Field Trip!!!

One of the things that I've quite enjoyed this year during my photography classes were field trips.  It did not matter if they were assigned by the school or self-assigned.  There is a different quality about going to some place out of the ordinary, or out of your way, to discover something new.  A few of the Places that I've enjoyed the most are the Assiniboine Park Zoo, the Conservatory, the Forks, a little Carnival that took place in a parking lot at night, and a trip to Lake of the Woods.

I have gone to the Assiniboine Park a few times.  A couple of times to visit the Zoo, and others to visit the Conservatory.  When photographing animals, I like to try to capture their personalities or characteristics, or at least pretend that is what I am capturing.  I think that the patterns and colors that appear in the fur or feathers of animals or birds are amazing.  At the same time it amuses me how on occasion I come across animals that are portraying characteristics or actions that are human like.  Such as a laughing zebra or a praying prairie dog.

I visit the Conservatory when I want to capture a variety of plant life.   Slightly altered from an artist statement that I wrote for another assignment, I photograph plants because when I take the time to look, I notice, I search beyond, I find and I am often surprised at how different and how much detail can be found in the plants.  The macro life of plants can be an extraordinary experience.  Their colors give them life, and give life to the rest of this sometimes dreary world.  The richness and intensity of their colors can sometimes be overwhelming. 

All of man kinds inventions and the details of those inventions or aesthetics have come from observing nature and all of it’s beauties.  I thank God and nature for everything that we get to see every day.  We are privileged to be able to gaze upon such marvels when we come across them.

Visiting the Forks for photographing purposes was an experience, but a good one in comparison to trying to shoot at other public shopping centers.  While I was there I photographed some of the  fruits and vegetables that were there for sale in the market area. But, what caught my eye the most, which for those that know me, there is no surprise, was candy!!  Sweets from the candy store for my minds content.  Best of all... I was allowed to take photos of them!  When it comes to the candies you’ve tasted, your mind triggers a wonderful sentiment and memory.  Your mouth waters and your eyes sparkle!  Well at least that is what happens for me when I think about wondrous sweets!  And for those that you haven’t tried, you mind wonders and wanders aimlessly looking for answers.  There is a sense of mystery and curiosity to what you are missing.  The tastes, the smells and the colors intertwine and rally together to tempt you and make you smile at the memories of being little or of what you might get to sample.  

Now speaking of having an appetite for not just sweets, but for mystery as well, I will mention the carnival life.  When I went to photograph the carnival, I focused most of my attention to the rides.   Lit with colors of all kinds and formed into interesting patterns to cover the rides, when in movement, the lights tell a story of speed, action, stillness, amusement, and energy.  For me, it was a reminder that life moves fast, but there are times for little breaks.  We as photographers have been presented with a gift that allows us to stop time for a moment and capture it.  We have this a means of documentation, and sometimes for the simplicities of pure pleasure for our visual senses.  We capture images for out own satisfaction and the enjoyment of others.  We photograph  because it is what we love to do.

Sometimes however, there is greater or at least a different sense of gratification when one has the chance to photograph in the company of others who share the passion of photography.  Although I have gone on many field trips with many different people, I unfortunately didn’t always get the chance to capture their presence on our little adventures.  One of my most recent adventures was when our class group went to Lake of the Woods for our group photo.  We spent the day basking in the sun.  We enjoyed a barbeque, a boat ride, and each other’s company.  It was one of those rare breaks, but well needed and well deserved.  I chose to photograph the fun and tranquil moments of the day.  I photographed everything that made that day memorable and enjoyable. After all... it is not only moments that impact our lives, it is the presence of others as well. 

 During the year, I not only acquired a set of skills, and some new photography equipment, but I also acquired friends and colleagues.  I shared what I believe to be a small, but never-the-less important, milestone in my life with many talented individuals. 

Winnipeg Camera Style

I am not sure of what percentage of Winnipeger's enjoy photography, and of those that do, how many are hobbyists vs professionals or that moment or scene that kicked off the photo-bug in these people.  There are a couple of sites where one can start to get an idea of who enjoys photography and the discussions that go on between fellow photographers.  The Winnipeg Photo Community, Winnipeg South Photo Club, and The Manitoba Camera Club are a few of these sites.  

However, these are not the only ways of finding out who is into photography.  Another way is through facebook.  Many people share their interests and post images they have taken.  When I was debating taking the step from hobbyist to professional, it was the work of a friend of mine that pushed me to make that step.

Scrolling through her images from time to time, I was noticing a difference in the quality of her images.   One day I decided to ask her where she went or what she did to be able to shoot the way she does because I wanted to be able to do the same.

She had posted an album that had some images that at the time, were different from what I was used to seeing.  Those images inspired me.  They made me pursue my calling.

Linda Everett shoots with a Canon EOS 50D.  and uses a Nikon for film.  She loves the digital side of shooting because of the flexibility. "You get to see the final shots right away, but with film its the anticipation"-Linda Everett.  She doesn't prefer one over the other, she likes to mix it up sometimes.  She shoots things that inspire her wether she is out for a walk, in a coffee shop or in her car.  She learned always have her camera ready. "Cap off and ready to shoot, because you only have a second to shoot that unexpected moment"-L. E.  Depending what she is shooting, she always visualizes how it will look, but sometimes the mistakes are the best shots!!

L E Photography is her blog where she posts some of her work.

Before Your Time... A Recreation of an Old Image...

So, our assignment was to find an old black and white photo that we really liked, and had to have been shot before we were born.   The image I chose was André Vigneau's “Chaussure” (Shoe), (1925), France.

I chose it because it was simple yet had had strong contrast, and strong use of pattern, line, shape and form.  I also like the how the harsh use of light amplifies the quality of of line and form.  I enjoy it because it is different and a little quirky.  When one thinks about shoes, they are usually thought of as a pair, not just one.  

I feel that I succeeded in this reproduction in the quality of the pattern, line, shape and form.  I did this with the proper use and angle of light.  With a bit of editing, i was also able to lighten the sole of the sandal to make it resemble the original a little better.  Seeing as I did not have an actual tiled floor to shoot this on, I cut out 10  3x3 inch squares of black paper and lined them up to 're-create' the the scene (or floor, I guess) as well. 

This assignment was challenging but fun.  I look forward to when I have a bit more time, and more at my dispose to attempt many more re-creations.

Movie Week

So we took a break from our regular classes to watch some movies.  These movies either had something to do with photography, or had some photographic qualities.

The first film I watched was an inspiring and to a point heart breaking one.  This film was "Born Into Brothels".  It is about the efforts a photographer named Zana Briski makes to help the children born into one of the Red Light Districts of Calcutta.  She bonded with the children, taught them about photography, and tried several times to better their situations.  She knows that if something doesn't change, the future of the young girls is to become a part of the line.  The girls know it too.  We watch her struggle to get these kids accepted into boarding schools.  Where if they can stay, they might have a fighting chance at a better future.  In the end, only one or two are allowed to stay in their schools, some were removed by their parents, some chose to go back home on their own.
The heart breaking thing is that it is so hard to believe that one wouldn't want a better future, or a different future for their kids.  How could someone want to bestow such hardships, such cruelties onto another, not even another, but one's own blood?  How could you want them to follow the same path as you, if they have a chance at something better?  A chance at something less degrading? A chance at a brighter and slightly less cruel future?   I just don't understand some of the things in this world.  And it seems as though no matter how much one tries, prays, hopes, or even does, sometimes... it still isn't enough.  In Zana's case, after everything, at least she got to help a few of the children.  Unfortunately, there were too many variables against her and the children.


The second film I watched was "O Brother, Where Art Thou?"  This one was quite a bit less heavy on emotions.  It lightened the mood a little.  The main qualities of this film were what the director/editors did to the quality of the film to enhance certain moods or characteristics of the movie.  For instance saturating out some, most or all of the color to bring you back to the 1930's.  Or controlling the saturation of certain scenes to enhance the main subject of the scene or to set a certain mood.   They did an incredible job with their editing.  Seeing some of the before and after shots of what the movie would have looked like without the editing, well, I gotta say, the editing made a big difference in the end.   It gave the movie a certain essence, in which I don't believe the movie would have held up to the same standards if those editing decisions had not been made.



The third movie I watched was "One Hour Photo."  Although the main plot of the movie was somewhat eery, there were many interesting quotes on or about photography by Sy the Photo Guy.  The idea 'that it is the little things in life that make up the true picture of our lives'.  These are the things that most people don't photograph, the things that most people don't even notice.  The things that very few people (photographers) notice and note that it is worth taking a photo of, and do just that... photograph it.  Another quote that I liked was: "If Pictures have anything to say, it's this: ... someone cared enough about me to take my picture." This idea can be placed on all of the different subject matters that we shoot.  Whether it be people, landscapes, objects, or even those little things in life that most people don't notice.  But it is us as photographers that give meaning and importance to certain things and people.  When we choose to shoot what ever it is or whomever it is that we are photographing, we give it/them a certain sense of importance because we cared enough to take that photograph.

Happy Holidays!

Well, over the Christmas break I got to visit with family and close friends.  I spent the first half of my holiday in a little Town called Griswold, East of Brandon.  That is where my mom lives, along with a couple of aunts and uncles.  It is where they are all retiring.  Some are already retired!  And the second half of my holiday back in my home town of Thompson where my dad, brother, nieces and and a few other family members and dear friends live.

Anyways, for the most part I spent my time simply visiting.  We reminisced about old time, had some laughs, watched some movies, played some card games, monopoly, charades, and of course baked and cooked wonderful meals!

One of our traditional holiday specials is meat pie.  Delicious! Basically you cook a whole chicken, beef roast and pork roast, grind them up, add some mashed potatoes, some other secret ingredients and then bake it to perfection.  My cousins and myself are learning the secrets to this recipe and are taking part in the preparations of the pies now, we are no longer the little kids on the side lines who just get watch and wait in anticipation until they are done.  We get to take part in all areas of the great Johnson meat pies!  Its always nice when  a bunch of the family gets together for a cook-out!  

Oh yes, I almost forgot!  The desserts!  We baked peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, butterscotch chip cookies, jam-jam cookies, and butter tarts!  So much food, but all delicious.

In this photo is my mom on the left, my cousin in the middle smiling at the camera, and one of my aunts to the right.  They are preparing christmas supper.

Let's see...  I thought I was packing rather light.  I had my tripod, and clothes for about a week.  I didn't have to put that much pressure on the luggage bag to have to close it, but apparently my idea of packing light isn't the same as the manufacture's.  My one handle on my luggage bag had previously broken this summer when I was packing for a couple of months.  But low and behold, as my luck would have it... thats right!  My other handle had to go and break as well.  Do you have any idea what it's like trying to lug around a 45lb to 55lb suitcase that doesn't have any decent handles?  I gotta say... it really isn't the most pleasant thing.

Now what else was there?  Oh yes, Christmas shopping.  Well, this year everyone in the family came to the conclusion that we were all a little poorer than usual, so we decided to just do stalking stuffer style gifts.  In other words... cheap!  I mean its the thought of the gift that counts... and it really was mostly just getting to spend some time with each other, since we don't get to see each other all that often anymore, and when we do it usually isn't for very long.  

To the side is some of the loot I got for christmas!  A cute little snowman box, a recipe keepsakes book, some of my favorite perfume at the moment, and some creams and soaps.  This is only part of what I got.  The other stuff had to stay behind because of its size and/or storage issues... I only have so much more room for nick-nacks and collectables!  But they are being saved for me for when I have room for everything that I own.  And it is in good hands, so I am not worried.

Traditionally we try to spread the festivities of the season in as many areas of the house as possible.  This includes the dining room and kitchen tables.  If there is an extra runner or doily, it will be placed on some table somewhere.  I think it helps in spreading the feeling of christmas.

We also try to make things festive for the family pets as well.  Animals enjoy taking naps just as much as we do.  I can't remember how many times I've slept next to the christmas tree, or taken a nap on the couch just to have the glow and warm feeling of comfort that it emits.  So for the pets... well we put a little bed under the tree for them!  They seem to love it.    

In order to be able to visit everyone my main means of transportation was the bus.  From Winnipeg to Brandon wasn't bad.  That is only a 3 and a half hour ride.  Now the bus to Thompson on the other hand isn't quite so short!  That bus ride lasts about 9 hours.  But thankfully I have taken it many, many times and am used to it.

I also got in a bit of time for drawing.  This one is not quite done yet, but is the second of a set.  The first one was given away before I remembered to take a shot of it with my film camera... but never the less, here it is...

All in all, I enjoyed my holiday.  I wish it could have been a little longer, mostly because it may be some time before my family all get together again.  I very much enjoy spending time with my family and friends.  I always look forward to when I get to spend some time with them.  

Image Critique: Annie Leibovitz

Annie Leibovitz photo "Women" features Gwyneth Paltrow and her mother Blythe Danner as the subject matter of this image.  The rule of thirds is followed by placing their faces in the top third of the frame creating balance in the image.  The colour green in the background gives a sense of life and purity. A contrast between tones of  black and white are used in their clothing to separate them, however their posture and closeness pull them together.  A strong connection can be made between them.

Family ties play a strong role in Leibovitz' life, which may be seen and reflected in the way she portrays or captures others in family portraits.

Leibovitz sees photography as 'doing a heightened moment or a moment'.  This appears to be one of those moments between a mother and daughter.  A moment where the mother wraps her arms around her daughter, letting her know she is there for her,  comforting her, and proud of her.  Looking out and seeing that things will be alright, and that she is happy she can be there for her daughter.

The daughter, leans against the mother, closes her eyes because she is relaxed, she feels safe, she feels accepted no matter what, that all will be alright in the world so long as she has someone to hold on to her, someone to lean against.

Whether or not this is what Leibovitz was intending to portray,  that is the sense that I get from this photo.  I have a strong relationship with my mother and this image reminded me of similar moments which evoke such feelings within me.

Photographic Hero

For one of our assignments, we were to research a Photographer who's work consists of mostly black and white film.  I chose to research Ansel Adams.

Ansel Adams was born in San Fransisco, California on February 20, 1902.  His Parents were Charles Hitchock Adams and Olive Bray Adams.  At the age of twelve, Ansel taught himself to play the piano.  The piano was his main occupation for the next twelve years and his intended profession by 1920.  He eventually gave up piano for photography.  However, learning to play the piano brought discipline, substance and structure to his frustrating and hyperactive youth.  The craft and training that is required of a musician greatly influenced his later visual artistry as well as his writings and teachings on photography.

In 1916, Adams first visited Yosemite National Park with his family.  Upon viewing the valley for the first time he wrote: "the splendor of Yosemite burst upon us and it was glorious... One wonder after another descended upon us... There was light everywhere.... A new era began for me."   It was during this visit to the park that Adams received his first camera.  His father gave him a Kodak Brownie Box Camera.  Adams had a loving and supportive relationship with his father, but had a distant relationship with his mother, who did not approve of his interest in photography.  He returned the park on his own the next year with better cameras and a tripod.   In the winter, he worked part-time for a San Francisco photo finisher and learned the basic darkroom technique.

In 1921 his first photographs were published and the following year, Best's Studio began selling his Yosemite prints.  Even at this stage his early photos showed careful composition and sensitivity to tonal balance.

During the mid-1920's Adams experimented with soft-focus, etching, Bromoil Process, and other techniques of such pictorial photographers as Alfred Stieglitz.  He used a variety of lenses to achieve different effects.  He preferred a more realistic approach which depended more on a sharp focus, heightened contrast, and precise exposure, and darkroom craftsmanship.

The 1930's were a particular productive and experimental time for Adams.  He expanded his works focusing on detailed close-ups and larger forms from mountains to factories.  He emphasized the use of small apertures and long exposures in natural light, which created sharp details with a wide range of focus.

When the 1950's came around, Adams became a consultant on a monthly retainer for Polaroid Corporation, founded by his good friend Edwin Land.  He made thousands of photographs using Polaroid products.  In the final twenty years of his life however, the Hasselblad was his camera of choice.

Adams preferred and always used 'large format' cameras for his photographs.  He, along with others from the f/64 group, believed that only large negatives could deliver the necessary quality of image desired for a pin-sharp realism.  Large format cameras are physically large and heavy.  They require a substantial tripod and take time to set up, as well as set limitations to the amount of photographs that can be taken on the account of the bulk, cost and physically large size of the negatives.  The size of these negatives being blown up for the final image made an enormous difference in the quality of the image compared to the final result which would have occurred form using a standard  35mm which would have  needed to use much more magnification to achieve the same resulting size of image, but of a lesser quality.

The reason Adams took photographs was to express his creative nature and his inner emotions.  It was not simply to record a scene.

Mt. McKinley and Wonder Lake

In the Mt. McKinley and Wonder Lake photograph, one can observe the qualities of Adams work. As a landscape image, which he is most known for, we can see clarity and crispness in all details including the farthest subjects in the image.  The contrasts achieved move from the brilliant sheen of the lake, to the hills surrounding the lake, and then to the shadows in the background mountain. The contrasts of the image have your eyes follow the hillsides to the mountain and then take the entire image in for a sense of completeness.  The richness of tones fill you with a sense awe and allow you to understand the immenseness and grander of what you are observing.

Rose and Driftwood

 Rose and Driftwood, one of his close-up photographs, is so vivid with tones, contrast and shadows that one perceives the textures of the subject and background quite easily. One can flow over the ripples of the driftwood feeling its ups and downs and every curve.  The veins in the peddles of the rose are alive and defined.  The rose fills the majority of the frame intensifying its beauty and character, as the driftwood for the background combines well for an unusual contrast as opposed to the usual flat colored background that appears in others works.

Jeffrey Pine

In Jeffery Pine, the curve of the tree draws you into the photo.  With the harsh light source of the sun, the crisp and sharp shadows created allow one to enjoy the curves and knots of the tree which are then amplified by the highlights on the opposing side of the subject matter.  The frame of the image is filled nicely and flows well.  As well as the intricacies of the the tree, one can  also observe the details in the boulders that are below the tree.  It is  another interesting combination of subjects that intertwine well because of the way they connect through the shadows of the tree.