More Than Kids

Portfolios and Social Media - Tara Moller

I am drawn to England, probably because at its best, England has mastered what many photographers have been attempting since social media has changed how image makers do business. England honors its history while integrating change. If you need some recent examples, see the Official Royal Wedding website.

For my last social media interview, I asked English photographer Tara Moller three questions about how her photography has changed since social media has become popular. As one can learn from her responses, Tara spends more time working on her photography projects than creating an online presence ("as always work takes priority").  Tara has been a working photographer for more than fifteen years. She also has a unique perspective of the photography industry. Tara's grandmother worked for National Geographic more than 50 years ago.

Tara is willing to improve her social media strategies, provided that the new strategies reflect her unique perspective. Perhaps others might want to learn how Tara continues to be successful in a crowded market. Enjoy her answers below.

bf

 

How do you organize your photography portfolio? 

To date I have not actually got a "portfolio" apart form my website, where I have selected a few various groups to give an idea of my style.

I started shooting 18 years ago, when it was 35mm, and no online, we used to send images by mail/courier, so I have kind of just gotten on with it, but I know I can greatly enhance my work flow if I take time out to learn :)

I have recently done an exhibition, so I use those prints as an actual portfolio. My work is almost all groups, not singles, due to the fact I like to give an overall balance rather than sporadic powerful images, which do not give continuity to the viewer. Although to a creative eye, each of those images within a group, tell a specific story.

I use images that compliment each other when arranged around each other, Zenfolio for me, works as a perfect way to present images and share.

My work flow is simple, download, keep original file, make new files, edit till I am happy with the group selection, resize for various mediums, upload to Zenfolio, write up, and share.

2. Has social media changed how you organize your portfolio? Are your galleries similar to portfolios?

Social media has completely changed my way of working, this is purely because that is how I make money and network for more work.

I do not pay money  to advertise; I let my work talk by word of mouth. I would be lost without Zenfolio, as I can share easily, update it myself, pair it with my website and I have the ideal way to present and share, sell my work. In this day and age people are too busy to meet in person, especially if it involves travel. Social media allows a low carbon footprint, and the viewer can pick and choose when to interact. I am currently about to embark on a digital photography work flow course to learn more, I would also like to use Photoshelter and perhaps learn how to build websites. My galleries are not really portfolios, although I can arrange and share image as portfolios.

3. Do social media applications provide better opportunities to represent your unique style and vision than a traditional portfolio?

I do not feel that Zenfolio represents my style 100%, it is merely a way of sharing for now. I am always looking for something which is more unique and reflects my branding etc. If I had more spare time I am sure I could get more from Zenfolio, but as always work takes priority!  I find little time for improving, researching and executing new ways of expressing my work and getting myself out there. I'd love to hear from any one who has a successful way of doing this and doesn't mind sharing!!

This is a link to one of my online albums.

Hope this is ok BF, shout if you need any more info :), keep me posted, I am interested in your project, as it is very relevant to me :)

Many thanks

Tara

 

Bomba Estereo Plays Oakland

On Saturday, I photographed a protest at an Oakland radio station that has received international attention recently. The station, Family Radio, broadcasts religious messages about "the end of the world."

On Monday, I photographed an event at Oakland's The New Parish. Despite its name, The New Parish is not a religious organization; it is a concert venue. Bomba Estereo, the headliner, was recently voted The Best New Band in The World on MTV Iggy. Bomba Estereo is from Bogata, Columbia.

Bomba Estereo Oakland Concert - Images by bryan farley 

Oakland based Cumbia Tokeson played before Bomba Estereo, and you can see from the photos, the band has loyal fans. Tokeson will be touring through Central and South America this summer.

The End of Family Radio As We Knew It

I hesitate to place this in the category of religion.

On Saturday May 21, 2011, I visited the Family Radio Headquarters in Oakland, California. Family Radio had warned that the world would change dramatically at 6pm local time. Today, I have noticed that the Family Radio website has changed.

After I have processed my emotions and thoughts, I will comment further. For now, I will post several photos from what I can easily describe the oddest protest I have ever witnessed.

Family-Radio-HQ-Rapture-Protest - Images by bryan farley

I do not believe that any Family Radio supporters attended the protest, though some people claimed that they supported Harold Camping (see the Repent Now poster.) There was an apparent staged fight with fake blood. Someone yelled, "call the police," but the person left before any police would have arrived. There were members from a group called "The First Church of the Last Laugh." Christians were represented by Fundamentalists from the Calvary Baptist Church who usually stood calmly. Everyone was unhappy with Family Radio and each other. I started to miss the billboards.