Owen Biddle
Photo School
May Photo Newsletter
Get ready for Travel Photography
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"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes." Marcel Proust
Two-Session Workshop
Spirit of the Place: Travel Photography
Fridays 7:00 - 8:30 5/4, 5/11
Traveling to exciting new places (or favorite old places) offers opportunities for photographers, both new and experienced, to develop their technical and compositional skills while taking beautiful shots and preserving wonderful memories. Travel photography combines the best of every kind of photography: landscape, as you capture the unique scenery - photojournalism, as you record different ways of life - portraiture, as you photograph new as well as old friends - still life, as you make compositions of the special objects, artifacts (even foods!) of a different country. A traveler wants to bring home shots that are worthy of the trip, and with today's digital cameras this is more possible than ever.
Session One: Discussion of a wide range of picture-taking approaches so that you will be confident and prepared for taking great photographs of your journey.
Session Three: Review your work from the intervening week.
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photo by Steven Philips
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This time of year I love being out with my camera at the blue hour and the gold hour and approach our city with the fresh eyes of a visitor. These two trips provide the perfect opportunity to practice travel photography skills right here in our own stunningly photogenic Philadelphia.
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Friday, 5/18 6:30 - 8:30
In the heart of downtown Philadelphia, Rittenhouse Square is the perfect place to get the most out of city photography - stunning architecture, a lovely park, street scenes, and an endless parade of people being people (and don't forget the dogs!)
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Boat House Row and The Art Museu All Lit Up!
Saturday, 5/26 6:30 - 8:30
Classic Philadelphia! The views of the boat houses as the lights come on are iconic images of our city - not to be missed
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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.
Saturdays 12:00 - 1:30 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 6/2 (no class 5/26)
Thursdays 7:00 - 8:30 5/3, 5/10, 5/17, 5/31 (no class 5/24)
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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.
Saturdays 10:00 - 11:30 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 6/2 (no class 5/26)
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!
Saturdays 2:00 - 3:30 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 6/2 (no class 5/26)
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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.
TBA
Advanced Photography is designed to help advanced students define themselves as photographers
and to move towards independence with their picture-taking. By the completion of
this class, students are ready to take on more professional photography projects
TBA
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Sunday 3:00 - 4:30 May 20
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 confirm your spot early!
Photographer of the Month:
Evan Brown
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Here's what Evan has to say:
"I am relatively new to photography and have been at it seriously for about a year. I purchased my first DSLR before college so I could capture moments and preserve memories. I look at photography like a kind of time machine and that's why I love it so much. Whenever I travel or go to an event I love to document it in a way that tells a story, and that is the main reason why I started to take up photography in the first place. Whenever I travel I want others to see and feel my story of where I have been and what I have experienced. I love to explore different parts of Philadelphia and the different hiking trails this area has to offer, but recently I had the opportunity to travel to and photograph Peru. It was an amazing experience with beautiful culture, people, and nature. I am slowly finding my style and my focus in photography, but I am loving every step of my journey so far."
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Evan comes on with a splash! His vision is exciting and edgy and reminds us how much fun picture-taking can be. Whether abroad in Peru, or at home here in Philadelphia, he captures images that are both dynamic and telling.
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Click on thumbnails to see full images.
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Photo Tips of the Month
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For those getting ready to travel to new places, and for those who will be staying close to home, here are some tips you can try out today for great travel photography.
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Go somewhere interesting, bring your camera, try out your fresh new eyes, and have fun!
Some suggestions to get your started:
1. Pictures at different times of the day
2. Pictures of people in your town (e.g. the crossing guard, a police officer, a
store clerk) You can use your zoom but try getting closer yourself.
3. Food in your town
4. Something with water (e.g. a fountain, a creek, a pond)
5. Nature in your town
6. Town events
7. Action shots (e.g. sports)
8. Indoor shots, such as in the nice new bakery. Handling low light indoors is an invaluable skill for documenting the places you travel.