Photoblog love

It's Valentine's Day, and I'd like to mark this occasion by sharing some links to photgraphy blogs that I find a joy to read, both for the writing and the photographs. 

The Visual Science Lab is written by Kirk Tuck, experienced photographer and a very good writer (I have his lighting books, and they're fantastic as well as really affordable). He may have written some very astute reviews, most notably that of the Leica M6 and the recent review of the Olympus E-PL2, and you will find some posts that discuss photo kit, but don't expect them to be a priority. Instead, Tuck writes a lot about the jobs he is booked for, and his personal experiences walking around with a camera, as well as some classic rants. His love for photography shows through with every post; this is a man who is unabashedly in love with photography, and we could do with more Kirk Tucks in this world.

For those who love landscape photography, I can think of no better photographer than Oleg Novikov. My own dismal efforts at photographing landscapes have always been less than optimal, and it isn't something that I know I'm strong at. Even now, I am far more comfortable photographing people than I am of any landscape. But I am determined to improve, and Novikov's photos are a big reason why. Every time I see a new photograph on the site, I am inspired, and to me, Novikov is the only current master whose photographs continually has that awe-inspiring effect on me. He's also one of the few photographers who still use film almost exclusively.

Photojournalists need no introduction to Will van Overbeek, and if you do, I'm sure you have seen at least one of his photographs. Van Overbeek has recently started a blog to showcase his photos, so the posts are long on photos and short on words, but who would lament that?

Then there is my favourite photography blog, The Online Photographer, or TOP, run by Mike Johnston. Unlike the other blogs listed above, Johnston's skill lies in his writing. This is not to say he's not a good photographer, which he is, but Johnston's gift is in his prolific writing, probably driven in part by his constantly getting trapped in his house in the Wisconsin weather (I'm told it snows there in the summer1). Plus, Ctein's weekly column on TOP is a curious mix of science and art. I can't go a day without reading it.

Lastly, for a dose of in-your-face, sarcastic humour that can only come from people who love what they do, is the Tumblr blog Shit Photojournalists Like. You don't have to be a PJ to enjoy it, just someone who has a more than passing interest in photography and owner of a decent camera or two dozen. They've even got a Twitter feed, those attention seekers.

Here's wishing all of you a great Valentine's Day; and don't just read the blogs, go out there and make some photos. Have fun. And remember, be safe; and if you can't, be careful.2

1 I'm kidding; pretty sure Johnston (and Wisconsin) gets some sun. But TOP Central has been going through some real inches there lately.

2 Courtesy of my friend, Alan Oliveiro. But if this is a movie quote from somewhere, I'd sure like to know.