Another Introduction: Ron

Hello there,

Typically in the past, instead of choosing insight and understanding, I've always gone with blissful ignorance when it came to understanding the theory of photography and cameras, despite the fact that aesthetically it's something I've always enjoyed.

For years I've been trying to convince myself that I should find out more, but the whole chemical-based film process always left me feeling a little intimidated, never mind the prohibitive cost of keeping a healthy stock of red light bulbs for my potential darkroom.

While I can definitely be considered an "early adopter" when it comes to technology (sigh, I still miss the flashing lights and digital screeching of my first 300 baud modem), all the digital cameras I've owned in the past have seemed more like fun toys than something to get relatively serious about. Fortunately DSLRs are kind of affordable now, so most of my remaining excuses are left looking rather feeble. And, significantly, since I've sworn off my previous hobby of Peruvian nose flutes, I finally have the time.

I'm originally from Scotland, although I've lived in California for about 10 years. I incessantly get teased about my "American Accent" when I go back home. Come to think about it, that teasing began before I'd even left the country, but that's a whole other story...

Anyway, to get back on topic, I've joined Josh's Flickr group, so you can find my photos there or directly through my username: ohblithespirit

Ron

Flickr Group too

Hi All,
I created a Flickr Group for us too. That way, we can link our own personal Flickr accounts to the Group and manage it that way. It might be easier to critique our work each week too, since we can use the group page as the "table of contents" for our individual accounts.

You can search at the main Flickr page for "SFAI Digital" or click HERE to go directly.

-Josh

Photographers to look at

Hello,

Hope you are enjoying some of the better weather we are having.

Agata pointed out a great photographer on Flickr to check out. If any of you stumble upon other interesting work please share with the group.

Some other photographers that work in a similar way are the Parkeharrisons. Robert and Shana Parkeharrison taught a class here at SFAI a couple of years ago. Check out some of there work here: http://www.parkeharrison.com/

Also check out Maggie Taylor: http://www.maggietaylor.com/ Maggie uses no cameras in her work, but is considered a photographer. To be a photographer do you have to use a camera?

Cheers,
Jess

paint on concrete

paint on concrete
Originally uploaded by antimethod.

I LOVE the photos by this flickr poster (antimethod). The lighting and texture in this one (and most of his others) is amazing and I want to know how to do that. Is it photoshopped? I find it hard to believe that it isn't. Jess?

Question about Flickr

I believe it was Ron who mentioned in class yesterday that its possible to see what settings were used to take pictures that are posted on Flickr. I don't seem to be able to find that feature. Can anyone help?

Thanks!

Agata

Introduction from Agata

Ah ... finally figured out how to post on this thing :)

A bit about me: I'm originally from Toronto and have lived in the Bay Area for about 5 years now. From early childhood I've always loved taking pictures but have never taken any classes. I thought it was about time. What I find really frustrating sometimes, is not being able to capture an image in the way that I envision. I'm really lacking in technical skills and am hoping that this class will help with that. I hate to admit, but I don't even know the first thing about using photoshop! That is also something that I'm eager to remedy.

It's been a pleasure meeting all of you and I look forward to learning from eachother over the next several weeks.

Cheers!

Agata

P.S. You can see my photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/agatasf/

janet rotter

just want to give some info about myself and to let you all know that I have photos on flickr under the name jrotter3. Years ago I was a magazine editor and I actually assigned photos and photo sessions monthly. Well, I will never be as good as the people who I worked with. Truthfully, I never even thought about photographing very much during those years when I was a writer/journalist. It is only with the advent of digital photography that I have become hooked. I love being in on the newness of the movement and I love the thrifty quality l of being able to take as many snaps as I want and then...toss em if I want. There is something very democratic about this process and I feel I have a head start being able to shoot and develop in digital! My goal is to be able to visualize and then capture photographs that I could sell at crafts and arts fairs around the east coast. My husband and I are having a huge giggle about this and are fantasizing about driving up and down the countryside in a van with my photographs inside. Is this really something to look forward to?

Introduction: Josh

Hi all,

Josh here. I hope this is where we're supposed to introduce ourselves.

Here goes:
I am a decidedly enthusiastic photography hobbyist. I've played with both film and digital for the past 10 or so years, however, I've never really found my "eye" for it. I enjoy playing with different types of cameras, equipment, and styles, and am looking to hone my skills in order to take this interest of mine to the next level. Right now I'm most interested in exploring street photography, though I also really enjoy landscape work.

I live in Noe Valley with my wife Maida and our menagerie of pets (2 cats, Rocket and Bandit and dog, Topher). I am a principal of a small public charter school, City Arts and Tech HS, located near City College.

Recently, I became more interested in my photography after spending 4 weeks driving around the desert southwest and the Navajo Nation this past July. I'm excited about our work together.

-Josh

Welcome

Welcome,

We will be using this blog as a way to communicate and share our images throughout the course.

This course is designed to develop your skills in photography, in a digital world. The dream of film-less photography his finally become a reality. Cameras, printers, inks and paper have evolved that are able to not only match traditional continuous tone photographic quality, but can also extend traditional possibilities. In this course we will use digital tools as we explore our ability to create, edit, post and share our images electronically.

Cheers,
Jess

The human urge to make pictures that augment the faculty of memory by capturing time is at the conceptual base of photography.