Abstract Photography

Abstract photographs typically fall under the category of fine art photography. I often use this form of photography to express a visual language that does not depend on a realistic portrayal of specific subject matter. I allow colour, shape, texture, and line to capture my imagination, move me, and draw me in. It is at that point that I press the shutter.

I recently entered a photo competition where the theme was “Abstract”. I enjoyed the challenge as I have hundreds of images that I have created that are not easily defined and, hopefully, leave the viewer enjoying the simplicity or vibrancy without having to wrestle with making sense of it all. We know these are bubbles but I like the abstract qualities of shape, light, and uneven pattern they create. Sometimes I make my own photographic abstracts with light painting. I created this one in a completely dark room with coloured glow sticks. With the lights on, I chose the focal length and aperture and selected a long, eight second, shutter speed. Once I turned the lights off, I used a cable release to press the shutter and set to work swirling and twirling the sticks in front of the camera. Magic.Shadows create really interesting abstracts. These wires were crisscrossed in front of an old, weathered building in Vancouver. I added a slight glow effect in Photoshop to enhance the graphic elements in this picture.When I think of Morocco, I am reminded of all of the amazing sights I saw. I really enjoyed the vibrant colours and textures and this image showcases the beautiful ones that caught my eye.Lines, patterns, and symmetry can be found almost anywhere. They could be man-made, as in this industrial looking picture, or in nature. Think of stripes on hosta leaves, dew drops on a spider web, reflections in a puddle, the skin of animals such as giraffes and zebras, or waves lapping at the seaside. The list is endless and they all lend themselves to abstract image making.I hope you will feel inspired to go out and experiment with your camera and imagination and make wonderful abstract images. Relax, have fun, and enjoy the creative process.

To see more of my images, please visit my website http://marionmccristall.com

© Copyright Marion McCristall, all rights reserved

Inspired by Winter

Winter is a great time of year to grab your camera, dress warmly, and go in search of some images that inspire you.Thankfully we don’t get very much snow on the west coast but the fog has been very mystical. I took this picture of canoes bobbing on the water of the Fraser River near Fort Langley. The fog moved in and out as I tried to capture the soft morning glow on the boats. I added a slight watercolour and texture effect in Photoshop.

Crisp, chilly mornings are perfect for catching the frost on trees, leaves, and fence posts. Below is an image of an exquisite stand of aspen trees a short drive from where I live. I used digital editing software to give it a more painterly effect.

Fog, people, and railway tracks created a perfect combination for this moody image. I was out early one morning and waited for action on the tracks before I made this photograph. I have added a glow, similar to the Orton Effect, to give the image an ethereal look.A playground teeter-totter was waiting for someone to come and play on this snowy day. Luckily I got there first and captured this shot of beautiful pristine snow piled on top of it. The illustration effect was added in Photoshop.Now it’s your turn to create a little magic. Take some winter photographs, upload them, and use your artistic flair to try out some creative effects in your digital darkroom. Have fun!

To see more of my images, please visit my website http://marionmccristall.com

© Copyright Marion McCristall, all rights reserved

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

I am wishing you a holiday season of peace and joy.

Take time just for you and reflect on the year that’s coming to a close. Plan for a New Year filled with just the right amount of adventure and countless moments of contentment.All the best,

Marion

To see more of my images, please visit my website http://marionmccristall.com

© Copyright Marion McCristall, all rights reserved

Enchanting Portugal Photography Holiday

Jose Antunes and I have organized a fabulous photography tour in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sintra, Portugal, and the surrounding coastal area. Our one week photo holiday will include scenic seascapes and forests, visits to palaces and gardens, and the ruins of the 16th C. Capuchos Monastery. We’ll also enjoy a day trip to vibrant, bustling, historic Lisbon. We’ll visit places of extraordinary beauty, (natural and man-made,) have fun. laugh and share days filled with adventure. Details at www.marionmccristall.com

Take a few moments to enjoy this beautiful eBook Jose created to inspire us. We will have the opportunity to photograph some of these awesome sights during the tour.Click on the link below to read the eBook by Jose Antunes, Portuguese professional photographer, writer, instructor, and tour leader. http://issuu.com/marionmccristall/docs/portugal_phototour_promo2014_issuu_

Our week of photographic opportunities and study is limited to six participants so that everyone will benefit from Jose’s expertise and teaching. Photographers will come away with stories to tell of wonderful experiences, stunning images to share, and a desire to return to Sintra as this fairytale land captures everyone with her charms.

Photography Tour in Portugal, March 2014,  information, terms and conditions, and registration details are available at http://www.marionmccristall.com

To see more of my images, please visit my website http://marionmccristall.com

© Copyright Marion McCristall, all rights reserved

Photography Mystery Box Challenge

A few times a year I get together with some of my photography friends. We usually go somewhere that has great image making opportunities and then enjoy lunch afterwards.

This time I decided it would be fun to try something different. I sent out an email asking them to join me for a Photography Mystery Box Challenge. I created the idea based on a concept on Master Chef where the home cooks must make restaurant worthy meals from surprise ingredients found in their mystery box each week.

In the box: pears, stones, seashells, candle, antique tobacco tin, sheer white fabric, terracotta plant pot, tall clear jar with spring-loaded lid

I asked everyone to bring a box with a maximum/minimum of 10 items that could be suitable for a photography close-up or still life. We met at park by a nearby river so that we could have water in the background. When everyone arrived, I put a number on each box and then we drew numbers to see which collection we would work with first. The guidelines I created included that we could set up our camera gear and tripod first, and then, when I said, “go” we had 15 minutes to get things out of the box and start creating tableaux. We could use one of the items or up to all of them and make images in that short time-frame.

In the box: leafy lettuce, basil, bottle of wine, large basket, balsamic vinegar, patterned serving bowl, tomatoes, garlic, shallots, box of spaghetti, wooden spoon

After time was called, we had to put everything back in the box and move on to the next one. It required quick thinking, careful selection of objects and their placements, as we worked to make our images. The light kept changing from shade, to dappled sunlight with clouds overhead, to bright, so we had to reflect on which camera settings would give us the desired look. We were pleased at what we accomplished in just 15 minutes.

In the box: teapot, carnations, tea-cup and saucer, cookies, assorted antique kitchen implements, orange and white tea towels

While enjoying our bagged lunches, we talked about how interesting and challenging the Photography Mystery Boxes were. We looked at a few of each others’ images on our camera LCD screens and were surprised at the amazing variety of images we created.

In the box:pears, white napkin, yellow napkin, bamboo cutting board, blue plate, antique knife, oval plate, orange checkered table-cloth, straw basket

I’ve written a list of some the items that were in the box below each image so that you have an idea of what I selected to make my photographs. Each of my images have been edited with software and I have added a slight glow and watercolour effect. You can see some of the colours of the river in the background.

In the box: vintage kitchen tools including egg beater, sieve, garlic press, cherry pitter, teapot with flowers, cup and saucer, rectangular plate of cookies

This would be a great idea for you and your friends to try and any kind of camera will do. Being with friends who love photography, laughter, and fun were the best parts our Mystery Box Challenge and we all agreed to try it again.

To see more of my images, please visit my website http://marionmccristall.com

© Copyright Marion McCristall, all rights reserved

Simplicity

Summer is a time when our senses come alive with sights and sounds of bustling farmers’ markets, children playing at the beach, kites flying high in deep blue skies, and people filling parks with their blankets and picnic suppers.

When I go out with my camera I see vibrant colours of wildflowers in meadows, lush vegetable gardens, light filtering through cedar groves, and tourists, gelato in hand, stopping to enjoy local attractions.

I am drawn to try to capture it all and create photographs that tell the stories of what I see. When I take my time, I also like to make images that separate an object from the cacophony of summer delights and focus only on it. I call this simplicity.Light and shadow are a photographers best friend.This exquisite daisy was growing in a cluster under the shadowy eaves of a barn. It caught my eye with the light falling over the top of the petals. I zoomed in to make this lovely photograph. I added a slight texture and quote using photo editing software.

When you’re out taking pictures, try to capture just the simplest element of what you see.  You may be surprised and delighted at the beauty of it all.

To see more of my images, please visit my website http://marionmccristall.com

© Copyright Marion McCristall, all rights reserved

Photography Tour In Portugal

I am thrilled to share with you my exciting news!

I have put together a Photography Tour in Portugal March 20-27, 2014 and you are invited to join in for an amazing 7 days of photo exploration in sunny and picturesque Portugal.

What’s Included:

Expert photography instruction with Jose Antunes (www.joseantunes.com), renowned Portuguese professional photographer, who will take us to some of his favourite places

Tour led by Marion McCristall, award-winning Canadian photographer, with experience on photo tours in France, Italy, Kenya, Morocco and Portugal

A full day guided day trip to the beautiful city of Lisbon

7 nights accommodation at Colina Flora (colinaflora.com), 2013 Winner of Award of Excellence, eco-friendly, top quality B&B in the hamlet of Pe da Serra near Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Meals: 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 3 dinners with wine

Airport pickup & transportation during the tour

** Airfare not included **

Tour Highlights:

– Dramatic seascapes
– Fairytale castles and palaces
– Quaint white washed villages
– Capuchos, 16th Century Monastery
– 200 year old Sao Pedro Sunday Market
– Early morning and late evening photo opportunities
– Classical architecture, stunning views
– Historical sites & cobbled streets in Lisbon
– The romantic Sintra National Palace Cabo da Roca lighthouse

To Register:

March 20 – 27 2014 Tour Cost:
$2700 per person (single sharing or double)

Please email: hello@marionmccristall.com or check out my website for more info www.marionmccristall.com

To download full itinerary and registration forms please click here: Photography_Tour_Portugal

Impressions at Shamper’s Bluff

Freeman’s view of the St. John River from Shamper’s Bluff

Freeman Patterson opened up his home for a small group of photographers attending the Canadian Camera Conference this summer. We were given the immense privilege of reveling in the visual feast of the lush meadows and forest paths at Shamper’s Bluff, NB.

Having followed Freeman’s teachings and musings on photography and visual design for a number of years, I was thrilled at the opportunity to explore a little of the paradise he has so lovingly created. Shamper’s Bluff is not a place of classical beauty with perfectly sculpted flowerbeds, water features and pebbled paths.  Instead, Freeman has created a haven for birds, butterflies, insects, and other creatures to call home. It is a place for him to breathe in the fresh air, enjoy the view of the river and islands in the distance, find solitude from his hectic schedule, and contemplate, while sitting on one of the benches or chairs he has peppered throughout his property.

Freeman’s barn at Shamper’s Bluff

We drove along the winding road and up into his long driveway. I was filled with anticipation of what I would not only see but what I would feel.  I sat on a bench on Freeman’s back porch and drank in the view of mist on the river and acres and acres of meadows where birds are free to sing and the wind can dance in your hair. I cleared my mind preparing to be open to what would capture my attention.  Others headed off in many directions to explore on their own. I stood for a while and then went to the car to get my camera gear.

Slowly, I wandered a little in each direction catching glimpses of tiny white flowers peeking through the undergrowth, shreds of paper birch bark laying amongst pine needles, and little snails slowly making their way to somewhere. My senses opened up and I was ready to take in the clumps of brilliant daisies, purple, magenta, and white lupines, vibrant, tall hollyhocks, brilliant green ferns, pink and white columbine, and azaleas that called out for my attention. I knew I had to take my time in order to make the photographs that reflected how I felt and what I saw.

The last blue poppy of the season.

We were given free range to wander, explore and make images to our heart’s content. It was threatening to rain when we set off early in the morning. Slowly, the clouds parted as if by magic. By noon, the mist lifted and bright sunshine filled the sky.  We had to keep checking our exposures while shadows played and changed as frequently as our apertures and shutter speeds.

Freeman has always been wise and generous in helping us find our way to creative expression through photography. Each of us in unique and, whether reading his books or listening to him speak, we all take away what inspires us. Making images is a journey of discovery, challenges, and moments of immense pleasure.

Columbine covered in morning dew.

An old, framed, quote by the German poet, Rainer Maria Rilke, hangs on one wall in his house.  It reads, “Love consists of this: that two solitudes protect, and touch, and greet each other.”  Freeman does that with his love for teaching, sharing, mankind, living creatures, and the earth.

Even though Freeman wasn’t able to be with us at Shamper’s Bluff, he was there inspiring me every step of the way. I made some images that will remind me of him and how willingly and openly he shares what he knows. He gives me the courage to try different ways of seeing and tell stories through my art.

Paper birch trees at Shamper’s Bluff. Photograph taken using a panning technique I learned from Freeman years ago.

Freeman gave us an exceptional gift when he welcomed us into his private sanctuary.  The hours passed much too quickly and we drove back to Fredericton hoping that the images we made captured the beautiful spirit of Shamper’s Bluff.

To see more of my images, please visit my website http://marionmccristall.com

© Copyright Marion McCristall, all rights reserved

Spring Tulip Posters

I take photographs through every season but there is something magical about spring. I love it when the tulips burst forth with vibrant colours and stand tall in the crisp breezes.I had the opportunity to go to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival near La Conner, Washington, last week. The fields were gorgeous and filled with row after row of a myriad of colours.Using Photoshop, I created these lovely posters of some of the visions I captured with my camera. If you have photo editing software you will be able to add a slight watercolour effect and a border to make your own posters.  Give it a try and enjoy!

To see more of my images, please visit my website http://marionmccristall.com

© Copyright Marion McCristall, all rights reserved

Inspired by Freeman Patterson

Lone Tree in the San Juan Islands – Marion McCristall Photographer

Freeman Patterson is one of Canada’s pre-eminent photographers. He is known world-wide for his excellence in photography, writing, and teaching, and has written several outstanding books. He lives in New Brunswick and was in Vancouver recently to give workshops for photo-enthusiasts.

I have enjoyed Freeman’s photographic style and teachings for several years.  One of my favourite books is “Photography and the Art of Seeing,” and I was fortunate to attend his daylong seminar on Saturday. Freeman spoke to photographers and other artists about the building blocks of visual design and principles of composition. He emphasized the importance of understanding these when framing a shot.

Tulip Waves – Marion McCristall Photographer

Throughout the day, Freeman showed us slides that represented his use of light and dark to create tonal contrast.  He spoke about line, shape, perspective, and texture, as they are made visible through tonal and colour contrast.  He recommended doing everything you can “in camera” at the moment you take the picture. He showed slides that inspired us to think more about the importance of balance, rhythm, proportion, and dominance as they apply to image making.

Rhythm of Sea Waves – Marion McCristall

When I look at many of my photographs, I can see his influence as I captured images of my surroundings and various types of subject matter.  I call these my “Freeman Inspired” images. He encourages photographers to take pictures that show how they feel.  He said, “Art is like dreaming, only you can dream your dreams.”

Whispers in Red – Marion McCristall Photographer

Freeman creates a vast array of images including exquisite visual photographs with multiple exposures and panning. He is an accomplished, celebrated, nature photographer and has won many accolades including the Order of Canada.  Take a moment to learn more about him and his vision at his website http://freemanpatterson.com

To see more of my images, please visit my website http://marionmccristall.com

© Copyright Marion McCristall, all rights reserved