Fine Art Photography - Feature Monday

I was reading an on-line blog today and the topic was "Home Decorating Tips: Where to Hang Your Fine Art" and that got me thinking - now that I've learnt how to hang and how not to hang my fine art, the next decision is of course - what will I choose to hang on my walls? So, for this week, my top 3 images that I would love to hang on my walls would have to be these three - enjoy!

In Photographic Art - What moves you?

They say artists are a sensitive lot and there's no more obvious a place to display their emotions than in their art.  It's interesting how different factors will draw out that emotion.  The skill in a great photographer is to connect with their audience so that some of that emotion us also felt by the viewer.  The subject portrayed can be a person, an onject, a location - basically anything than can convey an emotion from familiarity right through to taking your breath away. 

Below are some images that resonated with both the photographer and their audience in a recent Emotional Attachment challenge over in "A Photographer's Craft".  There's no right or wrong way in how you should feel when viewing a photographic piece - the ideal would be to feel.

 

"Sisters Two" by Adrian Rachele

The look of despair and sense of helplessness is apparent in this photograph taken after visiting Auschwitz.  The heavy shadows, the play on light, the expression and the Black & White treatment all convey that deep sense of sadness.

 

* * *

"On Her Way" by Sue Wickham

Quite a contrast with the first image - this glorious bride has that look of expectation and excitement in her face. I can remember my own wedding day when I look at this beautiful bride - and I remember all the emotions that go with such an exciting day.  Sue Wickham has captured the moment and beautifully edited this image that will resonate with other brides and their parents.  It's the moment the bride begins her new life with great expectation!

 

* * *

"Waiting to say goodbye" by Dana DiPasquale

A photograph of an inanimate object is sometimes all that's needed  to open the floodgates of memories from another time. Dana DiPasquale while visiting family for a funeral captured this image - anything to keep busy while trying to forget the sadness surrounding the family gathering.  The lone chair, the warmth exuding from this image and the way it has been portrayed shows the richness of family life.

 

* * *

"Alone in paradise" by Debbie Black

The image of paradise can take many forms, afterall we're all different, so what is paradise to one, may not be to another.  This image taken on Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef holds great signifance to Debbie Black, the photographer.  Firstly, taken whilst on honeymoon - paradise in itself! And secondly the location is truly spectacular.  You can feel the warmth of the sand, the coolness of the salt water, the gentle sea breeze, and the lone figure on the beach really does make you feel as though you are alone in that paradise.

 

* * *

"Beautiful Creation" by lallymac

"Home is where the heart is" and for lallymac, this dawn image will always remind her of  happy times and new beginnings.  New beginnings as a photographer in capturing such an image with sharp silhouettes and gorgeous warm tones of morning.

 * * *

There would be no greater compliment to a photographer than to let them know "you get their image" - their purpose of recoding that image, that moment - has been achieved.  Go and view these artists' on-line galleries, and tell them you "get their images"!

 

 

Emotional Attachment in Photography

Below are some images that resonated with both the photographer and their audience in a recent Emotional Attachment challenge over in "A Photographer's Craft". There's no right or wrong way in how you should feel when viewing a photographic piece - the ideal would be to feel.

"Sisters Two" by Adrian Rachele

The look of despair and sense of helplessness is apparent in this photograph taken after visiting Auschwitz. The heavy shadows, the play on light, the expression and the Black & White treatment all convey that deep sense of sadness.

* * *

"On Her Way" by Sue Wickham

Quite a contrast with the first image - this glorious bride has that look of expectation and excitement in her face. I can remember my own wedding day when I look at this beautiful bride - and I remember all the emotions that go with such an exciting day. Sue Wickham has captured the moment and beautifully edited this image that will resonate with other brides and their parents. It's the moment the bride begins her new life with great expectation!

* * *

"Waiting to say goodbye" by Dana DiPasquale

A photograph of an inanimate object is sometimes all that's needed to open the floodgates of memories from another time. Dana DiPasquale while visiting family for a funeral captured this image - anything to keep busy while trying to forget the sadness surrounding the family gathering. The lone chair, the warmth exuding from this image and the way it has been portrayed shows the richness of family life.

* * *

"Alone in paradise" by Debbie Black

The image of paradise can take many forms, afterall we're all different, so what is paradise to one, may not be to another. This image taken on Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef holds great signifance to Debbie Black, the photographer. Firstly, taken whilst on honeymoon - paradise in itself! And secondly the location is truly spectacular. You can feel the warmth of the sand, the coolness of the salt water, the gentle sea breeze, and the lone figure on the beach really does make you feel as though you are alone in that paradise.

* * *

"Beautiful Creation" by lallymac

"Home is where the heart is" and for lallymac, this dawn image will always remind her of happy times and new beginnings. New beginnings as a photographer in capturing such an image with sharp silhouettes and gorgeous warm tones of morning.

* * *

There would be no greater compliment to a photographer than to let them know "you get their image" - their purpose of recoding that image, that moment - has been achieved. Go and view these artists' on-line galleries, and tell them you "get their images"!

Featured Artist - Mary Trebilco

A month ago, i was fortunate enough to conduct a brief on-line interview with the photographer, Mary Trebilco.  Mary displays her work on RedBubble as well as Flickr, and her specailty is flower and macro water droplet photos.  Below is a small sample of her work.

      

 

 

What camera do you use?

I use a Canon Powershot S3 IS, which a friend recommended to me a couple of years ago. As a total amateur, I was desperately in need of help choosing the right camera, so I’m grateful to him for pointing me in the right direction. I just love it…. although I have a lot to learn yet before I’ll get the most out of it.

What is your favourite colour?

Tough question, really… because (especially when it comes to photography) I love all colour – and it depends on the situation. When it comes to clothing, I’d have to choose burgundy. But I love being surrounded by warm tones (probably because I live in Tasmania), so I tend to decorate with burnt ochre/terracotta shades.

What triggered your love for Macro H2O images?

A friend introduced me to Flickr late last year, and I was absolutely enthralled with the brilliant macro water shots I saw there from some very talented artists (like Angelique Brunas. When I finally learned how to use the SuperMacro setting on my new camera, I was amazed to find that I could get close enough to capture refractions etc. It’s rather addictive once you start, isn’t it?!

4.What else do you like to photograph?

I love to capture sunrises, sunsets and other scenic shots, but my main love is macro… either water drops, feathers or flowers – especially flowers – but I love it even more when you can combine two or more of them!!

What are your inspirations when photographing?

Colour, colour, colour…. and light. I’m not a colourful person normally, but I’ve come to love capturing rich or bold colours in my photographs, and the right light on something pretty will stop me in my tracks.

What would you do if you weren’t afraid?

Travel the world (with my camera, of course) .... but I’m afraid I don’t have anywhere near enough money to do it with!! ;-)

What do your t-shirts say about you?

Do you wear your clothes or do your clothes wear you?  Fashions come and go, and when we look back on old photos, we all cringe at what we were wearing that seemed so hot at the time.  The t-shirt trend at the moment is to make a statement - forget the plain one colour t-shirt - adopt a slogan or design that is either pertinent to who you are, what you believe in, how you feel at the time, or think is just plain cute and will bring out the colout of your eyes. Awww....   Here's some pretty hot examples:

 


 

 

Feature Monday

A great retro feel to this image - I'm either waiting in a 1950's hairdressing salon, or I could be at a country RSL club waiting for the weekly dance to start.

"so uncool it's cool..." by elliewinds

* * *

This image has the ability to transport me to another time and another place...

"Jam" by Jules Campbell

* * *

This certainly has "wow" factor - look at the windows, the bricks and compare that to the lettering...just how big and bld is that building???

"B who U R" by Dana DiPasquale

* * *

There's something quite beautiful in seeing an artist give their all and enjoy their craft.

"Let it wash over you" by Caroline Gorka

* * *

An image exuding new life, new beginnings, new growth and let life take you where it will.

"Meandering" by Tamara Mason

* * *

Sometimes in life, standing on the sidelines and watching the world go by gives you the space to think and reflect on what life can offer you and just how much you want to get out of it.

"Contemplation" by Debbie Black

Sepia Toned Photographs...

 Can something as sombre, and dark and moody and timeless as sepia photography, be created with the secretions of the cuttlefish?  Well, that was once the method of producing those rich brown tones...today however, I prefer to use my graphic editing program such as Photoshop CS2 to give me those same rich tones that create the most wonderful mood.  Below are some examples of how well sepia can work on a number of subjects:

 

 

"Darkened Hope" by Karri Klawiter

* * *

"Double Vision" by Tom Vaughan

* * *

"Small in Sepia" by Debbie Black

* * *

"Languishing in the afternoon sun" by lallymac

* * *

"will nobody love me?" by Adriana Glackin

 

Did you know this about Sepia Photography?

Historically, photographs were treated with sepia toning as it rendered them longer lasting than their Black & White counterparts. Today, sepia tones and digitally produced images are as popular as ever. Creating a digital sepia toned image today is as easy as changing the setting on your digital camera or editing the images in graphic softaware programs such as Photoshop CS2.

Adding a sombre, serious, old-timer effect, sepia tones can be applied to many subjects and can really change the mood of the image altogether. Below are some examples:

"Darkened Hope" by Karri Klawiter

* * *

"Double Vision" by Tom Vaughan

* * *

"Small in Sepia" by Debbie Black

* * *

"Languishing in the afternoon sun" by lallymac

* * *

"will nobody love me?" by Adriana Glackin

Ten Tips for the Absolute Photoshop CS2 Beginner

 

So you’ve finally installed your copy of Photoshop CS2, the one your friends have been raving about for months now and telling you how good it is and how you won’t be able to live without it.  Yet, once installed, you can’t make heads or tails out of it?  The language seems so foreign and you have no idea just where to start.  Here are 10 very basic tips on getting to know and love Photoshop CS2 – you’ll see that in no time, you’ll agree that your friends are right on this one – you won’t be able to live without it!

 

Let’s begin:

 

1.      When you open up an image for the first time, make a copy of that image and give it a name.  Then promptly close the original image so that you have a record of it.  To do this, simply go to the “layers” panel, right click on the background image and then select “duplicate layer” and select “new” in the destination bar.  It’s good practise to do this each and every time, so that you maintain a record of the images in their original format, to those that have been edited.

 

 

2.      Digital cameras use their sensors to see the images we see with our eyes.  Sometimes images captured with our cameras aren’t as we remember them.  That’s because no matter how sensitive the sensor, they’re still no match for our own eyes.  To try and replicate the image we saw with our own eye, we need to tweak the levels, the contrast and the colour.  When you’re just starting out, simply select “image” from the toolbar, go to “adjustments”, then select auto levels, auto contrast, and auto colour.  You can always undo these steps in the history panel.  And when you get more comfortable with PS, you’ll be able to tweak the levels, contrast and colour yourself from that same “adjustment” menu.

 

 

3.      Is the photo still lacking that little something?  Perhaps you need to apply “curves” to it.  No, it won’t warp it into something unrecognisable (unless you want it to...)   curves will simply help with the tonal range of your image.  If your image is lacking contrast, it could be that the curve is a little flat.  To remedy this go to “image” in the drop down menu, select “adjustment” then “curves”, a graph will display and you will want to make that line follow an “S” shape.  As you’re tweaking it, watch the changes on your image, then simply select ok when you’re done.

 

 

4.      Now, speaking of warping images.  You’ve taken that perfect shot of that sunset.  Compositionally it’s perfect, the colours to die for, but your horizon is crooked.  Do you delete the image? No, of course not!  Do you live with the image as is? No, of course not!  To correct something like a crooked horizon line, go to “Select” in the toolbar, select ‘all” – you should have marching ants surrounding your image (hoorah!), go to “edit” in the toolbar and select “transform” from the menu.  Now you have a selection of different methods of transforming your image – and it will depend what you want to do with it as to which method you choose.  For this example, let’s select “skew”, then use your cursor to straighten up that horizon.  When you’re done, just hit enter, the computer will have a think and you’re done. 

 

 

5.      If you’re still not sure whether that horizon is straight or you simply want to see if you’re following the “rule of thirds”, then go to “view” in your toolbar, select “show” then “grid” – these gridlines will tell you just how straight the lines in your image really are.

 

 

6.      Get to know and love “Layers”.  That is the one big mystery that catches beginners in PS time and time again.  I’m sure volumes can be written about Layers alone, as they are crucial in turning an ordinary image into a WOW image.  Layers means that you can divide your creation into different parts by assigning these parts to different layers.  Different “layer effects” can be applied that can enhance your image, and you can blend more than one image together to create a totally new image – this is all possible by using layers.  If I have an image of a flower and the background isn’t especially pleasing, then I can create a layer, position this above the flower image, select a brush and colour of my choice and begin to paint on that new blank layer.  You haven’t destroyed the flower image, and any excess painting can simply be erased.  Which brings me to the next point,

 

 

7.      Make “Layer Masks” your next best friend to using layers.  Using the analogy of painting a more interesting background for your flowers, there is an icon in your layers palette – the circle in a square, select that icon and you will see it will appear on the layer you had active.  Making sure that the mask is the active of the two images on that layer, now select the “eraser” tool and make sure that the colour selection in your toolbox is set to black and white.  White will erase what you have painted, and the black will add the paint back again.  What this means, is that you won’t lose the image as it stands.  There is nothing worse than making changes, finding you don’t like them, then finding you have to start all over again as the history panel has only gone back so far.  Using layers and layer masks will help save a lot of time and effort, as what they do is act as a record for each editing change you make on your image.

 

 

8.      Again discussing layers, don’t be afraid to select a choice other than “normal” when applying layers.  One effect that is popular and creates a dreamy, diffused effect to your image, is the “Orton Effect”.  To do this, you will need to duplicate your background image.  Now with your duplicate, go to your “filters” toolbar and select “blur” then “Gaussian blur”, depending on your image and the effect, choose any number of pixels here.  The greater the pixels, the more diffused and exaggerated the effect.  Select ok, then go to the layers panel, select “multiply” and you now have a soft, dreamy, moody image.  Selecting other effects such as overlay, soft light, hard light and so on will yield you different results, so have a play with the effects.  You can always tone it down by moving the slider from 100% opacity to a lower amount.

 

 

9.      Could your images use a little more sharpness to them?  There are several ways of sharpening your image, but for me the easiest and most effective is the “High Pass” method.  Begin with your background image, then duplicate.  Go to the “filters” toolbar and select “other” from the drop down menu, then select “high pass”.  Here is where you don’t want to overdo it.  Only select between 1 and 2 pixels for a realistic look.  The image shown should be quite grey with only the sharpest areas highlighted.  Select ok, then in the layers palette, select “overlay” and your image is now sharper and crisper.  If you still want to retain some areas that aren’t as crisp, simply apply a layer mask and erase the part of the high pass image you don’t want (remember to make sure you’re erasing the mask, and not the image).

 

 

10. Lastly, don’t be afraid to explore and play with his wonderful program – it has so much to offer, that these 10 basic steps really don’t even do it justice, but they’re a way to slowly introduce you to the joys of Photoshop.  Keep a pen and notebook beside you so that you can record your steps and discoveries  – there’s nothing worse than trying to remember exactly what you did last time.  Most importantly, have fun, enjoy and create!

Feature Monday

For the feeling of isolation and strength:

Cape du Couedic by Tom Vaughan

* * *

For the feeling that love will conquer all:

After all we've been through... by myoriginalsin

* * *

For the sheer pleasure that such music evokes:

Only the light reveals your workings by Jordan Ewart

* * *

For the history and mystery of what lies behind each door and window:

Antiques by Sue Wickham

* * *

For the decaying beauty:

Window into Budapest by Adrian Rachele

Cold Flower by Jay Cougar

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="550" caption="Cold Flower by Jay Cougar"][/caption]

From an artist so young, the work produced by Jay Cougar is hauntingly beautiful and truly inspiring.  This is the first image of Jay's that really caught my attention, and no matter how many times I view it, it's sweetness and delicacy always manages to take my breathe away. It invoked in me memories of my childhood that I reminisced about in my online journal. Recently, a candid online interview was conducted with Jay on RedBubble by DuncanW which showed an artist so unassuming and humble of his work and talent.  If you like your images with that tinge of mystery, melancholy and dreaminess, then Jay Cougar's style is for you.

Interview with John Edwards, artist on Red Bubble

About a month ago, I conducted an online interview with John Edwards, an artist on RedBubble. John doesn't simply photograph flowers, he creates the most wonderful floral images that appear to have been created in another time. Here is the interview with John. If you like this style of art, then visit his online gallery at RedBubble.

-----------------------------

What camera do you use?

At present I use two cameras. A Canon 5D for macro and most of my floral images and a Samsung GX10 for other work. I won the Samsung last year for having the best portfolio in a monthly competition run by DSLR User magazine in the UK.



What is your favourite colour?

I love all colours but my favourite at the moment is Red.




What triggered your love for floral images?

In 2000 I received a Nikon CP990 digital camera as a Christmas present. I was amazed by the images it produced and one day turned the camera on a vase of Lilies. I was so pleased with the resulting image I submitted it to a site run by Nikon UK and came second in a competition they were running. That first image has ended up costing me a small fortune as after that I had the bug in a big way and after a while bought a Canon 300D and started submitting floral images to a couple of image libraries in the UK.




What else do you like to photograph?

As well as floral subjects I’ll point my camera at anything that takes my fancy although I particularly enjoy woodland scenes.




What are your inspirations when photographing?

My inspirations are the life I see all around me in my garden and local woodlands and parks.




What would you do if you weren't afraid?

If I had the confidence and budget to do it I’d love to have an exhibition of my work somewhere.

Yasashi Buri

"Long time, no see" as Melanie McQuoid has so aptly named this landscape photograph.  With Mt fuji seen ever so fainly in the background, the eye meanders through all the layers of the photograph before resting finally on Mt Fuji.

End of the Trail

A wonderful example of how adding atmosphere to an image can be as simple as applying a sepia treatment with a little vignetting. The sepia tones in this landscape work well in enhancing the barren, dry feel of the terrain and the vignetting helps draw the eye toward the centre of the image.

Peruvian Oasis

Showing the enormity and grandeur that is Mother Nature, Nikki Trexel has captured this amazing scene so very well.

Sunrise Line-Up

An untouched image that evokes that sense that all is well with the world. As difficult as it often is to leave the warmth and cosiness of your bed in the morning, being greeted with scenes such as this makes it so worthwhile. You can feel the freshness, the crispness that is early morning and that cannot be replicated at any other time of day.

We Break and We Bend...

We Break and We Bend and We Turn Ourselves Inside Out by Dana DiPasquale

...and We Turn Ourselves Inside Out" is the name of this piece created by Dana DiPasquale. It captures the nature of life and how even though we may be fragile, when we dig deep we are strong and resilient. At times, however, we may not think so - often it's when we look back that we realise just how much we did bend and break and turn ourselves inside out. Proceeds of the sale of this work of art will be donated to the National Cancer institute.