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Happy Summer Solstice • a really long day!
In the last week we had a few 100° days. As the heat continues to be in the mid-nineties the next week promises 4 straight days of rain. The thing about New Mexico weather, however, is when we see a report like that, it's more of a wait-and-see thang. We can only hope!
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A couple of weeks ago I was thinking about how much actual get-outta-da-house photography I have done, lately. The answer: not much! Sometimes, we (photographers) spend way too much time thinking about what great image/series we are going to shoot next. Where is my next great image? Do I have the right camera? The right lens? The right attitude... Whoa! That just came right out! I may be able to help.
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A couple of weeks ago I was in THAT mood. I was thinking much too much about what to shoot next. These days whenever I am perplexed or confused or bored or_________ (choose a word), I take a seat on one of my Adirondack chairs on my varanda and I try to be silent.
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Of course, I go through a list of reasons that is much too lengthy to include here, about why I don't shoot/capture/make photographs. After about 30-minutes with nothing coming to assist me in my doldrums, I went back inside my casita. I began to stare at my book shelf. I was absent-mindedly reading book titles when I focused on a balsa-wood plane (above) that had been given to me almost 20 years-ago. It was on the occasion of the purchase of a magazine (prior to Shadow & Light Magazine). On top of the wings are the words, "Happy Landings." All I will say about that purchase is that the landing was anything but!
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As I was holding that small find in my hand I began to realize what a cool object that was and then my creative muscles began to flex and I had a new series right in front of me! How many items do you have have in your home/office that might qualify as a "small find." I bet you have more than you think. Take a look around. A small find can cover a very wide scope of items. Take a look at a few of my newer ones here. You might be surprised!
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By the way, Color It Red will return for the January/December 2025/26 issue. (Christmas) This very popular call-for-entry (CFE) is in its 13th appearance. We are bringing this series back because of consistent requests from many of our readers. There will be more about this iconic series, later. If you want to dispense with the fine print and have done this before, click here to sign up. I will be working on the Shadow & Light Magazine site this next week with additional information.
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Image:small finds #2, Tim Anderson
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• Most of the items/articles featured in The Journal are included based on past responses to similar posts and are not offered as recommendations by me, but solely for your varied interests.
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• If you like this newsletter, please forward it to a friend of like mind!
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Nudes, portraits, still lives, and street photography all feature in this beautiful Ralph Gibson retrospective book
Ralph Gibson’s work has long stood as a quiet, powerful force in the world of photography; an elegant balance of poetic vision and precise intention.
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Now, Taschen’s monumental new release, Ralph Gibson. Photographs 1960–2024, brings together more than sixty years of his photographic explorations in a richly presented 552-page hardcover coffee table book, offering the most comprehensive retrospective of this influential American photographer to date.
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7 Basic Holiday Photography Tips For Beginners
Holiday season is approaching again and the time of year when you'll no doubt be dusting off your old camera or considering buying a new one. This article will help you take better pictures, avoid disasters and maybe make you think a bit more before you press the shutter.
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DJI Mavic 4 Pro review – I tried the new DJI flagship for over a month and this is what I discovered
The Mavic 4 Pro is an exceptional drone, offering sturdy reliability in the air that reminds me, as a pilot, why there are advantages to having a little weight when you need stability. The three-camera system is stunning and this truly feels like a professional camera that just happens to fly. More serious pro drones, rather than DJI's other consumer drones, are the products that ought to be worried!
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Dealing with Interesting Scenes that Are Hard to Photograph
There is a bit of a disconnect between how scenes look in person and whether or not they lead to good photos. And it goes in both directions – at times, an “ordinary” scene will make for amazing photos, but other times, a very interesting place may be hard to photograph well. For obvious reasons, the latter of the two situations is more of a problem. Solving it is what I want to talk about today.
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Polaroid Flip is here to give you the best shot in a flash
How long can a revival be called a revival? At what point is something considered, well, just back? The “renewed” interest in analog experiences and physical media is something that’s been discussed and dissected for well over a decade now, and where vinyl and record players have led the way, instant photography has followed.
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With the launch of the new Polaroid Flip, Polaroid’s second new launch this year, the mood seems to one of being not only “back” but “here to stay.” There’s now a whole family of cameras to suit different prices and abilities, but the focus with the Flip is now to supposedly make the experience as good as possible for as many people as possible.
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What Are the 10 Rules of Photography?
When we do photography for a business, we’re not just taking pictures. We’re using some basic rules and combining them with branding and graphic design elements.
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What are the 10 rules of photography?
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These rules are the basics that we use to craft a brand image and it’s photos.
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Let’s explore all the rules of composition and see how you can use them — or even break them — to make your photos stand out. Keep these in mind to help guide your creative process.
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