Fine Art Nature Photography Class

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I debated about whether to add this discussion in the Photography group of here in the Art Cafe.  I'm thinking since my photos taken for this class will probably look a little more like "art" (at least I hope they do), it should probably be here.  I'm excited about the class.  I just finished the first lesson and it's confusing but intriguing at the same time.  I'm feeling like a total novice compared to the others in this class who have posted some of their prior work which is amazing.  They have big time equipment...I don't.  Anyway for me this is all about learning to look at things a little more creatively and having fun.  So, here are my first "assignment shots".  The instructor will critique them next Monday.  Since this is the first lesson, I'm pretty clueless about what she'll be looking for.  I'll let you know and add any key "learnings" to this discussion.

This one is actually tree mold that I thought looked pretty neat...

[F, Calla & Luca]

These are beautiful and fascinating. They all have a dreamy quality. I like the tree fungus best.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks, F.  I've walked by that tree a million times and never even noticed that the fungus was actually really pretty.

[Diane Margetts]

Stunning!!!!! I want to take that class too!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks, Diane.  It's an online class, and she's doing it again in June.  I'll send you the link if you're interested.

[Diane Margetts]

Yes!!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Here's the link...it's the Fine Art Nature Photography class (Part 1). 

http://www.ppsop.com/courses_advanced.aspx

[Linda and "Toby"]

I'm so happy you are sharing these here! I love what you've done on these. The first two are my faves. :)

What was the "assignment" for this first set of photos?

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks so much, Linda.  The assignment was really vague.  It was just to "interpret" what we were shooting versus just photographing it.  It sounds like next week is much more specific.  I think she was just trying to get a sense for our "styles" this week.  In this class post processing is encouraged, but I've already learned that I have to have the right shot to start with.

[Carol and Banjo]

Jane!   Wow!   This looks like such fun......So beautiful!!!   The first photo is my favorite....I think because it looks painted and not at all like a photograph.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks, Carol.  That one is my favorite too.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Jane...are you taking the PPSOP class on Creating Compelling Compositions?  Those are amazing photos.  Did you do them with the Lens Baby?  I am getting more and more tempted to get the Composer Pro and then taking the class.  Once my life slows down a bit which should be happening soon!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks Nancy, it's the PPSOP Fine Arts Nature Photography class with Kathleen Clemons.  I did take all of these with the Lensbaby.  People in the class are pretty mixed, but most people are using some sort of selective focus lens (like the Lensbaby) as well as traditional lenses...it just depends on the shot.  The Lensbaby has actually helped me to look at photos a little differently, because you have to first decide where you want the viewer's eye to go first and that's where you place your sweet spot.  If you decide to go this route, I'd suggest the Composer or Composer Pro along with the macro kit.  Here's one I shot last week with the Composer and a +4 macro ring.  Notice that I placed the sweet spot right where the petals of these flowers touch.  That's what I mean by selecting what you want the viewer to see first.  Let me know if you decide to do it....it's really fun.  How was your trip to Boston....not great weather?