Owen Biddle
Photo School
April Photo Newsletter
Abstraction
photo by Jeff Kleger
Dear Photographers,
"I love that picture of...." We are very connected to subject matter. We relate to a unique face, soak in a beautiful sunset, are stirred by majestic mountains, are haunted by images of war's devastation, delight in a lovely flower. But what if a picture has no subject, or at least not one we can identify? The surprising allure of abstract photography is that we can be equally moved by a series of angles, a sweeping curve, unexpected color combinations. In abstract art the formal elements take center stage and that is our "subject matter" for April.
******************************************************************
Geometry Plus
photo by Owen Biddle
Why are we drawn to the geometry around us? How does an awareness of these basic shapes make our picture compositions stronger, more interesting, more pleasing? Something about the human brain welcomes the simplifying and unifying effects of shape. In this workshop we learn to channel our vision towards the unrecognized geometry surrounding us in everyday life. The real heroes of these pictures will be shapes and forms.
First session: Monday, 4/15 7:00 - 8:30 A look at how important photographers use geometry in composing iconic images
Second session: Monday, 4/22 7:00 - 8:30 Share your work from the intervening week
**************************************************
​
Photo Field Trips
​
This relaxed small town offers the perfect setting to try out the principles of abstract photography. Join us in the hunt and capture of circles, angles, repeating patterns, leading lines, juxtapositions, layers of color.....
Saturday, 4/13 10:00 - 12:00
photo by Owen Biddle
Chanticleer: Abstract Botanicals
This stately turn-of-the-century mansion, surrounded by formal gardens, offers great opportunities for photographing both intimate scenes and grand vistas. Our exploration will range from the macro abstractions of flower-portraits to the wide angle accentuated perspective of deep space landscapes.
Radnor, PA
Wednesday, 4/17 3:00 - 5:00
***************************************************************************************
​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.
​
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.
​
March Photo Contest:
Wow!
First Place Winner
Robert Turner
​
​
photo by Robert Turner
***********************************************
Second Place Winner
Walt Miles
photo by Walt Miles
​
***********************
Third Place Winner
Brian Dean
photo by Brian Dean
***************************************
April Photo Contest
Abstracts
This month we are looking for photos that emphasize form over subject. Can't wait to see what you see. To enter simply email your photo to : owenbiddlephotography@gmail.com
The winning photos will be featured in our next Photo Newsletter.
​
**********************************************************************
Not a photo but.....
"My Favorite Things" by John Coltane (1926 - 1967) is a thrilling deep dive into form, rhythm, repeating patterns and dynamics. Click on the image to take a listen and be transported!
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
*******************************
In-Person Photo Salon (in May)
Sunday, 5/12 2:00 - 3:30
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.
photo by Owen Biddle
**********************************
Photographer of the Month
Jeff Kleger
Here's what Jeff has to say: "I began photography with a Minolta SRT 1 0 1 in the early ?O's. The simple operation made the process of taking a decent photo enticing and approachable. My initial goal was to document a cross-country camping trip. Once I began taking photos, I never stopped exploring the medium. My original influences were Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, and their contemporaries. I explored Steiglitz and his stable of photographers. I was a late entry into the f/64 school believing in providing the sharpest photos with the greatest depth of field possible. I continue to enjoy the history of the medium.Composition is my strong point. Having worked in other mediums I entered photography fairly well equipped to produce a balanced, pleasing photograph. During the late ?O's and 80's at The Photography Place, run by Stephen Guion Williams and Thomas L. Davies I learned printing and extended my skills though
all sorts of workshops. It was there that I met Robert Frank and Aaron Siskind. Siskind, with his photos focusing on details, later became an influence along with Edward Weston who turns the ordinary into the extraordinary. I enjoy the minutiae of photography. Seeking out unusual visuals that most people ignore. It is for these reasons I find beauty in the abstract and the often overlooked."
​
These amazing images show the miracles of design to be discovered wherever we look, if we just know how to see. And Jeff, clearly, is a master!
​
Click on thumbnails to see full images.
​
