Sarah A. Friedman

2011 Was Not the Year of the Magazine

2011-11-21T10:30:00.000-05:00

http://gawker.com/5861376/2011-was-not-the-year-of-the-magazine

Man Sues To Have Wedding Photos Recreated with his EX

2011-11-03T11:24:00.000-04:00

You cannot make this stuff up...another frivolous lawsuit.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/03/nyregion/suit-against-photographer-seeks-re-creation-of-wedding-after-divorce.html

Love What You Do

2011-10-05T20:51:00.000-04:00

RIP Steve Jobs

Stanford 2005 Commencement Speech

Time Magazine Student Contest

2011-10-03T12:07:00.000-04:00

DETAILS & ENTER HERE!!!

Art in Crisis - Salon

2011-10-02T14:27:00.000-04:00

Absolutely worth a read for all Creatives

Art In Crisis

Deja Vu

2011-08-05T18:38:00.010-04:00

Adweek Reports Newstand Sales for 1st half of 2011....Not suprising with the state of the global economy and how much free information is out there. Whether this will pass or if/how magazines will continue to reinvent themselves for previous profit margins is yet to be seen. Further details and previous charts can be found on the original source for these stats MagNet

The Concept of Success

2011-06-19T09:58:00.000-04:00

2009 Professional Photographer Income US and NY

While perusing the news this morning I was led to some useful tools to look at the projections of various careers. You too may want to browse around to view details such as fastest growing careers and other stats for most professions at this government-sponsored site, acinet.org.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides detailed information on their website. Here is the JOB OUTLOOK for Photographers from the Bureau's site.

Whereas Commercial and Editorial photography may pose stiffer competition (it always has), it doesn't mean one can't use the tools of their trade to generate a solid income along with an enjoyable, creative work life. It all comes down to one's perception and concept of success. This quote from Conan O'Brien's commencement speech given to Dartmouth's 2011 Graduation Class resonated with me (and may for many creative types):

"It is our failure to become our perceived ideal that ultimately defines us and makes us unique - it's not easy," he acknowledged. "But if you accept your misfortune and handle it right, your perceived failure can become a catalyst for profound reinvention."

WAKE UP!!!

2011-06-11T07:44:00.000-04:00

I'm beginning to think many of the freelancers young and not so young

are uninsured by sheer LAZINESS. It seems more often that not that they are

missing one if not all of the policies a Freelance photographer, artist, musician, (most independent contractors) should be holding.

Medical...YES it's expensive...but to not hold a catastrophe policy? Mind you,

almost all of the people I've encounter would experience tremendous hardship if they

were to get injured and did not have appropriate coverage. (or they would put a heavy

burden on their family).

Sure if they're injured on the job MAYBE the people they're working for have a Workers Comp policy and

could take them to the hospital to attend to their injuries....but that's all it will do.

It won't pay your bills if you're out of work for a year...or more.(insert Disability Policy HERE!!)

While I'm on that topic I must say I as well know one too many Professional Photographers and other Creative types who are hiring the uninsured that don't have proper insurance themselves (Workers Comp,Liability/Auto).

Sure a lawsuit could ensue, however, I wouldn't wish that stress upon anyone. And who is to say that person that hired you has a pot to piss in to sue them for.

What's amazing is that these Professionals often don't read the contracts they sign

indemnifying the Company they are working for. These Company's are the smart ones

looking out for their best interest and I think it's about time more assistants/crew and

"Professional" Photographers/Artists Etc... begin doing the same.

It all seems so basic and obvious however 9 times out of 10 when I ask people about

their coverage, there is a quiet head hanging. However there is no shame in their excited discriptions of their recent vacation or where they went out to eat last night....

The Camera Store Ad = HYSTERICAL

2011-05-18T21:18:00.000-04:00

FIDI...New Publishing Hub?

2011-05-17T21:50:00.000-04:00

Conde announced they'll be anchor of 1 World Trade. American Media is moving to Broad Street as well...What does this mean for Midtown?

CLICK HERE FOR NYTimes ARTICLE!!!

Gina LeVay Bull Fight Exhibition

2011-05-03T10:03:00.000-04:00

Check out Gina's show if you're in NYC Thursday

Australia

2011-04-22T08:18:00.000-04:00

I'm in Australia & New Zealand with my husband on tour with the Blind Boys of Alabama.

I'm completely turned around by the time shift and just getting here but am in such wonderful company. Tonight was the first show I got to attend. Day off tomorrow....might try to see some wildlife...

Took less than 20 shots tonight but I like these 2 and had the pleasure of meeting BB King with Big A.

Check it Students...

2011-04-11T22:17:00.000-04:00

Student Debt Mounts, Shifting Graduates’ Options

Rest In Peace Veronica

2011-04-06T11:10:00.001-04:00

SVA Alumni Veronica Boehm left this earth way too young....

The Times Announces Digital Subscription Plan

2011-03-17T21:34:00.000-04:00

I knew it was only a matter of time. I love reading the Times online but feel the $15 dollar per 4 week price take might be a bit on the high side given the current climate. You can get a vibe for how people feel from the comments on the NYT's site. At least for 2 more weeks....then you will have to pay. Check It Out HERE!!!!

More Recent Grads Turn to Public Sector Jobs

2011-03-02T13:10:00.000-05:00

LOVE THIS

2011-02-17T10:20:00.000-05:00

WATCH HERE!!!!!
Love these funny creative people.

Shit Photojournalists Like

2011-02-12T17:05:00.001-05:00

CHECK IT OUT HERE!!!! HYSTERICAL

Business is Business

2011-02-10T10:19:00.000-05:00

I've been telling my students and friends this for years. I only wish I too had been taught this earlier in my career. But it is the only way I've survived. WATCH HERE!!!

Francis Ford Coppola: On Risk, Money, Craft & Collaboration

2011-01-07T11:03:00.000-05:00

Article I saw on A Photo Editor Blog. You can find the article HERE that originated
on the www.the99percent.com / Article by Ariston Anderson

Aaron on Talk Stoop

2010-12-10T23:36:00.000-05:00

View more news videos at: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/video.

www.redheadwindscreens.com

2010-12-07T08:24:00.000-05:00

Zoom H4n Windscreen For Your Handheld Recorder with the Canon 5D Mark II and Joby Gorilla pod from iamkalaniprince on Vimeo.

A Good Laugh

2010-12-02T21:08:00.000-05:00

My Friend Nik sent me this...I needed it today.

Video and Multimedia

2010-11-28T08:19:00.000-05:00

Video and Multimedia has it's challenges; COMPLETELY DIFFERENT... but I'm enjoying each time I learn something new.
Sound and Editing has provided the biggest learning curve. I haven't had the same problem with lighting.
Sound I'm grasping more and more each time. I've been trying to do this with a skeleton crew which, for me,
is always the best way to learn the most.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT ARTICLE FROM BLACK STAR RISING

I Know I've Been Changed

2010-08-25T22:46:00.001-04:00

Aaron's New Gospel Album. Oct 26th Release date. It was great to work together and we managed to get in enough shots prior to the downpour. Amazing local New Orleans assistants Victoria and Michael helped salvage the gear as we ran to make shelter in an abandoned chuch we were shooting at. Keep you're ears peeled for this wonderful album.

JERSEY SHORE

2010-07-31T09:34:00.000-04:00

Hi All. Pick up this weeks People Magazine. I went to each cast members home to photograph them with their family or family member. I brought 2 assistants Max Dworkin and Christopher Heydon (both 2 of my favorite former students at SVA) Dora Salgado did Makeup and Hair on the ladys of the cast. (Thank G-D she agreed, not a dream assignment for makeup and hair). We spent about 9 days in a car driving deep into Jersey, R.I., Staten Island, Upstate NY. A lot of time in the car made for some long days but we had plenty of material to make us laugh. Each of us competing for our best Snookie imitation. Max was the winner hands down.

Todd Selby

2010-07-30T21:11:00.000-04:00

I enjoyed reading this article in the NY TImes tonight on the photographer Todd Selby.
Check it out HERE

What's to come!

2010-05-20T17:43:00.000-04:00

A collaboration between TWF, Google, and SI for the Google I/O 2010 Keynote Presentation

Behind The Lens

2010-05-04T18:48:00.000-04:00

ESPN the Mag did a video of their regulars discussing what sets shooting for ESPN apart from other Mags.

ESPN The Magazine Photographers Project from Joseph Rodriguez on Vimeo.

Above and Beyond The Call of Duty

2010-04-12T19:42:00.000-04:00

Boundaries Boundaries !!!!

My students made me hip to his today...I love that there is a crack down. I've seen so many students treated unfairly. Working for nothing with no end in site.
My personal belief is an internship should be approximately 3 months in our industry. This should consist of a full range of experience rather than just a coffee runner or scanning an archive.

READ READ READ

Why Panic when you can Predict

2009-12-18T20:31:00.001-05:00

Folio Media Predictions for 2010

This Roller Coaster isn't much different than the last 12 years I've been working. Learn
to use the quiet time wisely rather than freak out. I can share with you all that freaking out never
got me anywhere other than stressed into a non creative freeze hold. Enjoy the ride. Anyone who
got into this business to get rich (and I'm not saying that you can't) should get out.

I'd love to hear some of your predictions...

On Set for Law & Order's 20 Year Reunion

2009-10-30T17:51:00.001-04:00

Do you ever feel like no one is listening to you?

Sometimes it's hard to keep the attention of 1 subject let alone 13 on a set. Many of the cast members hadn't seen each other in quite sometime. There are always time constraints on shoots and you can't let the shot get away from you. I always find it important to be assertive, say what I need and sometimes I use a good sense of humor to get what I need out of a subject.. or in this case 13 subjects!

If you haven't seen this already..

2009-09-03T10:49:00.000-04:00

I couldn't help but post this. Its all become so ridiculous!

So.. about those pink elephants..

2009-07-02T10:51:00.001-04:00

I exchanged a few emails this morning with Brian Boak of Scofield Editorial, one of the forces behind this funny little short. Brian said the video has really struck a chord with still photographers as well as those across many industries in this economic climate where everyone wants a deal whether they are struggling or not. He also went on to say that we of course have a choice as to whether or not we can take the job, but what is most frustrating is when this happens after you've committed to the gig! Touché, Brian.. touché!

I understand that now more than ever cutting corners is a necessity.. but not if you still want real live pink elephants running through the background of your images on a budget of $5!

Click the screen shot above to view the video.

Beautiful Prints, at a Fraction of the Price. Yes! Finally!

2009-06-18T14:00:00.000-04:00

So I've discovered a great way to print my portfolios & it would be wrong of me to keep it a secret... especially during these economic times. Back in 2006-2007 I approached Amanda Love at Loveleaf Press to help design my new portfolios. We were seeking a new way to present my work other than using the traditional C-Print-behind-acetate approach. Of course there is always the ink jet approach which, if done well, is beautiful... but the costs can be pretty steep. C-Print costs are pretty steep as well, especially if you're printing multiple books. Amanda introduced me to a great solution, one kick a$$ digital press made by HP, the Indigo .

**Disclaimer.. I am NOT a printing expert but I will try to explain the Indigo as best I can!**

The Indigo is a digital offset press that eliminates the need to produce a film or plate like other traditional offset presses. Traditional offset printing is great for massive print runs such as those for magazines, brochures, and books. However, for those looking to print in smaller quantities, traditional offset printing can be quite expensive. Indigo printing is the perfect solution for those looking for the quality of the offset press while also on a budget. For those of you familiar with the On Demand Printing/Publishing services of Blurb and LuLu, you may already have seen Indigo printing. While I have never printed a book through either one of these companies so I cannot vouch for the quality of their printing, I certainly can say the quality of my prints of that press are great. The blacks are sexy and the colors are rich and there are a wide variety of paper stocks available. I've received many compliments on my prints.

If you are in NYC I highly suggest the printing services of Print Icon. They were kind enough to schedule a time for me to come in and supervise the printing of my books. I was able to approve the proof and the final prints as they came off the press all in the same day. They were able to adjust all settings on the fly and we printed 4 11x14 books, 70 pages each (35 sheets double sided) in a matter of minutes! They recommend you let the prints sit for 24 hours before attempting to score and punch them, so the next day we received a beautiful box of prints ready to go. All for under $700.00. That's about 5 bucks a page, 2.50 per side. YEAH!

Here is some advice for printing on the Indigo:
- Try to arrange for printing your proof and your books on the same day. Digital presses' calibration will vary slightly every day and if you have a discerning eye you will definitely see the differences in your prints if done on two separate days.
- Make sure the printer you decide to go with has enough paper to fulfill your entire print run. Switching paper batches halfway through a job can result in color deviations from your original proof (much like color differences in films from different emulsion batches)
- I found large amounts of black ink on coated paper can chip off. Black ink adheres best to the uncoated paper, so if your work has a lot of black or if you plan on having full black pages, consider an uncoated paper.
- If you are going to score your prints make sure the grain of the paper is running in the correct direction! The printer should know this but just make sure they understand how your prints will be scored.
- I've found the indigo prints slightly darker and with more contrast, so keep this in mind when prepping your files for print. This may also just be the calibration of my monitor versus their printer's calibration but I've done several print runs and experienced this every time.
- Research the paper stock sizes before designing/laying out your portfolio. The press is limited to 12x19 size paper.
- Double check the color profiles of all your images! And create your black pages in Photoshop, convert to a Tiff & then import into your InDesign document. The black pages we created in InDesign were not as nice and rich as the ones we created in Photoshop. This is probably just user error since I don't quite understand the difference between Photoshop black and InDesign black...
- Use the money you save on this printing to reinvest back into your business! Don't blow it on cool sneakers, silly.

I think that sums it up. Check it out!

Almost a Decade Later...

2009-04-21T15:28:00.000-04:00

Almost a decade later I decided to look back on Lil' Wayne past and
present. The Blaze cover (center) was shot in February of 2000. The images to the left and right I shot for Vibe 7 years later. Oh how we've grown! Anyway, just thought I'd share his sensitive side with you all....
Click on the image above to see a larger version.

Conversations on Set with Mia Diehl of Fortune Magazine, Part 2

2009-03-31T16:32:00.001-04:00

Conversations on set with Mia Diehl. We asked her how she felt about the quality of portfolio prints she's been seeing lately.

Conversations on Set with Mia Diehl of Fortune Magazine, Part 1

2009-03-12T13:49:00.000-04:00

Last week we were on set with Mia Diehl in Manhattan shooting a feature for Fortune Magazine. In between setting up shots Mia and I had some short conversations about the industry. Here is a a bit of our conversation that may be of interest to young photographers out there.

Pawning Art

2009-02-24T22:46:00.000-05:00

If you have any Warhols in your closet and haven't had a shoot in a few months....now's a chance to capitalize!
See article about Annie Leibovitz that was in the NYTimes Today.

Disability Insurance

2009-02-23T23:37:00.000-05:00

Today I want to touch on the importance of Disability Insurance.
I urge you to consider it as important as health insurance.
I know times are tough but there are reasonable policies that you may qualify for thru the ASMP or the APA.
This policy may be an obvious for many of you but I am sad to say that I know less than a handful of my peers that hold this form of insurance.
It is a fairly standard clause on most photographer's agreements/contracts that you agree that you're not an employee of the company you are shooting for or entitled to employee benefits. This means that if something were to happen to you on a shoot that puts you out of work for a significant period of time you are 100% responsible. The ASMP offers a basic but reasonable plan to their members that provides at least some form of coverage should you not be able to work. Taylor and Taylor is a good source to research this plan.
An additional tidbit of information that your accountant may share is if you don't take the insurance as a business expense now it would be tax free should you need to take the claim. Disability insurance generally takes you to age 65. If you take the policy as a business deduction now you will need to pay taxes on it as if it was income. I urge you to consider this policy as a safety measure for both you and your families.

Carey Price for ESPN The Magazine

2009-02-18T14:39:00.000-05:00

In December we traveled to Montreal to photograph Carey Price for the cover of ESPN The Magazine. It was a crazy shoot, we had 30 minutes to shoot the cover, some inside options, interview Carey & shoot some video footage for the magazine's online content. And of course we did it all on ice and a couple of hours sleep. It was a whirlwind shoot and we got what we could get...
Above is the video we cut...here is the LINK to how ESPN the Magazine used it....

Aaron Neville at Angola Prison

2009-02-18T12:26:00.000-05:00

This past November I traveled to Louisiana with Aaron and accompanied him as he made a visit to perform at Angola Prison. We spent several hours with unrestricted access to the prison, it was an incredible experience. During the visit Aaron was able to reconnect with some old friends and performed for a packed crowd in the prison church. This is a short video of Aaron's visit to the prison & a small glimpse into the lives of the men behind Angola's bars.

This is the first of many video projects to come as I explore other creative outlets for my work.

SAF Blog is Born!

2009-02-18T12:16:00.000-05:00

I figured it time to jump on the blogging train. I'm excited to have a new forum to share what I'm up to outside of emailing and website updates.

Here I'll be sharing current work, personal projects, videos, outtakes, behind the scenes and business information. I look forward to sharing all these things with you and to your feedback.