Owen Biddle
Photo School
February Photo Newsletter
Winterscapes
photo by Rick Unger
Dear Photographers,
On these chilly days it's tempting to snuggle up inside. And for photographers, there's plenty to explore and capture indoors. But we aslo want to encourage you to step outside and emerse yourself in the stark beauties of our winter landscapes. The restricted palate, the skeletal forms of trees, a brooding sky can bring us back to the essentials of composing our world in terms that are both elemental and elegant.
photo by Ellen Schwerin
Light is an equal partner with subject and background. Understanding and managing light indoors (both natural and artificial) will bring life and depth to interiors, portraits and still lifes. In this workshop as you develop your aware of the qualities of indoor light (direct vs diffused, angle etc) you will have new tools to create the affects and mood you want.
First Session: Discussion of equipment and technical matters Thursday 2/13 7:00 - 8:30
Second Session: Share your work from the intervening week Thursday 2/20 7:00 - 8:30
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Photo Field Trip
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​​ The winter is a perfect time to explore our city's amazing museums. This month we head for this Philadelphia treasure to capture folks interacting with the world-class collection of 20th century paintings and sculpture. Come practice your
"watching" skills
Friday 2/28 11:00 - 1:00
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At this stunning expanse of water, trees, grasses, woods and wild birds.... the photo opportunities just go on and on. If you are excited about the chance to photograph in a setting that brings together all these elements this is a trip you should not miss. I am very excited about capturing what this wildlife refuge offers, and sharing it with other photographers.
Sunday 2/23 11:00 - 1:00
photo by Martha Friedman
​DSLR and Mirrorless Fundamentals Tutorials
Below are descriptions of the basic units of our curriculum available to students ranging from beginner to advanced. Most units are five lessons and include a set of assignments designed to give practice in targeted skills with opportunities to get feedback from the instructor so that you learn from your experiences.
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Just give a call and we can set up individual sessions to keep you moving forward with your photography.
Call (610)-626-7854 for details.
​(click on links for more information)
Fundamentals 1: Camera Operations is for students who are just starting out, or want a good review of the basic camera functions.
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Fundamentals 2: Applications is for students who have some comfort with the camera and want to start applying their skills to expand their photographic range.
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Fundamentals 3: Composition takes photography beyond the subject, and encourages you to see the artistic and compositional opportunities in everyday life. Here is a chance for your right brain to come out and play!
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Fundamentals 4: Lighting Across the Genres is for students who are ready for the next critical step: lighting. Explore sophisticated means of controlling both natural and artificial light for portraits, landscape and still life to get just the mood and effects you want.
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Advanced Photography - Using self-generated assignments and in-depth critiques we will help you move forward in your work.
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December
Photo Contest:
First Place Winner
Jeff Kleger​
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Second Place Winner
Joe Strode
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Third Place Winner
Walt Miles
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Honorable Mention
Nancy Forsell Augernblick
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February Photo Contest:
Celebrating the Winter
We look forward to seeing some special interpretations of our winter landscapes. To enter simply email your photo to : owenbiddlephotography@gmail.com Limit three images per entry.
The winning photos will be featured in our next Photo Newsletter.
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​These are very friendly, relaxed get-togethers at my apartment in Lansdowne. Photographers of all levels are welcome to share pictures, get photography tips, and discuss camera equipment. You can also get ideas for entering photography contests, submitting to photography magazines and having photo shows. Feedback from the group provides encouragement and inspiration to go out and take more pictures. These informal photography critiques offer an excellent opportunity to start identifying themes in your work and to get ideas for new directions. Group size is limited, so if you can come an RSVP is required by email or call (610) 626-7854. Cost is $10.
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Not a photo but....
in this painting, Burchfield (1893 - 1967) creates a feeling, forlorn and beautiful, that just says "winter".
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Photographer of the Month
Rick Unger
Here's what Rick has to say: "I enjoy, capturing outdoor images, both landscapes and cityscapes, when I come across something that excites me visually. Most of my images have been captured with my iPhone, but going forward I’m learning to use my Lumix DSLR more, with Owen‘s help. The one big advantage the iPhone has is that it’s with me all the time. Many of my photographs are of scenes that I come across going about my day to day life. I do very little post processing, usually limited to cropping and an occasional boost of saturation."
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This selection of images shows what can be done with an eye that is open to the beauty of our winter landscapes. And, or course, Rick couldn't resist treating to us to a touch of spring with that brilliant field of poppies. Thanks for the reminder of things to come....​​
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Click on thumbnails to see full images.
