The Famous Black and White Photography You Can Afford Now

Famous black and white photography prints go for a lot of money in the art market. Have you ever wished you knew about an artist's work when it was cheap enough for you to invest in before it started going up and up like a red hot stock tip? Well you can. The black and white photographs of Alfred Cheney Johnston, a contemporary of Edward Steichen and Alfred Stieglitz are gaining steam.

Alfred Cheney Johnston was the famed photographer of the Ziegfeld Follies. During his reign with the Follies, Cheney shot some of the most famous and beautiful people in the world - Lillian Gish, the Barrymores, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and the Madonna of the Jazz Age - Louise Brooks known by her fans back then and today as just "Lulu".

Cheney shot thousands of stunning black and white photographs. They're stunning because of his fine art training. ACJ started out as an art student in New York City and was a protege of artist Charles Dana Gibson, who created the "Gibson Girl" modeled after his wife. While Cheney was still in art school the medium of photography was gaining ground as an acceptable art medium. It was Gibson who brought Cheney's attention to photography in the first place and encouraged him to explore it as a new way to express his artistry. Thankfully Cheney listened.

During the Jazz Age, before the big stock market crash which triggered the Great Depression of the 1930's, Alfred Cheney Johnston was in great demand. Not only was he photographing all the stars and many of the chorus girls of the Ziegfeld Follies, he was photographing the denizens of Fifth Avenue in the New York City. It wasn't long before Hollywood came calling wanting to hire Cheney to shoot stills of the stars. At one time Johnston was as famous as many of the people he photographed.

The Great Depression brought ruin all across the United States. With money tight, especially for such luxuries as going to Broadway musicals, Flo Ziegfeld was forced to close the Follies. Alfred Cheney Johnston and his wife retreated to an old Connecticut farm where he lived out his life in total obscurity.
Upon Cheney's death thousands of his photographs were discovered in his studio. An old turkey coop was filled with all his glass negatives. The negatives were carted off to the local dump. The black and white photographs were inherited by a close friend. Eventually the entire collection was sold to a photo dealer.

Thanks to the Internet, especially eBay, those stunning black and white prints started being offered for sale on the auction site. As a result Alfred Cheney Johnston's work is slowly regaining its notoriety from the days of the Roaring 20's.

Ava Land is a black and white photography enthusiast. To learn more about collecting the famous black and white photography of Alfred Cheney Johnston at affordable prices visit this link http://alfredcheneyjohnston.com/Photography.htm.

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Bridal Boudoir Photography - First Timers

B-pics are the newest gift for grooms , hot trend amongst brides-to-be , keepsake for loving couples and entertainment for single girls who just want to strut their stuff in front of  the camera.

What are b-pics? 

B-pics are professional boudoir pictures. Inspired by the 1920's, through the 1960's, young brides are hoping to look like glamour girls of the past. Bettie Page, Marilyn Monroe, Bridget Bardot, are just a few of the more popular icons of the times.Professional boudoir photographers are in high demand as the trend for B-pics rises around the world. B-pics are intended to capture the beauty of the female body , female attitude and sexy energy that is within all women. They are intended to seductive, romantic and sexual in nature. Some B-pics may be classy while others can be much more revealing and naughty.

What's the big deal about B-pics? 

The best thing about boudoir photographs as a gift to your boyfriend, lover or husband is that a girl has the opportunity to have professional hair and makeup, professional lighting, professional photography and editing. It's a chance to look like a super model and give the boudoir photographs to your significant other. Many girls are even taking these B-pics for themselves. With social networks like MySpace and Facebook, girls can post their sexy boudoir pictures online for all of their old friends to envy.

What to expect at a boudoir photo shoot? 

Many boudoir photographers work out of small studios, home studios or will travel to your location. Depending on the boudoir photographer you choose,

1. Cost-the cost for profession b-pics can range from $300-$900 for a session.
2. Hair and Makeup-The session generally includes hair and make up, 3-4 outfit changes, professionally edited photos and a cd or prints of the top 20 pictures from your boudoir photo shoot. don't be shy.
3. Outfits-Once you arrive to the photo shoot, you will need to have your outfits with you. Most boudoir photographers do not provide outfits, simply because it would be too difficult to keep an inventory of various sizes and styles available. The photographer will want to see the outfits and start planning the shoot.
4. How Long it Takes-The shoot can take anywhere from 2 hours to 5 hours depending on how many looks you paid for in your boudoir or bridal boudoir package.after your first hair and make up look is complete you will need to get into your sexy little outfit. Many girls go topless, some go naked. It may seem that many of these girls are professional models, because their b-pics look so professional. This is when you have a good boudoir photographer. The right lighting, the right angles and good editing can make you look like a super model.
5. Poses-If you have the right photographer, you will be guided and instructed about posing for your boudoir photos. There are pinup poses, bedroom poses, outdoor poses, laying down, standing up and cupcake poses. It is always best to browse photo galleries online before your boudoir photo shoot to see the type of poses that you feel are attractive. You should also practice poses in your own time before your photo session begins. this helps you to become comfortable and confident with your different looks.

Where to find a boudoir photographer?

 

Many boudoir photographers are going on tour to take pictures in different states. One famous boudoir photographer by the name of Beth Cocuzzi has tours in San Francisco and Las Vegas Regularly. While her home studio is located in Huntington Beach, ca. , many girls can't afford the flight. Many wedding websites like project wedding, the know and wedding bee have forums where girls discuss their personal photo shoots and share their experiences.

How to book a boudoir shoot?

Always be sure to reserve your day with a boudoir photographer at least 30 days in advance. Especially during wedding season, it is recommended to reserve your boudoir shoot 60-90 days in advance. You should always expect to give a non-refundable deposit to reserve your day. 

Last but not least, bring a friend and have fun. If you are having fun with your boudoir photo shoot, the camera will love you. If your B-pics come out amazing, many girls get them professionally bound into leather photo albums called photo books. this is a great way to keep your pictures safe throughout the years.

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