Calm Photos

America’s Best Idea – Outdoor Photographer | OutdoorPhotographer.com.

My favorite line within the linked article above, from Ken Burns: “As a child, one of my first memories is of my dad building a darkroom in a corner of the basement in Newark, Delaware. My next memory is of watching the images come up in the developer.”

Never underestimate the importance of providing a positive influence on the young mind and imagination, perhaps most powerful when you don’t even realize that’s what you’re doing. I am always thankful to the adults in my life who provided just such an influence when I was just starting to explore nature and photography. These are the people who open the doors to self-discovery. Even if it takes a number of years of following false paths, those doors always remain open to finally return to, and move with adult steps within.

This lesson is always forefront in my mind when I’m teaching workshops or presenting to groups, especially at schools. Playing it forward and bringing it full circle. I think this is what it means to be truly thankful and blessed.

I’m happy to announce the addition of a second, full-day photography workshop for spring 2010, to be held on Saturday, May 29 at Cox Arboretum. Class is limited to the first 25 people who call (937-432-6711) or email me to register. As is the case with all of my past workshops, the cost is $89 per person which does include a box lunch.

Summer Garden Photography will be an entry-level workshop program for those who are just starting out in digital photography and wish to take their picture taking capabilities to the next level by capturing the natural beauty of gardens and nearby parks. The emphasis of the workshop will be upon basic photography of flowers, insects and wildlife, particularly birds. Jim will discuss the importance of understanding both the craft and the art of fine art nature photography, including choosing the right lens for particular subjects, use of filters, lighting for creative effects, aperture, shutter speed, film speed, time exposures and more. There will also be an overview of basic digital editing and enhancements on the computer using both Apple Aperture and Adobe Photoshop.

Part of the workshop instruction will be held within the MeadWestvaco Theater room in the main building facility at Cox Arboretum. This facility allows for comfortable seating with optimal viewing of speakers and presentations. Jim will be using a laptop computer with LCD projector throughout the workshop to clearly demonstrate the photography techniques discussed as well as slideshows of various nature and landscape images from his award-winning and often published stock library of his most popular photographs.

During the day Jim will also guide the group out to the gardens and outside areas of Cox Arboretum to demonstrate the photography techniques discussed within the classroom. More information . . .

This video tutorial is a response to a recent suggestion from one the subscribers to my YouTube channel. Here I explain and visually demonstrate the difference between a camera with a APS-H size image sensor and one with a full-frame sensor, something that’s important to keep in mind when building a digital camera system involving several lenses. There is one correction I need to point-out. In the video I state that full-frame sensor cameras result in raw image files that are 20+ “megapixels” in size. The correct term should be raw image files that are 20+ “megabytes” in size.

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.

Spring Details will be a mid-level workshop program for those who are experienced in digital photography but wish to take their picture taking capabilities to the next level. The emphasis of the workshop will be upon macro (close-up) nature photography, particularly as it applies to small details discovered in the early spring landscape of Ohio. Jim will discuss the importance of understanding both the craft and the art of fine art nature photography, including choosing the right lens for particular subjects, use of filters, lighting for creative effects, aperture, shutter speed, film speed, time exposures and more. There will also be an overview of basic digital editing and enhancements on the computer using both Apple Aperture and Adobe Photoshop. More . . .

This past Saturday – January 30, 2010 – marked my third in what is now becoming a regular presentation of full-day photography workshops, directed primarily toward the subject of nature and landscape photography. Each program has been held at the teaching facility at Cox Arboretum MetroPark, just south of Dayton in Miami Township.

Photography by Greg Wise at Jim Crotty Winter Nature Photography Workshop

Although we didn’t have much of a snow cover to work with, I was pleasantly surprised at the unique photographic discoveries made by all of the workshop attendees. They did a great job in putting into practice on the grounds of Cox Arboretum what it was that I was teaching within the classroom. I was also worried that the colder than usual weather would cause most attendees to want to stay inside, however, once we started into the practical application and technique demonstration portion of the program – which at first I was going to do in the atrium lobby of the facility – everyone was anxious to get outside. Seeing and sharing what was photographed became everyone’s favorite part of the day. We were having so much fun that Zip, the resident geese-control dog, followed us inside to be part of the group.

I try to keep a good balance to my workshop outline. I provide a good, solid overview of photography fundamentals in the morning (exposure theory, aperture, shutter speed, and learning to use camera settings and controls for creativity) followed by an outdoor session, without camera gear, to demonstrate how to see nature and landscape as an artist. We then head back inside the classroom for a solid run-down on the mechanics of nature and landscape photography, discussing the benefits of different lenses, such as wide-angle, normal, telephoto and macro.

We have a delicious “working” box lunch, served by Benham’s Catering of Dayton. Then it’s back outside for actual photo shooting, when everyone has some time on their own to capture images amongst the gardens and grounds of the Arboretum. When we return to the classroom it’s time to go over the basics on effective digital editing and work-flow. The last part of the program is where students are encouraged to share their images of the day, via my laptop and LCD projector. Here I provide constructive critiques. What always impresses me is how workshop students often learn and are inspired by each other as they are by the instructor.

Sometimes the best teachers are those who allow the class to teach themselves ! Below is a slideshow preview of another new feature and benefit of my workshops – an online, collaborative gallery of images taken by both instructor and students from the day’s program. Because of the unique characteristics of the season (winter), the emphasis was on capturing shape, form and texture through macro photography.

I am currently in the initial stages of planning my next, full-day photography workshop. It will most likely be held in early April with the primary subject being flower and landscape photography for spring. More details will be announced soon. To maintain quality of instruction I limit these programs to 20 people. Once I announce (by way of my e-newsletter mailing list) the exact date and location, registration is open to the first 20 people who contact me, either by phone or email.

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.