Hi Photogr-o-philes, (is there a real -phile word for us?)
I've just received a new interview from Kari and the newest flickHERist to be featured is from my home province! I am excited to share this interview and her photos with you...On Thursday.
If any of you followers and/or readers would like to be featured please let me know, my email address is in the sidebar. You need to be a member of flickr and of our group flickHER (a little post of what it's about..."rules")...I want female photographers of every level using all different ages/makes/types of cameras...Contact me if you'd like to be seen here!
I hope you've had a wonderful weekend!
xo
Andrea
4/25/10
4/15/10
A Geneil Breeze...
Geneil Breeze
Indianapolis, Indiana
team.breeze ~ Photostream
Project 365 blog
Breeze Words blog
Equipment ~ Canon Rebel XTi, Canon 50mm 1.4 lens, Canon Speedlite 430 EXII (for taking pictures during winter inside my dark house!)
I am a freelance editor, writer, wife, and mother. My three children—ages 21, 17, and 12—have grown up way too fast. I’ve always had an interest in photography and got my first little simple Kodak film camera in high school. But at that time and in my small town I just didn’t have the resources available to pursue it. There were no camera shops in my town, no classes at the high school, no photography books in the library, and definitely no digital cameras or Internet with its online classes, websites, and tutorials.
I’ve had various cameras over the years and mostly used them to document my children’s lives, but about a year and a half ago, I picked up what was then my husband’s digital Rebel XTi and determined to learn how to use it. I’ve learned a lot, but have only scratched the surface of all there is to learn about photography.
Why do you photograph?
I love it. I often will see an image in my head and set out to try to reproduce it in a photograph. When it happens it is such a good feeling. I also love the idea of freezing a moment in time. Photographs play a big part in documenting our lives and preserving our memories. There are not many pictures of me as a child, but it seems that the events that I have pictures of are the events I remember most clearly. Life is fleeting. There’s something about capturing a moment that appeals to me and I think that’s important.
Is there a particular photographer you admire?
I admit I’m not as well-versed in photographers as I am more traditional artists. There are the ones who have achieved commercial success such as Ansel Adams and Anne Geddes, of course. But having been involved with some online photography websites and forums I’m constantly amazed at how many good photographers there are.
If you process your images at all what software do you use and how much processing do you do?
I’m new to processing. After trying all the free photo editing tools, I recently purchased Photoshop Elements 8, and I really like it. I’m feeling my way as I go here. There is a place for all kinds of processing—textures, actions, other manipulations—but I’m not confident that I have found what works best for me or that I know when I’ve done enough processing. I try to follow that old rule “less is more,” and recently I’ve noticed I am framing my shots better and don’t have to do as much cropping after the fact.
How did you learn your skills—are you self-taught?
So far, yes, I am self-taught. There are really a lot of great and informative photography sources online. I would like to take a class, though, and hope to this summer. I’m currently doing a 365 project where I am taking (at least) a picture a day, and so for now I am just practicing taking a lot of shots.
What is your next piece of equipment/software on your wish list?
I have the Canon Rebel XTi but my only good lens is the 50mm 1.4. I love it, but I as I shoot more I have realized it would be nice to have something that lets me shoot a little wider. But I’m not sure exactly what the best choice would be. Suggestions? Also I really want one of those camera bags that look like a purse. I don’t like lugging a big camera bag around, and I’m scared to put my camera in my real purse for fear I’ll ruin it! (the camera not the purse!:) )
What inspires your photos?
Real life inspires me. There’s so much beauty in the world at all levels—from stunning landscapes to closeups of a leaf or flower to pair of shoes left out in the middle of the floor. As I mentioned before, it’s important to just document the existence of a life, a family, a moment or place in time.
What is your favorite subject or theme to photograph?
I love to photograph people, especially my children. I so wish I had had a digital camera when they were little. But my children are not home much and often don’t want to be photographed so I have to look for other subjects. I have several friends with little children and so sometimes I will ask them if I can photograph their little ones. I’ve recently discovered the beauty of portraits that do not show the face. I love profile shots and shots of hands, feet, and back of the head. When no people at all are available I love to photograph nature and I really enjoy food photography.
Do you self-portrait?
I do not like self-portraits. I’ve only tried it a few times. I’ve heard many people say how important it is and maybe someday I will become comfortable with it. But for now I’m not into it.
What is your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge is probably the same as everyone else’s—time—or lack of it. With work, family, church, and other responsibilities, it’s difficult to spend time on photography. The 365 project this year has been very good because it forces me to spend some time each day with my camera. It is often very difficult to justify that time I spent with my camera though. Another challenge is my impatience when I fail. I become frustrated when the image I see in my head does not match the image I actually produced. I have to remind myself I am an amateur and that everyone has to start somewhere.
What advice do you have for new photographers?
Read and reread the manual that comes with your camera. You really have to become familiar with your camera. I refer to mine a lot and I always learn something new—usually it’s something I wasn’t ready to learn the last time I read the manual but now it makes sense. Take a lot of pictures, try new things, and pay attention to how you achieved the look you got—love the EXIF data for this. And take advantage of online resources. So many are available that it can be overwhelming. Choose two or three websites that you like and follow them regularly.
Thank you so much Geneil. It's been such a pleasure to read about you and to view these photos. Perhaps a camera purse for Mother's Day? Best of luck with your future shots!
~ Andrea and Kari
4/1/10
This is What Marty Sees...
Marty
what_marty_sees ~ Phototstream
A short Biography..
Wow, this seemed so straightforward when I first received the questionnaire but I'm sort of stumped on how to begin. So I'll just jump in and introduce myself.
My name is Marty and I'm the person behind the Flickr stream what_marty_sees.
I'm a Christian...a well loved wife...and the mother of five beautiful children. All three of those things have a huge impact on who I am as a photographer. I blog about my life and those three things at Sam's Family.
On my 30th birthday my husband and family surprised me with my first real camera. By real I mean something other than a point and shoot. It was the Canon Rebel and it wasn't long before my husband was telling people he was picking up extra jobs to support my film habit. I learned very quickly that I could take a roll of film and only get about three or four real keepers. The solution? Take lots and lots of pictures. His mother surprised me two years ago with the digital version of my Rebel...the XTi. I think I took over 1700 pictures the first month I had it! I use the kit lens that came with them both (the 35-80mm and 18-55 mm.) For an anniversary one year Rob bought me the 80-200 zoom and I do have a macro filter that I enjoy using for close up detail shots. I'd eventually love to upgrade my camera body but for the most part I really would just like some nicer glass. I have my eye on the 50 1.4 or 1.8. Also a wide angle lens...it would be nice to have a little more space to work with doing group pictures. And with five kids...I do a lot of group pictures :-)
My husband is the pastor of a church in Milton, a town just outside of Pensacola, Florida. Most people know us because of our beaches...and it is one of my favorite places to photograph. It's also my happy place. No matter how stressed out I am I can go sit and listen to the gulf, smell the salt air and the waves just pull all the tension right out of me.
Why do you photograph?
Because I cannot not photograph.
In the almost 10 years since I got that first camera it has become a part of me...of who I am. Sometimes I use it to document and share the tangible world around me...sometimes to give voice to the intangible of what I see and feel. This can be a dangerous way to view the world though if you aren't careful. A couple of years ago I had to put my camera down for a few weeks. I was getting to caught up in trying to perfectly express what in reality is really imperfect. Life is imperfect and messy and you don't always have the best light or you miss a detail or whatever. But there is still beauty in this messy life and I needed to see it for what it is. I think the hiatus made me a better photographer.
Is there a particular photographer you admire?
Okay, it might be trite but I love Ansel Adams. He was one of the first famous photographers I was exposed to and he is still my favorite. He could work black and white like I only dream of doing. And for portrait work I really enjoy Annie Leivobitz.
But honestly, there is so much talent and skill found of Flickr. Those are the photographers I really admire. Normal people like me. It's one of the reasons I was so excited about the flickHer group and this flickHERist blog. I'm not kidding when I say that some of the stuff I see here just takes my breath away.
If you process your images at all, what software do you use and how much processing do you do?
I don't do a lot of processing to my images...mainly due to lack of knowledge and skill. I use Picasa or Picnik and I'm just learning how to add layers or textures well. Some of my first attempts make me shutter now. I am philosophically opposed to heavily processed and manipulated portraits. I saw some where all the life had been stripped away from a woman's portrait...everyone was raving about how beautiful it was but to me she looked like a lifeless doll. Maybe it's because I have four daughters but I want them to have a different idea of beauty than what most of our society says. I want them happy and confident in who they are...not in how perfect they look.
How did you learn your skills - are you self-taught?
I am self-taught in the sense that I just keep taking pictures and playing with the controls on my camera. I have a few books that I'm trying to read but I am a real hands on learner. I'd love to spend a day with some one that would just walk me through exposure, shutter speed and aperture. I also have a bunch of free how to sites bookmarked on the web.
What inspires your photos?
Oh, my! I guess the long and short of it is everything! It may just be the beauty of the ordinary, or how I feel when I see something. A lot of times it's just the desire to reflect something of the one true Creator. My faith affects the way I view the world and my photography hopefully points to that.
What is your favourite subject or theme to photograph?
This is hard. My kids obviously rank pretty high on the list. I photograph a lot of nature. Flowers are a cheap but great way to practice and hone your skills. But, I'd have to say people...I love photographing people. I joined a Flickr group for people starting out in wedding photography and quickly discovered that it is not my niche. Some people are just incredibly gifted for that kind of work but not me. I really love doing maternity and newborn pictures. It's such an amazing and happy time. That is where I'd eventually like to go professionally. But that's a bit down the road for now. I do it mostly for friends just to practice.
Do you self-portrait?
Only if I cannot get out of it :-) I'm horribly uncomfortable in front of the camera but I think it's good to do every so often. For someone who enjoys taking portraits of people it helps me know some of the emotions that are part of the process. I tend to come in tight and focus on a feature rather than the whole. Or, like the one in the beginning of the post, I try and get creative about hiding from the camera.
What is your biggest challenge?
Myself probably. And time. I'd like to learn more but time can be a real issue. So I work at what I can knowing that life comes in seasons. I don't want to miss enjoying my life now because I'm not paying attention and only thinking of the 'if only' moments. A second answer to this question...I had a friend give me her studio lights so this summer I hope to spend some time practicing and mastering them. I prefer natural light but I think it's could to understand how indoor lighting works.
What advice do you have for new photographers?
Take pictures. Lots and lots of pictures. Don't be afraid. Get comfortable with your camera no matter what kind it is. Value your work. Be open to constructive criticism...everything little thing you learn opens the door to a new world.
Wow. Thank you so much Marty. A wonderful choice of photos and words.
~ Andrea and Kari
what_marty_sees ~ Phototstream
A short Biography..
Wow, this seemed so straightforward when I first received the questionnaire but I'm sort of stumped on how to begin. So I'll just jump in and introduce myself.
My name is Marty and I'm the person behind the Flickr stream what_marty_sees.
I'm a Christian...a well loved wife...and the mother of five beautiful children. All three of those things have a huge impact on who I am as a photographer. I blog about my life and those three things at Sam's Family.
On my 30th birthday my husband and family surprised me with my first real camera. By real I mean something other than a point and shoot. It was the Canon Rebel and it wasn't long before my husband was telling people he was picking up extra jobs to support my film habit. I learned very quickly that I could take a roll of film and only get about three or four real keepers. The solution? Take lots and lots of pictures. His mother surprised me two years ago with the digital version of my Rebel...the XTi. I think I took over 1700 pictures the first month I had it! I use the kit lens that came with them both (the 35-80mm and 18-55 mm.) For an anniversary one year Rob bought me the 80-200 zoom and I do have a macro filter that I enjoy using for close up detail shots. I'd eventually love to upgrade my camera body but for the most part I really would just like some nicer glass. I have my eye on the 50 1.4 or 1.8. Also a wide angle lens...it would be nice to have a little more space to work with doing group pictures. And with five kids...I do a lot of group pictures :-)
My husband is the pastor of a church in Milton, a town just outside of Pensacola, Florida. Most people know us because of our beaches...and it is one of my favorite places to photograph. It's also my happy place. No matter how stressed out I am I can go sit and listen to the gulf, smell the salt air and the waves just pull all the tension right out of me.
Why do you photograph?
Because I cannot not photograph.
In the almost 10 years since I got that first camera it has become a part of me...of who I am. Sometimes I use it to document and share the tangible world around me...sometimes to give voice to the intangible of what I see and feel. This can be a dangerous way to view the world though if you aren't careful. A couple of years ago I had to put my camera down for a few weeks. I was getting to caught up in trying to perfectly express what in reality is really imperfect. Life is imperfect and messy and you don't always have the best light or you miss a detail or whatever. But there is still beauty in this messy life and I needed to see it for what it is. I think the hiatus made me a better photographer.
Is there a particular photographer you admire?
Okay, it might be trite but I love Ansel Adams. He was one of the first famous photographers I was exposed to and he is still my favorite. He could work black and white like I only dream of doing. And for portrait work I really enjoy Annie Leivobitz.
But honestly, there is so much talent and skill found of Flickr. Those are the photographers I really admire. Normal people like me. It's one of the reasons I was so excited about the flickHer group and this flickHERist blog. I'm not kidding when I say that some of the stuff I see here just takes my breath away.
If you process your images at all, what software do you use and how much processing do you do?
I don't do a lot of processing to my images...mainly due to lack of knowledge and skill. I use Picasa or Picnik and I'm just learning how to add layers or textures well. Some of my first attempts make me shutter now. I am philosophically opposed to heavily processed and manipulated portraits. I saw some where all the life had been stripped away from a woman's portrait...everyone was raving about how beautiful it was but to me she looked like a lifeless doll. Maybe it's because I have four daughters but I want them to have a different idea of beauty than what most of our society says. I want them happy and confident in who they are...not in how perfect they look.
How did you learn your skills - are you self-taught?I am self-taught in the sense that I just keep taking pictures and playing with the controls on my camera. I have a few books that I'm trying to read but I am a real hands on learner. I'd love to spend a day with some one that would just walk me through exposure, shutter speed and aperture. I also have a bunch of free how to sites bookmarked on the web.
What inspires your photos?
Oh, my! I guess the long and short of it is everything! It may just be the beauty of the ordinary, or how I feel when I see something. A lot of times it's just the desire to reflect something of the one true Creator. My faith affects the way I view the world and my photography hopefully points to that.
What is your favourite subject or theme to photograph?
This is hard. My kids obviously rank pretty high on the list. I photograph a lot of nature. Flowers are a cheap but great way to practice and hone your skills. But, I'd have to say people...I love photographing people. I joined a Flickr group for people starting out in wedding photography and quickly discovered that it is not my niche. Some people are just incredibly gifted for that kind of work but not me. I really love doing maternity and newborn pictures. It's such an amazing and happy time. That is where I'd eventually like to go professionally. But that's a bit down the road for now. I do it mostly for friends just to practice.
Do you self-portrait?
Only if I cannot get out of it :-) I'm horribly uncomfortable in front of the camera but I think it's good to do every so often. For someone who enjoys taking portraits of people it helps me know some of the emotions that are part of the process. I tend to come in tight and focus on a feature rather than the whole. Or, like the one in the beginning of the post, I try and get creative about hiding from the camera.
What is your biggest challenge?
Myself probably. And time. I'd like to learn more but time can be a real issue. So I work at what I can knowing that life comes in seasons. I don't want to miss enjoying my life now because I'm not paying attention and only thinking of the 'if only' moments. A second answer to this question...I had a friend give me her studio lights so this summer I hope to spend some time practicing and mastering them. I prefer natural light but I think it's could to understand how indoor lighting works.
What advice do you have for new photographers?
Take pictures. Lots and lots of pictures. Don't be afraid. Get comfortable with your camera no matter what kind it is. Value your work. Be open to constructive criticism...everything little thing you learn opens the door to a new world.
Wow. Thank you so much Marty. A wonderful choice of photos and words.
~ Andrea and Kari
3/31/10
3/18/10
Introducing Tia
{Sadly Tia's Original Account was closed after this interview but I am working on getting new images from her new account. Please do check out her photostream for her lovely artful images...}
Tia M. Bailey
1000beautifulthings ~ Photostream
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Photographer and Mixed Media Artist
Shop ~ 1000beautifulthings
Shop ~ 1000beautifuldesigns
Equipment ~ I started out with a point and shoot Nikon Coolpix about 5 years ago and now I shoot with my Canon 50D or on rare occasions, my Polaroid. The lens that I never leave home without is my Canon 50mm f/1.8. I love the depth of field and lighting that I can get with it.
I grew up in a small town (Del Rio, TX) on the border of Texas and Mexico. My dad was stationed at an Air Force base there and though I would love to say that we traveled all over the place, that was not the case. I learned early on that I was different, overly sensitive, and that I did not see the world as most of my peers did. This caused me to be very introverted and shy during elementary school. It was not until high school when I joined theater that I really came out of my shell.
Today, I am a wife, mother, and photographer/mixed media artist. I have always “taken pictures” but it was not until 2006-2007 that I picked up the camera and really started to look at my world through the lens. This has opened up a whole new world to me and now I cannot imagine my world without a camera in hand.
Why do you photograph?
I want to tell a story, evoke an emotion, get people to “feel” something when they look at my images.
Is there a particular photographer you admire? What is it about their work that you enjoy?
I admire many artists, but I would have to say that the images created by Lars Van De Goor were some of the first images that just made my jaw drop and I said, “That is what I want to do!”
If you process your images at all, what software do you use and how much processing do you do?
I am mostly self taught in photoshop. I took a very basic class in 2006 and have learned the rest from experimentation and trial and error. The amount of processing that I do varies from image to image. Sometimes I am happy with just popping color a bit and then other times I may spend 2-3 hours creating a whole “scene” using textures and layers, cloning or erasing . It all comes from what I feel when I take the picture and what I want the viewer to see when they are looking at my pieces.
How did you learn your skills - are you self-taught?
For the most part, I am self –taught. My dad handed me my first camera when I was only 6 years old and told me to take pictures of whatever I wanted to. He had a darkroom at the time and so getting my images back was pretty easy (and cheap). I did take a 9 month course but it focused 6 months of shooting black and white film on a 35mm and was more of a review of what I already knew rather than expanding my skills.
What is the next piece of equipment/software on your wish list?
Hmmm… I would have to say a wide angle lens is probably going to be my next big buy. But I am also wanting to get a good monitor calibration system.
What inspires your photos?
My inspiration comes mostly from nature and the outdoors. I love natural light. I am also inspired by lyrics, movies and stories.
What is your favourite subject or theme to photograph? (self-portraits, still life, your children, your dog, etc.)
My favorite subject would have to be nature. I never have to ask it to pose for me. It is always there, and as long as the Oklahoma winds are not blowing like mad, then I’m alright.
Do you self-portrait? Discuss how it makes you feel.
I am not a huge fan of taking pictures of myself. I think this stems from my childhood and looking “different” than the other kids I grew up with. I have always been very self conscious. I think as I continue to lose weight and become more comfortable in my own skin, then I will take more.
What is your biggest challenge? (time, weather, lighting, etc.)
My biggest challenge right now is time. I would love to be able to take the time to just travel wherever I wanted and shoot on a daily basis. But the real world beckons me with a job, a teenager, and life at full throttle.
What advice do you have for new photographers?
I would have to say, don’t be afraid to experiment. Join a group of photographers in your area, go to meetups. There are always things to be learned and ideas to be explored.
Thank you so much for being featured here Tia. We love your work! Best of luck...
~Andrea and Kari
Tia M. Bailey
1000beautifulthings ~ Photostream
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Photographer and Mixed Media Artist
Shop ~ 1000beautifulthings
Shop ~ 1000beautifuldesigns
Equipment ~ I started out with a point and shoot Nikon Coolpix about 5 years ago and now I shoot with my Canon 50D or on rare occasions, my Polaroid. The lens that I never leave home without is my Canon 50mm f/1.8. I love the depth of field and lighting that I can get with it.
I grew up in a small town (Del Rio, TX) on the border of Texas and Mexico. My dad was stationed at an Air Force base there and though I would love to say that we traveled all over the place, that was not the case. I learned early on that I was different, overly sensitive, and that I did not see the world as most of my peers did. This caused me to be very introverted and shy during elementary school. It was not until high school when I joined theater that I really came out of my shell.
Today, I am a wife, mother, and photographer/mixed media artist. I have always “taken pictures” but it was not until 2006-2007 that I picked up the camera and really started to look at my world through the lens. This has opened up a whole new world to me and now I cannot imagine my world without a camera in hand.
Why do you photograph?
I want to tell a story, evoke an emotion, get people to “feel” something when they look at my images.
Is there a particular photographer you admire? What is it about their work that you enjoy?
I admire many artists, but I would have to say that the images created by Lars Van De Goor were some of the first images that just made my jaw drop and I said, “That is what I want to do!”
If you process your images at all, what software do you use and how much processing do you do?
I am mostly self taught in photoshop. I took a very basic class in 2006 and have learned the rest from experimentation and trial and error. The amount of processing that I do varies from image to image. Sometimes I am happy with just popping color a bit and then other times I may spend 2-3 hours creating a whole “scene” using textures and layers, cloning or erasing . It all comes from what I feel when I take the picture and what I want the viewer to see when they are looking at my pieces.
How did you learn your skills - are you self-taught?
For the most part, I am self –taught. My dad handed me my first camera when I was only 6 years old and told me to take pictures of whatever I wanted to. He had a darkroom at the time and so getting my images back was pretty easy (and cheap). I did take a 9 month course but it focused 6 months of shooting black and white film on a 35mm and was more of a review of what I already knew rather than expanding my skills.
What is the next piece of equipment/software on your wish list?
Hmmm… I would have to say a wide angle lens is probably going to be my next big buy. But I am also wanting to get a good monitor calibration system.
What inspires your photos?
My inspiration comes mostly from nature and the outdoors. I love natural light. I am also inspired by lyrics, movies and stories.
What is your favourite subject or theme to photograph? (self-portraits, still life, your children, your dog, etc.)
My favorite subject would have to be nature. I never have to ask it to pose for me. It is always there, and as long as the Oklahoma winds are not blowing like mad, then I’m alright.
Do you self-portrait? Discuss how it makes you feel.
I am not a huge fan of taking pictures of myself. I think this stems from my childhood and looking “different” than the other kids I grew up with. I have always been very self conscious. I think as I continue to lose weight and become more comfortable in my own skin, then I will take more.
What is your biggest challenge? (time, weather, lighting, etc.)
My biggest challenge right now is time. I would love to be able to take the time to just travel wherever I wanted and shoot on a daily basis. But the real world beckons me with a job, a teenager, and life at full throttle.
I would have to say, don’t be afraid to experiment. Join a group of photographers in your area, go to meetups. There are always things to be learned and ideas to be explored.
Thank you so much for being featured here Tia. We love your work! Best of luck...
~Andrea and Kari
3/11/10
3/4/10
Just Kari
Kari Gibson
Kari's Klicks ~ photostream
East Coast of Scotland
I have been taking photographs since a small girl when I got a simple Kodak film camera for Christmas. I didn’t really get into photography seriously, though, until I got a Pentax ME Super SLR in 1990 and began to learn how to process my own B&W images. During my fine art studies, I used photography primarily as a tool to capture images for painting or printmaking and it is only since graduating that photography has become the main focus of my creative outlet and the photographs are now the end result rather than the stepping-stone to the final image.
I use a Canon 400 DSLR and I have the standard lens 18-55 lens, the 55-200 zoom lens and the trusty 50mm which is great fun to use. I have a small handbag-sized Canon, point-and-shoot, but that doesn't get much use these days! I also use an inexpensive tripod for a lot of my photos, but enjoy the flexibility of shooting hand-held if the light is good enough. I use UV and polorizing filters as required.
I love the beautiful Scottish landscape and I adore being out in the countryside, so my photography tends to reflect this. But I do enjoy other subject matter and like to experiment with still life and portraiture. In the future, I would like to be more creative, trying out new techniques and processing to get a more painterly feel to my images, but being mindful to avoid the overly “photoshopped” look.
Objet Trouvé - Oranges & Browns. Initially photographed for a painting. Cropped and framed in Photoshop.
Why do you photograph?
Initially it was to capture an image for later painting/printmaking and partly as a record of a moment in time, but nowadays it is because I absolutely have to have some kind of creative outlet and currently, as my time is too limited to paint much, photography has filled that need.
Is there a particular photographer you admire? What is it about their work that you enjoy?
I am a big fan of the work of Sebastiao Salgado, a Brazilian socialist journalstic photographer. He shoots in B&W predominantly, usually of people at work or people affected by poverty/war. I love the humanity of his images and find them powerful and moving.
If you process your images at all, what software do you use and how much processing do you do?
I sometimes crop and adjust lighting/colour, using Photoshop Elements. I also enjoy stitching panoramic shots. I intend to experiment with layering techniques and texture in the future.
Hydrangea Textured. Cropped and a layer of texture (ice crystals from my own source) added.
How did you learn your skills - are you self-taught?
I studied a bit of photography at college – mostly processing B&W images in a darkroom. It has given me a good grounding in composition, light and tone. But since then, I am mostly self-taught, there is nothing like getting out there with the camera and just experimenting. I am entirely self-taught with the software, I don’t know where I would have been without Photoshop for Dummies books!
Cambo House - Texture/Pattern Study. Cropped slightly, but otherwise as shot.
What is the next piece of equipment/software on your wishlist?
I would love to have a wide-angle lens for the landscape photography and one day, maybe a macro lens as I would enjoy taking photographs of the beautiful plants I see on my walks.
What inspires your photos?
It can be a moment of fleeting light, interesting weather conditions, an unusual colour, texture or shape that catches my eye. Having studied art history, sometimes I will see something that reminds me of a classic painting, artistic style or genre and it tickles me to reflect back in this way.
Drifting Snow Amongst the Heather on Auchterhouse Hill. As shot. As I saw this vista before me, I realised that it looked like an oriental watercolour painting and was so happy to see the resulting image.
What is your favourite subject/theme?
Definitely the Scottish landscape – it has so much variety and can be so different from season to season. It has its own challenges, though, as the weather conditions can pose difficulties, but also create atmosphere. Getting the best shots requires a lot of effort and patience, but can be well worth it.
Do you do self-portraits? Why? How do feel about them? Do you think it is an important thing for an artist?
After feeling so bad about my self-image while I was overweight and now getting my fitness back, I am just beginning to enjoy self-portraiture at last, seeing myself in a different way after all this time. It isn’t essential as an artist, but I do enjoy seeing the work of artists that use their own bodies/faces to inspire their work. Whether paint, print or photography, people such as Chuck Close, Frida Kahlo and Jenny Saville have succeeded in this area wonderfully.
Self Portrait: Momento Mori. At last I have an artist's muse - myself! Layers applied in Photoshop.
What is your biggest challenge?
Up to just recently my biggest limitation had been my own physical abilities to get to the less accessible places that I wanted to photograph. I have worked very hard over the last 12 months to get my fitness levels to a stage where I can now hike to a view that is rarely photographed. My biggest challenge these days really is time and how much equipment that can be fitted into a rucksack!
Schiehallion. A long hike in very cold weather conditions. As shot.
What advice do you have for other photographers?
Experiment, study a bit of the history of photographers, look at contemporary photographers for inspiration and ideas for techniques. Also, look at the composition that the classic painters used and also look at the work of the impressionists for colour ideas and subject matter. And then go forth and break the rules, lol!
Amonite Textured. Cropped and a layer added in Photoshop.
Kari's Klicks ~ photostream
East Coast of Scotland
I have been taking photographs since a small girl when I got a simple Kodak film camera for Christmas. I didn’t really get into photography seriously, though, until I got a Pentax ME Super SLR in 1990 and began to learn how to process my own B&W images. During my fine art studies, I used photography primarily as a tool to capture images for painting or printmaking and it is only since graduating that photography has become the main focus of my creative outlet and the photographs are now the end result rather than the stepping-stone to the final image.
I use a Canon 400 DSLR and I have the standard lens 18-55 lens, the 55-200 zoom lens and the trusty 50mm which is great fun to use. I have a small handbag-sized Canon, point-and-shoot, but that doesn't get much use these days! I also use an inexpensive tripod for a lot of my photos, but enjoy the flexibility of shooting hand-held if the light is good enough. I use UV and polorizing filters as required.
I love the beautiful Scottish landscape and I adore being out in the countryside, so my photography tends to reflect this. But I do enjoy other subject matter and like to experiment with still life and portraiture. In the future, I would like to be more creative, trying out new techniques and processing to get a more painterly feel to my images, but being mindful to avoid the overly “photoshopped” look.
Objet Trouvé - Oranges & Browns. Initially photographed for a painting. Cropped and framed in Photoshop.
Why do you photograph?
Initially it was to capture an image for later painting/printmaking and partly as a record of a moment in time, but nowadays it is because I absolutely have to have some kind of creative outlet and currently, as my time is too limited to paint much, photography has filled that need.
Is there a particular photographer you admire? What is it about their work that you enjoy?
I am a big fan of the work of Sebastiao Salgado, a Brazilian socialist journalstic photographer. He shoots in B&W predominantly, usually of people at work or people affected by poverty/war. I love the humanity of his images and find them powerful and moving.
If you process your images at all, what software do you use and how much processing do you do?
I sometimes crop and adjust lighting/colour, using Photoshop Elements. I also enjoy stitching panoramic shots. I intend to experiment with layering techniques and texture in the future.
Hydrangea Textured. Cropped and a layer of texture (ice crystals from my own source) added.
How did you learn your skills - are you self-taught?
I studied a bit of photography at college – mostly processing B&W images in a darkroom. It has given me a good grounding in composition, light and tone. But since then, I am mostly self-taught, there is nothing like getting out there with the camera and just experimenting. I am entirely self-taught with the software, I don’t know where I would have been without Photoshop for Dummies books!
Cambo House - Texture/Pattern Study. Cropped slightly, but otherwise as shot.
What is the next piece of equipment/software on your wishlist?
I would love to have a wide-angle lens for the landscape photography and one day, maybe a macro lens as I would enjoy taking photographs of the beautiful plants I see on my walks.
What inspires your photos?
It can be a moment of fleeting light, interesting weather conditions, an unusual colour, texture or shape that catches my eye. Having studied art history, sometimes I will see something that reminds me of a classic painting, artistic style or genre and it tickles me to reflect back in this way.
Drifting Snow Amongst the Heather on Auchterhouse Hill. As shot. As I saw this vista before me, I realised that it looked like an oriental watercolour painting and was so happy to see the resulting image.
What is your favourite subject/theme?
Definitely the Scottish landscape – it has so much variety and can be so different from season to season. It has its own challenges, though, as the weather conditions can pose difficulties, but also create atmosphere. Getting the best shots requires a lot of effort and patience, but can be well worth it.
Do you do self-portraits? Why? How do feel about them? Do you think it is an important thing for an artist?
After feeling so bad about my self-image while I was overweight and now getting my fitness back, I am just beginning to enjoy self-portraiture at last, seeing myself in a different way after all this time. It isn’t essential as an artist, but I do enjoy seeing the work of artists that use their own bodies/faces to inspire their work. Whether paint, print or photography, people such as Chuck Close, Frida Kahlo and Jenny Saville have succeeded in this area wonderfully.
Self Portrait: Momento Mori. At last I have an artist's muse - myself! Layers applied in Photoshop.
What is your biggest challenge?
Up to just recently my biggest limitation had been my own physical abilities to get to the less accessible places that I wanted to photograph. I have worked very hard over the last 12 months to get my fitness levels to a stage where I can now hike to a view that is rarely photographed. My biggest challenge these days really is time and how much equipment that can be fitted into a rucksack!
Schiehallion. A long hike in very cold weather conditions. As shot.
What advice do you have for other photographers?
Experiment, study a bit of the history of photographers, look at contemporary photographers for inspiration and ideas for techniques. Also, look at the composition that the classic painters used and also look at the work of the impressionists for colour ideas and subject matter. And then go forth and break the rules, lol!
Amonite Textured. Cropped and a layer added in Photoshop.
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