A new Sculpture Garden is opening in Annapolis with an opening event on April 15th. A year and a half ago, the Annapolis Arts District brought 15 David Hayes sculptures to Annapolis and locate them…
Come Experience a New Sculpture Garden
Why You’re Being Ghosted by Potential Clients
How many times have you had a promising conversation started with a potential client, only for them to simply stop responding to you, never completing a booking? It is a very frustrating but also very common experience. This helpful video tutorial shares some useful advice and techniques to decrease that ghosting rate and land more clients.
Coming to you from Chelsea Nicole Photography, this excellent video tutorial will help you increase your booking rate with clients. No doubt, this is a very frustrating experience, and because you are being ghosted, it can be hard to figure out why it is happening. I went through this for a year or so, and I vastly decreased my ghosting rate when I followed some of the advice mentioned in the video, namely, reducing as many friction points in the process as possible. For example, instead of asking people to share their schedule with me and going back and forth on booking a consultation, I started including an automatic booking link that synced with my calendar and allowed the potential client to simply select and instantly confirm a time to speak with me, with all contact info going out in the confirmation email. Not only does it reduce the amount of work the client has to do, it also make the process look much more professional. Check out the video above for the full rundown.
6 Tips To Help You Capture Unique Abstract Landscape Photography
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Abstract landscape photography offers a unique opportunity to explore the world around us in a completely different way. By focusing on patterns, shapes, and textures, we can discover unseen worlds in even the most mundane places.
Although this style of photography can seem a little daunting, I am going to break down six tips that have helped me along my abstract photography journey.
Tip 1: Look Around
While it may seem like a simple tip, it’s often overlooked by photographers when exploring new locations. Instead of solely focusing on the grand vistas or the prominent subjects in the distance, take a moment to look around you. You might be surprised to find fascinating abstract patterns and textures in the most unexpected places, even right beneath your feet.
Pay attention to your surroundings and don’t be afraid to get close to the ground to capture the intricate details, just be mindful of where you step. For example, I was able to capture stunning sand patterns created by the natural ebb and flow of the tides.
Tip 2: Flatten Your Plane of Focus
To emphasize patterns, shapes, and textures in your photographs, try creating a 2D look for your scene. This technique simplifies the composition and gives your image an abstract feel. One way to achieve this effect is by shooting straight down with a wide or mid-range lens.
Alternatively, if your subject is a vertical object such as a tree or rock wall, try to keep your camera parallel to it. This approach allows you to capture a perfectly focused image at F16 without needing to use focus stacking. However, if the ground or wall is not entirely flat, you may need to use focus stacking to ensure your image is fully in focus from top to bottom.
Always take multiple frames at different focal points to ensure you have a range of options to work with. Even if you don’t require additional frames, it’s always beneficial to have them available in case you need to enhance the focus of the scene from top to bottom later on.
Tip 3: Work with Your Conditions instead of Against Them.
Ah, the age-old debate of weather conditions in landscape photography — it’s a topic we often focus on too much. The beauty of abstract or intimate landscape photography is that you can capture stunning shots under any weather condition. It all depends on the subject and what you want to highlight.
For instance, when I was shooting at the beach, I started with beautiful diffused light that gave the landscape a soft look. Suddenly, the sun broke through the clouds and produced incredible golden light. I decided to capture both and loved comparing the two shots.
If you’re shooting on a clear sunny day and want to avoid harsh shadows, look for scenes in the shade or create your own shade with a photo reflector or even yourself. It may sound absurd, but I have shot mud tiles in the desert, focusing on a small patch and using my shadow as diffusion. Surprisingly, the photo turned out pretty good.
Even if you’re on the coast and think that a clear day wouldn’t work with harsh light, specular details reflecting off the sand and water can create mesmerizing results. So don’t let the weather stop you from capturing great shots. If you’re determined enough, you’ll always find something interesting to shoot.
Tip 4: Try Using a Polarizer.
The transformative power of a polarizer on a scene is truly incredible. It can completely change the way reflections appear, offering a whole new perspective. Take a look at these two abstract photos side-by-side, with one using a polarizer and the other without.
You can see the stark difference it can make. If you’re heading out to shoot on the coast or in a forest, make sure to pack a polarizer in your bag and experiment with it. You never know what kind of beautiful images you might capture.
Tip 5: Create a Story.
Creating great abstract photography is all about focusing on shapes and patterns, looking for repetition in nature and interesting color patterns. Sometimes, that can feel a little too abstract (forgive the pun). But fear not! One technique that can help you create interesting abstract work is to tell practical stories through your images, thinking of the shapes as something completely different from what they are. For example, in the photos below, I see not just sand patterns or mud, but the faces of creatures, an aerial perspective of sand dunes, and even wild animals.
This not only gives more context to the photo than just saying, “Oh, look, some shapes and colors,” but also makes the hunt for these photos more fun. So, next time you want to shoot abstracts, try this technique and see what interesting stories you can create.
Tip 6: Capture the Things You Like, Exclude the Thing You Don’t.
Don’t feel like you need to go to the most awe-inspiring locations to create stunning abstract photography. You can find beauty and intrigue in the everyday world around you. The key is to have fun and focus on capturing things that pique your interest. When you’re looking for patterns and shapes, ask yourself, “Do I like this?”
If the answer is yes, then also ask yourself why you feel that way. Once you’ve taken your shot, take the time to carefully edit out any elements that detract from the interestingness of your image. This may mean cropping out empty space, removing distracting objects at the edges, or adjusting the composition to eliminate converging lines. Remember, the goal is to create a composition that is captivating and has visual flow.
Abstract landscape photography is an excellent way to explore the world around us in a completely different way. By focusing on patterns, shapes, and textures, we can discover unseen worlds in even the most mundane places. I really hope these six tips help you and thanks so much for reading!
About the Author: Michael Shainblum is a photographer, filmmaker, and educator based in San Francisco, California. He has been working professionally as a photographer and filmmaker for 17 years since the age of 16. He has been commissioned by clients such as Disney, Nike, Samsung, Apple, and Google. He also shares his knowledge via his Youtube Channel, Instagram, and workshops.
Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art exhibits varied, extensive collection grown over time
The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art boasts an extensive collection of art from a variety of cultures and styles.
The museum houses many impressive exhibits such as the Weitzenhoffer collection which includes an original Vincent van Gogh work, one the largest collections of Native American art in the country and much more from across the world.
The museum houses a van Gogh original work, “Portrait of Alexander Reid”. The piece was given to the museum as part of a bequest from the Weitzenhoffer family and is one of the most valuable pieces in the collection. “Portrait of Alexander Reid” was first put on display at the museum in 2001.
The piece survives as the only depiction of van Gogh’s Paris apartment, where he did most of his painting. In the background, other paintings can be seen and have been identified as works by Frank Myers Boggs, a friend of van Gogh. Allison Palmer, University of Oklahoma art history professor, said that there is a lot to be explored within the piece.
“It’s amazing how much history can be derived from a single piece of art,” Palmer said.
Having a van Gogh piece is very important to the museum. After the piece was added, the museum saw an increase in visitation from 20,000 people in 1999 to almost 40,000 people in 2001. Eugene B. Adkins curator Dr. Hadley Jerman said that people come to the museum expecting to see the painting.
“For people in Oklahoma, if you wanted to see van Gogh, or any of the major names in French impressionism, there weren’t any private collections,” Jerman said. “You would have to go to Fort Worth or Kansas City to see artwork by these artists.”
When the Lester Wing was built to house the Weitzenhoffer collection the size of the museum doubled. By having such a piece on display, the museum hopes more people will engage with art as a whole.
“The more people see the painting, the more they are interested in its history and get involved in its research,” Jerman said.
The Lester Wing opened in 2005. Wylodean and Bill Saxon Director of the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art Thomas Smith said that the new wing introduced a new era for the museum and it was a giant leap forward.
“The opening of the Lester Wing took the museum from a relatively small museum gallery, if you will, to a substantial art museum,” Smith said.
The latest addition to the museum is the Stuart Wing, which opened in 2011. The Stuart Wing was built to house the Adkins collection that consists of Southwestern and Native American art. The museum’s Native American collection is one of the largest in the country and it made the museum famous, Palmer said.
Native American Exhibit in the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art on March 23.
The James T. Bialac collection was the largest donation the museum has received, consisting of over 4,000 works from indigenous American cultures, making up part of the Native American collection along with three other donations.
The museum is always rotating which pieces are on display and what exhibits are going on. They also lend pieces to other museums so people from outside the state and even outside the country can enjoy their collections.
When the museum receives a gift or donation the pieces are presented to a collections committee that decides whether the pieces become a part of the museum’s collection. Smith says the vast majority of art at the museum has been donated and that they are very fortunate to be a place that donors want to give their art.
“We have been very lucky to have been given these high-profile, large gifts, but that isn’t necessarily the norm,” Smith said. “We are given single artworks from people’s collections that come in and make a real difference in our presentation of art.”
There are other ways an artwork can be valuable besides monetarily, especially to historians and fellow artists.
“Pieces are valuable in different ways,” Palmer said. “There’s monetary value, but there is also historical value, like how old it is, or how interesting it is. Some pieces are supposed to be beautiful, other works are unique.”
Palmer likes to have her students do a project on any of the museum’s pieces. She encourages students to visit the museum so they can experience all it has to offer.
Jerman said that the value from artwork for her comes from the cultural impact rather than anything else. As a policy the museum doesn’t disclose the exact value of their collections, but they hope people can find value in their art in other ways.
FJJMA is currently showcasing a collection by Robert Rauschenberg, an artist known for combining the styles of painting and sculpting, until July 9 and the exhibit “Synesthesia” by Factory Obscura until June 4.
Rauschenberg Exhibit at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art on March 23.
The museum also publishes YouTube videos that give more information on some of their most popular exhibits. Their series “Coffee with the Collection” consists of multiple art historians and museum employees talking about the significance and history of the museum’s most important collections.
For people who are unable to experience the museum in person, you can follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. FJJMA is free for everyone to experience. They are open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m.
This story was edited by Silas Bales and Emma Blakley. Nikkie Aisha and Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.
Destination Bryan announces the return of The Downtown Bryan Street & Art Fair
The Downtown Bryan Street & Art Fair is an annual event taking place during Texas A&M Family Weekend.
“The Power of the Female Lens” Photography Exhibit at The Ebell of Los Angeles – Larchmont Buzz
In celebration of Women’s History Month, The Ebell of Los Angeles curated “The Power of the Female Lens,” an all-female fine art photography experience featuring the work of three award-winning, Los Angeles-based female artists: Janna Ireland, Johanna Siegmann, and Jane Szabo. The exhibition opened last week with a reception welcoming artists and guests to the historic Ebell.
Curated by Ebell members serving on The Ebell Art Committee, chaired by member and Windsor Square resident Donna Russell, the exhibition highlights the unique work of these three LA-based female photographers.
“The Art Committee decided to exhibit three Los Angeles-based female fine-art photographers for the second post-COVID show at The Ebell,” Russell told the Buzz. “The committee members suggested titles and voted unanimously for “The Power of the Female Lens.” Artist Johanna Siegmann was suggested by committee member Denise Parga, Jane Szabo was familiar to a couple committee members, and Janna Ireland was known for her work documenting the homes of Paul Williams.”
While the committee didn’t identify or suggest a theme for the exhibit, one emerged as the work was being installed, said Russell. Members of the Art Committee involved in the exhibit include Carolann Bennett, Catherine Gellert, Merry Karnowsky, Madelyn Murray, Karen Numme, and Denise Parga.
“Architecture and Travel are seen in the work of each fine-art photographer, from the Mojave Desert/Salton Sea (Siegmann) to Nevada ( Ireland) to across the country (Szabo),” said Russell. And coincidently, all three artists’ names begin with a “J”!
Artist and educator Janna Ireland is well known to local audiences for her architectural photography of buildings designed by the African American architect Paul R. Williams. Her book, “Regarding Paul R. Williams: A Photographer’s View” was shortlisted for the 2020 Paris Photo–Aperture Foundation First PhotoBook award. Recently, Ireland was awarded a Peter E. Pool Research Fellowship by the Nevada Museum of Art to document Williams’ work in Nevada. Her work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions across the United States and internationally, and her work is in the permanent collections of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the California African American Museum, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.
Though Johanna Siegmann is most well known for portraiture, especially people and their pets, her images exhibited in this show featured architecture and landscape from her series on the Mojave desert and abandoned spaces, showcasing her deep appreciation of rich textures, colors, and shadows. Her book, “In Good Company (Notable People with their Pets)” was published earlier this year.
Conceptual artist Jane Szabo selected photographs from her series in which she fabricated models and placed them in the landscape to create her images. The series explored her personal journey caring for her aging mother and examining the meaning of home. Szabo’s background creating props, miniatures, and set construction for the film and amusement industry infuses her creative process. Her art is also a part of the permanent collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Arte al Limite in Santiago, Chile, Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor in Santander, Spain, and in private collections throughout the U.S. and Europe.
The exhibit opened March 22, 2023 and will be on display though April 23 with viewing by appointment. For more information and to book an appointment click here or contact The Ebell at (323) 931-1277 or Art Committee Chair Donna Russell by email.
Founded in 1894, The Ebell of Los Angeles is a women-founded and women-led organization working to provide a vibrant and inclusive arts and culture hub that fosters the educational, cultural, and social growth of women.
The Ebell Art Salon
741 South Lucerne Blvd. (Free parking across from entrance on Lucerne)
Free admission
Viewing by appointment through April 23
Contact The Ebell at (323) 931-1277 or Russell by email.
About Patricia Lombard
Patricia Lombard is the co-editor and publisher of the Larchmont Buzz. Patty lives with her family in Fremont Place. She has been active in neighborhood issues since moving here in 1989. Her pictorial history, “Larchmont” for Arcadia Press is available at Chevalier’s Books.
The week around the world in 20 pictures
Walter Gretzky’s parking spot to be site of commemorative sculpture
A sculpture to commemorate Walter Gretzky’s parking spot at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre in Brantford will become the city’s latest public art piece.
Enjoy Summer Marathons in Drawing, Painting, and Sculpture at New York Studio School
Join us in-person or virtually for a 10-day Marathon and experience new strategies, techniques, and methods of inquiry that will expand your practice for years to come.
Gutman Gallery partnering with Monahan’s, Ann Arbor Distilling Co. for ‘Artful Dining’ event
ANN ARBOR – Gutman Gallery is hosting its first-ever Artful Dining Experience on May 4 from 7-9 p.m. that will blend local flavors inspired by works of art in its current exhibition “Food for Thought.”
The event will feature a five-course meal from Monahan’s Seafood Market and Tasty Bakery with cocktail pairings from Ann Arbor Distilling Co.
Liam Ayers from Monahan’s and a mixologist from the distillery will be on site describing each course and which artworks inspired them to craft it. Diners will be surrounded by the art that informed the menu during the intimate dinner.
“I’m so excited to see this new and exciting event come to fruition,” said Senior Director, Marketing and Partnerships at The Guild, Allison Buck.
“We’re so lucky to have such awesome partners and neighbors to collaborate on creative projects like this one that bring a fun and creative spin on how folks can consume our newest exhibition while enjoying a fabulous curated meal.”
Here’s the menu for the night:
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First course: Fresh-shucked oysters & shrimp salad
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Second course: Monahan’s Caribbean Seafood Chowder – tomato-based mixed seafood stew with Caribbean spices and vegetables
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Third course: Insalata di Mare – Mediterranean grilled seafood salad with fresh farmers’ market vegetables
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Fourth course: Sashimi Trio – Thinly sliced salmon, tuna & hamachi served with pickled carrots, herbed basmati rice & ponzu dipping sauce
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Fifth course: Dessert from Tasty Bakery
Seating is limited, according to a release, and tickets are $95 per person. Attendees must be 21 and up.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Gutman Gallery is located at 118 N. 4th Ave.
For more information about the gallery, visit its website.
