#298 Workshop update

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Our most popular photography workshop is Creative Fundamentals – we teach the course in the spring and fall as well as throughout the year as a Custom Course.

Currently, only two spots remain. It’s popular because it covers the fundamentals of photography that many advanced amateurs never properly learn.

Creative Fundamentals

We cover the essentials of exposure in a way that will allow you to create better results in tricky lighting scenarios. While auto exposure modes will give reasonable success in simple scenarios about 80% of the time, learning the finer details of proper exposure will elevate your photography to new levels.

Read the next issue of the “Exposed!” photo newsletter for more information on advanced exposure techniques. Subscribe to “Exposed!” in the upper right hand corner of this pag.

We also learn about effective focusing, depth of field, elements of composition to give you a solid base from which to grow photographically.

It’s popular – just see what past students say.

We are looking at bringing in some guest instructors this fall and winter – details coming soon. Check our other workshops for summer and fall fun.

#297 Bluesfest Business

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Bluesfest is coming soon!

For many years I have covered Bluesfest, some Jazzfest and Tulip Fest. This year I have not pursued the work and it’s a bit of a relief.

Ani Defranco Ani DiFranco

What happened?!

Nothing bad happened. I started shooting Bluesfest in 2002 and had reasonable success selling Bluesfest imagery through agencies, magazines and newspapers. My work appeared in local media and as far away as the LA Times.

The trouble was:

  • restrictions were getting more strict
  • competition was tight
  • budgets were small
  • there are often young photographers willing to do ANYTHING to get in the media enclosures

In summary:

  • Large supply of photographers
  • Small demand for imagery

My time invested was extensive. My rewards were moderate.
Would I shoot more concert work and festivals? Definitely! If the rewards were appropriate.

Ben Harper Ben Harper

Gaining access to shooting a popular event is relatively easy if you’ve done your legwork and have a strong body of appropriate work behind you. Making a significant living is more challenging. It requires:

  • good people skills
  • business skills
  • opportunity
  • appropriate market

Alison Kraus Alison Kraus
What am I going to do with all the time I used to spend shooting Bluesfest? Work on projects that provide greater rewards.

… And, perhaps, catch a show from the crowd.

#296 – Back to work

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I am back in the office with batteries charged. We took a short break and did some small trips including sea kayaking on the Saguenay fjord, cycling, tasting cider and artisanal cheeses.

Cirque Du Soleil

We were also tipped off about free performances by Cirque du Soleil in Quebec City to celebrate the circus’ 25th anniversary. The performance was spectacular in many ways including the fact that it all takes place under the cover of an elevated highway.

There was no promotion and no blazing ‘Cirque lights’ or marketing – the show starts and fiishes without any explanation. There is virtually no promotion although thousands of people flocked to the site. I did some web investigation and found nothing on the Cirque web site and just one review that includes information for the summer shows.

Avoiding Burnout

I do not take much time off but it is critical to a sustainable workflow! I recently encouraged one of our Pro Program students to take some non photo time as burnout was looking a possibility for them.

On this small trip I left any and all photo devices safely at the office. It was good for me. I will also be taking in some of the summer music scene… for fun.

double bass

#295 Rest and Relaxation

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That’s it!

We are taking a few days of rest and relaxation – possibly some day trips. I will try to stay out of the office as much as possible. Blog postings and correspondence will be slower for the rest of this week.

Happy Canada Day – I’ll be smiling, too.

Harry Nowell

#294 Fake photos

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Often you cannot believe what you read. Sometimes you can’t believe what you see!

Read an article from PhotoDistrict News’ online presence – PDNpulse.com – about a suspected fake photo that has been circulating of the Iranian leader getting the finger. PDNpulse explains why they are suspicious of the fingered photo.

You cannot believe everything you see!

#293 Self Promotion Portrait

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I often get asked for a “portrait of Harry” for speaking gigs and workshops and, while I have some, I wanted an up to date version.

Roberta came to the rescue and we did a short session to capture a simple, clean portrait that will also bust the myth that I am old. Sigh. I’m 41.

Harry Nowell portrait

We also had some fun:

Harry Nowell portrait

#292 Michael Jackson tribute

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News of Michael Jackson’s death was a bit of a shock last night.

Michael Jackson led a talented, unusual and tough life but leaves behind a musical legacy few entertainers have matched. Cherish our musical masters. Pay tribute to their accomplishments!

While I never had the chance to see or shoot Jackson I have had the opportunity to capture other greats including James Brown, Mavis Staples, George Clinton and others, below. It’s been a musical education for me.

Buddy Guy

Buddy Guy

Pine Top Perkins

Pine Top Perkins

#291 Gallery Visit

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We will be visiting galleries this summer to bring people interested in photography together to meet, discuss, learn, and enjoy prominent photo exhibitions. This is an informal social gathering. There is no cost to participate.

Scott McFarland – A Cultivated View

  • Thursday, July 16th, 2009;
  • Gallery Cost: Free gallery entry after 5pm
  • Meet: 6:30pm in the main lobby of the National Gallery, 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa
  • RSVP

We visit the National Gallery to see Scott McFarland’s work shot on a large format camera and ‘adjusted’ digitally.

See you there,

Harry

#290 Photo colour, explained

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Years ago, I got a distraught phone call from a wedding client. “The photos look different!” the groom cried.

The photos the clients had printed themselves, as part of their package, were not as nice as the original prints we provided. The couple was exasperated and disappointed in the work their lab had done. They were learning about the complex and confusing world of colour.

In this month’s Exposed! we offer some clarity to the murky world of vivid hues:
Photo Colour, Explained.

Sign up for future Exposed! Newsletters above, right.

Take photos. Have fun!

srgb colour gammut

sRGB 

Adobe RGB 1998

Adobe RGB 1998 simulation