Benny Eggs Hammond

“Photography, as a powerful medium of expression and communications, offers an infinite variety of perception, interpretation and execution.” - Ansel Adams

The word powerful not only describes photography but Ansel’s quote as well.

In essence, what he is saying is photography is (and should always be considered) a dynamic art form though in some circles, that is subject to debate even to this day. In this ongoing series we will look at a multitude of subject matter and apply the key components of Ansel’s quote; expression, communications, perception, interpretation and execution to each of them. I will add my perspective, experiences and interject a little philosophy into the mix with the goal being to open your eyes and mind to the infinite possibilities for inspiration and growth as a creative photographic artist.

You will notice I did not use the word motivation. Years as a certified corporate sales trainer has taught me that you or I can not motivate someone with words, actions or our own artistic outcome. Motivation truly and purely comes from within each of us. External stimuli; the things we see, touch and feel act as the fuel we call inspiration that once communicated, translated and intellectualized within us, converts to motivation and then action. This is a key part of what drives artistic development and individual style. How much passion you foster and self discipline you assert will affect the rate and extent you develop your artistic identity. So you see, there’s more to taking “good pictures” than pointing an expensive camera at some subject. Actually, there is more to it than being technically adept. You must be passionate, disciplined and willing to think outside the box in order to develop is your artistic identity, or in Ansel’s terminology; interpretation.

Internationally renowned author and self development expert Dr. Wayne Dyer said; “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at begin to change.” In general, we are creatures of habit traveling the road of least resistance and our comfort zones tend to have rigid boundaries. From a photographic perspective Dr. Dyer’s quote is very applicable. Great photography, in my perspective, does not start with looking but rather seeing. Seeing starts with the eyes and then is translated in the brain. By controlling the speed of this process you afford yourself the opportunity for a more intimate/impacting interaction. This will result in not only a heightening awareness of what is around you but more powerful compositions - the technical foundation for great images. For me, this was one of the most significant changes I made in my approach to photographing natural landscapes. Using a large format view camera certainly helped in this endeavor as it just takes more time to make an image with one. But I did find that by slowing down I began to see beyond the obvious and that helped me shape new, more open perspectives and further develop unique and intimate interpretations or compositions of the subject matter I was photographing.

So, where do you start in this endeavor to shape a unique artistic identity? Slow down and I don’t mean just when you have a camera in your hands. Take more time to think thru what impact the subject has on you and subsequently how you want to communicate your perspective or interpretation of that subject. Get outside of your comfort zone and try new approaches and strive for perfect execution of the photographic process. Rest assured we will give greater attention to the timeless process standards later in this series. Go beyond the boundaries of your comfort zone and embrace the idea that change is the only constant in time and that it can be as exciting and rewarding as it is unnerving.

Let me conclude with something that Pablo Picasso once said; “I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.” Sounds simple but this approach requires a commitment to self discipline. You will attain consistency by applying repetition in all aspects of photography which ultimately becomes mental muscle memory or your photographic process routine. This will reap artistic benefits whether you are standing on the south rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, the shore of Lake Superior at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan or in your own garden. It is the first month of the New Year and there is no better time for a new start, new perspective and a new found level of artistic individuality. I hope you are inspired to come back and partake in these exercises of contemplation and discovery. Becoming more focused in your artistic thought process will help make your photography “a powerful medium of expression and communications.” Until next time, take good care.

.About the Author:

Ron Leonetti has been capturing natural landscapes with his large format view camera for publication, stock and retail sale for over 20 years. You will find Ron’s work in The Nature Conservancy’s published materials as well as text books, calendars, periodicals, posters and corporate marketing campaigns. His critically acclaimed photography is widely exhibited and is extensively represented in many private and corporate art collections worldwide. Visit his website to learn more about his stock and fine art nature photography work or to purchase one of his nature prints for sale in his store gallery.

As most people will tell you when choosing the right digital camera, you should consider what purpose you would be using the camera for. You may be advised to get a cheap digital camera if your intentions are photographing birthday parties and holidays, and for most people who just need a camera, this is probably good advice.

However, when you consider yourself a novice or a beginner in digital photography, you may have other intentions as you pursue your interests in photography. You know who you are and you can answer this question for yourself.

Pursuing digital photography as a hobby, for example, should enhance your decision in choosing a camera with features that help result in higher resolutions. And purchasing a camera with more features will help you learn. After all, getting a cheaper digital camera will only be frustrating, when you realize you could have had a better, reliable model for only a little more money.

In the current digital camera market, the number of megapixels a camera has is dominating the choice an amateur photographer makes. If you want a good digital camera that will not break your bankroll, then make the choice to not purchase one with more than six megapixels. Although at the writing of this article, the seven megapixel cameras are very popular, perhaps you can find a great deal on a six megapixel.

Consider the Fuji FinePix A610 Digital Camera. Now there are many great models of digital cameras on the market, but the Fuji FinePix line of cameras is very popular with many beginners. Sporting 6.3 megapixels, this particular model will perform very well for you.

The following statement is an example of what the future may hold for digital photographers. You will be finding extremely better resolution from the most low cost camera models, not to mention some great new features listed in the next paragraph.

Other considerations on choosing the right camera for your needs are anti blur features, anti shake and image stabilization features. You may not find them on any conservative model camera, but they are worth mentioning here. These are pretty cool features as they not only help people with shaky hands while photographing, but also enable you to take pictures in darker areas without a flash.

So, besides concerning yourself with what you will be using your new digital camera for, do some research beforehand and decide what features on a camera will best suit your needs for your evolving photographic endeavors. A model with extra features you do not need today is a good decision, because you may need them tomorrow as the interest in your hobby grows.

.About the Author:

Tom Watson is the owner of In Digital Photography, a digital photography website promoting the digital era. This website has tips, advice, Fuji Digital Cameras and resources on digital photography and starting a photography business. Tom encourages visits to his site at In Digital Photography

How to Choose a Photography or Camera Club.

Do you feel alone in your photography? Why not consider joining a camera club? Joining a club can be a good experience especially if you are around people that share the same passion.

Here are some tips in choosing a club.

1. Look for a club that is accessible to you. Going to club meetings is fun but if they too far away, there may be a million reasons not to go that is why location of the club is criteria in choosing a club.

2. Look for a club that share the same passion and zest for photography. Am sure you would like to be caught in a room of gear heads that think the best equiptment = the best photographer. Choose wisely since these are the people you will be shooting with on your photo trips.

3. Look for a club with a good mix of members. A good variety of taste is good because it will expose you to different types of talent around. Seeing is learning and the more attractive photos you see the better. You can get first crack on interviewing someone on his “techniques and tricks”

4. Look for a club that is willing to share in their experiences. Some clubs are too competitive and it is everyman for hiimself. This doesnt instill sharing and competition can sometimes get out of hand.

5. Look for a club that loves photography and the art of taking pictures not a group that uses photography as a guise for other deeper and darker plans.

6. Look for a club that suits your budget. Some clubs spend a lot on photo trips and photo expeditions. Joining clubs that do these things in excess can be harmful to the pocket.

7. Join a club that has experience. There are new clubs and there are old clubs, join a club rich in tradition and experience so you can take advantage of the rich and diverse culture they present to you.

8. Join a club that is active in promoting its craft. Having exhibits are one of the main goals of the club, showing your work can be a rewarding experience. Look for a club that actively participates in photography activities and exhibits.

Am sure if you go over the above list you will find that the clubs you join should be a place where you will fit in. They are a group you should grow with and are willing to share what they learn along the way.

Happy Shooting!

.About the Author:

Anton Sheker is a photographer based in Philippines. For more Photography tips, tricks and articles visit his site online at Blogalicious: a photo odyssey

Anton Sheker is also founder and member of the World Photo Directory World Photo Directory