Tag: light

Jewels Of The Street

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Poetry

The rush of the wind
The falling of snow
Street lamps flicker
Causing the night to glow

The shops are like jewels
Along the streets
Like ships in a harbour
An organised fleet

Silently they stand
In the still of the night
Waiting for morning
For people to take flight

Queuing they will
For the lowest of prices
Ready to snap up
Those wonderful appliances

Through the hustle and bustle
Of that long-sales-day-grind
The staff will try to be
Both patient and kind

And when it’s time to close
The sales day is done
People return to their homes
And look over what they’ve won

The street returns to silence
The night begins to fall
The shop goes to sleep
Until the next sales day calls.

Written by David Johnson
27 December 2015

© CommunicatingCreatively/David Johnson 2015

John Alexander Dersham – Profiling Photographers

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Photography

Welcome to Profiling Photographers #4. I ‘met’ John through Facebook and he introduced me to the inspired vision of his photography. John has a richness and depth in his photography that I’m sure you will all enjoy. Thank you to John for being part of this series.

Gear:

Canon 5D with L-type lenses for digital.

Large format film cameras for film-Toyo 8x10M and Wista and Linhof 4×5 cameras-Schneider, Fuji and Nikkor lens from 90-450mm.

1. Why did you choose Photography as your medium of communication?

I started at age 9 using my dad’s 1930 Brownie. I loved capturing fleeting moments and liked composing images for artistic values. I have stayed with the art form all of my life. I am now 64 years old.

Untitledjd1

2. Which Photographers have been the greatest influences on you & why?

Andy Tau, former member of Ansel Adams F64 club and former President of the School of Photojournalism at the University of Missouri. I joined the Mid-Missouri Camera Club in 1966 of which he was a member. He taught me the Ansel Adams methods along with Roger Berg and Milt Shanklin who were both in the club. They provided a very great amount of help to me at a very young age in areas of composition and technical skill.

Ansel Adams, Winston Link,Dorothea Lange and Edward Weston all played a role in inspiring me and serving as visual guides helping me learn to see my personal visions.

3. What inspires you to create the type of images that you do?

I like images that are both beautiful but also have a story associated with the images. Sometimes the story is about the impact of the image created by the lighting or weather conditions like rain, snow, fog.

I also love to shoot images of people in settings that have a story behind them, like their place of business, such as; a store, a factory or a craft.

4. What do you think makes your style unique?

I think my view of the world is a bit different and it is reflected in my work compositionally but also in the way I interpret light and compositional elements. I tend to shoot wide in order to tell a story with more content.

 

Untitledjd2

5. Do you have any advice for an aspiring photographer?

I suggest having a passion for a subject that is all yours. When people view your work it should not be a repeat of everyone else’s view. Waterfalls and sunsets are wonderful and fun to shoot but they will not make a photographer famous nor will they deliver any suggestion of being unique. You have to create a style both in subject matter and compositional values that viewers can immediately tell it is your work.

6. What is the next big adventure for you, photographically?

I am working on a couple of books and brochures for the travel industry related to promoting the scenic beauty of the Southeast United States.

I am also working toward a B&W book called “Where the Road Ends”. These images are mostly large format B&W images of views of long-term business locations that have been in families for generations or have already closed but the their story still can be told in the images of their slow decay along the roadsides of America.

www.johndersham.com

John Alexander Dersham Classic Fine Art B&W on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/John-Alexander-Dersham-Classic-Fine-Art-Black-and-White-Photography-313045360458/?fref=ts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Profiling Photographers – Fiona Brook

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Photography

Welcome to the third instalment of ‘Profiling Photographers.’ I first met Fiona when judging at St.George Leagues Photographic Club. I hope you find her images and attitude to image-making as inspirational as I do. Thank you, Fiona for contributing to this series.

Gear:

Nikon D600;
Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8; Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8; Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3
Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro; Lensbaby Composer; Samsung Galaxy S5

Why did you choose Photography as your medium of communication?

My father was a very keen photographer, and I guess I followed his example. Ever since I discovered that photography meant I could make and keep images, I have loved it!

Untitled1

Which Photographers have been the greatest influences on you & why?

1. My Dad – because he was the first and foremost photographer in my life. Subsequently, his sister (my aunt) was a great influence.

2. So many photographers at the St George Leagues Club Photographic Society, because that is where I rediscovered my photographic self 7 years ago.

3. Current influences are Sue Robertson, Rob Smith, Karen Scrimes, Des Crawley, John Swainston, Alister Benn, Darren Jew . . . etc, etc, too numerous to mention!

4. Then, there are the classics of course – Cartier-Bresson etc. Again, too numerous to mention.

What inspires you to create the type of images that you do?

The extraordinary power of nature is my primary inspiration. I am constantly drawn to natural phenomena and their inherent beauty. After winning the biology prize at school back in Scotland in the 1980’s, I was introduced to the films of David Attenborough. Since that time, my biggest dream has been to make wildlife films that document the extraordinary wonders of this amazing world we live in.
Maybe one day . . .

What do you think makes your style unique?

It took me ages to find my “style”, but I think in recent times I have found an impressionistic style that says what I want to say with my wildlife photography (especially birds).

 

Untitled2

Do you have any advice for an aspiring photographer?

I still think of myself as an aspiring photographer, so it’s difficult for me to give advice in that regard. If I were to give general advice about life, it would be – DON’T BE AFRAID! Fear is a disabling emotion 🙂

What is the next big adventure for you, photographically?

I have no idea – that’s what makes it a big adventure!

To view more of Fiona’s images, please click on the following link

http://www.fionabrookphotography.zenfolio.com

Profiling Photographers – Kenneth Hall – Gwondana Photography Pty Ltd

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Photography

Welcome to the second instalment of ‘Profiling Photographers.’ I have known Kenneth Hall for many years via a few different projects/associations. Kenneth, through his background and interests, has a unique view of Australia which he imparts to those who view his photography and of course, his customers in his growing ‘Australian Photography Tours’ business. Thank you to Kenneth for agreeing to be part of this series.

Gear: Primary Canon 5D plus range of L series lenses

1. Why did you choose Photography as your medium of communication?

I have spent all my life outdoors starting as a child on the Yorkshire Moors with my father followed by many years travelling the world as a professional soldier and finally immigration to Australia.

I was also a dedicated solo bushwalker later developing and operating bushwalking clubs as well as being a member of six additional clubs.

I love nature so it was a natural step to take for me into photography.

Australia is a good place to be as a photographer and living in Macarthur gives me access to many areas of NSW.

The colours of Australia are superb, particularly dawn, sunrise and sunset. Much of my photography is undertaken at these times.

What better way to communicate with people than using colour?

Most people are visual and to use that old saying “a picture says a thousand words.”

Untitled

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Which Photographers have been the greatest influences on you & why?

Ansel Adams, his landscapes are superb and created with the minimum of equipment.

Several from National Geographic – they are engaged in many projects around the world. One example is Paul Nicklen. They have the reputation, money and backing of an internationally known organisation. I associate their photographers with high-quality photographs with very daring and difficult to obtain compositions

Alfred Stieglitz – for his contribution to photography. It is wonderful to be known for what one did and remembered with affection.

“Adams credits three people for driving his interest in photography, Wesson and Strand and Stieglitz but it is Stieglitz that he regarded as the most important. He also regarded that first solo show in New York as the most important of his career.”

Steve McCurry – in particular for his “Afghan Girl”. Pay him a visit, his gallery says it all “http://stevemccurry.com/galleries”

3. What inspires you to create the type of images that you do?

Australia and NSW. I never become bored with nature, it is a passion.

Photography, when used in tours leads onto other things. My clients have many questions about Australia, its people, nature and our First People.

I have led a great life, none so good as my now nearing 40 years in Australia.

At one time whilst working on a four-year project on Longwall mining I was privileged to spend one day every week with a tribal elder. It was the most incredible education.

This led onto research as far back as Gondwana and the super-continent Pangea.

Our business reflects this in the choice of Gwondana, the birth of Australia as it broke away from Pangea.

I am a very proud Australian by choice.

Besides being heavily involved in landscape photography and in my book that covers everything but weddings, portraits and modelling I still do commercial photography for my clients.

This came about because of the high prices charged by professional photographers when I was optimising clients websites.

4. What do you think makes your style unique?

I don’t know that I have a unique style. If I have then I hope it is for a celebration of Australia.

Untitled2K

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Do you have any advice for an aspiring photographer?

Get out of bed early.

Seek advice, find a mentor, learn patience and practice.

Photography is all about people, not equipment.

6. What is the next big adventure for you, photographically?

I have already started on a heritage buildings project.

In 2016, I will be visiting the UK, Canada and Alaska.

We have now taken on board the NSW Central West in the Goldfields and hooked up with Viator and a large Australia wide real estate organisation.

More of Kenneth Hall’s images can be viewed at:

Australian Photography Tours – Gwondana Photography Pty Ltd

http://www.australian-photography-tours.com

http://www.australian-sightseeing-tours.com.au

https://plus.google.com/+Australianphotographytours698/posts

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Australian-Photography-Tours/319705881489289

https://www.facebook.com/naroomaphotographytours

http://34-kenneth-hall.artistwebsites.com/

 

 

Inspirations – Photography: Duane Michals b.1932

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Photography

Duane Michal’s Art has, throughout his photographic life been met with controversy as he has a non-conformist view of photography.

“The Joy Of Photography Volume 2” indicates that his chief inspiration was Surrealism. The Surrealistic Painters, he said, ‘always contradict people’s assumptions, whilst photographers never do.’

Duane Michals often attempted to ‘play with people’s minds’ in his Art rather than ‘record’ a scene, whether it be shooting standalone images or shooting a series of images on a theme.

He said the magic was ‘seeing people in different ways.’

He preferred Environmental Portraiture and worked in Black & White with existing light and compared his photography with the writing of fiction. He often placed a familiar subject (or object) in unfamiliar territory or in an unfamiliar way or context.

One of my favourite photographic quotes is attributed to him….

“Trust that little voice in your head that says, ‘wouldn’t it be interesting if….’ and then do it.” – Duane Michals.

I first came across the above quote in 1982 (when my own serious photographic journey began).

Duane Michals inspires me in ‘how I think about photography.’ As I am shooting that quote springs to mind every time and I encourage every photographer to do the same.

I’ve included the following link so that you can view some of his images.

http://duanemichals.tumblr.com

 

There Are No ’36 Megapixel Brushes….’

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Painting, Photography

A long, long time ago (when Photography was first invented) Painters were worried that this new Art would kill them off. Why would anyone need to paint when you could just take a photo?

Of course this proved to be a fallacy. The Art of Painting grew.

Fast-forward to the 21st Century, where Digital technology has seen the most wondrous advances in photo production (the Megapixel race continues), where image manipulation software turns photos into Watercolour, Oil, Sketches and thousands of other effects are possible in a myriad of combinations.

Is there a threat to the Art of Painting now?

No.

Just like in Photography, Painting requires technical skill however (all things being equal) our individual imagination, ideas and expressive ability are what set us all apart.

In Photography it has never been easier to obtain a ‘technically competent image’ with all the technological advances that have been made. Technology however has not yet been able to replace our imagination. Photographers continue to express their ideas in new and interesting ways, based on their individuality, their environment and the influences present in their lives.

In Painting, whilst there are different grade brushes, paint and canvas options, there are no ’36 Megapixel brushes’ to give the Artist a technically-competent painting. The Painter must continue to endeavour to master the techniques and then introduce their imagination and ideas and be able to express them.

As a Photographer of 33 years and (at this point) a casual Painter of 3 years, the challenge is ahead to endeavour to master the technical aspects of painting so that I may then use my imagination to express my ideas to their fullest.

It is a challenge I am really looking forward to!

Written by David Johnson
6 September 2015

Inspirations… Photography

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Photography

Whenever we have an interest, be it in Art, Sport, Work or in another area of Life, there are people that will inspire you.

Over time I will be highlighting the men, women and groups that have (or still do) inspire me.

I begin with one of my favourite photographers, Margaret Bourke-White: (1904 – 1971)

Margaret Bourke-White was a pioneer in many ways and her specialties included Photojournalism, Social Documentation, Architectural, Industrial and War photography, working in predominantly Black & White. She was one of LIFE Magazine’s most prolific photographers.

20150820-IMG_2573-1Margaret Bourke-White had a fascinating life full of challenges and adventures. I remain captivated by her imagery and her boldness in overcoming both work-related and personal challenges throughout her prolific photo-taking period from 1920’s through the 1950’s. She was indeed a pioneer.

In photographing in a Steel plant she used heavy equipment (that today would seem antiquated) and experimented with lenses, films, Magnesium flares and her imagination to obtain dramatic Industrial images.

Margaret Bourke-White also worked with Writer, Erskine Caldwell on the ‘You Have Seen Their Faces’ Sharecropper farmers that affected 10,000,000 Southern Family lives in the United States in 1936. The project was approached in a compassionate manner. The images are powerful and depict the farmers’ harsh way of life…

She was a pioneer of the ‘photo essay’ and photographed many of the leaders of her time, including Gandhi, Pope Pius XII, Stalin, Roosevelt, Churchill.

I look at her images and can see a great sense of personal involvement from her in them. Immersing herself into her subjects, she was able to bring out graphic emotion and the beauty of light, shape and form. I have two books i.e. her autobiography, “Portrait of Myself” and the book pictured above.

A true inspiration!

Written by David Johnson
20 August 2015

Recommended reading:

And I Know That I Will

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Poetry

I sit and I watch the day unfolding
Shadows creep in, shadows creep out
The Sun dances across the sky
Partnering with clouds as we watch the day go by

As I sit and I wonder
What the day will bring
With each passing hour
No more than a shower

The day goes on
The light changes hourly
I sit and watch the day unfold
A promise of more I surely am told

I dream and I dream
I watch and I listen
The day speaks to me
And I listen intently

The message is clear
How could I have not seen it?
It was there all along
Was my mind distracted?

I begin to understand
And try not to question
What life was telling me
Again and again

All along it has been saying
What I should do
Had I have not been listening
I would’ve missed it today too

The Sun it goes down
Beyond the hill
The path is clear
And I know that I will

 

Written by David Johnson

This is the first poem I had ever written & was originally published on my ‘Observations & Other Writings’ blog in August 2013.

© CommunicatingCreatively/David Johnson 2015