Retirement rediscovery: Marianne Skolnik Robillard’s Journey into Nature Photography – DiscoverWeyburn.com – Local news, Weather, Sports, Free Classifieds and Job Listings for the Weyburn, Saskatchewan

<meta content="Catching the spectacular sights of the Saskatchewan Prairie is enjoyable for many, however, few can capture the unique beauty of our local landscape like Marianne Skolnik Robillard, a hobby passion she revisited after retirement. For Christmas in 2015, her family gave her a camera, and Robillard began a new journey learning to capture images at each destination. However, Robillard shares that photography is something she enjoyed when she was in high school. “I loved photography from when I was a kid and had an instant, Kodak Camera and ran around with that just to family events and stuff. And then learned about working a 35mm camera as a yearbook photographer for the high school and darkroom skills so that all kind of went in the back because of marriage, career, and family. So, upon retirement, I took it up again and I'm very glad I did.” googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()<900) { s = googletag.defineSlot('/50748803/dwe-all-bigbox', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-1635342687823-bbm1'); s.setTargeting('URL', [window.location.pathname]); s.setTargeting('position', [1635342687823]) s.addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().refresh([s], {changeCorrelator: false}); } }); Centered on nature, Marianne delves into the origins of her inspiration. “Nature photography is obviously a love of mine. I think there are three aspects of it that I really enjoy. One is I think it comes naturally because of being a farm kid. I grew up a farmer's daughter. So that's sort of what spurred my appreciation for nature. The second aspect is natural light. From a photography perspective because you're outdoor shooting in that type of light. And Courtney Milne was a big influence. He's a very well-known Saskatchewan photographer in terms of showing me the way there. And just being out in the wide-open spaces, it's quiet. We have so much wildlife in the area that I'm grateful to be pursuing and that's another part of it because it is a challenge, you can't walk up to a bull moose and say oh, can you just sort of turn your head that way and put that back leg out and just stay right there? It's always a challenge and you never know on a given day what you're going to find. I've gone out so many times thinking oh, you know, I would just love to see a great horned owl that day. No luck, you know, but you'll come across something else. So, there's an aspect of surprise too, which is great.” googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()

<meta content="Catching the spectacular sights of the Saskatchewan Prairie is enjoyable for many, however, few can capture the unique beauty of our local landscape like Marianne Skolnik Robillard, a hobby passion she revisited after retirement. For Christmas in 2015, her family gave her a camera, and Robillard began a new journey learning to capture images at each destination. However, Robillard shares that photography is something she enjoyed when she was in high school. “I loved photography from when I was a kid and had an instant, Kodak Camera and ran around with that just to family events and stuff. And then learned about working a 35mm camera as a yearbook photographer for the high school and darkroom skills so that all kind of went in the back because of marriage, career, and family. So, upon retirement, I took it up again and I'm very glad I did.” googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()<900) { s = googletag.defineSlot('/50748803/dwe-all-bigbox', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-1635342687823-bbm1'); s.setTargeting('URL', [window.location.pathname]); s.setTargeting('position', [1635342687823]) s.addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().refresh([s], {changeCorrelator: false}); } }); Centered on nature, Marianne delves into the origins of her inspiration. “Nature photography is obviously a love of mine. I think there are three aspects of it that I really enjoy. One is I think it comes naturally because of being a farm kid. I grew up a farmer's daughter. So that's sort of what spurred my appreciation for nature. The second aspect is natural light. From a photography perspective because you're outdoor shooting in that type of light. And Courtney Milne was a big influence. He's a very well-known Saskatchewan photographer in terms of showing me the way there. And just being out in the wide-open spaces, it's quiet. We have so much wildlife in the area that I'm grateful to be pursuing and that's another part of it because it is a challenge, you can't walk up to a bull moose and say oh, can you just sort of turn your head that way and put that back leg out and just stay right there? It's always a challenge and you never know on a given day what you're going to find. I've gone out so many times thinking oh, you know, I would just love to see a great horned owl that day. No luck, you know, but you'll come across something else. So, there's an aspect of surprise too, which is great.” googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()

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Written by Bernadette Mullen
Thursday, Dec 28 2023, 10:17 AM

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Photo courtesy of Marianne Skolnik Robillard, Tatagwa Trail

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Catching the spectacular sights of the Saskatchewan Prairie is enjoyable for many, however, few can capture the unique beauty of our local landscape like Marianne Skolnik Robillard, a hobby passion she revisited after retirement. 

For Christmas in 2015, her family gave her a camera, and Robillard began a new journey learning to capture images at each destination. However, Robillard shares that photography is something she enjoyed when she was in high school. 

“I loved photography from when I was a kid and had an instant, Kodak Camera and ran around with that just to family events and stuff. And then learned about working a 35mm camera as a yearbook photographer for the high school and darkroom skills so that all kind of went in the back because of marriage, career, and family. So, upon retirement, I took it up again and I’m very glad I did.” 

Centered on nature, Marianne delves into the origins of her inspiration.

“Nature photography is obviously a love of mine. I think there are three aspects of it that I really enjoy. One is I think it comes naturally because of being a farm kid. I grew up a farmer’s daughter. So that’s sort of what spurred my appreciation for nature. The second aspect is natural light. From a photography perspective because you’re outdoor shooting in that type of light. And Courtney Milne was a big influence. He’s a very well-known Saskatchewan photographer in terms of showing me the way there. And just being out in the wide-open spaces, it’s quiet. We have so much wildlife in the area that I’m grateful to be pursuing and that’s another part of it because it is a challenge, you can’t walk up to a bull moose and say oh, can you just sort of turn your head that way and put that back leg out and just stay right there? It’s always a challenge and you never know on a given day what you’re going to find.  I’ve gone out so many times thinking oh, you know, I would just love to see a great horned owl that day. No luck, you know, but you’ll come across something else. So, there’s an aspect of surprise too, which is great.” 

Among the various locations to capture nature, Marianne expresses that one of her preferred spots is right here in Weyburn.

“I’ve walk the trails around the city a lot. I have a dog, so we’re out there all the time, and I’m usually toting my camera. And I’m happy to say I’ve spotted a lot of wildlife, foxes, and turtles along the river. I’ve spent a great deal of time along the river catching beavers, moose, deer, you name it, and many, many different species of birds. I drive out of town too, and go in the surrounding area around Yellow Grass, up north to Cedoux, down south to Goodwater area, Mainprize and out to Stoughton, so pretty much the surrounding area.”

Marianne shares when it comes to photography, patience is a requirement, “I think that’s one aspect for sure. When you’re shooting wildlife, you have to invest the time in it and it’s not going to all happen at once. It takes time to find different types of wildlife. So yes, patience is definitely a virtue, and there’s a lot of waiting.”

Eight years later, Marianne has attended several workshops and expresses her gratitude to all the professional photographers who have helped her along the way, including Greg Johnson a well known Saskatchewan photographer and Storm Chaser, who she travelled with to the Yukon on two different occasions. 

“We visited many different parts of the Yukon, photographed bears and eagles, and specifically aurora, which was very, very exciting up there because it’s a fantastic display. And landscape as well, waterfalls, marine life. So yeah, it was a great adventure.”

Marianne already has her next adventure planned, travelling to Alberta in 2024, for the Light Chasers workshop where she will be learning from some of the top Nature Photographers.

To view more of Marianne’s images, you can go to her Facebook page, Prairie Annie Photography.

In response to Canada’s Online News Act and Meta (Facebook and Instagram) removing access to local news from their platforms, we encourage you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the DiscoverWeyburn app.  

 

 

 

 

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It’s no secret that most photography equipment is expensive and typically highly specialized. But that doesn’t always need to be the case. In the above video from Adorama, photographer Gavin Hoey walks viewers through how to create studio portraits using a simple sheet of cardboard and some studio lights.

Many photographers are drowning in boxes in this post-holiday period, making it the perfect time to try these effects. In the video, Hoey shows three different looks photographers can achieve with a large piece of cardboard. All three start the same way, though. The first step is to stab holes all over the cardboard. Luckily, this is a great post-holiday activity for those who have spent too much time with family and need to get some aggression and frustration out.

For the first setup, Hoey places a light with a large softbox as close to the back of the cardboard as possible. Then, he pulls the subject away from the background and shoots at a wide-open f/1.2 aperture to create a soft bokeh behind her. An f/1.4 or f/1.8 aperture would work very well, too.

Leaving it like this would result in his model being much too dark, though, so he also adds light to illuminate the subject. Hoey used two lights, both of which he is careful to keep directed away from the cardboard to keep the contrast and dark background. The final image is a well-lit portrait with a dreamy bokeh behind the model.

The second style Hoey creates with the cardboard background aims to create pinpoints of light, as opposed to the soft bokeh orbs. To do this, he places his subject closer to the cardboard and switches to a narrower aperture, in his case, f/5.6.

His two-light setup still needs to be directed away from the cardboard, as the goal is to keep that mostly black with only the points of light visible. But, given the limited room between the model and the cardboard, it didn’t create the look he was going for. So, he leaned into this and turned his subject, creating a profile image.

To add a final special touch to the image, Hoey used a starburst filter. This filter is clear glass, so it won’t change the exposure or white balance. But it creates, as the name implies, a starburst effect for a more dramatic image when there are points of light in the frame. Users could play around with all sorts of filters that modify light to put their own spin on this.

The final setup uses the holey cardboard as a light modifier. First, Hoey removed the softbox and added a snoot for a more intense, focused beam of light. He then used the modeling light to adjust the placement of the strobe, allowing it to cover the entire piece of cardboard.

As with the other shots, the cardboard separates the model from the strobe, but this time, the cardboard isn’t physically in the shot at all. Instead, the light shining through the holes casts speckled light onto the model. Hoey points out that if the photographer doesn’t like the hotspots created on the model, they can either edit these out in post or put black gaffers tape on holes that cast light onto the face to remove them in camera.

With all the highly technical equipment available these days, it is nice to see some tutorials involving basic and cheap materials. Of course, users will need lighting equipment, but they could make do with continuous lights instead of strobes.

A generous photographer is restoring treasured photos that were destroyed by the devastating tornados in Tennessee at absolutely no cost.

According to a report by WKRN News 2, Laura Lane, who has been a photographer for over two decades, wanted to do her bit to help victims — after she saw the destruction caused by the tornadoes in Montgomery Country, Tennessee earlier this month.

Lane, who is based in Woodlawn, Tennessee, is now using her photography skills to help tornado survivors by restoring some of their most irreplaceable photos for free.

“[I’m] incredibly sad for the people who lost so much in this,” Lane, who owns Laura Lane Photography, tells WKRN News 2.

“I feel like being able to give something back that I know they don’t know how to do themselves, and I know there aren’t a lot of people who know how to do this.

“I feel like it’s the least I can do because I’m so incredibly grateful to this community that lets me do what I love.”

‘You Don’t Realize How Much Photos Mean Until It’s All You Have Left’

In a television segment with WKRN News 2, Lane offered insight into the photo restoration process on pictures found in the bottom of a pool after the tornado.

The news outlet reports that while every photo restoration is different depending on the damage, Lane generally begins by steaming the pictures to flatten them.

Following this, she takes a photo of the picture and uploads it to her computer where she uses software to correct every flaw. Finally, Lane prints out the restored photo to give to the client.

“They’re usually very surprised at how good it turned out, and there’s often tears when they see the finished product,” Lane explains.

“It’s something that’s obviously very important to them and very special.”

In the report by WKRN News 2, Lane recalled how one family returned to her to get new family photos after she restored their pictures damaged by the tornados.

“They said after this close call, they really wanted to get a family photo. They had been putting it off,” Lane says.

“That’s another thing I would tell people is stop putting it off because you think you need to lose 20 pounds or whatever it is, because your family loves you for who you are.

“You don’t realize how much photos mean until it’s all you have left.”

On December 10, three people, including a child, were killed after a tornado struck Montgomery County. Montgomery County officials said 62 people were treated for injuries at hospitals overnight.

FORT STEWART, Ga. – On an oddly chilly fall morning, a welcome change after weeks of record-breaking heat, a small battalion assigned to 188th Infantry Brigade stands at parade rest for a Change of Responsibility ceremony.

The Soldiers are the picture-perfect example of what you would see on a recruiting poster; a diverse group of Soldiers in freshly pressed uniforms, displaying professionalism and pride on their faces.

These powerful photos that end up on recruiting photos and brochures serve as a visual representation of the Army’s values, patriotism and duty.

Staged photos are vital to the Army not only because they attract future Soldiers to join the military, but also because they show any potential enemy that we are warriors and members of a team.

Gen. James Rainey, commander of United States Army Futures Command, recently said, “people are the reason we are the best Army in the world, not technology.”

Soldiers are stewards of the profession and are considered the most valuable and versatile weapons in the Army’s arsenal. Photography showcases the value and versatility of the Soldiers.

With this mindset, humanizing the Soldiers and the rank is often an afterthought, or not even considered. Candid photography is about capturing unposed moments of people in authentic, natural settings. These types of photos capture the people behind the equipment and tough military bearing.

“Those candid moments between people that are bonding through training or even war trauma is what make us human and separates us from being mindless people of war.” said Tommy Gilligan, a senior instructor at Defense Information School on Fort Meade, Maryland.

Snapping a candid shot of Soldiers as they laugh in between practicing a Mission Essential Task, capturing a photo as their child pins their new rank to their chest, or raising the Turkey Bowl trophy after a tough week of training and planning upcoming events shows the human aspect behind being a service member.

“If we don’t showcase the faces and stories behind the weapons then those people are just extensions of the weapons,” said Gilligan.

Imagery of Soldiers demonstrating their humanity, teamwork, and joy ensures that they are memorable. Capturing pictures where you can almost hear or feel their emotions through the page or screen ensures that their story and what they are fighting for won’t be forgotten.

“Seeing pictures of my friends in uniform really provides me with a sense of belonging. We’re all from various backgrounds, creeds, religions, socio-economic statuses and that creates a special blend of talent and motivation,” said Sgt. Tanner Dibble, a public affairs non-commissioned officer assigned to 13th Armored Corps Sustainment Command.

Our diversity results in unmatched decision-making skills, innovative thinking and progressive policy and procedure ultimately creating a stronger force. It also shows in how Soldiers embrace the cultures and backgrounds of their co-workers which creates incredibly strong bonds of friendship and teamwork.

“I really like seeing my friends and co-workers in their natural environment doing what they love,” said Spc. Danielle Sturgill, a public affairs specialist assigned to 204th Public Affairs Detachment, “it makes me happy knowing I’m working side by side with people that have passion for their service just as much as I do.”

Technical and tactical photographs staged to showcase the Army’s skill and might are impressive and important, but the candid photos we take may unintentionally be the most effective recruiting tool we have at our disposal.

They showcase one of the most diverse work environments in the world, where men and women work side by side to serve their country. They capture raw, authentic moments of military life, both good and difficult, that words alone simply cannot convey.

“Because photography at its purest is truth, it’s unbiased and real,” said Gilligan.

The photos also show the human side of being a Soldier. By documenting the universal experiences of bonding with family and connecting with people emotionally and through shared interests, potential Soldiers can visualize a future where they are a part of a united team.

For our adversaries, seeing these photos and what they represent are a deterrent, discouraging the idea of action against our military. Humanizing the ranks through photography shows the world that not only are Soldiers a lethally trained force; but that they have lives and people to live and fight for.

The most exciting news in Atlanta’s art world this year was the announcement that the city’s first Art Fair will take place in October 2024 in conjunction with the third annual Art Week.

Photography was big in 2023. We saw powerful photography exhibits the High Museum of Art, the Carlos Museum, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum and Jackson Fine Art, which opened a sleek new gallery in the spring.

Atlanta Celebrates Photography, rebranded as Atlanta Center for Photography, hired a new director and opened a gallery on Edgewood Avenue, while Atlanta Photography Group appointed David Clifton-Strawn as executive director.

In other news, UTA Artist Space Atlanta opened its permanent gallery in Midtown in January with a Lonnie Holley exhibit. The PATH Museum opened this summer in Buckhead: Larry Walker’s work was featured there and at Mason Fine Art. Jane Jackson, founder of Jackson Fine Art, opened a new venture, The Object Space, sharing space with the Sandler Hudson Gallery on the Westside.

The Spelman College Museum of Fine Art launched its first national traveling exhibit. Silver Linings: Celebrating the Spelman Art Collection features work by almost 40 artists of African descent. The tour commenced at Vassar College in September and will travel to four more museums in 2024.

Milestones: Atlanta Contemporary celebrated its 50th anniversary, Hammonds House its 35th. Art Papers announced it will cease publishing in 2026 (its 50th anniversary.) Executive Director Veronica Kessenich left Atlanta Contemporary and the city mourned the loss of Radcliffe Bailey

It’s never easy to create a best-of roundup — there are sure to be some deserving exhibits that don’t make the list — but our art writers Jerry Cullum, Stephanie Dowda DeMer, Cinqué Hicks, Angela Oliver, Louise E. Shaw and Deanna Sirlin have done their finest.

::

Independent of its ambitious theory about common elements among contemporary African American artists, Johnson Lowe Gallery’s exhibition The Alchemists (displayed in March and April) was produced at a level of risk and expense that almost no other Atlanta galleries could venture to approximate. Combining gallery owner Donovan Johnson’s curation with that of New York critic and curator Seph Rodney, The Alchemists brought works by internationally known artists not represented by the gallery into conversation with works by the gallery’s Atlanta-based artists. It took the added risk of a panel discussion in which the keynote speaker took partial issue with the exhibition’s chief thesis. — JC

::

This iteration of Georgia Women to Watch, New Worlds: Georgia Women to Watch at Atlanta Contemporary February through May, exceeded expectations. Curated by Melissa Messina and Sienna King, New Worlds was birthed during the pandemic from 16 studio visits to women-identifying artists across Georgia. The curators asked this existential question: When women artists envision a different world, how does that look? Although the intensity of the Covid-19 experience is in the rear-view mirror, we should remember that the pandemic was a time for reflection. Ultimately, five artists were chosen. To further structure the exhibition, the curators selected installation-based works informed by the female experience, all thoughtfully installed in conversation with one another. — LES

::

Justice at The Science Gallery Atlanta (March through September) highlighted interdisciplinary collaborations among artists, scientists, thinkers and activists in dialogues about social justice issues including structural racism and the impact of gentrification. In terms of scale, Atlanta-based artist Sanithna Phansavanh’s installation dominated the space by wrapping a MARTA bus with a flora and fauna design questioning the ecological future of the planet. For Freedoms, a national collective of politically active artists, contributed billboards and posters with social justice messages. The exhibition was further activated by interactive installations and participatory events, including a coffee house where the global implications of coffee production were explored. I have great expectations for what comes next. — LES

::

Close to the Edge: The Birth of Hip-Hop Architecture was at the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) for seven months. It was a standout exhibition among the plethora of offerings celebrating the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip-hop and featured the work of 34 participants from across the globe. Curator, architect and exhibition designer Sekou Cooke organized the traveling exhibition that masterfully integrated the gestalt of the hip-hop movement with exhibition design built upon repurposed shipping containers. Channeling hip-hop energy and the urban experience, the featured projects included experimental visualizations, installations, building designs, urban development proposals, and, of course, a playlist. MODA expanded the exhibition’s content and design vocabulary with significant Atlanta content. — LES

::

Black American Portraits, which was on view at the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art in the
summer, was one of the most intelligent, ambitious and wide-ranging exhibits of Black
American subjects in perhaps a generation. The exhibit originated at the Los Angeles County
Museum of Art, and 113 of the 140 works in that show were in the Spelman exhibit, together
with four additional works. The exhibit encompassed more than 200 years of portraiture in the
visual arts, mostly by Black artists, including two dimensional, three dimensional and time-
based media. These works provided an important counterbalance to pervasive images of Black
pain by celebrating sexuality, political achievements, the Harlem Renaissance and, simply, Black
joy. — CH

::

Every Stage of Becoming, Jessica Caldas’ exhibition at MOCA GA in June and July, was an emblematic visual manifesto on being a mother, a daughter and a woman. The life-size domestic tableaux in which her sculptures appear are theatrical. As in a medieval processional play, the viewer moves from one station to the next as the narrative builds. The mother is the main character, the hero of the artist’s narrative. Through references to female giants of Greek mythology, Caldas analogizes the artistic process with birthing, caring, mothering and the physical pathos of the female body. It is impossible not to feel the pathos of the exhaustion of these female forms, whose elongated legs and pillow-like bodies become a metaphorical bed on which to rest the weary vessel of the female body.– DS

::

The word “renaissance” this year has seen quite a — well, renaissance, thanks to Queen Bey. But it’s nothing new for one Los Angeles-based artist for whom Renaissance-era art is a muse. Rich brown skin covers the bodies in Harmonia Rosales’ stunning Master Narrative, a traveling exhibit at the Spelman College Museum of Fine art last August through November. A re-imagining of the Sistine Chapel ceiling and an ode to the Yorùbá gods of West African spiritual traditions, it’s a reflection of her own journey to self-love as an Afro-Cuban woman. With its centering of Eve as an ancestral collective, it also reflects the resilience of those traditions — once lost in and muddied by Atlantic waters, now retrieved by innate recollection and, ultimately, one’s understanding of the God within.– AO

::

Hasani Sahlehe’s You Really Got to See It Live was the highlight of Atlanta Contemporary’s 50th anniversary fall exhibitions. (Disclosure: From 1983 to 1998, this writer was executive director of Nexus Contemporary Art Center, from whence the Contemporary evolved). Embodying the institution’s historic commitment to supporting and presenting rising artists from and of Atlanta (think Radcliffe Bailey and Kara Walker), the exhibition was a thrilling presentation of Sahlehe’s recent monumental paintings that balance formal issues of abstraction and the physicality of paint and painting with a personal vocabulary that references the artist’s Caribbean upbringing and the African diaspora experience. — LES

::

Artists in the South have long desired a smart, curious and comprehensive curation of the complexities of making work in a region often on the edge of understanding. That exhibition finally opened at the High Museum of Art in September and runs through January 14, 2024. A Long Arc: Photography and the American South since 1845 is by far the most illuminating, comprehensive and important exhibition of 2023, featuring a range of remarkable Southern photographs. In addition to the impact on understanding Southern artists, the exhibition is a bridge to understanding the South and thus ourselves — both for insiders and outsiders. Further, A Long Arc is easily the most important exhibition on photography in years, anywhere. — SDD

::

For months this fall, the Zuckerman Gallery at Kennesaw State University took visitors beneath the surface of Caribbean cultures in {UNDER}flow, an exhibition featuring five worldwide Afro-Caribbean artists. A fusion of history and legend, bloodlines and chosen family and the vibrance of pop culture amid the shadows of solitude, {UNDER}flow was a wandering tale of identity, sexuality, perception and the piercing return of the gaze on Black bodies back to the viewer. The depth of each story was only outdone by the aesthetic beauty of the art — among the most dazzling this year — and technical mastery of each piece. The exhibit gave birth to extensive educational programming and a collaboration with the Haitian Studies Association’s 35th annual conference hosted by Morehouse College. — AO

 ::

The Michael C. Carlos Museum is not known for photography exhibits. But You Belong Here: Place, People and Purpose in Latinx Photography, on view at the museum September through November, was designed to attract a different kind of art lover, those more in tune with contemporary issues. Curated by Pilar Tompkins Rivas, under the auspices of the nonprofit Aperture, the images were thought-provoking, offering a rich visual experience that helped remediate lack of visibility for this multifaceted community. It featured the work of 16 photographers, all different in their photographic approaches but whose work collectively created a comprehensive and nuanced vision of Latinx communities. — VK

::

Ghosts of Segregation by photographer Rich Frishman explores brilliantly the lingering presence of segregation and institutional racism hidden in the American landscape. Some of the sites he photographed have entered our collective consciousness, but, many everyday places such as movie theater entrances, ice cream parlors or railroad hotels, have remained invisible or simply forgotten. Frishman searched tirelessly for clues in the built environment to unearth the visible but easily overlooked signs of an ugly past. His intention is clear: to “heighten awareness, motivate action and spark an honest conversation about the legacy of racial injustice in America.” On view until May 24, 2024, at the David J. Sencer CDC Museum.– VK

::

At the intersection of art and community lies We Are Each Other, Sonya Clark’s evocative ride through shared humanity. It’s on display at the High Museum of Art through February 18. A survey of the multidisciplinary artist’s participatory projects over 25 years, it confronts racism by not only celebrating the art and endurance of Black culture — from hairstyles to Gwendolyn Brooks’ “Paul Robeson” poem, the inspiration for the exhibition title — but also by calling out the long-lived delusion of White supremacy that permeates this country’s soil and systems and challenging viewers to take part in dismantling it with their own hands. We Are Each Other (through February 18, 2024) is a story of survival, where, even after gut-wrenching lifetimes of despair, hope remains. — AO

One of the great things about instant cameras, besides the fact that they fire prints out in seconds, is that they do a lot of the hard work for you. Because they’re user-friendly, they usually have automatic exposure and focus settings that adjust to a scene. While automatic modes simplify the shooting process – especially if you don’t have much technical knowledge – the main downside is that you get less creative control, so you can’t always change the exposure based on the lighting conditions or your artistic ideas.

Unless you’re using an advanced manual instant camera like the Polaroid I-2, all you need to do is point, shoot, and perhaps add a filter or two to liven things up. The best instant cameras aren’t just for beginners, though. I’m a semi-professional photographer, and I still love the simplicity, and the nostalgic, spontaneous nature of instant film photography – especially when you try experimental films like Polaroid’s Reclaimed Blue.

Whether you’ve got a Polaroid or Instax camera, framing your subject more carefully, or using modes that you’ve previously ignored, can improve your hit rate. After all, instant film is expensive, and you want as many shots as possible to be sharp, dynamic, and well-exposed. Here are five tips to help you boost your instant camera photography, with some fun and creativity along the way.

1. Choose the right distance

Most instant cameras have a close-up focusing distance of around 30cm, although the Leica Sofort 2’s macro mode can get up to 10cm. It’s important to understand the focus capabilities of your camera, as you’ll get blurry images if you’re too close. For selfies, hold the camera at least an arm‘s length away and if your camera has a mirror on the front, use this to help you gauge the distance.

You don’t want to be too far away, though. Instant prints can be tiny, especially if you’re using the Instax Mini format. If your subject is too far away, it’ll be hard to see it in the print, so aim to keep it within about 6-7 feet for the best results.

2. Use exposure adjustments

On some instant cameras, you can use exposure compensation to control the brightness of your photos and overcome difficult lighting conditions like high-contrast sunlight. Compensate for situations where the camera’s automatic exposure might produce overly bright or dark images; a positive value (+) increases brightness, while a negative value (-) decreases it.

On the Instax Mini 90, the little LD button lets me toggle through three settings: L (light) L+ (very light), and D (dark). On the Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo, you can tweak the exposure up and down in numbered increments. The Polaroid I-2 has an exposure compensation dial on the lens. Check your camera manual if you’re not sure what’s possible.

3. Add in extra light

Instant film needs plenty of light to come out well. If the environment is too dark, say you’re at a low-lit party or an ambient restaurant, turn on the camera’s built-in flash to brighten things up. You can typically toggle between on, off, auto, or red-eye reduction. I usually keep my flash on whenever I’m indoors or if I want to add fill light outside. Keep it off when there’s enough natural light, as it can be harsh on skin tones and make colors look washed out.

The fundamentals of photography apply in just the same way with instant cameras. Light is everything, so pay attention to the direction and intensity of natural light in your scene. Soft, diffused light – the sort you get from a window – reduces harsh shadows, while direct sunlight creates strong, interesting contrasts.

4. Consider contrast

Instant cameras don’t handle dynamic range – the difference between the darkest and brightest parts of an image – as well as the best mirrorless cameras, and shooting in even light or on cloudy days can yield the best results. If there’s too much contrast between the highlights and shadows, you could end up with a muddy photo that’s too dark, so need to be clever about when you photograph, what you include in the frame, and the direction you face.

It’s limiting to only take instant pictures when the light is even, like on cloudy days. But if you’re taking portraits, could you ask your subject to step into a shaded area? Alternatively, could you make dynamic contrasts an intentional part of the composition? Try shooting into the sun for a dramatic silhouette, or splitting the frame into clear sections of light and shade.

5. Try creative modes

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Instant cameras are designed to be fun! And any shooting modes they have are there for a reason. I used to stick the camera in auto and crack on. However, I recently experimented with the party mode on my Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic and found that it adjusts the flash output to reveal the background instead of keeping it dark. Neat. Then there’s the “Kids” mode, which is designed for capturing fast movements with quicker shutter speeds and produced sharp prints when I used it to photograph my dog during a walk.

If you’ve got an array of modes and filters that you’ve been too scared to explore, I say give them a go. If your camera allows you to take double exposures, why not try overlaying a portrait with natural textures for a creatively expressive photograph? Or using macro mode for detailed shots?

It’s such a cliche, but the best way to improve your instant photography – as with any genre – is practice. Once you’ve gleaned the advice above, why not experiment with the best Instax and Polaroid films and accessories? Take advantage of deals on instant film, grab a big batch, and keep learning from your successful (and less successful) shots.

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Amazon Photography

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Effective approach involves creating compelling product listings and continuously optimizing strategies based on changing market trends and customer feedback.

ATLANTA, GA, USA, December 28, 2023 /EINPresswire.com/ — Serving all around the world, Product Photography Tampa Studio, EtherArts has extensive experience at Amazon photography. With tremendous skill set, they are capable of strategizing for various product sales on Amazon.

In the vast and competitive landscape of Amazon, where millions of products jostle for attention, standing out is not just an option—it’s a necessity for success. Whether it is a seasoned seller or a newcomer looking to make a mark, understanding and implementing effective strategies is crucial for capturing the elusive consumer interest and driving sales. In this article, we’ll explore actionable techniques to helps rise above the noise and thrive in the saturated Amazon market.

1. Optimize Product Listings:
Begin with a solid foundation by optimizing product listings. Craft compelling and keyword-rich product titles, detailed and accurate product descriptions, and utilize high-quality images. Amazon’s search algorithm rewards relevance, so align the listings with what the target audience is searching for. Clear and concise product information not only improves visibility but also instills trust in potential customers.

2. Leverage Amazon Advertising:
Amazon offers a suite of advertising tools that can significantly boost product’s visibility. Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands, and Sponsored Display are powerful ad formats that allows to target specific keywords, interests, or even competitor products. Invest time in understanding Amazon’s advertising platform and use data-driven insights to refine and optimize campaigns over time.

3. Harness the Power of Reviews:
Positive reviews are a currency of trust on Amazon. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews by providing exceptional customer service and post-purchase follow-ups. Address negative reviews promptly and professionally to show potential buyers that one values customer satisfaction. Utilize Amazon’s Early Reviewer Program to kickstart the review collection for new products.

4. Create Compelling Product Images:
Visuals play a crucial role in online shopping, and Amazon is no exception. Invest in high-quality and visually appealing product images that showcase the product from multiple angles. A well-lit and professionally presented image not only attracts attention but also builds confidence in the quality of the product.

5. Implement Competitive Pricing Strategies:
Price is a significant factor in consumer decision-making. Regularly monitor and adjust the pricing strategy to remain competitive. Consider offering promotions, discounts, or bundled deals to attract budget-conscious shoppers. Dynamic pricing tools can help automate this process, keeping the brand competitive without constant manual adjustments.

6. Differentiate The Brand:
Stand out by highlighting what makes the brand and product unique. Develop a strong brand story and communicate it across the product listings, images, and brand storefront. Consider creating a memorable and distinctive logo to enhance brand recognition. Emphasize any special features, eco-friendly practices, or unique selling points that set the product apart from the competition.

7. Enhance Customer Experience:
Positive customer experiences go a long way in building brand loyalty. Provide excellent customer service by responding promptly to inquiries, addressing issues effectively, and exceeding expectations whenever possible. Implementing a hassle-free return policy and offering fast shipping can contribute to a positive overall experience, encouraging repeat business and positive word-of-mouth. Their product photography Atlanta studio allows for customers to drop off products thus enhancing the customer experience.

8. Stay Informed and Adapt:
The e-commerce landscape is dynamic, and what works today may need adjustments tomorrow. Stay informed about market trends, Amazon policies, and competitors. Regularly analyze the performance metrics and adjust strategies accordingly. Embrace a mindset of continuous improvement to stay ahead in the ever-evolving Amazon marketplace.

Conclusion:
Navigating the saturated Amazon market requires a strategic and holistic approach. By optimizing the product listings, leveraging advertising, prioritizing customer reviews, creating compelling visuals, implementing competitive pricing, differentiating the brand, enhancing customer experience, and staying informed, one can stand out and secure sales in this highly competitive e-commerce environment. Embrace these strategies, adapt to changes, and persistently refine the approach to thrive in the bustling Amazon jungle. EtherArts Product photography studio consists of highly skilled and experienced Amazon photographer serving all Amazon FBA accounts.

Aarti Desai
EtherArts Product Photography
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