Owen Biddle
Photo School

September Photo Newsletter:
Framing
photo by C. Dennis Kilson Jr
“It’s the frames which make some things important and some things forgotten. It’s all only frames from which the content rises.”– Eve Babitz
Dear Photographers,
What you take and how you take it are, of course, essential. But how you choose to frame your subject is what makes a picture stand out - what makes the viewer stop, look and consider. This month we will zero in on this important, but sometimes overlooked, aspect of creating compelling images.

photo by Owen Biddle
The concept of framing in photography can be taken in different ways. It can be the actual frame used to mount a picture on the wall. It can be the very general concept of how you choose to arrange your image within its rectangular or square format. Or it can be the use of foreground elements to "frame" the subject behind. In this workshop we will go into use of picture elements as a means to separate and emphasize your subject matter, define spatial relations within the image and add a layer of interest.
First Session: In depth discussion of principles of composition, with emphasis on framing. Tues 9/23 7:00 - 8:30
Second Session: Share your work from the intervening week Tues 9/30 7:00 - 8:30
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Photo Field Trip
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With a little imagination we can turn anything into a "frame within a frame". As we wander the grounds of The Quadrangle in Haverford we will discover the inspiring possibilities of trees.
Sunday, 9/28 4:00 - 6:00​
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​DSLR and Mirrorless Fundamentals Tutorials
Below are descriptions of the basic units of our curriculum available to students ranging from beginner to advanced. Most units are five lessons and include a set of assignments designed to give practice in targeted skills with opportunities to get feedback from the instructor so that you learn from your experiences.
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Just give a call and we can set up individual sessions to keep you moving forward with your photography.
Call (610)-626-7854 for details.
​(click on links for more information)
Fundamentals 1: Camera Operations is for students who are just starting out, or want a good review of the basic camera functions.
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Fundamentals 2: Applications is for students who have some comfort with the camera and want to start applying their skills to expand their photographic range.
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Fundamentals 3: Composition takes photography beyond the subject, and encourages you to see the artistic and compositional opportunities in everyday life. Here is a chance for your right brain to come out and play!
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Fundamentals 4: Lighting Across the Genres is for students who are ready for the next critical step: lighting. Explore sophisticated means of controlling both natural and artificial light for portraits, landscape and still life to get just the mood and effects you want.
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Advanced Photography - Using self-generated assignments and in-depth critiques we will help you move forward in your work.
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Not a photo but....
this arrangement might invite the question: Can the frame ever outshine the subject? Remember the aim of your picture to be sure the balance of frame to subject works for you.
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Photo Contest: Portraits​​​​​
First Place Winner
Charles Eustace

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Second Place Winner
Tom Clark

Third Place Winner
Nancy Karafel
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September Photo Contest: Framing
This month we're looking for great examples of inventive use of framing... Email your images to: owenbiddlephotography@gmail.com Limit three images per entry.
The winning photos will be featured in our next Photo Newsletter.
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Sunday, Sept 14 2:00 - 3:30
​These are very friendly, relaxed get-togethers in our apartment in Havertown. (Please note: this is a new location - be sure to RSVP to get address and directions) Photographers of all levels are welcome to share pictures, get photography tips, and discuss camera equipment. You can also get ideas for entering photography contests, submitting to photography magazines and having photo shows. Feedback from the group provides encouragement and inspiration to go out and take more pictures. These informal photography critiques offer an excellent opportunity to start identifying themes in your work and to get ideas for new directions. Group size is limited, so if you can come an RSVP is required by email or call (610) 626-7854. Cost is $10.
Check our our online Photo Salon
https://www.facebook.com/groups/owenbiddlephotosalon
Our purpose is to provide an online place for our community to stay in touch, stay inspired and get out there and keep snapping. You can post pictures and get feedback, ask photo questions, make suggestions etc.
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Check it out.... a simple selfie can be transformed by the clever use of a frame.

photo by April Roach
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Photographer of the Month
C. Dennis Kilson Jr

Here's what Dennis has to say:
"Photography has always held my curiosity.
As a child, while growing up in Chester, Pa., our family gatherings were always
photographed. Back then we had the old reliable Kodak camera that used 110 film and
flash cubes that always seemed not to flash when you needed them to.
I cannot recall one gathering, whether it be Thanksgiving, Christmas or summer
holidays which always included a barbecue in our yard, that was not recorded in photos.
My father and my mother were usually the ones taking pictures, so that they would
"come out right" (my father talking). After all the film was used, it usually required a trip to
the neighborhood drugstore for processing.
They were good days.
Upon returning home from active duty in the Marines, I acquired my first camera. A
Yashica I believe. It was used but worked great. I followed in the footsteps of years
before and was dubbed “The family photographer”. Even now, I come to all our
gatherings, armed with my camera to accumulate pictures to populate our photo
album. A few years ago, I decided to turn my hobby into a paying hobby, especially after
I retired from the work force…. I knew the basics but I needed to feel confident before I
jumped out into the world, offering my services for remuneration.
My confidence level is high now, thanks to Owen Biddle…."
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​Dennis has only been taking photography classes for a short time, but he is a quick study and is well on his way to mastering the important camera skills. We were immediately struck by his natural sense of framing, knowing when to zoom in, when to step back, and how to create interesting and satisfying images. Plus, he is a exceptionally nice person. I can't resist adding this quote: "...my wife is my favorite model, with one dimple.....she is so gorgeous!" (no argument there!)
Click on thumbnails to see full images.












