In this day and age, the standard of mobile photography is constantly increasing. Not only because technology is improving all the time, but also because of the increasing number of photo apps being released every month and the constant changes in popular trends, especially with fellow members of social communities who often act as critics.

With that in mind, Wall Street Journal are hosting a live video chat later in the week where professional photographers will critique photos submitted through social media. It may sound like an ideal opportunity for amateur photographers to get their work noticed by professionals, but it is also a way of obtaining many (potentially) high quality images for the publication’s use since WSJ have clearly stated in their disclaimer that “Dow Jones & Company, the publishers of the Wall Street Journal, have the right to use, publish and modify the photographs”.  

WSJ are not alone as many brands source content by running competitions and the like. However, It's always important to check the T&Cs if you don't want to find that someone is using your photos – for free! So, if you're after some tips and advice, why not check out our Pocketstock Academy?

Only last week, the launch of Photoshop Touch hit the headlines as the popular program became available for iPhone and Android smartphones.  However, the concept of 'retouching' models for advertising is something that has always been frowned upon and one brand that has always been against photoshopping is the popular beauty brand Dove, which has been actively promoting 'real beauty' for numerous years.

After various campaigns featuring models of different sizes and races, Dove have upped the stakes with their latest ploy to support natural beauty.  They have created a Photoshop Action (a plug-in that allows a user to apply an effect within Photoshop) that suggests it will 'enhance skin tone' and 'hide all imperfections.' However, when the user uses the 'Beautify' effect in Photoshop, it actually undoes all the existing retouching on the image before posting up a message from Dove saying: "Don't manipulate our perceptions of real beauty."

The reactions of this marketing campaign have been mixed.  Even though the link for the Photoshop Action is still online, the initial post promoting the effect on Reddit has been removed from the site.  In addition to this, designers have taken to social media to express their opinions, with some embracing the idea of using images of 'real' women, while others argue that retouching is necessary because that's what they're told to do by their clients.

What's your take on the "Beautify" action to un-airbrush images?

Via BusinessInsider.com

Mobile photography has inspired millions of people to take pictures with their phones, as it easily develops a user’s creative skills, not to mention the opportunity of a bit of self-promotion.  It has emerged as a major trend in fashion and sports photography, as well as the world of politics – an area where, thanks to the power of popular opinion, social media is key.

It's therefore no surprise to see major political figures jump on the bandwagon and dare to share their public (and occasionally private) lives with the world. Ramzan Kadyrov, Head of the Chechan Republic, is one of the most recent.

Since posting his first photo on Instagram in November 2012, Kadryov has photographed himself with friends, family and political figures and his feed has already gained over 45,000 followers.  He finds it useful for keeping a close eye on public opinion but admits that he finds it 'an additional burden'. 

Regardless, the images have certainly painted a different picture of a political figure whose life has been well documented in the press.

Via The Guardian.

For the budding and established creatives in the world, Photoshop has grown to be an invaluable tool in touching up images as well as changing them into amazing creations.  A year after Photoshop Touch was released for iOS and Android tablets, the popular app is now available for smartphones so there is now another photo editing app to use on the go.  Even though PS fans and budding iPhone artists may welcome the news, there are consequences to excessive photoshopping.

The highly-regarded annual National Geographic Photo Contest has built a reputation in selecting phenomenal images amongst their winning entries, subsequently setting a high standard for aspiring photographers.  In 2012, travel photographer Harry Fisch had the privilege of having his work being awarded a top National Geographic award – only to be subsequently disqualified.  The reason? The photo-shopping of a stray carrier bag, which was present in the original image.  Even though he could have avoided this by cropping the image, it ultimately cost him the Places award in the competition.

However, this slight edit is not as noticeable as a recent sports photo taken for the Washington Post newspaper.  The image, taken during the climax of a high school wrestling match by staff photographer Tracy Woodward, won the sports feature prize at the White House News Photographers Association annual contest.  However, the visible amendments between the original image and the one submitted for the competition came to light as it was revealed that the entry was a photoshopped image with the match’s referee digitally removed from the background.  The controversy has resulted in the rescindment of Woodward’s prize and has since put his position at the Washington Post in risk.

It is fair to say that technology has changed how we present images and that a little editing goes a long way – but when it comes down to contests, it seems people tend to prefer the real deal.

North Korea is a tough place to capture, not just on film but also on paper. As it is so secretive, certain national statistics are primarily based on estimates from outside press agencies but thanks to the introduction of North Korea’s only 3G mobile network - Koryolink - the private country has opened its gates to social networks and mobile data services to foreigners. This move comes after Google executive Eric Schmidt visited the country mid–January with his daughter Sophie, who subsequently posted a number of photographs taken from within the North Korean borders.

According to the Radio Free Asia, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea announced last week that it will allow foreigners to use mobile internet while inside the country, effectively allowing access to numerous global social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and, as demonstrated by Jean Lee from the Associated Press Korea bureau, Instagram. 

Posted comments on Lee’s Instagram feed are of awe and enthusiasm as many users share their excitement for the insight into North Korea, not to mention the different possibilities Koryolink will provide to foreigners and national citizens alike.

The Pocketstock Academy can help you learn how to take memorable photos of your travels, thanks to this inspiring instructional video. 

This Friday marks the start of London Fashion Weekend (and the end of London Fashion Week), when established and upcoming designers and fashion houses will showcase the latest trends to an anticipative members of the public. However, another trend is quickly emerging during fashion shows and it is not on the catwalk. 

As in the world of sports, mobile photography has now become a popular method of capturing that key moment and more importantly, that key outfit.  Aside from the initial impracticalities of watching the catwalk show whilst having a smartphone on hand, it seems that models are now taking an extra few seconds in the spotlight for photographers – professional and amateur – to press the shutter button.  

This was demonstrated during the most recent New York Fashion Week, where designers, make-up artists and attendees took to their phones to get unofficial photos showing a more relaxed, not to mention a creatively different, side to a chic event.  Fingers crossed that social media feeds will bring the same style from London Fashion Week as our neighbours across the Atlantic.

For extra tips on how to shoot great images, be sure to check out the Pocketstock Academy – why not watch our videos on common submission mistakes or perhaps making the most of colour in your pictures?

Via The New York Times.

When it comes to sunglasses, you can't ask for more than a pair of Ray-Bans. Thanks to the movie "Top Gun", sales were increased by 40% as millions watched star Tom Cruise donning the shades.

Now, to promote their famous sunglasses, they have introduced the 'Ambermatic Analog Photo Filter' app, designed to show mobile photographers what their image would look like behind a pair of 'Ambermatic' shades.  With new photo apps with multiple filters being released every week, this is certainly a more down-to-basics app but in the event you're thinking that there is a lot of fancy technology behind the photo filtering process, think again. All it takes is for the picture to be retaken through a pair of sunnies and then it's sent back to the user with a retro twist.

If you think this is one filter photo app too many, read our blog post about the backlash of filters so you can think twice before changing your picture.

Via Designtaxi.com

Today is Valentine's Day - a day to celebrate the love of your life with displays of affection and pure indulgence.

Most couples seem to meet through friends, family or even a chance encounter - but for Santiago Perez Grovas and Taylor Dee, they have Instagram to thank for bringing them together.

According to Mashable, both Dee (@thisgirl_) and Grovas (@santiagopgm) were early users of the photo sharing app, quickly becoming popular Instagrammers with 18,000 and 71,000 followers respectively.  However, it wasn't until a competition hosted by Grovas to celebrate his 50,000th follower that the two of them first contacted each other.

Now, eight months on, they are still together and their love story has captured the hearts of many followers, who have seen their relationship unfold in their Instagram feeds.

Why not visit our Pocketstock Academy to watch our 'Love Icons' video to see how you can create your own love-themed images?

After recent lawsuits with images taken from social networks and sharing platforms, it seems almost trivial that a photographer is now in trouble for apparently not getting model releases for his new book.  According to BJP.com, Zurich Civil Court blocked the release of Swiss photographer Christian Lutz's third book, "In Jesus' Name", due to a lawsuit filed by a group of people captured by Lutz.  Although he denies the claim, the group reportedly states that Lutz did not gain their permission before using their images. 

Given that the rapid development of social networks is bringing up new variations of existing copyright infringements, it is indeed strange to have a traditional photographer – who would be familiar with the model releases and the like - under fire with the law.  Lutz has called the action a “breach of freedom of speech and of artistic expression,” and with his series documenting power worldwide at risk, he has already gained support from fellow photographers and editors. Whether the law will allow his book to hit the shelves remains to be seen, but it serves as a reminder that it's always best to get those releases in place.

The Pocketstock Academy has a series of simple instructional videos to help you with completing those all-important property and model releases and don't forget to check out our video on common experienced submission mistakes too.