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Tag Archives: learn digital photography
July photo Challenge FIREWORKS PHOTOGRAPHY
Have some summer fun with your digital camera and join in the photography challenge for July 2012- FIREWORKS PHOTOGRAPHY.
Join in with the other members of the IMAGE MAKERS PHOTOGRAPHIC WORKSHOPS meet-up group for this photography education experience. Register for the event (it’s FREE) and share your fireworks photography with this group of over 200 photographers. You can download a FREE guide to Fireworks Photography prepared by me to help build your photo skills. Photographers can also win a private photo tutoring session if they participate in this photographer challenge.
Posted in Digital Photo classes, Digital photography tips, Learn Photography
Also tagged Dan Splaine Photo educator, Dan Splaine photographer, digital photo how to, digital photo workshops, digital photography, fireworks, fireworks photo how to, fireworks photography, July 4th, learning digital photography, night photography, photo how to, photo tip, photography skill building, photography tips, photography workshops, Test of Time photography, understanding photography
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2012 Photo Walk Workshops in Boston
PHOTO WALK WORKSHOPS presented by Dan Splaine and TEST of TIME PHOTOGRAPHY
I am happy to announce the launch of a new program of photography workshops for the spring, summer and fall of 2012. The PHOTO WALK WORKSHOPS will begin on April 28th and will run through October. These digital photography workshops are open to adult photographers of all skill levels. We will present these workshops at multiple outdoor locations which provide our photography students hands on field photography experience.
The PHOTO WALK WORKSHOPS are led by a professional travel photographer who provides instruction and coaching during the 2 ½ hour workshop. Our goal is to help photographers of all skill levels achieve greater creative control over their photography. Combining conversation and photo exercises helps our photography students learn how to use their digital cameras to make the photos they imagine.
By holding these workshops in unique and visually interesting settings around Boston and other New England locations present a learn-by-doing experience for our photography students. Each workshop attendee receives a workshop study guide (via email) to help them prepare for their workshop session. The study guide has information about equipment, photo skills and practice exercises. We begin each workshop with a discussion of photography topics followed by a field photography session to practice photo skills.
Some of the locations of the PHOTO WALK WORKSHOPS are:
- BOSTON COMMON AND PUBLIC GARDEN
- BOSTON NORTH END
- BOSTON CHINATOWN
- NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY IN BOSTON
- ROCKPORT HARBOR
- PORTSMOUTH, NH HARBOR
For complete information and registration go to the TEST of TIME PHOTOGRAPHY website.
Photographer Dan Splaine offers photography workshops and photography tours in locations throughout New England. If you have any questions please contact us at photowalk@testoftimephoto.com
Posted in Digital Photo classes, Digital photography tips, Learn Photography, Photo Walk Workshops, Photo workshops, Photographer tours
Also tagged Boston digital photo class, Boston Photography workshop, Dan Splaine Photo educator, Dan Splaine photographer, digital photo how to, digital photo workshops, digital photography class, digital photography workshop, digital photography workshop for adults, learning digital photography, outdoor photography workshop New England Photo workshops, photo how to, Photo Walk Workshop, Photo Walk Workshop Boston, Photo walks, photographer tour, photography workshops, Test of Time photography, travel photo workshop, travel photography, understanding photography
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New Photo project for the New Year – 2012 IMAGE MAKER’S 52 PHOTO WALK program
The New Year is upon us and of course our inclination is to set some goals and resolutions to carry out in 2012. One of the goals I have tasked myself with is spend some time on a regular basis practicing my photography skills. This goal has led me to develop a program that I would like to share with other photographer’s to help them grow their photographic skills.
I invite you to join me for the 2012 IMAGE MAKER’S 52 WEEK PHOTO WALK program. The concept is simple, make a commitment to take a walk with your camera for one half hour once a week and post a single image from that excursion online. The aim is 52 new images in 52 weeks. The idea behind this is to spend a small amount of time each week practicing your skills , and over the course of the year your work will improve. The weekly investment in time and effort can easily be accomplished and the online conversation will encourage folks to stick with it for the entire year.
The photos will be posted and shared online through a Flickr group I have organized.
Full details and the rules for participating are listed on the Test of Time Photography website CLICK HERE
Jump into the challenge, the more folks participating the more motivation to continue. Sign up here
Posted in Digital Photo classes, Digital photography tips, Learn Photography, Photo workshops, Uncategorized
Also tagged 52 week photo walk program, Dan Splaine Photo educator, Dan Splaine photographer, digital photo how to, digital photo workshops, digital photography, Image Maker's, learning digital photography, NH photo class, online photo group, photo class, photo how to, photo project, photo sharing, photo walk, photographer habits, photography group, photography skill building, photography tips, Test of Time photography, understanding photography
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STEAM on SNOW photography trip (Jan. 7th) sold out!
I am happy to announce we have had a tremendous response to our photography tour STEAM on SNOW. The trip is sold out!
Looking forward to the day in the White Mountains photographing the Conway Scenic Railroad steam engine in the winter landscape. Thanks to NH Tours for the help in organizing leading this photo tour.
Posted in Digital Photo classes, Learn Photography, Photo workshops, Photographer tours
Also tagged digital photo how to, digital photo workshops, learning digital photography, New Hampshire, New Hampshire tourism, NH photo class, NH photo workshop, NH Tourism, photographer tour, photography workshops, understanding photography
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Digital Photography workshops- September and October program schedule
We are getting to the end of summer and it is time to start making plans for the fall. Test of Time photography has posted a schedule of digital photography workshops and photography tours for September and October (2011). This line up includes a range of topics and a few field photography opportunities.
Night photography on Boston Harbor to classes on photo composition and a Glamour photography studio class with models are some of the options you have to choose from.
In October we are presenting our second annual WHITE MOUNTAIN PHOTOGRAPHER WEEKEND which will be held at the CLUB on LOON MOUNTAIN on the 15th and 16th. This weekend photo workshop organized with the able assistance of NH TOURS and features an expanded program . We are offering a $20 discount to folks who sign up before September 10th. This resort is well-appointed and the location in the heart of the White Mountains is a dream place for photography.
Here is a complete list of links and photo workshop titles.
Tuesday September 6, 2011 6:30 to 9:00 pm
Monthly PRINT REVIEW AND CRITIQUE SESSION
Wednesday September 14, 2011 7:00 to 9:00 pm
PHOTO COMPOSITION AND DESIGN workshop
Tuesday September 27, 2011 7:00 to 9:00 pm
UNDERSTANDING EXPOSURE workshop
Saturday October 1, 2011 1:00 pm to 3:300 pm
CAMERA to COMPUTER workshop
Thursday October 6, 20111 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY at BOSTON HARBOR (field photography)
Tuesday October 11, 2011 6:30 to 9:00 pm
Monthly PRINT REVIEW AND CRITIQUE SESSION
Saturday and Sunday October 15-16, 2011 9:30 am Sat. to 2:00 pm on Sun.
WHITE MOUNTAIN PHOTOGRAPHER WEEKEND
Saturday October 29, 2011 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
STUDIO GLAMOUR LIGHTING workshop
Please consider attending our class and make sure you pass on this information to the digital photographers you know that may be interested.
Posted in Digital Photo classes, Learn Photography, Photo workshops, Photographer tours
Also tagged adult education, Dan Splaine photographer, digital photo how to, digital photo workshops, digital photography, learning digital photography, New Hampshire, New Hampshire tourism, NH photo class, NH photo workshop, photo class, photo how to, photo school, photography class schedule, photography skill building, photography workshops, understanding photography, workshop schedule
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Developing your photographic style
Often a photographer’s identity can be determined by simply viewing an image. Their personal style is so well-formed that each photograph they create is readily recognized as distinctly their own. Consider the example of Ansel Adams. His images are iconic and if you are not familiar with each photo he made you arguably would know one when you saw it.
So how does a beginner photographer develop their own photographic style?
The ability to create original photography on a consistent basis requires practice and skill. For those starting to learn photography I suggest two paths to follow on the way to establishing their own unique photographic style.
My first suggestion and something I urge photographers of all skill levels is to study the work of other photographers. An examination and understanding of the images created by others will help inform you own perspective. I am not suggesting that you mimic the style of others, rather use their work as inspiration and a source of insight about photographic content, technique and design.
In my over 30 year professional photography career I have constantly referred to the work of other photographers to expand my understanding and refine my personal point of view. Other photography provides reference points and a standard for comparison. Apply that reference material to your imagination and intellect to create the photography that illustrates your own unique viewpoint. As you develop your photographic skills learn how to deconstruct the images of others to find the techniques applied in their creation.
My second suggestion is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the camera and the photographic options that it provides. Understanding the physical controls and how incremental adjustment will affect your photograph is fundamental to achieving predictable results. Creative control of your photography begins with technical expertise. To make the photography that matches your vision you need to know how to control your camera.
Making correct exposure, understanding optical choices and focus control are fundamental photography skills. Once you establish mastery of technique you can then maintain creative control, you can actually begin to shoot and make consistent results.
Your own personal photographic style is a product of your imagination and how you process your experiences and impressions. Digital photography requires study and practice to be creatively consistent. That consistency of results builds the the foundation of style. Ansel Adams did not get accidental results; his beautiful photography was the product of exceptional technique and a highly personalized vision.
To learn more about digital photography and to learn more about this topic you should consider attending a photography workshop. I offer a full program of digital photography workshops and photography tours for adult photographers. On September 14, 2011 (7 to 9 pm) I am holding the PHOTO COMPOSITION and DESIGN workshop at the TEST of TIME PHOTO studio in Nashua, NH. Please consider attending this or any one of my many digital photo classes.
About the Author: Dan Splaine is a professional photographer and photo educator who operates a commercial photography business in Nashua, NH. He produces custom, unique images for businesses, institutions and individuals (regionally and nationally) with particular expertise in public relations and location photography. In his thirty plus years photo career he has photographed in dozens of countries and location ranging from rain forests to the halls of congress. He teaches photography workshops at his New Hampshire studio and conducts photography tours in New England and internationally.
Posted in Digital Photo classes, Digital photography tips, Learn Photography, Photo workshops
Also tagged adult education, Dan Splaine Photo educator, Dan Splaine photographer, digital photo how to, digital photo workshops, digital photography, learning digital photography, New Hampshire, New Hampshire tourism, NH photo class, NH photo workshop, photo class, photo how to, photo tip, photographer habits, photographer tour, photography skill building, photography workshops, understanding photography
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A photo educator’s philosophy- From simply picture taking to image making
What do I mean when I distinguish between simply “taking pictures” and the photographic method of “mage making”? Image making is a deliberate process for creating original photography that produces predictable and repeatable results. Picture taking is random and sporadically produces good images. Shooting snapshots can be fun and for the average digital photographer and can provide plenty of satisfaction. For shooters who have higher photographic aspirations a more skillful and deliberate approach is required.
I am constantly referring to “image making” in my digital photography workshops and photography tours. My goal as a photo educator is to help my students build their understanding and skills so they can fulfill their creative intent or more simply to make the photographs they imagine. The approach I advocate to photography is all about understanding the mechanics of cameras and photographic techniques in order to achieve the greatest amount of creative control. Photography is a remarkable melding of art and science and digital cameras are extraordinary tools for personal expression.
My objective as a photo educator is to enable my photography students to realize their creative intention. My approach is to build the skills and technical understanding that allows my students to make photographs in any condition with a deliberate creative objective. Learning digital camera controls, developing an understanding of light and the relationship between the two is the core of the image making technique.
Another element of image making is to develop your photographer’s eye, to begin to see the world photographically. When we are observing a scene an analysis of lighting conditions, optical choices and design considerations should be made before we raise our camera. Good photographers are careful observers and good photography should be deliberate in conception and execution.
Photography is a wonderful medium for creatively expressing an individual point of view. How we understand and adapt all of the photographic tools available and apply them to our observations is at the heart of that expression. Building photographic knowledge and skills provide creative control and ultimately greater satisfaction in the photography produced. Reconsider your photographic approach and make to move from “picture taker to image maker.”
Photographer Dan Splaine of Test of Time Photography in Nashua, NH presents a full program of digital photography workshops and photographer tours for adult photographers of all skill levels. Currently we have several photo workshops scheduled for September and October as well as a 10 day photography tour in Ireland in April 2012. Our fall program includes a photography weekend in the White Mountains of New Hampshire on October 15-16, 2011. Click on the links above for further information about our upcoming program. For more information or to answer any questions send me an email at info@testoftimephoto.com.
Posted in Digital Photo classes, Digital photography tips, Learn Photography, Photo workshops, Photographer tours
Also tagged creative photography, Dan Splaine photographer, digital photo how to, digital photography, digital photography insrtuctor, image making, photo how to, photographer habits, photographer tour, photographic philsophy, photographic process, photographic understanding, photography class, photography education, photography skill building, photography tips, photography workshops, picture taking, understanding photography
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2011 WHITE MOUNTAIN PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP announced
I would like to invite you attend my WHITE MOUNTAIN PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP on the weekend of October 15 and 16, 2011. We are presenting this weekend program with the able assistance of our partner NH TOURS. Join us at the Mountain Club on Loon, a great resort located in the heart of the White Mountains in Lincoln, NH.
Join us for a weekend of immersing yourself into exploring the White Mountains with your camera. Our package features many items, including photo instruction, a critique session and accommodations at a very comfortable resort. This is our second year for this workshop and we expect it to be very popular. If you have a partner or spouse that is not into photography, you may want to consider bringing them along to enjoy the resort amenities. They can enjoy the spas and nearby shopping while you are happily tramping around the forest.
To view a video about the workshop with images from last years event go to the following link.
White Mountain Photo Workshop information video
This weekend program is open to adult photographers of all skill levels. It will be a great experience for beginner and advanced photographers alike. The package includes accommodations (one night), photography instruction and handouts, lunch on Saturday, evening photography critique session, a voucher for the Loon Mountain Gondola and of course plenty of photo opportunities.
For registration, information and a schedule of the workshop click here
If you have any questions or need further information please contact me at info@testoftimephoto.com.
Posted in Digital Photo classes, Learn Photography, Photo workshops, Photographer tours
Also tagged Dan Splaine photographer, digital photo how to, landscape photography class, New Hampshire tourism, Outdoor photography workshop, photo how to, photo tip, photographer tour, photography skill building, photography tips, photography workshops, understanding photography, White Mountains
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Photography HOW-TO: Window Light portraits
WINDOW LIGHT PORTRAITS
One of the most common subjects and one of the most challenging for in-experienced photographers is portraits. Photographing people requires communication skills and photographic techniques that can be intricate and hard to manage. Lighting for portrait photography can be infinitely complex but I want to suggest a simpler method that can produce fantastic results and make your portraits look great.
Window light is an exceptionally useful lighting source for your portrait photography. By using available light (the window) you avoid the complexity of using flash – artificial light-and the exposure control issues that it presents. We often over complicate the photographic creation process to the detriment of the results we get. The mantra “keep it simple stupid” (the KISS rule) should come to mind for your next portrait session. By simplifying the lighting you will be less stressed and can concentrate on developing a positive connection with your subject.
Ambient window light provides a large, even light source that provides a gradual transition from highlight to shadow. That quality of the lighting is soft and natural and can be very flattering for your portrait subjects. Electronic flash tends to be direct, contrasty and destroys the subtle transition between that highlight and shadow which is unflattering for portraiture.
When I refer to “window lighting” I have some particular features and qualities in mind. Direct noon time sun glaring through your window is equally harsh and unflattering as direct flash. What I am describing is the soft, diffuse lighting that you get from a cloudy day. North facing windows on an overcast day provide the best representation for this light source. This lighting has been used effectively in traditional painting for portraits and still life studies for centuries and should be a standard in your photographic inventory.
How does this old school (some would say original source of lighting) help in the digital camera era? The ability for film or digital sensors to record a range of lighting intensities in your photographic scene is limited. The dynamic range of the scene is the ratio between the minimum (shadow) and maximum (highlight) recordable light intensities. The human eye has an amazing ability to distinguish luminance difference, something in the order of 20 stops (20 EV) of exposure range. Your digital camera sensor has a recording range of somewhere between 6 to 10 stops of exposure depending on size and quality).
The diffused light from a window is lower in contrast and easily falls in the dynamic range and recording capability of your camera. Having a dynamic range of 5 to 7 stops of exposure means that camera is readily able to record detail in all the tones from shadow to highlight. Your results more closely match the natural range of tone we perceive with our eyes and creating a favorable response from the viewer of your photograph. Simply said the portraits that you can achieve with window lighting closely match what we can see with the natural eye.
By using window light illumination we reduce contrast, the severity of the tonal transition from highlight to shadow. Having a gradual transition in brightness adds dimension to portraits that is favorable to your subject’s appearance. How we position the transition zone, the arrangement of our subject to the direction of light, is how we control this effect. Learning how to “read” light and using it to improve your images is a fundamental skill. Using this source with your people photography is great way to build those abilities.
Another advantage of window lighting is that is a constant light source. Studio flash heads have a “modeling” light to provide an approximation of the changes in illumination and position make. You can observe those changes directly with window light. As you move your subject closer or further from the light or rotate them you will observe the changes in exposure levels and shadows. You can have side lighting, backlighting or full frontal lighting depending on the position of the subject and the camera location. Widow light is a very versatile light source that can be adapted for multiple lighting effects.
The ironic thing about all of the studio lighting equipment and modifiers that I have purchased for my inventory of photographic tools is that they are primarily used to replicate the qualities of window light. Granted the inventory gives me absolute control and the ability for creating predictable photographic results on demand. For a photographer building their skills as a portrait photographer I would recommend mastering using this available light source and learning about the qualities of light it produces, before I would recommend investing a dime in any advance lighting equipment.
I often extol my students in my photography workshops and tours about the importance of practice in becoming a better photographer. Giving yourself regular photo assignments to be accomplished is great way to help your performance with your digital camera. Window light is readily available so why not include it in your next practice session. Go makes some images!
Posted in Digital photography tips, Learn Photography, Photo workshops, Photographer tours, Travel Photography
Also tagged Dan Splaine photographer, digital photo how to, head shots, photo how to, photo tip, photography skill building, photography tips, portrait lighring how-to, portrait lighting technique, portrait photo how-to, Portrait photography, understanding photography, widow light portraits
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Why should you attend a photography workshop?
Photography is a subject that is worthy of, and to be done well, requires study. My nearly 35 years behind the camera has been a continuous learning experience. Not only do I present photography workshops – I often attend them. Photography workshops provide an opportunity to remove yourself from the distractions of your daily life to spend some dedicated hours or days building your photographic skills. Photography workshops often can inspire and reinvigorate your passion for image making. Digital photography in particular has a significant learning curve and attendance in a photo class can help leapfrog your learning. Workshops presented by a well qualified instructor provide a forum to explore photographic concepts and creative techniques beyond your current skill level
How often do you actually pick up your camera and dedicate time to specifically making photographs?
No doubt those occasions are rare. A dedicated period of time concentrating solely of photography is the best way to rapidly advance your photo skills. Even a few hours provide an opportunity to focus on your creative approach to photography subjects. In my experience continuous photography during multi day and weeks long travels are really productive.
Workshops about a particular digital photographic topic or technique provide you the opportunity to explore new methods. Selecting a photo workshop that provides access to a unique location or specialized tools gives you a chance to test drive those techniques. I often host classes about studio lighting which allow new photographers to use lighting equipment and work with models they normally do not have access to. My photography tours bring photographers to locations that have been scouted and selected for their photographic potential. Workshops that feature a particular photo editing software help inform your purchasing decisions.
The social component of photography workshops adds important value. Spending a day with other people who share your interest in photography is another benefit of photo classes. In my opinion photography is a highly individualized form of personal expression. It is definitely not a team sport. That being said, the social exchange of ideas and the insights you can gain from a group of photographers can only build your understanding. In group critique sessions I find the peer-to-peer commentary and conversation well-informed and inspirational. Other perspectives on your photography and techniques are great learning tools. (To attend one of my photography review sessions click here).
Photographic ability and skills can be learned and have to be practiced. Attending a photography workshop will build your skills, confidence and inspiration. The investment of money and time can be justified by the value you receive, by how your creative ability to make photographs will increase.
I offer a program of digital photography workshops and photography tours (over 400 people attend in the last 18 months!) for adults. Some of the workshops are single photo topic sessions held at my studio or conducted in the field at nearby locations. Others are daylong sessions (like our Isle of Shoals Workshop held 7/23/11) or weekend packages (like our March 2011 weekend in Quebec, Canada). In addition to photo classes my schedule for the fall of 2011 includes a Photographers Weekend in the White Mountains (October 15-16). In April of 2012 I am leading a ten-day photography and cultural exploration in Ireland for STRABO tours. For more information and to receive notices of all my photography workshop contact me at info@testoftimephoto.com.
Posted in Digital Photo classes, Digital photography tips, Learn Photography, Photo workshops, Photographer tours, Travel Photography
Also tagged Dan Splaine photographer, digial photo workshops, digital photo how to, digital photo instructor, digital photo workshops, learning digital photography, photo education, photographer habits, photographer tour, photography skill building, photography tips, photography workshops, understanding photography
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