Beginning next Monday, the entrants and winners of this year's teen photo contest will be on display at the west regional library, just off of hwy 55 in Apex,Cary, Morrisville. The young people did a fine job and we had over 70 entries to consider. I am grateful to the library and to Helen and Michele for their support and work on this project. In addition to the judge's choices. there will be a "people's choice" winner and prizes will be presented to the first-place winners in the young teen, teen and people's choice categories. People attending Saturday's reception will get a copy of the following:
Tim Johnson’s Short Guide To Better Photographs
1. UNDERSTAND what you are saying with your images. Most people know the Asian wisdom that says, “One picture is worth a thousand words.” However, most people do not realize that there is an equally profound proverb that says, “One word is worth a thousand pictures.” See the GOLDEN MEAN [http://www.thegoldenmean.com/why.html] and understand and use the RULE OF THIRDS [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_thirds]. The photographer works to simplify, remove and reduce the image to its essence so that the observer sees and understands what the photographer is seeing and feeling. REMOVE DISTRACTIONS & LOOK FOR THE PHOTOGRAPH IN THE IMAGE.
2. KNOW your equipment. Read and understand the functions, potentials and limitations of the hardware, firmware, lenses and ISO. This applies to film and digital cameras. Light is the only tool you have. The rest is worked out with technology, time and talent. A professional photographer can create great images with simple equipment. Make a pinhole camera and create a masterpiece photo. These cameras are simple boxes created from items as simple as Pop-Tart boxes, oatmeal boxes or simple wooden boxes. Digital equipment can be inexpensive or very costly. The real deal is not the equipment, but the heart, dedication and expertise you bring to your work. Note: The SUN will burn your sensor in a digital camera. That cannot be removed and is expensive to replace. Use a film camera for images involving our nearest star.
3. PLAN your work. Even when you are hitting the street to photograph what catches your eye, be prepared. Lenses, filters, any toys are all fine. The real thing to have that will greatly improve your success in taking good pictures is a sturdy tripod. In fact, I would spend more on a tripod than on the camera. Camera movement ruins more images than any other factor. Even image stabilization can’t do what a good tripod can do. A decent camera and a good tripod will also draw a crowd. Note: if you are using a tripod, turn image stabilization OFF. Modern, slow lenses have a shallow depth of field. Focus on your subject and let the rest fall away.
4. BRACKET. Digital and film cameras usually have settings to automatically bracket images. To bracket means to underexpose, average-expose, and overexpose in order to create multiple choices when looking at prints. Bracket every exposure you make. By doing this you will learn a lot about your eye and your camera. When using film and taking it in for printing, tell the technicians that you bracketed so that they will not make adjustments.
5. LEARN photo manipulation software. Adobe Photoshop, Corel Paintshop Pro or The Gimp. It is important that your monitor is calibrated to the place where your images are going to be printed or viewed. The destination of your photograph determines how you will treat it. The human eye can see at about 312 dpi. Higher resolutions are for large, professional installations. Understand the nature of the ink and paper you are using. Pigmented inks may not be vibrant on some glossy papers. Dye sublimation inks may react differently on different textures. Experiment! Print at the highest resolution for maximum impact. Most commercial photo labs in the Triangle (most use Fuji Frontiers or Noritsu) like 4x6x300 dpi. An 8x10 print can cost $2-20 dollars and come off of the same printer. For larger prints you can use 8"x12"x600dpi. You should ask the lab technicians what they prefer and what their machines are capable of doing. Try using a single lab so they know you and your images
6. Mat and mount. Presentation mounting should be SIMPLE. Archival papers, mat board and adhesives will protect your images. Matting and mounting should be about 10% above the center of the board. Protect your art from UV light. Live with your images and improve them. Keep working and growing. Dig within for inspiration and keep your eyes open and a camera nearby.
Growing tips: Attend classes and workshops. Look at other art and define what you enjoy. Test your limits and that of your equipment. Carefully and deliberately add equipment to your bag or studio. Study commercial work in magazines and books. Ask for a restaurant wall to have a public showing.
Ó 2010 TIM JOHNSON Photographic Illustration, Giant Prints & Instruction
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