Greetings, volks. Welcome to Hohenfels Volks, THE place for our place! A lovely afternoon spent taking photos made for an end of day ritual worth participating in.
Today we’re going to post some photography quotes followed by a quick thought from Hohenfels Volks. I hope you’ll find something to inspire you here!
Beauty can be seen in all things, seeing and composing the beauty is what separates the snapshot from the photograph. – Matt Hardy
Remembering the inherent beauty in things can help change how you view a scene and aid in your visualization!
Nothing happens when you sit at home. I always make it a point to carry a camera with me at all times…I just shoot at what interests me at that moment. – Elliott Erwitt
There are always photographic opportunities, the train station, the drive home, and even the quick dash out for milk. Maybe it’s a sunset or some interesting clouds, visualize, meter, and shoot it!
There is nothing worse than a brilliant image of a fuzzy concept. Ansel Adams
Remember, your photos should have some coherence in the composition. It takes a good photo and makes it great!
In photography, there is a reality so subtle that it becomes more real than reality. Alfred Stieglitz
The object of taking a photo doesn’t always include a literal rendering of the scene, but a rendering of what you intended!
Food for thought is something we all need form time to time. Keeping our inspiration and thinking fed nourishes ideas and creativity. Feed yours today; see how creative you can be.
I’m hoping to post another ride along shot tomorrow, so stay tuned for that one!
Don’t forget to post any of your images you’d like to see here at the Hohenfels Volks Facebook page. Of course, commenting on both Facebook and here is always appreciated, too! Don't forget, we're on Google+, too!
Showing posts with label inspire. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspire. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Reviewing Composition and Inspiration
Greetings, volks. Welcome to Hohenfels Volks, THE place for our place! W-w-w-w-welcome to our review of composition and inspiration.
Today’s review of these things will show how they can work together, as well as refresh us on the topic.
Let’s start with some of the basics of composition. Remember the rule of thirds? Well, there are other guidelines, like the Golden Triangle, and Golden Mean, or Spiral. When we look at 35mm film, and most of our digital sensors, we find that they are 1.5 to 1 in their aspect ratio. The golden Ratio is 1.618 to 1. The dimensions of 35mm are 36mmx24mm. Oskar Barnack of Leitz chose this. By doubling the size of 24mmx18mm motion picture film, he created 35mm film as we know it. Using his film, Leitz created a camera to use it, but production didn’t begin until around 1924. Thus was born the Leica, Leitz Camera. Since his creation of the format for photography, the dimensions have been standard.
By splitting each dimension into thirds, and using those junctions as focal points for your center of interest, you can create nice compositions. This is the rule of thirds. By taking a line from one corner of the frame toward the center, and another extending from corner to corner, you create 3 triangles and can use those to position your center of interest. You can also use them to give weight to your primary subject. By following these rules to a certain point, composing your image becomes a visual exercise in balance, detail, and subject weight. It also allows your to create some interesting photos that will impress even the most die hard see and snapper. These rules are not set in stone, in fact, they are quite flexible. For instance, when shooting something that has converging parallels, it may be best to center the parallels at the bottom center and have them run straight through the frame. The secret to breaking the rules and being successful is knowing why it worked and why you did it.
Some other tips for your composition include not making your horizon centered in your image. It makes for a static scene. Diagonals make a scene dynamic, while curves add grace and elegance. Straight lines across or from top to bottom are very static, having almost no “flow.” Circles are a great tool to lead the viewer into and through the image. Remember that leading lines don’t have to be lines or shapes, but the feeling or implication of lines or shapes. They lead your viewer through your scene, and increase interest in your subject.
Now on to inspiration. What inspires you? What is your muse, your source, the wellspring from which you draw photographic inspiration? Almost all of us are inspired by more than 1 thing. There are times my daughter is my muse, and others; it may be a shaft of light or my wife. I find inspiration in the strangest places and often at strange times.
You don’t have to go looking for inspiration, either. It often strikes unexpectedly. Reading a blog post the other day, I found myself hit by the desire to try something similar to what the author had done. When you get an inspiration for a shot, start out visualizing your composition and lighting. By visualizing those 2 things, you can get a stronger image that will hold the viewer longer. By being open to inspiration, you can get more shots that you like. Take the time to look around you, not for inspiration, but to see the light, the colors, the textures, and the patterns. Seeing them may start the cogs turning toward something that inspires you. Often just looking at something my daughter has inspires a shot of her using it! Her checked coat may make me want to catch the pattern in some way that it brings out a feature of her. Don’t look for inspiration in trying to put others down, but look for it in things that make you feel good, and you’ll usually find it without looking too hard.
For both of today’s review subjects, you can find a wealth of information, and inspiration, on the net. Check out our links and you’ll be surprised at what you find. Look at the Your Works section, and check out the works of our followers, you’ll find something there that appeals to you!
After our 2 posts reviewing some of the basics, you should be ready to get some shots for this week’s theme, Solitude. Look around and find something that inspires your creativity, and visualize your light and composition. Knowing what you want to show, you can get your exposure right, and have a great shot. I hope you’ll be posting yours this week, and get your vote tallied for next week’s theme!
Don’t forget to post any of your images you’d like to see here at the Hohenfels Volks Facebook page. Of course, commenting on both Facebook and here is always appreciated, too!
Today’s review of these things will show how they can work together, as well as refresh us on the topic.
Let’s start with some of the basics of composition. Remember the rule of thirds? Well, there are other guidelines, like the Golden Triangle, and Golden Mean, or Spiral. When we look at 35mm film, and most of our digital sensors, we find that they are 1.5 to 1 in their aspect ratio. The golden Ratio is 1.618 to 1. The dimensions of 35mm are 36mmx24mm. Oskar Barnack of Leitz chose this. By doubling the size of 24mmx18mm motion picture film, he created 35mm film as we know it. Using his film, Leitz created a camera to use it, but production didn’t begin until around 1924. Thus was born the Leica, Leitz Camera. Since his creation of the format for photography, the dimensions have been standard.
By splitting each dimension into thirds, and using those junctions as focal points for your center of interest, you can create nice compositions. This is the rule of thirds. By taking a line from one corner of the frame toward the center, and another extending from corner to corner, you create 3 triangles and can use those to position your center of interest. You can also use them to give weight to your primary subject. By following these rules to a certain point, composing your image becomes a visual exercise in balance, detail, and subject weight. It also allows your to create some interesting photos that will impress even the most die hard see and snapper. These rules are not set in stone, in fact, they are quite flexible. For instance, when shooting something that has converging parallels, it may be best to center the parallels at the bottom center and have them run straight through the frame. The secret to breaking the rules and being successful is knowing why it worked and why you did it.
Some other tips for your composition include not making your horizon centered in your image. It makes for a static scene. Diagonals make a scene dynamic, while curves add grace and elegance. Straight lines across or from top to bottom are very static, having almost no “flow.” Circles are a great tool to lead the viewer into and through the image. Remember that leading lines don’t have to be lines or shapes, but the feeling or implication of lines or shapes. They lead your viewer through your scene, and increase interest in your subject.
Now on to inspiration. What inspires you? What is your muse, your source, the wellspring from which you draw photographic inspiration? Almost all of us are inspired by more than 1 thing. There are times my daughter is my muse, and others; it may be a shaft of light or my wife. I find inspiration in the strangest places and often at strange times.
You don’t have to go looking for inspiration, either. It often strikes unexpectedly. Reading a blog post the other day, I found myself hit by the desire to try something similar to what the author had done. When you get an inspiration for a shot, start out visualizing your composition and lighting. By visualizing those 2 things, you can get a stronger image that will hold the viewer longer. By being open to inspiration, you can get more shots that you like. Take the time to look around you, not for inspiration, but to see the light, the colors, the textures, and the patterns. Seeing them may start the cogs turning toward something that inspires you. Often just looking at something my daughter has inspires a shot of her using it! Her checked coat may make me want to catch the pattern in some way that it brings out a feature of her. Don’t look for inspiration in trying to put others down, but look for it in things that make you feel good, and you’ll usually find it without looking too hard.
For both of today’s review subjects, you can find a wealth of information, and inspiration, on the net. Check out our links and you’ll be surprised at what you find. Look at the Your Works section, and check out the works of our followers, you’ll find something there that appeals to you!
After our 2 posts reviewing some of the basics, you should be ready to get some shots for this week’s theme, Solitude. Look around and find something that inspires your creativity, and visualize your light and composition. Knowing what you want to show, you can get your exposure right, and have a great shot. I hope you’ll be posting yours this week, and get your vote tallied for next week’s theme!
Don’t forget to post any of your images you’d like to see here at the Hohenfels Volks Facebook page. Of course, commenting on both Facebook and here is always appreciated, too!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
A Quick shot
Greetings, volks. Welcome to Hohenfels Volks, THE place for our place! Today is going to be short and sweet.
Today I was reading a post at DIY Photography about someone shooting a photo through their old MF viewfinder. They had a great pic, so I thought I’d try it out.
When I got home, I set up some of my old timers and started to work on getting an image I could live with. After a lot of trial and error, I ended up with the image you see below. I like the dark tones and the way the image in the viewfinder of this WWII era TLR pop out of the dark without the distraction of color or too much brightness.
ISO 800, f/4, 1/60, 47mm
A shot in the dark. Low light and a wide aperture draw your eye to the image on the TLR's ground glass.
I posted this image to show you how inspiration can be found anywhere. Keep your eyes and mind open, and BOOM, you get the thought that launches your photography session for at least a day or 2.
Here’s hoping that some great inspiration comes your way! It’ll help with this week’s theme! Get clicking and posting. Have a great week!
Don’t forget to post any of your images you’d like to see here at the Hohenfels Volks Facebook page. Of course, commenting on both Facebook and here is always appreciated, too!
Today I was reading a post at DIY Photography about someone shooting a photo through their old MF viewfinder. They had a great pic, so I thought I’d try it out.
When I got home, I set up some of my old timers and started to work on getting an image I could live with. After a lot of trial and error, I ended up with the image you see below. I like the dark tones and the way the image in the viewfinder of this WWII era TLR pop out of the dark without the distraction of color or too much brightness.
ISO 800, f/4, 1/60, 47mm
A shot in the dark. Low light and a wide aperture draw your eye to the image on the TLR's ground glass.
I posted this image to show you how inspiration can be found anywhere. Keep your eyes and mind open, and BOOM, you get the thought that launches your photography session for at least a day or 2.
Here’s hoping that some great inspiration comes your way! It’ll help with this week’s theme! Get clicking and posting. Have a great week!
Don’t forget to post any of your images you’d like to see here at the Hohenfels Volks Facebook page. Of course, commenting on both Facebook and here is always appreciated, too!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Exposure and Exposing?
Greetings, Hohenfels, welcome to Hohenfels Volks, THE place for our place. Monday in Hohenfels, the start of a new week, finds the children going to school, the adults going to work or the fields, and the rest of us going in 10 different directions.
Of course, here in Hohenfels, Monday also means another theme. Based on the voting, this week’s theme will be “Expose Yourself (Umm, NOT like that!),” with 50% of the votes. 50% sounds so much nicer than 3 votes. This week, we should get a lot more votes, and a lot more participation, I hope!
The purpose of last week’s theme was to see the light, the way light moves, and the way it rises and falls. I hope, even if you didn’t participate, you were able to do some work with lighting. One of the tips I offered was to place an IPad with a white screen under a semi-transparent bowl. The bowl creates a half dome, allowing for easier viewing of the “bubble” created by the light. This “bubble” is not so much a thing you see, but something you notice in the way it interacts with the scene. I’ll have more about the nature of light and what I call “the bubble effect” in another post.
Moving on to this week’s theme, it should be easier than last week’s! At least, it should be somewhat easier. Because photography is an art, this week’s theme deals less with the technical side, and more with the expressive and artistic side of photography. This is where it may be harder, too. Because to do a shot that meets this week’s theme, "Expose Yourself (Umm, NOT like that!)," means injecting your self into the image. Notice how I separated yourself into 2 distinct words here, your self. By injecting your self into an image, you can create an impact with your photos and control the reaction of the viewer.
Here are some thoughts to make it easier for you to Expose Yourself. One way is to think of that which you value, it may be a possession, a person, or an ideal. Some ideas are a family member, the relationship you share with a special friend, integrity, hard work, and liberty, just something positive in which you place high stock. Think about how that which you value makes you feel, and how you can best show, and share, the feeling you get. The key here is not to be in or part of the image, beyond its creation.
Perhaps your memories of long ago Christmases with family gathering, and the smell of the tree can bring a feeling to you like nothing else. Share that feeling by creating an image that represents the memories. Maybe you hate the way the politicians use the commoditization of poverty to stay in power; it really gets your goat to see people enslaved to the greed of the powerful elite. Capture something that shows that, that shows us the way these people bring you down, that makes us angry right beside you. Of course, it could just be as simple as that magnificent golden pink glow as the sun sets over an idyllic village somewhere in the heart of Bavaria. Tinged with light pinks, purples, and bold fiery reds, the sunset made you feel like the magic of childhood. Share that feeling!
The most important thing for this week is to bring your feelings to fruition through your work, to share that feeling and moment with us, to make us feel something you felt when you viewed the scene before taking the image, to wow us the way you were wowed. Now doesn’t that make you feel better than what you were expecting when you saw “Expose Yourself” as one of the choices?
Remember to cast your vote for next week’s theme. Don’t forget to get your pics posted at the Hohenfels Volks Facebook page. Of course, commenting on both Facebook and here is always appreciated, too!
Of course, here in Hohenfels, Monday also means another theme. Based on the voting, this week’s theme will be “Expose Yourself (Umm, NOT like that!),” with 50% of the votes. 50% sounds so much nicer than 3 votes. This week, we should get a lot more votes, and a lot more participation, I hope!
The purpose of last week’s theme was to see the light, the way light moves, and the way it rises and falls. I hope, even if you didn’t participate, you were able to do some work with lighting. One of the tips I offered was to place an IPad with a white screen under a semi-transparent bowl. The bowl creates a half dome, allowing for easier viewing of the “bubble” created by the light. This “bubble” is not so much a thing you see, but something you notice in the way it interacts with the scene. I’ll have more about the nature of light and what I call “the bubble effect” in another post.
Moving on to this week’s theme, it should be easier than last week’s! At least, it should be somewhat easier. Because photography is an art, this week’s theme deals less with the technical side, and more with the expressive and artistic side of photography. This is where it may be harder, too. Because to do a shot that meets this week’s theme, "Expose Yourself (Umm, NOT like that!)," means injecting your self into the image. Notice how I separated yourself into 2 distinct words here, your self. By injecting your self into an image, you can create an impact with your photos and control the reaction of the viewer.
Here are some thoughts to make it easier for you to Expose Yourself. One way is to think of that which you value, it may be a possession, a person, or an ideal. Some ideas are a family member, the relationship you share with a special friend, integrity, hard work, and liberty, just something positive in which you place high stock. Think about how that which you value makes you feel, and how you can best show, and share, the feeling you get. The key here is not to be in or part of the image, beyond its creation.
Perhaps your memories of long ago Christmases with family gathering, and the smell of the tree can bring a feeling to you like nothing else. Share that feeling by creating an image that represents the memories. Maybe you hate the way the politicians use the commoditization of poverty to stay in power; it really gets your goat to see people enslaved to the greed of the powerful elite. Capture something that shows that, that shows us the way these people bring you down, that makes us angry right beside you. Of course, it could just be as simple as that magnificent golden pink glow as the sun sets over an idyllic village somewhere in the heart of Bavaria. Tinged with light pinks, purples, and bold fiery reds, the sunset made you feel like the magic of childhood. Share that feeling!
The most important thing for this week is to bring your feelings to fruition through your work, to share that feeling and moment with us, to make us feel something you felt when you viewed the scene before taking the image, to wow us the way you were wowed. Now doesn’t that make you feel better than what you were expecting when you saw “Expose Yourself” as one of the choices?
Remember to cast your vote for next week’s theme. Don’t forget to get your pics posted at the Hohenfels Volks Facebook page. Of course, commenting on both Facebook and here is always appreciated, too!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
What's Your Muse?
Welcome to another Hohenfels Volks entry. The Hohenfels area has lots to inspire, so let’s explore inspiration some more.
When we refer to a person’s “muse,” we’re talking about something that inspires them or gives them a source of inspiration from which they draw upon to create their art. For most of us, especially parents, that muse is a person. My daughter is one of mine, and she loves it! She loves being the center of attention when we’re out taking photos. Nevertheless, Muses take many forms. Let’s explore some.
As I said, our children and families can really become a great source of inspiration. Documenting our lives with a little creativity and inspiration can be more than just an exercise in snapping some pics. Adding some vision, depth, and inspiration can make it a great way to practice your photography, and make your memories that much more enjoyable. Have fun and be inspired by your loved ones! Let their habits and quirks become a source of inspiration and creativity for your work. Showing a loved one’s offbeat style in different ways can create some nice images and lead to some fun conversations in the process. Explore the muses your family presents. You’ll be amazed at the opportunities you find for some great pics!
Places can be great sources for inspiration. Maybe it’s the town church and all its attendant glories; maybe it’s the local watering hole on darts night. There are probably some muses in the places you visit, you just haven’t noticed. Perhaps you always wanted to take a pic at the local gasthof or some other place. Bring your camera along, it can’t hurt, and you might walk away with something that inspires others to visit. Take a pic at the church when no one is present from a different angle. If it’s something folks don’t see everyday, and you’ve used your tools right, you could have a treasure in your camera! Be inspired by where you go, and you’ll see things anew.
A place doesn’t just mean buildings, either. Perhaps you like to go somewhere with a particular view that you love! Bring your camera and share that reason for going there. Share your love of the view, or whatever draws you there. Be it a hillside, the forest, or your own back yard, get out, and photograph it. Remember to visualize your scene and compose it in the right manner before you click the shutter!
Viewing old works of art can lead to new discoveries for your work. Perhaps you’d like to try photographing a scene from an old painting, give it a try. Let the muse loose and you can make a great scene that reminds folks of the art you admire.
Inspiration can be anywhere, and everywhere. It strikes anywhere and everywhere. A glance stolen between two strangers you observed in the train station, the way your wife or husband smiles at you, the nervous hand holding of your child, perhaps the sunset over the local castle ruins, anything, anywhere can be inspiring. Keep your camera with you and ready. Make sure you’re not riding on Auto mode, and keep your composition clean. You’ll bag some trophies and find the world has taken on a new look for you!
So, what (or who,) is your MUSE? Show us at the Hohenfels Volks Facebook page and share the inspiration! You may bring someone over to your side and introduce them to a new muse!
Remember; leave your comments and questions here and on our Facebook pages, also.
Thanks to all of you, have a great day!
When we refer to a person’s “muse,” we’re talking about something that inspires them or gives them a source of inspiration from which they draw upon to create their art. For most of us, especially parents, that muse is a person. My daughter is one of mine, and she loves it! She loves being the center of attention when we’re out taking photos. Nevertheless, Muses take many forms. Let’s explore some.
As I said, our children and families can really become a great source of inspiration. Documenting our lives with a little creativity and inspiration can be more than just an exercise in snapping some pics. Adding some vision, depth, and inspiration can make it a great way to practice your photography, and make your memories that much more enjoyable. Have fun and be inspired by your loved ones! Let their habits and quirks become a source of inspiration and creativity for your work. Showing a loved one’s offbeat style in different ways can create some nice images and lead to some fun conversations in the process. Explore the muses your family presents. You’ll be amazed at the opportunities you find for some great pics!
Places can be great sources for inspiration. Maybe it’s the town church and all its attendant glories; maybe it’s the local watering hole on darts night. There are probably some muses in the places you visit, you just haven’t noticed. Perhaps you always wanted to take a pic at the local gasthof or some other place. Bring your camera along, it can’t hurt, and you might walk away with something that inspires others to visit. Take a pic at the church when no one is present from a different angle. If it’s something folks don’t see everyday, and you’ve used your tools right, you could have a treasure in your camera! Be inspired by where you go, and you’ll see things anew.
A place doesn’t just mean buildings, either. Perhaps you like to go somewhere with a particular view that you love! Bring your camera and share that reason for going there. Share your love of the view, or whatever draws you there. Be it a hillside, the forest, or your own back yard, get out, and photograph it. Remember to visualize your scene and compose it in the right manner before you click the shutter!
Viewing old works of art can lead to new discoveries for your work. Perhaps you’d like to try photographing a scene from an old painting, give it a try. Let the muse loose and you can make a great scene that reminds folks of the art you admire.
Inspiration can be anywhere, and everywhere. It strikes anywhere and everywhere. A glance stolen between two strangers you observed in the train station, the way your wife or husband smiles at you, the nervous hand holding of your child, perhaps the sunset over the local castle ruins, anything, anywhere can be inspiring. Keep your camera with you and ready. Make sure you’re not riding on Auto mode, and keep your composition clean. You’ll bag some trophies and find the world has taken on a new look for you!
So, what (or who,) is your MUSE? Show us at the Hohenfels Volks Facebook page and share the inspiration! You may bring someone over to your side and introduce them to a new muse!
Remember; leave your comments and questions here and on our Facebook pages, also.
Thanks to all of you, have a great day!
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