When you hear the term 'high-res' thrown about with such abandon when it comes to images for web use, have you ever stopped to think just how big or how high quality and image meant for the web needs to be?
There's an assumption that high-contrast images are more dynamic, more compelling, more inviting. Have a go at some low-contrast photography. You might surprise yourself with the results.
Balance doesn't mean symmetry; it means an internal consistency and tension within your photos. And it's a vital element of composition.
Great photos might be down to a little bit of luck, but most of that 'luck' you make yourself. Don't believe us? Read on...
Between 11:00 and 15:00 I shall be on the second floor of Waterstone's in Cambridge, offering smartphone photography demonstrations, one-to-one advice, and signing copies of my books if anyone wants to buy them.
If you're in or around Cambridge, please do drop by. I'd love to see you!
One of the questions that people ask me when a new book comes out is 'Are you going to have a launch party?' Once or twice I've even been asked if I'll do a tour. The answer is, for both, sadly, 'No.' That's not so much because I'm a miserable and dyspeptic misanthrope, but more because I'm not exactly Clare Balding or Tom Holland. However, (I do love a good however) in November I'm getting a one-date gig at the gorgeous Waterstone's branch in Cambridge that sort-of maybe perhaps passes for either of these events.
Yes, I'm rather excited about it.
On Saturday 8 November you'll find me loitering on the second floor of Waterstone's, Cambridge, not far from the coffee shop, possibly ensconced in a fortress constructed of copies of Social Photography, extolling the virtues of smartphone photography. At 11:00 and 14:30 I'll be offering a free-for-all 'How to get the best out of your smartphone' session, while in-between-time I shall be on-hand to offer one-to-one advice for anyone with more specific questions or for those whose schedules conflict with the talks. And if you want a copy of Social, I can sign it for you, too.
Even if you're not that fussed by smartphone photography, do drop by if you happen to be in the vicinity: I'd love to meet you.
Salient details: Saturday 8 November 2014, 11:00 to about 15:00; Waterstone's, Sidney Street, Cambridge; me and quite a few copies of Social Photography.
The Cambridge Science Festival opens on Monday and as part of its incredibly diverse and packed programme, it has teamed up with the Royal Photographic Society (RPS) and Dr Stefanie Reichelt, a scientist at the University of Cambridge's Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, to focus on the science of photography and the promotion of scientific photography. They're providing a range of talks, lectures, demonstrations and exhibitions, with something that should appeal to everyone. Saturday 15 March will be devoted to the subject of imaging and imagery. It starts with a talk asking just how many megapixels you really need and precisely how many do you really get and ends with a talk about developing the imaging tools of tomorrow. This goes via talks on colour vision, high- speed photography, medical imaging and images, 3D and stereo imaging, and whole lot more. The Camper Obscura will also be on-site that weekend. Yes, as its name suggests, its a camera obscura in a camper van.
As well that day devoted to photography, there are other events related to images taking place over the course of the festival: the life sciences poster and image exhibition, the Inspiring images: engineering captured on camera exhibition, and a digital recreation of the earliest known colour photographic technique and an exploration of what happens when you collect the different elements of the colour spectrum separately.
All of the details of all of the events are available on the Cambridge Science Festival website. Specific details about the photography-oriented events is here. You don't need to book and the talks are free, but it is requested that you register for the morning or the afternoon session.
Maybe I'll see you there?
