Monthly Archives

September 2017

How to Fake a Cyanotype on Your Phone

The History: A Woman, a Pioneer, and Prussian Blue

In the days of the first photographs, around 1839, pioneers of this field who integrated science and art began to emerge and take their place in the history of photography. During this era the thought of color photography in the contemporary sense was not even in the minds of the ingenious inventors.

However, one color did manage to make its mark through the hands of a woman born in 1799 named Anna Atkins. She is marked with being the first to publish a book of photographs and one of the first female photographers. [1]

Figure 1. Anna Atkins, Untitled, Cyanotype Photograms, 1843-1853, Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions.

The vivid Prussian blue images that you see above are one of the 425 photographs published by Atkins. It is called a cyanotype. The name cyanotype was derived from the Greek word cyan, meaning “dark-blue impression”.

Tech & Tips Tips

The Easiest Subject to Photograph

While staying inspired has been challenging for me recently, I can say that the easiest subject to photograph is my home. The people and things in this space used to receive my neglect instead of attention. However, now with my new minimalism effort taking effect, I have started to notice and engage with the beauty around the place I inhabit.

I have been on a path of both minimalism and mindfulness in every aspect of my life. Setting intentions and turning a reflective eye on myself, my surroundings and those who I feel closest too has also changed the way I look at things. In turn this has changed the subjects in my photographs.

Going out to find the perfect photograph will always be a part of my nature. After all, I loved making my “On the Road” video and plan for many more. But in this post I would like to encourage you to take some more time in examining the space you exist in on a daily basis.

Where Does the Light Come From?

Objects that Mean Something…

Inspiration

5 Ways to Stay Inspired in Photography

The past month has been hectic for me. I started back to work from my summer vacation, started a new set of goals, bought a home (not yet started moving), and had family in the hospital. So not exactly the world ending…but the world is going through hundreds of natural disasters right now including a massive fire really close to us. All this leaves me with zero energy and little inspiration.

The Columbia Gorge going up in flame son my drive home from the hospital.

I feel listless and dull. My work slows and my camera doesn’t plead for me to capture a moment. Like many of you, I hit a slump and my passion took a dive. This led me to write a post on staying inspired.

My art, whether that is drawing or photography, feeds my soul. It allows me to feel and experience the world in a new way. It keeps me self aware and always reflecting on new perspectives. Photography especially, keeps the same world we live in a new and fresh place. It feels like I am searching for that which I don’t even know exists yet.

Simple Practices to Put In Place

Needless to say, when I hit the place of being uninspired…even if from pure exhaustion, I put the following list into practice in order to keep that which is sacred to my person.

Look at other work. If I am always looking at good work, I feel as though mine will stay fresh. I also enjoy a challenge. The feeling of wanting to match another’s level of expertise. One of my favorite artists of all time is Sally Mann. Not only for her whit and cutting edge photos, but for her soft narrative and reflection of those who surround her.
Sally Mann
Pick up another medium. I used to think of myself as “only” a photographer. I soon realized how limiting this was. It was a mindset that forced me to narrow in on one thing. The best thing I did in college was take a class in each different medium. Now, when I feel uninspired to photograph, I turn to watercolor, my sketchbook or even pottery. I am still surprised how much one form of work will inform the other.
Watercolor Inspired by Ireland. Photo taken in the morning light.
Meditate. This is one of my new goals, and so far I have been doing really well. I meditate every morning before going to work. I was not sold on the idea at first, but after reading books about highly successful and creative people who make it a daily practice…I mean literally every single one of them…giving it a try seemed to make sense. The clarity and general focus I have discovered is amazing. I recommend the app Headspace. They have several free sessions to test it out.
Orchid in morning light
Make a List. Journal about what inspires you. Create a doodle or a simple list. If you can’t think of anything look back at what you always take photos of. Find commonalities. Then act on it and seek out those things that inspire you.
My crazy idea of fun.
Create a Series. Often the best time for reflecting on work already created is during a slump. In many cases we are constantly creating. However, taking all of the images and making coherent series or working body of images requires a pause in creation and some serious time devoted to reflection.
Installation of my Series “Possible Perspectives” 2014 The Art Gym

Enjoy the little things in life…

Whatever happens when you are in a slump, don’t sweat it. Please DO NOT judge yourself. This will make it even harder to keep creating. Prioritize and simplify, make lists, look at other work and enjoy the little things in life. Your work will come back! Mine did.

How To

Photo Project: 5 Creative Angles to Try this Week

Looking for a challenge this week? I have the perfect photo project for you. This is an assignment I give my students who are first picking up a film camera: Point of View (POV). A photographer’s vantage point is so important and can truly bump up your photography game. I also think considering POV allows you to consider the world around you – making one more aware.

Eventually, you may find yourself creating an entire series of photographs with a specific POV. This will yield authenticity and an aesthetic that brands your own work.

The Project:

In the next two weeks, take photographs using the following list. Consider your point of view and where you can move. Where you and your camera are will determine the message of the photo!

As you are shooting, post your photos on social media using the hashtag #masterthepov so we can all see and share.

Points of View to Find and Photograph

*All images are my own

Birds Eye View: Get up in the air or on a chair and look down

Worms Eye View: Get on the ground and look up! The tree on the left is actually only about 3ft. tall.

Squat: Yes, squat and be mid level- see how this changes the subject

Bellybutton Shots: Hold your camera at your bellybutton in a large crowd. No, you will not be able to look at the image, but it can give you some seriously cool results

Your own eye level: Bring it back to the basics

Surprise me! Find a new angle and POV not on this list! I would love to see it. The one below is my “lurker” POV.

Don’t forget to use that hashtag #masterthepov on Instagram. Follow me to see what I have done.

Road & Trails

On the Road – Photoshoot at Multnomah Falls OR

Hello! Go on the road with me and my phone to Multnomah Falls OR and see what I photograph. While a typically tourist filled area, my partner had only seen it as a kid and did not remember everything. We went on a Friday evening after work for the best light.

This is my very first “On the Road” post. I have had a vision for this idea for awhile and I am stoked to finally bring it to life. Go with me on adventures, see my gear, and what I take while there. In the future I plan to incorporate more “How To’s” into these videos. Watch to the end for some before & after transformation of photos.

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