Calm Photos

I’m frequently asked for advice and recommendations on purchasing digital cameras. I’ve learned to answer such questions with lots of questions of my own before offering suggestions or direction, questions such as what type of photography do you plan to do, are you going to make large prints with your images, will you eventually expand your digital camera system, etc. Of course the most obvious question is what’s your budget. From there I can provide some general guidelines and resource suggestions.

I’ve also learned to say right up front that I am most familiar with the camera make and models that I’ve been using since about 1980 or so – Canon, and more specifically the Canon EOS line of digital SLRs, lenses and accessories.

I definitely DO NOT get caught-up in the argument, so often overheard amongst local camera clubs, that one particular make of camera is better than the other, and that by simply having a certain camera and lens will make one a good photographer. It doesn’t. In fact I’ve observed that maintaing such a mindset often propels aspiring photographers in the other direction.

Increasingly I’ve noticed that it’s the “gear heads” who almost always end-up striving to imitate another photographer’s work versus exploring their own, original creative approach and exploration of subject representative of unique artistic vision.

It’s a little bit like sports. If the aspiring photographer is lacking in the fundamentals – i.e. original, artistic vision, basics of composition, knowledge of subject, approach, awareness of light, techniques for creative exposure – no amount of money spent on gear will be enough to overcome this vital shortcoming. This is why I stress the fundamentals so much in all of my workshops, no matter what the skill level of my workshop attendees or complexity of overall workshop subject.

With that said, the following article written by Bob Atkins and posted on Photo.net, is a good primer before rushing out to the local Best Buy or ordering online that digital SLR that you’ve had your eye on:http://photo.net/equipment/choosing-a-dslr-camera/

The article is good is because it doesn’t bog the reader down in overly technical descriptions while touching on nearly all of the points of consideration that should go into making a smart purchase of a digital camera system, considerations that are more numerous than was the case with traditional film cameras.

I am also working on my next “Photographic Moment” tutorial video where I will demonstrate the difference between a digital SLR that has a full-frame sensor and one with a smaller, APS-H size sensor. This topic was recently recommended by one of my YouTube channel subscribers.

But once again, FUNDAMENTALS, FUNDAMENTALS, FUNDAMENTALS.

The camera doesn’t walk out into the woods and capture the image. It’s the creative eye, unique interpretation of light and life and the artistic approach of the photographer that make the difference between the ordinary snapshot and the extraordinary photograph. Everything else – all of the tools of the trade – serve the artistic master. Not vice versa.

Ohio Photography Workshops by Jim Crotty

I’ve had several inquiries regarding the purchase of gift certificates for my photography workshops. Many people have a family member, co-worker or friend with an active interest in photography, however, there just isn’t a lot of options here in the Dayton area for professional instruction and guidance beyond what’s offered at the local colleges and technical schools. Most working adults don’t have the time to commit to a semester-long course. Oftentimes new photographers seek advice and help from more experienced or professional photographers, many who may have impressive portfolios, skills and technical knowledge but have difficulty teaching and inspiring others, either one-on-one or in a classroom setting.

This is where my one-day workshops can serve as the perfect option for gift-giving during the holiday season. My upcoming program, “Introduction to Nature Photography: The Winter Landscape,” will be presented as a good, all-around day of training on both the artistic and technical aspects of nature and landscape photography with the digital camera. Basic camera functions and features will be covered with a fun, interactive approach toward demystifying topics such as aperture, shutter speed, film speed, lenses for creative effects, filters, composition, lighting and setting up the shot. Also demonstrated will be a thorough overview of proper editing of digital image files on the computer for optimal results when making prints and posting photographs to the web. Most of the day will be spent within the comfortable learning environment of the MeadWestvaco theater room at Cox Arboretum with occasional forays out to the grounds and gardens where I will demonstrate the shooting techniques shown in the classroom.

My workshops are designed around the learning approach of positive reinforcement and an understanding that everyone has something unique to offer no matter their level of experience working with a camera.

The Winter Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, January 30, 2o10, from 9 AM to 5 PM. The fee is $89 per person, which includes a box lunch. To maintain quality of instruction I limit these workshops to just 20 attendees.

If you know of someone who would take great joy in participating in just such a workshop, please consider purchasing a gift certificate to my January 3oth program. I’d be happy to place their name on a custom gift certificate, which then can be emailed to as a high-resolution JPEG or PDF document. Of if preferred I can always print your copy and place in the mail to you in plenty of time before December 25th. I accept payments via PayPal or by check. For more information, or to place your order, please call 937-432-6711 or email jim@calmphotos.com.

Episode Nine of A Photographic Moment tutorial video series – performing targeted adjustments in Photoshop.

The photomerge function in Adobe Bridge now makes it easier than ever to create digital panoramas of landscape photographs. Previously I used a technique using layers and masks in Photoshop, which required a bit more time behind the computer. However, the effectiveness of photomerge is only as good as the original, raw image files provided by photographer and camera. Where the photographer positions him or herself in relation to the subject, the quality of the light across the entire scene, how much of each frame is overlapped and if the camera and tripod are properly leveled all factor in with the success of the final panoramic image.

I’m happy to announce my next full-day photography workshop, set for Saturday, November 21 2009 at Cox Arboretum MetroPark, just south of Dayton, Ohio. The primary topic of this program will be digital workflow for nature photography including image importing and editing using Apple Aperture, fine tuning and enhancements in Photoshop CS4, monochrome conversions using Nik Color Efex Pro and High Dynamic Range Photography using Photomatix. As of 10-6-09 there are already 10 people registered to attend. I limit my workshops to 20 attendees, so there are still 10 seats remaining, however, I expect these to fill within the next day or two. There will be another workshop this winter, most likely on a Saturday in late January or early February, so it’s always a good idea for those interested to submit their names and emails to my waiting list.

Digital Photography for the Nature Photographer Workshop Presented by Jim Crotty

I keep finding myself returning to monochrome – aka black and white – photography, particularly when converting from original digital files that are high dynamic range. My favorite digital tools for crafting these images includes Apple Aperture and the Nik plug-ins. When completed with care and attention to detail, the fine art black and white photograph should evoke a viewer reaction reminiscent of the works of the early masters, particularly Weston and Adams. I’m not sure if I will ever achieve work of that caliber, but it’s sure fun to try.