Pre-visualization, Getting Lucky, or Cheating? – Evolution of an Image

Ansel Adams, among other photographers, advocated for the use of “pre-visualization,” wherein the photographer has the final print image in mind before he meters, composes, and executes the original exposure in the camera. This purposeful mental exercise is intended to direct the photographer’s efforts to realize an intended photographic outcome, as opposed to merely a serendipitous, or “lucky shot.” While acknowledging the value in making … Continue reading Pre-visualization, Getting Lucky, or Cheating? – Evolution of an Image

Light Painting – Sculpting with Light

On September 5, 2019, I was invited by my local camera club, the Lake County Camera Club (affiliated with the CACCA, the Chicago Area Camera Club Association) to give a  presentation at the monthly meeting on light painting techniques.  I had been experimenting with the light painting methods espoused by Harold Ross, and had entered some images in club competition that evidently  attracted some attention. … Continue reading Light Painting – Sculpting with Light

Film Digitizing Gotcha!

As my earlier posts have noted, I have been exploring various options to digitize my film negatives and slides.  I have an Epson V700 flatbed scanner, a Plustek Opticfilm 120 scanner, and have also tried scanning using a Fuji XT-1 APS-C (16 MP) digital mirrorless camera with both a Leitz BEOON copy stand, and more recently, using a Minolta Copy Stand II.  The scan quality … Continue reading Film Digitizing Gotcha!

Black and White Artistry Class

Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, Michael Kenna, Brett Weston, Sebastio Selgado, Nick Brandt, Cole Thompson – all masters of the art of black and white photography.  How does one find the path to such a level of artistry and hope to join it? From June through August 2017 I participated in a 7 week photography class, “Black and White Artistry,” at the Richard Stromberg Chicago Photography … Continue reading Black and White Artistry Class

Moving from Lightroom CC to Capture One Pro 10

As of last week, I have been transitioning my post-processing workflow from Lightroom CC to Capture One Pro 10.  To a great extent, I was motivated to make this move after reading and listening to a series of blogs and podcasts by Martin Bailey regarding his migration from Lightroom to Capture One Pro. While I have been generally pleased with Lightroom (LR) since I moved … Continue reading Moving from Lightroom CC to Capture One Pro 10