We've featured dramatic shots of the Boston skyline and colorful foliage; how about some action shots of people? It's fall sports season, and kids are playing football, soccer, field hockey, volleyball, running cross-country, and more. Adults are running road races, playing touch football, and pulling muscles.

Let's see some action! Send in your best sports shots to raw@boston.com.

ADD A COMMENT (2)

Several things going on and coming up in the Queendom of RAW:

> The October "Get Close" contest ends at midnight Friday, so add those tags or upload those photos as soon as you can. We'll give photos added to brand-new Flickr accounts a couple of days to show up, and then a Globe photographer will help us narrow the voting choices to 50. Everybody here at B.com and El Globo are flat-out with election coverage, so if our Voting Machine doesn't get posted until the end of next week, please understand why.

There's more:

READ MORE

ADD A COMMENT (0)

Griffin Museum of Photography
67 Shore Road
Winchester

Text and photos by Kati M. Seiffer

WINCHESTER - As I entered the museum through its rustic wooden front door, I was greeted with a warm and cheerful "Welcome to the Griffin Museum of Photography" from Gallery Monitor Andrea Alberg. Although I drive past the museum every day, this was my first opportunity to step inside and view the exhibits.

READ MORE

ADD A COMMENT (5)

The Panopticon Gallery throws two receptions in one tonight. The opening party for Christian Waeber's exhibit "Later That Night . . ." will also be the reception for Mara Brod's "Miniatures." Waeber's photographs are surreal shots of deserted parts of Boston at night. Brod's exhibit features tiny, toy-camera shots of Boston suburbia. Both photography collections make Boston look beautiful, albeit creepy.

Reception tonight from 5 to 7. Free. Both shows up through Nov. 17.
Panopticon Gallery, Hotel Commonwealth, 502c Commonwealth Ave., Kenmore Square, Boston. 617-267-8929.

-- The Boston Globe

ADD A COMMENT (0)

RAW is a site for amateur photographers; a place for you to showcase your images, enter contests, and get recognized for the wonderful work you do.

But it's also a place to learn -- the monthly critiques by Globe photographers are an example -- and to get inspired.

The photo above is an example of the latter. It certainly impressed the editors at Editor & Publisher magazine -- a trade journal for us journalist types. They named this photo by Globe staff photographer Essdras M. Suarez its Feature Photo of the Year. It, along with other winning photos, are in the magazine's November issue.

We're very happy for Essdras, who has won lots of awards in his career. If you want to see more of his work, visit his portfolio on the Globe's Photography site. And be inspired.

ADD A COMMENT (1)

Late Columbia University librarian amassed a stunning set of historic images

By David W. Dunlap
New York Times News Service

Herbert Mitchell was a Columbia University librarian who filled his high-ceilinged Morningside Heights apartment with rare stereographs, seductive daguerreotypes, Majolica ceramics, Parian statuary, and cabinets full of 19th-century architectural books.

In 2007, the Metropolitan Museum of Art was able to add to its photography collection the 3,866 stereographic views of New York City from the 19th and early 20th centuries that Mr. Mitchell donated that year. Most show Central Park not long after its construction. Some of them were published in the winter 2008 issue of the museum bulletin, "Creating Central Park," by Morrison H. Heckscher.

READ MORE

ADD A COMMENT (0)

Want to be part of our election coverage? Boston.com's News Editor, Mark Micheli, is asking RAW readers to send in photos that illustrate what the election process is all about: Democracy and the rights given to us by the Constitution. Your photos will become part of Boston.com's election package. Here's what to do:

READ MORE

ADD A COMMENT (0)

Fame is the name of her game

By Mark Feeney
Globe Staff

"Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens" is, in effect, an infomercial. To be sure, it's an infomercial for a quality product. Leibovitz has long been the world's most celebrated celebrity photographer. But it's still an infomercial - for a family firm, as it were. The documentary, which aired on PBS's "American Masters" in January 2007, was written, photographed, and directed by Barbara Leibovitz, Annie's sister.

READ MORE

ADD A COMMENT (0)

Wellesley
The Wellesley Free Library is hosting a workshop on digital photography basics and computer use from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5. This workshop will provide an overview of digital photography to include selecting a camera (compact, SLR) and printer, image file formats, and basic techniques for adjusting the quality of digital photographs for printing, emailing, and displaying on the web.

The program will also look at storage options both for the camera and computer, transferring images from the camera to the computer, and accessories to make the process easier. Other topics include free services where you can share photos with family and friends, data recovery, and a demonstration of basic photo editing.

The class is designed for adults with some computer experience. Advance registration is required; sign up online, by calling 781-235-1610, or in person at the main library, which is located at 530 Washington St.

Raynham
A two-part workshop on digital camera use will be held next month at the Raynham Public Library, 760 South Main St. At 7 p.m. on Nov. 12 and Nov. 19, members of the Hockomock Digital Photographers, a West Bridgewater camera club, will present a primer on digital camera use. The first session will focus on camera basics and terminology related to digital imaging. Part two will focus on digital darkroom techniques. Participation is free, but registration is required. Call the library at 508-823-1344.
-- Christine Legere, Globe South

ADD A COMMENT (0)

Augustus F. Sherman was a clerk with the Immigration Division at Ellis Island, the main portal into the United States for millions of immigrants. He also was an accomplished amateur photographer, and as such, snapped 250 portraits of individuals and families while they were detained -- for medical reasons or further interrogation.

Seventy-five of those photographs are on display at the National Heritage Museum in Lexington through April 26. The Globe's Mark Feeney reviewed the exhibit:

By Mark Feeney
Globe Staff

LEXINGTON - The early 20th century had a mania for classification. The more complex modern life became, it seems, the more those in charge - thinkers no less than officials - sought to divide up that complexity into manageable categories.

READ MORE

ADD A COMMENT (0)

Two things melded for me recently into a new idea for RAW: First, I attended the opening of the Young Photographers Initiative exhibit at the Children's Museum (and made them last week's POTW); next, I was intrigued by Kati Seiffer's photo of the Griffin Museum of Photography in Winchester, which you voted into Third Place in the September "My Neighborhood" contest. I have heard of the museum, but never visited, and would like to know more about it.

So this was my idea: Why not ask all of you to go "On Assignment" for RAW and write about the photo-related exhibits, museums, classes, fairs, etc. that you attend?

Here's how it could work:

READ MORE

ADD A COMMENT (2)

The chat has ended, and it was great. Lots of good suggestions and tips, and a lot of photo exchanging! Thanks to all who took part. We'll do it again soon. Meanwhile, you can read the transcript:

READ MORE

ADD A COMMENT (1)

Even though Susan Furber shoots a wide range of photo styles, I was impressed by her close-ups. Given the theme of our October contest, I asked her to highlight, and discuss, her fascination with intimate shots of everyday objects.

By Susan Furber
South Easton

I can't pinpoint what sparked my interest in photography, but I feel as though my father in particular has helped me progress from a 15-year-old with a point-and-shoot to a 20-year-old with my own digital SLR. My dad has a great eye for interesting angles and composition, and has always aided me in finding new and unique ideas for my work. I'm particularly interested in photographing nature and spotting objects you wouldn't notice at first glance, but produce some wonderful shots.

READ MORE

ADD A COMMENT (19)

This weekend, I'm starting a blogroll of local -- i.e., New England -- photo blogs and sites. I'll post an entry about each one, and after I've reviewed a handful, I'll start to list them in the right column.

I've found about two dozen so far and they are quite eclectic. I know there are more out there, so if you know of a New England photo blog or site -- non-commercial and non-professional -- drop me a line at raw@boston.com. Thanks.

ADD A COMMENT (1)

Moving right along to our next contest ... still just one competition, but I'm hoping to add a second category and contest in December. Meanwhile, try these themes on for size:

READ MORE

ADD A COMMENT (16)

Hundreds of entries and thousands of votes later, you all have made the tough choice of picking the best photo that both fit the theme "My Neighborhood" and was an interesting, well-composed shot. Your choice was "Paesan and his Picciones", a simple black-and-white photo -- and a classic city neighborhood image -- of a man feeding pigeons ("picciones") in the North End.

This first-place honor earns the photographer, mecr22, a $100 American Express gift card. Second Place (and a $50 gift card) goes to mfitzy24 for the haunting "The Friendship After Dark" photo of a ship at anchor in Salem Harbor, and the $25 gift card for Third Place is awarded to kseiffer for her quiet, reflective shot of the Griffin Museum of Photography in Winchester.

The gallery also contains seven Honorable Mentions to round out the Top Ten. Don't forget that October's contest, with the theme "Get Close", is in full swing; here's how to enter one of your closeups.

The full slate of winners (try out "Full-screen"):

READ MORE

ADD A COMMENT (8)

I attended the opening of a very special photo exhibit at the Boston Children's Museum last week: Project Tomorrow -- A Young Photographers Initiative photographic project. Nine children ages 10 to 18 with a parent under treatment for cancer at the Massachusetts General Hospital's Cancer Center were given cameras and an assignment: Make a portrait of your parent today that will inspire you to remember what is special about who she or he is tomorrow.

READ MORE

ADD A COMMENT (7)

This month it's RAW contributor Caitlin Robbins' turn to have her portfolio critiqued by a Boston Globe staff photographer. Caitlin lives in West Newton, and although she's always loved photography, she says she's been serious about it for just a year and a half.

READ MORE

ADD A COMMENT (4)

Time to close the foliage gallery, but I'll keep posting the photos that have already arrived. Make sure you try out the "Full-screen" link next to the title (and hit "Esc" on your keyboard to return to regular size).

READ MORE

ADD A COMMENT (17)

A RAW reader writes: "Hi, I was wondering if you can suggest any photography classes to take? I do not want a "school", as the course duration is often long and they can be pricey. Thank you."

First, let me tell you about the classes I've taken, then I'll throw it open for everybody to chime in.

READ MORE

ADD A COMMENT (10)

We all may be out shooting fall foliage here in New England, or capturing other scenes on these crisp, clear fall days, but it's not too early to think about how we can use our photos as gifts this upcoming holiday season. Nik Fiore of Hanover, NH shoots a wide variety of photos, but what caught my eye on his website was his 2008 photo calendar. I asked him to write a bit about it.

Making a Photo Calendar

By Nik Fiore
Hanover, NH

Photography, for me, is a great way to get the right side of my brain a little exercise. As a professional civil engineer, things can be a little heavy on the analytical side. The creative process of photography provides a channel to think of things in a different light, so to speak. The numbers involved (f-stop, shutter speed, ISO, etc.) may have helped make it an attractive hobby.

READ MORE

ADD A COMMENT (9)

There is one photo entry that is not showing up in the Voting Machine; I've written to the photographer asking her to check her permissions and safety levels on her Flickr account to see if any of those settings are preventing her photo from being accessed. As soon as we hear from her, we'll see if her photo shows up; if it doesn't, we'll substitute a photo that was on the bubble when John Blanding made his choices, and we'll open up voting.

BTW, to avoid future headaches, please check the Privacy & Permissions tab on your Account page. For example, make sure that under Defaults for New Uploads, your Safety Level is Safe and the Content Type includes Photos. Also, under Content filters > Search settings, make sure SafeSearch is On and the Content Type includes Photos. Thanks a lot...

Meanwhile, here's a little insight into how Globe assistant chief photographer John Blanding narrowed the 109 entries down to a manageable 50. How did he do it?

READ MORE

ADD A COMMENT (4)

Time to start submitting your best Get Close photos for the October contest. As I told you in an earlier item, Get Close captured 30% of the RAW vote. Motion was second with 26%, followed by Silhouettes, 21%; Curves, 12%, and The Color Purple, 11%.

What do we mean by Get Close?

READ MORE

ADD A COMMENT (10)

By Suzanne Kreiter
Globe Staff Photographer

The first thing to consider when composing a photograph is, "What do I want to say with this photo? What information do I want the viewer to receive?”

READ MORE

ADD A COMMENT (0)

OK folks, we have a lot on our plate today.

> In about an hour, Globe photographer Dina Rudick will sit down with RAW staffer Eric Bauer to choose -- and then critique -- a set of photos submitted by one of you. We'll post her thoughts and tips later this week. Our first critique, by Globe photographer John Tlumacki, was a big hit with all of you. If you missed it, you can read it here. And then apply for your own critique by sending five photos to raw@boston.com.

> We're testing and tuning up the Voting Machine today so you can start to vote for your favorite September "My Neighborhood" photos. And we'll start accepting entries for October's contest, which you voted to have the theme "Up Close".

> Globe photographer Suzanne Kreiter has written a tipsheet on composition; I'll post that this morning.

> Finally, you have sent in a ton of great foliage shots already ... I'll start to post those as well as soon as I can.

Thanks ...

ADD A COMMENT (2)

As Arnold Kaplan pointed out in his item about good spots in Vermont to shoot foliage, it's the season to try to capture those vivid colors in interesting ways. Over the next few weeks e-mail your best fall foliage shots and I'll post them. Meanwhile, here's a sample of photos from the Globe's photography staff that may help you think about how to shoot these classic pictures in interesting ways.

READ MORE

ADD A COMMENT (18)

ADD A COMMENT (0)

"The shape of the bridge and the curve of this man's back drew me in," writes this photographer, who got this shot in Central Park, NYC. "I watched him play for a little while, and then decided to photograph this private moment in one of the most populated cities in the world."

ADD A COMMENT (0)

The photographer writes: "A Chinese gardener at Berkeley Community Garden, South End. They extend the height of their gardens to support the growing vines of long, very heavy fuzzy melons (3 feet long, 10 - 25 lbs. each). Security is often an issue as well, so they re-enforce their fences with 'found' items, which leads to very unique garden styles."

ADD A COMMENT (0)

ADD A COMMENT (0)

ADD A COMMENT (1)

ADD A COMMENT (0)

ADD A COMMENT (0)

ADD A COMMENT (0)

Here's the latest batch of last-minute photos entered in the September contest, "My neighborhood".

This photographer writes: "One of my favorite things to do around the city is wander around listening to street musicians, outdoors performing. Captured above are two street musicians seen playing in the Back Bay."

ADD A COMMENT (0)

OK, gang, the entry period for the September contest, with the theme "My Neighborhood", ended at midnight last night, and we have 106 photos (I'll finish posting the stragglers later today). A few more that were added at the last minute to brand-new Flickr accounts may take a day or two to show up.

Because so many people complained that it is too difficult to fairly assess each photo when you have dozens and dozens to review, this evening, Globe assistant photo editor John Blanding will help me cull the entries down to the 50 best photos for voting.

We'll then take a day or two to make sure all of those 50 make it into the Voting Machine, oil the gears, and open voting Friday or Monday.

Meanwhile, voting for the October theme has ended as well, and the winner is ... Up Close, with 30% of the vote. Motion was second with 26%, followed by Silhouettes, 21%; Curves, 12%, and The Color Purple, 11%.

We'll open entries for the October contest soon and set up another poll for November. Thanks to all who submitted neighborhood photos -- and thanks as well for all of your suggestions. I can't tell you how much I appreciate how much you're helping improve this site every week.

ADD A COMMENT (1)

Our friend Arnold Kaplan, who has written a book about shooting lovely landscapes (he calls them "scenics") in Vermont, has graciously shared some of his inside tips with us. If you're planning to shoot foliage up north this month, you'll find his information helpful.

By Arnold John Kaplan, APSA-AFIAP

Vermont: A Photographer's Paradise
Vermont is a special place. A photographer's world of perfect compositions. Small picturesque villages with white steeple churches and quaint houses nestled in the valleys. Old farmhouses and red barns on the rolling hills and meadows. A countryside that changes colors and character with the seasons.

The green mountains, hills, and forests of summer change to brilliant hues of orange, red and yellow in the autumn. Next comes winter with deep marshmallowy snow and crisp, clear, cold air.

Everywhere you look, you see photo possibilities and each photo scenic should be visited again and again to catch the various moods, whims, lighting, and designs of nature. All these ingredients add that extra touch for award-winning photographs on your first visit to "Photographers Paradise".

READ MORE

ADD A COMMENT (0)

"For 8 years I lived within cheering distance of Fenway," the photographer says. "On the way home one evening, I detoured through Yawkey Way to snap this keepsake."

ADD A COMMENT (0)

"This is a view from my work neighborhood in Charlestown," the photographer explains."I exposed for 10 seconds at f/11. The wind was very light so there was minimal movement of the tree and the boats."

ADD A COMMENT (0)

The photographer notes: "Gas lamp near my house in East Boston. I believe the gas lamp and the cobblestone street date back to the mid to late 1800s."

ADD A COMMENT (0)

"As I was walking home along the Southwest Corridor Park in Jamaica Plain one night last winter, I was awed by the quality of the ambient light," the photographer writes. "Though it was 1 a.m. and about 20 degrees, I ran home and got my camera and tripod."

ADD A COMMENT (0)

ADD A COMMENT (1)

"These patriotic silos used to be around the corner from my home," says the photographer. "For whatever reason the flag is no longer there."

ADD A COMMENT (1)

The photographer writes: "That's my neighborhood behind my daughter's very cute and photogenic puppy."

ADD A COMMENT (0)