Owen Biddle
Photo School
photo by Tom Clark
February Photo Newsletter
Black & White
“To see in color is a delight for the eye but to see in black and white is a delight for the soul.” ~
Andri Cauldwell
photo by Owen Biddle
photo by Eloise Bocella
Dear Photographers,
White snow, bare black tree branches - this season calls out for a black and white take on the world. But expanding our knowledge of when and how to adopt this most poetic and evocative vision can bring us into an enhanced and enriched and ever more subtle appreciation of what photography has to offer. This month we dwell in the very special realm of black and white photography and will discover how this can move us ever closer to what comes to mind as "fine art photography".
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Color vs Black & White -
Adventures on the Saturation Scale
photo by Owen Biddle
Come play with us in this brand new workshop! Participants are invited to bring some of their favorite color photos as our guinea pigs. As we go though the selections we will use the saturation scale to experiment with different possibilities , culminating in a better understanding of when color and when black & white are the best options to convey our messages.
Wednesday, February 21 7:00- 8:30
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Photo Field Trips
This museum, returned to its original European appearance, is a rich destination for photographers. We will start by photographing Rodin’s powerful and moving sculptures, both indoors and outdoors. The site also offers wonderful architecture and landscaping. A perfect opportunity to explore how black and white can unify many elements: live people viewing stone sculptures, vegetation against architecture etc.
Location: Philadelphia
Monday, February 19 10:00 - 12:00
Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
This trip is not only for car lovers. It is also perfect for photographers looking for a unique opportunity to explore the shine, style and pizzazz of these classic automobiles. The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum is one of the world’s greatest collections of racing sports cars including Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Bugatti, Mercedes, Jaguar, Bentley, Porsche, and more. And a fantastic place to see what black & white can do with these gorgeous forms. For more information see this link: Simeon Foundation Automotive Museum
Location:Philadelphia
Saturday, February 17 1:00 - 3:00
photo by Owen Biddle
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A Very Special In-Person Photo Salon
Sunday, 2/25 2:00 - 3:30
Mary Stamper and Gordon Smith have invited us to a photo sharing at their home in Havertown. Don't miss this opportunity to meet with our wonderful community of photographers in a new setting!
These are very friendly, relaxed get-togethers. 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.....
In this etching - Self Portrait with Raised Saber - Rembrandt (1606 - 1669) shows what depth can be achieved with an exquisitely sensitive use of tonality using only black, grey and white.
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January Photo Contest:
Still Life
First Place Winner
Michael Geagan
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photo by Michael Geagan
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Second Place Winner
Nancy Karafel
photo by Nancy Karafel
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February Photo Contest
Black & White
We're looking for entries that demonstrate technical and compositional skills and take advantage of the special powers of black & white. To enter simply email your photo to : owenbiddlephotography@gmail.com
The winning photos will be featured in our next Photo Newsletter.
​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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Check our our online Photo Salon
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.
Photographer of the Month
Tom Clark
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Here's what Tom has to say: "I've loved art and photography most of my life.
When I took a Basic Photo Class with Owen Biddle, it was like the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope.
I use photography as a means of self-expression. Photos are my brushes and palette
to create pictures and art for myself, to identify with hidden qualities of my character,
to better understand my reality, and to express my interpretation of the world around me.
These images are seen through the camera, they are manipulated in the computer.
I am often amazed at the shapes and forms that have appeared in my work.
My art is fierce and exact and my ideas are extraordinary."
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Yes!! Be prepared to be amazed by Tom's extraordinary ideas! Original, unexpected, haunting, gorgeous, dreamy... I don't know enough adjectives to describe what Tom delivers in these true works of art. Just look for yourself...
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click on thumbnails to see full images
