Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Not for Prime-Time Viewing
If you read my blog at work, you might want to hold off reading this one until you get home and the kids are asleep.
Just like I had to do when I edited the photos.
Go ahead. I'll wait.
Actually, this post is safe: just don't click the links unless you're in a safe environment.
For a couple of months, I have been a member of an Ottawa photography group and have been focusing on learning how to work in a studio, with lighting and a model. The shots from my first shoot can be seen here; the second shoot, here.
But I won't be posting my photos for my most-recent photo shoot on The Brown Knowser.
The theme of the shoot was "Low Key Bodyscapes." As the details of the shoot stated:
I'm not naive and I'm certainly not a prude: I saw one of the sample photos from the event description and I figured that there might be some nudity or implied nudity. I'm not a stranger to nude photography: I've taken some in my youth (who hasn't in one form or another?) and when I worked in a camera store, I learned about several photo styles and methods.
In my years of photo experience, I've seen my share of nude photos.
But it wasn't until I showed up at the last shoot that I learned, as the model set up, that this was a nude photo shoot.
No "wardrobe;" few "fabrics."
I approached this shoot like the other two before. I treated the model with dignity and respect. The organizer of the event is an experienced photographer and a great teacher. Having worked with this model before, he was able to assist both her and the other photographers.
Thankfully, I wasn't the only novice: one person was also attending his first nude shoot; the other newbie was there, at his very first studio shoot.
We used two backgrounds: white and black. We used the white background to achieve a wash effect, getting the light to blend with the model's skin. We also had her use a sheer, white curtain to play with the light.
For the black background, we used low light to cast shadows across the model's body, creating interesting landscapes. We also created interesting shadows and contours. While we could use a low-powered flash with this darkened shoot, I preferred shooting without a flash, using only the steady lighting of the diffused soft boxes.
I was thinking that I would post a photo or two on my blog, but decided against it. For now. I'm okay with using occasional foul language, when appropriate (is there such a thing?), but I don't know if I want to post nude images on The Brown Knowser.
No matter how artistic I think they are.
But if you want to view the photos, I've added four to my 500px photo page. And there are some on the page for the photo meetup.
Go if you'd like, but as I said: do so at home, maybe tonight. The photos are not for prime-time viewing.
I would appreciate any feedback you might have, good or bad.
Just like I had to do when I edited the photos.
Go ahead. I'll wait.
Actually, this post is safe: just don't click the links unless you're in a safe environment.
For a couple of months, I have been a member of an Ottawa photography group and have been focusing on learning how to work in a studio, with lighting and a model. The shots from my first shoot can be seen here; the second shoot, here.
But I won't be posting my photos for my most-recent photo shoot on The Brown Knowser.
The theme of the shoot was "Low Key Bodyscapes." As the details of the shoot stated:
Images will be shot on a black background with various wardrobe and fabrics to provide for a variety of portfolio shots. To enhance learning attendees can participate in creating lighting set ups that could include, rim lighting or simple 1 or 2 light set ups. [sic]I'm interested in taking photos in various light situations, and I've been wanting to experiment with rim lighting—applying light in such a way as to create dark shadows and light on the outer edges of the subject.
I'm not naive and I'm certainly not a prude: I saw one of the sample photos from the event description and I figured that there might be some nudity or implied nudity. I'm not a stranger to nude photography: I've taken some in my youth (who hasn't in one form or another?) and when I worked in a camera store, I learned about several photo styles and methods.
In my years of photo experience, I've seen my share of nude photos.
But it wasn't until I showed up at the last shoot that I learned, as the model set up, that this was a nude photo shoot.
No "wardrobe;" few "fabrics."
I approached this shoot like the other two before. I treated the model with dignity and respect. The organizer of the event is an experienced photographer and a great teacher. Having worked with this model before, he was able to assist both her and the other photographers.
Thankfully, I wasn't the only novice: one person was also attending his first nude shoot; the other newbie was there, at his very first studio shoot.
We used two backgrounds: white and black. We used the white background to achieve a wash effect, getting the light to blend with the model's skin. We also had her use a sheer, white curtain to play with the light.
For the black background, we used low light to cast shadows across the model's body, creating interesting landscapes. We also created interesting shadows and contours. While we could use a low-powered flash with this darkened shoot, I preferred shooting without a flash, using only the steady lighting of the diffused soft boxes.
I was thinking that I would post a photo or two on my blog, but decided against it. For now. I'm okay with using occasional foul language, when appropriate (is there such a thing?), but I don't know if I want to post nude images on The Brown Knowser.
No matter how artistic I think they are.
But if you want to view the photos, I've added four to my 500px photo page. And there are some on the page for the photo meetup.
Go if you'd like, but as I said: do so at home, maybe tonight. The photos are not for prime-time viewing.
I would appreciate any feedback you might have, good or bad.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Where In Ottawa: January 2013
Happy New Year!
Not only is this the first Where In Ottawa challenge of 2013, it also falls on the birthday of a wonderful person: Happy Birthday to Miriam L.
Miriam and I have never met in real life but I have known her for a couple of years online and I think that if we lived in the same city, we'd be best buddies. From her taste in music (she and I could quote lyrics from The Smiths all day long) to her writing style, and to our mutual view on the lost spirit of Christmas, we have a lot in common.
When I learned that Miriam's birthday was to fall on the first Monday in January, I promised her that I would keep her in mind when I chose the location for my Where In Ottawa challenge. Eventually, Miriam plans to visit our city, and when she does I would like to show her one of my favourite spots in the entire Ottawa-Gatineau region.
Your job, dear readers, is to identify that location. To that end, here is this month's photo, dedicated to my virtual friend:
And here are the rules:
And if you don't already follow Miriam—on Twitter or her running blog—do so. Tell her that I sent you.
Update: Where In Ottawa has been solved for January. Congratulations to Christine Brown of Toronto (no relation, but we know each other: we went to school together from grades 7 to 9).
To see the location, tune in to this week's Wordless Wednesday.
Not only is this the first Where In Ottawa challenge of 2013, it also falls on the birthday of a wonderful person: Happy Birthday to Miriam L.
Miriam and I have never met in real life but I have known her for a couple of years online and I think that if we lived in the same city, we'd be best buddies. From her taste in music (she and I could quote lyrics from The Smiths all day long) to her writing style, and to our mutual view on the lost spirit of Christmas, we have a lot in common.
When I learned that Miriam's birthday was to fall on the first Monday in January, I promised her that I would keep her in mind when I chose the location for my Where In Ottawa challenge. Eventually, Miriam plans to visit our city, and when she does I would like to show her one of my favourite spots in the entire Ottawa-Gatineau region.
Your job, dear readers, is to identify that location. To that end, here is this month's photo, dedicated to my virtual friend:
And here are the rules:
- When you have identified this location (and be as specific as possible), leave your answer in the Comments section for this post. No e-mail messages, tweets, or Facebook posts will be accepted.
- If you have already won a Where In Ottawa challenge, you can still play to earn bragging rights, but no giveaway will be awarded. You already have it anyway.
- If you have been to this location with me at any time, you are ineligible to play. You have an unfair advantage.
- You can guess as many times as you like.
And if you don't already follow Miriam—on Twitter or her running blog—do so. Tell her that I sent you.
Update: Where In Ottawa has been solved for January. Congratulations to Christine Brown of Toronto (no relation, but we know each other: we went to school together from grades 7 to 9).
To see the location, tune in to this week's Wordless Wednesday.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Rewind: December 31, 2012 to January 4, 2013
Well, it's almost over: my holiday break. And it's wrapping up with a fizzle.
During the Christmas week, we got out a lot. We got some things done around the house. I took lots of photographs and shopped for more camera equipment (I waffled between more lighting, a studio backdrop, and another lens; after a week of thinking, I chose the lens).
While the second week looked spectacular, with a New Year's Eve party at the Black Sheep Inn and shared company with Lori's side of the family, in Gatineau.
And then I got sick.
And then, as I was starting to feel better, Lori and I shared a sandwich while out shopping and we got food poisoning.
For more than four days (a lifetime, for me), I haven't had a beer: thus, no reviews since Christmas Eve on my Beer O'Clock blog.
Winding down my holidays has sucked.
That said, Happy New Year!
One thing that didn't stop this week was The Brown Knowser. Here's this week's roundup.
Enjoy your weekend!
During the Christmas week, we got out a lot. We got some things done around the house. I took lots of photographs and shopped for more camera equipment (I waffled between more lighting, a studio backdrop, and another lens; after a week of thinking, I chose the lens).
While the second week looked spectacular, with a New Year's Eve party at the Black Sheep Inn and shared company with Lori's side of the family, in Gatineau.
And then I got sick.
And then, as I was starting to feel better, Lori and I shared a sandwich while out shopping and we got food poisoning.
For more than four days (a lifetime, for me), I haven't had a beer: thus, no reviews since Christmas Eve on my Beer O'Clock blog.
Winding down my holidays has sucked.
That said, Happy New Year!
One thing that didn't stop this week was The Brown Knowser. Here's this week's roundup.
- My Favourite Photos of 2012—my annual year-end wrap-up of my blog highlights a handful of my best pics of the year.
- It's Another Year—just a quick New Year's message.
- Wordless Wednesday: La PĂȘche—it was a gorgeous New Year's Day in the Gatineau region, and I took advantage of it.
- Ten-Thousand-Step Program—the journey of 10,000 steps begins with a caring daughter.
- Photo Friday: Blue & White—the snow storms of the holidays produced some gorgeous photo opportunities.
Enjoy your weekend!
Friday, January 4, 2013
Photo Friday: Blue & White
As much as I'm tired of the snowfall in my neighbourhood, how I'm done with shovelling my driveway, I have to admit that so far, this winter has been quite beautiful.
Every couple of days, we've had fresh snowfall that is followed by sunny days that light up the trees that are heavily laden, to the point where branches have snapped off some of the strongest boughs.
Beautiful destruction.
On the sunny days after a fresh snow storm, I have taken my camera outdoors and shot countless photos in the woods in my neighbourhood, in Gatineau Park, and in the Wakefield area (La PĂȘche).
One of my favourite shots required no touchups, no after-shot effects.
I love the contrast of the crisp white and the rich blue. To me, this is a quintessential winter shot (including the frost on the top, thin branches).
Now, can we cut this snow crap out?
Happy Friday!
Every couple of days, we've had fresh snowfall that is followed by sunny days that light up the trees that are heavily laden, to the point where branches have snapped off some of the strongest boughs.
Beautiful destruction.
On the sunny days after a fresh snow storm, I have taken my camera outdoors and shot countless photos in the woods in my neighbourhood, in Gatineau Park, and in the Wakefield area (La PĂȘche).
One of my favourite shots required no touchups, no after-shot effects.
I love the contrast of the crisp white and the rich blue. To me, this is a quintessential winter shot (including the frost on the top, thin branches).
Now, can we cut this snow crap out?
Happy Friday!
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