The mentored sketchbook.

Making the Visual Verbal!

I've been away most of the summer on assignment so have done little blogging. But today, I looked at the blog and read what my step-daughter Teresa had recently posted. I was inspired to say the least. If you remember, Teresa and I started this blog to share our learning experiences as we both tried to become more creative and better photographers.

I know that since I started writing my Newsletters three years ago, verbalizing about my visual creations, I have become a far better photographer. I think more clearly about both the technical and the 'feelings' side of my work. When I read what Teresa had written, I can clearly see that she too is learning in leaps & bounds. I can also tell that she learns by 'doing' and is not afraid to make mistakes or totally screw up. That to me is inspiring.

Even though I am supposed to be the pro and she the beginner, I feel I am learning from her. It may not be that I am learning something entirely new, but I am re-learning from a totally new perspective. This, of         
course, means that I really AM learning something totally new!

I really believe that verbalizing about our visual experiences and image creations is a most valuable process. As for myself, I know I have a better understanding of the work I have done, the work I am doing and the work I am about to do. This in turn gives me confidence to move ahead in my ever new creative journey.

Good work Teresa!

A Sunday Walk Photo Assignment

Last Sunday I took my friends Nomi, Taltal, and Peleg for a walk along Walker Valley; not far from where I live. We walked around Clark's Marsh, Taltal with her sketch book and Peleg and I with our cameras. As I have often mentioned in my Newsletters, some people say they never bring a camera on such outings as it prevents them from being observant. I feel the opposite. Whenever I bring my camera, I find all my senses are more alive than ever. I look at the big picture and I look for small details. I look for birds and I look for animals. I examine the landscape, looking for texture, patterns and form. I am also aware that the day's outing, no matter what you are doing or where you are going, is part of a story. I enjoy telling that story through photographic imagery. That is why I made the above image. It was the beginning of the journey; the 'heading out'. 

Around midday, we stopped for a snack. Taltal did a drawing in her sketch book, Nomi watched the birds perform their spring rituals, while Peleg and I photographed. As the air was still, I was drawn to reflections in the calm water. Due to its simplicity, the one above was my favourite.

Moments later, a slight breeze produced reflections of an entirely different nature. They were in constant motion producing new compositions by the second. My challenge was to try and capture one!

It was a wonderful two hour walk, but without my camera, I doubt I would have noticed such beauty. When I am with my camera, I feel alive and very much aware of the natural world around me.

A Hidden Treasure!

Last week Teresa and I went out to a friends ranch to photograph. As we had never been there before, we decided to just walk around the property and observe before we even made a photograph. Wow...there were photographs at every turn. But where to start?

Then, with camera's and tripods in hand, Teresa and I went our separate ways to make imagery.

I went into an old barn and this is the image I made. It has a very high dynamic range. In other words, by making 3 images and exposing for the complete tonal range (from the brightest to the darkest), I was able to capture much more detail than I ever could with a single exposure. It was because of the extreme detail in this scene that I made the image in this way.

I was happy with my image, but I was even more thrilled to see what Teresa had photographed. If you want to step out of the box and become more visually aware, photograph with a teenager. I thought I was supposed to be mentoring Teresa; believe me, it's the other way around!

Getting Started in Photography

People often come to my Gallery or call for advise on how to get started in photography. They have an interest and relatives or friends have told them that they have 'a great eye'. But what next? Take a course? Go to a workshop? Where to begin?

Based on my experience, I always recommend two things. First, choose a subject you have a passion for; a subject that makes you feel good inside when your photographing. It could be the local Farmer's Market, cats, flowers, people, gardens, wildlife, the local park - whatever turns your crank! Secondly, set yourself a small goal based on that theme. This will give you a focus. That goal might be a five minute slide show to music which you could then share with your family, friends or local Seniors Centre. Nowadays, you can even publish a single coffee table book for less than $100.00 which you might give to your parents or partner for Christmas.

The completion of a project will help build confidence and provide valuable feedback. Then choose another project and before long you'll be on your way!

Last week I went to the house for lunch and noticed a bowl of beans on the counter. I was so taken by the colour and abstract quality that I ran downstairs and got my camera. I thought to myself, wow, I could do a photographic study on food. What a mouth-watering slide show to music that would make! Hey, why not?

The above image was made with a 100mm macro lens; ISO 200, f-16 for good depth of focus, and a shutter speed of 1 second.

So there you go. Choose a subject and get started. Let us know what happens!!