Monday Missive — November 13, 2017

Posted on November 13, 2017 by Rich

Quotes

“The job of the photographer . . . is to be coherent about intuition and hope.” — Robert Adams in Beauty in Photography

“. . . the best photographs rely more on the fact that the photographer saw something the rest of us overlooked” — David duChemin, in The Soul of the Camera

“The more experience you have, the more you can close that gap between what you see and what the camera sees.” — Steve McCurry

Links

– Reflections of Italy David duChemin, one of my favorite photography writers, just completed a workshop in Italy. These are his images from that trip.
– Art of Photography assignment on self-portraits
– Adobe’s version of what updates are included in PS CC 2018
– How is “professional” photographer defined?
– Tips – Get best results consistently, Part 1
– Part 2
– Creative Burnout
– Explanation of the best new tools in PS CC 2018 I found this very helpful on some tools I knew about, but didn’t really understand how to use.

From Steve Oney:
– Blog of blogs Some of the best photo blogs
From George Spicer:
– Game farm photography
From Harry Bosk via Facebook:
– Update on the ‘Bible’ of street photography

Evening in SC

Rabbit in the Trees

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Monday Missive — November 6, 2017

Posted on November 6, 2017 by Rich

Quotes

“. . . what we hope for from the artist is help in discovering the significance of a place.” — Robert Adams in Beauty in Photography

“. . . there is an incredible hunger to make and share images. . . . knowing how to use a complicated camera no longer serves as a barrier to creating those images.” — David duChemin in The Soul of the Camera

“I impose the way that I see, the way that I feel, the way that I connect on the landscape.” — Michael Kenna

Links

It as been a couple of weeks since the upgrades from Adobe for Lightroom and Photoshop, so by now the confusion should be abating, but for those who missed it, here is another decent explanation: – LR Classic vs CC and a link to the more specific PS upgrades
– A clearer explanation of Lightroom Classic vs Lightroom CC Makes clear that the current version of LR is the last one without a subscription.
– One more time on Adobe updates
– Professional photography with minimal equipment
– Forest photography
– Making the most of mirrorless, a review of advantages and options
– Two great things about LR panoramas
– No excuses! Just Do It!
– The curvature pen tool in the new Photoshop

From Steve Oney
– New and better sharpening in PS 2018

Walking horses out to pasture in the morning at a horse farm in Catonsville, MD on a photoshoot arranged by the Baltimore Camera Club.

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Monday Missive — October 30, 2017

Posted on October 30, 2017 by Rich

Quotes

Processing Negative Reviews
“Some people love what you do. …
So, how to understand it when someone hates what you do? …
It’s not for them. They want something you don’t offer. …
Some of these things you can address by telling a story more clearly, some you can’t.
Either way, right now, they’re telling you one thing: It’s not for them.
Okay, thanks for letting us know.” — Posted by Seth Godin on October 19, 2017

“There is always a subjective aspect in landscape art, something in the picture that tells us as much about who is behind the camera as about what is in front of it.” — Robert Adams

“Making photographs has to be, then, a personal matter; when it is not, the results are not persuasive.” — Robert Adams, in Beauty in Photography

Links

– Photojournalism, ethics and constantly changing technology
– Point of view photography
– Great tip for removing fringing from selections
– New features in Photoshop CC 2018 New color and luminosity masks in RAW, better Select and Mask functions and better enlargement
– The power of curves
– What is Adobe creative cloud costing you?
– NIK is back!

URLs courtesy of Steve Oney:
– NIK alternatives
– Interesting BW film noir images
– More on the new Lightroom versions

Pugnacious Atlantic ghost crab and an empty shell. #Dewees Island, SC

Mail car from the B & O Railroad Museum in Baltimore.

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Monday Missive — October 23, 2017

Posted on October 23, 2017 by Rich

Quotes

“A lot of our thinking is for bonding, not truth-seeking, so most of us are quite willing to think or say anything that will help us be liked by our group.” — David Brooks, Oct. 10, 2017, NY Times Op-Ed “The Art of Thinking Well”

“Like all photographers, I depend on serendipity I pray for what might be referred to as the angel of chance.” — Sally Mann

“I will never reach the end of this journey. I’ll never arrive at a point where others have nothing to teach me.” – David DuChemin

Links

– Julianne gives a clear description of why you would prefer Lightroom Classic or CC
– Lightroom Classic is now the LR you are used to; Lightroom CC is strictly cloud-based
– New changes in Lightroom
– Photoshop updates by Adobe
– Photographing those who don’t want to be photographed
– Great photoshop composites
– Create vs Capture
– Controlling depth of field with focus stacking
– Color and luminance masking in CC2018 Camera Raw
– Dorothea Lange

From George Spicer:
– Y’all might like this free download from Jared Lloyd; 111 pages with lots of pictures

Sunrise over the marsh on Dewees Island, SC.

Ibis, wood stork and spoonbills in impoundment on Dewees Island, SC

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Monday Missive — October 16, 2017

Posted on October 16, 2017 by Rich

Quotes

“In large measure becoming an artist consists of learning to accept yourself, which makes your work personal, and in following your own voice, which makes your work distinctive.” — David Bayles and Ted Orland in Art & Fear

“I have reached the point where the craft is sufficient to the purpose, or at least attainable, but the purpose to which I will apply that craft is proving more elusive.” — Richard Eskin

“Photography can light up darkness and expose ignorance.” – Lewis Hine

Links

– We have probably all felt this way at some time
– Photographing wildlife at rescue shelters
– Make it not take it!
– Best solar eclipse images
– Proper behavior around wildlife
– 2017 MacArthur Award winning photographer Dawoud Bey

URLs courtesy of Steve Oney
– Nikon Small World winners Some of these images are amazing.
– Monochrome images of national parks Some of these are quite good and some are taken with the Leica M Monchrom camera that is only BW.
– 50 great BW photographs A good way to take better photographs is to look at good photographs. Also links to previous lists. How many names do you recognize?
– Processing a Faroe Island image Learn something about BW from Cole Thompson.

Images from my recent workshop on #Dewees Island, SC with National Geographic Photographer Peter Essick.

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Monday Missive — October 9, 2017

Posted on October 9, 2017 by Rich

Quotes

“‘You’re doing it wrong’
But at least you’re doing it.
Once you’re doing it, you have a chance to do it better.
Waiting for perfect means not starting.” — Posted by Seth Godin on October 02, 2017

“I am steadily surprised that there are so many photographers that reject manipulating reality, as if that was wrong. Change reality! If you don’t find it, invent it!” – Pete Turner

“You know, I really don’t think you learn from teachers. You learn from work. I think what you learn, really, is how to be- you have to be your own toughest critic, and you only learn that from work, from seeing work.” – Garry Winogrand

Links

– How to use BW photos for creative or social campaigns
– Backlighting wildlife
– An interview with Jach Dykinga
– The Spectrum: Message and Media By Brooks Jensen Interesting hour-long talk by Brooks Jensen, publisher of LensWorks, on the history and future of image presentation. I highly recommend this video for advanced photographers who have been asking themselves “What do I do next?”
– Macro tips for beginners
– Long exposure photography
– Panoramas made easy
– Dealing with creative boredom
– Fast and simple Orton effect
– Feeling anxious about an upcoming photo trip? What is the worst that can happen?

There is a difference of opinion on the two images below. Both were taken at Lake Roland Park with a yellow filter on a 105/2.8 lens. The first may have a greater sense of depth because of the sharp fence, but the out of focus dam in the background creates some room for interpretation. The second has more interesting lighting and perhaps better balance and composition. Which do you prefer and why?


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Monday Missive — October 2, 2017

Posted on October 2, 2017 by Rich

Quotes

“When we synthesize and invent and leap, we create a rare sort of value.” — Posted by Seth Godin on September 25, 2017

“Fear is a natural reaction to moving closer to the truth.” — Pema Chödrön

“To be more creative is to get closer to childhood.” — Sarah Moon

Links

– John Sexton on black & white printing His love for photography really comes across.
– Creative image sharpening with HDR software One of Caponigro’s enlightening but technical blogs.
– Julianne Kost’s trip to Tasmania Great variety of images; also see another view of Tasmania from July 24, 2017 on this blog. Is Tasmania the new Iceland?
– Overcoming aging and disability to continue photographing
– Control your depth of field with focus stacking Focus stacking software was invented for microscope and macro work, but can also be very helpful for landscapes
– High speed photography with your regular flash
– Fall photography tips
– Using Lightroom to work collaboratively
– Add background blur without halos

Saturday mornings, starting at around 9 am, car aficionados stop by the Hunt Valley mall to show off their cars and discuss specs. Shot this raised Viper hood. Notice the “forked tongue” on the lower left.

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Monday Missive — September 25, 2017

Posted on September 25, 2017 by Rich

Quotes

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God.” — Anne Frank

“Every single story that nature tells is gorgeous.” – Natalie Angier

“I sat some minutes, lost in my thoughts of the beauty of the place.” — William O. Douglas, The Maroon Bells of Colorado

Links

– Using Nikon’s auto fine tune properly
– Autumn in the northeast
– Fall tip– Backlighting
– Photographing nature with UV
– Black and white slides from Tri-X Great latitude; works for other BW films too.
– Increasing speed and capacity in your desktop
– Street photography: “The Sartorialist”
– Shooting birds in your backyard

Thanks to Steve Oney:
– In Memoriam: Pete Turner Excellent video by the Eastman House. Turner had an exceptional eye and amazing use of color. Also see – Peter Turner dies at 83
– And representing the other side of the spectrum (opposite UV), an article on IR with work by Laurie Klein

A house on a hill off of a dirt road in Vermont.

A house on a hill off of a dirt road in Vermont. Taken during a Piezography workshop.

New England soldier: Hiram E. Pearsons

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Monday Missive — September 18, 2017

Posted on September 16, 2017 by Rich

Quotes

“We’re all capable of huge leaps of insight and empathy if we’re willing to go to work to learn how.” — Seth Godin on September 10, 2017

“Don’t shoot the nouns . . . Shoot the adjectives.” — Arthur Ransome

“The photograph is secondary to the experience.” — Arthur Ransome

Links

– Using Lab color
– Helpful one minute tip on how to be sure you know where your photos are in LR
– Super weird 2X macro lens
– Cheap super macro set up
– sRGB vs Adobe RGB I don’t agree with the conclusion, but he explains color space reasonably well.
From Steve Oney: – 40 camera hacks
– Finalists Wildlife Photographer of the Year
– Canyon Country
– Good ideas for fall foliage

Iris leaves, backlit.

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Monday Missive — September 11, 2017

Posted on September 11, 2017 by Rich

Quotes

“Isn’t it amazing how photography has advanced without improving.” – Charles Sheeler

“Spend enough time looking through the glass on your tablet and you’ll come to believe that you’re the only one with a less-than-perfect situation. With the right filter, the grass really is greener…
‘Compared to what?’ is not always a great question. It might be better to merely say, ‘this is pretty good.‘” — Seth Godin, Sept. 7, 2017

“Don’t be trapped into accepting shame from someone who is trying to keep you from doing something you have every right to do.

Ignore the mob that would like you to feel badly for not fitting in. Categories are rarely permanent, and most important work is done by people who don’t easily fit in.” — Seth Godin, September 8, 2017

Links

– Techniques for fall color
– FALL FOLIAGE PREDICTION MAP
– 10 National Parks for fall foliage
– Guide to Acadia National Park
– History of photography as fine art
– Focusing in macro photography
– Finicky focus
– Photo assignment: Sub-framing
– Think less literally to be more creative
– Start seeing in more compelling ways Another insightful video from David duChemim

My butterfly garden finally bore fruit. A nice sequence of a Monarch caterpillar feeding, ready to pupate, and a chrysalis.

Monarch ready to pupate.

Monarch ready to pupate.

Monarch chrysalis.

Monarch chrysalis.

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Monday Missive — September 4, 2017

Posted on September 4, 2017 by Rich

Quotes

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Have faith and pursue an unknown end.” — Francis Bacon, as written in Robert F. Kennedy’s daybook

“No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit. — Helen Keller

Links

– Composition
– Why your prints are too dark
– How to make your images more compelling I recommend this 5:30 minute video for every novice.
– 10 predictions for the future of photography
– Composition conventions Part II
– Add sun flare
– Working with the Layers Panel and How to zoom in Photoshop
– Imogen Cunningham
– Breaking a creative block
– Cristina Mittermeier and sacred ecology

Covered bridge.

The re-build of the covered bridge near Jerusalem Mills Village has now been completed. Can be a good subject, but avoid really sunny days.

Covered bridge on Jericho Rd., near Jerusalem Mills Village.

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Monday Missive — August 28, 2017

Posted on August 28, 2017 by Rich

Quotes

“When we look at our photographs and find not the slightest reflection of ourselves, it is a good sign that our images have lost their souls.” — David duChemin in “The Soul of the Camera”

“Creativity is about two things: the way we think, and the way we turn those thoughts into reality.” — David duChemin in “The Soul of the Camera”

“The more curious we are, the more creative we become.” — David duChemin in “The Soul of the Camera”

Links

– An analysis of Bresson’s composition technique Includes 25 minutes of video
– Sharpening
– Think outside the box
– Photo assignment on negative space Some images are really good; worth watching the slideshow.
– Easily cut out trees in photoshop
– Rainy day images
– Photographing eagles in the Adirondacks
– Create a mist in photoshop
– Making compelling images
– Best eclipse pictures

Extra link:
– How to assemble an eclipse sequence

Single image HDR of Turtlehead flower.

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Monday Missive — August 21, 2017

Posted on August 21, 2017 by Rich

Quotes

“You can find inspiration from others but determination is solely your responsibility.” – Dodinsky

“The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me?” – Ayn Rand

“My job is not to make masterpieces; my job is to master my craft. Only then will I make the better photographs I long for.” — David duChemin

Links

– Seeing the world as a photographer
– The current White House photographer Interesting observations and insights.
– Coastal images
– Changing lighting in photoshop
– See through frame effect This looks like fun
– 12 photographs celebrated by Huntington Witherill and
– 12 by Witherill himself
– Point Reyes National Seashore
– 6 brief photo essays
– Four ways to use your solar filter AFTER the eclipse

Faye Pinkston, girl next door at Graffiti Warehouse August meet and greet.

Jehanne de Champvallon, glam at Graffiti Warehouse.

Sarah Bentman at August Graffiti Warehouse

Skilar Richardson at Graffiti Warehouse.

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Monday Missive — August 14, 2017

Posted on August 14, 2017 by Rich

Quotes

“Making stuff is great.
Making connections is even better.” — Posted by Seth Godin on August 06, 2017

“I love being alive, and the art is evidence of that.” — Jim Carrey

“Taking pictures is like tiptoeing into the kitchen late at night and stealing Oreo cookies.”
— Diane Arbus

Links

– Strange but innovative work from a young Japanese photographer
– Dinner time in different households This is an interesting concept that piqued my curiosity
– Black and white photography
– Tips
– Phlearn Magazine: 5 Photo stories
– Using the histogram correctly
– Printing from Photoshop
– National Wildlife Refuges
– George Lepp Tips
– Street photography and the law

Sunflower, Hugg-Thomas Wildlife Management Area, Sykesville, MD

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Monday Missive — August 7, 2017

Posted on August 7, 2017 by Rich

Quotes

“Inherently, we all know that an image isn’t measured by its resolution, dynamic range,or anything technical. It’s measured by the simple–sometimes profound, other times absurd or whimsical–effect that it can have upon us.” — Chase Jarvis

“Exposure. . . should be evaluated by the ease by which the image can be exposed to the right people in the right way to maximize impact.” — C.J. Chilvers

“Independent thought is the scarcest resource in photography today. — C.J. Chilvers

Links

– Shoot in bad weather for good images
– Maine driving guide
– Android phone cameras years behind iPhones This was very interesting
– Good tutorial on very precise content aware fill Courtesy of Steve Oney
– Great Louisiana bird spot and neat image
– Lessons in wildlife photography Melissa Groo is a really making a name for herself as a wildlife photographer
– Macrophotography tips
– 3 tips for long-exposure photography
– Climate change north of north
– Are curved sensors coming soon to a camera near you?

Model Karen Amaya from Grafitti Warehouse last December.



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