My article will be published in the June issue

My article on Twilight Photography is coming out in the June issue of the PSA Journal. I got a PDF file with the article and had a chance to go over things before it goes into print.

I have to add that I am not entirely happy with the way I wrote it. It was done rather in haste and it shows. It still is a great article on the subject that provides useful information, but I am not quite happy with the wording. I also realized that I am not quite happy with the images that I submitted for it.

That actually is quite interesting. I haven’t done night shooting for a few months and although I start feeling the itch, I was questioning whether I burned out or simply lost interest. Going through the article made me realize one thing – I grew out of my ‘old style’ and I need to re-invent my night shooting. It actually served well to take a rest – it was a good chance to step back and I know that I will move forward taking a different angle. Neither I was playing a truant all these time – my Black Light project transformed into something special and I’ve been working away on my next baby.

And as I already blogged, I am planning on doing some “traditional” landscape photography this summer. Here is the image from Alberta:



Meanwhile, using the occasion, I would like to introduce the PSA. Below is the text taken from the PSA Website:

PSA is a worldwide interactive organization for anyone interested in photography, be they casual, serious amateurs or professional photographers. Individual, Camera Club, Chapter and Council members are offered a wide variety of activities: a monthly magazine, photo and digital competitions, study groups via mail and the internet, how-to programs, an annual conference and a raft of other activities and services.

The Photographic Society of America was founded in 1934 to "Promote the Arts and Sciences of Photography and to further public education therein". There are members in all 50 states as well as 60 other countries of the world. PSA Headquarters are located in Oklahoma City, OK.

PSA is Worldwide
The opportunity to enjoy your hobby with members in 60 countries throughout the world. Established in 1934, it is the largest association of its kind, bringing together professional and amateur enthusiasts of all ages and levels of achievement. As a non-profit organization, its mission is to promote and enhance the art and science of photography in all its phases, among members and non-members alike.

PSA is People
The opportunity to meet folks from around the globe, to make new friends who share your interests, to reunite at our conference in exciting locations around the country. This annual "homecoming” offers total submersion in our shared craft where members and famous professionals present tutorials, shows, and workshops over four days with one- to five-day field trips before and after.

PSA is Sharing
The opportunity to teach through slide shows circulated to member clubs, councils, and chapters around the country. The opportunity to publish articles in our monthly PSA Journal, a quality magazine filled with stimulating and educational articles and features written by and for members. The opportunity to present shows and workshops at local, regional, and national meetings.

PSA is Learning
The opportunity for your images to be critiqued by experts via Personal Evaluation Services, accessed by fellow photographers in Slide and Print Study Groups, and evaluated around the country using Interclub Competitions.

PSA is Recognition
The opportunity to have your work displayed on the PSA Wesite, in the PSA Journal , and in International Exhibitions throughout the year. The opportunity to earn exhibition achievement ratings -- which can lead to PSA Distinctions for proficiency and excellence (PPSA , EPSA). The opportunity to volunteer your services on a local, regional, or international level which may lead to being elected an Associate or Fellow of the Society (APSA, FPSA) and other awards.vv

On Photoshop and on being a Purist

I’ve got a CS4 for my birthday and been playing with it non-stop. I am getting quite efficient and just can’t believe all of the awesomeness the software delivers (provided one knows how to use it). I design software for a living, so I can tell a good product from a not too great one. I can also tell when I run into a superb product. Well, the Adobe’s software I think has my highest respect. I’d say I became quite an advanced user in the last little while and it’s only know I can truly appreciate Photoshop.

I am learning software post processing for the composites and for some interesting people photography. While I did go nuts and made a “Martian” version out of some of my night shots, I intend to keep my light painting “organic” and not to tamper with them.

Below is the tame version of the “Martian” shots, which was really intended to mimic the night “IR”.



I used to be quite adamant about any software manipulation and I would always pride myself that I can do required job ‘in-camera’. And that is still valid. I am equipped with enough knowledge, patience and filters to get the shot I want. In the past, I was the first violin in the orchestra that plays the “poo poo” symphony to Photoshop.

Now, I processed my film and printed my pictures since a tender age. The dodging and burning, tinting and performing basic Vodoo moves in the contrast department seemed honest. Was it only because I was honestly inhaling chemicals that accompanied the magic? And how do I do it with digital?

Anyway, this rant could go on and on. And while I am becoming quite proficient in Photoshop (the results will be available in a few months when I am done with a current project), I still feel guilty manipulating my night shots in some ‘untruthful’ way.

Here is the source of the moderate guilt:



I didn’t make any serious offences with this image. It was converted to Black and White, slightly tinted. And that’s fine. There used to be a big stone in front of the cart and the bloody thing was just interfering with a scene too much. This picture was featured on my exhibition (original coloured version), I have a 24 inches print on my wall. I love the level of details and all, but I could never stand the stone.

I Photoshopped it out today. The purists will be disappointed I suppose as it doesn’t represent the reality and I had to compose better so the thing is not interfering with a scene. Sure, I didn’t work hard enough. Driving all the way to the very south of Montana and living over there for 10 days to get few shots. Cost me a fortune. My truck broke down and I had to walk at night to find help. I was sick to begin with when I went there and could hardly walk sometimes as it was just a few months after the car accident. I was sharing that night ghost town with a frigging bear and got frozen when the temperature dropped one night. Did I mention that I hardly slept for over a week? And so, when I finally composed the scene the way I saw it, the bloody stone was right there in front of the cart, and it would be a crime to photoshop it out ‘cause I didn’t try hard enough to get the best out of the scene.

It’s not about raising the bar, but I guess I am getting less rigid about Photoshop usage. Not to be disappointed – I am still going to be doing ‘organic’ light painting. It’s just I won’t feel guilty if I’d have to do adjustments such as in the example above. Especially in historical places, where I should thread lightly and not to move subjects around.

I should restrain myself from going over the Maya ruins I shot in Guatemala ;) grin….