DISQUS

John Patterson · 8 months ago

fantastic interview !!
The idea of using limits as a tool for creativty is true in every aspect of creative living.
Limits can provide us with direction, and direction , even arbitrary direction, can help us to focus on an idea long enough to bring to a maturity that is very difficult to obtain otherwise. Thank you Alan for a powerfull reminder of that simple truth - now back to the interview - I cant wait to hear more!

wrongway7995 · 8 months ago

As a person with undiagnosed tremors, I have found myself waiting to catch a picture in between the shaking, needless to say I have lost a lot of good pictures.

This article has shown me that I am doing things the hard way. I have tossed out all of my shots that were "blurry" when they may have been the prized possession that I let slip away.

I am a beginner, I did however take pictures throughout my life but never had any direction. This has been a real eye opener. Thanks

Alan Babbitt · 8 months ago

Hi wrongway
Thanks for your comment - I'm glad I could help. Play around with different shutter speeds and subjects - with your tremor. Have fun with it, but beware - it can be addictive ;) (and healing.)

BTW, I don't toss any images - some of my best work started with a "throw-away".

wrongway7995 · 8 months ago

Hi Alan,
Thanks for your reply. I have to agree that this is a very addicting "hobby" and have been following your suggestion.

Could you possibly direct me to more information on courses (if needed) articles on how to show my photos, what I can and can't take legally........ all the stuff that I think I should know.

I sure enjoy your photos. Thanks, WW

Alan Babbitt · 7 months ago

Hi WW
One source for some good articles and other resources is http://art-support.com/
Very helpful.
Alan

Mike Rosen · 8 months ago

I loved your interviews and your images. My question is: If you're making three or four second exposures, how do you keep the highlights from blowing out or the shadows going totally black? What ISO and f-stops are you typically using? Do you use a neutral density filter?

Alan Babbitt · 7 months ago

Hi Mike Thanks for the kind words. Your question is a good one, but the answer varies quite a bit dependent on lighting conditions and subject and a bit of whim. In general –shooting un-still at night – I set the camera on shutter speed priority – ISO at 80 or 100 – no ND. I play with the shutter speed and the =/- setting. Most importantly, I review each shot and adjust from there. The feedback is the key. I can see and adjust for blown out highlights (if I want and I don't always). And I often prefer rich blacks at night.

As an example – the ferris wheel shot above – the settings were ISO 100 f4.6 - 2 sec – no ND. In daylight, you need lots of ND to use slow shutter speeds. Bottom line: Look at each shot as you go and adjust – don't get too hung up on the numbers and most of all have fun.

Colin Hall · 1 month ago

Hi Alan, A great interview and inspiration to us all. I have been working with digital images and transforming them into music for a few years now. If you would like to give it a try I would be only too happy to pass on the method and maybe work on a collaborative piece with you.

Many thanks and very best wishes