They’re not sexy.
They’re not cutting edge.
They’re not even hard to find.
But they are indispensable for better photos.
This month we round up three of the most boring ways to improve your photography.
Read about the tools to improve your pictures!
Boring tools for better photos…
© Richard Desmarais – Building new worlds with photoshop
Good news!
Our Lightroom Seminar with Peter Handley is almost full (at time of writing.)
And we’ve just booked Richard Desmarais to share his skills in Photoshop.
Creating Fantasy Worlds with Photoshop
In November, Richard will be helping people learn to build new worlds using specific elements of Photoshop.
About Richard
Richard has spent 30 years working as a photographer for high profile clients. In that time his photoshop skills developed enormously. He brings some of these skills to you in this seminar!
Register! And see more details.
[Trumpets blare]
Today’s a big day.
This is our one-thousandth blog post at HarryNowell.com.
Welcome!
Starting the Blog
I started the blog in February, 2008 on the advice of a web developer who’s now my wife.
My initial response was “Why would I do that?! Sounds like extra work!”
Five years later it’s become a fun part of my work week – sharing, connecting and hearing from our readers.
First Blog Post
Our very first blog post was a bit, erm, uncertain. I had no idea what to write about…
The posts got better (phew) and I’m very happy our readers have stuck with us on the adventure as HarryNowell.com grows and finds new adventures.
Early on in my career David Trattles told me to:
“Surround yourself with supportive people.“
Thanks for being there.
Without YOU – readers, clients and photo students – none of this would be possible. Your ongoing support and $business helps keep me, blog posts, photo tips, photo newsletter and workshops possible.
THANK-YOU.
Harry Nowell – thank-you!
Welcome back – this collection of web distractions comes from many people (thanks!)
• Good news for film!
First up Peter Handley (link opens to his course) & Dave Andrews both brought my attention to good news in the film department! Ilford is opening a black and white film lab in California based on the success of its lab in the UK. That IS good news.
• Overused photo tricks
Steve Gerecke posted this fun – overused photo tricks…
Photo Tip #241 Look for ways your background can support your subject:
Photo Tip #254 Add some motion to your photos!
We are offering an evening with Matt Hinther as part of our Ottawa Platform Series. Matt is joining us to guide you through the new-ish alternative process of film and paper development – Caffenol!
Caffenol – Black and White Processing
What is Caffenol?
The Caffenol process is a much less toxic development process using simple ingredients to develop and print B&W film.
People with home-based darkrooms or those working in shared darkrooms will appreciate working in a less toxic environment.The opportunity to try new tinting and creative options is also exciting!
Join us on October 25th for a fun, evening of exploration with Caffenol!
Only $15…
Details and registration.
Photos lacking punch?
Can’t find your favourite photos?
Looking for more from your photography?
Learn the post processing power of Adobe Lightroom.
Before Lightroom:
After Lightroom:
Join one of Ottawa’s most sought-after graphic designers – Peter Handley – as he guide’s a lucky group through the powerful Adobe software that has quickly become the leading software for batch processing and archiving.
What about Adobe’s Photoshop?!
Photoshop is another powerful and amazing tool with some key differences.
Peter will lead you through the Lightroom modules over two weekends. You can join one session or both!
Join the Lightroom Seminar…
Travel & Documentary Photography Course with David Trattles (above)
That’s right…
David Trattles is offering his Travel and Documentary Photo Workshop in Ottawa in mid-September!
Some of you may remember David’s past workshops. He brought laughter, passion and a new way of seeing to his students:
“Harry – thank you for introducing me to David. This course has changed the way I take photographs. More importantly it has changed the way I see myself and the world around me.” Prasad J. (photo below)
Photo from past course – © Prasad J.
Well, we’re lucky to have him back. David travels extensively and has offered us the dates (below) in early September.
Dave does things differently – “I have not seen anything even close to this offered in Ottawa.” Sue S.
His workshops will change the way you think of photography. With a big heart and passion David will lead you on a new adventure in your photo adventures.
© David Trattles – Boxing Ladies of Calcutta
Dates:
September 12-15, 2013.
Location:
Ottawa Studio Works
160 Preston St.; Ottawa
Cost:
$375 + tax
Join us.
Details and registration.
Photo Contest!!
Last year four lucky (and talented) workshop graduates had their photos featured on our workshop poster and brochures:
Photography Course Poster
This year we are looking for four new photos! You’ll get:
• Bragging rights
• Beatured on the blog and get a chance to promote your photography
• Three free months on our Online Photo Program!
Contest rules:
• Photos must be from graduates of one of our workshops, classes, safaris or programs.
• Photos may be taken anytime in the last year – they do not have to be from a workshop.
• You must have permission from any recognizable person/people in the photo to have their face in our promotions.
• You grant HarryNowell.com the right to use your photo in posters, brochures, websites and other ways to promote what we do. You, the photographer, retain copyright (that’s a good idea!)
• Final photos must be available at 6″x9″ @300dpi, unwatermarked. This is a 14mb uncompressed file.
• We will credit you as the photographer and list your website, if applicable/appropriate, in promotions.
How to submit:
• Please send a maximum of three jpeg photos to Harry@HarryNowell.com.
• Send photos for consideration as 1024×768 pixels at 72 dpi or similar – this is 2mb or less.
We will only be asking the winning photographers for printable files – 6″x9″ @300dpi, un-watermarked.
Deadline for entires?
Monday, July 29th; 9pm.
We’ll be contacting the winners by early August.
Our online photo program roars along with a new photo challenge every month. Members receive video lessons, tips, links and share ideas as they produce their best shots for the photo challenge.
June’s challenge was photojournalistic storytelling and members were guided as they created single photos that told stories within themselves.
Photojournalism Challenge – “One Photo Stories” Love – © Gina R
The creative challenges are often tougher than the technical challenges because there are fewer “recipes for success!” Still, participants rose to the challenge with some amazing photos.
Photojournalistic storytelling – Online Photo Challenge – © Maisie I
And they continue to enjoy the process!
Comments from the past month:
• “[My photos improved over the last year…] It’s all thanks to you, the course and the forum! I know that I wouldn’t have learnt as much just taking a class here and there. For this, I can’t thank you enough!”
• “Harry, you always keep me on my toes and throw in extra food for thought. I love it, thank you!”
Photojournalistic Storytelling – Online Challenge – © Lynn G
“I found this challenge to be very challenging. I got out shooting and I tried a new style that should help improve my images going forward. It was a good exercise and (as always) it was helpful to see what others were shooting”
Photojournalistic Storytelling – Online Photo Challenge – © John D.
“Thanks for another great challenge!”
“Photojournalism, a very good challenge… it makes you think about taking just a photo vs. a photo story. Gives the photo taking purpose and helps with composition.”
Photojournalistic Storytelling – Online Photo Challenge – © Allan C.
“This was my first challenge and I found it consumed a lot of my thoughts; I was excited, scared and felt hungry for the challenge … I do feel a little sad that it’s over but I will continue to use the story telling in all my photos in the future. I look forward to the July challenge.”
Photojournalistic Storytelling – Online Photo Challenge
– © Marcel M.
Want better photos?
Looking to boost your skills?
The online photo program helps you get the experience for better pictures.
How?
Weekly content with lessons, videos, links, critique and a member forum.
Join us…
So last week we ran a custom course for Christine who wanted a refresher on photography and an intro to macro photography. We met at a public ornamental garden and covered elements of Creative Fundamentals and Macro work.
How’d she do?
Her photos improved and her confidence grew!
Custom Photography Course – © Christine Payant
And it sounds like she loved it…
(Ok, ok… now, I know I am a good teacher and photographer but comments like these make my teaching worthwhile!):
“Thank you so much for the great Creative Fundamentals custom course yesterday. It was absolutely worth every penny.
I learned so much in just one day and can’t believe I never learned or knew about these skills before. This proves to me just how important it is to continuously upgrade and maintain photography skills in order to get better and better.
Better Photos © Christine P.
You are a wonderful and very patient teacher and obviously a gifted photographer.
Thanks so much for the great custom course.
I will definitely be taking some more courses this summer and fall. I will probably start with the on-line course, to keep me pushing to take more pictures and improve my skills.
Thanks again so much.”
Thank-YOU Christine! I love teaching and I love creating beautiful pictures. I feel so lucky to do what I do!
Better photos through HarryNowell.com! © Christine P.
UPDATE: Christine just sent us an email – she’s been enjoying her new skills! Nice work Christine!:
Macro Custom Photography Course © Christine P.