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- a few links to things I found interesting during the week
 Journal, by M. Hamilton. 1. Camera controls: Push your camera to its limit.
Sometimes we are faced with light conditions that are not very nice to us. The question is whether to push the limits of the camera or miss the photo. In this article, Nicole Young discusses why we should sometimes push the limits of the ISO in order to get the shot that we want. Nicole makes her living through full time shooting for commercial and stock photography, both requiring very clean images, so her words of wisdom when to use high ISO makes a lot of sense.
2. Darkroom/post-processing: 10 Deadly Post-processing sins.
In this article, Natalie Norton explores some of the post-processing goofs that we all occasionally use. It’s a matter of taste and in fact her list contains things that I still do every week. All of our photos are post-processed, either with the camera set to do it automatically with jpgs or else by the photographer when the camera is set to record in RAW. One change that I started doing a good while ago was to work with RAW and then do all the adjustments on layers. That way, when my opinions and tastes change, I can go back to that file and hide the vignette, saturation/desaturation , or fancy-frame layer and then generate a more main-stream jpg for printing or web use.
3. Composition: A Refresher
During meetings, we often hear comments about “good compositions” but what does this really mean? In this article, Theresa Husarik gives 12 helpful guidelines with examples, often with comparisons side-by-side. This is probably one of the best concise articles on the topic that I’ve looked over.
4. Software: Lightroom 3 Beta 2 now available for free download
Adobe is giving a free download of Lightroom 3 which is in the final stage of beta testing. The software is fully functional and will work without limits until the end of June. Now’s your chance to try a great piece of software without any charge. You will have to register for an Adobe account to access the download, but the account is free.
5. Photographer spotlight: Jack Bush Gallery
Jack Bush resides in Haliburton County, Ontario and has a photoblog hosted by the same folks that I do, which is how we have become known to each other. His wonderful landscapes have kept me energized all winter. In the link above, it will take you to his photo “Memories of Summer’ that he posted on March 16th, about the time that I really needed a good reminder of the better weather to come. I enjoy the softness and painterly-like effect that the image has, imparting a nice early morning mood to it. Read more about Jack here.
6. Critique: “Not for me” versus “not for anyone”
Seth Godin writes a blog that is meant to give short advice for business but I find it interesting and helpful for everyday life. In this short article, he says that when giving feedback, we should strive to separate the “not for me” comments from those that say “not for anyone”. This follows what Mike has said during the sessions, but still is worthy to repeat.
7. News: Polaroid film is coming back.
Film is rapidly becoming a specialized item used by serious photographers in the fine art world who want to impart a unique look to their photos. When Polaroid shut down the production of their instant film, a serious subset of the art world lost their treasured film of choice. Some folks have been working in one of the old plants with the task of trying to re-invent the film and they have finally succeeded. Black & White film for the 600 series camera as well as the SX-70 will soon make it’s appearance, though more expensive and not at Walmart. The above link will take you to the Impossible Project webpage where you can tour the old plant through Polaroid photos, quite appropriately. Just click on enter, then click the small number to turn the pages. The photos of the old plant are interesting.
Hope this helps some, hope to see you on a photowalk soon!
Mark
 What Is It? I wish I was there to see your faces when this blue image popped up on the screen! From what I understand, there were a few suggestions on what it could be but it left most people scratching their heads. Whether you loved the image or hated it, it got you thinking and started a lively discussion.
Since I’m new to photography, no one has told me what is acceptable and what is not. I don’t know all the “rules” so it leaves me open to explore new worlds, to go where no man has gone before! (If you’re a Star Trek fan you will understand this tongue in cheek reference.)
This was a result of an adventure into exploring light and motion and how they can work together to bring about an interesting view on the everyday mundane “stuff” we have around us.
When I googled light and motion, I saw a lot of images of highways where cars, coming and going, left their trails of light; the night sky, where the paths of the stars streaked through the heavens. I wanted to do something different.
In our living room we have a stereo with lighted speakers. The louder the sound, the more intensely blue the speakers become. They are really awesome, they even pulse with the bass!
I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to capture nor did I know how to set my camera to get the results I was after. I knew I wanted the shutter open for a long time so I set it to bulb, which allowed me to hold the shutter open as long as I had my finger on the button. I set my ISO at 100 (I don’t know why), f stop at 5 (again, I don’t know why).
I turned out the lights, laid on the floor and held the shutter open for 6 seconds as I zoomed and panned my 18-200mm lens; the Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz image was a result of this experiment.
I loved how the movement of light gave it an almost liquid feel and the screen on the front of the speaker added an interesting texture.
So, there you have it. It’s a photo of the lighted speaker at full volume at night in my living room with all the lights off.
Bottom line: I had such fun playing with my camera, using my imagination and creating something no one has ever seen……. to go where no camera packin’ granny has gone before!
There were thirty present at the critiquing program by Steven Rotsch at our Club meeting on March 18th. Here are a few shots from the evening. Click on one image to enlarge, then scroll through the images.
If you would like to know more about Steven, visit his website at www.stevenrotsch.com. He offers workshops also, so be sure to check those out on his link.
 Taken from the back of the bike with my D80/18-200 lens going 60mph. I had a wonderful gift given to me almost 2 years ago. Someone who loves me gave me a Nikon D80! Someone who could see the beginnings of a full-fledged love affair with photography.
Entering the photography world later in life gave me little time to waste. Delving into the intricacies of f-stops, shutter speeds and ISO settings seemed a daunting task but I was determined to do more than point and shoot with a camera that promised to do so much more.
Eight months ago, my D80 ventured away from Mr. Green (auto setting) in favor of Ms. Manual. There were times, in moments of sheer desperation, that I reluctantly returned to Mr. Green. For the most part, Ms. Manual and I were getting to be friends.
I searched the internet for information and found myriads of forums, websites and blogs that contained valuable instructional and technical resources. A wonderful man from Florida, an experienced photographer of 30+ years, took pity on me and took me under his wing. He spent many hours via internet or telephone trying to teach me how to use my camera. I think it’s just now starting to sink in, much to his relief!
One of the best things that has happened is finding the OVCC. I have learned so much from being at the meetings and asking questions. The extra classes in lighting with Jan of Camelot Photography, the Photoshop class that Dennis organized, the presentations at the meetings and especially the critiques Mike gives have provided me with an invaluable on-going education.
I am looking forward to attending Mike’s class starting on March 31 and solidifying my basic skills. Joe Browning is always so willing to share his knowledge and I’m looking forward to picking his brain when we go out for a Photo Walk.
The encouragement of all the members has meant so much to me, a beginner photographer and new OVCC member. It’s an exciting time, one that I am looking forward to with much anticipation.
When I was asked to write something for the blog, I knew I had no technical expertise to present but it did give me the opportunity to tell you all that you are an exceptional group of people. Not only are you talented, you are very approachable and friendly. You make this a very special place for a motorcycle ridin’ camera packin’ granny like me!
Bekkie
 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
What wonderful weather we have had this week! After wandering around in the yard just to enjoy the warm sun. I discovered that some of my crocus are blooming. Went and grabbed my camera and for the next hour it was photo opt time! The crocus photos were taken with a Tamron 90mm macro lens.
Mark,
Thanks for the link to the critique article. As you know, this has been a subject of much debate and discussion. I think the article brought out the key points in a very clear and to the point way.
 Floral (enhanced digital art), M. Hamilton 3/2010 1. Spotlight on the photography of Susan Burnstine
Mike Adkins left a comment on one of my blog entries that he was interested in making black & white images that project a feeling or mood to them. Susan Burnstine is a photographer who immediately comes to mind. Susan has handmade 21 individual film cameras that produces dream-like images without any need for postproduction. In an era of ever increasing sharp digital images, these are photographs that produce a haunting, moody look that is unique.
2. The Golden Hour Calculator
We’ve all heard about that hour of light that makes special photographs at the beginning and ending of the day. You first need to know the time and then be in location as it doesn’t last very long at all. I still remember a Lloyd Moore portrait (entered in an OVCC competition years ago) that was shot on the banks of the river in Charleston where the subject was bathed in that Golden Hour light. The right light will produce photographs that are memorable. The Golden Hour Calculator will help you figure out the time. Hints: set the drop down menu to “local time” and then hover your mouse over the yellow bars of the graph and the gold hour times will display.
3. Critique, can you take it?
Eric Hatch (from the “other” OVCC in Cincinnati, Ohio) has written a nice article on his blog about critique. We talk about critique a lot inside and outside of the meeting, but do we really have the stomach for it? Eric explores the psychology behind it and gives some nice examples. A very good article and worth your time to consider when thinking about how to improve our group.
4. Signing your photographs
Mike Adkins and I have been having an ongoing discussion about the value of photographs and the price point that will allow you to actually sell fine-art photographs in the Tri-State area. Along the same lines, James at Photography Matters has an interesting article that suggests to sign the print in pencil on the back, in the border area. He also suggests to number the print even if not a part of a limited series. He goes on to suggest that a front signature may be considered if you have a fancy signature but he states this isn’t recommended. He also briefly touches on titles, which we often talk about. Within our club, there seems to be a feeling that the title needs to interpret the image for the viewer rather than rely on the strength of the image itself. James has another opinion on that topic and, although brief, may help to stimulate some thought on the matter.
5. The Pentax 645D is an actual product after all
Mike Johnston at The Online Photographer discusses the digital medium format Pentax 645D. In the previous generation, the Pentax 645 was a legendary film camera that handled like a very large 35mm but with the high quality of 120 film. There’s been lots of speculation and much denial from Pentax, but finally the camera surfaces in Japan. At less than $10,000, it seems unreachable to most of us but the key point is that this shows the future of digital photography. My hope is that it will push the price of the full frame camera down a lot.
6. Annie Leibovitz gets to keep her images
An ending to the story that Mike emailed us about months ago.
7. An end to the photoblock: steal ideas!
While outright stealing photo ideas from others can often be frowned upon, the incorporation of ideas of iconic painters can be an accepted way of getting out of the creativity block that we all suffer during late winter. I’ve been reading and studying a bit on the paintings of the old masters and they are very good for stimulating ideas, both for planning of upcoming photoshoots or just looking for something to do on the weekends. Mike has incorporated some Norman Rockwell ideas with very good results in the past. I think it was said best during lunch with a fellow OVCC photographer when we agreed the important thing is to be inspired by the work of others, then improve upon it and make it your own. Just like American Idol and their songs, hahaha!
8. A local art show with photographs opens Thursday, March 11 2010
The local student newspaper, The Parthenon, reports that an art show opens at the Java Joint, at the corner of Hal Greer and 3rd Avenue. Mark Webb and Christian Alexandersen will be displaying photographs and art work until April 11th. No admission fee.
Jeff Bridges won on Oscar on Sunday night for Crazy Heart, the first in his 50 year career. When he made his acceptance speech, I remembered that he is also a photographer. He is a professional by the definition of being represented by a nice gallery but a snapshot-style photographer in his manner of shooting. What makes this interesting is his choice of shooting with an odd panoramic film camera called a Widelux that he uses to take photos behind the scenes and during the making of his movies. While they have that informal look about them, the subjects aren’t at all ordinary and the Widelux turns out an interesting photograph that captures everything around it.
The Widelux uses a swinging lens that travels nearly 180 degrees to expose a long strip of negative. I’ve been told it is a finicky camera and when you look at KEH, you find that it still sells for a good amount ($1500-$2000) even when other film cameras are considered nearly worthless. At one time, the local bookstores carried his book that was simply named “Jeff Bridges Pictures” and I recommend that as the best way to see the photographs. The big problem with panoramic photos is finding a way to display them and the book does them much better justice than website display.
Here is a link to his Widelux photos from the Oscar nominated movie “Crazy Heart”.
Here is a link to the Flickr pool for Widelux photographs. These shots are random, so it’s hard to tell what you’ll find.
Exploring older cameras and film technology is a great way to expand your photography. Panoramic film photography, though, is probably the most difficult!
Our next projected image competition is this Thursday, Feb 18th at 7pm. We meet in Studio 3 at the Huntington Museum. Members, please check your email for details about image submission to the competition. The cutoff is Tuesday night at midnight. You have two extra days!
Visitors welcome!
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