Owen Biddle
Photo School
Photo by Owen Biddle
October Photo Newsletter
Color in the City
Two-Session Photo Workshop
Color, Light and Magic in the City
(And Some Funny Camera Tricks)
​
Thursdays 7:00 - 8:00 10/4, 10/11
The first session will be a discussion of the limitless ways we can discover, contemplate and play with color in the urban scene. We'll also introduce some unexpected techniques to enhance the adventure: double exposures, camera shake, streaking color (think car, bus, skateboarder). The second session will be to review our work from the intervening week.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
:
​
photo by Owen Biddle
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sunday, October 28 5:30 - 7:00
In the heart of downtown Philadelphia, Rittenhouse Square is the perfect place to get the most out of urban color photography - stunning architecture, a lovely park, street scenes, and an endless parade of people being people (and don't forget the dogs!) In the evening light your pictures will glow!
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Sunday, October 21 5:30 - 7:00
Scott Arboretum, located on the campus of Swarthmore College, is an expanse of woods and creek, and formal gardens - an ideal location for capturing the glories of Spring springing!
Location: Swarthmore, PA
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Upcoming DSLR Fundamentals Classes
​
Please note: Private individual classes are always another option. Call (610)-626-7854 for details and scheduling.
​
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.
Wednesdays 7:00 - 8:30 10/3, 10/10, 10/24, 10/31 (note: no class 10/17)
or
Saturdays 3:00 - 4:30 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27
​
​
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 1:00 - 2:30 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27
​
​
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
​
​
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
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
October Photo Salon
​
​
​
​
Sunday 3:00 - 4:30 October 14
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!
​
​
​
​
Photographers of the Month:
Saul Leiter, Ernst Haas, Fred Herzog and Owen Biddle
​
​
​
​
​
​
Saul Leiter Ernst Haas Fred Herzog Owen Biddle
​
We have a real treat for you this month as we explore the theme of Color in the City. Here is a sampling of images by some of our photography super stars (plus Owen) who show us how it's done! The subject matter may be people moving through the cityscape, buildings, neon lights, cars and trucks, the sky, or shop windows. But the real story being told is about color: juxtapositions of patches of color, muted colors, vivid colors, layered colors, a blur of color through a foggy window. We hope this selection will remind us that in composing our shot, color is a major element in creating a compelling image.
P.S. Forgive us if we've created the impression that Owen is in the pantheon of these super stars - he just couldn't resist adding a bit of his own work on this theme that motivates him almost everyday to get out there with his camera.
Click on thumbnails to see full images.
​
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Photo Tips for Taking Children
by Kristen Herzel
​
This month we're introducing something new - a guest photo tipper! Our photographer-of-the-month so obviously has mastered photographing children, we thought we could all learn from what she has figured out over the years. Kristen has very generously agreed to share with us a few of her secrets. Here they are:
​
​
* The light is the most important thing. I often don't even bother to shoot if the light isn't pretty, or at least interesting
​
* Shoot from different angles. Make sure to include eye level. So many people shoot down on kids.
​
* Wait for the moment, where the kids interact, or the child is absorbed in a toy, or the child is surprised or excited
​
* If the child isn't looking at the camera, make sure to show what he is looking at
​
* If your background doesn't contribute to the photo, it is detracting from the photo. Frame your subject.
​
​
​
​
​