Creative Flash

Reflection

Exhibits

The Peabody exhibit will be coming to an end Nov. 30th. The photographs from this exhibit and the ACPL exhibit will be at the meeting Dec 4th please come to pick them up. The next exhibit is Jan 5th. at the Dash IN. This exhibit is our only one that has a theme.....Downtown Fort Wayne.......and there will be room for about 30 or less photographs. This is the best time for members that participated in the Fort Wayne walk back in August to show thier best images. The deadline to get them in this exhibit is Dec 18th. Contact George to let him know if you will enter prints for this exhibit. The next event will be our Second Annual Regional Photography Competition, which will take place in early April.

December Meeting

Our next meeting is Thursday Dec. 4th at 7:30pm. Members start getting your prints ready and visitors come see what your missing.

POP

This image was taken at our last workshop. The sound of the popping ballon set off the flash. The image was recorded before the water had a chance to fall. Great fun!!

Clipping Path in Photoshop

When you have a photo you want to clip the background out of, especially one that involves fine detail like hair, there are several ways this can be achieved.

1) Create a path with the pen tool

2) Use the magic wand

3) Use the color select feature

4) Use a plug-in

5) Use the channel method

I prefer to use the channel method. I feel this gives good results with the built in features of photoshop with out having to buy additional plug-ins.

What is your prefered method and why?

Brian Rowe

Hosta

The graphic elements in this hosta leaf are what makes this photo work. Back lighting was used to make the design in the leaf more visible.

Backdrops - Real or Digital

When shooting portraits, which type of backdrop do you prefer real or digital and why? There are benefits and drawbacks of both, lets hear your thoughts.

Brian Rowe

Opinion

It's my opinion that the use of photoshop is not much different than the use of the darkroom of the past. Yes you can do much more with photoshop. Yes what may have taken hours in the darkroom how takes minutes with photoshop. I also believe the main use of photoshop is to enhance an image and not totally change it.
As far as I know, the vision of the photographer starts in the camera and it's the vision of the photographer that continues to photoshop.

George

Question

Why do some photographers object to making an image with photoshop?

You don't take a photograph, you make it.

I like to take this quote by the spirit of it...

You don't take a photograph, you make it.

- Ansel Adams

With that quote in mind, my love of photography and technology combine. With the advent of Photoshop and digital photography, I like to look beyond what I see in the view finder and imagine what the final photo could look like. 

Take this shot for example...

This shot as is really does not say much, and lacks a solid point of interest. How would you improve this shot? There are many things the photographer could do to enhance the outcome of this shot from a composition and exposure standpoint, but would the outcome speak to you?

This is a shot that I took from the balcony of our condo on Hilton Head Island one night. What I was trying to capture was the moon light hitting the water. From there I just let my imagination take over.

I saw this shot as a surreal or mystic scene. A little change in the orientation, color of the lighting with some stars, and a sail boat to pull you in.

Now I'm not saying this is a prize winning photo, or that it would speak to everyone, but rather to use your imagination! Do your best when shooting a photo to compose it, and check your exposure, but when you download your photos after you get home from vacation, don't trash the shots that may not be "perfect" look deep into them and see them for what they could be.

You don't take a photograph, you make it.

To see more before and after shots, check out my Flickr site.

As a side note: this photo "Midnight Sail" did take 3rd place in the Creative Category at the Club's Sept 2007 print competition.

Brian Rowe

The Gap

Thank you to whoever closed the gap! Maybe it closed itself? Maybe it comes and goes on it's own?

Question

There is a large blank space between two postings, which makes it seam like you have come to the end but you haven't. Can anyone explain why and how to fix it.??

Monument Valley Floor

This shot was taken when the sun was somewhat low in the sky. It brings out the detail in the earth of the valley floor. It produces the shadows that you see. During the afternoon sun this same scene would look very flat. This is Monument Valley, USA

On the Move

This image was taken after dark while driving. You can set the camera on the dash while holding it, or on top of the steering wheel, or just hold it. Try to use a wide angle lens(wider the better). Play with the exposure until you get what you like and have Fun. Needless to say please be carefull......driving always comes first. Never review your shots while driving.

Question

"Why do you like or even love photography?"

The Daily Dose: Fort Wayne Photographer's Club

The Daily Dose: Fort Wayne Photographer's Club

That's close enough!!

This is a "baldface Hornet" making sure I don't get too close. They build their nest in a birdhouse on my back deck. They do not bother anyone as long as you don't bother them. They come back each year. I took this image with a 180mm macro lens at a distance of about 2 feet.

Question

Why would you want to buy a new camera if you don't know how to use the one you have?

Sunset with a Twist

Here's something you don't see every day. This could be an example of being in the right place at the right time. Remember to visit our website for much more. http://www.fwphotoclub.com/

Please add any comments you might have.

Be Creative

Question: Is this reflection in water?????

No: This is a reflection on the top of my truck! It was taken by setting the camera on the truck. I used a wide angle (10mm) lens to get this look. BE CREATIVE!

Your Thoughts

Question: Does better equipment make you a better photographer?

Fort Wayne Photographers Club

Visit our next meeting, December 4th at 7:30pm. Visit our website for the location and directions. Everyone is welcome. http://www.fwphotoclub.com/

This is fall in Indiana. This photo was taken, 10-23-08 during early morning light to produce the long shadows and bright deep colors. Location, Fort Wayne IN.