My last blog mentioned my recent trip to Los Angeles for a photography workshop that focused on presenting architectural elements as abstracts. It’s a very unique style of presentation, and as it turns out, not one that I am really comfortable with. Some results are great, like the one below. But most, not so much.
There seem to be three reasons for this. Find out what they are and why I was surprised by them.
Continue reading “Learning Something New is Hard”I find it astonishing that I can wake up in one city one day and wake up in another city 4,100km (2,600 miles) away the next day. I am one generation removed from the generation that invented gas-powered passenger flight. Yet I am able to go to the airport, hop a plane, and be in a new universe in just hours.
I did that recently, travelling by plane from Toronto to Los Angeles. I was there to attend a photography workshop, hosted by Angie McMonigal, a wonderful architectural photographer who specializes in abstract captures of architecture. Many of the photographers I’m drawn to now come from technical or science backgrounds and Angie does too. Her focus on details is exceptional, opening up a whole new way of seeing. But it’s her artistry that is stunning.
Angie is way ahead of me and has already published a look at our session, which you can access above, along with her images from the event.
Continue reading “LA Calling!”First, Happy Flag Day! To all my Canadian readers, we show the flag with pride today – first unveiled 60 years ago. Proud of the flag – and so very proud to be a Canadian!
As you read this, I’m in the final planning stages of a trip – to Los Angeles. Will be joining an avid group of hobbyist architectural photographers to try creating abstracts with this unusual source subject. A new twist for me on a typically formal subject, usually captured with full facades, straight lines and predictable angles. These images will be tilted, twisted and perhaps even distorted. It should be fascinating. I’ll report on the outcome separately, but I wanted to take note of a few unexpected considerations in my planning. Not life imitating art or vice-versa, but rather life getting in the way of art.
Continue reading “When Life Gets in the Way of Art”I love to learn. Have all my life. And the winter season is a great time to learn new things, since most of us are stuck inside.
I’ve been concentrating on two paths of learning this winter: astrophotography image processing, and architectural image processing. The first deals with doing the utmost to ensure good image quality and colour representation in the tiny objects photographed in the sky. The second deals with adding tone, contrast and artistic adjustments to architecture to turn them into works of art (beyond the work of art that the architect already produced).
Both paths have brought me in touch with several teachers, respected in their fields. But they could not be more different in their teaching styles. One of the challenges I’ve had has been finding a teaching style that gives me the right learning experience for me.
Continue reading “Teaching Styles – Finding the Right One for You”To be a good photographer is to be a lifelong student of the craft. Â There is no such thing as a photographer that knows it all. Â Even if you are the most technically proficient expert around, the art of photography is something that needs attention for as long as you shoot.
I’ve noticed an evolution of my abilities and interests over the 4 years since I took to this seriously. Â I’m not bragging. Â Far from it. Â Some things have become second nature while others send me down a rabbit hole of discovery, wrong turns and sometimes an “ah-ha” moment. Â But the most mind-intensive introspection, for me, occurs when I’m examining the work of other photographers. Â I’ve come to realize that this is a good thing, even if it leaves me with more questions than answers. Continue reading “Photographers I Admire”
It seems there is a long-standing debate around photographing other people’s work. Â It’s a simple debate: Â what exactly is the photographer creating if the photograph includes an object or structure that has been created by someone else?
This debate arises mostly in relation to works that exist in public spaces. Â The originating works may already be labelled “works of art” or may be labelled “architecture”, “edifice”, “structures”, “building”, “hardscape”, “figure”, “carving”, “casting” or any of many names that don’t necessarily assign an aesthetic value.
And yet all of it was imagined by someone, designed by someone, built by someone and placed on display.  Even if the work has another function, such as a building, there was a creative effort expended to provide that space.  If a photographer takes an image of it, presents it as their own creation and maybe makes a profit from it, is that right? Disclaimer: this is not a legal review. Continue reading “Photographing the Work of Others”
Yesterday, I completed my program in Digital Photography at Durham College, Oshawa, Canada. Â Although not official until June, I’m ready to strike out on my own and find my niche in this competitive world.
Our last few weeks of school were about defining our photographic style, preparing a compilation of our work, deciding how to present it in print and electronically, and staging a show for industry and family. Â I found this to be the most revealing and meaningful segment of my education. Â I emerge from this experience with a better understanding of my interests and style, and with a full portfolio of work to share. Continue reading “My Portfolio”
Fine Art, Architecture, Landscape and Event Photography
oldgirlphotography.ca 