waterscapes

Water holds so many forms, but it is its reflective properties we’re going to explore this month in our Common Photo Themes column. Featuring works that take advantage of water’s reflections in their own unique ways, we explore the appeal of water both to the viewer and to the photographer.

Parrish Colman and his photo “Three Boats of Aldeburgh” are the source of this week’s inspiration. In this article, we explore how he balances two primary subjects in the same image and other aspects of this great photograph.

As photographers, we are attracted to the classic buildings and structures around us. As tourists, we often have difficulty trying to figure out the best way to capture such a scene in a new and unique way. That isn’t the problem that photographer Ross Abraham has. When capturing one of Philadelphia’s greatest landmarks, Ross introduced an element that is so commonly overlooked: Time. Read on to see how time enhances this photograph.

It’s difficult to determine the exact element that sets a simple composition apart from other more complicated compositions. Justin Minns’s photograph “Cornered”, for example, looks to be so incredibly simple on the surface. But as you will see, it’s anything but. There is incredible and complex beauty in a simple composition. Read on…

Sir Issac Newton’s observations gave us three basic laws of physics. Based in a world that follows these rules, photography cannot escape them without manipulation. But it is possible to create weak portrayals of these laws. To create compelling and believable photos, try Newton’s third law on for size…

After seeing Thamer Al-Hassan’s nighttime photo, “St. Paul’s & Millennium Bridge”, featuring London, you would be hard pressed to find a photo so dramatic and mesmerizing. Nighttime photography brings out a whole new character in the city. We briefly discuss this fact featuring Thamer’s photo as part of the discussion.

Photojournalism or not? The line between is fuzzy, and this week’s inspiration straddles the line. Regardless of how one would classify it, this week’s photo is an inspiration to us all. Read on to learn why…

From the Shutter Photo at Flickr Pool comes this wonder photo, “Appreciating the Journey” by Sharaff. Neutral Density Filters, Black and White and long-exposure photography abound, this is a great way to start the new year with some inspiration. Read on to hear our thoughts and commentary.

This is a shot of the Philadelphia Water Works, a historical building on the Schuylkill River which originally served as a pumping station.  The facility has been readapted as a restaurant.  Behind the Water Works is the Philadelphia Museum of Art which sits on the highest piece of land in center city.  From this point moving north and west is Fairmount Park, one of the nations largest inner-city parks.  At 4,100 acres, it is much bigger than Central Park, NYC which is only 843 acres. But check out this view!  This is why I love Philadelphia. Meanwhile, I want to thank Yannick Khong for inspiring me to get out into the night.  He has an incredible gallery packed full of night-time photography.  I would encourage you to visit his blog and his gallery (at deviantart.com)

Falls & Rapids below Lake Naomi in Pocono Pines, Pennsylvania.  This was taken with my new 50mm lens (75mm with the crop factor on my camera, the Nikon D80).  I also got to use my Neutral Density filter to really slow down the shutter so that I could get the silky water.  I guess you could say it was an experiment & practice day.