A Stunning Photography Book Chronicling International Medical Corps' 25-Year History

International Medical Corps and Three Hawks Press have released "A Thousand Words: Photos from the Field," a stunning coffee table photography book documenting the humanitarian crises to which we have responded in the last quarter century.

Written and edited by Stacy Twilley and with a Foreword by CNN Chief International Correspondent Christiane Amanpour, the book is a collection of award-winning images chosen by renowned Los Angeles museum curators and noted collectors including Mario Testino, Richard Gere, and Anjelica Huston that show International Medical Corps' long-term commitment to healing, training, and self-reliance.

"I first became aware of the extraordinary work International Medical Corps was doing after the tsunami in Indonesia," Twilley said. "I started volunteering with International Medical Corps and that's when I discovered their archive of more than 10,000 photographs. The images were extraordinary. Some were taken by famous photographers and others by aid workers in the midst of crisis. I realized that I had stumbled onto an unprecedented account of history."

The book was more than two years in the making. Those involved worked on a pro bono basis–donating their time, talent, photographs, and in some cases, dollars. "I think the result is an incredibly compassionate and remarkably moving photography book that raises awareness for an organization we passionately believe in," said Twilley.

While the images captured in the book reveal the devastation of war, famine and natural disaster, they also are a testament to the power of compassion, strength and innovation in helping people recover from crisis and rebuild their lives.

"I have witnessed some of our generation's worst human tragedies–and the remarkable resilience of the human spirit," said Nancy Aossey, President & CEO of International Medical Corps. "Each photograph in this book is a profound reminder of the incredible journey of International Medical Corps, and the exceptional efforts of our colleagues who have cared for hundreds of millions of people in these fragile, often dangerous environments."

"A Thousand Words: Photos from the Field" is available at Amazon.com (http://tiny.cc/1000words) and makes thoughtful gift for all those with a compassionate humanitarian spirit.

Net proceeds from the book sales will be donated to International Medical Corps. More information and a preview of the images can be seen at http://www.imcworldwide.org/Page.aspx?pid=736.

Somerset Photographers Create the Art of Science

Most people would struggle to name more than one or two living British scientists. Thanks to Somerset-based professional photographers Anita Corbin and John O'Grady this could be about to change. Portraits of nine British scientists, commissioned by The British Council and taken by Anita and John, have recently been acquired by The National Portrait Gallery, London for its Collection and will be displayed for the first time from 26 August 2009 to 17 January 2010.

Anita Corbin from Corbin O'Grady Studio in Wellington, explains, “The colour portraits were taken in 1989 for the series “Science in Profile" commissioned by The British Council. The pictures were taken by my partner John O'Grady and me over a three month period. There were 24 in total and the resulting set of portraits was exhibited in the early nineties all over the world but never in Britain. The large colour prints will form part of the photographic archive of significant Britons at The National Portrait Gallery and will be exhibited for the first time in the UK in August."

Helen Trompeteler, Picture Librarian at the National Portrait Gallery, says that the Gallery is delighted to obtain these nine portraits which will be displayed within its new Science in Focus display.

Anita remembers each portrait session clearly, "These guys are highly intelligent, but they were easy to talk to and we even understood most of what they were saying! They were all absolutely passionate about their subjects and we enjoyed capturing that passion in their pictures." Anita singles out Joe Farman, an environmental scientist, whose discovery of the ozone 'hole' has had consequences of far-reaching and global importance, describing him as “very intense and very straight talking regarding the troubles of the ozone layer."

One particular scientist, who will ring a bell with many people, is Robert Edwards who pioneered In vitro fertilization techniques at Bourn Hall Clinic at the time he was photographed in 1989 his work had helped to create over 2000 babies.

Anita and John, of Corbin O'Grady Studio, have been working together since 1984 and moved their business from London to Wellington in 2001.

FotoMuse IPhone App Inspires Publishers And Photography Hobbyists

In an age where Photoshop users routinely manipulate photographs to perfection, the thought-provoking depth and artistic value of imperfect "reality" images is often lost.

Now, thanks to FotoMuse ($2.99 in the Apple App Store), anyone with an iPhone can infuse snapshots with artistic depth in just a few simple steps.

"With FotoMuse, we've created a new category in photography - where street glamour meets fine art via the iPhone," said photographer and fitness expert Kris Gebhardt, who developed the app in partnership with WebUrban LLC. Gebhardt initially used his iPhone when an unexpected camera jam threatened to ruin a photo shoot, but he now regularly takes fashion, glamour, beauty, and figure shots with the mobile device. "It allows me to quickly capture real time and unrehearsed moments, without having to lug studio equipment around, pay staff, and deal with the ruckus of a shoot production," he said.

In FotoMuse, Gebhardt's signature effects - grunge, uneven borders, scratches, light leaks, toner stains, bleach, and overlays - are provided to iPhone users so they can apply them to their own images.
The result? Both publishers and hobbyists are transforming photographs into fine art.

Gebhardt notes that online publishers are weary of using the tired images found on stock photography sites. "Online editors and webmasters are embracing FotoMuse's unique filters, borders, and fine art effects to create eye-catching images that pop off of a web page and differentiate their sites from those of their competitors," he said. "They can literally snap a picture, edit it, and upload it in about five minutes."

But it was the reaction from amateur photographers that took Gebhardt by surprise. "When we built the app, we'd assumed that picture resolution was inconsequential, since most people would want to email their photos," he said. "We couldn't have been more wrong. It turns out that FotoMuse users want to print, frame, and hang their images on the wall." As a result, FotoMuse's upcoming release will include a high-resolution option that brings iPhone snaps to life.

Gebhardt is thrilled that both publishers and amateur photographers are using FotoMuse to its full advantage. "So-called 'imperfect' photographs are much more visually interesting than stock images or those that have been Photoshopped to perfection," he said. "I'm glad that FotoMuse is helping to infuse an artistic edge into personal snapshots, and that it's giving online publishers an easy-to-use tool to create visual interest on their websites."

Travel Photo Contest 2009 by Open Travel

Open Travel announces the first edition of its travel photography contest, where visitors to Opentravel.com - at least 18 years of age and planet Earth residents - will have the opportunity to upload and share their works with other traveling and photography aficionados.

While the core idea of photography is not about competing, but rather about capturing the infinitely diverse beauty of the world and the satisfaction that comes from unveiling this to others, Open Travel has prepared two fantastic cash prizes in the amount of $1000 and $500 for Best Travel Photo and People's Choice Best Travel Photo respectively.

As of September 21, 2009 participants are invited to upload unlimited photos taken during their voyages throughout the world, be it a weekend outing to the French countryside, a holiday in the Caribbean, a shopping spree at a souq in Morocco, or an African safari. Focus your cameras on just about anything you feel worthwhile.

Photo submissions will be accepted at http://opentravel.com/photo_contest until October 23, 2009. From the pool of all submitted photographs, a panel of experts will choose one that excels in terms of photographic quality and the extent to which it captures the essence of a travel experience, place or event. Additionally, a separate prize will be awarded for the photograph that is voted best by the users. Winning photos will be featured on http://www.opentravel.com/

Photographers Invited To Submit Favorite Ontario Photos

Copp Communications, a marketing agency in Waterloo, is looking for photo submissions for a high quality calendar that celebrates the beauty of Ontario, Canada.

This is the fourth year that Copp Communications has created a calendar on behalf of one of their clients. However this year it was decided to release an open call for photo submissions to both professional and amateur photographers across Ontario.

Photographers featured in the calendar will receive payment, credit for their photo, and will be acknowledged with a brief bio and web address on the contribution page, included in the calendar. Approximately 7,000 copies of the calendar will be printed and distributed to businesses across Ontario.

"We have received great feedback from photographers who have contributed to past calendars, and we are really looking forward to seeing the photo submissions we receive this year", says Chris Copp, Director of Creative and Consulting.

Copp Communications is looking for photos from anywhere in Ontario; however, there is a particular need for photos specifically from Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, Hamilton, Barrie, York Region, Peterborough, Ottawa, Cornwall and surrounding areas of Ontario. Photos from these geographic areas will be given first priority.

The photo submission deadline is October 8, 2009. The selection process will occur at the end of October. Only photographers whose photos have been selected will be contacted.

Deadline for photos is October 8, 2009
Requirements:
* Beautiful, striking nature shots with a sense of place in Ontario
* Looking for wide range of seasonal shots
* Photos must be horizontal
* Maximum submission 6 photos per photographer
* Please include the location of each photo
* Low resolution jpeg photos no bigger than 500kb
Submission Instructions:
* Please title your subject line: Photo Submission for Calendar
* Please email photos to calendar@coppcomm.ca

Please feel free to visit www.coppcomm.ca/calendar to see a PDF version of last year's calendar.

BC Council for Families Announces Online Family Photo Competition

No one knows how to have fun like your family! Now, you could even win a prize for it.

This fall, to celebrate Canada's National Family Week, October 5 - 11, 2009, the BC Council for Families is inviting families to show off their fun side with the I Love My Family Online Photo Competition. The Council will be giving away great prizes for the best photos of family fun. To enter, all you need is a photo of your family and a 100-word story telling us what fun means in your family.

"We want to celebrate the incredible diversity of families in BC. Every family is different, but every family is built on love," said Glenn Hope, Executive Director of the BC Council for Families. "This contest is a chance for everyone to share what makes their family unique and wonderful. Families are all about caring for one another, spending time together, and having fun. We're looking forward to some terrific photos and stories of family fun!"

Each day during National Family Week, one winning photo will be chosen by the BC Council for Families as a great example of why We Love Families. The grand-prize winner will be announced in November. The deadline to enter is October 16, 2009. For complete details, visit http://www.bccf.bc.ca/. Join us on Facebook to enter your family fun photos today.

"This is a great time to encourage everyone in BC to enjoy the simple things in life," said Hope. "Having fun with family can be as simple as sharing a joke or taking a walk. That's what makes it so wonderful."

"Show Us Your National Parks" Photo Contest

From September 1st through September 30th, visitors to Fodors.com will have the opportunity to upload and share their favorite photos and experiences of America's National Parks with other travelers. Ten winners will receive a copy of The National Parks by Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns as well as a Fodor's guide of their choice. Photographs will be considered for inclusion in upcoming editions of Fodor's National Parks guides and all winning photos will be featured in an online gallery at http://www.fodors.com/.

Said Tim Jarrell, Publisher, Fodor's, "With bigger-than-life panoramas, bubbling mud pots, shooting geysers, raging rivers, black bears, big horn sheep, and spectacular flora and fauna that barely scrape the surface of offerings, the National Parks are a photographer's delight. We are excited to see these sites through the eyes of our travelers."

Photo submissions will be accepted at http://www.fodors.com/ through September 30th, 2009. Fodor's has previously run photo contests for Ireland, Argentina, Turkey, Israel, Maryland, New Mexico, Costa Rica, California, Florida, and Alaska. Winning photos from these contests can be seen on http://www.Fodors.com .