Photography Tips - Composition, Light, and A Louvre Peek

Photographs are a personal interpretation of an object, event or person. The same subject captured by one or more photographers will usually focus on what each person wanted to highlight.


Monochromatic images
Enhances detail

Eiffel Tower, from Pont D'Iena, Paris, DG Hudson

The image of the Eiffel shown above is taken from the Pont D'Iena, when rain was threatening. In this photo,the detail of the ironwork was the object of my intent. Compose your photograph with a few points in mind: purpose of collecting the image, amount of light present, placement or composition of the main focal point or centre of interest.




Natural Light and Shadow

In this photo of an urn caught in the natural light of a window, the shape of the item takes on prominence. The amount of light and shadow softens the detail of the carvings on the exterior of the jar. More contrast could change that, but will darken the overall image. The effect of natural light on objects will continue to change as the sun travels from horizon to horizon.

Urn in Antiquities at the Louvre, by DG Hudson

Repetition of Pattern

Point of view matters. In the two photos following, you see two different angles of the same subject. In the first image, repetition is emphasized by shooting the photo from one side. Framing or composing the shot, which only takes a couple of seconds with digital cameras, allows you to focus on what you want to emphasize.

Antiquities on Guard, Louvre Museum, Paris, by DG Hudson

In this second image below, the photo has been taken facing the sculpture, which emphasizes the details of the hands and feet and shows a group, forever encased in stone. A direct view reveals details of the sculpture not visible from the side angle.






Antiquities at the Louvre Museum, Paris, by DG Hudson

Framing tips: Decide on position or viewpoint, take two or three shots at different angles or exposures, and try to get a clean shot (without people) if you want to use the images for other than family memories. What you choose to include or omit is part of deciding your purpose (travel family photos, or use for blogs, books, or articles, etc.)

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A peek into a workshop at The Louvre Museum

In this monochromatic image of neutrals, we get a peek at the 'behind the scenes work' at one of the world's most famous museums.



Interior Louvre Museum Workshop, Paris by DG Hudson

The framing of the workshop image is provided by the round arched opening and the railing. Inside we see interesting objects, many packed items and artifacts to be listed or displayed. The opening also shows the thickness of the interior castle walls of the Louvre.

Hope you enjoyed the images and the photo tips!

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Do you take photos with your phone, tablet or a separate camera? Do you notice light, pattern or shadow when you take photos?

Please leave a comment and let me know you were here. Thanks for dropping by!

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For more statuary at the Louvre, see:
http://dghudson-rainwriting.blogspot.ca/2012/03/statuary-at-louvre-study-in-stone.html

For more photography, see The Lens (tab at top of page)
http://dghudson.blogspot.ca/p/camera-lens.html

OR a post on the Louvre Museum:
http://dghudson-rainwriting.blogspot.ca/2012/04/l-louvre-museum-to-z-blog-challenge.html

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PARIS OutTakes - The City

Savoring a walk through Paris. . . 

Rue Caulaincourt, Montmartre, Paris, by Green Eye

Walking the streets of a city brings you to the local level. For a moment, you assume the feeling of living where you are visiting. You want to see what's behind that store window. Look at those tiny retail shops. . . OutTakes is an opportunity to see places that a Flâneur, the ever present stroller, would find interesting.  It's also where my roving camera likes to play.

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Under the Eiffel. . .

Under the Eiffel Tower, Everyday Paris, by DG Hudson

The Eiffel provides a landmark that can be seen for quite a distance, it provides cover for pedestrians beneath its four staunch supports, and it remains proof of French engineering skills. Created for a world class exhibition, the Eiffel Tower represents Paris to the world. This is one of the best spots for strolling or walking across the street to the Trocadero Plaza. Down below by the Seine River, you can catch a tour boat and buy paintings from the artists who set up their street sales there. Think of Gene Kelly, American in Paris, 1951.


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The Eternal Flame, Place de l'Alma, Paris

The Eternal Flame, shaded by the Eiffel Tower, by DG Hudson

Situated over the tunnel where Princess Diana was killed in the deadly 1997 crash, the Eternal Flame became her unofficial memorial to many of her admirers. The gilded flame can be seen over the dark vehicle in the center of the image above. 

The flame was dedicated in May 1989, as part of a centennial of the International Herald Tribune, Paris 1887-1987. An exact replica of the Statue of Liberty flame, it was offered to France by a group composed of donors throughout the world. The flame represents the friendship between the USA and France. 

Perhaps it's not that unlikely a pairing, when you consider that Diana was always in the news from the moment she became engaged to be a princess. A monument can serve two purposes very well.


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At the Police Prefect. . .

French Gendarmes, Paris, by DG Hudson

Couldn't resist taking a photo of these guys in uniform. French gendarmes in training? Not sure, but my interest was stirred. . . In principle, gendarmes are a military force charged with police duties among civilian populations. This system of military organized police departments is in use in several countries in Europe today, and in France dates back to the Napoleonic era.

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What do you think of those images above? Do any of them stir your imagination? Have you got your own special memories of a place where you have explored at street level and on your own or in a tour group? 

Please share your thoughts in the comments. I'm always listening. Thanks for stopping by!

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References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gendarmerie Wiki on Gendarmes and Gendarmerie.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fl%C3%A2neur Definition and wiki on Flâneur

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flame_of_Liberty Flame of Liberty

Great Bear Rainforest Reprieve / BC Museum's New Vision

Resources
A step forward

Conservation groups and forest companies have announced an agreement regarding old growth protection and heritage sites in the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia. 

Islands off the south coast of British Columbia, by DG Hudson

After 14 years of negotiations which included bitter fights in the 1990's, a balance was found. First Nations of BC and the B.C. provincial government will have the final say on the agreement. Will it be the last chapter in achieving protection for old growth and other protected heritage sites? 

Saving the forests, in particular the Great Bear Rainforest, is the first step. 

Saving food sources is the second step.(On land, in the waters)

Preventing pollution in advance is the third step. Watchdogs are required.


A Spirit Bear or Kermode, a resident of the Great Bear Rainforest, is shown below.

Spirit Bear, or Kermode Bear, BC, Wiki photo

Reference: Vancouver Sun Article,:Westcoast News, Preservation, Collaboration wins rainforest 'final chapter', by Gordon Hoekstra. Jan. 2014. Update on environmental issues in the Great Bear Rainforest.

Related posts:
Oil and Dirty Water - A Bear Dilemma 

The Spirit Bear and the Great Bear Rainforest


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Our Royal British Columbia Museum is changing. . .

A new CEO for the Royal BC Museum in Victoria, Jack Lohman, has already started assessing the treasures in his care. He's revived museums in England, South Africa, Poland, and Norway. He calls it re-scripting, which in BC, will include taking collections around the province and loaning certain exhibitions to other institutions. Lohman has also written a book about his vision, Museums at the Crossroads, which is about some of the choices that institutions make.

I'm hoping these changes will include making art and history exhibitions more accessible to all, and by that I mean no high ticket prices. Learning about our culture is important. Why don't we have a free day once a month for British Columbia's museums and galleries? 

Paris, France does this, an excellent idea that gives something back to the people. It would also benefit school groups, and help offset high ferry rates that deter many from visiting Vancouver Island as much as we would like. Thank you, Mr. Lohman, I'm looking forward to your revitalizing of our venerable museum; a fresh eye can work wonders.


Reference: Vancouver Sun, Westcoast News-Weekend Edition, Jan.25/14, B.C.'s Museum at the Crossroads, by John Mackie.

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Do you scan your newspapers for issues that are important to you? Are you interested in current events in your own city or local area? How do you get your news? (via a device, a newspaper, or secondhand?)

Please share in the comments and thanks for dropping by. I'm always listening.

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