Findingviews

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I run regular community education photography and the two most common problems I see are not understanding what the camera can do, and not understanding what makes a good photograph. The problem with the camera is normally caused by camera handbooks being just impossible to understand for most people. The problem with understanding photographic composition is one of experience and vision.

The problem with learning how your camera works can be fixed surprisingly effectively by working with the person involved, and whilst learning composition is harder you can teach someone to observe and that is the basis of good camera work.

I also know that not everyone can make it to a formal class and that something a little more flexible can be the solution.

To me that looks like a hole to fill in.

That is why I have decided to offer private photography tuition. The concept here is not to put someone into a large class but to work with them and their camera to solve the problems they are facing. Think of it as a small scale workshop, designed specifically to give some one a sense of fun and achievement whilst they are picking up a set of skills that will be useful. Since it is all about practical skills, and all about practice these personal tuition sessions can be be teach more in short time than a course which has a larger syllabus and a class to defer to.

That is why I am doing this – to offer something that is more than a manual, and different to a class. It is a form of focussed coaching designed around the individual.

Should you be interested in this contact me via my photography web site at http://originalrobart.co.uk/default.aspx

If you’re not interested just think for a moment about why I’ve decided to offer this service this way. Perhaps just using this idea as a way of thinking and practicing your photography will help you.

(via ArGitXan)

A wonderful piece of surreal comedy. You cannot help but look at it! Note to all grab someone in the emotions with their first glance and you have won

I Still Believe In Fairies (via Clodders)

Once again lighting is everything. Keeping things just dark enough makes the fairy believable. The Dark , mystic woodland helps with the atmosphere

Morteratsch (via upsa-daisy)

What happens in this spectacular ice cave.

One of the truths of photography is that despite planning, intention and care you can never be sure when the opportunity for a good photograph will present itself. I’ve talked about my mobile phone being a note book that I use to record ideas for photographs, and maybe even the images themselves. That is useful – there is no doubt of it, but this cannot beat carrying a camera as often as possible. It’s one of the reasons that a good many photographers as well as owning a good collection of powerful SLR cameras also keep a good pocket sized camera on hand. They’re simply following the rules  that you need a camera to take photograph and good images can be seen anywhere at any time.

Here’s an example from my own work. I have two clients that are separated by the Blorenge mountain in South Wales. I know from experience that local weather conditions can vary the views from absolutely zero to quite beautiful vistas. I was passing over that mountain this week, the weather was freezing cold but glorious and there was enough view and light to take a few pictures. Had I not bothered to have a camera handy there would be no pictures.

Here are some links to those images.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/grandetour/4356222113/

http://www.redbubble.com/people/robdavies/art/4653867-1-softly-we-see-the-sugar-loaf

So remember carry a camera and be opportunistic. You never know when a good photograph will reveal itself to you.

Happy Valentines Day (via digitalgopher)

We so often think of red roses for Valentines day. This white rose, moves away from the traditional colour whislt remaining beautiful.

Remember to play with colour

The Blue Bike (via dave_in_t_o)

Use of contrasts in shape and colour in this one, the blue, red amd white are working well together and the balance between the door and the bike is great

raining again. (via artbeco)

Its hard to take a good photograph through glass, however this takes advantage of the properties of glass and rain to create something that is bright and meaningful

There was a time when I worked with a significant number of abstracts. Partially because I like an abstract that derives from reality – that – uses the lack of realism or photorealism to unleash feelings or emotions, and also because I took a lot of bad photographs that leant themselves to this style. As my photography improved I worked more on straight forward shots but often my sense of abstract and fun would sneak back in. I have a feeling that 2010 will be a year of strong and more creative work – with lots more abstracts or perhaps exaggerations that feel can bring on emotions. I guess to me the abstract is a way to reach feelings.

‘Later in the night’ is a good example of my abstract file. It was taken in a pub, looking at the bar in dim light. I used a shortening of focus and a short exposure time (no flash) to capture everything as lights and shadows. A bit of Photoshop work tidied up the tones and grain to give it this dirty and film noir look. There is something about the 40’s style of noir that is dangerous, glamorous and sophisticated. Much more exciting than a regular pub.

That’s the inspiration to Later in the Night. The name comes from the simple joke that later in the night, when one is tired and perhaps worse the wear for a few drinks, this might be how you see the world

Lori Kirwan (via fizzbucket)

Lighting is the key to this one. Illuminating the subject powerfully seperates it from the city behind. Photographers notes on this one are good - follow the link to take a look