RUBBER BAND MAGIC

QUICK PHOTO TIP - If you're having difficulty removing a screw-on filter from your camera, try wrapping a thick rubber band around the filter. This will often strengthen your grip just enough to loosen the filter. Alternatively, try a rubber jar lid remover. LARRY ELKINS ELKINSPHOTOS FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY

SHOOT WHAT MOVES YOU

PHOTO TIP - SHOOT WHAT MOVES YOU. Shoot subjects that interest you. Sounds like a no brainer. Right? Well then, Why is it that I see so many photos out there where the print is technically perfect, but it seems like the subject matter was just an afterthought? Yes. the technical aspects have been honed to perfection. However, th;e message the photo photo conveys to the viewer is, "Ho hum. I'm so boring. But, all the same, I'm a technical wonder." The tonal quality is exquisite. the composition is perfect. The exposure is right on the money and the subject matter would put a caffeine addict to sleep. Where's the passion? If you're not moved by the subject matter, what makes you think the viewer will be? During my recent trip to northern Thailand, I found that reflections of buildings in the ancient moat fascinated me. That fascination was, I believe, reflected (pun intended) in my abstract images of those reflections. So, reflect on this. If you're not intrigued by the subject of your image , most likely, no one else will be. LARRY ELKINS ELKINSPHOTOS FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY

WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS - READ THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL

QUICK PHOTO TIP - IF ALL ELSE FAILS, READ THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL. It would seem like a no-brainer. Read (and study) the camera's instruction manual. Real simple. Just do it. LARRY ELKINS ELKINSPHOTOS

NIGHT PHOTOS SANS BRASSAI'S CIGARETTE

Last night at my Chiang Mai photo exhibit reception, I was conversing with an old friend who happened to have been an acquaintance of the renowned Parisian photographer Brassai. Brassai, known as the EYE OF PARIS, was a master photographer based in Paris during the first half of the Twentieth Century. In 1933, Brassai published a book of photographs titled "Paris de Nuit". The photographs in the book comprised an essay of Paris after dark. With his camera mounted on a tripod, Brassai would photograph with his shutter open, timing his exposures by how long it would take him to smoke a cigarette. Barry was complimenting me on two of my photos, "Chiang Mai After Dark" and "Chiang Mai Night Bazaar". It was apparent from his comments however, that Barry was assuming that my camera, like Brassai's, had been mounted on a tripod to allow for lengthy exposures. I explained that the method I had used to obtain the night images was almost the opposite of Brassai's. The photographs had been made with the camera hand held. The technique I used was dependent upon my ability to shoot at a high ISO while making the most of the camera's built in image stabilizer, an option Brassai did not have. As I explained to Barry, this technique, even with today's high tech equipment, is high risk. At least two thirds of the shots I took exhibited unacceptable motion blur. But the successful photographs, few though they were, were worth the hassle. And my method, unlike Brassai's, didn't require that I take up the smoking habit. LARRY ELKINS ELKINSPHOTOS FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY

THE (PHOTO) SHOW MUST GO ON

PLANNING A PHOTO EXHIBIT - I have a photo exhibit opening the evening of March 13th at BizzArt Gallery in Bisbee AZ.  I also am going to exhibit work in April in a group show at Panterra Gallery, also in Bisbee.  Both shows will feature photos I made during my recent photo excursion to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand.  So, to say the least, I'm busy preparing for these shows.  It seems like this would be a good time to discuss how to prepare for a photo exhibit.  I'll speak first about the editing, titling, display and promotional aspects, then about the physical aspects: printing obtaining frames, framing and hanging.  The first thing is to procure a suitable venue for the show.  One choice is an art gallery.  The initial step is for a gallery to accept your work for a show.  This is not a slam - dunk.  Even if you're lucky enough to already have your work on display in a gallery, that does not mean that the gallery is going to host an exhibit of your work.  However, bear in mind that even if that occurs, you will most likely have to help cover expenses and the gallery will probably assess a fifty percent or higher commission on any work sold.  None the  less, if a gallery has agreed to host a show of your photography, then you've managed to leap the first hurdle.  If not, then you might want to consider a different option,  Restaurants and hotels are often looking for original artwork to decorate their walls. They will probably be more than happy to display your work, and will most likely not expect a commission upon sale.  However, you will probably be responsible for any miscellaneous costs such as advertising/promotion.   Your show, if possible, should have a theme.  For instance, my upcoming exhibit consists of photographs taken in and around Chiang Mai, Thailand.  Next, you need to come up with a name or title for your exhibit.  The title of my show is CHIANG MAI THAILAND ADVENTURE 2010.  Oftentimes, framing and matting can be purchased at a reasonable cost online particularly if you print your photos to standard size.  Printing options can include do it yourself or purchasing prints from an outlet such as Snap Fish.  One important aspect in preparation for the show which must not be overlooked is promotion. Print promotion can include postcard invitations, posters and brochures.  Media ads (newspaper, radio, TV)  are another option. And how about posters and flyers?  Oh, and let's not forget word of mouth?   If possible, the photos for your show should be framed in identical or similar frames.  My show at Bizzart will utilize frames I have on hand.  While the frames will not be identical, they will be similar enough that the show should hold together well.  On the other hand, the show at Panterra in April will be hung with identical 8x10 inch black frames matted white for 5x7inch images.  The show should be hung as close to the opening reception as possible.  The reception can be simple or elaborate.  One option is to supply beverages, plates, napkins, cups, etc. and then have close friends bring various finger foods.  If formal invitations are to be mailed or emailed, this should be done at least a full week in advance of the opening.  I hope this has been of help.  LARRY ELKINS ELKINSPHOTOS

ELKINSPHOTOS.COM

BE SURE TO VISIT MY WEBSITE elkimsphotos.com.

BACK TO BASICS

PHOTO TIP - Make sure you're familiar with the basics. Today's cameras are a wonderful thing. They often allow us to let them do a good deal of the grunt work. However, you, as a photographer, still need to have a good working knowledge of photographic basics. Even if you often let the camera make decisions, you need to be capable of taking over when necessary. You need to have a familiarity with the basic fundamentals that underly photography. Unless you understand f-stops, shutter speed, exposure, composition, depth of field, etc., and how each of these principals impact the picture making process, you can't really call yourself a serious photographer. LARRY ELKINS ELKINSPHOTOS

BUY THE LATEST MODEL - OR MAYBE NOT

QUICK PHOTO TIP - When purchasing a camera, consider purchasing a camera model that is the one just previous to the latest version. The chances are that you will get more for your money than you will if you purchase the latest model. Larry Elkins Elkinsphotos Fine Art Photography