Matt Molloy

A photographer I have recently discovered is Matt Molloy, whose ‘time stack’ work is inimitable. When first reading the term ‘time stack’, it was easy to link the reference to star trail photographs. However, I discovered that this term can also refer to time stacks created during the daytime!

Photograph by Matt Molloy

Photograph by Matt Molloy

In a blog titled ‘Tutorial: Time Stack’ published by Alexandra Kim, Molloy has generously shared how he achieves the time stack technique. He describes how to create time stacks, time-lapse source material needed and stacking multiple photos into one image. He has also provided a YouTube video, which visually shows you the time stack process. See the following link to watch the video and read how to create your own time stack: http://500px.com/blog/1051/tutorial-time-stack

'Smeared Sky' by Matt Molloy

Describing the ‘Smeared Sky’ image, Molloy states that it was ‘made from 500 photos, [and] is the first sunset time-lapse I tried the stacking method with. I was surprised with the outcome, but even more so with the feedback. It wasn't long before it went viral. I was getting lots of emails, some asking questions about the technique and others hoping to share it on their website or blog. Milky Way Scientists shared it on their Facebook page, and it got 12,000 likes and 4,000 shares on the first day it was up. I was blown away!’ (http://www.dpmag.com/how-to/shooting/time-collapse.html#.U2TX0I2KDug)

'Sunset Spectrum' by Matt Molloy

One of my favourite photographs created by Molloy is ‘Sunset Spectrum’. It displays an open field with a barn situated to the left side of the frame. The colours in the sky are beautiful; rich and vivid. It appears as if an artist has painted layer upon layer of numerous colours to create texture, perspective and an almost three-dimensional canvas painting.

I am intrigued by this style of photography. It is a wonderful concept that is contemporary, unique and innovative. By posting this work for public viewing, Molloy has been an inspiration to many.  His work not only challenges photographers to experiment with time stacking processes, but also encourages those who view his works, to journey into previously unknown creative realms. I am one who has been inspired. It is definitely a current emerging trend which I believe will grow increasingly popular in the years to come.

The following is a link to his website: http://500px.com/MattMolloy

Some more photographs by Matt Molloy:

Photograph by Matt Molloy

Photograph by Matt Molloy

Photograph by Matt Molloy

Photograph by Matt Molloy

Posted by Chelsea

Caryn Esplin

Photograph by Caryn Esplin

High Dynamic Range, or HDR for short, is becoming a widespread technique used by photographers, such as Caryn Esplin, who are keen to try their hand at distinctive creativity. This technique is also available to iPhone, as well as some Android users, where a HDR feature has been built-in to the phone’s camera capabilities. There is also the option to download the ‘Pro HDR’ app from App Stores.

As a talented and imaginative photographer, Esplin has taken photographic techniques, such as light painting and HDR, and combined them to create remarkable and effective photographs. Her portfolio also covers Macro, People, Places and Things. Esplin states that ‘photography and graphic design are some of my favourite distractions in life, so teaching something I love, couldn't be any better.’ (http://www.carynesplin.com/blog/)

Photograph by Caryn Esplin

Esplin’s website not only showcases her work but also explains what goes on behind-the-scenes. Periodically, she explains the story or reason behind her images, how she achieved the end results and includes a step-by-step guide to assist others achieve similar outcomes. I believe that by sharing this additional information, it indicates Esplin’s willingness to disclose the ‘secret’ techniques and thought process behind her photographs. Many photographers do not explain the process required to achieve their end results, so perhaps this signifies a new trend which Esplin has started, encouraging other photographers to also share their artistic reasoning with others.

Many areas of photography are adopted by Esplin, however, one particular style to which I am drawn is the HDR photographs. These images are created by obtaining a few, or several, photographs at different exposures, then manipulating these images in a program by ‘layering’ one on top of the other. HDR can produce somewhat surreal or futuristic effects, which appear almost imaginary or pretend.

Photograph by Caryn Esplin

One particular photograph features a train and track situated in front of a large wooden building and silos. The resulting effects are produced by using a combination of techniques such as bracketing, light painting, HDR and Camera Raw. Esplin states that she achieved this result by firstly setting up her camera on a tripod at sunset and taking three exposures, also known as bracketing. Next, she painted the facing side of the large building in the foreground, with a light source. Esplin then opened the images in a program called Photomatix to achieve the HDR effect. Lastly, she edited the colours in Camera Raw. All of these steps combined create an interesting concept and effective images. Visit this link to learn more about how Esplin achieved her final result: http://www.carynesplin.com/bracketing-light-painting-hdr-camera-raw/

The following are a few more photographs by Caryn Esplin:

Photograph by Caryn Esplin

Photograph by Caryn Esplin

Photograph by Caryn Esplin

Posted by Chelsea

An eBook by Julia Kuzmenko McKim

“Digital Photo Retouching: Beauty, Fashion & Portrait Photography eBook” by Julia Kuzmenko McKim is a publication I came across when I was researching Photoshop tutorials.  It is designed for both amateur and professional photographers who edit their work in Adobe Photoshop.  It is suggested that the book is aimed at intermediate and advanced Photoshop users.  The eBook combines text, photo images as well as “how to” video footage to inspire and educate.  The tutorials are easy to follow, user friendly and cover topics such as retouching tools and techniques for face, skin and hair.  The author shares her knowledge and expertise covering everything from how to prepare your model for a beauty photo shoot to efficient and time-saving retouching workflow.

McKim is a successful internationally published photographer, retoucher and educator and she has capitalized on this background to produce an eBook where most of the techniques are described and demonstrated in the video tutorials.  This digital book is created for visual artists, and visual artists learn best from watching, not reading so there is not a lot of text to wade through.  Additionally, there are photography tips, which will help you to avoid creating retouching problems before the images are photographed. 

Photographers who are looking to add that something special or finishing touch to your fashion shoot portraiture or photo art, this eBook will help to lift your standard from the mundane to the next level.

Buy the book here: http://www.retouchingebooks.com/shop/mad-artist-ebook/

Posted by Alex

Felicity Rogers

Felicity Rogers

"Through my artwork I aim to capture a world of dreams and illusions"

Since the first time rogers picked up a camera in 1996, her interest in photography has evolved from the Darkroom to Digital Imaging and 3D Computer Animation. Through photography she discovered her passion for Surrealism. 

Roger says; "Playing on the notion that "the camera tells no lies", I experimented with the medium creating imaginary scenes. My background as a Magician also helped influence my style. Often I would incorporate visual illusions within my images by constructing little "stage sets" to photograph and blending negatives under the enlarger".

In February 2000 she went from using the Darkroom to using the Computer. Rogers believe that by using computer technology has "enhanced the overall look of my images and allows me to build up a scene as I work". She currently use an Olympus C-4040 Digital Camera, with 4.1 mega pixels. Each image is made up from about 5-10 photos and combined together in the computer using Adobe Photoshop.

Rogers says that her approach to photography is more "like a painter who starts with a blank canvas". A large part of the time she spends is used to visualise the image that she wishes to create. Rogers says; "Some concepts come to me as complete images in my imagination. Others are inspired by an interesting object I find, which I then build a picture around. For me, constructing a scene that doesn't exist is more of a creative challenge than recording just what the camera sees.

Often when I imagine a concept for a photograph I picture it fully animated. In the past I have created a number of photographic sequences as a way to tell a story and express what I am seeing. Naturally this led to an interest in 3D Computer Animation. Currently I am working on a short animated film that will bring a lot of my photographs to life".

She prefers that people create their own interpretation of the images, or "simply enjoy them as a visual medium". As an artist, she believes in capturing those elusive images that "dreams are made of". she's says; "My photography is very much about exploring the imagination. I hope that my images inspire others to seek out their own "Dreamscapes".

http://www.pixiport.com/Gallery-C42.htm

http://www.pixiport.com/BIO-felicity-rogers.htm

Post by Jackie

Levi Van Veluw

Levi Van Veluw

Levi van Veluw was born in the Dutch town of Hoevelaken in 1985 and  studied at the ArtEZ 

Institute of the Arts in Arnhem. 

Since  2007, Levi van Veluw has produced multi-disciplinary works that includes 

photographs, videos, sculptures, installations and drawings. This varied body of work has 

been showcased in many different locations across Europe and the United States, earning 

him a number of nominations and awards.

Levi first became known in 2008 with his solo exhibition Landscapes at Galerie Ron 

Mandos in Amsterdam. This coincided with him being awarded the International Photo Award 

in New York for the photo series "Ballpoints"

In 2010, the work of the artist was showcased in a series of major museum exhibitions, 

including the exhibition "Dead or Alive" at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, 

the Museum of Modern Art in Arnhem and Ars Electronica in Linz.

2013 saw the publication of the book "Origin of the Beginning". This singular book is a work 

of art in itself, published in an edition of 1000 hand-signed copies. The book, which is 

widespread among collectors and enthusiasts, provides an overview of the artist’s work 

from 2006 to 2013, a rich oeuvre that includes photographs, drawings, installations, 

sculptures and videos.

"This four-piece series reinterprets the traditional landscape painting. Plots of land, clusters of trees and babbling brooks are removed from their intimate two-dimensional format and transposed onto the three-dimensional contours of the artist’s own face. A fresh and surreal twist is given to romantic landscape painting’s obsession of recreating the world while simultaneously also being part of it." This is the link to the short experimental video

http://www.levivanveluw.nl/work/landscapes#4 http://www.levivanveluw.nl

post by Jackie