Owen Biddle
Photo School
photo by Walt Miles
January Photo Newsletter
Black & White
Three-Session Photo Workshop
Tuesday 7:00 - 8:30 1/15, 1/22 and 1/29
come to one, two or all three sessions
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The Art of Available Light Many don't realize the special beauty of using simple, natural light to illuminate our subjects. This introduction to using available light indoors will cover the basics of how to find good light, as well as modify the existing light in the scene. We will use low-tech means, such as reflectors and diffusers to add and subtract light and will look at the relationship between the light source, the subject and the background.
Hot Lights Hollywood Once you can exploit the available light in a scene this workshop is the logical next step. Now you are ready to create your own light. Students will learn to use single and multiple artificial light sources, with the easiest, most inexpensive form of lighting, light bulbs. While we consider subject and background as basic elements of composition and meaning, in this workshop we always return to lighting as the fundamental way to bring images to life.
The Flash Class Bring your flash, or use one of mine, to learn about the advantages of speed-light, whether in-studio or on-location. This introductory workshop starts with getting the flash off of your camera. By bouncing light through an umbrella or off the ceiling, we can create softer, more atmospheric lighting. And with today's digital cameras we can see our results seconds later.
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Saturday 1/19 10:00 - 12:00
Horticultural Center
This beautiful greenhouse located in Fairmount Park lends itself to a more meditative photo experience. Inside you will find a variety of plants to explore. Here is an opportunity to slow down, to really see and appreciate the incredible structures, patterns and textures in these living things. The intricate lines and shapes of leaves and stems are also outstanding for black and white. An ideal chance to learn about close-up nature photography. Bring your tripod and macro lens, if you have one.
Location: Philadelphia
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Saturday, 1/26 10:00 - 12:00
This may be a new discovery for you, but the Masonic Temple is a fascinating building, both from the outside and inside. The fancy and luxury, the golden mosaics, stained glass windows, sweeping stairways and Egyptian pillars are the ingredients for some unique and gorgeous photography.
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Announcements!!!
Owen Biddle Photo School's
Advanced Photographers Present...
A group show at The Regency Cafe
29 N Lansdowne Ave, Lansdowne, PA 19050
opening in mid-February (more details to follow)
also
Fiona Keyes, is participating in the
Malvern Retreat House Art Show
January 30th – February 3rd
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Upcoming DSLR Fundamentals Classes
Please note: Private individual classes are always another option. Call (610)-626-7854 for details and scheduling.
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All classes held in Lansdowne
(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.
Thursdays 7:00 - 8:30 1/10, 1;17, 1/24, 1/31
or
Saturdays 4:00 - 5:30 1/5, 1/12, 1/19, 1/26
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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.
Wednesdays 7:00 - 8:30 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30
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Fundamentals 3: Composition takes photography beyond the subject, and encourages you see the artistic and compositional opportunities in everyday life. Here is a chance for your right brain to come out and play!
TBD
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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.
TBD
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January Photo Salon
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Sunday 3:00 - 4:30 January 27
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. These Salons often fill-up,
so it's best to get your spot early!
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Photographers of the Month:
David Cunicelli, Brian Warren, Jim Troyer, Michael DuVall, Alan Simpson, Walt Miles
David: "All images were shot on old film cameras both medium format and 35mm
I love how film feels. It has depth and imperfection and life that lacks (for me) in digital. It imparts a quiet timeless mood to almost any scene. "
Brian: "For me, photography is a way of framing the world to see things we otherwise not notice.”
Jim: "My main pleasure in photography comes from capturing the memories of places we have visited and people we have met."
Michael:“Photography let’s me capture moments and details in our everyday world that would otherwise go unnoticed. There is nothing more satisfying than when the art and technical aspect of photography come together to create the image I envisioned when I pressed the shutter release.”
Alan: "I owe photography a great deal. Creative self expression is an important part of a “whole”, fulfilled life. And, for many of us without drawing or painting abilities, photography is the answer. Yay photography!"
Walt: Photography is a way for me to break out of the cycle of everyday life..family..work....taking out the trash........."
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Forgive us for bragging, but our most recent class in Advanced Photography resulted in such fine work, we can't help ourselves. We've decided to put up a show and feature the artists as this month's photographers-of-the-month. You'll see this selection is in keeping with our January theme of Black & White, but come to the show to see the full range of these talented photographers' work!
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Photo Tips for Black & White Photography
1. Consider setting your camera to take black and white pictures. That way when you look at the back of your camera you'll see the scene in black and white (not be confused by the color).
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2. Pay attention to the light rather than the color. Is the light soft or harsh? You may need to train yourself to do this at first.
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3. Instead of color you will be composing with tonality. All different shades of gray, or dramatic contrast of dark and light?
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4. Shape, silhouette, line, form and texture will take on more importance.
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5. Black and white photography has dimensions of mystery and timelessness. Go for it!