FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Peter From Wellington
‘No Boat Ever Waited For Me’, is part of the quest to find the depth of a painting like experience in a digital medium. The title is from another tale, it has profound meaning in my life.
‘Just Like You, Once Upon a Time I Was a Beautiful Promise’, I like the surreal setting and twist to a rather deceptive order of things we commonly correlate in our heads. Our never-ending dream of green fields, gorgeous homes and forgiving skies.
1: How long have you been involved in photography?
From the moment I can remember, since the smell of a leather case on my father’s old Kiev 4A would get me exited for no apparent reason. I learnt quickly to press the right buttons. Its beautiful shiny lens sucked in the blue skies, trees and meadows with butterflies on it. My family never looked better or happier than in my images. I got so good, dad had to promise me that one day he will put film in it.
2: Equipment you use?
Couple of Canons, PowerShot A550 and A710. Now I also have a Canon PowerShot SX1. When I can, I try to use my Nikon D200. It is bulkier and heavier, but faster to respond and operate. I have a couple of lenses for it, I always end up changing in the field under the most difficult conditions, just to make sure the local equipment cleaning service have a steady income in these challenging times.
3: Mac or PC?
PC exclusively.
4: What inspires you?
If I ever had any inspiration it would mostly come from paintings. I tried, at least on some of my images, to emulate this art form which has the uncanny ability to preserve the spiritual context of a subject by application of ink textures and to store its energy in each brushstroke. This is fascinating, hard to reproduce magic.
5: Preferred subject matter?
Nature. It can fill your heart with an indescribable sense of joy, freedom and belonging, while still keeping some puzzling and distant parts for itself, making you want to reveal them in one monumental display of colour and shape. It is also threatened, which makes me feel very protective towards it. Some of my images spell out this concern very clearly.
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
Portraits, people. There is no viable reason for the lack of faces revealing their stories in my album. I love humanity, my lens will have to acknowledge this one day and bring an entirely new quality to the gallery.
7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
You probably remember some of your birthdays as a child; all those cakes, candles and colourful balloons. You may even recall a sight of a quiet kid in the corner, its legs dangling off a big wooden chair. That was me. A born loner, a bit better these days, I still have a habit of retreating into deeper places of my inner universe when times become difficult. Solitude may be better, or I simply don’t know any different.
8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
None whatsoever. But I can read technical books like a novel. It helps. Imagine digesting some computer script before going to bed, and sleeping like a baby afterwards. I know it’s strange, so am I.
9: Plans for the future?
Not sure at the moment. In my reality, things come and go in long repetitive cycles. I’ve been here before and, at present struggling to stay in this creative incarnation. In the case I disappear from view it is certain I’ll be back someday, a bit more enthusiastic, slightly improved. If everything goes according to plan my photography will peak in one of my future lives.
10: In one word, describe your photography.
Emotional. Its impact on a viewer is everything. There are many dimensions of every artform but this one is very important, so closely tied to what we really are, our existence, our very purpose.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
F-2
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER:F-2
Plunging Grape
One thing I have found a photographer needs is patience. I took around 300 - 500 images of a grape falling into water trying to get a shot like this and again and again it didn't work. Then everything came together for this image.
Salisbury Cathedral (West Front)
I tend to choose a subject and go back again and again capturing it in different kinds of light and different times of the day. This image is one such example. I spent a spring and summer going to Salisbury Cathedral taking images from all angles inside, using multiple exposures to produce HDR images. But this single RAW exposure is my favourite from that whole time, taken when towards the end of the summer. Again patience is needed to keep going back and searching for the best shot.
1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I started doing photography seriously during 1994 using 35mm SLR cameras and medium format stuff. But since digital photography came along I have enjoyed that the most.
2: Equipment you use?
Canon. 5D and 20D, Canon Lens, Sigma 15mm fisheye, Manfrotto tripod.
3: Mac or PC?
PC
4: What inspires you?
Lots of things including my children, toys, trees & wildlife - I'm constantly searching for photo opportunities everywhere.
5: Preferred subject matter?
Anything which looks photogenic - I like to take images of lots of things including nature, buildings, people, even toy ducks.
.
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
Kingfisher. I don't take bird images as such, but I would love to take some images of a Kingfisher at some point, they are wonderful.
7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
My wife.
8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
No formal qualifications, but I have studied photography principles a lot and done lots of training in Photoshop.
9: Plans for the future?
Keep learning about photography and hopefully take some great images.
10: In one word, describe your photography.
Patience.
Plunging Grape
One thing I have found a photographer needs is patience. I took around 300 - 500 images of a grape falling into water trying to get a shot like this and again and again it didn't work. Then everything came together for this image.
Salisbury Cathedral (West Front)
I tend to choose a subject and go back again and again capturing it in different kinds of light and different times of the day. This image is one such example. I spent a spring and summer going to Salisbury Cathedral taking images from all angles inside, using multiple exposures to produce HDR images. But this single RAW exposure is my favourite from that whole time, taken when towards the end of the summer. Again patience is needed to keep going back and searching for the best shot.
1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I started doing photography seriously during 1994 using 35mm SLR cameras and medium format stuff. But since digital photography came along I have enjoyed that the most.
2: Equipment you use?
Canon. 5D and 20D, Canon Lens, Sigma 15mm fisheye, Manfrotto tripod.
3: Mac or PC?
PC
4: What inspires you?
Lots of things including my children, toys, trees & wildlife - I'm constantly searching for photo opportunities everywhere.
5: Preferred subject matter?
Anything which looks photogenic - I like to take images of lots of things including nature, buildings, people, even toy ducks.
.
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
Kingfisher. I don't take bird images as such, but I would love to take some images of a Kingfisher at some point, they are wonderful.
7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
My wife.
8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
No formal qualifications, but I have studied photography principles a lot and done lots of training in Photoshop.
9: Plans for the future?
Keep learning about photography and hopefully take some great images.
10: In one word, describe your photography.
Patience.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
[Kane]
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: [Kane]
In the deep end.
This shot is one of my all time faves, for many reasons, I've photographed this tree many times (in fact I have photographed almost everything here, lightning, stars, moonrise, sunset, sunrise) but on this day I was very lucky to capture some of the best rays I've seen. I was knee deep in water shooting this (which is not un-common
Cloud Explosion.
This shot is another fave, its a simple shot that just had to be taken, I was on holidays in New Zealand (where I'm from) and the subject is my father, I saw the shot in my head and I asked him to walk into the frame, and he did, and he held still for the 1sec exposure ;)
As a landscape photographer I'm always watching the clouds and this was a dream shot, wet sand, reflections........... what more does the shot need!
1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I bought my first camera, a Vivitar v2000 when I was about 14, I'm now 27, so that's about 13 years, I've only been shooting digital for about 2 years. I've always loved photography for as long as I can remember.
2: Equipment you use?
I'm currently using two digital cameras, a Canon 400D, and a Canon 50D. I have a range of lenes including the Canon 24-70 f/2.8 L and the Canon 70-200 f/4 L. I still use my Vivitar film body also. Most of my landscapes are shot using my Sigma 10-20 f/4-5.6 lens. I use a cheap tripod, as I go through them too quickly.
3: Mac or PC?
PC, with Adobe Lightroom 2.3 and Photoshop 6.0
4: What inspires you?
The people I shoot with, and the ever changing environment around us.
5: Preferred subject matter?
Nature, funky trees and clouds, rays from the sun, and grass.
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
A moonbow, which is a rainbow at night, very rare, imagine a clear sky on the moon side and some rain/storm clouds on the other, usually a full moon is required.
7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
Myself and my friends.
8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
I'm not classically trained in anything, I shoot and learn, and then I re-shoot. I was a web developer some years ago, so I've always been able to apply my Photoshop skills in post production to improve my photography.
9: Plans for the future?
Continue to keep shooting landscapes, and weather events. I'd like to upgrade to a full frame camera some day.
10: In one word, describe your photography.
Nature.
In the deep end.
This shot is one of my all time faves, for many reasons, I've photographed this tree many times (in fact I have photographed almost everything here, lightning, stars, moonrise, sunset, sunrise) but on this day I was very lucky to capture some of the best rays I've seen. I was knee deep in water shooting this (which is not un-common
Cloud Explosion.
This shot is another fave, its a simple shot that just had to be taken, I was on holidays in New Zealand (where I'm from) and the subject is my father, I saw the shot in my head and I asked him to walk into the frame, and he did, and he held still for the 1sec exposure ;)
As a landscape photographer I'm always watching the clouds and this was a dream shot, wet sand, reflections........... what more does the shot need!
1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I bought my first camera, a Vivitar v2000 when I was about 14, I'm now 27, so that's about 13 years, I've only been shooting digital for about 2 years. I've always loved photography for as long as I can remember.
2: Equipment you use?
I'm currently using two digital cameras, a Canon 400D, and a Canon 50D. I have a range of lenes including the Canon 24-70 f/2.8 L and the Canon 70-200 f/4 L. I still use my Vivitar film body also. Most of my landscapes are shot using my Sigma 10-20 f/4-5.6 lens. I use a cheap tripod, as I go through them too quickly.
3: Mac or PC?
PC, with Adobe Lightroom 2.3 and Photoshop 6.0
4: What inspires you?
The people I shoot with, and the ever changing environment around us.
5: Preferred subject matter?
Nature, funky trees and clouds, rays from the sun, and grass.
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
A moonbow, which is a rainbow at night, very rare, imagine a clear sky on the moon side and some rain/storm clouds on the other, usually a full moon is required.
7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
Myself and my friends.
8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
I'm not classically trained in anything, I shoot and learn, and then I re-shoot. I was a web developer some years ago, so I've always been able to apply my Photoshop skills in post production to improve my photography.
9: Plans for the future?
Continue to keep shooting landscapes, and weather events. I'd like to upgrade to a full frame camera some day.
10: In one word, describe your photography.
Nature.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Nyah74
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Nyah74
Landscape photography is not really my cup of tea, but I like the tranquility of this one.
This is precisely what I do with glass objects and light. I like to surprise people and make them take a second look to figure out what it is :)
1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I've started taking photos 3 years ago when I took a photography course at the university. It was an elective course and I chose it just because I didn't have to take an another exam which requires memorising loads of useless stuff.
2: Equipment you use?
:))) I am not quite proud of revealing this, but then I am not a professional photographer and it’s my choice to carry a compact cam instead of a SLR/DSLR with loads of lenses and toys.
So, I have a Nikon Coolpix L4.
3: Mac or PC?
PC
4: What inspires you?
Red inspires me in all scales. Also geometry, building facades and cities…
5: Preferred subject matter?
I had periods… when I started taking photos, I was interested in playing with artificial light and shooting colourful objects. Glass ones especially. Then I started making abstract images out of building facades, lines and reflections... And nowadays, although it feels a little narcissistic, I take selfportraits as I’ve started 365days project about 4 months ago.
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
Most certainly, Aurora Borealis (nothern lights).
7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
Everyone’s life experience is different, so are our likes. That’s why I am the only judge to my art. If, I don’t like a photo at first glance, then it goes to bin before anyone sees it.
8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
Since I have a toy cam, I use Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop CS to process the images my cam creates, because that’s pretty much what it does instead of taking real photos :)
9: Plans for the future?
I wanted a pro cam, but now I know it wouldn’t make me happy, as I only want to snap the moment without thinking about if I am using the right lens, right exposure etc…I may get a better compact cam thou :)
10: In one word, describe your photography.
Chaos :)
Landscape photography is not really my cup of tea, but I like the tranquility of this one.
This is precisely what I do with glass objects and light. I like to surprise people and make them take a second look to figure out what it is :)
1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I've started taking photos 3 years ago when I took a photography course at the university. It was an elective course and I chose it just because I didn't have to take an another exam which requires memorising loads of useless stuff.
2: Equipment you use?
:))) I am not quite proud of revealing this, but then I am not a professional photographer and it’s my choice to carry a compact cam instead of a SLR/DSLR with loads of lenses and toys.
So, I have a Nikon Coolpix L4.
3: Mac or PC?
PC
4: What inspires you?
Red inspires me in all scales. Also geometry, building facades and cities…
5: Preferred subject matter?
I had periods… when I started taking photos, I was interested in playing with artificial light and shooting colourful objects. Glass ones especially. Then I started making abstract images out of building facades, lines and reflections... And nowadays, although it feels a little narcissistic, I take selfportraits as I’ve started 365days project about 4 months ago.
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
Most certainly, Aurora Borealis (nothern lights).
7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
Everyone’s life experience is different, so are our likes. That’s why I am the only judge to my art. If, I don’t like a photo at first glance, then it goes to bin before anyone sees it.
8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
Since I have a toy cam, I use Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop CS to process the images my cam creates, because that’s pretty much what it does instead of taking real photos :)
9: Plans for the future?
I wanted a pro cam, but now I know it wouldn’t make me happy, as I only want to snap the moment without thinking about if I am using the right lens, right exposure etc…I may get a better compact cam thou :)
10: In one word, describe your photography.
Chaos :)
Monday, June 01, 2009
Losy
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Losy
I love to use the natural sunlight, this is taken in my kitchen, behind the blinds... and use interesting 'models' to create a creative photo.
Here ..I was fascinated by the shadows and lights . As I have my pocket camera always with me, these kind of pics just 'happen' to me...or I was in a good mood for taking pics... :-)
1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I used to work for an airline and on a flight to Tokio, I bought my first camera 'Asahi Pentax Spotmatic' ( back in 1972) and started to take pics on my trips, the usual 'tourist snaps'.....
2: Equipment you use?
now I use a 'Canon PowerShot SD850IS' most of the time, because I have it always with me and a "Canon EOS Rebel XTI'...I would love to have more time to go on 'real photo trips' with the Rebel... ! Work comes first
3: Mac or PC?
-PC
4: What inspires you?
light and shadows....art... arranging objects in a creative way and see the results which the sunlight creates... and always 'stripes'.... :-).... I had to stop creating 'stripe pics' in order not to be too 'one sided'....
5: Preferred subject matter?
playing with different 'household' items ... like eggs, strainers, mirrors and many other items which give interesting shadows...
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
people... I do not dare to direct my camera to their faces...
7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
either it speaks to me or I discard it...
8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
some years ago, I did a Photoshop 4 course
9: Plans for the future?
would love to have more time to do 'real' photography, take some lessons may be... or just go out more and do landscapes and nature.
10: In one word, describe your photography.
'Kitchen-corner-set-ups'! mostly... :-)
I love to use the natural sunlight, this is taken in my kitchen, behind the blinds... and use interesting 'models' to create a creative photo.
Here ..I was fascinated by the shadows and lights . As I have my pocket camera always with me, these kind of pics just 'happen' to me...or I was in a good mood for taking pics... :-)
1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I used to work for an airline and on a flight to Tokio, I bought my first camera 'Asahi Pentax Spotmatic' ( back in 1972) and started to take pics on my trips, the usual 'tourist snaps'.....
2: Equipment you use?
now I use a 'Canon PowerShot SD850IS' most of the time, because I have it always with me and a "Canon EOS Rebel XTI'...I would love to have more time to go on 'real photo trips' with the Rebel... ! Work comes first
3: Mac or PC?
-PC
4: What inspires you?
light and shadows....art... arranging objects in a creative way and see the results which the sunlight creates... and always 'stripes'.... :-).... I had to stop creating 'stripe pics' in order not to be too 'one sided'....
5: Preferred subject matter?
playing with different 'household' items ... like eggs, strainers, mirrors and many other items which give interesting shadows...
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
people... I do not dare to direct my camera to their faces...
7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
either it speaks to me or I discard it...
8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
some years ago, I did a Photoshop 4 course
9: Plans for the future?
would love to have more time to do 'real' photography, take some lessons may be... or just go out more and do landscapes and nature.
10: In one word, describe your photography.
'Kitchen-corner-set-ups'! mostly... :-)
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