Yikes… I was in trouble!

A student sent me a question about a camera and I had no clue how to respond! I like to think I know a lot of stuff. But I get asked a lot of questions and sometimes need to come up with answers … quickly.

In this month’s Exposed! we look at information sources in the photo world!

Read the whole article.

Your network can be your most valuable resource!

The most recent Exposed! Photo Newsletter is being distributed as we speak.

5  Photo Goals for the New Year

At this time of the year many people set New Year’s resolutions. More carrots, less chocolate? I prefer goals!

In this edition of Exposed! photo newsletter I suggest five photo goals for any photo fan to pursue in the new year.

Visit:
www.HarryNowell.com/newsletter/ photo_goals_for_the_new_year.htm

Paul Danks set goals to achieve a world champ win.

December’s edition of our ‘Exposed!’ photo newsletter was sent out this week:

:: Five tips for Holiday Pics ::

‘Tis the season…

… And Alex, our photo student, admitted he gets flustered shooting at family gatherings and celebrations. Events can be overwhelming for photographers challenged by the pandemonium of the holidays.

In this edition of Exposed! we outline five tips to keep you focused. Read more.

Today we offer the final installment of responses to “Wise Words from Working Photographers.”

This quote comes via the interent from another Chris – he includes a link to a comic to make his fine point:

“The best photo-related quote that I have heard – by far – comes from What The Duck – a comic.

I imagine this is a variation on the story of a photographer at dinner whose host says “I love your pictures. You must have a really nice camera“.

The photographer responds by saying “Dinner was great. You must have really nice pots and pans.”

Anyway, I think it nicely illustrates the point that the most important part of taking a picture is the person behind the camera. As photographers, it is good to be reminded of this and not get too carried away with lusting after new gear.

Cheers!
-Chris”

Poodle Photographed by Harry, assisted by the camera.

Thanks Chris – well said!

Here it comes – a couple weeks ago I posted our latest Exposed! photo newsletter – Wise Words from Working Photographers. Other quotes started coming in – wise words – from photo fanatics. Today is the start of a feature where those tidbits are shared.

To start off this section Exposed! reader Dave sent in these wise words:

• “Hang out with those who are better than you“
• “Don’t look where you don’t want to go” Both figuratively and literally. If you don’t like the shot don’t force it, find something new.
• I took a water colours class once in Algonquin park. Kinda fun. the
  instructor had this method he referred to as “look, see, paint”… of
  course I adopted it to “look, see, shoot“… in that order.
• For business, my sister taught me “power perceived is power
  achieved“… I take this as looking confident is as good as being
  confident. Hence why I did a photo gallery a few years back even though
  I  didn’t think my material was the best, others still liked it. As soon
  as I did an exhibit I was then known as a photographer, instead of just
  someone who took pictures.

Thanks Dave!

More quotes in the next post. Winter has arrived in Ottawa – below is a stock photo from a shoot in our fun winters!

Harry

Ok, ok!

I keep saying tomorrow I will post wise quotes as a follow-up to my last Exposed! Newsletter “Wise Words from Working Photographers.”

Alas, regular programming has been interrupted again. Last night I went to see Neil Young in concert in Ottawa. I was a paying fan this time not a media photographer. So I was not going to comment on this blog… but it was a good show! Read a review and some media shooting ideas, etc.

Neil Young Review

First, Neil Young was pretty amazing. His wife was his back-up singer – nice to see them together. There were all kinds of idiosyncrasies on stage like the fine artist hidden at the back working on canvasses. He did an encore… a set of Beatles tunes. Oh, I admire what he has done.

I left all cameras at home – even my teency point and shoot – as I was not working. And I was longing to be shooting the show. That’s a good sign – if the spark or urge to shoot doesn’t exist that’s a sign of burn-out!

Ben Harper

Shooting Concerts

I also checked the media pit at the front of the stage – I recognized veteran Ottawa media photographer John Major. I have shot a little for newspapers and it’s a tough job down there in the pit. Technically, there are some challenges beyond solid skills – mostly anticipating the performers and being in the right place at the right time.

The tough part can be the logistics. At performances, photographers usually get 10 minutes or 1-3 songs to capture their photos. Shows often start at 9pm. Deadlines are often between 9 and 10pm. You need to shoot, download, edit and send photos in a very short period of time. Any significant glitches and you are cooked. Neil Young should be front page of a newspaper section – there is no room for glitches!

Feist

Past Work

I have shot many shows with work going to different clients from the Ottawa Sun to Tourism Canada. Photos have appeared in magazines, newspapers and websites in the US and Canada. Some coverage:

• Ben Harper
• Feist
• Allison Kraus
• Michael Franti
• Hedley
• George Thoroughgood
• Jame Brown
• Brian Adams
• ZZ Top
• Buddy Guy

See select photos at ChelseaGallery.ca

Buddy Guy

Regular programming resumes… soon,

Harry

This month’s Exposed! Newsletter was sent out yesterday:

“My path to photography success was long and often bumpy. As I went I soaked up as many scraps of information as possible. Luckily, I met some good people who helped shape the foundations of my work.

In this edition of Exposed! we revisit some valuable photography advice that helped guide me along the way… ”

Anthony Scullion says “Get it right in the camera – not photoshop!”

To read more sage advice please read:

“Wise Words from Working Photographers.”

Have fun,

Harry