Friends!
I hope this message finds you well and ready for a new adventure because we’re about to embark on something special together. Welcome to ON THE RUN—a space where curiosity meets creativity, and every week brings a fresh canvas of inspiration.
In this newsletter, we’ll explore the beauty in the everyday, unpack the stories behind art and photography, unravel the mysteries of technology, get lost in the immersive worlds of video games, and groove to the beats of the latest tunes and cinematic masterpieces.
As for me, I’m Ferhat Topal, a freelance photographer and director, and I’m thrilled to take you behind the scenes of my journey. I’ll be sharing contact sheets, behind the scenes experiences, revealing the mistakes I made, and the invaluable lessons I learned along the way.
In this creative journey, your voice is an essential part of the narrative. I invite you to share your thoughts, experiences, and creative endeavors. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a fellow photographer, a tech guru, or a gaming aficionado, your perspective enriches our community. Comment on the newsletters, share your insights, and contribute to the ongoing conversation. This space is not just mine; it’s ours. So, let’s build a vibrant community where ideas flow, creativity sparks, and inspiration knows no bounds. Together, we can make ON THE RUN a hub of shared passions and collective creativity. Don’t hesitate—your input is what makes this journey truly special.
Enough with the Intro. Let’s begin with our first episode.
Housekeeping
Do you recall my recent personal newsletter? In it, I mentioned embarking on a 6-month project. However, it concluded a few weeks earlier than anticipated, lasting only 3 months. While such occurrences are not uncommon, I've identified crucial points that every photographer/videographer should incorporate into their pre-game routine to minimize potential client issues. I'm currently compiling a list, and I'll be sharing it with you all next week right here in the newsletter. My hope is that it proves beneficial, helping some of you avoid the same mistakes I encountered.
I recently collaborated with "Deutsche Welle" on a car documentation, marking our second project together. Unfortunately, I can't showcase anything at the moment since nothing has been released yet. Rest assured, as soon as the results are available, I'll be sharing them with you.
Most of the time, I carry either my Olympus MJU II or my Yashica T4, both incredible cameras with a significant advantage—they're pocketable, making them super easy to travel with. I enjoy the simplicity of having carrying as little as possible in my daily life. However, I recently added my Contax G1 to the mix, which serves as a backup for my beloved G2. It's interesting how my approach to daily snapshots has changed with a more professional camera in hand. I'm almost through the first roll, and I'll be sharing the results with you soon. Do you have a favorite camera that accompanies you daily?
Art & Design
Midjourney's move to a dedicated website
Exciting news in the AI sphere! Midjourney, the innovative AI image generator, is taking a big leap forward. It now has its dedicated website, leaving Discord behind. This move promises a more seamless and user-friendly experience for artists, designers, and creators. Check out the details in this article.
Polaroid releases its first collaboration with Pantone
Polaroid has just released its inaugural collaboration with Pantone, the renowned color authority. Introducing a fresh instant film that spotlights Pantone's Color of the Year 2024, Peach Fuzz. Check out the details in the official press release here.
Blending Nostalgia and Innovation: Conceptual Analog Quadrascopic Camera in the Digital Era
In a fascinating fusion of analog charm and digital innovation, a recent article explores a conceptual project that resurrects the analog quadrascopic camera in the digital age. I am a big fan of the Nishika N8000 and the quadrascopic pictures it takes. I have used it frequently in commissioned work. Look forward for this one. Hope it will get realized. More information about the concept here.
Music & Movies
Making of Elf
With just a few days left until Christmas, I've kicked off my annual Christmas movie marathon. One of my all-time favorites is ELF. While browsing the internet, I stumbled upon a captivating video detailing the making of ELF. Absolutely enamored by technical videos like this one. If you're a fellow fan, you're sure to enjoy this gem.
Navigating the Soundscape: Rediscovering Music Beyond AI Playlists
In an era where AI-generated playlists dominate our musical preferences, is it possible to cut through this digital fog? Amidst the algorithms, curated song recommendations shine. Whether from a blog, a radio program, or a friend unveiling a hidden gem, each discovery feels like scoring a last-minute goal in a football game—truly amazing. Today, I'm excited to introduce you to Flow State, a newsletter offering daily music recommendations. Visit their site at www.flowstate.com and hit subscribe. Personally, it has led me to some incredible musical finds, and I'm eager to share this discovery with you!
Tech & Gaming
Revolutionary AI TV Anchors Redefine News Delivery with Human-like Precision
Fully AI-generated TV anchors have emerged, boasting an astonishingly realistic human appearance. These advanced AI anchors deliver the news with uncanny accuracy, showcasing the forefront of artificial intelligence technology. The innovation prompts intriguing conversations about the future of media presentation and the transformative role of AI in traditional broadcasting. Read more about this news here.
“Powerpoint” AI Alternative
As a freelance photographer and director, constructing pitch decks is a regular part of my work. I am constantly seeking newer and improved tools to enhance my ability to articulate and visualize my ideas with greater precision.
Transforming the landscape of idea communication, AI, fueled by GPT-4, empowers Gamma.app to accomplish hours of work—such as compiling content, designing, and formatting a presentation from scratch—in mere minutes.
Impressive! Excited to explore it in more detail. Feel free to check it out, Gamma.app.
Florida Joker Challenges Grand Theft Auto 6 in $2M Spoof Battle
In a bizarre turn of events, Grand Theft Auto 6 faces an unexpected adversary in the form of a Florida Joker, demanding a whopping $2 million for allegedly spoofing his likeness. The real-world drama unfolds as the digital and physical realms collide in a clash of creativity and legal intricacies. Read more about the Florida Joker's challenge to GTA 6 here.
What’s on my gaming agenda right now?
Out of the blue, I’ve dived into Yakuza series. Started with Yakuza 0. I haven’t even wrapped up Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom yet and there are several five-star games from this year patiently waiting on my bucket list. However, as the saying goes, we should follow our heart in love and in gaming. So, always stick to playing the game you most excited about at the moment, even if it’s your seventh playthrough (glancing over at my copy of Zelda: A Link to the Past). What are you playing at the moment?
This is the End, Beautiful Friend
That's a wrap for this edition! I hope you enjoyed the insights into my evolving journey and the anticipation of upcoming projects. As we navigate the nuances of visual storytelling, remember that every frame tells a unique story. Stay tuned for next week's edition, where I'll be sharing valuable tips for photographers and videographers to enhance their client interactions. Your feedback and experiences are always welcomed, so feel free to hit reply and share your thoughts. Until next time, keep creating and capturing those special moments!
Best regards,
Ferhat Topal