Monday, April 07, 2008

Sad News about Photograper and Editor Al DeBat Long time ASMP member, photographer and editor Al DeBat past away March 30. The obituary below was written by his jounalist brother Don (the obituary continues on one of my sites) Al DeBat, photo journalist and world traveler, dies at 76Alfred Louis DeBat was an international photography expert, photo journalist, bon-vivant and world traveler who circled the globe several times in career and leisure-time adventures that saw him tour more than 175 countries on all five continents. Mr. DeBat has long been recognized as a leading authority on digital imaging and traditional photography. He served as Editor-in-Chief of several prominent national publications, including Digital Imaging Digest, Professional Photographer, Photomethods, and Creative Camera. Working as globetrotting professional magazine photographer for several years, Mr. DeBat also wrote travel articles for Crossroads Magazine and other publications. He was a member of the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) and the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). Sought-after as a digital expert, Mr. DeBat most recently served as Technical Editor for major book publishers and has edited several digital imaging and photography volumes. He was also the editor of the local American Society of Media Photographers, Chicago/Midwest, publication, The Loupe, which won first prize several years for best chapter publication. He was senior editor of the Photo Marketing Association International’s photo information website: www.Prints-Are-Memories.com. "Whether it was sailing off to the Far East on a tramp steamer, trekking through the jungles of Cambodia to photograph fabled temples at Ankor Wat, or scaling the peaks of Nepal, young Al DeBat—like his hero Ernest Hemingway — was always with passport and on the move," said Don DeBat, his brother. Mr. DeBat, 76, who died on Sunday, March 30, 2008, in hospice at the Lutheran Home in Arlington Heights, IL, proudly displayed a world map in his home that pinpointed his travels — from Africa, China, Afghanistan, and Tahiti to Egypt, Israel, Palestine, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Tibet. (continued) I knew Al when he edited the chapter publication The Loupe in the mid and late nineties. He was a dedicated editor and a good friend. I learned many things from him. Frank McMahon. 7:25:21 PM    comment []

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Sad News about Photographer Archie Lieberman Early ASMP member Archie Lieberman passed away last week. Archie Lieberman, 81, passed away on March 13. He was born and raised in Chicago and attended the Chicago Institute of Design and the Art Institute of Chicago. During World War ll he served as Marine combat photographer in the Pacific. He was a photojournalist for magazines, advertising agencies, corporations, including extensive work for Look Magazine between 1952 and 1972. He was the author of, or photographer for, over 20 books and his work was exhibited in museums and galleries throughout the country and abroad. He won many awards, including five from the University of Missouri School of Journalism, Friends of Literature, Society of Professional Journalist and an honorary Doctorate from the University of Dubuque, where he taught "Powerful Ideas in Photography". He also taught photography classes at Columbia College, Chicago, and Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois. Though he traveled widely, he was happiest at his farm in Jo Daviess County, Illinois, his home for the last 25 years. He documented farm life there with his books "Farm Boy" and "Neighbors". His work has been memorialized at archielieberman.com . Archie said he knew me since I was in diapers. I remember him from a bit later. I said to his son Bob in an email "Taking pictures I always wondered what Archie would think of this. He got me my first intern job in photography." Bob replied that Archie would say we make pictures not take them. Archie's perspective was that of an earthy photographic reality. I suppose it is no accident that my home is near where the Farm Boy and Archie lived. Frank McMahon 8:07:40 PM    comment []

Sunday, March 09, 2008

Chicago Photographers go to China Presentation at Calumet Photographic On Thursday April 3, 5 - 8pm. at Calumet Photographic, 1111 N. Cherry Avenue, Chicago there will be a presentation by the Rizhao Photographer group. The text below is from the announcement of the event on the  Calumet Photographic Web site Spreading Sunshine in China: An Unforgettable Journey for Chicago Photographers It may seem like a pilot for a reality TV show: 10 seasoned ASMP photographers (nine from Chicago) are invited by the Shandong Provincial government to document the eastern coast port city of Rizhao in China for seven days. During this whirlwind one-week experience, the photographers immersed themselves in the mysterious culture, the rich history and the industrious people of Rizhao which means "Sunshine." Each evening, these seasoned pros shared their work with each other for open and honest critiques. Fueled by these new discoveries and insights, the self nicknamed "Sunshiners" hit the streets creating high-quality, beautiful images that grew more incredible as each day passed. What started as an once-in-a-lifetime trip to photograph, evolved into an unforgettable journey to grow as photographers with the resounding support of a community. During this open forum, the group will share its images from the journey along with stories and insights. There will be time for questions and answers about the trip and about the ASMP. Delicious Chinese edibles will be prepared by Calumet''s neighbor Kendall College. The Sunshiners include: Elie Berkman, Dirk Fletcher, Frank McMahon, Eric Futran, Lee Balgemann, David Seide, Marc Hauser, Sylvia Plachy, Ron Gould and Karen Hirsch. Please call us at 1.800.CALUMET (225.8638) to register for this seminar and refer to item number ZSSMCH1365 For more information on the Rizhao, China Photographer Group Karen King Calumet Photographic "> 8:19:14 PM    comment []

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

More than 200 attend Jay Maisel presentention. In late October more that 200 attended the presentation by Jay Maisel in Columbia College's 1104 Center, the historic Luddington Buiding Jay gave a wonderful hour and a half presentation showing photographs from his more than fifty year career as a editorial, corporate and personal shooter and teacher. The emphasis was on his personal work and he was always the teacher. (Darlene McPike photo) Photo of Jay with some who attended. (Darlene McPike photo) Von Buzard Frank McMahon 8:59:37 PM    comment []

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Linda Levy of the Workbook is recovering. As many of you have heard, Linda Levy of the Workbook had a cerebral hemorrhage mid December. She is doing well and we expect a full recovery. A CaringBridge site has been set up to keep you up to date on Linda Levy. CaringBridge is a nonprofit organization that helps friends and families stay connected. You can visit Linda's CaringBridge site at  http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lindalevy The password is yervantc 2:50:02 PM    comment []

Friday, December 07, 2007

10 ASMP Photographers go to China In October ten ASMP photographers, nine from Chicago, went to China to document the eastern coast port city of Rizhao at the invitation of the Shandong Provincial government. The whole group presenting a computer slideshow of our work to our main host Dr. Li Zhaoqian at a banquet on the last night of the trip (Dirk Fletcher photo). Group 2 in the Black Pottery Art Center with black pottery folk artist Xing Baodong in Rizhao. Group 1 working the Forbidden City in Beijing (Frank McMahon photo). It was a wonderful trip, though...... Group members left to right, back to front Elie Berkman, Dirk Fletcher, Frank McMahon, Eric Futran, Lee Balgemann and David Seide (David's selftimed photo). Marc Hauser, Sylvia Plachy, Ron Gould and Karen Hirsch. we came back one tired group. Articles and events related to the trip: Spreading Sunshine in China: An Unforgettable Journey for Chicago Photographers Presentation 4/3/08 at Calumet Photographic, Chicago, Rizhao, China: the view from Chicago in the 2/17/08 Chicago Sun-Times and Rizhao---in the Eyes of American Photographers in the 1/19/08 Rizhao News, China (this is a link to a page on an US server that has the translation and links to the Chinese server). Elie Berkman David Seide Frank McMahon "> 7:58:38 PM    comment []

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Sad news about photographer Don Johnson I learned some sad news yesterday. Chicago area photographer Don Johnson passed away recently. Donald C. "DJ" Johnson, of Sawyer, MI, passed away suddenly on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2007, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, in St. Joseph. Memorial Services in DJ's memory will be held at a later date in Illinois and Michigan. Memorial donations may be made to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. Friends wishing to send his family a message of condolence may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com DJ was born on Nov. 20, 1950, in Chicago, to Donald C. and Lois Johnson. He graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, in 1972, with a Bachelors Degree. On May 18, 1985, he married Susan Paluch in Evanston, IL. DJ was a professional Location Photographer and served as president of Mid-States Imaging Association - MIPA. He especially enjoyed photographing Nature Settings. In his leisure time, DJ enjoyed playing both tennis and golf. DJ also loved spending time in Shorewood Hills and with his dogs. DJ is survived by his wife of 22 years, Susan; by his uncle, Edward N. (Doris) Stevenson of Windsor Locks, CT; his aunt, Anne Galm of Fairfax, VA; stepsisters, Sharon (Kirk) Martin of Aptos, CA and Bonnie Ferguson of San Jose, CA; nephew, Scott Ferguson of San Jose, CA; and by his special close friends, John (Becca) Allegretti, Robert (Michelle) Sebastian and George Keporos. He was preceded in death his parents. I first knew DJ when he was in the photo department at McDonald's. Later he was in charge of production for the Loupe, the chapter magazine. He once used me as a model for a photograph where I was using a cell phone, when cell phones weighed a brick. DJ always had an opinion. He will be missed. Frank McMahon 10:07:43 AM    comment []

Saturday, September 22, 2007

Remember Passion & Profession XI Weekend  of October 12-14, 2007 in Lake Geneva, WI A wonderful gathering of photographers, designers, art directors, and artists attend every year for a weekend of photography, networking, inspiring speakers, and learning. It's a fabulous time and I highly recommend it to all. If you're interested in signing up this year, the tuition is $275; this includes all meals, lodging, materials and use of the digital equipment. Only five scholarships are still available for first-time participants. Save over half off ($140) when you apply for one of the remaining scholarships! Your application must be received no later than Friday Sept 28th. Contact Analia Rodriguez, (773) 259-4826 or anaphotolia@msn.com. Log on to www.chimwasmp.org/p&p to download an application. 10:13:50 AM    comment []

Tuesday, March 15, 2005

Remember Passion & Profession IX Weekend of October 14 through 16, 2005 George Williams College, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Achieving Balance Between Passion & Profession is a weekend retreat devoted to engaging imagination and rekindling passion for photography. The weekend is facilitated by the Chicago Midwest Chapter of ASMP and is held annually at George Williams College in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The workshop is conducted in a completely digital environment. Over the past eight years, Passion & Profession has cultivated a uniquely intimate experience in which some of the Midwest's top professional photographers and designers work elbow to elbow with participants creating and critiquing imagery. Activities like "black box" provide opportunities for participants to work together as a team learning to think on their feet and solve problems under pressure all in supportive yet competitive environment. Applications are available at local labs and camera stores or can be downloaded at www.chimwasmp.org/p&p The deadline for applications has not been determined. Scholarships are available for those who qualify. Questions regarding the weekend should be directed to Emily DeWan at emily@emilydewan.com or (773) 502-0795. 8:28:51 AM    comment []

Demise of a home to many a photographer March 2 appeared to be the last day of the Sun-Times Building. Alas, where many ASMP members, including yours truely, spent parts of their careers has been reduced to a pile of rubble. Photo taken digitally with my pda. Nobody dreamed of that in the mid '60s. Make way for Trump. -------------- Frank McMahon 5:41:47 AM    comment []

Tuesday, June 29, 2004

The Midway Airport page related to the The ASMP exhibit Here is what Midway Airport has to say about the exhibit. http://www.ohare.com/events/ASMPDisplay.htm 10:13:05 AM    comment []

Thursday, April 22, 2004

ASMP Midway Airport ExhibitLast night there was the opening of the ASMP exhibit Good Morning Chicago, sponsored by the City of Chicago and the Department of Aviation, in the baggage claim area of Midway Airport. The exhibit displays the work of 12 ASMP photographers and their photographs of Chicago scenes. Not only did the opening celebrate the ASMP exhibit but also Chicago Public Arts Program pieces throughout the airport. The exhibit will be up until May of 2005. A good time was had by all, unless you were waiting for your bags. More images from the opening can be seen here http://frankmcmahon.com/midway ----- Frank McMahon 6:46:21 AM    comment []

Tuesday, March 23, 2004

Updating Your Information on the Web site In the continuing, but endless, effort to keep the Web site current we have incorporated a form for members to submit their updated information and comments. This is at http://chimwasmp.org/update . This form is still in beta but it is functional and will be useful ---- Frank McMahon 8:52:09 PM    comment []

Friday, March 19, 2004

Two upcoming events Last week at the Chapter Board meeting two upcoming events were discussed regarding the chapter that interested me. One was the eighth Passion and Profession weekend workshop, this year to be at George Williams College, Lake Geneva WI. October 8-10. You can learn about past p&ps by going here, http://chimwasmp.org/p&p and there will be further updates on the new p&p at the same site. The other was the upcoming exhibit of 8 ASMP photographers with mural size panels above the baggage claim carousels at Midway Airport, Chicago. This exhibit is suppose to be up in Mid-March with an opening in Mid-April. You can see a sneak preview of one of the panels here, http://frankmcmahon.com/midway - mine. --- Frank McMahon 1:11:58 PM    comment []

Little known fact about Chapter Web site A little known fact about the portfolio page is that it can be used as a promotional page, standing alone from the rest of the site. For example, Bart Harris could show his page using the URL http://chimwasmp.org/chapter_members/portfolios/bart_harris independent of the site. ----- Frank McMahon 12:35:49 PM    comment []

Thursday, March 04, 2004

chimwasmp.org lives Voila, after the gestation period of an elephant we posted the new site yesterday. There are still bugs to work out and, seems to me, now that we have a new Web site we need figure out how to apply the Web site to the organization. ---- Frank McMahon 11:01:40 AM    comment []

Thursday, February 26, 2004

The webdev project is finally approaching fruition. The new site should be posted soon.  6:52:49 PM    comment []

Wednesday, September 17, 2003

User Test is Ready Today WebDev reached a watershed (hopefully). The User Test is up and at http://chimwasmp.org/webdev/welcome.html. Thank you Melissa, Mike and the Web Committee. Anybody, feel free to try the user test. One member sent me an email this morning where he talked about the the early days of the Chapter Web site and said, "I remember the board meetings way back when, when the discussion was about the viability of the web. I'm embarrassed to say I was one that thought it'd go the way of CBs..Al Gore I'm not." -- Frank McMahon 1:29:55 PM    comment []

Wednesday, September 10, 2003

STOLEN CAMERA EQUIPMENT I became the recipient of a not very nice person(s) this weekend (Sunday September 7, 2003). The items which were stolen: One Nikon N90 body, serial # 2013006, good condition. The "Nikon" and "N90" logos are covered with black gaffers tape. Value: $400.00 This was attached to a Tamron 300mm, 2.8, manual focus lens. Serial # 820679. The lens is in good shape, with some wear and tear. Light tan in color. Len shade is cut down about a 1/4" from the original size. The lever which locks the lens to the body is held in the locked position by a rubber band, which is wrapped around the tripod socket. (broken return spring). Value: $1116.31 One Nikon 80-200mm, 2.8 D-AF ED-IF serial # 0746418, good condition, some wear and tear. The lens shade is secured to the lens body by black gaffers tape. Value: $929.95 One Nikkor 18mm, 1.8, manual focus fisheye lens, glass is discolored, some scratches numerous nicks and dents especially around both sides of the metal lens shade area. Serial# N/A Value: $575.00 One Samyang 70-210mm, auto focus lens. Serial # 845971, Color: black. good condition. Value: $75.00 One SB-26 Flash unit. Serial # 2207335. Fair condition, loose contact shoe, Velcro attachments all the way around for mini lightboxes. Battery compartment holds three regular AA's and one "Energy Cell" (green), which is supplied by Quantum for use with their Turbo packs. Value: $319.95 One Lubitel box camera, basically a cheap, plastic, Russian 2 1/4. Serial# 93513090, or 93032751 Value: $30.00 They were nice enough to remove the flash cord from the flash unit, but they left the Quantum battery pack. All these items were taken from a locked filling cabinet by yanking so hard on the locked drawer that the internal hardware bent , or broke, allowing the cabinet to pop open. The filing cabinets are now also useless. This occurred in downtown Chicago in the River North area, Sunday September 7, 2003, between noon and 12:30a.m, in what was supposed to be a secure building. A Police report has been filed and I am notifing Chicago photo stores, studios, supply houses and pawnshops. Thanking you in advance for your assistance. . Bodo Stolczenberger bstolczenberger@tribune.com DOGSLIFE_9@HOTMAIL.COM 312-222-2349(w) 312-222-2634(w) 773-704-9566(c) --  posted by Frank McMahon for Bodo Stolczenberger 12:26:36 PM    comment []

Monday, September 01, 2003

Monthly Report on WebDev Ealier this month Melissa built a version of the front page with some functionality here, http://www.rfoto.com/asmp/proto/index.shtml We have a prototype for the member portfolio pages here, http://www.rfoto.com/asmp/proto/bartharris.shtml (this is not in the popup window). Melissa is continuing to work on the prototype aiming for the user test to begin in early September. Neil and Ron are preparing the member communication to go out mid-September. Rob is working on content for the front page and I am researching links for the front page. Frank McMahon 7:10:52 PM    comment []

Thursday, July 24, 2003

Web Dev Project Progress Earlier this month Melissa presented three excellent prototypes for the Chapter Front Page, seen here, http://www.rfoto.com/asmp/layout1a.jpg here, http://www.rfoto.com/asmp/layout2a.jpg and here, http://www.rfoto.com/asmp/layout3.jpg. We are leaning towards a combination of the second and third. Melissa is working on a revision of these. The next trick is the member comunication. Neil is working on a rough of the member packet, Melissa is working on specs for the template page and member icons. Merging the two should be the key to having the member communication ready. After that is the testing phase. I spoke with Melissa some about defining this. Seems to me what we will be testing are colors for the site, navigation, and page features (whether to use pop-up windows or not is a question). The list of speciality categories we are working with is below. This list is flexible, subject to feedback from the member communication, until Melissa starts compiling the category lists. Seems to me we should limit the number of categories to 20. Advertising Annual Report Architecture/Interior Black and White Catalog/Product Corporate/Industrial Digital/Computer Editorial Fashion/Beauty/Comps Fine Art/Still Life Food Landscape Medical Nature People/Lifestyle Photojournalism Portrait P.R./Event Sports Stock/Travel ----- Frank McMahon 9:58:49 AM    comment []

Sunday, June 22, 2003

Progress on the Web Dev Project Last week Melissa created a second generation of wireframe iterations, Rob and Neil wrote the Pres letter for the newsletter, Neil sent Melissa a cd with the logo and related fonts, and Ron worked on the specialty categories. What I did was move the Blog to the chimw server so now it is really at http://chimwasmp.org/blog. I posted a variation of this message on the Blog (including the most recent version of the specialty groups), first by mailing the message to the Blog and then going in and tweaking it from my desktop, which may be the way to post messages there - this gives an opportunity to get the message up quickly but then fine tune it. Below are the list of specialties as of now, ADVERTISING ANNUAL REPORT ARCHITECTURE/INTERIOR FASHION/BEAUTY/COMPS MEDICAL CATALOG CORPORATE/INDUSTRIAL DIGITAL EDITORIAL FINE ART FOOD PORTRAITURE PRODUCT P.R./EVENT SPORTS STILL LIFE STOCK TRAVEL LIFESTYLE/PEOPLE -- Frank McMahon 6:09:20 PM    comment []

Tuesday, May 27, 2003

Pictures from a Chicago Landmark, Maxwell Street.  Here is a Web essay on old Chicago landmark in a new place, Maxwell Street on Canal, http://frankmcmahon.com/maxwellstreet/maxwellstreet.htm. Some information about the new Maxwell Street - http://www.openair.org/maxwell/newmax.html (This is being sent via  email to CHIMW Blog and then automatically posted --  the message below is better formatted using the desk top client) ---------------------------------------- 8:32:21 AM    comment []

Pictures from a Chicago Landmark, Maxwell Street Here is a Web essay on old Chicago landmark in a new place, Maxwell Street on Canal. About the new Maxwell Street - http://www.openair.org/maxwell/newmax.html 7:49:01 AM    comment []

Monday, May 26, 2003

This is a message with a prescribed subject, that is being sent to a dedicated email address that is suppose to appear on Chimw Blog. And here is a url to see how that resolves, http://frankmcmahon.com/galenahigh/galenahigh.htm. 6:19:17 PM    comment []

ASMP & APA Meetings (a message from Ron Gould) DON'T FORGET!!! Friday the 23rd.   "A Day in the Life", at Columbia College Ferguson Auditorium.   600 S. Michigan Ave.  6 PM. Hear Mark Greenberg, senior digital advisor for A Day in the Life of Africa, speak about the all digital AMERICA 24-7 project. ASMP, APA, ASPP, GAG, C3, and students with ID, $10 Non members, $20.  For last minute info call Ron   773 235-0157   SEMINAR/WORKSHOP IN CHICAGO ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "CREATING PORTFOLIOS THAT SELL" by Selina Oppenheim In today's competitive market, photographers must have dynamic tools that position and sell them to their chosen market. While some photographers spend time on developing portfolios, few books are created from VISION out and even fewer speak to buyers' needs. Learn a new, proven approach to creating portfolios that sell and have an opportunity to practice the skills and steps needed to create your new vision based portfolio. CREATING PORTFOLIOS THAT SELL is a new program from Selina Oppenheim. The Thursday evening seminar will introduce a new way of thinking in: determining the needs of buyers in your market; developing your Visual Integrity; creating a positioning statement for your portfolio; reviewing and editing current images for your new book; developing new images ideas that speak to your portfolio message; setting up shooting schedules that you will keep; editing and paginating your new portfolio; and determining a physical format for new book. .. and then there's the Saturday 'hands on' workshop that will be limited to 20-25 photographers. The day will be jammed pack with all the great information from the Thursday seminar and more though a combination of power point exercises and discussion that each photographer will participate in. Get ready to use your existing portfolios or current body of photography and work in intimate groups of five through the different steps involved in developing a vision-based portfolio. CREATE A PORTFOLIO THAT SELLS! In todays market you need a portfolio that speaks vision, while meeting your clients needs.  Come join Port Authoritys Selina Oppenheim for AN EVENING, AN ALL DAY WORKSHOP or BOTH to learn HOW to CREATE A PORTFOLIO THAT SELLS. All Day Workshop Date: Saturday, June 14, 2003 Time: 9 AM  6 PM Where: Warling Studios 350 N. Ogden, Suite 300 Chicago, IL (312) 733-4779 Fee: APA   ASMP members  -  $95 Non-members  - $150.00 Fee includes lunch and admission to Thursday evening program To be paid in advance with registration  Workshop open to 25 photographers To register contact: www.apa-m.com online pre-registration Thomas Zumpano APA-Midwest (414) 431-0388 Learn: How to incorporate YOUR VISION To develop your positioning statement Which images to keep and ideas for creating new images What markets need your vision and how to find them VIEW FOUR DIFFERENT PORTFOLIOS THAT SELL Evening Seminar Date:  Thursday, June 12, 2003 Time:  6 PM  9 PM Doors open at 5 PM for socializing and snacks Where: Warling Studios as above. Fee:  APA  ASMP members $25 pre-registered online,  $30 day of event or phone in reservations.   Non-members- $50 pre- registered online or $55 day of event or phone in reservations. SPECIAL  Free for New APA Members. Visit www.apa-m.com Sponsor Black Book Selina will lead you through a PowerPoint program giving you an overview of the steps you need to take when Creating A Portfolio That Sells. Selina will be available for one-on-one consultations and portfolio reviews, while in Chicago. To schedule an appointment call Port Authority (978) 263-6822 or visit our website   www.1portauthority.com 8:24:46 AM    comment []

Sunday, May 25, 2003

Welcome to CHIMW-BLOG In early December 1995 there was no ASMP presence on the Web. There was no National site, no Chapter sites, and very few members with sites. That month two chapters launched sites, Houston and Chicago/Midwest. Now, eight years later, it is time to update the Chicago site. (You can see the history of the Chicago/Midwest site here, http://web.archive.org/web, then enter chimwasmp.org). Part of the early promise of the Web was that anyone could be a publisher. That was true if he knew html, javascript, unix, perl, and cgi. Now, more in the spirit of that promise is a blog, part of the update of the Chicago/Midwest site. Frank McMahon 8:01:02 PM    comment []