Owen Biddle
Photo School
September Photo Newsletter
Architecture II: Exteriors
photo by Jeffrey Benne
Dear Photographers,
Last month we spent time indoors, photographing interior spaces and details. As promised, this month we will take a look at buildings from the outside. We offer two photo field trips and a special workshop inviting you to think about this major branch of photography in some new ways.
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Architecture at Night
photo by Owen Biddle
While considerations of lighting and time of day are paramount for the architectural photographer, a particular opportunity comes with venturing out when the sun descends to see how fading light as well as artificial lights transform familiar structures. This workshop combines discussion of ways to photograph buildings (use of lenses, perspective, framing, scale etc) with tips for working with low light conditions.
First session: Thurs 9/19 7:00 - 8:30 - discussion of technique, equipment and composition
Second session : Thurs 9/26 7:00 - 8:30 - you will share your work from the intervening week.
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Photo Field Trips
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Come see how the stately buildings of this college campus transform after hours. You will discover an entirely new atmosphere, an evocative mood, for some unusual pictures.
Friday, 9/27
6:30pm - 8:30pm
photo by Owen Biddle
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!)
Tuesday, 9/17 9am - 11am
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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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August Photo Contest:
Interiors
(We got so many exciting entries, we ended up with four winners!)
First Place Winner
Mary Stamper
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photo by Mary Stamper
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Second Place Winner
Julia Barol
photo by Julia Barol
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Third Place Winner
Robert Turner
photo by Robert Turner
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Honorable Mention
Francis Baylis
photo by Francis Baylis
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September Photo Contest
Exteriors
A city skyscraper, a suburban bungalow, a country barn, an overgrown shack - they all are buildings worthy of some thoughtful photographer's attention. To enter simply email your photo to : owenbiddlephotography@gmail.com
The winning photos will be featured in our next Photo Newsletter.
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Sunday, 9/15 2:00 - 3:30
These are very friendly, relaxed get-togethers at my apartment in Lansdowne. 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.
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Not a photo but....
this painting shows how Giorgio De Chirico (1888 - 1978) has architecture serve as both subject and setting, evoking an Italian village scene. But the same dichotomy would apply to any American city, large of small, as you think about framing your own world with your camera .
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Photographer of the Month
Jeffrey Benne
Here's what Jeff has to say:
"Let me start with saying that I’m humbled by Owen and Rachel’s choice on inviting me to be photographer of the month. Thank you.
Growing up, working and living in the Philadelphia area all my life has instilled a respect for history, architecture, nature and culture. That being said, over the past 35 years, being a Glazier by trade, I’ve had some sights. Sometimes spectacular, sometimes captivating and sometimes downright shocking.
Friends, family and coworkers have said that I have a good “eye” for photo taking. I’ve always wanted to learn more about photography and a gifted 1970’s Minolta inspired me to go for it.
Thank you Maureen.
A true beginner. Excited to learn. Admittedly confused at times. Trying to decide what style I’ll do next. I really love Americana, wait….. landscape….oh…..architecture!…..perhaps portrait?
And so it goes, I’m all in. Trying to capture a moment in time and looking forward to the seasons changing.
One photographer that has inspired me thus far, and surely there will be more, is Walker Evans.
His work has an emotion, a feeling that hits the mark for me. My sister has always said that she and I were born in the wrong era. I believe that to be true. Possibly someone someday will see a shot of mine and think the same."
We haven't known Jeff for long, but he is a wonderful addition to our community of photographers. He is quickly picking up the critical camera skills and combining these with a strong, natural sense for composition, he expresses his fresh and original take on his world.
​​Click on thumb nails to see full images.
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