VISUAL CREATORS
For your artistic side.

🌊 Stunning Finalists for Ocean Photographer 2024

The Story: The finalists for the 2024 Ocean Photographer of the Year competition have been announced, showcasing breathtaking images that highlight the beauty and fragility of our oceans. From mesmerizing underwater shots to stunning coastal landscapes, these photographs celebrate the incredible diversity of marine life and the artistic talents of their creators. The winners will be revealed on September 12, with prizes totaling over $12,898 in cash and awards.

The Details:

• This year’s competition received more than 15,000 submissions from talented photographers worldwide, showcasing the depth of underwater photography.

• Selected finalists include striking images like synchronized turtles, a black-and-white whale duo, and a diver silhouetted against an icy backdrop.

• Categories include wildlife, adventure, conservation, fine art, human connection, and young photographers, each aiming to underscore the health of our oceans.

• The winning photos will be featured in exhibitions across the globe, starting with the Australian National Maritime Museum in November.

• The competition emphasizes the need to raise awareness of ocean conservation while celebrating the artists who capture its essence.

Why It Matters: The Ocean Photographer of the Year competition serves as a vital platform to promote awareness about the delicate state of our oceans. For creative professionals in photography and conservation, the event highlights the pressing need for visual storytelling that can inspire change and foster appreciation for marine ecosystems. In a world facing significant environmental challenges, these stunning images remind us of the beauty we stand to lose if we don't act.

PRODUCTION MASTERY
The commercial aspects of creativity.

📷 Fujifilm: Retro Cameras Face Production Woes

The Story: The photography world is captivated by a resurgence of retro technology, as enthusiasts turn to analog and instant cameras to embrace nostalgia. Fujifilm stands out with its retro-styled models, blending craftsmanship and cutting-edge innovation. However, manufacturing challenges, particularly in semiconductor production, are impacting the availability of these cameras, as Fujifilm's President discusses in-depth.

The Details:

• Fujifilm's retro cameras, including the X100 series, combine intricate craftsmanship with advanced features, but mass production faces critical semiconductor supply issues.

• Demand for retro-style models is rising, leading to a planned doubling of production; however, unique designs complicate mass manufacturing.

• A shortage of film for Fujifilm's Instax camera line arises due to the popularity of instant photo printers, with consumers drawn to the distinct quality of printed silver halide images.

• The surge in popularity for retro cameras suggests a desire for traditional photography experiences as users seek simplicity and craftsmanship in their gear.

Why It Matters: The interest in retro-styled cameras signifies a shift in the photography market, prioritizing tangible nostalgia over high-tech versatility. For creative professionals, embracing this trend means connecting with a clientele longing for simplicity and authenticity, as well as understanding the manufacturing challenges that could shape the availability of these sought-after tools. As the market pivots, opportunities for artists to differentiate through traditional approaches abound, reinforcing the value of craftsmanship in a digital age.

CREATOR ECONOMY
Navigating the digital creative world.

🛡️ Brands Grade Influencers on Politics

The Story: As political discourse heats up with the upcoming presidential election, brands are increasingly wary of influencers who may discuss politics. In response, marketing agencies are introducing AI-powered tools to evaluate the brand safety of social media personalities, helping brands avoid pitfalls associated with political content.

The Details:

• Marketing firms like Captiv8 and Viral Nation are using AI to analyze influencers' past content, predicting future political discussions based on their online personas.

• Captiv8's tool assigns letter grades to creators, assessing their likelihood to discuss sensitive topics, with “A” indicating a safe brand environment and “C” suggesting caution.

• Viral Nation's “risk profiles” detect subtle elements in creators' content, such as weapons or protest signs, even if those aren’t explicitly stated.

• Following significant consumer backlash during the last election, brands are eager to avoid funding harmful content online.

• The creator economy is projected to reach $480 billion by 2027, highlighting the importance of these safety measures for marketers.

Why It Matters: In an age where a single controversial comment can spark widespread backlash, brands must navigate influencer marketing with care. The introduction of sophisticated tools to assess influencers not only protects brand reputation but could also shape future trends in marketing strategies. As political discussions continue to permeate online spaces, understanding the nuances of influencers’ pasts can safeguard against unwanted surprises and ensure brand alignment during tumultuous times.

🔥 Press Worthy

📽️ VISUAL CREATORS

Camera tech has arguably hit the sweet spot for most photographers, fulfilling 99% of needs. With the market flooded with features, it's a question of whether newer gear truly enhances art or simply fuels tech obsession. Prioritize skill over specs!

The EISA 2024-2025 Awards honor the Sony A9 III as Camera of the Year. With Nikon's Z8 winning last year, the competition heats up. Canon's absence is felt, as their latest models missed the submission deadline, leaving fans speculating about future awards.

📈 PRODUCTION MASTERY

As the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics approaches, sports video production gears up to deliver immersive experiences for a global audience. With advanced techniques and storytelling, it’ll capture the thrill of new sports like skateboarding and surfing while emphasizing sustainability and inclusivity.

Meet Eddy, your new AI video editing buddy! This intuitive assistant understands context and helps create rough cuts in no time. With a conversational interface, Eddy simplifies editing by identifying key topics and soundbites, making client revisions faster and smoother.

🎭 CREATOR ECONOMY

Meta's CFO Susan Li revealed that over 50% of US Instagram Reels recommendations now come from original posts. This positive shift helps emerging creators shine and follows recent algorithm changes favoring authentic content. A promising step toward creator recognition!

Google's Team Pixel program faces backlash after introducing strict terms that blurred the line between influencer marketing and honest reviews. Former members claim the new agreement stifles genuine feedback, raising questions about the integrity of Pixel 9 reviews overall.

📚 Learn & Grow

📽️ VISUAL CREATORS

• Make film development at home easy with the AGO semi-automatic film processor

• Time Machine: Hiroshi Sugimoto Reflects on 4 Photographic Series

📈 PRODUCTION MASTERY

• How to Name Your Short Film for Maximum Impact

• DIY Bike Rig for Smooth Solo Shoots

🎭 CREATOR ECONOMY

• Instagram Tests Displaying Rectangular Posts on Profile Grids

• Generation Alpha Ranks YouTube as Coolest Brand, Netflix in Second Place