Get outdoors!

I like to be outside. Yes, even during our frigid Winnipeg winters. So it's no surprise that a lot of the photos I take are outdoors, and that my most inspiring photographs are typically nature shots. That's why I like Outdoor Photographer's website. Much of their magazine content can be found online, including gear reviews from a landscape photographer's perspective. I also like to look here for inspiration - whether great photos or "assignment" suggestions.

Dance like no one (but the camera) is watching...

I've danced all my life. From tap, jazz and ballet as a kid to latin ballroom competitions as a teenager, and now onto professional salsa and fusion performances, it's always been a part of my life. But at the same time, I always wished I could arrange for better photos of these dance events than the standard blurry movement shots or posed post-performance cheesy smiles.

So, when this assignment came up, it was a great opportunity to learn more about the challenging art of dance photography. Similar to event photography, dance photo requires you to capture quick movement and often intense emotion, all in very low light situations. Another important aspect to dance photography is capturing the beauty and grace of the art in different situations (see examples below) as well as the behind-the-scenes drama and mystery of the dance world.

Not surprisingly, some of the best dance photographers were once dancers themselves.An insider's knowledge not only gives the photographer an understanding of dance conventions, it also helps them to "read" the dancers and the rhythm better than the untrained photographer, making it easier to capture those special moments. One example I found was Bruce Monk, who danced with our own Royal Winnipeg Ballet. His dance photography tutorial is very helpful.

Monk’s website as well as an essay at Luminious Landscape helped me learn that I need a fast lens, small aperture number, and high ISO in order to capture dancers. There were many other great techniques suggested too. I also enjoyed reading a photography blog featuring lindy hop dancers, if partially for my own interest as I do some swing dancing. I look forward to trying some of these techniques.

Photos:
(top) Carmen De Lavalade, by Lois Greenfield. I love the curving lines in this photo, and how the curve of the dress echoes the curve of her hand. Great timing that highlights a dancer's perfection.
(centre) Megan-Dumbo, by Dane Shitagi. I love how this photographer places ballerinas in classic poses but unusual places/situations. I also like his framing and the wonderful tones in his black & white photos.

Another photo that I found inspiring can be viewed here. I like the shallow depth in this shot, the the wonderful timing, and the crisp focus on the subject. An inspiring example of capturing the beauty of a live ballet performance.

The world according to XP2

They say that the world isn't just black and white. Well, they clearly aren't photography students!



Although this assignment tragically confirmed that Alphie, my canon AE-1 has seen better days (he's now in the shop for an apeture mechanism problem), I did manage to make some images I'm happy with!

As a bonus, the resulting overexposure created some interesting effects.

Thanks to N and J for being such great models.

Lines, lines, everywhere

At first blush this assignment scared me. Lines? But I like shooting nature, in all it's flowing and organic glory!

But after a few days of viewing the world through a "lines" filter, I began to see them everywhere, as evident in a lot of my shots. I guess lines are one of the most simple forms out there...if we know what we're looking for! It helped me see things in a new light - even in my usual type of shots...something I hope to keep in mind for future compositions.

A Hodgepodge of Dogs

I love dogs. Not only do they make good listeners, they also make great subjects. Here's a few of my favourite shots:

DT1 Slideshow

...and here's the second!

I must be addicted...so much to say, so little time.

As many of you know, my Dad gave me my first camera when I was young - something I totally forgot about until the interview for PrairieView! I think his encouragement and pride in my shots was what initially got my interested in photography. Then, it was just capturing the interesting world around me. I'm also a writer, so I love to share stories through words and visuals!

This year I'm looking forward to developing my skills, particularly in digital photo editing and in the darkroom. I also hope the challenge will take me creativity to new heights.

It will be a busy year indeed.

One thing you might not know about me...you may think my passion for getting muddy and sweaty while exploring the outdoors makes me a tomboy. But I'm secretly a dancing diva in disguise, and I even have a photo to prove it (just for all us photo geeks, see right). I dance professionally with Virage Dance Company (http://www.viragedanceco.com/about/performers) here in Winnipeg, a group that performs and teaches salsa dance, as well as latin, ballroom, jazz and other styles.

Looking forward to getting to know you all better!

Photo: Virage Dance Co. in Vegas in this summer, shot by Natasha P Kartika

My First...

...blog is underway! In the blink of an eye, I've jumped head first into life as a high-tech student. Now I just need a cell phone.

Although it's exciting to be spending my days exploring the Exchange with camera in tow, the back to school rush makes me even more thankful for the blissful summer days of the partially employed. The back-country canoe adventures I shared with hubby and friends this summer only confirmed my dream of capturing the wonders of nature through a camera lens.

I'm looking forward to a busy year of learning how to be a better photographer and exploring the different styles and genres of photography. Diversity can only expand my horizons as a landscape and nature photographer and writer...hopefully it will give me some ideas of how to make a bit of cash too. ;)

Photo Credit: Duncan McNairnay