March Photo Newsletter
WOW!!

photo by Sam Fowler

Dear Photographers,

This month we were in an expansive mood and we decided on the most open and all-inclusive of themes. Whatever moves you, surprises you, awes you, that's what we're celebrating. To the places, people, colors - all our favorites - in any category - we say "three cheers!"

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Two-Session Photo Workshop:

Photography 101:Crash Class

Just starting out with your fancy new camera? Or been taking pictures for years and want a good refresher to fill in any gaps? This workshop is aimed at making sure you have a great foundation in all the critical basics. Individualized assignments will allow you to fine tune your skills.

First Session Sunday, 3/10 7:00 - 8:30: Thorough and in-depth survey of photography basics: ISO, focus, exposure, aperture, shutter speed, white balance. Learn to get the most out of your camera and lenses for such essentials as blurring out the background, extended depth of field, stopping action, low light photography and control of color.

Second Session, Sunday 3/17 7:00 - 8:30: Share your work from the intervening week based on individualized assignments.

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Photo Field Trips

University of Pennsylvania Campus and University City

University of Pennsylvania's urban campus and the surrounding neighborhood provide an exciting visual mix of green areas, sculpture, modern and classical architecture, and of course, young people in their preferred habitat!

Wednesday 3/27 1:30 - 3:30

Rittenhouse Square

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!)

Wednesday 3/20 2:00 - 4:00

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In-Person Photo Salon

Sunday, 3/17 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.

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Not a photo but.....

On the subject of favorites, this painting by Doris Lee (1905 - 1983) is right up there at the top of my list of works that fill me with a sense of wonder, peace and loveliness.

February Photo Contest:

Black & White

First Place Winner

Richard McGovern

photo by Richard McGovern

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Second Place Winner

Robert Ludwig

photo by Robert Ludwig

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March Photo Contest

"Favorites"

Wide open! Send us your favorite photos, the ones that show off your unique vision. Make us say "Wow!" 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.

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.

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Photographers of the Month

POM

Darien Varner

Sam Fowler (and Carly)

Once in a while we encounter a new student who makes us say "Wow!". This month we happen to have two! Darien and Sam may be still learning about the intricacies of digital photography, but each comes with a very well developed eye, a quick grasp of the technical tools and a ready-made passion for what can be done with a camera and a ton of imagination! The common theme here? Obviously - each one of these images will make you say "Wow!" too.

Here's what Darien has to say: "I am a digital artist, craftsman, and budding photographer living in Havertown. I grew up in Bryn Mawr, moved to NYC in 2000, and moved back to PA with my wife and family in 2014. I enjoy provocative irony, glamorous self-expression, and mixing beauty with discomfort in my work. I enjoy a range of photography, from gonzo street shoots to carefully crafted boudoir portraits that feature hand-made costumes and props. I'm always looking for models, makeup artists, crafters, and sewists in the Philly area to collaborate with."

And here's what Sam has to say: "I was introduced to photography back in college with a scientific photography course. Although I fell out of it after the course concluded, I reconnected with it when my fianceé and I were packing for a trip and I found her DSLR camera hidden in a box in the closet. We brought the camera on vacation with us and loved the results we saw. She saw how much I enjoyed taking pictures and signed me up for lessons with Owen."

click on thumbnails to see full images