Manipulated Photographs – Adams’ Take

During one of my presentations at NECCC last weekend I expressed my view that Ansel Adams never made realistic photographs. Every photograph he took never ended at the point of releasing the shutter, never. He exposed for a particular vision, then developed the negative in different developers, sometimes in multiple developers with water baths in between. Then in the printing stage he exercised utmost control to produce the print that he had in mind. Then I added “if manipulation was OK for Adams, why is it not OK for digital photographers?” I think the answer lies in the accessibility of the tools for control. In the old days only the most skilled, master craftsman, the most patient could either do it in the darkroom or those who could afford hire the skilled people to do it for them. Today, the tools are well within the reach of everyone interested. That is the good part, but there is the rub; not all are skilled enough to produce the desired results and the technique becomes too visible, and it comes to the forefront.

I stumbled upon an interview with Adams just a few minutes ago where he clearly states that his pictures are not meant to be realistic and always had manipulation. Later in the interview he also talks about the then future electronic imaging. It is worth viewing and contemplating.

(You can see my presentation notes on my site, read from bottom up.)

Sharpening Presentation

As you may recall, I had a workshop on sharpening strategies in Photoshop and Photoshop Lightroom a few months ago. Not everyone could make it due to its timing. Since then the Quinebaug Valley Photo Club invited me to present an abridged version of it on April 15, 2010. They are located in Putnam, CT. If anyone is interested to attend we should let them know ahead of time. Also, if anyone wants to go, I would like to hitch a ride if possible.

On another note, “water” has been the subject of conversations, clean up, repair, basements, etc. I have been taking so many water and water-related photographs for the last 4-5 days, I almost feel bloated. Some are documentary, others the result of my photographic pursuit of a subject. If you care to see them, point your browsers to RI Flood on my blog.

PSRI Magazine is Out

The PSReye Focus magazine, featuring the photographs and articles of PSRI members and Providence College photography students is available for purchase. It is the result of the hard work of two Providence College students, Emma Hansen and John Vaghi with contributions from many photographers and the keen and critical eye of the editorial board of the magazine. It is published on an on-demand printing platform and anyone can purchase as many copies as they want. The photographic contributions are great so is the print and paper quality. It should make an excellent Christmas gift or stocking stuffer for the photo buff and art lovers.

Order it directly from MagCloud. The holiday price until January 1, 2010 is $12.50 plus shipping. After that the price will go up to $15.00 plus shipping. Shipping charges depend on the delivery speed, the lowest cost option at $1.40 per magazine arrives within about one week. MagCloud accepts PayPal or credit card payments and you will receive your copy in your mailbox within about one week although they indicate 1-2 weeks.

We hope that you enjoy the magazine, which is most likely a camera club first.

Writings on Nature Photography by PSRI Members

Landscape is an attractive and popular subject, not only to photograph but also to write ideas about it and share with others. Here are a few that you may enjoy.

Photographing Waterfalls by Kim DiIurio

Landscape Photography by Mike DiStefano

Fall Foliage Hot Spots of Northern New England by Mike DiStefano

Alaska by Dennis Goulet

In the Right Place by Dennis Goulet