Goofy as it is, Photojojo is a must-visit web site for photographers. It's a totally indispensable gift giving resource, as far as I'm concerned. You see, Photojojo is filled with photography stuff for photography buffs, and yet almost none of it (or at least very little) is designed for DSLRs to make better pictures in the traditional sense. Rather, Photojojo is filled with iPhone camera accessories and goofy gadgets that help you have fun with your photography addiction. Whether you visit for a quick laugh or for the totally unique gadgets, you must visit the site this time of the year because it's absolutely the perfect place to get gifts for the other photo geeks in your life. Or send this link to your loved ones and tell them what you have on your own wish list. The Photojojo holiday gift guide (in two parts) makes photo gift giving a breeze. Enjoy!

http://content.photojojo.com/buy-this/photojojos-holiday-gift-guide-2012-part-1

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In a past life I worked briefly (and just barely) in the motorcycle world, and I once got to witness the knee-buckling beauty of the Pirelli pinup calendar in person. This year, though, Pirelli has done something a bit different with its annual calendar. While it still features beautiful women in exotic locations, they are all fully clothed—and one of them is even pregnant. This year's photographer is not a traditional fashion or beauty photographer, either. The 2013 calendar was photographed by renowned Magnum photojournalist Steve McCurry, who spent two weeks photographing the models—each of whom is also known for her humanitarian work—in his documentary style to create what he calls "a calendar of the soul." McCurry, in my opinion, just might be the finest photographer working today. To get a glimpse of the master at work, check out the 30-minute "making of" video courtesy of Pirelli. It's a landmark calendar for many reasons, notable in more ways than ever in its 2013 iteration.

http://www.iso1200.com/2012/11/the-cal-making-of-new-pirelli-calendar.html

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If you're a fan of world-class fashion photography, there's perhaps no venue more high profile and downright amazing than the industry icon, Vogue magazine. Vogue is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, and just the other day HBO Documentary Films debuted a new documentary exploring the magazine, its history, and of course some of the most iconic and important fashion photographs in history. A book by the same name was released in October, and like the film it's filled with behind the scenes interviews with fashion industry giants, including Vogue editors, fashion designers and even celebrity subjects. 

http://www.hbo.com/documentaries/#/documentaries/in-vogue-the-editors-eye

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Bruce Springsteen's doing something pretty cool. Today's the last day of his contest to raise money for hurricane Sandy relief. For a $25 donation, you're entered into a drawing to win one of 22 original photographs made of Bruce throughout his career by some world-renowned rock 'n roll photographers—including Danny Clinch, Lynn Goldsmith and Annie Leibovitz. Oh, and Bruce will sign each of these original photos, too. Since your donation goes to a good cause, why not consider donating for a chance to win a great print? I just did, and now my fingers are crossed. 

http://www.backstreets.com/sandy

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This is one of the greatest time-lapse videos I've ever seen. Filmmaker Jamie Scott not only made multiple exposures over the course of many minutes and hours, he returned to his Central Park locations time and time again over the course of six months, and because he set his tripod and lens and camera in the exact same way each time, his resulting time-lapse video shows the trees change colors and shed their leaves, in an instant. It's a beautiful work of art. To see more of his tremendous videos, visit his web site. He's got quite the portfolio of work, including many high-end commercials you're likely to be familiar with. 

http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2012/11/fall-the-color-of-central-park-filmed-over-six-months
http://invisiblejam.com

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A crucial figure in the science of digital cameras died last month. Bryce Bayer invented the Bayer filter, the device that makes it possible for the monochromatic sensors in our digital cameras to render colors accurately. It's quite a legacy, for sure. If you're unfamiliar with how the Bayer filter works, take this opportunity to read about it via the Imaging Resource blog. It's a fitting tribute to the man who made the device a reality, and it will make you a more informed photographer—just like the Bayer filter makes better digital photographs. Rest in peace, Mr. Bayer. 

http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2012/11/20/bryce-bayer-who-created-bayer-filter-for-digital-cameras-has-died

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I can't believe I almost forgot about one of my favorite things that happens this time of year. It's time for the annual flood of "best of" lists. These lists can comprise anything and everything, and you're sure to find them all over the place. But this one I'm linking to today is a good way to get started because it doesn't take itself too seriously; It's a bit of light fun. It's a collection of Wired's favorite viral photography projects of the year, of which I've seen almost all. But the little bent things... That was news to me. The year's best really are in here, from the underwater dogs to the haunted house photos. I love that last one the best, I think. And if you haven't seen it, you must. 

http://www.wired.com/rawfile/2012/11/wireds-favorite-viral-photo-projects-of-2012/

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Every year, National Geographic hosts a photography contest. Well the submissions for this year's contest are now in, and while we wait for the votes to be tabulated the fine folks at National Geographic have shared a selection of their favorite entries. One of the most fun and interesting accompaniments to these tremendous photographs is the captions, unfiltered and unvarnished and provided by the photographers themselves. These amazing photographs deserve to be seen, even if they don't end up winning the contest in the end.

http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2012/11/spectacular-entries-to-the-2012-national-geographic-photography-contest

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