turns out that Margaret Mead is an famed anthropologist (I'm ok with admitting my own ignorance) and Ken Heyman was a former student and then a photographer who traveled with her, together they created two books Family in 1965, and World Enough in 1975.

I sat entranced by videos put together by Mark Bussell as Ken Heyman described his experiences with Margaret Mead, Andy Warhol, Ernest Hemingway, Charlie Chaplin, and more.   I was even more entranced by his photography (which might call for another blog altogether). I instantly jumped on Amazon and purchased Family by Margaret Mead, Coming of Age in Somoa by Margaret Mead,  and The Trashing of Margaret Mead by Paul Shankman. I was absolutely enthralled by Margaret Mead's story in a way I have not been since I read Dorothea Lange: A Life Beyond Limits by Linda Gordon. Yes it's true, I have yet another woman crush.

As ridiculous as it sounds, I believe we were meant to be friends, and meant to run into each other in this round about fashion. It was only a matter of time even though she passed away in 1978 and I am alive and kicking. Inspiration is not bound by time or death, and I cannot wait to get to know Mrs. Mead better.

Being Selfless

Some of you know that my brother Ian and his wife Priscella decided to become foster parents this year, they went through a rigorous class and approval process in Arizona. The stork visited them in April and brought them two little bundles of joy, Sebastion (3) and Claudia (6 months). It's not my story to tell so I won't get into the details behind what led to their arrival, however I have say that I believe being a foster parent is truly the definition of being selfless. To invest your entire heart and life into two little people without ever knowing what tomorrow will bring is the description of modern day heros.

I was thrilled to be home to celebrate Claudia's 1st birthday which was celebrated in style at Meemaw's house. We stripped her down to her diaper, put her on the counter, and let her have her way with her cake. She was alittle slow to get started (cake is a messy business you know) but by the end of 5 minutes we had the makings of a major chocaholic in the works. I was thrilled to be home and share this special moment with her and her family. Ian and Priscella, I am so proud to call you my brother and sister.

Living in the Moment

My wonderful husband bought me the Nikkor, 105 macro lens for my 28th birthday. I received while visiting my 92 year old grandfather and shot this portrait of him one morning while we sat in his kitchen watching the price is right.

I readily admit that I often feel frustrated by being the "designated" family photography, but in this case I felt honored to shoot this portrait prior to my departure to Zambia. It made me think that perhaps I should take this holiday season to document the pleasures of family perhaps even jump into the unknown and do some audio work as I just got a recorder. As ready as I am to get on with the next adventure, I have to remind myself to settle, breath, and simply enjoy the moment.

 © Crystaline Randazzo Photography - All images are copyright of Crystaline Randazzo and in no way are to be used by Google, Google Advertisers or any third party. These are not your pictures. Steal them and I will sue you.

Inspire Me Monday: Half the Sky

While on my travels I've been catching up on some reading,  I am currently hooked on a book called Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity For Women Worldwide by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl Wudunn who won the pulitzer price.  In the book they lay out an agendo for the world's women focusing on three particular abuses: sex trafficking and forced prostitution; gender-based violence, including honor killings and mass rape; and maternal mortality which still needlessly claims one woman a minute.

This book has blown me away, not because it address issues affecting women around the world, but perhaps I am enjoying it so much because the number one solution offered is education! Women around the world are viewed as second class citizens, they are less valued than the men in their communities. The complexities of these situations are not lost on the authors and they acknowledge that both men and women buy in the cultural viewpoint that women should be less valued, but there are amazing individuals out there who are making a difference by their sheer will. I challenge you to read it and be inspired!

Inspire Me Monday: The Girl Effect

So I have been a total slacker on my blog for the last two weeks, my only excuse is that I have traveled through 12 states, 2183 miles, and 38 hours of drive time. It has been an adventure and I have got to see some of my all time favorite people and places. I am almost done with this road trip but will be traveling to Arizona where I will spend a month at home with my family, helping my aunt who is recovering from surgery and  hopefully getting to experiment with some of my new audio gear!

Anyhow this Monday, I am feeling especially inspired by women. I feel so blessed by all of the women in my world. I attribute this to the fact that I got to see some of my all time favorite ladies on this trip. Here is a special shot out to: Carrie, Leah, Ashley, Leighanne, Nicole, Judy Deaton, Linda Stricklin, Judy Daniel, and Linda Washington. The truth is my life is more enriched be being touched by these woman, but when I was thinking about this I kept coming back to this video I saw a few weeks back called The Girl Effect.

Women are affecting the world in a big way, and when organizations help women they help more than individuals, they help families and communities. 

http://www.girleffect.org/share/the-big-picture/the-girl-effect-ticking-clock?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4ccb211d52baebbe,0

It is so worth watching and thinking about the big world picture of how women affect the world. I hope you are inspired fema-nazi style by the power of women. I know that I am!

Inspire Me Monday: Autumn

Happy Monday friends! Today I am inspired by the gorgeous turn in weather, we are heading toward my favorite of the four seasons....Fall! I know that normally I put up some fantastic photography, but today I decided to break inspiration down to its simplest form. This is the time of year where new ideas are flowing, and my motivations are in full force. I don't know what it is about this year, but I think it has something to do with the fact that I lived in perpetual summer in Haiti. But the weather is so inspiring, I cannot bear to stay indoors.

I love the fact that I can disappear for an hour or two with my camera in hand and come back inspired and refreshed. In my heart, I am dreaming about pumpkin carving, Halloween costumes, and apple cider. I hope that you can also tear yourself away from all that is going on in your life, and take a drive through the beauty of the changing seasons, that hour could inspire your work for the rest of the winter.

Inspired Me Monday: Walter Astrada

This week I got to see the newest multimedia piece on http://www.mediastorm.com/, it's a piece by photojournalist Walter Astrada on the mistreatment of women in India. I know I was certainly unaware of the situation in India. You can see the full story here: http://mediastorm.com/publication/undesired

Each time I see a story like this I struggle to walk the line between showing the reality of the situation without exploiting individuals in a negative/dangerous way. Throughout this story I was horrified by certain photos, but I could not help but to connect with them emotionally.  I can see the strides and the work that this piece must of been for both Walter Astrada and Media Storm.

This week I walk away from this project considering the bravery it takes to make others aware of what is going on in the world. It takes you harnessing your own emotions and using them for the benefit of others. I hope that we can all have the courage to tell the story for individuals who cannot tell their own.

Words to Inspire

"Creativity is piercing the mundane to find the marvelous!"

- Bill Meyers

Inspire Me Monday: Ami Vitale

Happy Monday folks! I am alittle late getting this out there today but I claim a pass as I am prepping for my move to Zambia!

This week I had to do an Inspire Me Monday on Ami Vitale because when it comes to inspiration she delivers!  Ami makes beautiful images that have the power to tell the full story in a single click of the shudder. I am so inspired by the repetitive themes within her work as she shows issues with water, maternal health, environmental images, etc.

When I was sorting through her images on her website, I felt as if I was reading individual chapters of a very concise book. Ami sticks to what she knows, but she brings a new dimension to similar themes. Shooting similar subject matter often leads to static repetitive images, Ami seems to take on that challenge and prove that it is as simple as changing your perspective and stretching your photographic imagination.

I challenge myself this Monday to make beautiful images in an everyday situation, all it takes is looking beyond what is in front of you and show casing it in a new way. I hope you all are inspired this week!

Inspire Me Monday: Newseum

 Happy Monday Friends! I had a truly inspiring weekend which was a great start to my preparing for this weeks Inspire Me Monday. I had a great friend in town and we decided to head over and see the Newseum. This was my first time to visit the Newseum, so naturally we headed to the Pulitzer Prize Winning Photography Gallery

Little did I know that upon stepping foot in that gallery I would be caught in a time warp. I made it through the first wall of photos, and sat down in one of their digital booths where you could watch interviews of the photographers and I was LOST for the next three hours. The work and the artistry of the photographers stopped me in my tracks and I was lost in their stories and in the beauty or horror of the moments that they captured.

I learned about the risks that they took to show the world a story, the grief that held them due to what they saw, and the lives they changed forever with actions that were not captured on film. I will say that I was truly inspired. I could not rip myself away, and I have spent the last two days thinking about the images that I saw.

For this week, I am inspired by the bravery of the individuals who document real life, who do not shy away from ugliness, who inspire us by capturing the quiet beauty in times of sadness, the ecstasy of life, and the starkness in humanity. My motto for this week is carpe diem as so many photographers have done before me.

Fantastic Nonprofits in Lusaka

Since I arrived in D.C. in August, my goal has been to make connections with non-profits working in Zambia. Luckily for me D.C. is the city of non-profits. I am so excited that I have had several one-on-one meetings with the non-profits which has only increased my motivation toward humanitarian photography.

The Lubuto Library Project is providing literacy and library services to Zambia’s orphans and vulnerable children in cooperation with the Zambian government and the nation’s network of educational institutions. I was very surprised to hear that 1 in 5 children in Zambia have been orphaned due to AIDS/HIV and many of these children live in group homes or are left the street. Lubuto is provided them not only with a library with which they can pursue an education, but also a balanced selection of reading which allows them to direct their education to areas of their interest. Lubuto is creating online software where the children can learn bimba alphabet, and have found some children's books that are no longer in Zambia written in the Bemba and Nyanja languages which they have scanned and are now utilizing as resources for their children. I was truly inspired by the work they are doing and cannot wait to see the library in person!

http://www.lubuto.org/ 

Africa Fighting Malaria is a non-profit health advocacy group founded in 2000 and based in South Africa and the United States.  Their mission is to make malaria control more transparent, responsive and effective.  They conduct research into the social and economic aspects of malaria and raise the profile of the disease and the issues surrounding its control in the local and international media.  AFM strives to hold public institutions accountable for funding and implementing effective, integrated and country-driven malaria control policies and to promote successful private sector initiatives to control the disease. I cannot express how serious the Malaria problem in in Africa, the organizations that promoting and supporting prevention and truly saving hundreds of lives.


http://www.fightingmalaria.org/

Taking the Leap of Faith

“…That the moment one definitely commits oneself then Providence moves too.
All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred.
A whole stream of events issues from the decision raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamt would have come his way.
Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.
Begin it now.”
-Goethe

Inspire Me Monday: Larry Towell

There are always a million reasons not to make the big commitment. Let's face it, we don't have the time or the money. Our paying work is keeping us too busy, and we're behind on a hundred other things that seem more important than the long term photo project.

That's why this week I decided to focus on the work of Larry Towell who shows us that if you invest time into your subjects than that intimate knowledge comes out in a powerful way in your photographs. I saw Larry's work on with the Mennonites for the first time this summer while going through the Engaged Observers exhibit at the Getty museum. The shot of the family at the table blew me away, those reflections are AMAZING! You can't deny the technical quality of his work, but the truth is that the story as a whole really drew me in.

When a Mennonite loses his land, a bit of his human dignity is forfeited; so is his financial solvency. He becomes a migrant worker, an exile who will spend the rest of his life drifting among fruit trees and vegetable vines, dreaming of owning his own farm some day. But for these who struggle with God at the end of a hoe, the refuge of land, Church, and community may be at least a generation away.
—Larry Towell (Canadian, born 1953), The Mennonites, 2000

The Old Colony Mennonites are a nonconformist Protestant sect related to the Amish that originated in Europe in the 1500s. Over the centuries, they have migrated between countries to preserve their way of life, living in colonies where faith and tradition are intertwined and modern amenities.The complex history of the Mennonite people, and the simplicity of their way of life are two contradicting factors that draw you in their world.

Towell’s work documented the Mennonites’ way of life for the historical record and inspires greater understanding today for a group whose attempts to embrace life could be easily overlooked. In spending a decade on a subject that would be of only passing interest to mainstream media, he asserts a form of visual reporting in which reflection takes precedence over profitability and immediacy.

Larry worked on this project for over a decade. Yes, that's right, a DECADE! So throw away all of those excuses, and be inspired to go big. Be it a month, a year, or five years, you can be the author of a visual story that deserves to be told! As for me, two years in Lusaka seems like a good place to start!

Inspire Me Monday: Prabuddha Dasgupta

Happy Monday my fellow photogs! If this photographer doesn't inspire your Monday than I don't know what will. When I first stumbled upon Prabuddah Dasgupta photography, I was blown away. This self taught photographer has his own vision of the world and it is breathtaking!

What struck me the most about this website is the difference between Dasgupta's personal work and his commissioned pieces, while there is a beauty in his commissioned photography, the power in his photography is in every selection of his personal work. He uses every trick in the book to bewitch you with his imagery. Abstraction, mystery, darkness, reflection, refraction...consider this my mind being officially blown creatively.

If this isn't sheer motivation to go out and shoot your own personal projects, than I'm not sure what else will do it! Your best photo work comes from you, the things you are passionate about. Now I think I have to go and purchase The Edge of Faith so I can pass his work every single day and be reminded that you have to be behind the wheel of your best work.

Shoot Snap Shot: Italian Style

This weekend, I had the pleasure of participating in my first annual Italian Sauce making tradition. For those of you who don't know, I did marry an Italian. And if there is anything I've learned in the four years we've been together it's that Italians take their sauce very seriously. I think it could also be considered hazing for new family members as you know that the entire family will hang you out to dry if you mess with their sauce. I took it upon myself to do some documentary photography of the sacred process. Here's a sneek peak from the shoot.

See the final edit from the shoot at www.crystalinerandazzo.com, under Personal Projects.

Indego Tripod Bag

Hello friends and fellow bag lovers! A friend of mine recently sent me some information on a great organization in Africa and one fabulous tripod bag. See more info and products at their website: http://shop.indegoafrica.org/


Indego Africa is a proud member of the Fair Trade Federation, employs a simple yet powerful social enterprising business model: (a) partner with cooperatives of world-class artisans in Rwanda; (b) sell their masterful fair trade handicrafts at high-end retailers across the U.S. and on Indego Africa’s WebStore; (c) pay the women a fair wage, including 50% up front; and (d) return 100% of the profits for training in culturally-tailored training programs in business management, entrepreneurship, organic gardening, computer skills, and literacy.

I am loving their tripod (or yoga) bags! You can buy one too! This one is my fav!

Inspire Me Monday: Craig Ferguson

 

Monday is back again my friends. And I am sticking to inspiration, which I hope will get me motivated after a weekend of travel and family. It's time to get back in the photo grove of things.  I first came across Craig Ferguson's work on a set of interviews done on herbervega.com. I was truly drawn to Craig's story as much as his work. I'll admit this is directly linked with the stage of life that I am currently in. I know that I am about to go and live in Lusaka for 2 years, so I have been seeking photographers who have made a similar treck, and been good at it. 

The theme I'm sticking to this week is R-E-S-P-E-C-T, yep just like Diana Ross and the Supremes. During the interview Craig was asked, "What are the characteristics that a good cultural photographer needs to have? How is that different from other fields in photography?"

 

Patience and respect are probably the most essential characteristics needed. Actually, the same characteristics that make someone a good human being would make someone a good cultural photographer. Awareness, honesty, openness, curiosity are all traits that are desirable in any walk of life. 

I've been thinking alot about this approach, respect and awareness are not something that we see incorporated into our immediate daily schedule where we are very busy and important, it seems to be that other people often become more of a nuisance in traffic than an entity to be respected. I am always amazed in other countries how there is less focus on the individual and more on the community. A respect for the group as a whole. As for me, I think I'm going to focus on being aware and respecting those around me this week. You never know someone's story, and you never know what you'll stumble upon if you'd pay attention.

Sebastiao Salgado

I don't know about you, but on Monday morning after my weekend activities I can always use some inspiration to motivate me to action. So I've decided that the first thing I should do on Monday mornings is to find something that inspires me. Be it other photography work, architecture, light, design, or individuals.

One of my favorite quotes is by Henry Thoreau, "If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them." To me this is a call to action, a challenge to dream big no matter what the costs. Your future is what you make it, and what inspires you are clues to your best work.

That being said, I thought I'd start this week of by visiting my first introduction to documentary work, Sebastiao Salgado. What strikes me about every single one of his images is the dignity given to the subject, and the beauty even in the moments of sadness.

I think that I have always admire photographers whose work strives for dignity. But after being witness to the photo tourism that took place in Haiti after the earthquake, I must admit that this subject has been on my mind of late. Is shock value worth demoralizing our photography subjects?

Salgado proves that the story or image stands on its own. His work is better than a java jolt on this Monday morning. Hopefully he'll inspire your week too.

Camera Meets Crop Mob!

I spend Saturday with a D.C. meet up group called Crop Mob. Once a month, Crop Mobbers head out to a local farm and take part in that day’s work and get their hands dirty. The specific tasks for each outing varies - they weed, mulch, dig, plant, harvest, or compost depending upon what the farmers need.


This week we headed out to Maple Avenue Market Farm to help weeding, planting, mulching, and picking vegetables. Maple Avenue Market Farm, located in Northern Fairfax County, is the first...and currently the only local farm working directly with Arlington County Public Schools to grow fresh local produce for its students. In addition, the farm's produce is sold at the Maple Avenue Market, a local foods store in downtown Vienna, VA owned by farmers Chris and Sara Guerre, and at area farmers' markets. Chris and Sara are passionate about using organic growing methods on the farm; and passionate about hands-on agricultural and social innovation.

The Crop Mobbers were awesome and left Chris and Sara's organic garden in tip top shape. It was truly amazing what 30 people can do in such a short span on time! It was wonderful to be witness to the community effort in helping these organic farmers. Go Green! 

Website Updates!

Hello all!

I have posted images from my final shoot in Haiti. I worked with ACDI-Voca during the bean harvest. As always I will be forever impressed with the resilience of the Haitian people. Many of the farmers I worked with were hosting multiple family members from the areas that were damaged by the earthquake.

My favorite bit of work is the Haitian Farmer portraits, their approach and positive attitude in regards to their works comes out. And I feel nothing but admiration when I look at the portraits. You can also find new work from the harvest in the Haiti section under Agriculture 2.

Just for fun, I put in some of my favorite photos from our 7,000 mile road trip. I must say, it is great to be back in the U.S.A. It is something I don't think I will ever take for granted again. Upon return from Haiti, I must say I am so appreciative of the simple things in life. These photos are just reminders to all of us who forget how lucky we are to live in a place like this.

One Step at a Time

Today I made progress!!! After reading a guest blog at Scot Kelby's website yesterday by Gary S. Chapman. I decided to send him an email to commend him on some fantastic work and to see if he had any pointers for newbies in the field, namely me.

Today, I had email from him waiting in my inbox! He passed along an amazing resource! Talk about knocking my socks off. You all must go this website:

http://www.hebervega.com/category/10q-interviews/

10 interviews with 10 photographers who are making it happen abroad! This is exactly the kind of inspiration I was needing today! One tiny step for Crystal, one giant leap for documentary photographers everywhere!

The Perfect Camera Bag?

I have been looking for the perfect camera bag for years. But it would seem that I am a camera bag snob. My current camera bag is a backpack style from F/64 that my mentor passed down to me years ago. I love this bag because it holds everything I want to carry with me perfectly, including my laptop. I will admit that it is not the most comfortable bag to carry, a fact that I am often reminded of on long trips.

However, every time I start looking around at camera bags I am thrown off by the restrictions or weight of the bag itself. Should I get a rolling bag? How in the world am I going to get that around Lusaka? Nope...must stick to standard backpack or shoulder bag. Let me tell you, some of those bags weigh as much as I do.

Well, I may have had break through thanks to some excess blog reading. I may have found the perfect bag. It's not even a camera bag, instead a forensic bag, that doubles as a great gear bag at only $99! I'm thinking it may be time to order one of these bad boys! I'll let you know how it goes!

Guidelines to Live by When Entering a Photo Contest

Per my earlier post, I found an article that actually gives you guidelines regarding entering photo contests! I cannot describe my excitement, as I have no less then 10 bookmarked and I have been trying to decide which ones to enter. Thanks to Susana Raab for having this one on her blog!

Know your rights. First stop should be http://www.pro-imaging.org an organization thats produced a bill of rights for photography contest organizers. Contests that do not appear on their site need to be carefully researched. Any contest that takes excessive rights to the images submitted is geared towards amateurs and you should steer clear of it.

What the Duck?

I am loving the photo inspired comic strip by Aaron Johnson.


http://www.whattheduck.net/bestof

I may be ordering a t-shirt! :)

How do you start your freelance business from the ground up?

This is the question that is weighing heavily on my mind today. It seems like there is always a procedure to follow, a book to read, but in the end I wonder if it really all comes down to how much you want to be a photographer?  The rest is just details.

More established photographers tell me to update my website, do some heavy reading on the business of photography, social network, enter contests, make a portfolio book, go to photography events, network, and network some more. As a photographer just a few months into the freelance world this is what I can tell you....so far.

I redid my website, but am still questioning if I need to do more editing. I always want to wait until my next project is completed before sending it on to someone.

My book list from the date that I decided to go freelance includes the following:
 Best Business Practices for Photographers (Second Edition) by John Harrington
ASMP Professional Business Practices in Photography, 7th Edition
Iacocca by Lee Iacocca
The New Rules of Marketing and PR by David Meerman Scott
The Dam Book: Digital Asset Management for Photographers by Peter Krogh

Have any of these books helped? Sure. I have learned alot! But more than likely I will be referencing them for the rest of my life before I can store any of that information in my short term memory.



I currently read any photography blog that I find interesting, which leads my google reader with an outrageous amount of reading material. I'm not sure that I will ever catch up.


I am trying to be good at social networking. I like blogging, hate twittering, and am doing my best to spread the word about my business. I'm still not sure anyone reads this though.

I bought FotoQuote & FotoBiz, only to decide that I will probably make up my own forms as I don't like the format of FotoBiz.

I recieve the list serve list on photography contests all over the world, and from various photography newsletters. I research every one before deciding whether our not I'm willing to plunk down the 20-100 dollar entry fee.



This week I started to put together an actual portfolio book, but found myself confused about what you in include, how to present both horizontals and vertical images beautifully, and asked myself over and over again. Do I have what it takes?Is a single photo editor/wire service going to understand why I capture what I capture.


Since I just returned to D.C. I am back on the photography event circuit, which for me starts with WPOW happy hour next week.


Here's the truth as I see it. Maybe it doesn't matter how many books you read, how many photo contests you enter, or how good (or bad) your photos are. Maybe it's more about spunk. Are you willing to go up to bat for your photos? Are you willing to go and see every photo editor/wire service/photographer you know (or your friends know) and take the inevitable smack down when they don't like your work. Can you take the criticism? And better yet after that criticism will you still go home and pick up your camera and say, "I'm doing it anyway!"


I know that I don't have the answers when it comes to how you make it as a freelancer. I'm willing to try almost anything that has worked for others. But maybe I just have to find my own way. The truth is sometimes things fall in place and your dreams come true. Other times you just have to keep on keeping on and hope that day is just around the corner.

Women in Afghanistan: Inspirational Portraits by Jody Bieber

I recently came across this video interview with Jody Bieber on her portraits of women in Afghanistan. I am always drawn to photographers who give their subjects the dignity which they deserve. I was especially drawn to the Time's cover image of Aisha. When I look at the photograph and see this beautiful woman who has been disfigured by the rules of her society, I am proud that the photographer chose to show Aisha is such a beautiful way. The luminance in the light tells a tremendous story in a single instant. I think that this is a testimonial to the power of portrayal which photographers hold. I have so much respect for photographers who will fore go the shock factor and tell a story. Jody made a instant fan of me!

Sneak Peak of La Vallee Photos!

Last week, I did a photo shoot for the non-profit ACDI-Voca. Here is a sneak peak of my favorite images from the week!

 

 

© Crystaline Randazzo Photography - All images are copyright of Crystaline Randazzo and in no way are to be used by Google, Google Advertisers or any third party. These are not your pictures. Steal them and I will sue you.