Photo Throwdown just premiered their first show today, and I can’t be more excited to tell you about it! This is only part one of their two part first episode where photographers Jennifer Rozenbaum and Chris Fain go head to head in New York City. There they receive challenges to try and win so that they can get one up on their competition. Just when they think they’ve got it all figured out, out comes a REFOCUS that will be twist things more than an M. Night Shyamalan movie ending.
What is it Exactly?
Conceived from the mind of Damian Battinelli and developed by the mildly inebriated minds of five photo friends from across the United States while gathered in a Las Vegas casino. Photo Throwdown is a monthly reality internet challenge show that is an intense, head to head battle designed to push photographers beyond their own preconceived limits. Their mission statement is as follows:
Photo Throwdown’s mission is to provide a fun and challenging environment for photographers to push themselves creatively, to create opportunities through friendly competition and supply educational tutorials for photographic artists to discover or re-awaken something inside of them. All this in hopes of helping to take their career to a level they have only previously dreamed of. A boost of confidence of sorts. Our planned (daily) educational content will be based on our own everyday experiences as working photographers and geared toward those who are simply eager to learn more about the craft.
How the Show Works
Every new episode features two photographers from a featured U.S. city and are selected by the Photo Throwdown crew based on their portfolio and general sunny disposition. Photographers are presented with a common challenge that is based on a specific word, picture, or phrase, and then immediately presented with a mini challenge. This alone is enough to drive most photographers nuts, but they don’t stop there. Midway through the workday, photographers are slapped square in the kisser with a “REFOCUS!” The “REFOCUS!” is designed for one purpose only and that is to disrupt the photographers’ workflow by presenting them with a third challenge or wrinkle. As photographers, we must adapt quickly to unforeseen challenges every day. Why not grab some popcorn and watch someone else sweat for a change? When the battle has concluded, viewers cast their vote to determine the winner and the gloating can begin. Winners will receive gear as well as being featured on the show, announced on all Photo Throwdown social mediums, and of course… Complete bragging rights. Priceless.
Reactions
So what do you guys think of part one of the first episode? Sound off in the comments below. Part two gets released next week. I can't wait to see where this series goes!
Just saw Part 1 and cant wait to see how it ends. Great job Damian Battinelli and the entire PT Crew!
I really love this concept! This is a reality show I will actually watch. Would love to volunteer myself and my glidecam for their outdoor stuff hahaha
Hosting needs work, they asked "how do you feel' 3 different ways at the beginning. . . . And Damien, they never even showed the viewers his photo. Plus the footage for a 'photo' show, needed some work. I am sure this is a pilot to get more funding so its a good first pass.
Thanks for the input, Brian! We are working hard to get it together. You have valid points that we are aware of. Still developing for sure. Lighting is DEF on the top of the list. You rock, buddy!
Completely agree with Brian on his insight. Id like to add to the list... Camera man needs work, holy mother of pearl i have a headache from the zooming in and out and fast panning, camera shake when not needed, dynamics of cutting between shots...yeah its a mess for me. Concept is great though, would get rid of the mini challenge, and also get a real actor/presenter for the hosting. Yeah production needs a lot of work to get it to the point where its not just another youtube video.
Also, weve had something similar here in S.A. but was more like a masterchefs kinda thing..failed after one season though, But you got the idea quite easy and was straight to the point, And those who started off in photography could actually learn something:
http://www.q-upentertainment.tv/index.php/television/8-sharp-shooter-sa
I nit picked a bit more than I was intending, but this is just my two cents, hope its insightful.
Regards
great job, I know the first attempt at anything is a huge leaning experience no matter what it is, that being said you guys did an awesome job but there are plenty of improvements that could be made, but for an internet pilot this is very solid
I like the idea, but it feels fake to me. While I understand that those people are photographers and not actors their reactions are not believable.
The other issue I find with this is the so called "mini-challenge". Running around NYC searching for an orange cable is kinda lame.
And at last, did you really need to cut the episode in two parts? When you think about it, nothing really happens in this first part.
That said I do hope that the show will get better in time as the idea is good.
I agree with everything Todor said. Also, it would have been a nice change of pace if there HADN'T been the expected photo subject swap.
So... I wasted 11 minutes and didn't see a thing about photography. All they did was do the usual reality tv crap and make them run around the city for no reason. Then to top it off, come back to the studio to find some ass clown making fart noises. Thanks for waisting my time.
Yeah, it could be about baking or sewing or gardening or anything.
David. Stop sucking other commenters dicks. Speak for yourself.
Calm your tits Leigh. First off, if you were from NY you would recognize the "ass clown" as one of NYC's many popular street performers. That's what makes it funny. Secondly, it's their first episode what did you expect? Do us all a favor, go back to your couch and watch "usual reality TV crap." If it was a waste of your time to watch, don't comment and fuck off...
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Big fan! Looking forward to seeing this take place in various cities around the country and the world.
Congrats to Damian and the crew!