Sometimes Change is Good!

I’ve mentioned here and also in the Figital Revolution Manifesto (book) about the evils of re-branded photographic supplies (film/ paper/ etc…) but maybe things are about to change… and change can be good! Crane Museo Paper (Max and Portfolio Rag) have been acquired by Intelicoat (who by the way did the coating on these papers anyways) so what does this mean? First these great papers will still be made (and yes I did say great) and sold but now under Intelicoat (Crane will still supply the base paper of course). IMHO our industry needs more of this transparency as to who really makes or at least who is involved in the production of the products we all use. I would be very upset (pissed) to find out that several papers I just bought were all the same paper just with different names…this is not as far fetched as it seems. For now I will just be happy that one of my favorite papers will continue to be made…now if I could just figure out how to make some of my favorite films survive the coming decades that would be truly amazing. For more information on this Intelicoat deal click on the link:

Intelicoat Logo

Seek A Second Opinion

AudioBlog Logo
Getting a second opinion (and perhaps a third or fourth) about your work is an incredible learning tool and a resource most artists have available to them- but seldom use. In this audio blog I make the case for forming a critique group among your immediate art friends for the purposes of advancing your work (and yes, their work too) through honest dialogue. By Hybrid Artist Stephen M. Schaub (The Leader).

Film Grain vs Digital Grain…Thoughts from the Trenches.

AudioBlog Logo
It’s all about the grain! Digital “grain” and analog film grain- which is better? Is one better? Are there advantages to one over the other? These are just a few of the points discussed in this dynamic audioblog by Hybrid Artist Stephen Schaub.

Great Expectations- Thoughts on Selecting The Perfect Paper for Your Prints

AudioBlog Logo
This in-depth audioblog (almost 20 minutes) provides a great foundation on the four basic types of output material (gloss, matt, canvas and alternative media) as well as examples on organizing your paper (media) and workflow considerations for selecting a specific media for a particular artwork.  By Stephen M. Schaub Hybrid Artists and master printer.

Figital Update

Welcome to the new layout for the Figital Revolution. Everything you’ve grown to love is still here and YES the ReEducation Videos are back with more to come very, very soon so stay tuned. Also, I just sent out the first FR newsletter (Viva La Revolution) so be sure to sign-up to get them delivered weekly (FREE and you can unsubscribe at any time). Please note that there is also an RSS feed to the newsletter archive…thanks for the suggestion!

The Real Cost of Working Digital

AudioBlog Logo
What does it really cost to work using digital photographic technologies? Upgrades, hardware… more upgrades…what does all this mean when you price your works? Hybrid Artist Stephen Schaub explores this brave new world of digital photography and provides some interesting points to consider both for and against digital. Also referenced and discussed in this audioblog is the current issue of PDN and the article “Digital Confusion” by Sara Coleman. This is a great listen for anyone considering the plunge into digital photography or for the photographer who is slowly drowning in an ocean of upgrades and unforeseen costs.

Lens Selection: In Search of the Goldilocks Lens

AudioBlog Logo
What is the perfect focal-length lens, or the “Goldilocks” lens? And how many lenses do you “really” need in your bag? What are optical and performance considerations you should consider when selecting your lens arsenal? These are just a few points of discussion covered by Hybrid Artist Stephen M. Schaub. The conclusion of this audio blog also provides tools and procedures for helping determine your best lens trinity.

Revolutionary Quote for the Day – Sebastiao Salgado

”Before becoming a photographer,” Salgado firmly believes, “it is essential to have an education, an understanding for the world in sociological, political, economic and historical terms. Then there is no limit to the photography. To be a photographer is to be able to transmit a certain understanding of the world.”

Quote taken from the current issue of PDN (The Legends Issue, Jan 08.) Article/ Interview by Peter Hamilton

Sebastiao Salgado

Self Promotion- What’s the Big Deal?

AudioBlog LogoDo artists suck at self-promotion or what? In this audioblog Stephen Schaub explores several of the excuses and pitfalls that plague artists when it comes to successful self promotion, and details why it really is so important after all. But wait- there’s more! Schaub (Our Leader) explores some workable strategies for artists to maximize their available resources toward a successful art marketing.