Just came across this blog featuring the work, thoughts and ideas of stock photographer John Lund. Some of this work is awesome and John offers a down to earth appraisal of the stock photography industry.

If you are interested in stock photography then this site is definately worth a visit.

John Lund - The Stock Photo Guy

Just had our article A Photo Trip to Ben More published in the Mull & Iona Life magazine.

"Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower" ~ Albert Camus (1913-1960). The beauty of autumn is something to behold, rich vibrant colours all competing with each yet forming such a harmonious blend, but it is also tinged with sadness as another year ebbs away. Autumn photography can be spectactular, dominated by oranges, reds and yellows all combining to produce a beautiful tapestry of colour, none more so than when we combine the rich autumnal colours with water. Water and autumn colours when combined together have the potential for brilliant imagery that only requires a degree of imput from ourselves.

Surrender your thoughts and preconcieved ideas and think like a child, where everyday things are filled with wonder, mystery and magic. Slipping quietly into this mental approach will have a positive impact on your autumn photography, bringing wonderment that allows you to create photography that resonates with both beauty and harmony.



On a bright autumn day head off for a favoured place that has the essential ingredients - autumn colour and water, it could be a lake, pond or stream. We are looking to create stunning autumn images by combining both autumn colour and water into our photography. It matters little if the water is moving or flat calm but the effect it will have on the reflected colour will vary greatly. With calm water the reflection can be almost mirror like giving a true inverted copy below of the original above. However, moving water will transform the reflection into an almost abstract image as the multitude of colours are mixed in swirls and lines creating a blended patchwork of beautiful autumn colour.

After looking around and selecting a suitable viewpoint that gives a pleasing photographic composition and places our key elements, colour and water, firmly within the camera viewfinder where simplicity of composition is often the best approach. A sturdy tripod is essential for this kind of photography, indeed all your photography will improve when a tripod is used. A view that reflects evenly and subtly off the water is preferable to one that has lots of pinpoints of highlight or "hotspots", we are looking to maximise the benefit of the relection in our autumn photography and do not need the "hotspot" distraction.

Look to compose your image with a solitary leaf or rock in the water, this gives something for the eye to rest upon and relate to. Then look for movement and pattern within the water, it is often this juxta position of a static object and movement that adds impact and an extra dimension to our autumn photography.

Earlier mention of the importance of using a tripod is reinforced if we choose to use a long exposure to really empahsise this movement within our composition, hand holding is really pointless and will not give the desired effect. Selecting a shutter speed slower than 0.5 second will allow water to flow through the scene creating "movement" within your autumn photography. This flowing water will create swirls and striations in a myriad of reflected autumn colours, the final effect is often hard to predict though much less so with digital photography as with have the preview screen to visually assess our efforts. Experimentaion with shutter speed / aperture combinations is often needed to create the effect we desire.

When selecting your subject / composition do not restrict yourself to working from head height, get down low or conversely up high to create a different viewpoint. It changes the angle of view and appearance of the reflection. In doing this you will also see things in nature that you had simply forgotten about or for that matter did not even knew existed. It also provides the viewer of your images a different viewpoint that makes your photography work stand out from the crowd.

When working with water it is also a good idea to use a polarising filter to saturate the autumn colours further and remove some of the glare. Use it subtly however, as we do not want to completely remove the effect of the reflection. Artistically filters can have a great impact on your photography and a polariser is just about the only filter that cannot these days be recreated on the computer.

Looking for new ways of seeing and photographing the world around us is one of the biggest challenges that we as photographers face, be different, experiment, push the boundary and accept no limits. Only when we do this will we create strong and meaningful imagery and derive the greatest satisfaction from our autumn photography.

© Phil McDermott


If you want to use this article on your website, blog or ezine you are welcome to do so providing you include the text and live clickable link as shown below. Thank you.

Articles by Phil McDermott Isle of Mull Photographer for commercial and wedding photography.

Recently came across this online article about art and composition. Whilst it concentrates primarily on composition in painting it applies equally well to photography, placing a strong emphasis on the thought process and the emotial feel to creating images.

Author: Lilia Parker


Abstract Art (From the Latin: Abstractio - removal, diversion) is an artistic movement that rejects 'real-life,' concrete images. It does not display recognisable images, but is rather a fusion of bold, pure colours and linear forms. In an abstract painting you won't see recognisable pictures that you are familiar with in everyday life. Instead, you will find a multitude of colour fusions, a culmination of various shapes, blobs, lines and colours.

THE EMERGENCE OF ABSTRACT ART

Abstract Art was recognised as an individual, artistic movement at the beginning of the 20th century. It established itself gradually and made a strong impression on its audiences. People have been drawing abstract images since ancient times in the form of doodles, flourishes and circles. Abstract forms can be found in the ornamental paintings of many cultures. So, why have abstract paintings been a means of self-expression and a voice for so many artists abroad for thousands of years?

ABSTRACT ART AND FEELINGS

Many artists rejected painting concrete, 'real-life' objects, since they felt that they did not express the multitude of human feelings and sufferings. Could it be that adoration, sorrow, hope and faith could be made into images? It is evident that these feelings exist as colours in the mind of the artist. Many images that represent the spiritual suffering of the artists have been translated into colourful imagery on the canvases of abstract paintings. In rejecting 'real-life' forms, the artists can delve into their souls and transfer, as much as possible, the internal, spiritual side of a person in their paintings.

The famous Russian artist, Vasilii Kandinski (1866-1944) strongly believed that depictions of subjects, figures and landscapes limit the self-expression of the artist. As a consequence, he felt that abstraction liberated his imagination and allowed him to splash out his feelings through multi-coloured imagery.

ABSTRACT ART AND MUSIC

In some ways, Abstract Art resembles music. Like Abstract Act, Music does not display known and recognisable forms, but enlivens the soul to a multitude of feelings and experiences through sound. Abstract Art conjures up the same types of feelings but through paint. Like with Music, Art is a means of expressing the spiritual side of a person. Vasilii Kandinskii even graced many of his works with musical names, such as "Improvisation" and "Composition." Kandinskii often spoke of sounds and the full "choir of paints". Some people even say that Kandinskii managed to expresse world of music in his artworks.

ABSTRACT, SPIRITUAL CREATIONS

With the help of paint, Abstract Art allows artists to express human beings' most spiritual feelings; their faith, their prayers and their love of God. A devoted portrayer of ABSTRACT, SPIRITUAL CREATIONS is the young Moscow artist Maria Skrebtsova. She claims that "I have moments in my life where I want to rise above the limitations of words and depict an array of great and fascinating images of creation in wonderful colours. And then the paintings just happen. They are not landscapes, portraits or still-life paintings. They are an attempt to portray God's love through the eyes of a person who is hungry to feel the love of God. My paintings are symbols of a generation of spiritual people who are testament to the strength of God's love that is ever-present in this world."

CHARISMATIC STRENGTH OF ABSTRACT, SPIRITUAL CREATIONS

Acquaintances and friends of Maria Skrebstova often inform her that her paintings help them in difficult, testing times, as a supplement for prayer and meditation. At a first glance, several people conjure up thoughts of the importance of spirituality. Understanding that there is a holy world beyond the world we know is always uplifting for people. The charismatic paintings of abstract artist ignite others with light and colour!

Mystical artworks in the gallery Russian Artist.info are amazing images that provide 'art therapy.' Each one builds on the spiritual and harmonious world.

If one could gather the best abstract paintings of the world into one museum, it would be a place where no words were needed; where the world of peace, belief and admiration could culminate. That place would become a sanctuary for love, a haven for PEOPLE'S SPIRITUAL EXISTENCE.

About the Author:

Together through the worlds: Unique collection of abstact artworks including detailed description of each painting Abstract artwork

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Abstract Art and Your Soul

Portrait retouching has always been an area open to differing opinions and ideas, what is reasonable and what is excessive. The ethics of such have been debated many times before with of course no real definitive answer. Photoshop is often 'blamed' whenever this type of debate arises.

The latest controversy has centred on the recent image of Kelly Clarkson on the cover of the US publication Self. It has spawned much debate, amongst it a very interesting article by Scott Kelby that offers a totally different view of the whole retouching debate and helps, I think, to put much of it into perspective.

It is well worth a read.

Are you looking for photography related content for your blog, ezine or website? If so we have a selection of photography articles available with free reprint rights.

See the list of Photography Articles available.

If you want to reprint any of our articles on your website, blog or ezine free of charge you are welcome to do so providing you include the text and live clickable link as shown below -

Articles by Phil McDermott Isle of Mull Photographer for commercial and wedding photography.

With really wet weather on the Isle of Mull for the last week or so the opportunities to get out for serious photography have been few and far between. So thought I would put this image from a few weeks ago taken late in the day at the side of Loch Spelve , a particularly good sky formed after the sun had gone down behind the hills.

Author: Cindy Heller

The 11th century is considered as the beginning of the history of photography as this was the period when an Iraqi scientist invented the camera obscura. In the 17th century, a portable camera obscura was created. The first permanent photograph was captured in 1826. This marked the birth of photography because previously, a way to preserve images produced by cameras has not been discovered.

The first daguerreotype prints were produced on a copper plate and it was common for royal portraits to use this method. In 1840, the first intermediate negatives were produced so people could print a positive image. At last, the first color images were produced in 1861. There was an issue to produce green and blue, but as the technique improved, it was easily solved using three glass negatives, one for each primary color.

Photography became popular to public in 1888 because one man, named George Eastman, marketed his camera that was easily used with only one push of a button. This was the same person who developed roll film and the famous brand Kodak. K was a strong letter according to Eastman and thus he created a word that started and ended with it. Even today, we can see his creation everywhere as the red letter Kodak with its yellow background becomes popular around the world.

Digital photography marked its history in 1973 when a charge-couple device (CCD) was invented. It contained an image of 100 rows and columns, which became the basic of existing digital photography. Kodak developed the megapixel sensor in 1986 and afterwards the technology has developed rapidly into today's photographic era. In fact, photography has become one of the most popular hobbies in the world.

Even today, photography is still developing continuously. Cameras are getting smaller and we can even hide them in a shirt button. Motion picture also came from photography and right now there are many people who become moviemakers so we can enjoy a life-like look at our daily lives.

Photography as a tool to create history.

Our generations are facing great difficulties to uncover many events that have happened in the early history. What we have is only rough drawings on the walls of caves and there are very limited records of any event. Today, we have photography as a tool to create history for our future generations. With photography, we can maintain visual records so our future generations will know what is going on right now.

If you want to find out more comprehensive information on photography, you should visit your local bookstore. You will find out about types of photography, the history of photography, and techniques to produce great photographs. The internet is also an easy and excellent source of information on photography.

About the Author:
Cindy Heller is a professional writer. To learn more about winter photography, please visit Online Photography Courses.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Roles of Photography in our Civilization

"When subject matter is forced to fit into preconceived patterns, there can be no freshness of vision. Following rules of composition can only lead to a tedious repetition of pictorial cliches." Edward Weston

Edward Henry Weston (24 March 1886 – 01 January 1958) was an American photographer and co-founder of Group f/64. Most of his work was done using an 8 by 10 inch view camera.

For further information about Edward Weston see a Brief Biography from the Getty Museum or the Edward Weston website.

Holiday Mull are currently running a photography competition to find the best Isle of Mull image. The competition is open to residents and visitors to the Isles of Mull and Iona. Photographs must be taken within the calendar year 2009.

For full details see the Holiday Mull Photo Competition.

This image of a very obliging Red Deer stag was taken last night about a mile from Lochdon on the Isle of Mull. The well formed antlers are now starting to loose their 'velvet' covering and the deer are really starting to look very impressive. The fur is starting to take on the strong 'red' colouring and before too long they will be at their best in readiness for the rut in October.



This particular stag was taken with a 500mm lens and is a little large in the frame because there was no chance of moving further back. Close inspection shows a good example of a well blood gorged deer tick just to the left of its front leg .

'Always remember the importance of detail'. I can still clearly hear these words that were repeatedly drummed home by my college lecturer. Whilst they seemed unimportant and irrelevant to me at the time, they have over the years taken on a much greater significance and have become ingrained in my philosophy and nature photography.

This attention to detail undoubtedly brings wonder and is certainly worth taking a little time for a closer look. Indeed when this attention is applied to even the most commonplace of nature subjects there is clearly an extraordinary display of beauty and orderliness to be found. These combine to create patterns in nature that require only an observant and discerning eye to behold. This vision instils a lasting appreciation of the simplicity and beauty of the natural world and with this understanding and harmony there is everlasting enjoyment. The natural world in all its glory has a myriad of examples for us to photograph but we can start with the common things that we tend to overlook. Simply because of their familiarity they offer the very best opportunity for observation. Here we can find patterns in nature that can be circular, linear and random or indeed a combination of all three.

Sometimes they are obvious and sometimes they require a little effort and imagination to search out. Nature is full of patterns that interact and play off of each other that are well worth seeing. They offer a different view on our world, that if we are honest, with our ever-increasing hectic lifestyle we often take for granted. With a discerning eye for detail, pattern and colour we can look at any natural object as simply a series of shapes composed of lines, curves and circles. Then consider ways in which these shapes and patterns relate with one another. Often it is this interaction that provides such a rich and diverse array of patterns that can satisfy even the most inquisitive amongst us and provide the opportunity for unique photo subjects.

Finding patterns in nature is not all that difficult. Though to derive the most pleasure it requires an open mind, an almost childlike curiosity and imagination. Let us take for example the ubiquitous nasturtium that is so common in our summer gardens. It is such an attractive plant and yet one that is so often taken for granted. Why not find a little time to take a closer look and consider some of the intriguing patterns that are revealed. In the case of the nasturtium leaf I see it resembling a wheel with the raised leaf veins representing the spokes radiating from the centre. It portrays a solid and unified structure. One that is not dissimilar to the mechanics of a spider's web with all the components working together for each other. Furthermore the interplay of light can create further patterns, accentuating textures and other intricacies within the leaf adding more definition to the subtleties and nuances contained therein.

A similar pattern can also be found in a single rose. The rose has long been recognised as an emblem of simplicity and one of our most loved and beautiful flowers. The pattern emerges as the petals radiate spirally outwards from the centre and one is almost drawn into its glorious depths. With this power it is little wonder it is the flower of love.

Very often natural objects contain patterns within patterns that are only revealed by looking further and further into the subject. Indeed, nature is very generous and only too pleased to welcome us in to see all her glory. You can be assured that she will allow the very closest of inspections and will not disappoint.

With this renewed awareness a simple nature photography walk takes on new meaning. Just recently whilst walking on the beach I was attracted to the patterns of sand left behind as the water retreated down the beach with each wave. The patterns that were created suggest energy and motion reflecting both the fluidity and continuity of the ebbing tide. This happens twice a day and has been doing so for countless years in the natural world but it is interesting that almost identical patterns can be found after each tide. I find this repetition intriguing as it shows a consistency throughout the ages. However, even though the patterns in nature may reoccur, the colours and reflections change dramatically with the changing light, time of day and weather conditions. So even a visit to the same place will always provide something new and fresh to contemplate and challenge the mind.

Patterns are not only confined to small objects but are also there to be found in the grand scenic view and again it is the ability to really see that is all that is required. The juxtaposition of harsh and soft, light and dark or straight and irregular are all combinations that reveal patterns. It is possible to find patterns in nature by simply isolating part of a larger scene. For example a lonely section of mountainside adorned with the golden flames of a single autumn tree can offer a very simple and often starkly dramatic pattern. Or it may be the randomly fallen leaves that decorate the woodland floor creating an abstract pattern whilst golden shafts of sunlight penetrate through the wooded canopy above to enhance their beauty.

There are also many patterns within the world's fauna; a giraffe or zebra for example clearly exhibit very striking patterns. In these examples they are patterns with a purpose namely for camouflage and defence. Closer to home, however, a simple feather can show wonderful linear patterns with the shaft, barb and barbules and their interlocking hooks combining together to provide both strength and flexibility. In particular the feathers of the much-maligned magpie have an iridescent sheen and offer wonderful colours to enhance the strong diagonal pattern.

So, with renewed vision and childlike wonder the natural world is without doubt a beautiful place that only requires time and an inquisitive mind to fully appreciate. With all the negatives that abound it is reassuring to know that satisfaction and contentment can be provided by the most simple of things.

During yesterdays photo workshop we were blessed with a fine day and a brilliant sunset. This image, just one of many, was taken from the southern shoreline at about 2145 last night and shows the dramatic cliffs near Gribun alongside Loch na Keall, Isle of Mull.

We are pleased to announce our new Wedding Photography Blog. This blog will specifically relate to wedding photography and is in addition to this long standing blog. The Wedding Blog will concentrate on all aspects of wedding photography, provide advice, ideas, comments and links to other recommended wedding related websites. It will of course also cover the wedding photography that we do throughout the year.

We have photographed in all the major wedding venues on the island and complete many weddings each year on the Isle of Mull. As Isle of Mull residents we believe we are not only geographically well placed but have the local knowledge and experience to successfully complete your wedding photography and we would love to be involved in your wedding day.

To see more please visit our Wedding Photography Blog.