Image from NAPCP.com

Linda De Los Reyes recently did what many of us have been dying for – a review of “fashion forward” camera bags, for the National Association of Professional Child Photographers (NAPCP). That’s right, a camera bag that you can match with that summer dress or even your office wear.

From all time favorite Shootsac, practical The Joy Bag, to more eye-catching Epiphanie and Jill-e Designs; read Linda’s review on how she uses them and for what occasion in NAPCP’s blog post HERE.

Monika Bulaj is a photographer and writer who explores — in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe — the dim areas of monotheism, where the sacred can transcend borders: Bonfires, dances, cults of the dead, possession rites. She describes outskirts and deserts, frontiers and megalopolis. And the world of the last ones: nomads, farmers, immigrants, outcasts, untouchables and impure. (excerpt from Ted’s bio)

Carrie Lam from Singapore won the first prize for her photo-story title “Cure.” Carrie took a series of  self-portraits in which she confronts her own fears and discomfort at the ugliness of a scar that runs down her spine, the result of scoliosis.

One of Carrie Lam's the self-portraits in her series Cure which won her first prize (photo from Phnom Penh Post).

“We didn’t really hesitate at all when we saw her photos,” said festival program director Françoise Callier who was also on the jury panel. “We were looking for photographers who are really in their story, and of course you can’t get more in than Carrie was. Hers was a very soft story that moved me a lot, even before I knew what had happened to her.” (quote from Phonm Penh post)

Read the full article on the Phonm Penh post here.

Check out more of  Carrie Lam’s photos here.

The vampire treatment can also be used for a Shakespearean effect, which was what Jen Kiaba was actually going for. It’s also a great tutorial to learn how to air-brush and touch-up models on Photoshop.

Check out this awesome 2-part tutorial video by Jen Kiaba Photography.

A silhouette of a man standing under trees © Jackie Ranken (via Australian Geographic)

Art Est. Gallery in Leichardt in Sydney ran a gorgeous selection of photographs by Australian women photographers back in June, 2011. Lucky for us, Australian Geographic has the gallery up on its website.

Displaying  a variety of themes, from people to nature and landscape – it is certainly worth a peak.

View the stunning online gallery HERE, and read the article HERE.

"American Girl in Italy" was taken in 1951 by the late Ruth Orkin when she met Ninalee Craig while travelling alone in Europe © Ruth Orkin

One of the most popular snapshots of all time, “American Girl in Italy”, celebrates its 60-year old anniversary this month, reports Yahoo News.

The well-known photo which features Ninalee Craig walking down a street on Florence with all (male) eyes on her, was featured on the Today show.

In her “Today” appearance, Craig spoke about how, despite what some might say, the photo isn’t a “symbol of harassment.” Craig insists that the image is “a symbol of a woman having an absolutely wonderful time.”

Photo from YahooNews (courtesy of Keith Beaty/Toronto Star/GetStock)

Read more on the interview here on Yahoo News.

Check out Ruth Ordin’s website here.

© Susanna Majuri. Photo from FAHRENHEIT Magazine.com

Check out the other photographers on FAHRENHEIT here.

Find out what you’re doing right or wrong in this webinar by Pulitzer Prize-winning photo editor, Stella Kramer, as she advices to both new and experienced photographers on “Building a Better Online Portfolio”.

Build a Better Online Portfolio with Stella Kramer from PhotoShelter.com on Vimeo.

Stella Kramer has been in the New York publishing industry for over 15-years, working for major publications such as The New York Times, People, Entertainment Weekly, Sports Illustrated, and Money.

Follow her at:

• Her website | http://stellakramer.com/
• Twitter | @stellakramer
• Facebook | Stella Kramer Consulting

via PhotoShelter’s blog.

From telegraph.co.uk

The Telegraph reported of stunning colored photos taken of a significant archaeological dig in Sutton Hoo, Suffolk, which came to light when they were donated to the National Trust visitor centre by Mercie Lack’s great nephew. The 700 photos of the excavation of the grave believed to be that of the Anglo Saxon king Raedwald, were taken by two holidaying, female teachers.

“Prior to these photos emerging there were just 29 known pictures of the excavation of one of the most important discoveries ever in the UK. When the ship was dug, experts from the Science Museum were there to take measurements – but their data were lost during the war. So these pictures have enabled experts to help piece together the missing information.”

Read on here.

© Ko Sasaki

Invisible Photographer recently ran an interview with noted photo curator, Yumi Goto. An advocate for photojournalism, she has made the scene in Asia a whole lot more exciting in the last few years. In this in dept interview, she shares her startling entry into photojournalism – during the civil war in Cambodia in the 90s, her insight on the photo documentary scene in Asia and advice for budding photojournalists.

© Masaru Goto

In her role as curator and editor, she has guided and nurtured many photojournalists to produce outstanding work.

The photographers I’ve collaborated with are taking risks at different levels to capture moments. Although I appreciate and respect their passion and energy, the question I often ask them is: “Why are you so committed to the subject matter of your photographs?” My question is always expecting an answer – there must be a personal connection to the subject matter. Being so intimate to the subject, what is the secret behind the images? Why do the images have to be brought to the public? Sometimes, they are too personal to share with the public or are even considered taboo.

(read on HERE)

With the success of the recent Asian Women Photographer’s showcase, Yumi Goto looks forward to an exciting year of organizing workshops and judging for awards such as;

• Tokyo Documentary Photography Workshop – applicants accepted until 5th March 2011
• KL Photo Awards – submission period 1st – 20th March 2011

Front cover of one of pdfX12's photo journal, featuring Saori Ninomiya's work

For more inspiring work curated by Yumi, check out;

• pdfX12 - an online, monthly free  photo journal that presents and features a series of photos by various photojournalists living and working in various communities around the world.
• I WAS THERE – a blog presenting “behind the lens” experiences of photographers and shares their relationship with the subjects and events they have encountered in their work.
• Asian Women’s Photographer Showcase – a showcase of 15 of Asia’s most promising women photographers in the field of photojournalism, documentary and investigative visual story-telling.
• Blindgirls – A Showcase of the Best Emerging Asian Women Photographers – A diverse showcase of Photography from Asian women photographers doing photojournalism, documentary, and visual story-telling, alongside the work of emerging women photographers living in Delhi (22nd January 2011, New Dehli)
• Reminders Showcase ‘Asia and Inochi, visual storytelling’ in Tokyo – Reminders Project focuses on introducing issues through photography produced by photographers from around the world (12th February 2011, Tokyo)