Category Archives: Photography

Photography

Meet Photographer Pablo Conrad Part 2

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Dancers on pointe during ballet practice in Enid, Okla.

Which skill set in photography was difficult for you to acquire? Lighting? Or was it something about “how to think while shooting”? Example, what to look for once you’re on location and shooting?

When I was in college, I was envious of some of the other students work. I studied what they were shooting but I couldn’t put my finger on why certain images were so good and how they shot them.

There was a big hurdle I needed to jump, but I didn’t know what it was.

When talking with my professors Dave LaBelle one day, he helped me pinpoint what I was missing and how to achieve it. I was missing that intimacy which draws a viewer into the image.

As I studied the work of some of the great photographers of today, I started noticing what I was doing wrong. Although I was an open fearless guy, I would build a wall between my subjects and me. This wall was just psychological and had nothing to do with the subject. What I was doing was creating the invisible wall.
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Photography

Meet photographer Pablo Conrad Part 1

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I’ve been fortunate enough to meet a lot of wonderful photographers online.

I’m going to introduce you to 2 former news photographers in the coming weeks.

There is another reason as well.

I’m thinking a different perspective or take on photography is always good.

So to start this off, please welcome a very generous friend  professional photographer Pablo Conrad who lives in the Bellingham, Washington area.

I’ve asked Pablo a few questions, the Q and A will be posted in 2 parts.

A spectacular sunset over grazing sheep captured by Seattle photographer Pablo Conrad

Is a formal education in photography necessary?

No. But it doesn’t hurt. Many photojournalists have a degree in something. Sebastio Salgado studied economics, James Nachtwey graduated from Dartmouth College with degrees in political science and art, just to name a few.

I know from my alma mater Western Kentucky University that there are at least 10 Puliters winners and numerous Pulitzer Finalists.

What I believe any education will help you with is critical thinking. It will help in innovative ways to problem resolution.

If you are already a decent photographer, then taking business classes to help promote your business will definitely help you.

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Photography

Surviving a marathon photo shoot with bellydancers2

My model Hadia Habibi, was lit by one softbox on the right aimed downwards. There is a light behind her to light the background, black curtains and red fabric. Canon 5DMark2 with 50mm lens.

When I left off in Part 1, I mentioned how tempting it can be to leave your lights where they are and just shoot each subject in the same exact lighting.

 

If I were hired to photograph an entire school of belly dancers within a certain time period, believe me, I would do it that way.

You know, sort of like the big photo studios who contract with schools to photograph their students.

There’s no room for individuals tweaks.

They send home 3 setups with a specific pose for each backdrop.

The setup for above. I was warming up. Later, I added more lights.

When the student arrives at the designated time, they already know which pose they want, so they get directed to “Pose 1, 2 or 3”
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