One of my solitary pleasures is to go on long walks and empty my mind by immersing myself in the world around me. I’ve always been captivated by light and how it changes my perception of a place. Starting with the golden light at sunrise where everything looks as if a veil is being lifted. The horizontal rays reveal only the unobstructed pathways much like a gigantic spotlight guides a viewer to certain elements of a scene. Trees, fences and buildings create shadows that redirect my gaze to what is visible. The same place looks much different at noon. Everything is lit. Colours look much different under the bright light of the high noon sun. On overcast days, sun rays are filtered through the clouds which produces a much softer light. Everything has less contrast and seems more moody.
One aspect of light that fascinates me is the atmosphere it creates. I long for peace and quiet and not surprisingly this longing for serenity shows itself in my photography. I aim to capture the atmosphere of a place rather than its exact depiction. A rendition rather than objective reality. But how do you capture a mood? How do you photograph light, wind, warmth, cold and quiet? I’m fascinated by the idea of a rendition. We often say that a photograph immortalize a moment in time or a certain place. I want to remember a feeling. Especially one that invoked a sense of wellbeing and peace: “all is well in the world” moment, one that brings me back to myself and grounds me. How can I capture this with a camera? How can I create an image that captures that feeling?
I do this by slowing down the shutter speed and altering the appearance of moving elements such as clouds, water and light. There is something intriguing about a still image that somehow shows the effect of the passage of time. It is often described as surreal and otherworldly. It creates a mood, an atmosphere that is moving away from objective reality and moving closer to an ambiance that is ethereal, dreamy or even mysterious. I love the uniqueness of each image because it is recording the passage of time in a still frame. The combination of all the elements at play is unrepeatable. The shape of the clouds, the speed of the wind and the size of the waves, all contribute to create distinctive patterns that are an inimitable moment in time.
The motion blur enhances the still objects present in the frame, bringing out the contrast between static objects and moving ones. As the viewer looks at the final image, their brain tries to make sense of the blurry and the discernible. Having these two elements present in the frame highlights their relationship to one another and enhances the story. The emotional response to the image is often a result of this contrast.
This week, I am launching an online photography course titled Capturing the Real and the Imagined. In this course, I invite you to slow down and nurture a visual connection with the world beyond the real.
Find out more about the course at www.CapturingtheRealandtheImagined.com
I hope you will join me.
The details: Is this course right for me?
Whether you’re a beginner or a photography enthusiast, this 5-week online course will cover everything you need to know to understand your camera settings. We will cover how to use your camera in manual mode, learn how to use neutral density filters, get a correct exposure in camera and how to use light and composition to communicate your idea and vision through your photography. Then, we’ll move on to editing techniques using Adobe Lightroom.
The course includes weekly assignments and video lessons.
Module 1:
We’ll start with the foundation: how to set up your camera to get a correct exposure and consistent results. Take your camera out of auto mode and start taking better pictures using your camera in manual mode. We’ll cover everything from camera settings such as white balance, RAW vs JPEG, Bulb Mode and metering to focus mode. The week ends with your first assignment.
Module 2:
This week you’ll learn all about using a slow shutter speed and how to achieve a correct exposure when using a neutral density filter (ND filter). You don’t need a ND filter before the class starts. I’m happy to make recommendations and I’ll be sharing information on the ones I’m using. We’ll talk about gear options along with what can help you achieve the best image in camera. This module includes a quiz and a photography assignment.
Module 3:
In this week, I will walk you through my workflow. A step-by-step guide to capture the best image when using a slow shutter speed. I will share my tips and technique on how to get a the most out of your camera. This week ends with a photography assignment to practice your new skill.
Module 4:
This week, we’ll dive into the art of observation and broadening your ability to capture a scene. We’ll discuss the creative process and technical elements that guides the viewer and helps you communicate your vision. We’ll cover our choice of lens, focal length, depth of field and components of composition. The assignment invites you to study your work and nurture your inner artist.
Module 5:
In this module, I will show you how I edit my photographs in Lightroom to add depth and contrast. If you don’t already have Lightroom, Adobe has a 7 day free trial and you can wait until you’re at module 5 to start your free trial.
Each module has a photography assignment. I will be providing feedback every week on your work and custom audio/video based on student’s questions.
No prior experience is necessary – the simple exercises and tips will get you up and running with your camera in no time!
What you’ll get:
- eBook: a 78-page PDF to get you started
- Weekly instructor-led Q&A and support. Custom audios/videos based on student Q&A
- Individual assignment feedback and critique
- Videos: 9 videos on the topics covered in the eBook
- Bonus material: how to photograph fireworks using a slow shutter speed
You still have access to the course material after the 5-week course ends. That way you can review, practice and continue learning at your own pace.
Prerequisites: students must have a DSLR or mirrorless camera.
This course is for you if …
- You are looking to expand your skill-set and get consistent results with your camera,
- You want to broaden your art and boost your creativity, or
- You aim to capture images that stand out.
You will learn to utilize a slow shutter speed to create evocative imagery. You will also learn to use neutral density filters and further explore the exposure triangle to create images that reflect your artistic vision. Each module includes an exercise to promote active learning and put into practice your new skills.
Do you have a friend who is interested in learning photography? Feel free to share this blog post with them.