Owen Biddle
Photo School
photo by Juan Torres
August Photo Newsletter
Photography as Art?
Dear Photographers,
Today there are legions of fine arts photographers whose works are found in galleries, magazines, books and on the walls of art lovers. Posing the question "Is photography art?" may puzzle some - a resounding "yes" may seem a forgone conclusion. But the relationship between photography and art is complicated. This month we delve into the many subtle and complex issues that arise from exploring the historical and current relationship between the two
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Photo by Marie Cosindas
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Photography as Fine Art
Join us for a discussion about the relationship between photography and art and how it has evolved throughout the history of photography. We will look at a set of pictures and using our knowledge and intuitions, determine what might qualify as art, and why or why not. As today's technology dominates all aspects of our lives, including how we create and consume images, this will be a stimulating way to go more deeply into the question of what makes for a great photograph.
First Session: Saturday, August 20 2:00 - 3:30 Presentation and open discussion.
Second Session: Saturday, August 27 2:00 - 3:30 Participants will bring examples by their favorite fine art photographers to share with the group.
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Photo Field Trips
Two field trips: Let's visit a couple of museums. Stay cool indoors as you learn ways to capture art works, both 2D and 3D.
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Philadelphia Museum of Art
This remarkable collection of art from around the world offers limitless opportunities to try out your skills for working with indoor lighting, white balance, hight key/low key, framing, and even some great decisive moments of people responding to the art they see.
Friday, August 19 2:00 - 4:00
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Rodin Museum
Another Philadelphia gem! This time we'll emphasize capturing three dimensional subjects of both small and monumental scale.
Location: Philadelphia
Friday, August 26 2:00 - 4:00
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photo by Owen Biddle
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(mask and vax required)
Sunday 3:00 - 4:30 8/21/22 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
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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.
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Check It Out... (or checked out?)
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photo by Tom Tauber
Is Tom trying to tell us something about the compelling power of art to speak to photography, or visa versa? Here's what he has to say: "As a native of Vienna, I always go to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna’s premier museum of traditional art, whenever I visit the city. In 2013, I wanted to show my partner Grace my favorite room in the museum, that of the 16th century Northern Renaissance painters like Pieter Bruegel and Lucas Cranach. As we stepped into the room, I wanted to rush to see my favorite paintings close up again, but Grace elbowed me and said: “did you see this guy?” I would have walked right past him. Thanks to her, I took this photograph. It has received a gold and several silver medals and quite a few acceptances in international exhibitions, primarily in Photojournalism."
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Advanced Class Special Offering
Photo Assignments from Art History
5 Sessions
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Photo by Juan Torres
This is not an Art History class; rather, looking at the paintings and sculptures of different figures and schools in Art History, we will develop photographic assignments. Students will be challenged to draw inspiration from examples from Art History to create new work. For example, without relying on computer manipulation, we might exploit depth of field and soft focus to capture the style and atmosphere of an Impressionistic landscape. Or we may use forced perspective and wide angle lenses to capture the uniquely elongated look of a Giocometti sculpture. Or we may use advanced lighting techniques to replicate the feel of a candle-lit interior by de La Tour. The possibilities are endless....
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For our advanced classes scheduling is arranged according to the needs of the participants. If you are interested, email or give us a call and we will start the process of picking the best dates and times
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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.
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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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Not a photo, but ...
In this drawing Honore Daumier (1808 - 1879) gives us his take on the advances of photography of his time.
