Logic approach to photography
David Keep, ARPS, DPAGB, ABPE, AFIAP, from Chesterfield, was the guest lecturer at the Zoom meeting of Sileby Photographic Society held on Monday, January 25.
His presentation was entitled ‘A Project-Based Approach to Photography’ in which he described himself as an image-maker rather than a photographer as he enjoyed the postprocessing as much as taking the photograph, and creating powerful images that stood out from the crowd.
He described how he achieved his aim by taking a logical, project-based approach. From the initial concept, he explained how he engaged in contact building, visualisation, detailed planning, shooting, and continuing to the processing techniques, making maximum use of available modern computer technology.
David’s different approach started with the image that he was looking to achieve, rather than trying to make something out of whatever could initially be captured on camera; thus, pressing the shutter was just the start of the process in today’s digital age of photography.
In the first half, David showed many images, mainly from the sporting world, explaining how he tried to convey emotion and which elements of an image he wished to use to emphasise the story he was telling.
Initially, he would create a portion of the photograph and then decide what to include, or what not to include, and manipulate it to tell the story he wanted to convey, with the aim of producing an image with impact and a great work of art.
Not being a great respecter of reality, he was prepared to alter the original picture, deciding on the story before he started. He had no qualms about changing backgrounds to complement but never compete, and making areas of interest the sharpest point of the image with dramatic effect, with the actual photography element representing only 20% of the process in achieving an outstanding picture.
During the second half, David showed great examples of his work which he had produced for competition photography which often resulted in award-winning images.
David had certainly earned his ‘keep’ as a superb guest lecturer, and he was thanked by John Hoogerwerf, President, for giving a brilliant talk which had been engaging throughout, and which certainly had the ‘wow’ factor.
The next Zoom meeting will be held on Monday, February 8, when longstanding member and Treasurer of the Society, Lionel Blower, will present digital images captured on camera during a recent (relatively!) visit to Norway.
Anyone wishing to become a member of Sileby Photographic Society, enabling access to the weekly Zoom meetings, should visit the contact page of the SPS website, when further details will be issued. The programme for the current photographic year is also available to view.