fashion over function

Continuous shutter, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

But no, I thought, considering this post. This is not so much about a series of shots. This is more of the afterthought of presentation--this is about the much-adored diptych, or whatever you'd call it with more than two.

And so naturally, I hit flickr up for inspiration. And what I found there was far beyond my little ocean-going, baby-in-hand experiment--what I found there was thematic, conceptual. Diptych done not for the purpose of function (stringing the above together as a diptych is a big ol' DUH) but done for fashion, for art.

And so I offer up this humble series with a plea: show me your less obvious diptychs. Show me relationships between subjects that are about more than just sequence--show me push-and-pull angles, colour contrast, echoing shapes, macro versus landscape, portrait-by-bodyparts. Or even a self-portrait. Now there's an idea...

+++++

Psst... want to see a real n-tych master (a.k.a. someone who knows what to call diptychs of two-plus)? Check out Tonya's set here. Fashion gold.

sunday school: double take

Truth be told, I'm not much of an abstract image kind of gal.  I consider myself more of a documentarian than an artist.   Recently however, when I was in the mood for  Breaking the Rules, I accidentally discovered a technique that creates abstract images that I find quite beautiful.  It's basically the equivalent of doing a double exposure (exposing the same piece of film twice resulting in superimposed images).  Now, I'm perfectly aware that in this digital age, you can accomplish this easily with two different photos using layers or what-nots in Photoshop, but don't forget that I'm a Photoshop flunkie.

There are a number of ways that you can do a digital double exposure.  I wouldn't be surprised if some cameras have a double exposure feature.  The simplest way to do it is to shoot in manual mode with a long enough exposure so that you can quickly reposition the camera in the middle of the exposure.  Repositioning can be as simple as turning around and facing the camera in the other direction.  Since I like to challenge myself, however, I've come up with a more complicated step-by-step approach. 

• First, put the camera on manual mode and set the aperture pretty narrow so that you can do a long exposure (i.e., f/16 or f/22). 
• Second, determine how many seconds you need to set the shutter speed at for proper exposure.
• Third, double the amount from Step Two and then add 5-10 seconds to allow for repositioning the camera for the 2nd exposure.  So if the light meter says you need 5 seconds, set it for 15-20 seconds, depending on how fast you are at repositioning the camera.  I personally like the 30 second exposure because I'm slow and clumsy.
• Once the exposure settings have been programmed, set the camera on a steady surface (tripod, table, ground, etc.), focus on your first subject, frame the shot and shoot (you can use the timer or a remote to minimize camera shake).
• As soon as the shutter clicks, count off the number of seconds for the first exposure.
• After the first exposure is done, immediately put the lens cap on the lens to block out light.  This will prevent light streaks in the final image from repositioning the camera, and your image won't be affected by camera shake while the lens cap is on.
• Reposition the camera on a steady surface again so that the second subject you want is in the viewfinder, and as fast as you can, remove the lens cap while trying to keep the camera steady.
• Hopefully, you will have timed it just right so that you expose the 2nd image properly.
• Play around with the exposure settings until you get the results you want.

Since your camera is not re-focusing for the 2nd image, the clarity of the focus of the superimposed image may be out of whack depending on your aperture and the difference in distance of the subjects from the camera.  I personally don't think that a sharp focus is key to getting an interesting image with this technique.

How about you?  What's your favorite method of creating abstract photographic images?  For more inspiration, be sure to check out these images in our Flickr group pool by storygoil, Cyan Eyes, and Rachel Schell.

Superhero Photo Challenge: just bodies

 Sometimes you don't need to see their faces to take an evocative portrait. This photo is from a wedding I shot recently. The grooms are there, standing strong on the top of a bluff.... I love seeing the wind flap their jackets around and how they seem to match each other crease for crease. Somehow you can see the love passing between them in the simple embrace of their hands.

This is the superhero photo challenge this week. Let's see what portraits can communicate without faces. Here are a few shots for inspiration.

seeing me

I look at this photo and I see me. I really see me.

I see who I am and also who I want to be.

I see a 40 year old and a 10 year old.

I see my vulnerability and courage as I open myself, arms stretching out like wings.

I see my joy in being present and yet the motion of moving ahead.

I see myself, through the eyes of a sister-friend who sees me as I hope the world sees me. As I hope to always see myself.

If you don’t already have a photo that shows you as you; who you were, who you are, who you are becoming, I challenge you to ask a photographer friend to give you the gift . In turn, you can do the same for them. I guarantee you won’t regret it. And if you have a photo that really shows us sometihng about you, please share it today.

and ode to Love Thursday

Myriam and Karen on the coast of Oregon

When you let love in, joy comes too.

When you live in love you are fearless.

When you love what you do, you can do no wrong.

When you surround yourself with love you are safe.

When you love who you are, you are giving the world the best gift there is.

Please feel free to add to this weeks Love Thursday list* with your own words and pictures.

*Written in honor of Shutter Sister Karen who week after week shares unconditional love with us here at Love Thursday. Thank you Karen. What you give to our community and to the world is invaluable.