Mike Adkins during an OVCC critique session, by M. Hamilton (print held by Mike is by Bekkie Harper)
1. Digital 1 to 1 free instructional videos
Real live classes are the very best way to learn and we’re lucky to have several that will start soon in Huntington. For those who are short of time or money, online videos are often the next best thing. Digital 1 to 1 instructional videos are produced by Photoworks San Francisco and is a very complete class that takes you through composition, camera control, and onto more advanced basics of photography. There is no charge and the page is designed in an easy to use form that is a lot like using a table of contents.
2. How to take a striking portrait in 15 minutes
Sometimes we are called to make a portrait but only have a few minutes to do the camera work. On the Digital Photography School website, Christina Dickson gives a short article on 3 points that will help you turn out a portrait that is much much better than average. I know from experience that having a shooting plan will calm the nerves, but too much planning will be difficult to follow. This article presents a simple but effective approach.
3. Break the creativity block, take a photowalk with a theme
We often complain about falling into the photographer’s version of writers block. Even though our downtown area is readily accessible, many of our members are tired of photographing there. Try this: give your photowalk a theme. In this article, Nicole Young talks about shooting angles as a theme for your next walk. If club members are interested, I think a monthly themed photowalk maybe with dinner or appetizers would be a great activity. Any volunteers?
3. Photography spotlight: The Huntington Flickr Group
Besides the OVCC, our area is also home to the 155 member Huntington Flickr Group. The group has had real live get-togethers, but the main purpose is a group pool in which to share your photographs of the Tri-State Area. Members range from the very beginners to the professionals.
4. Unauthorized reuse of photographs
We’re often faced with the possibility of our images being used without our authorization or knowledge. Sometimes it seems like the Wild West with everyone doing what they want and then waiting to see if they get complaints. Some believe this is because photographers never pursue punitive damages like other artists will do. Well, in this article we find a conceptual artist who has re-used a photograph in a museum installation. It is an interesting article from the standpoint of considering if we are going to act in the way in which we want others to treat our own art. It is more difficult than it sounds. In the photograph that I posted at the top of this entry, should I have the consent of the maker of the print? Going a step further, is it OK to reproduce photographic art for educational purposes? Tough questions, when you think about it.
Have a great week, the weather should clear in a day or two.
Mark
I like the idea of a themed photowalk, especialy if there is food involved! I read several years ago about an activity to do with kids, but would work for a themed photo challange. The basic idea was to use the alphabet. So we would have to take 26 pictures that represented all letters of the alphabet. Easier said than done!
There was once a famous photographer who shot the alphabet with a Polaroid in his elderly years. I can’t remember his name but I remember it as being a Polaroid promotion and they gave him an SX70 camera with unlimited film.
Themed photowalks right now hold the most interest for me, Angie. I think I’ve ran out of ideas and themed walks might help.
I’d love to hear ideas for other themes.