Visual media news and updates from Visual Connections

The Art Archive to represent National Geographic Society photo archives

The Art Archive is delighted to announce its exclusive representation of the historic National Geographic Society photographic archives, 1896 – 1953. The National Geographic Magazine remains arguably the single most important uninterrupted visual record of the peoples, places and developments of the twentieth century. From beautiful and moving portraits of people of all races and creeds to quaint, polished and posed 40s and 50s-style American retro, the collection currently contains over 5000 images and is being added to continually as the archive is digitized.

StockShop Launches New Royalty Free (RF) Collection

StockShop LLC, an independent stock photography agency based in Boston, announces the addition of a royalty-free (RF) image collection to its website. This new collection includes over 5000 images, and gives customers another option for viewing and purchasing images. Unlike rights-managed images, royalty-free images allow the customer to pay a one-time fee for the rights to use a specific image multiple times, with the price directly related to file size. The addition of royalty-free images will be a huge plus for StockShop. The company plans to re-categorize 30% of its current inventory to be royalty-free, as well as, actively seek new content specifically for the new collection.

Alamy Opens US Office

Alamy, the world’s largest and most comprehensive online stock photo agency, continues to generate vital industry growth with the opening of a US office in New York City. Based in Brooklyn, the US sales team offers personal and tailored service to US customers, and will continue to expand Alamy’s dynamic community of clients and contributors across the region.

Young Photographers Alliance debuts in Chicago

The Young Photographers Alliance (YPA) made its debut in Chicago at Picturehouse’s 4th annual event held on Thursday April 16, 2009 at the River East Art Center. YPA is the creation of Jerry Tavin, co-founder of IC Worldwide (www.icworldwide.com) and Deborah Free, President of Picturehouse Marketing US/Visual Connections (www.picturehouse-us.com). Both are widely-recognized as advocates and leaders in the photography industry. Founded as an international not-for-profit educational foundation, YPA is focused on bringing disadvantaged students opportunities for advancement in photography. In addition to two scholarships already provided by Jerry Tavin and Picturehouse, Alamy (www.alamy.com), pledged a third scholarship for the 2009 recipients.

Picturehouse Chicago a Sold-Out Success

Picturehouse Chicago, held on Wednesday, April 16, 2009, was a sell-out for the fourth consecutive year. Photo agencies from around the world exhibited their collections at the River East Art Center to hundreds of area creatives who streamed through the venue. A breakdown of attendees by segment revealed advertising and design buyers were the largest group at 42%. In addition, book publishing buyers formed 15%; magazines and newspapers 9%; educational buyers 9%; with the remaining 25% of attendees falling into other miscellaneous buying categories.

TIPS Images North America launched

TIPS Images, headquartered in Italy, has awarded the right to license 1,025,000 still images and film clips to the private investment group, Content Library LLC, d/b/a TIPS Images North America, from headquarters in Chicago, IL. TIPSImagesUSA.com launched licensable content from 500 professional contributors worldwide. The company has appointed Michael Bacino, formerly with Corbis, Jupiterimages and Thought Equity, VP of Sales & Marketing.

Blend Images Repositions Brand, Launches New Campaign

Blend Images, the world’s leading multiethnic stock photography agency, announced today the launch of its new marketing campaign and corporate identity. The campaign and design were developed by New York agency Spil Creative, an integrated design firm with expertise in visual branding. The new campaign and brand repositioning will encompass all aspects of Blend Images, from www.blendimages.com to outbound marketing, including print and online advertising, and to Blend Images’ global distribution channel.

ARS named official representative for William Wegman

Artists Rights Society (ARS) is pleased to announce that it has been appointed the official representative for the image rights of William Wegman. The artist joins a roster of more than 50,000 artist members worldwide whose intellectual property rights, including copyrights, are represented by ARS. William Wegman is best know for his photographic series in which he poses Weimaraners in a variety of scenes, situations and costumes that evoke multiple and shifting identities. A pioneer in conception art and photography, Wegman’s work also includes videos and paintings characterized by the artist’s dead-pan humor and word play.

ARS named exclusive U.S. representative for Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera

Artists Rights Society (ARS) is pleased to announce that it has been appointed by the Bank of Mexico as the exclusive U.S. representative for the image rights of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. The artists join a roster of more than 50,000 artist members worldwide whose intellectual property rights, including copyrights, are represented by ARS. The folkloric style of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo earned her recognition among the Surrealists, but her intriguing persona and unmistakable originality propelled her beyond the confines of a specific movement to become a leading figure in modern art. Considered the greatest Mexican painter of the twentieth century, Diego Rivera had a profound effect on the international art world. Among his many contributions, Rivera is credited with the reintroduction of mural painting into modern art and architecture.

Map Resources updates international maps for 2009

The Premier International map collection is now updated with the most
current information available. All maps now show current international
boundaries, including Kosovo, de facto independent states, and
prominent international disputes. In addition, over 1,000 new city locations are added, as well as new world maps extending as far south as Antarctica.