Posted by Shayla Simmons — 23 May 2012
With every passing year, another group of students march forward - advancing to the next platform of their lives. Whether it is the young school child, advancing a grade or the 70 year-old Masters student on the way to their next degree, the world will see many new graduates emerge with the spring. Whatever the path chosen; whether a meandering steady walk while taking in the views, or a sprint straight up the ladder of corporate success, most have worked hard for their degrees and should be celebrated for their exhausted days and sleepless nights. Cheers to you, graduates!
AI du Pont High school by Saquan Stimpson
Graduation by Lauren Farrell-Streets
marching on... by Debbie Marquardt
Graduation Day. by Natalie Sternfield
kindergarten graduation by ang litratista
Congrats To All The Grads Of 08 !!! by Ray Lopez
Seniors 2012 by Charles Gossett
Nikki Grad 3 by Jayme Reece
My Graduation by Mohd Suhaimi Ismail
Grad Girl by Elise Giordano
Stormy Graduation by Becky Saslo
Diplomacy No. 2 by Mark Cox
Happy Graduation? by iman al-dabbagh
If you know of anyone who has graduated, and you were able to grab an amazing shot, please upload your photos and post your links in the comment area. If you know someone that has an upcoming ceremony, by all means - get out and capture it and share their triumphs!
CONGRATS TO THE GRADS AND GOOD LUCK IN ALL YOUR FUTURE ENDEAVORS!!!
Posted by Cathaleen Curtiss — 22 May 2012
It is no secret that I love my phone/camera. I never say "where's my phone?" I am more likely to say, "Let me grab my camera!"

I realized my obsession a few years ago when I was attending Midsummer Night Swing at the Lincoln Center in NYC.
We were not allowed to take anything on the dance floor that was not attached to you; of course I had my "camera" in my hand, no holder, no strap...no admittance. After a panicked moment and choosing my phone over swing lessons, my good friend let me borrow her waist clip. I never did master the swing step but I made a few fun photos from the night that I liked.
(Both photos from Midsummer Night Swing at Lincoln Center, NYC. iPhone 3)

I spent many years as a professional photojournalist. I covered the White House, traveled, went to Superbowls, worked on long-term projects and carried heavy bags of gear and film everywhere. I was never without a camera. When I became a DOP for a large online company, I put my gear down. My mission became building staff, creating templates, setting budgets, hiring photographers and making sure the staff had the support needed to create great visual presentations. I was so excited when our photo staff created an iPhone app to display all our great photography presentations. I was obnoxiously showing everyone our new app, "Look I have an iPhone app!" Until one day my daughter said, "No. Mom, you have a blackberry with a photo of an app." Two weeks later my family gave me my first iPhone for Mother's Day. I have hardly been without it since. (photo taken in Red Square, Moscow on November 9, 1989 with a Nikon F-3)

I know it is not the same as "real gear", but it is always with me. Years ago in photojournalism school I learned, "The best camera is the one you have with you." This particular "camera" has been with me for graduations and weddings, visits to the family farm and Spain, carnivals and reunions. It has opened my eyes to seeing again. I enjoy experimenting with photo apps, as much as, I loved printing B&W photos. Recently, I started carrying a small bag along with my iPhone, it contains a small tripod, my old iPhone for added lighting and a very cool new toy, the Olloclip. (Celebrating graduation from College of Charleston, SC. iPhone 3)
I know, carrying a "bag of gear" defeats the purpose of only needing a phone but it adds a whole new element of fun. The real challenge and reward for me is making the image. Besides, the "bag of gear" is still small enough to fit inside a small purse or backpack.

(The Rock of Gibraltar made on the iPhone 3s with ProHDR app.)
Someone recently asked. "Don't you feel guilty that you are making photos on your phone?" My reply, "Don't you feel guilty that you aren't making photos?"
(The Manhattan Skyline at Sunset, iPhone 4 with Photoshop Express.)
(Visitors watch construction for the new World Trade Center. iPhone 3s.)
(The midway at the Erie County Fair, Buffalo, NY. iPhone 4 HDR)
I love being a part of the JPG community for that reason, we make
photos, we share photos and we celebrate life with photos. As it says
on our about page, "JPG is for people who love image-making without
attitude. It's about the kind of photography you get when you love the
moment more than the camera."
(Aspens in late evening light, North Pole, Alaska. iPhone 4)
(Granada, Spain. iPhone 3s using ProHDR app)
So pick up your camera, any camera!! Go out and take photos, look
closely at the world around you, shoot with your heart, enjoy seeing,
capture your life experiences and please share your vision with us.
All photos in this post were created and edited on the iPhone,
© Cathaleen Curtiss.
Posted by Toby Morrison — 22 May 2012
Photo of the Week

A Blur by Hugh Taylor
Story of the Week: A Boy and His Bear

Caring for Besito Featured in a photo essay by Marco Martinez
Member of the Week: Tom Phillips

Red Rock Crossing Sedona, AZ by Tom Phillips
Posted by Toby Morrison — 21 May 2012
It's National Bike Month and there is no better time of the year to take advantage of photographing the essence of the bike! Here are our favorites from Photo Challenge Pedalers' Paradise!

Girl and Her Bike by bryan fabean

Biking into the Sun by Kurt Reise

Cycling with Style by Nicolas Zonvi Photo

MAYDAY BMEF Fundraiser 2012 14 by Brian Carson

Beachin' bike ride by Blair Carter

speed of light by Eric Politzer

Peloton by Steve Hunter

BMX freestyle by Pet Parents

junction by Joe Dunckley

FREE by Alik Mos

Beijing, China (Gong-ren) by Gary Joseph Cohen

New Age...... by mauricio arango

Rain or Shine by Lori Boggetti

A Friend You Trust by Thomas H.P. Jerusalem (Jerry)

Rain or Shine by Phonesvanh Siharat
Posted by Shayla Simmons — 17 May 2012
One of my favorite areas of interest in black and white photography is the macro shot. The up-close experience of a subject under close scrutiny, exposing all of its most intricate details - texture, dynamic light and hovering shadows, all of which create a very tactile experience. Within the broad scope of macro photography, one of my most beloved is the still life of flowers.
This week, I have truly enjoyed picking through the vast JPG garden of images to bring you a sampling of my favorite black and white macro blooms.

Untitled by dimas sediyatmo

Black and white. by jennifer jolliffe

Flower by Hans-Jürgen Sommer

Stark by Jennie Pence

Untitled by Laurent Bourlier

Lost by Leah Garton

Untitled by gino di meglio

Spring 2012 by Bert Happel

Mums the Word II by Julie Thurgood

Calla Lilly by Anthony Beals
And, now, begging your indulgence, one of my own:

vivid night by Shayla Simmons
A flower can be such a simple subject, yet when photographed with tender loving care, yields far more complexities than the eye ever seems to capture on its own.
Show us your macro shots of a favorite flower and share your thoughts on macro photography by uploading to the site and posting in comments, both links to some favorites (your own or others') and any thoughts on the topic!
Can't wait to hear back!
Posted by Toby Morrison — 16 May 2012
Photo of the Week

Maid It by Bill Gekas
Story of the Week: In Search of the Northern Lights

Northern Lights #3 Featured in a photo essay by Cody Conelly
Member of the Week: Mike Despot

Wheels and Rainbows by Mike Despot
Posted by Cathaleen Curtiss — 15 May 2012
There is something nostalgic about a bike. It brings back joyful memories of our
childhood, exhausting journeys to work, a romantic picnic on the side of a
country road or the exhilaration of a bike race. Many of us have memories of learning to ride a two-wheeler,
taking a spin to the country store to get a cool drink on a warm summer day or
searching for a place in the bike rack at the university. Remember clipping
cards to the spokes of your wheels, streamers on your handlebars or taking your
pet for a ride in the basket.
Bicycles can be a lifeline to the outside world and an escape
from the rat race. Whether you live on a country road or on a city street, a bicycle can be
an important part of your livelihood. It can be your ride to the office or a ride to the beach, a trusted means of transportation
and sometimes a lawn decoration.
A
bike is so much more than a way to arrive at a destination, it lets you hear the birds, wave to your neighbor, smell the new mowed
grass and feel the warm sunshine on your face, it is an
experience,.
Round and Round by Cindy Armanini
Stopped for tea by Mike D.
bike race by Joseph Rasch
Clyde's New Ride! by Ryan Hebert
Amsterdam parking lot by juan felipe rubio
red bicycle and rice fields by A Rhaditstya Putra
Bike by Sarah HoffmRyan Hebert
Sunday morning bike by
Nancy Whalen
On your bike... by Phil Clarke
bicycle on the beach by Victoria Perelet
handlebars by Pietro Zuco
Green transport by joe navin
Criterium2 by
Jared Sorrells
In 1923, the first Bike Week was held in England. May is National Bike Month in the United States. Many cities and communities across the US are holding special events to celebrate biking. Join us in celebrating the bicycle, share your photos and wear a helmet.
Posted by Toby Morrison — 14 May 2012
Shooting in the rain can bring about a challenge as well as challenge the best of your photography skills. Whether you're chasing cloud formations, perfectly situated rain drops, or hunting down an authentic performance of a rain dance, the autumn rain can provide photographers with the opportunity to capture some beautiful and many times unpredictable "rainy day" photographs!
Here are your JPG staff selections for best of Photo Challenge: April Rain.

The Red Umbrella by Nicolas Zonvi Photo

Untitled by sagarika suri

You're Never Too Old to Play in the Rain by Barbara McLendon

Rainy Days by Dominic Meily

Venus de Milo by Rem Zamora

The real beauty in each drops of a rain by sujith p r

Rain in Vienna by Kyle Burrows

Supernova by Leah Garton

Into rain, into light by Kyle Anstey

Reflections of Rome by Steve Cozort

Luoping by Attila Balogh

wall of water by Vincent Cinque

new found feather by Rene Damen

" Improvise " /April rain by Michael Asaro

burberry rain by Tony Day
Posted by Shayla Simmons — 9 May 2012
"A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts." -Washington Irving
Mother's Day is fast approaching and as we scramble to get something special for the mother we love, we should give pause and reflect on the incredible person that she is and all that she's done for us. I have picked some great examples from the JPG community that showcase a variety of great mothers from our users around the world.

Mother and Child - Tenderness by Edwin S. Loyola

A gentle kiss by Thomas Campos

Mother and Child by Cassandra Bould

Mother and Child (revisited). by Christopher Godish

Mother & Child by ROCIO GUILLEN

Mother and Child, Tibet by Frank Ward

mother and child by Billy Howard

Mother and child at the shelter by Ronnie Ginnever

Mother & Child by Leo Jaramillo

Heather and Sam, Mother's Day 2010 by Michael Hocter
So happy Mother's day to all mothers of the world, we love you and thank you for all that you have done for us.
Please share your favorite memories, photos and stories of the mom's you love by uploading and linking from the comments!
Posted by Toby Morrison — 8 May 2012
Photo of the Week

the grand canal... by Julianna O'Brien
Story of the Week: Tribal Children's Portraits

Sunflower Field, India Featured in a photo essay by Michele Wambaugh
Member of the Week: Leslie Hunziker

Divinity by Leslie Hunziker
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