These Standouts Stand Out

Happy Friday! I decided to experiment with a new contemporary print technique by ordering my first “standout” or “box mount” prints from Mpix. The two photos I chose are of contemporary themes (both taken in Barcelona) so I thought it would be suitable. I had them printed on metallic paper (great choice for vibrant colors), then mounted on this 1.5″ foam, the sides being a smooth black. I promptly received them in the mail (thanks, Mpix!) yesterday and love the look! They are so smooth, shiny, vibrant….and light! Now I just need to figure out how to attach hanging wire to them and enter them into the annual Isle of Wight Members Show….hopefully they will be accepted, even though they are not technically ‘framed’. Has anyone had experience (success or failure) using photo print mounts in an exhibition?

More about standouts here

500px vs Zenfolio

Like many photographers, I’m always on the lookout for new photography sites for either displaying my photography or for learning more about the craft. Although it’s not exactly a new site, 500px is new for me. I recently signed up for an account at http://www.500px.com, which is a site that displays some pretty awesome photography. In fact, if you purchase the upgraded account for 500px, you are considered “Awesome”, with the word displayed on your gravatar. When one signs up, they are automatically “Awesome” for a 14 day trial period. So, I am currently in this state of Awesomeness and checking out the site community. I already have a Zenfolio account, which beautifully displays my portfolio, however the user community doesn’t seem as active as the 500px community. Mere moments after nervously uploading my first batch of photos to the 500px site, I started receiving votes and favorable comments (although constructive criticism is welcome also). Zenfolio has its benefits, however I’ve never received comments from other photographers and this is my second year using them. On the other hand, 500px seems to be meant for critiques, commentary, voting, learning, and the whole social aspect of photography. I also like that there’s an easy way to share or Pin each photo. I will provide an update in the future about how 500px plays out for me, however, my initial feedback is that it’s, well, awesome! Check it out here…

If any photographers out there with experience with 500px and/or Zenfolio care to share their opinions of either site, please do!