Abstract & Concrete

Old cars are such a fine subject in Cuba

It seems like a long time ago I returned from Cuba to breath fresh northern air again.  But I have to admit that new visual experiences always make me want to be creative with my camera:  I’ve posted a few images in flickr for you.

 And we have certainly had a lot of new students join us this month.  Although I normally like to welcome everyone, the list would go on and on.

So let me just say welcome to the newcomers — we all look forward to seeing your creative contributions to our community. 

Abstract & Not-So-Abstract

One of the most important things you can learn in a study of photography is that  the artistic elements of design can greatly improve the visual impact of your photographs.

Some photographers reduce their images to include only the artistic or abstract elements: they are no longer a picture of anything but line, shape, rhythm etc.

It's always about the light: Havana by night

Here is a selection from National Geographic that illustrates the point better than words.  It would harm no one’s photography to attempt to copy these images in their own work.  Notice how “simplification” plays such a role in making these images “pop.” 

HINT:  For practice in simplifying images and incorporating the elements of design, flowers are a satisfying subject.

I suppose one of the key points I want to make here is that you can combine the elements of design into your daily photography to create images that really catch the eye.

Wonderful Nature Photography

A photographer I’d like to feature in this entry is Carr Clifton.  One of the continent’s best nature photographers, he spent months in BC’s “SacredHeadwaters” in the north of the province near Spatsizi Park.  Those of you who live in the north will find his images resonate — and those of you who don’t will maybe feel a new interest in visiting the area. 

Downtown Havana

A Few Other Photographic sites

I have earlier introduced people to photo.net.   This is a highly professional and moderated site, with wonderful features: all free.  If you need inspiration, just head there for some really compelling images.

And if all you need is some inspiration to keep going — check out 35 BeautifulPhotography Websites.  Scrolling down the page, you’ll find something you love.

 “Hey!  You’re taking a photo course.  What camera should I buy?”

When you hear those words visit Ken Rockwell.  He is bull-headed, opinionated and extraordinarily self-satisfied.  This all makes him entertaining.  He also has some pretty good information – and great tips on choosing a camera.

The Man With The Blue Guitar

Well the new year is upon us, and if much of the province (and territory) has been like the north coast, then it has not been a time entirely conducive to outdoor photography. 

 

That is one reason I am going to Cuba for three weeks where I am hoping to see enough clear sky to throw some interesting light onto things.

It was as I was preparing for the upcoming trip and realizing I had to alert students that two things fell together to give me some substance for this post: travel and the blue guitar.

One thing I always do to prepare for a photographic adventure is write out – longhand – Wallace Stevens’s poem, The Man with theBlue Guitar in the front page of the journal I will be taking with me.

I have a whole lesson — a self-indulgent essay, really — on this topic, but in brief the notion is that there is no more “realistic” rendition of a visual composition by a photographer than there is a “realistic” rendition of a musical composition by a musician on a guitar.

The only thing really interesting about listening to a virtuoso musician is to hear how he or she renders the composition.  The same applies to the photographer: how does he or she compose an image incorporating the elements of design.  It is my hope that by keeping this in mind, I can bend my mind to creativity with the camera.

Again, here is Wallace Steven’s poem.  Maybe it can provide you with the same photographic inspiration.

BTW:

This will take some of the pressure off you students who feel the need to wrap up quickly.  As usual, I will take a small netbook with me, but I have been warned that internet connections in Cuba are few, far-between, slow and unreliable.  So feedback might wait.  Go ahead.  Submit work.  Just know that it might be a few weeks before you hear from me.

A few photographic thoughts:

Texture:

Another thing you can do to keep yourself visually interested in subtle light is look for texture.   Here Reiny Dusdal combines a variety of visual design tools – texture, pattern and a golden monochromatic colour – with a sensitivity to light itself to capture a fleeting moment of nature’s beauty.

Remembering that the subject is not as important as composition and keeping the elements of design in mind can turn dull days into opportunities for creativity.

What is chimping:

Not an actual chimp, but an orangutan

Chimping is looking down at your camera display as soon as you take a photo.

I have long wondered where “chimping” got its name from.

Here is a short youtube explaining the origin of the word as well as encouraging your to stop doing it!

Rule of Thirds:

I have a lesson on this “rule” (or as Captain Jack Sparrow would say, “It’s more like a guideline.”) in the course.  But for an oddly disturbing reinforcement of the notion here is a video example from the Iraq War accompanied by a bouncy rap.  More sophisticated viewers might hear social commentary about the way media frames our understanding of historical events.

Here is a slightly more “standard” tutorial using Las Vegas gives some more technical ideas for you:

As always I look forward to seeing your creative efforts, but you might have to wait a little longer than usual for feedback.