Writing with Light… January, 2010
Lens Luggers meet for Field Shoots
Wednesday and now also Saturday mornings… Every other Tuesday evening they meet to review and discuss their work.
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Travel
Hundreds
of feet up the Meteora rock spires in Kalampaka, Greeceare perched ancient Monasteries. Notice the right hand rock formation - you
can barely make out the building on top.
Ermoupoli, Syros in the Greek Islands in June,2008.
Would you like to go? Here or some place else. Let us know. Besides being registered with Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT), one of the most respected names in the industry, possible trips with a group of our photographers are in the works.
Bob Grytten Photo
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In Rememberance…
Lens Lugger Lowell Martin passed away this past December 9, 2009. We remember Lowell by dedicating this issue to him. Lowell
had passion for his craft and beloved medium format cameras. We will
miss Lowell and the warm friendliness he shared with us during his all
too brief time on our field shoots and workshops.
LTC Lowell L. Martin (ret.) was born Sept. 30, 1938, at Ft. Jay,
N.Y. He was the son of the late Col. and Mrs. Winfield L. Martin.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sandra; daughter, Laura L.
Martin; two sons, Kenneth L. and Thomas M. Martin; and a grandson, Ian
Reiff Martin. He is also survived by two sisters, Dorothy Martin and
Patricia Dow, both of California, and a brother, Robert Martin of
Arlington, Va.
Lowell began his federal career in 1957 as a Midshipman at the U.S.
Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. He graduated with a B.S. in 1961. He
took his commission in the U.S. Army as an artillery officer and
assignments that took him to Forts Benning, Bragg, Campbell, and Sill,
as well as Germany and Vietnam twice.
He was an avid scholar throughout his career, earning a Master of
Science degree, a Juris Doctor degree, and he completed the Army
Command and General Staff College. His last posting was at Ft.
Leavenworth, Kan., in 1985, retiring in 1998. He and his beloved wife, dogs and miniature horses moved to
Waynesville, in December of 2004. He will be greatly missed by all who
knew him.
.
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Marketing ideas
See something interesting on a walk - shoot and send it to your local newspaper. They might use it.
“Cool photos. You made today's front page!” ---- the e-mail said. Sure enough - here it is.
Never be bashful about making the first step…
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Charleston, SC
First,
we thank every one who sent in feedback on the new Site. Please
continue as your comments and suggestions will be the key to making
this site work best.
About Haiti, our thoughts go
out to the people affected by the earthquake… I see where they're using
texting to raise funds for the emergency relief. Hospital Ships are
leaving from this port in Charleston for the disaster area…
I
thought it might be helpful to keep in touch with bits of information
that might be helpful ln real time. First thing that comes to mind is
the easy price of this hotel - $49 a night (North Charleston La
Quinta). We found a better price last October at Myrtle Beach - $36 a
night, Ocean view and right on the water. I'm assuming that the economy
is keeping prices low. We could be tempted to drive a little further to
Myrtle Beach but it a few degrees warmer in Charleston (45° now and
going to 66). And this place is Pet Friendly (no extra charge) and
breakfast, so Baxter comes with us. Even though were a little north of
Downtown, we usually head to Folly beach as well as Isle of Palms for
the County Beach which allows dogs and RT 526 gets us there about as
fast as staying in the historic downtown.
It's 5:30AM, so time for coffee -- more later
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When Franz Lanting began his work, so well known in National Geographic,
he watched and learned about his subject of choice - the Sanderling a
relatively common shore bird. He was able to anticipate its activity
and know when and how to best photograph his subject. He put words with
his pictures and submitted to Nat Geo. Now he travels the world on
projects and is an inspiration to us all. Drop me a note if you would like a copy of my interview with him that was originally published in F/8 and Being there…
We can all learn from those who came before us. Keep sending what you find… and what helps best.
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We're
Back - but, having left my computer power cord behind - something any
FOOL could do - I will have to rely on my memory… you sure you want to
know more?
At least one e-mail encourages us to continue with the On Going section -
“I love the ongoing part of your website! You should post a few shots from
where you're at, or what you have taken that day. Then we can stay up with
you and see what you're doing. Please forward the paperwork to fill out for
the plus program.”
So,
here goes… We're traveling with no assurances of perfect weather - But
then who would travel at all and when, if we needed guarantees?This
morning the sky looks like this…
What's that old sailor saying? “Red sky before night sailors delight, Red sky in the morning, sailor take warning.” We were about to find out.
By
the time we arrived at the County Park at Isle of Palms about 20 min.
away form North Charleston, the wind was brisk and the sky overcast.
We headed to Sullivan Island which is connected by a bridge with IOP.
The
surprise was at Fort Moultrie - and at first glance this fort is very
unimpressive. It looks more like some old ruins and cannon.
But think back-- this seacoast defense was installed in the days of only a handful of colonies, and very primitive.
But there was more we didn't know -- From accounts, “The first fort on Sullivan's Island was still incomplete when Commodore
Sir Peter Parker and nine warships attacked it on June 28, 1776. After
a nine-hour battle, the ships were forced to retire. Charleston was
saved from British occupation, and the fort was named in honor of its
commander, Colonel William Moultrie.
Learn more about the battle of Fort Moultrie by clicking the white underlined.
For
me this National Monument filled in a lot of the missing piece about
our countries history. The Visitors Center is complete with a theater
and Stations depicting the days of slave trade, the Revolutionary War,
Civil War, WWI and even a Station depicting the1933 command post for a
colonel by the name of George C. Marshal. So this adds to my understand of the area, along with Francis Marion, A/K/A the Swamp Fox - portrayed (although sometimes a bit overdone) in the movie The Patriot which starred Mel Gibson. As we left the Visitor Center is was pouring…
There's More…
We arrive at Poe's Tavern,
just down the road from Fort Moultrie. We've been here before but
didn't remember the fireplace. It's welcoming with a blazing fire. We
climb onto barstools. And behold, as we review the menu, these words…
“After
a brief stint at the University of Virginia, Poe enlisted in the
army under the pseudonym Edgar Allan Perry and was stationed at Fort
Moultrie… eighteen months, beginning November 18, 1827. His time on the
island inspired ‘The Gold Bug,’ a story about a mystical beetle that
led to buried treasure.”
So,
there it is. Hospitality was friendly, service the quickest - the Lone
Ranger would have approved - and the food very good. Recommended.
On the way back to the hotel for a Nap - yep - Carol got this shot of the new IMPRESSIVE Arthur Ravenel Bridge, over the Cooper River. Shot through the windshield in the rain -- She even manages to miss the wipers…
©Carol Grytten Photo
The next day was Sun and 70°
Some Images:
The windows caught my eye -- the Models were gratis.
Then, I shouted out, “Take another picture, I'd like to have a Photographer in my picture.” :-)
That worked…
Coates Row Courtyard, Charleston , SC
©Bob Grytten Photo
Today's Tip…
Always
having your camera with you… can be one of the things we CAN control as
photographers - whether you are a newbie or a seasoned pro.
Even
if you're a Point 'N Shooter and unfamiliar with the way your camera
operates, set your camera on AUTO, stop the car and take the shot.
I guarantee that you will come away with some pleasing images. Here is another one that caught my eye while driving…
I couldn't get out of the car fast enough, because light was changing very rapidly.
“it's the light that separates the “ho-hum” images from the WINNERS.”
And
don't worry about what you don't know about photography. Trust the
computer in your head - if something says “WOW! Look at that,” chances
are it's worth stopping the car.
Workshop…
The
first 2010 Field Photography program is scheduled to begin in April.
Contact Bob for details 828/627-0245 or bobgry@aol.com or just go to
the Workshop page
True and Beautiful…
Unfortunately, many of the artistic aspects of photography do not get covered in most photo workshops. Consider taking an art class
to fill in many of those sensitive areas such as aspects of the color
wheel, shading and how the Great Masters used light to compose their
works.
In the meantime, John Ruskin, author of the 1858 book,True and Beautiful discussed some interesting aspects of , composition, etc. Find it at Amazon.com.
Travel Tip…
If the cost of travel to foreign shooting locations discourages you,consider a home exchange
as a way to defray some of the expense. We have done two home
exchanges, and while they may not be for everyone, we had very positive
experiences. The first trade was to a French Villa 30 miles north of
Paris for our home in Holiday, FL, and last Christmas ('08) to a Condo
in Florida for our house in NC. We currently belong to a home exchange
network called HomesforExchange. They
offer a 40 day Free trial program voucher to look around the site. Let
us know if you would like a voucher. Drop a note via the Contact Bob page.
his Just in…
1/27/2010 …from Lens Lugger Bob Orlopp
Subject: A
Palindrome
A palindrome reads
the same backwards as forwards. This one reads the
exact
opposite - backwards as forwards - very clever. It's is only a 1 min.
44 sec. video
and it's brilliant. Listen intently, following along with the
words forward
and backward. Please read as well as listen.
This video
was submitted by a 20 year old in an AARP contest titled "u @
50". It
won second place. When they showed it, everyone in the room was
awe-struck
and broke into spontaneous applause. Simple and brilliant.
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1/25/09
Yesterday morning…
Superblogger
/Cyberqueen /Lens Lugger Suzie Blackmon and I had coffee at Panaceas in
Frog Level… always a treat to be with Susie. Her photography is reaching new levels.
You'll have to ask her why or how - but one thing for sure, she is out
shooting a lot, looking a lot and she is on a mission. Now she has a
site where you can get your images posted. Its called Maggie Valley Photos Group. Check it out
Just remember “you become known for your worst image,”
This is not to discourage anyone. Always make sure your image is not a
throw away. It's up to you -- but it is also a nice opportunity.Click here for her site.
it is called Bucking the Real Estate Trend -- and she has great
information about what is happening in the local Real Estate market.
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FirstSale Award… goes to Lens Lugger Jo D'Earmo. Says Jo… “The
print was one from the small works show (Gallery 86 Main St.,
Waynesville, NC). The one from Italy of the braided garlic hanging
from the basket. It sold the first weekend of the show.… I really am
tickled
about selling it.” Congratulations JO!!!
Marketable Photos are everywhere…
Early Morning and a fishing boat leaves the
dock at Francis Marion National Forest, not far from Charleston, SC. Soon they will be into open water of the
Atlantic Ocean.
This image would make a good Cover shot or could be part of a Photo Essay using other associate images, or a Photo/Text editorial package if one built a story around the image.
This
image was one of four taken as the boat moved from the dock. I liked
this one best for the balance. Unsure what balance means? If It just
feels right, it probably is - so, just release the shutter.
I also had to straighten the horizon somewhat. That was done in Nikon Capture NX2, a post production computer program - available from the Nikon Web site or Amazon.com.
About marketing images…
There
are sites that specialize in selling or marketing their photography.
For those who wish to follow that marketing approach we will provide
some good references.
However, drawing upon a problem solving approach
developed in a former Real Estate career, we have found a way to use
the best of that selling approach to carve out a more systematic and
workable way to market our work.
Often
photos with words or vice versa offer an effective and satisfying way to
market our work. So, this site is for both Photographers and Writers who
wish to get published, or published more often…
We
begin
to market our work by locating those publications that need the
kind of images we like to produce. In my case, I enjoy being in nature
and traveling so that is where I do most of my shooting. I'm also
usually thinking of stories or ways to use words with my
images. When I return to the office, I may have a pretty good idea
about a possible photo/text package and which publications may have an
interest in it.
But, before I do any writing
I query publications with a one page letter spelling out my idea for a
story. Before, with the old approach, I would be sending our
submissions of slides - 20-40 in a package -- and need to have 20-25
packages in circulation all the time. The slides would have to be
sorted, labeled,
reordered, packages and postage paid. With digital, some of the detail
has changed, and it's still a workable formula for
success - I was recording about a 10% success rate. For me; however,
that process became too intensive administrativally. Now I compose a
one page query
letter, and send it to 6-8 non-competing publications and wait until
one gives me the go ahead. More on procedures later…
Question and Answers
“Could I get paid for this picture?”
Most likely, yes!
“How do I go about it?”
One place to start is to find out who would have a need for an image like this. Photographer Market
by Writers Digest would be a good place to locate publications that
typically use something like this. Most of the bigger book stores carry
it. Or try Amazon.com.
Another place to check out would be Photo Source International. Rohn Engh of Photo Source produces a very in depth CD entitled “How to Market Your Photos.” Recommended for your personal library.
