Owen Biddle
Photo School
photo by Joe Strode
May Photo Newsletter:
City vs. Country
*********************************************************************************************
April Photo Contest:
Photography as an Antidote
In a time of uncertainty, what photographs can you offer that speak of your own concept of peace?
Click on thumbnail to see full image
photo by Cassandra Walwendah
The church, synagogue, or mosque is often a sanctuary for many. The sanctuary reminds me of the eternal hope I have, and the need to offer prayers for everlasting peace beyond my circumstances.
photo by Won Choi
Antidote to chaos: pause
No people, no noise—just light and space. A moment where nothing is demanded of you.
Peace is stillness and breathing room.
photo by Jeffery Benne
The horse was quite the congenial one and we made friends with her. Very peaceful creature.
**********************************************************************************************
Dear Reader,
Many photographers love taking pictures of scenic vistas, wide open spaces that speak of the quiet calm of nature. And many photographers are drawn to the energy of city scenes that feature the impact of man on this world. This month we look at how photography is especially adept at taking on these two very different perspectives.
photo by Owen Biddle
In this workshop we will explore the expressive powers of lenses covering the range from telephoto to wide angle all the way to fish eye. See how telephoto can heighten the feeling of compressed space to communicate the intensity of city life. Extreme telephoto, like a pair of binoculars, brings distant scenes up even close. On the other hand, see how wide-angle opens space to give an expansive sense to a landscape. And fisheye yields distortion and a touch of surrealism. Even macro can have a vote here, for getting close to details that help tell our stories.
First Session: Discussion of lenses, what they do and how to use them.
Monday, 5/11 7:00 - 8:30, Haverford
Second Session: Share your work from the intervening week.
Monday, 5/18 7:00 - 8:30, Haverford
**************************************************
Photo Field Trips
Colonial Plantation, Ridley Creek State Park
This is a great photo destination. This period farm setting has gardens, farm house, barns, animals, and guides in period clothes demonstrating an earlier, simpler way of life.
Newtown Square, PA
Saturday, 5/16 2:00 - 4:00
In the heart of downtown Philadelphia, Rittenhouse Square is the perfect place to get the most out of urban photography - stunning architecture, a lovely park, street scenes, and an endless parade of people being people (and don't forget the dogs!)
Sunday, 5/10 10:00 - 12:00
photo by Owen Biddle
******************************************************
Not a photo but....
the fable "Town Mouse and Country Mouse" by Aesop (between 620 and 564 BCE) reminds us that this rivalry has ancient roots. .. and the theme continues to inspire our image - making today.
May Photo Contest: City vs Country
The challenge: send in a pair of pictures showing how you view these contrasting two
Email your images to: owenbiddlephotography@gmail.com
The winning photos will be featured in our next Photo Newsletter.
*******************************
Sunday, May 17 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 out 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.
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.
*************************************************
**********************************
Photographer of the Month
Joe Strode
Here's what Joe has to say: "I discovered my love for photography around the age of 18, when I first started noticing how a single moment could tell a powerful story through a lens. Since then, capturing images has become a constant companion in my life, especially while traveling. Whether it’s a striking landscape or an unexpected scene along the way, I’m always ready to stop and take the shot. Thankfully, I have a very patient wife who graciously indulges my habit of pausing—sometimes frequently—whenever I spot a photograph worth capturing.
Although I have a Sony Rx10 III SLR camera, most of my photographs are shot using my iPhone. It is so convenient to use and takes amazing pictures!"
We chose Joe this month because of his irrepresible delight in all visual possibilities, both urban and rural. With his consistent technical skills, eye for color and unfailing sense of composition each image captures a unique moment in a specific place. And thanks to his patient wife for letting these spontaneous pictures happen.
