Watershed Event

If you follow my posts for this blog, you know that I approached a recent photograph workshop with John Paul Caponigro with a modicum of trepidation, putting it mildly. I have been acutely aware of my strengths and weaknesses as far as my photograph skills goes, and I knew that I was going to be challenged at JPC’s workshop. I was not disappointed.

First of all, I have to say, that I divided the workshop into two halfs: one part getting up and putting oneself into the settings (4:00 AM; autumnal Maine, in this instance) to actually take the shots. This part was exceptional, for, indeed, we were up before the sun rose and placed in a setting that definitely had potentials for good to great shots; the other half was the actual class time of instruction. While taking the photos was difficult (especially in trying to be creative), the second part of the workshop was more difficult in trying to align oneself with the instructions and insights that JPC was giving. With honesty, I have to say that I tried my earnest to “be JPC” (as a Zen master would instruct), but I could only come to an approximation of maybe 50% (tops) to seeing the photo world as he does. That is fine with me, though, for I do not want to imitate JPC, but I want to capture the spirit and vision he has for great photographs.

At this moment, I know what a great photo is not. My next task is to dig into my creative spirit to find what a great photo is for me.

The currently posted photo was taken at the Azalea Garden in Acadia National Park. It was shot in the afternoon with a Canon 5 DS camera, using an EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM @ 105mm, f/7.1, 1/5″, ISO 125. Post processing was done using DxO PhotoLab 2, ACR, a Gradient Map, Viveza, and Nik Color Efex Pro. It is far from perfect, with only the lower half being in focus, but the colors were phenomenal.

 

Saving The Damned

This title is somewhat apocalyptic but as a photographer it is realistic in so far as some photos make the cut and some do not. In the process of culling photos to be or not to be acceptable, I try to save as many as possible by looking them from as many perspectives or artistic angles as possible, given my God given talents.

I believe that the currently posted Blog photo had merit and I tried to save it, but alas, I know I did not. I simply did not capture the essence of light that was present at the moment of capture, and consequently did not have enough pixels to work a miracle.

This photo was taken in my Autumn Adventure into Maine á la Caponigroland. Up before dawn, and with little light, I tried to capture those magical moments with a mechanical camera to try to match my living view of what I was experiencing. Alas, as in most cases, I did not achieve my goal.

At some point all of the incredibly myriad amount of  details will collalese into a perfect photo that I will have command of and I will have the perfect photo of what I see. That is what haunts me and propels me to continue shooting.

The currently posted photo was taken at Sandy Beach in Bar Harbor, Maine., with a Canon 5 DS camera, EF16-35mm f/4L IS USM @35mm, f/8, 18″, ISO 50. Post processing was done using DxO Photo Lab 2, ACR, Viveza, Efex Pro, Photoshop using a Gradient Map, and adjustment for lighting and banding.

 

Into The Rabbit Hole with JPC…

…that is, John Paul Caponigro. Entering the rabbit hole one discovers CaponigroLand, a wondrous place of photographic discovery. Immediately you fall under the spell of seeing the world around you as you never have before. You are at once liberated and challenged as a photographer. Needless to say it is quite disquieting.

Thus began my photographic workshop in the Autumn of 2019, “Fall Foliage – Acadia.” There were only seven students in all in the workshop; and may I add they were all accomplished in their respective professional fields, only one being related to photography in particular. The other students were avid photographers and were versed in the beauty and history of photography. It was surprising how each participant had particular skills and visions of how to represent what they saw through the lens.

After five days of getting up at 4:30 AM to shoot multiple places in Acadia Park and adjoining areas, one felt stretched physically but also appreciative of the opportunities John Paul provided to get the most of what Maine provided. We hit Maine at the height of the fall foliage and had the unique experience to see the aftermath of a Northeastn’ wind storm. Class time was a great shared learning atmosphere where each student had focused attention not only from John Paul but also other participants.

Time in the rabbit hole still resonates within, and I am still trying to process what I learned. After exiting CaponigroLand I am presented with the challenge to incorporate some of his visions or should I say adapt them to a new style of photography.

The currently posted photo was taken in Acadia National Park early on the first day of shooting. It was taken with a Canon EOS 5DS, EF16-35mm f/4L IS USM @ 28mm, f/16 1/10″, ISO 125. Postprocessing was accomplished with DxO Photo Lab 2, ACR, Photoshop CC 2019 using a gradient map, and Color Efex Pro.