Our sponsors included National Geographic Student Expeditions, Custom SLR, Peak Design, Mindshift Gear, Digital Photo Academy, Trigger Happy, and Adobe. All proceeds benefitted the Josephine Herrick Project previously known as Rehabilitation through Photography.

Here are the results:

GRAND PRIZE

Felicia Simion, 19

Craiova, Dolj, Romania

Division 2

First Place

Bartek Lech, 21

Kirkcaldy, UK

Second Place

Natasha Sadikin, 20

Los Angeles, California, USA

Third Place

Max Wolens, 17

Dallas, Texas, USA

2012 Division I 1st Place

Honorable Mentions

Masha Savchenko, 21

Natasha Sadikin, 20

Division 1

First Place

Alex Zhang, 16

Little Rock, Arkansas, USA

Second Place

Mary Rippe, 16

Westfield, New Jersey, USA

Third Place

Megha Srivastava, 16

Sherman Oaks, California, US

Honorable Mentions

Alex Berryman, 15

Fleet, Hampshire, UK

Henry Bagato, 15

Falls Church, Virginia, USA

Here is my interview with him:

How did you get into photography?

Well I think I can pinpoint it to my early teens. I got an old Russian film camera for a birthday and got the bug. But I think before that my influence was my Dad who was actually a pretty good amateur photographer and I remember we developed the B&W film and printed the shots together in a makeshift darkroom over the bath! 

In your words, what is photography?

Hmmm…I think nowadays that is hard to define. In days of old it was the capturing of a snapshot of time, a moment of reality (and occasionally a longer fragment of time) on photographic film or paper. With digital that definition is becoming blurred (literally sometimes), to a point where light painting or capturing motion is commonplace, and digital post-processing the norm. What makes an image a photograph rather than a piece of pure art? If the pixels were derived from a real scene that actually existed? What if more than 50% of the pixels are different? What if more than 90% are made by a computer?

Are there any recurring themes/concepts in your work?

I experiment a lot. I don’t consciously have themes, but the classic ones of life, death, beauty, existentialism, surrealism and the absurd, the passing of time, seeing the unseen, identity, age, the natural world, romanticism….so the list goes on…

Do you prefer digital or analog? 

I love the mystery and delayed gratification when taking a roll of photos with film. I like the quality you can achieve too (and also the mistakes, multiple exposures, accidents, dust specks and fluff equally), I love its grain and the range of physical processes that influence the end result. Digital is easier, cleaner and cheaper of course but can feel a bit sterile and lifeless. 

Do you retouch your images a lot? 

I take a mixture of film and digital images. I rarely manipulate or retouch the film images, I just scan, crop and adjust some basic parameters (if at all). If you mean use Photoshop to make digital images look cleaner, apply filters then rarely, but sometimes. I have used Photoshop to play with images, for example to try to emulate the work of Peter Funch or make attempts a conceptual pieces, but it is rare and with mixed success. I really can’t compete with the plethora of “conceptual photoshopographers” out there – for one I haven’t got the patience and secondly I’m not good at flying and don’t like lying naked in the woods (often). However, I also use the iPhone for photography and its hard not to apply filters and do other manipulations with it. I also dabble in montages using the iPhone to take and edit the images. Fiddly work!

Talk to us about your editing process.

As I alluded to above, if I feel the image needs some contrast or curve alterations or de/saturation alterations I will do that. I try to compose in camera and minimize cropping – but that doesn’t always work. I quite like cropping to a square format sometimes. For iPhone edits I have used many apps over the years, but really like Snapseed (with the caveat that there is no way to save or copy-paste the settings). For my circular images (tondos) or dyptics I use an app called Diptic. Some images have resulted in experiments with a series of apps. I’ve often employed an app like TinyPlanets, Juxtaposer or Oldbooth then another like Pictureshow, LoMobo or Snapseed to add an effect, filter or to crop and adjust or add a fake lomo/light leak. 

What do you enjoy most about photography?

It’s a good question. I like the creativity that can be achieved quite immediately. I also like painting, drawing and sculpture, but these cannot easily be done without some organization and space. I like to either report the world around me, at least the way I see it, and create a spark or sense of wonder in the viewers mind, or make a statement with creative piece of work. When I don’t have a camera with me, I feel somewhat naked and think of all missed shots. I don’t know if this is normal but wherever I look, I imagine the scene as a potential photograph. I think a lot of folk run around not seeing people or not appreciating things, which is sad. 

What do you try to accomplish with your photos?

It depends on the type of photograph I have produced – some I might want to inspire, some I might want to generate a sense of awe, of pleasure, of sadness or pathos. I want the image to be something worth revisiting and good enough to warrant more than one quick view. I suppose the aim of any artist is to create something that is pleasing or challenging to the eye, or to the intellect (or both). I like to capture something that is often overlooked, ignored or fleeting, or something that conveys the passing of time or the sense of motion in a single image. The famous quote from Robert Frank springs to mind: “When people look at my pictures I want them to feel the way they do when they want to read a line of a poem twice.” 

Your photography is so different and inspiring.Who would you say are you inspirations?

Well I’ll take your word for that…my inspirations are varied and wide. Many many painters inspire me – too many to list. I like Dada and Surrealism a lot and Cubism, but you name an art movement since the beginning of time and I’ll probably like it. In terms of photographers, all the usual suspects in the different subgenres of photography. I don’t have an outstanding single influence. 

What would be your dream shoot?

I would love to go to Japan. I’d also like to try my hand at shooting beautiful fashion people. 

Who are your favourite current artists/photographers?


I like Boris Savelev’s work and, embarrassingly, have quite recently discovered Gerhard Richter’s work and really love the cross-over with painting and his experimental approach. There are many photographers I’ve come across on Flickr that are brilliant. 

You seem to shoot a lot with your iPhone, why is that?

Ahh, the old chestnut question. I like it because it’s always there. It is also discreet for street photography, plus I can edit on the go. The iPhone 4S has a pretty decent camera actually and whilst it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles in terms of control, and it just has a fixed lens, it can produce some pretty decent shots.

Where do you think you would be right now without photography?

I think it’s impossible to say. I think I would be more successful in my day job without the distractions, but I would certainly be less happy and would feel creatively stifled. Perhaps I would be doing more drawing or painting. I can’t actually imagine it. It sounds like hell. I hope I never go blind!

Do you have anything to say to our readers? 

Thanks for reading to the end! 
Keep shooting, playing and experimenting; be bold, get published and viewed; keep learning and enjoying it and never give up. Don’t fear criticism and failure, they are other people’s problems not yours. Stay true. At all cost avoid shooting pets and food. And can you reduce the amount of fake flying and cotton wool clouds? Just kidding.

You were born in England, but you now live in the U.S. How has the change in scenery changed your photography? Are there any large differences you noticed?

In the United States, everything as far as scenery, buildings, etc. is a lot more spread out, and if you don’t have a car, you can’t really get anywhere. In the U.S. I had only one small area to work with, and I wanted to do something different, something that wasn’t of the same place over and over again. When I come back to England, though, there’s so much more to work with because all of the buildings are different, and everything’s more condensed; you can go anywhere on the bus or train. My work in England tends to be more natural and use fewer props because there’s just so much more going on already.

At what age did you “discover” photography? What inspired you to pursue it?

I remember enjoying taking photos for a long time, the first camera I had was a film one with a picture of Barbie on it and I remember loving it! But I really got into it when I was around 10. I got my first digital camera, and took a photo of my cat, and I was instantly in love with photography. Over time I think I’ve just become more taken by it, and realized more and more that I really couldn’t live without photography.

In your eyes, what is photography?

Photography is such a broad thing for me, I’m definitely not one of those people who thinks that art has to fit within some boundary, I believe it’s something that should be an experiment, a mish mash of different techniques or crazy ideas, so I tend to think of photography in the same way. I do prefer certain kinds of photographs, but I think every type of photography is great in it’s own way, whether it be really straightforward and technical, or really experimental and unique. They’re all appealing and I think you can learn something from all types of photographs.

What’s your editing process like? How long do you spend editing each photo (on average)?

My editing process really depends on the photograph. I tend to spend a longer time editing the photographs that are more commercial looking, I like to emphasize the “perfection” of that style, and so I smooth out skin, dodge and burn, add and remove things, and it almost begins to cross into the digital art arena. With some of my work, I prefer for it to look very natural, and I like to emphasize the “caught in an instant look”, these usually involve only minor adjustments. I feel like editing is the continuation of a process that starts when you take the photograph.

Have you shot film? (if you have) What did you think of the experience?

I have worked quite a lot with film photography previously; in school I learned how to develop the film and prints in the darkroom, and there’s something special about it. You can work on one photograph for hours and it becomes a real labour of love, when you get it right it’s amazing and so rewarding. I don’t really do much work with film anymore, just because it costs so much now, and is so much more laborious (which is part of the beauty of it, in a way). Having those skills has helped me a lot with my digital work, and I’m really glad that I have that experience.

You mainly use color, as opposed to black and white. Why?

I think one of the things that attracted me to photography in the first place is that you’re capturing something real; little parts of life are being saved forever, and since we see life in colour, I tend to work in colour, too. There are some photographs, though, that are so striking and poignant that colour almost takes away from them. I think finding out what works for each photograph, and for you as an artist, comes over time and with tons of  love and practice.

What kind of gear do you shoot with? (Body, lenses, flashes, etc) Has this impacted your photography?

I just recently got my dream camera, a Canon 5D Mark II, and with it I use 50mm f/1.8 and 75-300mm f/4 lenses, and that’s all for now! You can really take amazing pictures with anything if you’re skilled enough. I believe that the tools of the trade are undoubtedly important, but having the skill and passion is even more so.

Do you have any formal training, or are you self-taught?

I am predominantly self-taught, but I did take photography classes during my 4 years of high school. The first two were more about film processing, which helped alot with my personal work as far as learning to shoot manually, and getting a better idea of the technical things, but for the last two years I was allowed to just do my own thing, and help other students if they needed it. I think it’s more important to build a good sense of style, and create work that has feeling, than to create work that is perfect in its’ details. I think that mostly comes from self-teaching and a real passion for going out every day and taking photos.

Niamh is an excellent photographer, with a rare mix of technical skills and creativity! It was a pleasure to learn more about her work.

To see more of Niamh’s work, go to: https://www.facebook.com/niamhellenphotography

THINK YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE FEATURED AS OUR NEXT TEEN PHOTOGRAPHER?

Email Us: submissions@teenagephotographer.com. Send a short bio about yourself, 5 photos you think best displays your portfolio, and your name, age, and country/state/province of residence. If we’re impressed, you may be featured as our next Showcased Teen Photographer.

Recently, I chatted with Jessica Hall, an independent photographer who has experience photographing several bands.

What is your biggest tip for photographing live bands?

Practice with your camera settings before the band comes out because there is a lot of movement and the lighting is always different than lighting you would use on a normal photoshoot. Get some great action shots and some close detailed shots as well!

How does one get involved with photographing concerts?

I was randomly hired by a local band here in my town and that led me to get hired by a second local band. I posted my pictures on weezer.com and they liked the shots so they asked me to photograph one of their shows.

What kind of gear would you recommend for taking pictures of bands?

You typically can not use any special flashes while photographing professional bands so I just use my Nikon D90 on the sports setting with a high ISO.

What is the hardest thing about taking pictures of live events?

Well you can’t go back and redo it if you make a mistake. You are winging it because you don’t know what’s going to happen in most cases.

What is your favorite thing about concert photography?

It’s never the same. Music is one of my favorite things ever so it’s amazing to be able to add a visual to the bands!

Concert photography is a very interesting job, and if it’s done right, you can end up with some really awesome photographs. With our modern day ability to digitally share photos with bands and fans around the world, there are many ways to get the attention of musicians of all types. If you have the right amount of dedication and skill, you may end up photographing some of the biggest acts in the world! Just remember to be prepared, focused, and ready to rock.

To see more of Jessica Hall’s photography, visit: https://www.facebook.com/jessaphotography

THINK YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE FEATURED AS OUR NEXT TEEN PHOTOGRAPHER?

Email Us: submissions@teenagephotographer.com. Send a short bio about yourself, 5 photos you think best displays your portfolio, and your name, age, and country/state/province of residence. If we’re impressed, you may be featured as our next Showcased Teen Photographer.

How did you get into photography?:

I cannot really remember how I got into photography. I remember being fascinated by cameras and photographs.I was particularly interested in film cameras and the developing process. I really enjoyed looking through my families old photographs and I think that is what inspired me to take photos.

In your words, what is photography?:

Man, that’s a crazy question. I guess photography to me is a way to view the world through a surreal lens. With photography you can make up any world. It could be absolutely mundane and ordinary, or you could make an elaborate world full of unknown things. Not that I do that, but I should start. You can do whatever you want with it, and I happen to think that’s pretty neat.

Are there any recurring themes/concepts in your work?: 

Currently I have been working a lot with nature, and in particular flowers. It’s ironic because when I was younger I used to think flower photos were so stupid, but now I think they’re so intriguing. I also have a pair of gloves that I like to photograph. Usually I’ll tape them to a wall.

Do you prefer digital or analog?:

When I was younger I used to be purely analog. I believed digital was so silly and I hated the fact that people took a million photos of one thing with a digital camera (something I am guilty of). So I turned to analog, and I really think that helped me frame my images in a way that’s appealing. I believe shooting analog really helps with composition because for starters, film is expensive, and processing film is expensive. So you have to learn how to get the photo you want with limited attempts. Now that I’m older I love shooting digital. I just recently bought one of my favorite digital cameras that I am absolutely in love with. It’s baller.

Do you retouch your images a lot?:

I do retouch my digital images every time. I rarely retouch my film photos.

Talk to us about your editing process:

My process is usually adding a colored filter and darkening the photo. I don’t get too crazy. Probably because I don’t have the skills.

What do you enjoy most about photography?:

I don’t really know what I like about taking photos. It’s weird because some days I’ll be really motivated to take photos and edit them, then put them on the internet. Then on other days I think it’s a complete waste of time and wonder why I even bother. There’s just something about it that I can’t even put into words. On top of all of that, I think it’s the only thing I’m moderately good at. Sort of.

What do you try to accomplish with your photos?:

Good bokeh. I think with up close images it’s really important to have a lens that’s capable of blurring the background. Also, on a more artistic level, I try to create images that evoke wonder. If that makes sense at all. I don’t want my photos to be how you see life everyday. 

What would be your dream shoot?:

My dream shoot would involve an old abandoned building, my gloves that were mentioned earlier, a female model (I could be open to male though), and random furniture strewn throughout the building. Of course good natural lighting would be required as well.

Who are your favourite current artists/photographers?:

My first and foremost favorite photographer of all time is Francesca Woodman. I’ve been in love with her work since I was 15. Other artists/photographers I enjoy are Joel Peter-Witkin, Maxfield Parrish, Robert Hutinski, and Max Ernst. I’m probably forgetting some inspiring individuals.

Where do you think you would be right now without photography?

I really don’t know. I suppose I would be different person, possibly less creative? Although I don’t really find myself creative. Maybe I would have found a different creative outlet like writing or painting. I’m terrible at both of those.

Do you have anything to say to our readers?:

If you want to take photos, take them! Photograph whatever you find interesting! Don’t let other people tell you if your photos are “good”. If you like them that is all that matters. Who cares what other people think! You do your thing.

Understandably, the photography community has grown bitter. What once took years to learn is now reproduced in seconds. It’s for this reason—the maintenance of photography as a fine art—for which 1x was created and why the community is so important. It’s not just for the sake of showcasing great photography but more for preserving a declining form of art by creating and training the next generation of photographers.

1x describes itself as “the world’s biggest curated photo gallery on the web.” An accurate depiction, yes, but the site offers so much more. On the site, there are many options that you can head to that are aimed at improving your photographic skills. It’s a photo collection. It’s a community. It’s a forum. It’s a critique. It’s an education. It’s a mentor. It’s many things, but, above all, it’s for photographers.

On the site itself, there are critique forums where I am able to receive evaluations of my works from professionals with decades of experience. In another section, experts teach me how they constructed their own works. Sometimes, workshops are even offered to help new photographers learn in person. These communities aren’t limited to just 1x; various others are The Grid, Lighstalking, and the occasionally helpful 500x poster. Even Google+ has taken leaps and strides to improve its photo-sharing and viewing capabilities, and has seen the results, fostering thousands to be able to communicate with and learn from some of the best photographers out there.

Ultimately, 1x is a prestigious gallery, aiming at separating artistic photography from what, simply put, isn’t. Yes, it receives criticism from many; yes, the photos chosen all have a common “look” to them; and yes, the new redesign isn’t—how shall I put it—the best. But beyond the scope of the gallery, however, is a community of experts, curators, and photographers of all levels. With a photo acceptance rate of below 3%, it’s highly unlikely for me or anybody to have their work culled into the exhibition. But, until then, I’ll keep using 1x as a source of inspiration and unrivaled guidance.

LowePro is known for their use of high-quality materials, along with their top-notch craftsmanship. This bag doesn’t disappoint. It’s absolutely packed with features, and feels great when you wear it.

First Things First

At first glance, the first thing you’ll notice is that the bag has 2 external tripod straps allowing the carrying of a mid-size tripod, and a pull-out holster for the “feet” of the tripod at the bottom. Many mid-sized backpacks neglect this feature, forcing the buyer to upgrade to a larger bag.  The tripod-carrying system is solid, and will keep your tripod securely on your bag. Despite my best attempts to make it fall, which included running and jumping, it remained firmly attached to the back of the bag. Have something you want to carry that doesn’t fit inside the bag? Each side of the bag has attachment loops allowing your gear to “dangle” if need be.

The straps on this bag are actually really comfortable! All too often manufacturers skimp on the shoulder padding. This creates straps that dig into your shoulders while you wear it, which is incredibly uncomfortable. Lowepro avoids this problem with a fair amount of padding. A nice touch is the ability to tuck one or both of the straps into the bottom pocket of the bag. This is handy if you want to wear the bag on one shoulder or as a sling.

What’s on the inside

Here’s what really counts- the inside of the bag. Both compartments are closed with zippers, which move smoothly. The Runner 200 AW has a spacious main compartment. One of the features that I really liked about this bag was the velcro inserts. These allow you to adjust the bags configuration to your needs; Need to carry 2 cameras? Just slide around the inserts and you can do just that. The main compartment features room for a DSLR with an attached lens, along with 2-3 lenses and a flash. Along with camera storage, the main compartment has 2 pockets for SD cards, and a zippered pocket for a charger, spare batteries, any wires you may need, or a small compact camera. One of the downsides of the bag is that  it’s not designed for people who always need quick access to their equipment and swap lenses on a regular basis. To change lenses you have to completely take the bag off. If quick lens changing is a necessity, you may be better suited buying a different bag.

The smaller compartment had room for what I’d normally bring on a shoot: a phone, keys, a few pencils/pens, as well as room for a light jacket or sweatshirt. It’ll keep your gear well protected. While the bag can carry a decent amount of gear, I wouldn’t recommend it to those who need to carry much more than a camera and a few lenses.

The Verdict

Overall, I was very impressed with the LowePro Runner 200 AW. It does everything you need a bag to do, and more. The compartments are well padded, and even modular. The ability to have a rain covering for your  gear is a great feature for those who shoot in harsh conditions. The handling can be a bit clunky, and it’s not great for those who are constantly changing lenses. If rapid access to your gear is a must, I’d leave the bag at home that day.

The Ratings:

Click the image to browse eBay for the Olympus C-2020 Zoom

1. A tripod as you will be shooting at slow shutter speeds.
2. A filter (Hoya R72 is the recommended filter).
3. A camera that is sensitive to the infrared spectrum like the Olympus C-2020 Zoom or a digital camera with the filter that stops infrared light hitting the sensor removed.

Click the image to browse eBay for the Hoya R72

If you are wanting to get started on infrared photography but for some reason you can’t get hold of any infrared film or an analog camera then digital is definitely the way to go! I personally much prefer infrared film to digital as the infrared film just feels a lot more pure to me and it really makes you think a lot more. Infrared film will always be in my heart… but I know someday if I want to keep shooting in the infrared spectrum I will sadly have to change over from analog IR to digital IR.

This is part 2/3 of my Infrared series. Please check my first article here for more info on this subject and an insight on the analog side of infrared photography!

1. Travel photography is a lot like street photography.
Relax, and let the moment come to you. You have no control over, let alone a good understanding, of your surroundings. This isn’t a studio. Let the local people be. That way you’ll get the most natural expressions. Understand that, while you’re on vacation and having a good time, they’re going about their normal lives and might be working; be considerate. That being said, don’t be afraid to take a photo.

2. A smaller camera is a better camera (especially when you’re abroad!).
This probably isn’t the first time you heard this, but anything as simple as a point and shoot in most cases is fine. While many advocate for the use of a rangefinder in street (and thus travel) photography, the many times I go abroad, I simply take along my Leica X1—a simple and intuitive point and shoot that has been glorified with the Leica name. For those that are less snobby than I am and prefer a cheaper option, the new generation of mirrorless cameras are inching closer and closer to DSLR domain. Optimal image quality is second to you enjoying your trip. When you see something interesting, document it and put your camera away. Nobody wants to have a large black camera pointed at them, especially not by a stranger. If your camera runs out of battery, who cares? Relax. Besides, as you’ve heard too many times by now, the best camera is the one you have with you. Travel light.

3. Understand that your usable yield will be especially (and painfully) low.
Remember, you are travelling first and foremost to rest and enjoy the new environment. Your unfamiliarity with your surroundings and local customs may perturb you initially, but don’t let that get in the way of taking photos. And, if the setting doesn’t cooperate, don’t worry. Just forget about your camera and enjoy the nuances and differences of the new location.

4. Composition is especially key when you’re walking around.
Under the assumption that your megapixel count won’t be above 16, I’d recommend that you pay particular attention to the way you set up your shots. Make use of those megapixels! I’ve never been an advocate of “getting it right in camera,” but cropping isn’t always an option when you’re images don’t have many pixels to begin with. That being said, 10+ megapixels is easily more than enough to make sizable prints with. You won’t lose on image quality. Rather, you’ll simply cut down on post processing time.