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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PARIS - Windows on France

Windows need a view. A balcony is nice, too.

In Paris, there are enough styles and types of windows that one could wax eloquent about them easily. Versailles Palace, home of the Sun King, Louis XIV, has some very photogenic windows as well. Through the closed windows we see the back gardens of the estate. They also provided ventilation for the interior of the huge buildings.

Window in Versailles Gallery, by DG Hudson

Does a closed window give you any story ideas? This view made me think of the way an entire king's court called Versailles home, if they wanted to be in 'the court'. To some it must have seemed confining. But political intrigue being what it is, the king wanted his subjects within viewing distance. To anyone or anything kept in a cage of sorts, a window can be a source of escape. Windows also allow entry by those who may be on the other side of that transparent barrier. (That would be the Musketeers and knights looking for that damsel in distress. . .)


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Arched, Rectangular and Molded Windows

Windows in the Carnavalet Museum, Paris by DG Hudson

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In this stately Paris townhouse, the Carnavalet Museum resides. Three rows of windows, three different designs. The front three windows have the extra benefit of a small balcony for viewing the formal garden. The museum within has broad staircases, wall murals and interesting artifacts and displays of French history. The history contained in this museum is a great way to learn about France's past, especially the French Revolution. Recommended for history buffs.


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Paris Shop front and Umbrella Signage
(the cane and the little orange shapes on railing)

Parisian shops and  Wrought Iron by DG Hudson

A curved handle of an umbrella seems to lean out over the brown original store front in the image above. At one time, the fabric part of the umbrella may have been part of the sign. Now, there are two small orange umbrellas. I also liked the green door beside this shop. The interior of the umbrella shop seemed to have a variety of items. Even though 'Paris in the rain' is a phrase that inspires poetic rambles and writer's angst, it only rained twice for short periods in the autumn when we visited. 

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Notre Dame Cathedral
 Round Windows

Round Windows in  back section of Notre Dame, Paris by Green Eye

Walk to the back and sides of the Notre Dame Cathedral to see the waterspouts which leer outward and fantasy details such as the three round windows in the structure above. 

My imagination was stirred. That's a tree branch encroaching on the right side of this image. There is also a wall or fence, plus that tree, between where we were standing and this part of the church. I don't know if that part of the building can be accessed via tours, but unusual details always catch my interest. Notre Dame still has the capacity to amaze, and a venerable lady she is too!

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Another post about  Paris Windows, and what they reveal:

http://dghudson-rainwriting.blogspot.ca/2012/11/a-view-with-window.html

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Are you a person who notices windows? Or photographs them? Does being in a place with few or no windows bother you? What do you think of customized image windows? (a future vision many scifi writers have used) 

Please share your thoughts or ideas in the comments. I'm always listening!

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PARIS - Antiquities and Bastet at the Louvre

Sculptures bring history alive. In a manner of speaking. . .

Antiquities at the Louvre, by DG Hudson

These carvings were in an alcove off the main 'Antiquities' walk in the lower levels of the Louvre Museum. They appear to be waiting and have been for centuries. . .

The skill of the ancients is reflected in the enduring objects which they created. Would these items have survived if not retrieved and protected? Who knows? The fact that they do survive means we are now the custodians of our world history. These treasures of Antiquity prove the existence of past civilizations. How grand they seem. Their care is no easy task, as art of any kind requires protection from natural as well as man-made disasters.


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A regal majesty

In the corridor off a lower main gallery, sits one of my favorites, the Great Sphinx of Tanis. It majestically fills the corridor with its size and girth. There's something about the light and shadow that enhance the carving. There is damage, which does nothing to mar its magnificence. 

The Great Sphinx of Tanis, Louvre Museum, by D G Hudson

Civilizations come and go, leaving behind a small part or sometimes, big pieces of their history, as if to say, We were here. . . These are objects from a time far enough back in our history that it is hard to grasp their age. How many sand grains has this statue seen? How many rulers?


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Small Antiquities

Vases, urns or decorative objects appear in shades of green, blues, and turquoise, reflecting the semi-precious stones which were favored in certain dynasties. These displays are behind glass to protect them from damage, due to their fragile nature and the tiny size of some items.

Antiquities, Louvre Museum, by D G Hudson

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Bastet
Goddess of Cats, Lower Egypt, the Sun and the Moon.

Bastet, Egyptian Goddess, Louvre, by D G Hudson

Bastet, in another incarnation, was known as Bast, Lower Egypt's Goddess of Warfare. That was prior to the unification of the two main cultures of ancient Egypt. Other names she is known by are: Baast, Ubasti, Baset, and Bast. As Bastet, she became a protector diety. She has changed her form and her purpose through various dynasties.

Sekhmet, Upper Egypt's parallel to the former Bast, remained a warrior lioness deity and assumed that role for all of Egypt.


Previous related posts :

Louvre Small Antiquities
http://dghudson-rainwriting.blogspot.ca/2013/11/paris-louvres-small-antiquities.html

Antiquities Ornamentation at the Louvre
http://dghudson-rainwriting.blogspot.ca/2013/09/antiquities-ornamentation-at-louvre.html

Guest post at Jessica Bell's blog
http://thealliterativeallomorph.blogspot.ca/2012/10/author-guest-post-photo-impact-using.html


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Have you heard of Bastet, the Goddess? Have you seen an Antiquities exhibit? Do you tread the halls of museums like I do?

Please share your comments and tell me if you have a favorite museum. Best wishes for a great 2014! 

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Other related references:

The Great Sphinx of Tanishttp://www.louvre.fr/en/oeuvre-notices/great-sphinx-tanis

An Article about Artifacts:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/08/world/middleeast/08egypt.html?_r=0

Bastet, Goddess of Lower Egypt
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bastet

Frédéric Bazille - French Impressionist Painter and Soldier

From Medical student to Paris Artist to Zouave Soldier. . .a man who helps his fellow man, in a field as competitive as art, is indeed a man with a generous heart.

Frédéric Bazille
(1841-1870)




Frédéric Bazille, French Impressionist, PD

Frédéric Bazille was born in Montpellier, France, into a wealthy Protestant family.
His family agreed to let him study painting, but only if he also studied medicine. He consented and tried, but the interest wasn't there. After failing the medical exam in 1864, he began painting full-time.


Bazille took classes in Charles Gleyre's studio, a popular atelier. There he met Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Claude Monet, Alfred Sisley, and Édouard Manet and was drawn into the Impressionist painting circle. Bazille was generous with his wealth, and helped support his less fortunate associates by giving them space in his studio and materials to use.

Portrait of Renoir, 1867, by F. Bazille*(PD)

Refer to the link below, for Bazille's Studio, to see a painting documenting the artist's friends.

Bazille's Studio; 9 Rue de la Condamine, 1870
In this painting Bazille painted the other artists who shared his studio space. Manet painted Bazille in the group, so both painter's names show.


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Bazille, 28 years old, joined a Zouave regiment in 1870, after the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War. He was hit twice in the failed attack and died on the battlefield. His father came to the battlefield to collect the body for burial. He died as he lived, with honor. Some of his legacy can be seen at the Musee d'Orsay in Paris, France.

Zouave was the title given to certain light infantry regiments in the French Army, serving in French North Africa between 1831 and 1962. They had a unique uniform which was by no means subtle. These exotic looking soldiers seemed the 'stuff of legends'.

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Have you heard of Frédéric Bazille, the painter? Or the Zouave regiments? 
Are you ready for a New Year?

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References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fr%C3%A9d%C3%A9ric_Bazille

Photo image of Bazille's Self-portrait:

This is a faithful photographic reproduction of a two-dimensional, public domain work of art. Such reproductions are in the public domain in the United States. In other jurisdictions, re-use of this content may be restricted; see Reuse of PD-Art photographs for details.

The work of art itself is in the public domain for the following reason:
This work is in the public domain in the United States, and those countries with a copyright term of life of the author plus 100 years or less

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Image of artwork: Portrait of Renoir by F. Bazille

This file is in the public domain because its copyright has expired in the United States and those countries with a copyright term of no more than the life of the author plus 100 years.

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Christmas Village Up Close

Season's Greetings and Welcome to ChristmasVille.



ChristmasVille Toy Store, by DG Hudson

Remember Geppeto's Toy Shoppe? It was the inspiration for the toy store shown in the image.

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And for the little ones. . .




Christmas Village Carousel, by DG Hudson

In the centre of the Village is a Carousel, an ornament recycled into the village. The two figures are from model RR supplies.

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Decorated trees, an old style church, and an old retro library. . .

Library and Church behind Carousel, by DG Hudson

A little deeper in the village at the back of the town square, sits the church and library.

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At the Christmas Shop. . . carollers bring the sound of music




Carollers At the Christmas Shop, by DG Hudson

We recreate the Village each year for the family. Each piece is individually wrapped when stored. That's the mini-tour, thank you for coming!

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 Happy Holidays!

Thanks to all those who drop by this blog during the year. I enjoy hearing your comments and visiting your blogs.

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Do you have a particular decoration or a social event that makes the holidays for you? Please share in the comments. Enjoy your holidays, however you choose to celebrate it.

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