Owen Biddle
Photo School
photo by Owen Biddle
January Photo Newsletter:
Wintertime
“Baby it's cold outside” ~ Burk Uzzle
Dear Reader,
You may not love everything about the winter, but you can still love winter photography. When Nature shows us her fresh, crisp aspects there are endless possibilities: the abstraction of essential forms of bare trees and delightful mounds of snow, the people in their bundled-up best, the homes glowing with seasonal decorations, the moods from melancholy to festive. And when it's simply too nasty to venture out, consider working on still lifes that allow you to practice all of your camera skills on subjects that hold still and never complain, in the comfort of home.
photo by Owen Biddle
We call this workshop "Quick Shot" because we assume you may not want to stand for a very long time to get just the right settings for your wintry scene. We'll discuss short cuts for getting the timing and placement just right without sacrificing control of your image making. We'll also highlight such wintertime elements as icicles, frozen leaves, and brooding skies, as well as considerations such as the winter pallet, high-key tonality, and minimalist composition.
First Session: Discussion of techniques and equipment
Wed. 1/21 7:00 - 8:30
Second Session: Share your work from the intervening week
Wed. 1/28 7:00 - 8:30
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Photo Field Trip
Here's a favorite spot for capturing botanicals. Of course, in this season, we won't be seeing green grasses and leaves, but instead, we have the opportunity to photograph the underlying structures of trees, ideal for some specially evocative images and abstractions. The setting includes a pond, open fields, a cabin and old buildings.
Fri. 1/23 3:00 - 5:00
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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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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....
in this wintery scene the painter (Grandma Moses, 1860 - 1961) brightens up a basically white world with cheerful spots of color. Tiny houses, trees, people and horses show how use of color and scale can make a vast vista seem more immediate and intimate.
Photo Contest:
Gratitude
The challenge this time is "show us what you are grateful for". We love the variety of responses we got. Here are the three winners. Click on picture to see full image.
First Place
Nan Feyler
Second Place
Jeffrey Benne
Third Place
Nancy Karafel
January Photo Contest:
Wintertime
Chilly outdoor scenes that just say "winter", indoor scenes that say "nice and cozy", abstractions, moods...we look forward to seeing your own interpretation of the theme. 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, January 18 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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Winter Inspiration by
Owen Biddle
photo by Jeff Benne
How many ways can you say "brrrrr" with a camera? Owen has lots of answers. We hope the pictures below will inspire you to get out there and get some great images of the season. (And, as you'll see, there's always the very creative option of staying inside and taking pictures - last summer's flowers??)
Rachel: Hello Owen. Thanks for stopping by and especially for sharing your winter images with us. Do mind a few questions?
Owen: No, I'm always happy to chat about my favorite subject.
Rachel: Well, what do you love about taking pictures in the snow, and what do you find most challenging?
Owen: I like the way the snow provides a clean background. And I like the way snow brings out color. And I find texture and shapes, minus the usual clutter, are isolated in intriguing ways. I love the way the snow is differently colored at different times of day. Challenges? Cold hands and feet. And try setting up a tripod in the snow!
Rachel: But can't all that white present a problem?
Owen: No. Snowy scenes are especially fit for a high key approach which is a look I love. Bits of bright color can also really make a statement.
Rachel: What about days when there is no snow - don't you find all those grays and browns dull?
Owen: Not at all. Actually I love the winter palette. With good composition the subdued colors can make for harmonious images that are interesting and very moody.
Rachel: Hmmm, fascinating. Before we go, do you have any tips for those heading out?
Owen: Head to a pond or creek, or a puddle may do. Look for things encased in ice (twigs, leaves etc). Remember, everyday objects assume a magical significance in a snowy setting. And a final tip: layers of socks and multiple hats!
Click on thumbnails to see full images.
