Pre-visualization, Getting Lucky, or Cheating? – Evolution of an Image

Ansel Adams, among other photographers, advocated for the use of “pre-visualization,” wherein the photographer has the final print image in mind before he meters, composes, and executes the original exposure in the camera. This purposeful mental exercise is intended to direct the photographer’s efforts to realize an intended photographic outcome, as opposed to merely a serendipitous, or “lucky shot.” While acknowledging the value in making … Continue reading Pre-visualization, Getting Lucky, or Cheating? – Evolution of an Image

Plane Perspectives on Composition

In the aftermath of a recent still-life studio session, I experienced a mini-epiphany for me in regards to photo composition.  Please don’t run away now – this will not be another regurgitation of the classic rules of composition. No dissertation on the rule of thirds, the golden spiral or golden ratio, leading lines, framing, balancing elements, Fibonaci’s number, or whatever.  My point is is not … Continue reading Plane Perspectives on Composition

Portrait Workshops

In 2020, I tried something new, and a bit outside what I considered my comfort zone. In November of 2019, Scott Detweiler gave a presentation to the Lake County Camera Club, entitled Fine Art / Portraiture. I was immediately struck by Scott’s photographic perspective and artistic vision, and also by his approach to post-processing that distinguishes his images with a signature look and feel. You … Continue reading Portrait Workshops

Light Painting – Sculpting with Light

On September 5, 2019, I was invited by my local camera club, the Lake County Camera Club (affiliated with the CACCA, the Chicago Area Camera Club Association) to give a  presentation at the monthly meeting on light painting techniques.  I had been experimenting with the light painting methods espoused by Harold Ross, and had entered some images in club competition that evidently  attracted some attention. … Continue reading Light Painting – Sculpting with Light

Film Digitizing Gotcha!

As my earlier posts have noted, I have been exploring various options to digitize my film negatives and slides.  I have an Epson V700 flatbed scanner, a Plustek Opticfilm 120 scanner, and have also tried scanning using a Fuji XT-1 APS-C (16 MP) digital mirrorless camera with both a Leitz BEOON copy stand, and more recently, using a Minolta Copy Stand II.  The scan quality … Continue reading Film Digitizing Gotcha!

Ships and Trains at Night, and Film Reciprocity Failure

Tall Ships America’s Challenge Race Series returned to the Great Lakes, and Kenosha, Wisconsin acted as a host city for the weekend of 1-4 August 2019.  Seven sailing vessels participated in the events, which included the Parade of Sail on 1 August, with all seven ships arriving in port under sail. The headliner ship was the Niagara, an accurate reproduction of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s … Continue reading Ships and Trains at Night, and Film Reciprocity Failure