mini-lesson one: seeing differently

Renowned photographer Diane Arbus once said, "I really believe there are things nobody would see if I didn't photograph them."

Anyone can take a picture, so this week and going forward I want you to focus on making an image that gives something back to the viewer.  Now, there is no formula for this, but I will give you some suggestions in this mini-lesson to put into practice.  In addition to following the basic rules of composition, you can turn a photograph into an image by showing the viewer a new way to look at something familiar.

Check out this example below of the Charlotte skyline.  I could have photographed the cityscape in a straightforward manner, but everyone does that.  To be honest, I wasn't even interested in photographing the skyline, but as I was exploring this strip of industrial buildings, I walked past this window and caught a glimpse of the scene in its reflection.  I decided to snap a few images and this is what I got.

Reflections are fun to play with in photography, so try it out for yourself this week.  Look for interesting relationships between what is beyond the window and what is being reflected in it.  And windows are not the only reflective surface that you can explore with - keep an eye out for small puddles, wet streets, ponds, lakes, etc. You can also photograph the reflection without framing the image with any indication of the source.  For example, in the image below, I could have cropped in on just the reflection of the skyline to create a more abstract effect.  Just give it a try - you never know!

Charlotte Skyline, Nikon D3000

new year, new projects

Grandfather Mt, Nikon D3000

As the month of January comes to a quick (and cold) close, I feel a sense of urgency to begin a few of my new year resolutions: creating new work, completing my book proposal, and writing this blog.

I am a graduate of Watkins College of Art, Design & Film in Nashville, TN, with a BFA in Photography.  I began teaching photography as an undergrad through community education programs at Watkins College and Vanderbilt University's Sarratt Art Studios.  I have led classes on alternative processes, Polaroid emulsion lifts/transfers, Holga plastic cameras, lighting, Photoshop, and digital photography - to name a modest few.

Currently, I live in Charlotte, NC.  I moved here for a job with Citizen Schools to work with middle-schoolers in creative hands-on learning projects in an after school environment.  I also teach an Intro to Digital Photography: Point-and-Shoot Camera class on Saturdays at The Light Factory in uptown's Spirit Square.

My first session of 2011 began yesterday, but there is still time to sign up for the March class which runs March 19, 26 and April 2.

During my time as a photography instructor, I have taken great pride in providing people with the knowledge and confidence to express themselves through photography without needing expensive equipment.  I have recently decided to try to expand my reach in photography education by writing a simple, convenient, fun-to-read photography guide for compact camera users in addition to maintaining this complementary blog.  I am very excited about this project, and I thank you for your support in following me here!

Welcome to my photography blog - please stay tuned for future posts including helpful tips, ideas for projects, interesting articles and more.