Archive for April, 2010

PostHeaderIcon Is There a Difference Between a Male and a Female Photographer?


Ever since I started my career as an Israeli fashion and advertising photographer I have been asked this question. Each time I am interviewed about my fashion and advertising photography work, this is the main topic. And I also ask myself sometimes, if my career would have been different if I were a male and not a female photographer.

My answer keeps changing all the time and I still feel that I have not reached a final conclusion yet.

When I started as a professional photographer in the late 80’s, I insisted that there is no difference between a male and a female photographer. Nevertheless, the first time I was interviewed for an exhibition at the Israel Museum, I admitted that there were very few active female photographers in Israel. But at that time there weren’t many freelance or self-employed women in other business areas in general.

I was and still am very determined, so I have always been offered big campaigns and complex productions. I have always felt that I have more physical strength and stamina than my male colleagues. I am really not a giant, but especially in the beginning of my career, it was my will power and strong work ethics that made me work 20 hours non-stop and still be precise in my work. I do not recommend working 20 hours in a row to anyone, but it does happen.

And along the way, my two daughters were born. During the first pregnancy I worked all the way through to the day I gave birth, I actually had to ring up a client and cancel a shoot to go to the hospital instead. During the second pregnancy my belly was already much bigger one month before I was due, and I could hardly breathe, and so I slowed down and let myself rest. After each birth it took me about three weeks to return to work.

I did it because I love my work, it is very important to me to creatively express myself and keep a mental balance, but also because of my personal ambitions. I simply find it difficult to define myself without my work. I was breastfeeding each one of my daughters for nine months using all kinds of tricks, while I was back at my studio full time, available for any kind of project. I am not recommending this formula as the perfect thing for everyone; it was simply my own way.

Back then I started thinking that there is a difference between male and female photographers after all.

As a matter of fact, there are many male and few females photographers. So I started thinking about our differences…

Firstly, we have a different mentality.

Secondly, few women actually feel that they deserve success, few women really fight for their dreams and too many of us still define themselves through managing their homes and families.

Thirdly, there are specific differences that are unique to the field of photography. Female photographers are much more willing to experiment for the sake of art, for their own personal process or just out of curiosity and the sake of trying something new.

But women are less focused on targets; therefore they are often perceived as being less serious. Hence the big projects are often given to a male colleague of the same level. In Israel for example, you will find more feminine presence in magazine work and less in the commercial field, which is much better paid.

This is because women refer to sex in a different way. So in the commercial industry, whose main message is sex, the feminine point of view is less popular with advertising agencies and fashion manufacturers simply because it is more complex and less one-dimensional.

But today, in the year 2008, the point of view of the fashion industry has broadened and many campaigns give diverse messages and not just the “be pretty and show a sexy face” message. There is a bigger variety of photographers out there, even though the main message has remained the good old heterosexual way, and for this purpose a male photographer with a male eye will still regularly be preferred over a female one.

Another issue is the technical issue – many girls tend to be techno phobic, some even regard it as some sort of chic. Unfortunately, this makes society regard women as technically incompetent.

I find it obvious that if a female photographer arrives at a shoot, she must be technically minded in one way or the other, since photography is a very technical process in itself and one needs to be familiar with different kind of tools.

But even today when I am working on a big production, being in charge of a lot of people, someone always comes up to my assistant to ask him if he is the photographer…It always amuses me, but it shows what most people really think: After all photography is a business for men.

Finally, networking is really important and most networks are still male driven. This is especially true for Israel where many contacts are from the time in the army… Feminine networks are still very young, but they are growing.

Attached is a link to an interview conducted with GO Magazine about female photographers…

http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3535070,00.html

Have a read what I have to say… but don’t be surprised if I change my mind about this issue again.

PostHeaderIcon What to Photograph in Los Angeles

There are several places of interest in Los Angeles, not just in its big city but also in other famous cities which are part of the county. So here’s a list of where to go, what to visit and what’s worth capturing in that place.

HOLLYWOOD

This place is the capital of movie-making. Hollywood is famous all over the world for its movies, there’s no doubt about that. And of course, where movies are created, stars are also being born. This is the home to several celebrities.

Hollywood Sign – The most photographed in the place. The Sign is located on top of Hollywood Hills and is normally visible from the distance. A good place to get a shot is the Hollywood & Highland.

Hollywood & Highland – This entertainment complex is a rather new attraction at Hollywood Boulevard. The Kodak Theater and Renaissance Hotel are integrated into it plus several shops, restaurants and a spacious courtyard.

Kodak Theater – Known as the home of the Oscars. The academy awards ceremony is being held here every year and it’s the dream destination of most movie stars who like to grace the annual red carpet show.

Grauman’s Chinese Theater – The most famous movie theater in the world which had been a host to important movie premieres. At its forecourt, you can find the hand and foot prints of several famous stars like Tom Hanks.

Walk of Fame – These are the stars embedded on the side walks along Hollywood Boulevard which are being honored to respective artists who contributed to the entertainment industry.

Historical Buildings of Hollywood – Among its most famous historical buildings are the Capitol Records Tower, the First National Bank of Hollywood, Masonic Temple, El Capitan Theater, Grauman’s Chinese and Egyptian Theater, and the Roosevelt Hotel. Mostly located at the famous Hollywood Boulevard.

Sunset Strip – A part of the long Sunset Bouleavard that is famous for boutiques, restaurants, clubs and its nightlife.

Melrose Place – This is an extension road of Melrose Avenue which is a home to several upscale stores and boutiques. Melrose Place was made famous by the TV Series after its name.

BEVERLY HILLS

This is a smaller city between Hollywood and Santa Monica which is famous to be the nest of the rich and famous. Some interesting places to see in the place are…

Beverly Hills City Hall – The beautiful building is designed in Italian-Renaissance and is normally illuminated during the night. The city hall was also featured in the film Beverly Hills Cop.

Rodeo Drive – A famous and expensive shopping area in Beverly Hills which is also known for its beautiful sidewalks and arcades.

SANTA MONICA

A coastal city part of Los Angeles known for its beach-front promenade, resorts, long boardwalk, shopping, amusement, restaurants and an upscale living at Pacific Palisades.

Santa Monica Pier – The pier is a must destination for its lively atmosphere and nice views of the beach. It has an amusement park which is a great subject of photography, especially during the night.

Santa Monica Boardwalk – A haven for bikers, rollerskaters and joggers. The boardwalk is stretched parallel to the beach, offers a relaxing and the same time fun atmosphere.

Santa Monica’s Beach – The city’s most famous natural attraction which is an all-time favorite because of the place’s beautiful weather. You can get a great panoramic photo of the beach and the nearby area while riding the Ferris Wheel at Santa Monica Pier.

MALIBU

Another favorite living place of the rich and famous because of its beautiful coastal view. Take a peek at the gorgeous beach houses lined up on the coast.

Malibu Beach – The beach got its worldwide fame during the 90’s from the very famous TV series, Baywatch. Stars on the show like Pamela Anderson fell in love with the place that she even bought a villa here.

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES

At downtown LA, you’ll find the city’s financial district. It is the home to banks, offices, hotels, business establishments and institutions, and upscale shops. These normally are the one defining the city’s skyline.

City’s Skyline – To get a good shot of the skyline, drive your way up to Mulholland Drive. From there, you’ll have a sweeping view of the city and its skyline.

Los Angeles City Hall – This white huge building was once the tallest upon its completion and was recently featured in the film War of the Worlds.

These all in all can contribute to a great Los Angeles photo collection. Enjoy!

PostHeaderIcon Computer Science and Information Technology – The Two Emerging Branches of Engineering

In the new  millennium, computers have assumed as strategic importance in this corporate world. Today there is a great demand of highly qualified IT professionals. The responsibility of an IT professional is to involve in data management, computer hardware, database and software design, management and administration of the entire system and much more. In Bachelors in computers, there are two branches of engineering i.e. Computer science and Information Technology. In computer science, we study the principles of engineering that involve in the design, engineering, development, integration and testing of a computer system at almost all levels.  This branch of engineering also involves applied areas of Maths and science, electrical and electronics theory, materials engineering and programming fundamentals. On the other hand, in Information technology, we study the usage of computers and similar devices like electronic and communications for processing and distributing information by many different means. Here, we are trying to provide you some information about these engineering branches that may help you in selecting the right branch for you.

B.Tech (Computer Science) is basically a study of computers where we learn about hardware and operating systems like multitasking kernels, data buses, registers, address buses etc. On the other hand, Information technology involves in information manipulation and the business requirements.

B.Tech (computer science) concerns with the principles and concepts that are essential for the growth of IT and it is an academic study of software and hardware concepts. In B.Tech (information technology), some specific purposes may have to be studied.

With computer science, we can better understand how to solve the computer problems and information technology is the study of technology which drives information systems for business.

Computer science actually tells what is a computer and how it works whereas information technology is what and how can I do with computers?

Sharda Group of Institutions also provides B.Tech (computer science) and B.Tech (Information Technology) programs. At this institute, B.Tech (Computer science/Information Technology) 2009 admission has been started. The eligibility criteria for this program is class 12 with minimum 50% marks. The selection of a candidate will be based on Online exam (SURE)/Sharda Scholarship Carnival . The SGI Institute believes in delivering high quality education with the help of its accomplished teaching staff.