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Color photograph of a large format Poloroid camera, shown in profile.

Must watch: “The B-side: Elsa Dorfman’s Portrait Photography” documentary

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Like everything else, art has a lifespan. I happened across this excellent Errol Morris documentary about Elsa Dorfman’s photography on (HBO) Max. It’s worth your time (76 minutes) if you have access to the streaming service. Also available for rent from Amazon and Apple for a few bucks. Film website | IMDB page | Watch the trailer The world needs more documentaries like this one. Elsa Dorfman was an American photographer best known for portraits she made with the very large, very rare Poloroid studio camera. Before the documentary, I wasn’t familiar with her or her photography, but knew about … >>

Black and white self-portrait photograph. The photographer's reflection is visible in Garry Winogrand's photo 'El Morocco, New York, 1955'. That photo features a man and woman in excited conversation. The woman has a huge smile.

Thoughts about street photography and devoted educator Henry Wessel

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And briefly: Eliott Erwitt, Larry Fink, Garry Winogrand I like to think of street photography as a way to glimpse the countless humans stories of people as they move through the world in their separate lives, each different and unknowable, but no less important than our own. When at it’s best, street photography can become a visual representation of “sonder” (one of my favorite words): Sonder: The profound feeling of realizing that everyone, including strangers passing in the street, has a life as complex as one’s own, which they are constantly living despite one’s personal lack of awareness of it. … >>

Photograph of half empty coffee cup and used spoon sitting on top of a newspaper.

Finding inspiration in the everyday: still life photography

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Photography is an art form that enables us to capture the beauty of the world around us, and still life photography is no exception. It offers the opportunity to create art out of everyday objects, using composition, lighting, color, and other techniques to tell a story and convey emotion. In this article, we will explore the art of photographic storytelling in still life photography, with a focus on finding inspiration in the mundane, creating dynamic compositions, playing with light and color, exploring textures, and using props to create visual interest and coherence. Still life photography provides a unique challenge to … >>

A photograph of a caucasian man wearing red knit cap in dark room

Capturing emotion, meaning, and revealing truth

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Photography is an art form that allows us to capture a moment in time, freeze it, and convey a message or emotion through an image. As photographers, we have the power to tell stories through our photographs and communicate our perspective on the world. This is the essence of photographic storytelling, a powerful tool that can bring attention to important issues, inspire change, and move people emotionally. But how do we create compelling photographic narratives that convey emotion and meaning? What are the key elements that make a successful visual story? In this article, we will explore the art of … >>

Low-key photograph of sand dunes.

On the edge of darkness: mastering low key photography

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Low key photography is a powerful technique that allows photographers to create moody, dramatic images that play with light and shadow. By using a combination of careful lighting, creative composition, and post-processing techniques, photographers can create stunning images that capture the viewer’s attention and imagination. In this article, we will explore the world of low key photography in more detail. We will provide 10 tips and techniques for capturing stunning low key images, including advice on equipment, subjects, lighting, and post-processing. 1. Understand the basics of low key photography Low key photography is a technique that involves the use of … >>

A perfectly aligned disciplinary formation of cypresses under a red sky and reflected by water in its lower part. Infrared photography allows changing colors giving a surreal look to any photo.

Unlock the surreal world of infrared photography

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Infrared photography is a unique and fascinating approach to capturing the world around us. Unlike traditional photography, infrared photography involves capturing light that is not visible to the naked eye. This creates a surreal and dreamy effect that can be used to capture a wide range of subjects. From landscapes to architecture and even people, infrared photography provides a creative and artistic way to explore the world around us. To capture infrared images, specialized equipment and techniques are required. Most cameras need to be modified to capture infrared light, and specialized infrared filters are used to block visible light and … >>

Photograph of a snow capped mountain under gray clouds, lit by an orange and purple glow.

The beauty of nature: capturing landscapes in creative ways

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Nature is one of the most awe-inspiring subjects for landscape photography. From sweeping vistas to intimate details, the natural world offers endless opportunities for creativity and exploration. But capturing the beauty of nature in a photograph can be challenging. In this article, we will explore 12 tips and techniques for creative landscape photography. 1. Plan your shot Before you head out into the field, take some time to plan your shot. Research the location and the weather conditions. Look for interesting features such as leading lines, patterns, and textures. Consider the time of day and the direction of the light. … >>

Grayscale Photo of Person Wearing Black Pants Walking Across Posts.

Dramatic images: the astonishing interplay of light and shadow

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The interplay between light and shadow can make or break a photograph. A well-placed shadow or a beam of light can turn an otherwise ordinary scene into something dramatic and visually stunning. In this article, we will explore the art of using light and shadow to create compelling photographs. We will cover 10 tips and techniques that will help you elevate your photography to the next level. 1. Understanding light Before we dive into using light and shadow to create dramatic photographs, it is important to understand the nature of light. Light travels in straight lines and illuminates everything in … >>

Photograph of road at night, with automobile headlights and taillights displaying as long red and white streaks.

Dynamism: capturing movement and energy in creative photography

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Capturing movement is an essential aspect of creative photography. It can bring life and energy to your images, adding a dynamic element that draws the viewer in. However, capturing movement in photography can be a challenge. It requires a combination of technical skill and creative vision to freeze a moment in time and convey a sense of motion in your images. In this article, we will explore tips and techniques for using movement in creative photography. From freezing motion to creating intentional blur, we will discuss how to use shutter speed, composition, and other techniques to capture movement in a … >>