Chris Martin participated in the recent Vietnam & Cambodia workshop with Art Wolfe. If you are interested in Chris’ photography, please contact him through his website & blog:
“I have long admired Art Wolfe’s photography and the artistic strengths he brings to his images. Joining his photo tour to Myanmar, I expected to visit amazing locations and make some great photographs within the settings as chosen by Art and his assistant Gavriel. The reality far exceeded these expectations as Art and Gavriel’s skill in connecting with people, coupled with our guide’s expert knowledge of the places we visited, made every day exceptional. The beautiful images made all came while having a great time travelling together, eating delicious food, traveling easily (whether by van, boat, plane or hot air balloon) and staying in very comfortable accommodations.
What I did not anticipate, and what made this tour outstanding, was the openness with which Art shared his keen eye for composition, color and the extra elements added (or subtracted) that can elevate an image into something special. Both Art and Gavriel openly shared their methods of approaching every scene, the images they visualized making and then the steps they took to create them. The conversations while on location and constructive critiques of images made by the group, has made a tangible difference in my photography. Further, the clarity of my own vision has jumped forward as a direct result of Art’s mentorship. To share in Art’s thought process from imagining an idea through to realizing it as an image is an incredible opportunity for any photographer. I am already planning for my next tour with Art Wolfe’s team.”
Drawing form 36 years of international travel, Art will delve into a vast range of subjects; from discovering the subject to elements of design and even new works such as time lapses. Imagery of nature, wildlife and the world’s varied landscapes will round out the curriculum to provide the most comprehensive and imaginitave class available. For more information visit our workshop website. Don’t delay, our first two events in Toronto, Canada – May 20 and New York, NY – May 22 are filling fast.
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The June photos were all about atmospheric conditions and showed a marked increase in quality of work, making it harder to decide which were my favorites. Nearly all the images were unique and engaging and made me feel like I was standing next to the photographer. The images all demonstrated fresh, new approaches with high technical quality. Three photos in particular inspired me this month:
(To see all photos submitted in June 2009 on Flickr, click here.)
Forest Rain
Photographing rain is no easy task, but this photographer nailed it! The image is artistic and “feels” wet.
Sunbeams
The rising mist captures the quiet beauty and timelessness of the forest.
Light Becomes Art at Balance Rock
Whatever the photographer did here (car headlights?), it worked. This image captures the ethereal essence of the subject and conveys a rooted, yet other-worldly feeling.
When Tim Grey taught at our classroom, he paused to record his thoughts on the life of a photographer and the advantages of digital photography for our Expert Interviews, found under Learning on the site. He also talked about targeted adjustments in Photoshop CS4, found under Tips in Learning. Check them out.
People are often surprised when they see me holding my graduated neutral density filter in my hand instead of putting it in a holder. The reason is simple: speed. When conditions are changing rapidly, or even when they aren’t, it’s a lot faster to hold the filter in front of the lens. If I change lenses, I don’t have to take the time to remove holder from one lens and place it on the other. I can reframe or switch from horizontal to vertical in an instant.
You need to watch out for reflections, though. The filter will reflect light if pulled away from the lens too far.
I drove to the Skagit River flats last weekend. The area had flooded and I heard that the bald eagles were congregating in trees on high ground. It was a grey day, drizzly and dark. The reports were true. We found 15 eagles in a tree, and as soon as we stepped out of the car, we saw why. Voles swam in the flooded fields, scurried under the car, hid in the tall grass. A few drowned voles lay on their sides in the water. It was a buffet for eagles, and they acted showed no interest in further dining. I never touched a camera. Exposing for the black backlit eagles would have pegged the histogram to the right, blowing out the sky. Without light, natural or artificial, there is no shot. Sometimes the experience is enough.
