A Brief History of Victorian Erotic Photography

The exposure of the body through images of the nude was one of the most controversial issues in Victorian art.

Nudes were presented not only in painting and sculpture, but also popular illustration, and photography, fuelling intense debates about the relationship between art and public morals.

Pictures of nude women prior to 1835 generally consisted of paintings and drawings which were displayed in all respectability on the walls of art galleries and in country houses.

When the new technology of photography appeared around 1835 it was quickly taken up by artists, eager for new ways to illustrate the undraped feminine form.In the moral climate of the 19th century the only officially sanctioned photography of the body was for the production of artist’s studies.

Erotica in the 19th and early 20th century took the form of literature, photography, sculpture and paintings, which dealt substantively with erotically stimulating or arousing descriptions.

Some photographers often hired burlesque actresses as models for nude and semi-nude photographs. The French did a roaring trade selling erotic ‘postcards’ to American tourists. These would now be termed soft-core, but they were quite shocking for the time.

The Victorian pornographic tradition in Britain had three main elements: French photographs, erotic prints (sold in shops in Holywell Street, a long vanished London thoroughfare, swept away by the Aldwych), and printed literature.

The ability to reproduce photographs in bulk assisted the rise of a new business individual, the porn dealer. Many of these dealers took advantage of the postal system to send out photographic cards in plain wrappings to their subscribers.

Later on publications masquerading as “art magazines” celebrated the new cult of naturism, with titles such as Photo Bits, Body in Art, Figure Photography, Nude Living and Modern Art for Men.

In truth,these Victorian photographic images of nudes are beautiful and have an innocence about them which could not really be claimed of today’s Playboy centre-fold.

.About the Author:

Irene Forde is a writer and publisher of Craft and Business publications.

6,600 images on CD at my website which is at http://www.victorian-erotica.com

How to Compare Digital Camera Features

The day you decide that you need to buy a digital camera you will need to consider various facts. By doing this you will be ready to compare the various digital camera features and decide which digital camera you wish to buy.

There are of course many features available when we talk about digital cameras so you will need to isolate what features interest you as a photographer before buying.

So you may start by asking what are the features you want are or need that will help you take great looking photographs. One important factor you might want to consider is the amount of pixel that is offered on the various type of digital cameras.

Of course if you want to compare digital camera features like this you might want to have a buyer’s guide that will list all the various features for each camera model. For example you will be able to compare the amount of pixels for each camera model you consider buying. Always keep in mind that the amount of pixels will usually determine what will be the quality of your pictures. The more pixels you have the greater the quality.

Another factor you should consider when you compare digital camera features is: What will you do with your camera. Is the camera you are looking at is for amateur photographer, semi-serious or serious photographers? Determining this will bring you one step further from buying the camera you need.

When you start to compare digital camera features you will soon be submerge by more info that you were actually looking for. They key is to look for the one you want instead of being overwhelmed by features you don’t need. Some of those feature apart form the pixel amount could be your picture options. Do you want your pictures to turn into sepia, black and white or soft pictures with the use of your filter?

One point I strongly suggest you look into when you compare digital camera features is the shooting modes you get with your camera. You should find indications about various features like the focusing or flash capabilities of various digital cameras. Whether it is Canon, Nikon, Olympus or any other brand of digital camera, make sure you don’t overlook this aspect.

Of course the information you will gather to help you compare digital camera features will mostly be of technical nature. Make sure you look at various sources of information. Another great place to look for information is to buy photography magazines. They will help you compare digital camera features that allow you to take picture with special effects.

These special effects could be special zoom capabilities that allow you to take pictures from a totally new angle or focus capabilities enabling you to crop some of the surrounding areas of you subject.

Of course if you want to take great picture (who doesn’t want to) it helps to have many different helpful features in your camera. It is up to you to find what features you want in your camera by gathering the right information and doing research in magazine, internet articles and digital camera buyer’s guide to help you compare digital camera features.

All those information will help you identify what type of camera you need to best suit your needs. You will need as much sources of information as you can to compare digital camera features. This is surely the best way to make sure you buy the one that you need.

This way you can select the best type of digital camera that is suited for your needs. To compare digital camera features you need all of these different sources. This way you have a wide choice of digital cameras to look at.

.About the Author:

If you want to Compare Digital Camera Features visit my website for various reviews of different digital camera model. We offer various information about the art of digital photography and camera models.

Landscape Photography Guide to Anglesey, North Wales - Benllech to Amlwch

The section of coastline between Benllech and Amlwch is probably the most contrasting section of the Anglesey Coastal Path and provides numerous possibilities for the landscape photographer.

The coastal path climbs dramatically as it leaves Benllech and the view becomes expansive, with lots of interest. Again the Great Orme is in view, although a powerful telephoto lens is essential to successfully capture a photograph. The first main focus for the photographer on leaving Benllech however, is on the approach to Moelfre. It is a quaint place, with the appearance of a small Cornish fishing village, although as a consequence it can get very busy, so early hours photography provides the most tranquil shot. The only problem with Moelfre however, is finding the best location from which to take the shot as it’s located in a small corner of the coastline and doesn’t have many natural vantage points for the landscape photographer. The best option is to walk past the village on the coastal path and take a photograph looking backwards into the small harbour.

The coastline onwards from Moelfre becomes flatter and features include nicely located sandy coves with interesting detail and texture. The most notable amongst these is the beach at Lligwy, it can be reached by car too. The landscape photographer also finds added interest here in the form of Ynys Dulas, a small, rocky island on which is built a distinctive and particularly photogenic structure. It’s situated some distance from the beach so a powerful telephoto lens would be a good idea. If the coastal path is followed further however, the island does becomes closer in perspective, and as an added bonus the photographer will find the landscape provides increasingly strong foreground features, enhancing composition further.

Another special photography location, Dulas, soon becomes evident as the path continues. It is similar in nature to Red Wharf Bay, resembling an estuary. If crossed at low tide (without socks & shoes) another photographic opportunity is found in the form of a large wooden boat, long since abandoned and decaying but nonetheless an excellent subject, interestingly located.

On leaving Dulas the Anglesey Coastal Path again climbs above the coastline, the view again becoming more substantial, with the small island of Ynys Dulas constantly in view. Further interest soon appears in the form of the lighthouse at Point Lynas, an imposing structure sat high on the cliff top, seen from a good distance away. It provides the landscape photography with a variety of options, whilst the surrounding bracken and heather form excellent foreground features. Immediately below the lighthouse is Porth Eillan, a small bay enclosed by high cliffs, it provides the landscape photographer with further excellent opportunities. The beach itself, although small, has interesting features and sand detail and its location in particular provides scope for a good wide-angle seascape.

Continuing along the Anglesey Coastal Path from Porth Eillan, the landscape becomes rugged as it climbs further above the coastline, fewer photography opportunities exist however. The path soon reaches Amwlch, unfortunately now in decline. The old port however is still an excellent place for photography, particularly for those interested in maritime history or industrial landscapes and architecture. The old port has a small, very atmospheric harbour and interesting structures from its ancient industrial past remain.

.About the Author:

http://www.landscapephotographyuk.com

UK landscape photography from Anglesey and Snowdonia in North Wales and other UK regions

Cameras, your Hands and your Eyes

When the subject turns to photography, the word creativity comes to my mind. Among other thoughts of digital resolution and quality film development, the final result is the creation of more than just a photograph.

In this article, let us not refer to a camera as just a camera, but an instrument that we can create with. Put some thought into this and you will realize a photographer creates more than a final resolution, thereby bringing forward memories, thoughts and stories without speaking a word.

Using your hands, you are able to reach out and grasp objects and bring that object to another person and show it to him. It will be a physical item he observes first hand. It may or may not have a story with it, and it may or may not hold his interest.

Now, using your hands on a camera, your creative instrument, you can grasp objects on film or memory card, present the photograph to a person where he observes the final product. It will have a story with it and it will hold his interest. He will have questions for you, or at least a comment. You have created more than just a photograph.

Describing to a person what you visually have seen may take as long or as short a time as you prefer, depending on the quantity and quality of your describing vocabulary. And depending on you, it may or may not pique his interest. Also, since it is important for you to make him understand what you have seen, it could be frustrating to you.

Imagine the camera as your eyes. Another person cannot dispute whatever you see with your eyes. You have proof. No longer will you have to describe what you have seen. You have created something that no words have to describe. The story is included. It will hold the interest of another. This is what you have seen and it is unique.

The camera is a creative instrument and a great invention. Using two of your human senses, touch and sight, creativity with a camera is immeasurable and unlimited. Your imagination has no bounds either and reaches further than the horizon.

This was just another rant on the unique hobby of photography and how we as human beings ergonomically blend in with cameras. Thanks for reading.

.About the Author:

Tom Watson is the owner of In Digital Photography, a website with tips, information, and Fuji Digital Cameras. He welcomes you to visit his website at In Digital Photography

Develop your Skills by Attending Digital Photography Institutes

Photography has become one of the most diverse fields around. From nature photography, to fashion photography, to family portraits, there are so many different aspects to specialize in.

Not only is photography diverse, but it has become extremely competitive as well. With the advent of digital photography, it is now more important than ever that an aspiring photographer is educated in the new software, technology, and techniques. Otherwise, how are they to compete within the field?

How does one gain the knowledge and expertise necessary to make it big? The first step is to find digital photography institutes located near you. While on the job experience is also an important aspect of a career in photography, attending digital photography institutes will allow you to learn the principles of photography, such as composition, theory, and production.

The Top Digital Photography Institutes

It is sometimes difficult to find digital photography institutes in your area because the schools don’t receive very much publicity. If you are having difficulty locating digital photography institutes, then try finding a local art institute. An art institute will usually offer a course or major in digital photography. Three of the top-rated, highly praised digital photography institutes are: Brown College, Harrington College of Design, and The Arts institutes.

Located in Maine, Brown College is a fantastic digital photography institute. With accelerated programs, focused curriculum, and a devoted staff, Brown College is an excellent school to help you attain your goals in the photography field. They offer both a Bachelor and Bachelor of Science degree in the field of Digital Photography, allowing the student to take their education to the next level.

Since they were established seventy years ago, Harrington College of Design has prided themselves on hiring instructors with both teaching and real-world experience in over one hundred design-related fields. This allows them to provide their students with a wide range of curriculum and knowledge. Located in Chicago, Illinois, the school offers both an Associate Degree and an Associate of Fine Science Degree in the Digital photography field.

The Art Institutes are well known for their extensive curriculum, but their main advantage is their many locations throughout the United States. With multiple locations throughout the states of Pennsylvania, Florida, Georgia, California, North Carolina, Colorado, Texas, Indiana, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, Virginia, Minnesota, Illinois, and Massachusetts, it is not difficult to find a campus near you.

Jump Start Your Career

Whether you earn your degree or simply take a few classes, experience at any of these fine digital photography institutes will enhance your resume and make you more appealing to potential hirers.

.About the Author:

Roland Parris Jefferson III is an online researcher based out of Los Angeles, California. Need more details and expert advice on Digital Cameras? Then please visit our Digital Photography Resource.

Landscape Photography Guide to Anglesey, North Wales - Amwlch to Cemaes

The Anglesey Coastal Path after Amwlch becomes very rugged and it rises and falls dramatically, passing through more highly photogenic industrial ruins.

The landscape photographer walking this section of the Anglesey coastal path is spoilt for choice.

The first major opportunity for the photographer along this section of the coastal path is Bull Bay, a nice enough place and a popular tourist destination, but perhaps lacking any substantial opportunities for photography - it’s still worth a visit just to be sure. From Bull Bay the path starts to climb dramatically and it’s from here onwards that the landscape provides a great deal of inspiration for the photographer. Near the end of the long climb you arrive at the stunning Porth Wen, a large bay surrounded by rocky cliffs with, on one side, the remains of disused Victorian brickworks. Although abandoned the main structures remain, the kilns, chimneys and a small harbour wall, it is actually quite impressive, its location enhancing its appeal. Porth Wen is an excellent location for the landscape photographer, particularly anyone interested in industrial landscapes.

Leaving Porth Wen the Anglesey Coastal Path climbs further and the drama of the landscape increases, becoming even more rugged and visually stunning. The photographer really is spoilt for choice, the industrial ruins continue with a series of kilns and buildings located where the path falls suddenly back to sea level in a series of valleys. It really is difficult to overemphasis the photogenic nature of this section of the Anglesey Coastal Path. This continues as the path heads towards Cameas, passing along the way the Llandabrig Church. It is perched high on the clifftop overlooking the sea and has a unique character. The church is an excellent photography subject, a wide-angle lens is being essential to make the most of the opportunity.

A short distance down the cliffs from the church is another section of coastline not to be missed. A large, rock-strewn beach appears, the main appeal the landscape photographer being a large section of the mainland that has broken away. It now stands in the centre of the beach resembling a rugged monument. It makes an excellent subject for the landscape photographer, foreground interest is abundant too.

From here the Anglesey Coastal Path falls gradually on its approach to Cemaes. This quaint coastal village has lots of potential for photography, with the small harbour and the large sweeping bay provide the main subjects. Unfortunately though, just around the bay from Cameas things get distinctly less photogenic in the form of a monstrous nuclear power station. This is actually seen occasionally on the approach from Porth Wen but fortunately not too often to detract from the otherwise stunning coastline. I cannot recommend this section of the Anglesey Coastal Path highly enough, in its relatively short distance it provides the landscape photographer with a wealth of opportunities.

.About the Author:

My website : landscapephotographyuk.com —-

UK landscape photography from Anglesey and Snowdonia in North Wales and other UK regions

Enter Photo Competitions

A great morale booster is to win or even place in a highly regarded competition. Many professional photographers today have competitions to thank for getting them started on the road to a successful career.

Entering and winning photographic competitions can be a highly lucrative business if you take it seriously. Every year photography magazines alone give away many thousands of pounds/dollars worth of prizes. If you add that to the prizes offered by other magazines and organizations the figure is well into six figures, and someone has to win.

Secrets to success:

* Read the rules! There is no point putting lots of effort into shooting an entry if it doesn’t fit the brief.

* Come up with something original, so it stands out, and only enter your best work.

* You may ignore your first ideas, though, because they’re probably too obvious, and wait until you feel you have something really original.

* Only enter competitions that appeal to you, so you have a passion for the subject.

* Shoot pictures specifically for a competition and start working on ideas as far in advance as possible.

* Use impact. Here are a few simple forms of impact that work well at catching the eye - colour, shape, expression and humour.

* Your images should be well exposed, composed and in focus.

With some of the photography magazines you can enter competitions that are spread over several months, so if you flop in one category you have the chance to catch up in subsequent months and still clinch the overall prize.

You may stand a better chance of victory if you enter photo competitions run by non-photographic magazines, simply because the standard of entry tends to be lower. So always keep an eye out for them.

Rules to watch out for!

Most competitions are honourable. That is they seek to improve the standard of photography by giving prizes and/or recognition to photographers. For that reason, rules often contain a clause regarding the use of the winning photographs, such as displaying the winning pictures without further payment to the photographer. Please note the part that says winning pictures. Winning photographers are usually awarded a material prize as payment-in-kind for the use of the picture in a limited fashion. This should not affect copyright which should always remain with the photographer.

Avoid competitions where you may lose copyright of your images. Fortunately these are few and far between but mistakes have been made in the past. The use of pictures submitted to competitions can lead to exploitation of photographers by some organisers. This is because all too often competitions may have rules that include phrases like ‘… we reserve the right to use ALL images submitted…’ If an image isn’t good enough to win a prize but is good enough to be used to promote the competition or any other use by the competition organisers then the photographer should be paid for use of the image! This may only be a token amount but it should be paid and copyright of the image acknowledged to the photographer.

Enter some competitions and you stand a good chance of making a name for yourself and winning some great prizes. Good luck!

.About the Author:

Mark Fenwick is a Fine Art Photographer. For photo tips of professional photography, and photography jobs and opportunities, visit http://www.PhotographyUpdate.com


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