Phoenix Explorium

Moving to Phoenix, Arizona can be an exciting experience for anyone. With its beautiful desert landscape and vibrant culture, it's no wonder why so many people have chosen to make it their home. But if you're a photographer or videographer looking for the perfect spot to capture some amazing shots, then you'll want to know about the best photography and videography locations in the Phoenix metro area. In this blog post, I'll share my perspective as a fresh eye on the local Phoenix photography spots that will help you get the most out of your photos and videos. From scenic parks and gardens to iconic landmarks and hidden gems, I'll provide all the information you need to find your perfect photo spot in Phoenix!

Matthew Straube Matthew Straube

Intro Statement.

intro-statement

 

Moving to Phoenix, Arizona can be an exciting experience for anyone. With its beautiful desert landscape and vibrant culture, it's no wonder why so many people have chosen to make it their home. But if you're a photographer or videographer looking for the perfect spot to capture some amazing shots, then you'll want to know about the best photography and videography locations in the Phoenix metro area. In this blog post, I'll share my perspective as a fresh eye on the local Phoenix photography spots that will help you get the most out of your photos and videos. From scenic parks and gardens to iconic landmarks and hidden gems, I'll provide all the information you need to find your perfect photo spot in Phoenix!

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Matthew Straube Matthew Straube

Best Photo Locations in Phoenix You Didn’t Know About


Photographers in Phoenix have long been familiar with the area’s many great photo opportunities. From the stunning views of Camelback Mountain to the vibrant Sonoran desert landscape, this city's beauty abounds. However, there is one hidden gem among them all – This commercial development complex located at just off the 101-heading Northbound. Or head East towards Highway 101.

This spot is full of great scenery including round door frames, lots of curved and straight lines. Additional features include stark white walls and breathtaking views of Phoenix. One of the business owners walked by during our small portrait shoot. During that interaction she asked if “we caught the sunset” Unfortunately we missed it.


She left us with a smile, no qualms of having a small photoshoot. Your Mileage may very. As always be respectful, keep your volume to an appropriate level, stay out of the way, you should be fine. Travelling here will bring out your inner photographer and allow for inspired shoots.

This location would be a great location for a outdoor commercial headshot or outdoor interview, if you are more of a videographer.

Read on to learn about the best photo locations in this incredible venture that you probably didn’t know about before!


33°33'24.2"N 112°02'28.5"W

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Matthew Straube Matthew Straube

Are NFTs’ Still Worth it for a Photographer in 2023-24?

WHAT ARE NFTS?

Non-Fungible Token (NFT), let’s break it down…

The term itself may be confusing to a lot of people, so let’s start with “Non-Fungible”

Fungible items simply mean items that can be easily replaced with another item that is basically the same thing. For example, one US Dollar can be exchanged with another US Dollar and they have the exact same value.

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO PHOTOGRAPHY?

PHYSICAL WORLD

Digital photographers can benefit significantly from using Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) as a way to monetize their work. NFTs provide a secure and transparent record of ownership that allows photographers to not only generate revenue through sales, but also to collaborate and market their art in new wayNon-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) are revolutionizing the way digital photographers can monetize their artwork. NFTs provide a secure and immutable record of ownership that allows creators to retain control over their works while collecting royalties from sales, as well as providing new opportunities for collaboration and marketing in the art world. In this blog post, we'll explore how NFTs benefit digital photographers and why they offer advantages over traditional methods of monetization

In The Matrix

(In The Digital World)


NFTs are a revolutionary way of certifying the ownership and scarcity of digital art. By tokenizing artwork, artists can use blockchain technology to create an unchangeable record that tracks who owns their work. This method is much more reliable than traditional methods which may not be able to accurately keep track of all copies or owners. NFTs provide artists with the assurance that their artwork will remain properly attributed and tracked no matter how many times it is sold or where it goes.


HOW DOES NFT PHOTOGRAPHY WORK?

NFTs offer a way for photographers to make money by giving them the ability to monetize their work in a secure manner, while allowing viewers the opportunity to enjoy it. Let’s explore more about this technology and how it works.

NFTS & DIGITAL OWNERSHIP

Are you interested in learning how Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) can be used to monetize digital photography? It is essential to grasp the difference between ownership and consumption when it comes to NFTs. This blog post will explain how photographers are able to capitalize on their work through this technology, while still allowing viewers access to their art

Whilst it is technically possible to screenshot an image of an artwork, the blockchain ledger offers a much more secure and detailed record of ownership. This superior system tracks all changes in ownership so collectors can trace back to who currently owns the “real” artwork and verify that it has not been obtained through illegal means. Furthermore, the ledger provides a comprehensive audit trail so buyers have evidence to show all transactions throughout its lifetime.

Such transparency allows art investors to make smarter purchases with greater security and confidence. As this technology completely eliminates counterfeiting, buyers are able to rest assured that their investments are legitimate and ethically sourced. It also ensures that ethical practices are upheld so only genuine artworks are bought and sold within the industry.

Lets Talk ROYALTIES!!!

Royalty payments have become a major attraction for Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). Unlike traditional art, it is virtually impossible to monitor what happens to your piece after it has been sold. With NFTs, creators can generate ongoing revenue due to the potential of their work being resold. This royalty system allows artists to earn money every time their artwork is transacted in the future. It provides them with long-term benefits and a secure income stream. The royalty mechanism enables creators to get paid each time the artwork they created is bought and sold by a third party, regardless of who owns it. This can be seen as a passive income that can help ensure financial stability for digital creatives in the long term.

Royalty payments are becoming increasingly popular in the Non-Fungible Token (NFT) market, as they provide creators with an opportunity to enjoy a steady source of passive income. Unlike traditional art, it is nearly impossible to track what happens to your artwork after it has been sold. However, with NFTs, artists can earn royalties whenever their work is resold. This provides them with benefits such as financial security and a reliable source of income over the long term.

When a third party purchases or resells an artwork created by an artist, they are required to pay a royalty fee to the creator in order to use their work. For example, if a photographer lists their artwork for 1 ETH and there is a 5% platform fee plus another 10% royalty payout for resales, then if Collector A resells the piece at 6 ETH, the photographer will be entitled to receive 0.5 ETH from that transaction as their royalty payment. This mechanism allows digital creatives to generate ongoing revenue from their original work without needing any additional effort on their part.

Lets Talk ROYALTIES!!!

TLDR… NFTs can still be a great choice for photographers in 2023 if done correctly and with enough research. The success of your project relies upon creating an engaging relationship with buyers and connecting yourself to the community that has already been built.

And there you have it, the debate on whether or not investing in NFTs for the photographer is worth it in 2023. There are a lot of factors that need to be taken into consideration; from understanding the technology, the artist’s needs and wants, and their original artwork that they seek to protect. It is important to remember that what works for one person might not work for another. At the end of the day, an artist has to be comfortable with their decision and confident in what they put out into the world. As part of this ever evolving digital revolution, I highly encourage being active within your creative community and beyond! Keep an eye out for new trends, reap benefits from collaborations and more! Get plugged in and see what opportunities await to help further establish yourself as an emerging talent. Let me know what you think - comment below or connect with me via social media platforms! Sign up for my newsletter to stay up-to-date on all the latest news around here!

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Matthew Straube Matthew Straube

Music & Mood

It all begins with an idea.

Have you ever felt like your photoshoot was missing something? Like it needed a little something extra to make the mood just right and elevate your artistry? Have you heard of people using music while they take photos, but never considered it for yourself because you weren't sure where to start or how it would really impact your work? Well, worry not I’ve been there and I feel that pain sometime!
Particularly with models and children. Music has the power to set a mood and create an atmosphere that can be beneficial when working with subjects that may be uncomfortable or uneasy in front of the camera. Explore different types of music – from death metal to instrumental hip hop – that could work well for photoshoots, and provide tips on how to ask your clients if they want music during their session. Examine how it can help comfort models and children during their sessions, as well as providing insight into why this is such a powerful technique.

The use of music while photographing clients can be a great way to put them at ease, particularly children and those who may be uncomfortable in front of the camera. Music can help create a comfortable atmosphere that encourages clients to feel relaxed and more at ease during their session.

In terms of genre, it is important to consider the client’s personal preferences when picking music for the photoshoot. While some people may prefer instrumental hip hop or classical music, others may feel drawn to more upbeat genres like pop or rock. It is always important to ask your client if they want any music playing during their session; this will ensure that they are comfortable with the choice of tunes and also give you an indication of what type of soundscape works best for them.

For sessions involving children, music can be especially beneficial in calming them down and helping them relax- which often leads to better photos! Soft instrumentals or lullabies are generally gentle enough for younger children but still provide a pleasant backdrop for the photoshoot. For older children, songs with faster tempos like dance or EDM can be effective in creating an energetic vibe which is perfect for capturing natural smiles and expressions.

Apart from creating a comfortable atmosphere, introducing music into your photoshoots can also have other benefits such as encouraging movement and creating interesting effects through rhythmical or ambient sounds. Music has also been known to help photographers develop greater focus and drive as it helps them stay alert and motivated throughout the session.

Overall, playing background music during photoshoots can be an effective way of setting the right tone for your subjects- both emotionally and physically- resulting in better photo opportunities! Always ask your clients if they would like any music playing during their session- after all, it is their comfort that matters most!

All in all, shooting photos with headphones is especially enjoyable for me. I'm thankful to the people who introduced me to this style and I've personally discovered so many new songs and genres that I would have never heard of if it wasn't for this type of photography. Don't be afraid to experiment and try ‚headphone shooting every now an then; you might just find something that suits your personal needs better than traditional photography. It always keeps things interesting, but make sure you always ask your clients beforehand! If nothing else, you might have some great conversations about music over a cup of coffee! I'd love to know if you have a similar experience-feel free to drop me a message if you have any recommendations or questions about the practice. In the meantime, why not sign up for my newsletter so you can stay up-to-date on the world of photography? Let me know what you think!

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Matthew Straube Matthew Straube

Papago Park

It all begins with an idea.

Phoenix has some of the most stunning photo locations in the country. But if you’ve been to Phoenix Zoo, you may have noticed something else – Papago Park. Located right next to the zoo, it is filled with amazing rock formations and scenery that hosts some of the best photography spots. From red sandstone buttes, desert cactus, lush palm trees, shimmering lakes and other unique rock formations. Neither a photographer nor an Instagramer can miss out on the incredible beauty of this spot. With so many points of interest and opportunities for taking stunning photos – from peaceful desert-like scenes to cityscapes – Papago Park has become a favorite photo spot for everyone!

This location would be a great location for a outdoor commercial headshot or outdoor interview, if you are more of a videographer.

Read on to learn about the best photo locations in this incredible venture that you probably didn’t know about before!

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Matthew Straube Matthew Straube

Top 10 Places to Visit

It all begins with an idea.

Arizona is a fantastic place for photography, with its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. There are dozens of great spots to capture the beauty of the state, but here we’ll focus on the top 10 places to visit in Arizona for photography.

1. Grand Canyon National Park - Located in northern Arizona, this iconic national park is one of the most picturesque places to explore and photograph in the state. The breathtaking views and unique rock formations make it an ideal spot for any photographer looking to capture some striking shots.

2. Monument Valley - This iconic, red-rock desert valley is located on the Arizona-Utah border and is home to some of the most spectacular vistas in the world. Photographers can capture sweeping views of towering sandstone monuments surrounded by open plains and vibrant blue sky for miles.

3. Havasu Falls - A short hike from Supai Village leads to one of Arizona’s most stunning attractions—Havasu Falls. Photographers will be treated to breathtaking views of turquoise blue waters cascading down a series of waterfalls into natural pools far below.

4. Petrified Forest National Park - One of Arizona’s most unique attractions, Petrified Forest National Park features some incredibly well-preserved trees that have been petrified over time due to minerals in their environment turning them into stone sculptures. Photographs capturing these ancient trees are stunningly beautiful and truly timeless.

5. Saguaro National Park - Home to a vast array of cacti species and other desert plants, Saguaro National Park near Tucson offers photographers amazing opportunities for creative shots among the park's mesmerizing landscape filled with rocky hillsides dotted with majestic saguaros (cactus).

6. Chiricahua National Monument - Located near Willcox in southeastern Arizona, Chiricahua National Monument is a breathtaking landscape full of unusual rock formations known as “hoodoos” that are perfect for creative photographs full of texture and depth.

7. Antelope Canyon - This narrow slot canyon located near Page has become popular among photographers due its dramatic curves, shapes, ripples carved into its walls by centuries-old floods that course through it periodically during monsoon season each year.. With each twist you take while exploring this incredible canyon you’ll find new angles that can add interesting perspectives to your photographs!

8 Sedona - With its vibrant red rocks reaching up towards an azure sky, Sedona offers an unparalleled setting for photographers hoping to capture something special out in nature.. Red Rock State Park also features some fantastic trails winding around lush meadows as well as slickrock formations providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor photographers seeking adventure or just scenic beauty!

9 White Pocket - Located deep within northern Arizona’s Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area lies White Pocket —an otherworldly landscape full of white sandstone mesas surrounded by colorful sand dunes—all perfect backdrops for creative photos filled with character and drama!

10 Kartchner Caverns State Park - Kartchner Caverns State Park near Benson is home to some incredible underground explorations where photographers can capture shots featuring fluorescent calcite crystals sparkling off wet cave walls while they explore.. This incredible subterranean experience can offer photographers a unique perspective rarely found anywhere else!

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