For local artist Caleb Kenna, making a career of photography is a great way to interact with the world. While Middlebury might know Kenna’s photographs of the town of Middlebury and the Middlebury campus through their frequent features on the college’s social media accounts, his photos have a much larger reach beyond the 05753 zip code. 

Kenna, 53, began photographing decades ago after a high school photography class spurred his interest in the art form. In the class, students were given an assignment to photograph strangers. 

“You would just walk up to somebody with a camera and say, ‘Can I take your picture?’,” Kenna told The Campus 

Kenna began his career in photojournalism, working at Vermont newspapers like the Addison Independent and the Rutland Herald. In 2000, he started freelancing for The New York Times, The Boston Globe and other similarly-sized newspapers. Kenna has also spent a number of years photographing for the non-profit environmental organization Vermont Land Trust, where he photographed conserved lands as well as candid portraits of people working.  

While focusing in recent years on his own portfolio, Kenna has continued to work on assignments for weekly newspaper Seven Days VT and for specific clients. 

Fresh accomplishments for Kenna include publishing two photo essays in The New York Times. Kenna published the first, titled “Behold Vermont, From Above,” amidst the Covid-19 lockdowns in the summer of 2020, as a part of the newspaper’s “The World Through a Lens” series. The spread included 17 stunning drone photos of Vermont landscapes. 

“Taking drone photos, for me, was just a really great form of social distancing,” Kenna said.” It’s a very meditative process, just going out and seeing the landscape.” 

His second photo essay in The New York Times was titled “Vermont, Dressed in Snow,” also as a part of the “The World Through a Lens” series. Published in 2022, the spread similarly featured drone shots of snowy Middlebury and other Vermont towns. 

Kenna first took up drone photography back in 2017. 

“It basically just provides this incredible perspective on the landscape that is hard to get with a regular camera,” he said. 

Before acquiring his own drone, Kenna hired an airplane once or twice a year to get similar shots of landscapes. 

“But that’s expensive and you never know what the weather is and you’re a couple thousand feet up,” Kenna noted. 

A drone allows for a quicker set-up time and easy exploring, he added. 

While Kenna often uses a drone for capturing abstract images in landscapes, a drone is not always the best tool for certain projects. In cases of photographing individual or small group portraits, it is easier for Kenna to shoot with a regular camera. 

Growing up in Middlebury and Brandon, Vt. with his mother — a German professor at Middlebury for thirty years — the Kenna family name is well-known in the Middlebury community. Kenna now raises a family of his own in the town of Middlebury, which he explained is a large reason why Middlebury and surrounding towns feature so prominently in his photography. 

“I do like that but I would also certainly like to expand my range,” Kenna said. “I think the most successful pictures are the ones that are more abstract landscapes… It’s kind of like a puzzle,” he added, referring to the complex patterns he likes to find in landscapes using his drone.

A challenge in Kenna’s work has been in continuing to produce interesting, innovative work while living in the same area for years. 

“But on the other hand, it really forces you to look and see and wait for weather and stuff like that,” he added. 

Despite currently spending most of his time in Vermont, Kenna has previously spent time abroad in countries like India capturing on-the-ground photographs. 

After publishing his first photo essay in the New York Times in 2020, Kenna gained national exposure that allowed him to work with non-fiction publishing company Schiffer on releasing a book. He released “Art From Above: Vermont” in October 2022. Along with a collection of Kenna’s drone photographs, the book features a foreword by Schumann Distinguished Scholar of Environmental Studies Bill McKibben and an introduction by Kenna.

“The process of making that book was a lot of fun,” Kenna said. He worked with Oregon-based freelance photo editor Mary Vignoles to sequence the book using a color palette of brown, green and blue to correspond with the changing seasons throughout the photographs. 

Vignoles, who has been working with Kenna for years and collaborated with him on building his website, sequenced the photos in the book so that they blend from one color to the next. 

“[It’s] kind of like a song, you just want somebody to go along with it,” she told The Campus.

In addition to keeping an eye on color, Vignoles’ editing process involved hours of looking critically at the photos to make sure the best selection of photos were included in the limit that Kenna had given her of about 100 photos to feature in the book. 

“Art From Above: Vermont” is currently sold at The Vermont Book Shop in downtown Middlebury. Becky Dayton, owner of Vermont Book Shop, said that the book has sold over 600 copies in the bookstore since it was released nearly two years ago. 

“I knew right away that it would be a huge seller,” Dayton said, aware that Kenna’s profile as a photographer had risen significantly following his features in The New York Times. While sales of “Art From Above: Vermont” have slowed down a little bit since it was published on Oct. 18, 2022, Dayton continues to restock the books in the shop. 

“People love to give them to friends and family who are far away to remind them of how beautiful Vermont is,” Dayton said. 

While Kenna would like to eventually create another book of photographs with a new idea, he is currently working on adding to his portfolio as he sells his photographs directly to clients through his website. His work has previously been featured at the Frog Hollow Craft Center in Burlington, Vt.; Edgewater Gallery in Middlebury, and the Kent Museum in Calais, Vt. In the coming months, his work will be shown by Burlington City Arts at a couple venues around Chittenden County. 

“That’s been really fun to have that kind of exposure,” Kenna said. He added that he also finds social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook helpful in publicizing his new work. 

Kenna creates prints of his photography for clients through Donald Ross, a Brandon-based photographer and printer who has known Kenna for over ten years. By using inkjet printing, large printers and fine art archival materials to help Kenna with the printing process, Ross allows Kenna himself to focus on photographing and managing his photography business. 

“There is a long tradition in the photographic world of photographers collaborating with fine art printers. And I’ve been fortunate to enjoy that kind of relationship with Caleb,” Ross said. 

Kenna’s photographs have received not only significant attention but widespread praise, and Kenna said he appreciates the positive comments he receives through social media. 

“There is something very gratifying about that when you can, with a couple of clicks, distribute your own photos and get a lot of nice responses,” he said, adding that seeing his photographs on walls or in galleries is similarly satisfying.

“He’s very talented,” Dayton said of Kenna “He’s just an artist to keep an eye on”. 

Kenna’s work can be found on his website or on Instagram @calebkenna. 

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Emily Hogan

Emily Hogan ’24 (she/her) is a Local Editor.   

She is studying Environmental Policy with a minor in Math. In addition to writing and editing for the Campus, she also dances with the On Tap dance troupe and serves on the Environmental Council. She has previously worked with the Sustainability Solutions Lab at Middlebury.

SOUTHBURY — The Southbury Public Library will host the exhibit, “Capturing the Wild: Photographer James Ward Showcases Wildlife Beauty” in the Gloria Cachion Gallery from Friday, February 2, through Wednesday, February 28, at 100 Poverty Rd. James Ward, a wildlife photographer with a passion for preserving the beauty of the natural world, is dedicated to capturing breathtaking moments in the lives of animals big and small.

This exhibition is a testament to Mr. Ward’s commitment to raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation through the lens of his camera.

Visitors to the exhibit can expect to be enthralled by the vivid and intimate portraits of animals in their natural habitats.

From the majestic grace of African elephants to the delicate beauty of a flamboyance of flamingos, Mr. Ward’s keen eye and technical mastery bring these subjects to life with unparalleled clarity and detail.

The photographs represent Ward’s travel to remote wild spaces around the world, including Botswana, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Indonesia, and Alaska.

Mr. Ward is also a safari guide and agent and his company, Safari Professionals, specializes in designing conservation-based safaris to Africa, India, Malaysia, Patagonia, Antarctica, and other wildlife destinations.

He also leads wildlife photography workshops to unique locations globally. He is a resident of Southbury with his wife, Hollie, and three daughters, Camryn, Payton, and Reagan.

The exhibit will be open during regular library hours which are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, and from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.

A sample of photos will be posted online in the virtual gallery.

Those seeking more information may visit www.southburylibrary.org or call 203-262-0626.

These days, lots of photographers don’t shoot photos according to the histogram. Instead, they look at the exposure preview and work off of that. But it’s good to know and understand what the histogram can do for you. In this post, we’re rounding up a bunch of tips that we’ve previously talked about in this one guide to the histogram.

This guide to the histogram is meant to help newer photographers more than anything. Over our 13 years as a site, we’ve done various articles on the histogram in different ways. There’s a lot to take in. And arguably, some of us don’t really need it anymore. I, for example, never shoot with it in mind. But that’s because of the way I shoot. I typically shoot like I’m shooting slide film. If you’re shooting photos with the intent of editing the photos later on in post-production, then you should consider the histogram.

This especially goes for folks who like high dynamic range images. Not all of us do. In fact, I really like seeing highlights completely blown out. I also believe that very deep black levels make the eye think that the image is sharper than it really is. So here are some tips on how to use the histogram where you can make your own decisions later on.

Consider also picking up a resource book about them too.

What is a Histogram

Here’s a quote from a previous article we did:

Histograms are charts that are designed to convey the information that an image currently has. They are created as the file is created from the camera and shift themselves accordingly as your image is edited. Photographers spending time in Lightroom or Photoshop changing the exposure level or color levels will see the Histogram shift in one direction or another.

What Does a Histogram Do?

Here’s a quote from a previous article we did:

As a review, the histogram shows how much of the scene you’re capturing will register as shadows, midtones, and highlights. The left side shows the shadow detail, the middle part shows the midtones, and the right side shows the highlights. So, the graph tells you what your overall exposure looks like. Keep in mind that different scenes will produce different histograms, so it’s important to check if the reading you’re getting is reflecting what you actually want to capture.

Reading a Histogram (And Our Own Guide to the Histogram)

Here’s a quote from an article we previously did. Also take a look at our guide to the histogram infographic we did above.

Histograms are graphs at their core. While their appearance can vary between different camera manufacturer’s user interfaces and raw editing software, they all typically look like some variation of a line graph. This means histograms basically follow the same conventions that go into creating line graphs. The X-axis (horizontal) is generally used to indicate the light value, going from dark to light pixels from left to right. The Y-axis (vertical) is used to indicate the amount of said light value that is present. Depending on your camera or software, the various lines within the histogram correspond to how much highlights, mid-tones, shadows, and color information are present within an image. Also, remember that although histograms are useful guides, you’re ultimately the creative behind the camera. Depending on how you want your final image to appear, you may sometimes want to intentionally over or underexpose it, resulting in a histogram that looks “wrong.”

The Basics of the Histogram

Here’s a quote from an article we did on this subject:

Good editing and histograms start with shooting them to begin with. The image that we’re working with and that you’ll see later will show you exactly what happens when images are edited accordingly.

Here’s the basics:

• The left skews towards the shadows
• The right skews towards the highlights
• The middle is the balanced midtones.

Essentially what you want to get for a more uniform viewing experience is something that is very balanced all around. Of course, this also varies based on your own creative vision and whether you like the look of a super dark image or a super bright one. But keep all of this in mind as you edit.

Understand Contrast

Here’s a quote from an article we did on contrast and histograms.

Contrast quite literally talks about the difference between the brightest brights and the darkest darks. If the full gamut isn’t in there, then it’s a high-contrast image. Bring any photo into your favorite editing software and just play with the files. This tends to make things pop at the expense of details. But modern camera sensors and coatings tend to mitigate that. This can fool the eye into thinking it’s sharper than it really is. If you look closely at images from medium format lenses, you can see just how sharp they are. They’re doing this with the low contrast of film. But when you add it to an already sharp optic, the images look even sharper.

Histograms Are Based on JPEG Settings Not RAWs

Here’s a quote from an article where we state this:

Also, he reminds us that the histogram we see in-camera is based on the JPEG version, not the RAW file, which shows the most accurate reading. This is why it’s important to shoot in RAW because you wind up with a bigger latitude in post. Lastly, he tells us that different lenses will produce different histogram results of the same scene because each lens tends to let in light differently.

“People are going to protect what they love and they’re not going to love what they can’t see,” Carlton Ward, Jr. said.

Over the past year, the internet seems to be obsessed with food culture, fueling a trend that is now evident even in the world of visual culture. From the Tomato Girl Summer, which many mock retrospectively, to the foodie fashion girlies, Balenciaga’s collaboration with Erewhon, and the massive success of The Bear. Food appears to be experiencing a rebirth, but in the worlds of art, photography, and design, it has always been present. Is this just a passing trend, or is it the glorification of an element that has always been part of our lives?

From Tomato Girl Summer to the pomegranate

It was only in 2020, with lockdown recipes—does anyone remember Dalgona Coffe?—that so much talk about food emerged. On TikTok, @wishbonekitchen made us dream by showing us her life as a private chef in the Hamptons this summer. Unforgettable were her Heirloom Tomato Gallette and the garden where she harvested fruits, vegetables, and herbs. In 2023, it seems to have been the summer of food not only with the release of the second season of The Bear but also with Tomato Girl Summer. On the other hand, according to Danielle Cohen on The Cut, it now seems to be the time of the pomegranate.

Thanks to its shape and the vivid red that characterizes it, this fruit is widely recognized as a symbol of fertility in many parts of the world. But not only that, we find the pomegranate in mythology, art history, and, according to Cohen, even in the Torah. In short, fruits and vegetables seem to be largely protagonists of this rebirth, so we have collected some works and photographs by artists and photographers we have talked about in the past and more.

Browsing through our archives, we remembered Michael Crichton‘s photos and his photographic series, Conceptual Food, as well as Dan Bannino, who many years ago narrated the eating habits of the powerful. But there is also Stephanie Sarley, an artist who, with fruit fingering, challenged the way the art world has represented the female reproductive organ throughout its history.

Why it seems not to be just a passing trend

The success of food in visual culture can be attributed to its tangible communicative power. We see and experience the colors and textures of food daily, all evocative elements of memories that we have been collecting forever. In conclusion, we can only wonder which will be the next fruit to receive all this attention, already dedicated to tomatoes and pomegranates, even before avocados and bananas.

One of the greatest magic tricks in photography is long exposure photography, producing images that freeze a moment yet still capture movement and dynamism. 

However, even the best mirrorless camera technology cannot produce these images alone; the photographer must have the right knowledge, equipment and, hopefully, a trick or two up their sleeves. 

You can see any number of long exposure shots of familiar subjects on social media, and it can be difficult to think outside the box. So, I’ll show you how to detach yourself from familiar situations and take a unique approach that will enable your shots to stand out from the crowd. 

Image 1 of 2

Contrary interplay – Combine hard and soft elements in one image. Be creative and include uncontrollable subjects like birds
to add an extra layer

Monochrome beauty – By reducing the colours, the focus
is drawn to surfaces and structures that are artfully staged and characteristic of the long-exposure technique

Get ready

Prepare for long exposure 

To maximize the quality of your long-exposure images, it is essential to know how to use your equipment like a pro. Modern camera technology is highly capable, but don’t rely on it alone – a camera is only the base, and there are many other things to consider. 

In this genre of photography, it can be disappointing to wait 30 seconds or more only to realize that you have set the technical parameters incorrectly. Exposure time, aperture, sharpness, image noise and composition are the key factors that will determine the quality of a long exposure shot. Slow shutter speeds are mainly used for outdoor shots, but be aware of the challenges as you cannot control the environment. 

Pack your kit

Wide-angle lens
Working with a wide-angle lens possessing a focal length of 35mm or wider is ideal for long-exposure landscape shots, as a greater expanse of the scene can be captured and more elements included in the composition.

Heavy-duty tripod
A carbon fiber tripod will prevent camera shake. You may also need to carry an extra weight, such as a sandbag, in your kitbag to ensure that the tripod remains stable even in strong winds. 

Remote release
Avoid jeopardizing the exposure with even slight movements of the camera. Use a remote control cable, shoot wirelessly via an app, or use the self-timer function of the camera.

Neutral Density Filter
Use ND filters with up to ten stops to take control of the lighting conditions. This enables you to increase the shutter speed even in bright light, without the risk of overexposure.

Polarizing Filter
If shooting directly against the sun, using polarizing filters will remove unwanted glare. The filter’s tint will improve the overall appearance of your subject in terms of contrast and saturation.

Black card
If your scene contains elements of different brightness, card can be used to cover certain parts of the lens while the photo is exposed.

Filter holder systems

Consider the types of filter holder systems

When integrating filters into your workflow, it is advisable to invest in square filter holders right from the start. They are more expensive, but offer better value for money and more advantages. Especially if you are working with different lenses, square filters are versatile and easy to mount without the risk of accidentally shifting the focus.

To avoid vignette effects, pay attention to your filter slots and remove any that aren’t necessary. If working with wider lenses and smaller filters, do not use step-down rings as these also lead to hard vignetting.

Image 1 of 2

Starry sky: Including stars in a long exposure shot enriches the overall impression and adds detail. A tilting screen helps with image composition and checking the focal point

Set the focus: Concentrate on highlighting a particular element to draw attention to it. A single light source gives the image a calmer mood

Control exposure

How to control exposure settings 

One of the major challenges that low-light photography presents is how to calculate the correct exposure time. There are plenty of apps and websites that can automatically calculate the time based on your aperture, ISO and any filters. 

Spot metering or experimentation are other options, but finding the appropriate exposure settings can take a while – especially when you try out exposures over minutes, and therefore have to wait a long time until the shot is recorded!

A simple way to save time is to work backwards, using shorter exposures and higher ISO settings first. After a few test shots, you may be able to determine the optimal settings – and now the ISO value can be minimized in a few steps. Decrease the ISO setting by a stop and simply double the exposure time; do this until the value is 500 or less.

By setting a minimum ISO value and a medium aperture of f/8, you enable a longer exposure time and create a decent depth of field. The shutter speed can vary greatly but, in general, you can say that at least five seconds is required in most situations. When it comes to capturing slow-moving clouds or car trails, that could be as much as 120 seconds. 

Use noise reduction 

Many cameras have a noise reduction feature for capturing long exposures in low light, where unwanted hot pixels are automatically removed from the final image. The camera automatically records another photo after the exposure, and will therefore need twice the exposure time.

Select Bulb and Time mode

Depending on your visual objectives, light sources and the time of day, you may want to extend the shutter speed beyond 30 seconds. To do this, switch to Bulb mode to take control of the time that the shutter stays open. Remember to work with a remote shutter release or via an app, as it is almost impossible to hold the shutter button down for that length of time without causing movement. 

Many high-end cameras have a Time mode, which offers a clear advantage over Bulb. Here you simply press the shutter button or remote release once and, when you want to finish the exposure, press it again.

Check results

Remember that the LCD screen can be misleading about the brightness of the results, especially if you are shooting in low light conditions. To make sure that exposures are correct, analyze the histogram. 

An ideal graph will show a fairly even distribution of tones; if the histogram shows much closer values on either the left or right side, some parts of the image may be severely overexposed or underexposed. That means the exposure time wasn’t ideal for the subject and should be adjusted.

You may be interested in the best cameras for landscape photography, along with the best lenses for landscapes.