photo by Owen Biddle
November Photo Newsletter
Celebrate!!

Dear Photographers,

An evening spent with some photographer friends reminded us how much there is to celebrate in this crazy world of ours: a hearty meal, people to pass some hours with, and, always, the visual splendors all around. This time of year, of course, is packed with holidays and celebrations. Whether your celebrations are big affairs, or intimate gatherings, or private moments of reflection, this month Owen Biddle Photo School brings you ideas for capturing the sense of wonder and appreciation of the season.

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Two-Part Photo Workshop:

Get Ready for the Holidays

For all those"designated photographers", learn some tricks and tips to get the holiday pictures everyone will love. This workshop will include ideas for documenting the details you never want to forget - food, decorations, interiors - as well as wonderful people shots, both candid and more formal. Learn how to deal with challenging lighting and distracting backgrounds so your pictures say exactly what you want them to.

First Session: Discussion of equipment and technical matters. Friday 7:00 - 8:30 11/12

Second Session: Feedback on your work from the intervening week. Friday 7:00 - 8:30 11/19

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Photo Field Trips

The Holiday Lights at Rittenhouse Square at Night

Capture the magical spectacle of trees festooned with colored globes of light. In the heart of the city, you will find ample opportunities for pictures of lights, store windows, street scenes and of course, people being people!!

Saturday, 11/20 4:00 - 6:00

Linvilla Orchard

This is a super destination this time of year, it has plenty of inviting subject matter . Get great pictures of the farm animals, as well as deer and beautiful pheasants, the temptingly colorful food stands, and people enjoying the country environment.

Saturday 10:00 - 12:00 11/27

Do you know about the Media Arts Council? If not, you should! This group promotes the arts in our area, including, of course, photography. In October they held their annual national photo contest; this year the theme was balance. Owen was honored to be the judge for this prestigious competition. His comment: "The quality of the entries this year was so consistently high, it was really hard to make the top picks." But he did! You can check out how he solved the problem with his four top picks, plus more details about the contest and Media Arts Council at this link:

https://mediaartscouncil.org/photoex-2021/

photo by Henri Cartier Bresson

(not from the MAC contest, but definitely about balance)

In- Person!

Like many of the rest of you, we are taking some steps to reconnect... in person!!

For those who are vaccinated and comfortable meeting in the classroom setting, small group events and individual lessons are available.

For those who are not yet ready for this step, we are carrying on with remote lessons via Zoom.

Email or call (610) 626 - 7854 to sign up.

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Please Note: New Cancellation Policy

As we transition to this phase of providing photography instruction both in-person and on-line, we are instituting a new policy covering cancelled lesson.

Students are asked to provide at least 24 hour notice when an appointment cannot kept.

When a lesson is cancelled with less than 24 hour notice, students have the option of rescheduling for a $10 rescheduling fee. If no make-up session is scheduled, however, the full amount of the missed lesson will still be charged.

Exceptions in the case of emergencies will be determined by Owen on a case by case basis.

DSLR 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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Photo Salon

Sunday 3:00 - 4:30 11/14 In Person at our new address!!!

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

ALSO.... Check out this facebook link and join the group. 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. What do you say???

Special thanks to Jonathan Prusky, whose technical skills have saved us more than once and made this whole endeavor possible.