The laughing dog

Back again

Woh!  That was a long hiatus.  First post of 2009!  Ok, I admit.  It was just blog laziness.  But, here I am back with an image to share.  A refreshing weekend in Varenna, Italy, passing through the Swiss Alps has renewed me with vigor.  Passing through Sils im Domleschg, Switzerland my family and I were amazed by this old castle open free for public viewing.

A highly recommended publication for anyone seeking to grasp the important basics of exposure.  

Clear, concise explanations combined with rich images and an easy to read style make Understanding Exposure a must have.  

Consider seventy techniques covered throughly.  From freezing motion to shooting in low light.  The beginning photographer's images will dramatically improve by applying skills acquired in this book.

Have a closer look at Amazon.com.

Munich Photowalk October 2008

A photowalk is a wonderful opportunity for photographers to stimulate creativity, share and take away new ideas.  From a photographic point of view, there is a certain magic that comes from the result of such an event.  After putting several photographers in the same location, each sees different details from the very same area and the variation in subjects has a wide range.

On October 19, 2008, a group of local photographers met in Munich at Karlsplatz Stachus to begin the October 2008 Photowalk.  I had the pleasure of joining this body of creative minds to benefit from an exchange of information and ideas as well as to capture the character and scenes of the great city of Munich.

Below are a few of my images from the October 2008 Munich Photowalk as well as some links to the images taken by other group members.  

Link to Munich Photowalkers group: Munich Photowalkers

Random tips for a successful photo session at a public location

The task of carrying out a succesful photo session at a public location can present a variety of technical and logistical challenges to the photographer. Here are a few random tips (from among many) that will help ease your mind on the shoot so you can focus on doing the job you like the most.....photography. 

Tip 1: Start early (...or late!) 

  

It is no big secret that the early bird catches the worm.  But, what constitutes a worm for  the photographer?  Beginning your photo session early has several advantages: 

- Fewer spectators and background interference.  A gorgeous bride in her bridalwear alongside a handsome groom are going to naturally draw the attention of an audience if your photoshoot is in a public area.  This audience may or may not serve as a distraction or disturbance to your subjects.  But, if it does, getting there early will help you control this factor and get as many pictures done before the masses gather.  Too, an empty public location will mean fewer to no unwanted elements, like passersby, in your image background.     

- Parking advantage. If you are shooting in the city, the closer you can park your automobile to your location, the easier you are able to transport equipment, set up and get going.

- Better ambient light.  Midday is technically a less preferable time to photograph outdoors in sunny areas due to the sharp contrast in light and shadow from the high sun. Take advantage of the fresh mood and softer light of the morning.  

Alternatively, starting late can also have advantage of warmer (as in more orange toned), softer light.  At this time too, the crowds may be thinner and the parking better.  Of course, one of the chief concerns when shooting at the end of the day is using the remaining daylight well.  

Tip 2: Inquire in advance about your location.

Will there be any public events such as parades or demonstrations that are already scheduled and will occupy the area in which you desire to shoot?  When planning a photoshoot in Munich recently, we were faced with altered location availability due to events related to Oktoberfest.  

And then there is the question of aquiring permits to shoot in the location.  Museums for example often do not allow photography on the premises unless you have first arranged the event with the management staff and paid the corresponding fees.  There are even shopping malls in the United States that do not allow photography.    

Tip 3 : Assistance is indispensable

In your studio, it may be that you can arrange your set so that you can get along alone as the photographer if necessary.  However when on location, having an assistant or even several is essential.  Some of the tasks of your assistant will include carrying and positioning grip and equipment as well as tending to the persons being photographed. If you are photographing a bride for example, the assistant's job may include helping her keep her voluminous dress off of dirty surfaces or from dragging.  

Should you additionally choose to work with a make up artist, this person is going to pay attention to minor hair and make-up details. Such support lightens the photographer's load.

Tip 4: Arrange for refreshments and creature comforts 

On an extended photoshoot,  you will want to make sure that the persons that you are photographing remain comfortable and able to appear before the camera as you need them to.  Having sufficient creature comforts will contribute to the well-being of your subjects.  Some of these things may include:

-Warm or cold drinks, depending on the weather

- Prepared or catered snacks

- Sunshades for sunny weather and umbrellas for rain

- Jackets for cooler temperatures

Even if your photoshoot is not elaborate, doing this on a small scale adds to your success.

At the snap of a shutter - The sensation of seeing thrice.

Have you ever noticed a certain phenomenon that occurs during the process of creating your most unique images? You know the images I mean. The ones that you see in a split second, love immediately and dare not miss.  Once you capture the image, your heart pounds, eyes go wide and your jaw drops at the treasure you have frozen in time?  You know the phenomenon too. It seems to be broken into 3 parts or phases: Identification, Creation and Appreciation, I would say.  During this phenomenon of three main moments you visually receive the exact same information, but the way you process what you see seems to be different at each stage.  

In that first split second, when the message, "Oh my God! This is great! Grab it!" hardly makes it from your brain to your hands before you have already lifted the camera to stop the time passing before your eyes, you are experiencing phase 1:  Identification.  Identification is a brief phase in which you become intrigued and your sense of sight is stimulated.  You have identified your subject in a completely non-analytical, spontaneous phase.  It's eye to heart and finger on the release.  Phase 2, Creation, is purely functional....mechanical, if you will.  It is just the next split second when you observe for the purpose of composing your image.  You still have not figured out or analyzed what it is you love so much about what you saw.  That's phase 3: Appreciation.  For me this is like the big trophy moment.  It is not only the moment where you enjoy what you have captured.  But, it is also the moment when you become fascinated at the very process that I am trying to describe in these sentences.  It has a surreal effect through which you relive the moment you've captured with a measure of disbelief that you were actually there to grab such a stunning image. This dreamlike sensation in turn heightens the value of your photo at which you yet again begin to gawk.  Then lo and behold you're off again looking for the thrill of seeing thrice!

To Photograph a Dancer

Anyone who has experienced the pleasure of working one on one with a professional dancer understands the sheer euphoria that a photographer experiences in being able to capture the grace, figure and poise of these extraordinary persons. Dancers offer an lush plethora of aesthetic delights that infuse the viewer with awe. Their kinetic skill and total confidence before the camera combined with their fecund imaginations for posing makes for a very rich photographic experience. Before this sort of presentation, even the most seasoned photographer is reduced to a simple messenger, passing along images received that verge on divine.

Experience the beauty of Mrs. Tanja Villinger in my new photo series "Ballet - Tanja Villinger" under "Dance" at www.davidpolite.com and learn more about this powerful dancer on her German website www.tanja-villinger.com .

Behind the scenes with Tanya Villinger