Here’s a black & white photograph exploring light & shadow and patterns photographed in Miami’s Wynwood Art District.
Observations – Patterns in Miami’s Wynwood Art District
Inspiring Quote On Photography From Robert Frank
Robert Frank is one of the most influential photographers in the history of photography. His book The Americans is a must-have for any photographer serious about their art. Complete with a forward by Jack Kerouac The Americans conveys Frank’s perspective on America after traveling across the county with his camera on a Guggenheim Foundation grant in 1955-1956. There is a strange beauty and sadness to many of his images. Some of the photographs will startle you while others have a subtlety that lingers for days.
“The eye should learn to listen before it looks.” – Robert Frank
Here are some of the great photography books by Robert Frank to add to your art library:
Creative Photography Ideas From Creative Sparks – Jenna Lanam
Here is one of the inspiring photographs from last Thursday’s Creative Sparks creativity workshop. This black & white photo is from Jenna Lanam. Jenna has been taking my photography classes at the Vero Beach Museum of Art and recently began attending Creative Sparks. I’ve noticed a strong evolution in her work as she continues to develop her craft and creative vision.
This photo is one of several beautiful photos Jenna recently presented to our group exploring themes of strength and frailty, mortality.
Creative Sparks is a unique photography class based in Vero Beach, Florida. Students are guided to discover their creative vision with nationally recognized artist/photographer Aric Attas in a small group setting.
Photograph © Jenna Lanam. All rights reserved.
How To Photograph Fireworks
In honor of Independence Day here’s a repost of my tips for photographing fireworks.
Shooting fireworks can be a lot of fun and can produce some very interesting images. I usually like to keep my ISO low (100) and experiment with different f/stops & shutter speeds depending on the effect I am looking for. This image was shot on Manual at f/3.2 at 1/60th of second with an ISO of 100. Try to focus on something in the distant background using manual focus. If you want longer trails, use longer shutter speeds. For shorter trails use shorter shutter speeds. To learn more about f/stops and shutter speeds and how to use your camera visit my basic camera controls tutorial.
Don’t worry too much about your light meter as it will be tricked by the dark sky and tend to overexpose giving you milky grey skies. Try different settings and review your LCD to preview the composition of your images and your histogram so that you don’t overexpose the highlights. Remember, the shutter speed will determine the length of the trails.
Adding something interesting to your foreground can also create some interesting effects. Buildings, lakes, bridges and trees are a few examples. If you choose to do this you will want to use a tripod to keep your camera steady during the longer exposures. Shoot LOTS of photos to make sure you get some heroes!
Oh yeah, leave your flash OFF!
Inspiring Quote on Creativity from Rollo May
This quote comes from Rollo May’s book on creativity The Courage To Create which is considered by many to be one of the best books on creativity.
“A dynamic struggle goes on within a person between what he or she consciously thinks on the one hand and, on the other, some insight, some perspective that is struggling to be born. The insight is then born with anxiety, guilt, and the joy and gratification that is inseparable from the actualizing of a new idea or vision.” – Rollo May
If you haven’t read The Courage to Create yet, I highly encourage you to check it out. You won’t be disappointed.
Creative Inspiration from Creative Sparks
My students continue to surprise, amaze and inspire me every week. I have decided to post a photo from our Creative Sparks sessions on Thursday nights each Friday morning to share the inspiration with you. The first image comes from Lee Chestnut. Lee has been a regular student of mine for the last year or so. He is exploring his interest in light & shadow, design, lines, patterns and textures in this black & white photograph made with a cell phone camera. Awareness!
Photograph © Lee Chestnut. All rights reserved.
Modern Take On Alternative Processes At Dina Mitrani Gallery Wynwood Art District Miami
Dina Mitrani Gallery in Miami’s Wynwood Art District is currently exhibiting a beautiful collection of photographs created using alternative processes such as platinum/palladium, cyanotype, wet plate and more. Printing surfaces include water color papers, vellum and metal. If you’re in Miami or can get there I encourage to check the show out in person. The subtlety and depth of the images is wonderful.
Here are some highlights from the show.
For more information on this exhibition and Dina Mitrani Gallery I encourage you to visit http://www.dinamitranigallery.com
Observations -Wynwood Art District Miami
An observation from my last trip to Miami’s Wynwood Art District. I’m always inspired by the vibrant street art, galleries, people, food, Cuban coffee, etc.
Inspiring Quote from Brian Eno
“Stop thinking about art works as objects, and start thinking about them as triggers for experiences.” – Brian Eno
For many more gems of inspiration check out these Brian Eno books and his latest CD Lux:
Observations – A Fondness For Kitsch
Had a nice night celebrating Father’s Day at Buca di Beppo in Wellington, Florida. I couldn’t resist making a quick interior photograph. This is “The Pope” room. Yes, that’s a pope head that spins with the lazy susan!

























