03/29/18 ~ Susan

Gone Fishin’

Solitary Fisherman

Where have I been? Gone fishin’— in other words, taking a break. Like me, if you experience a time when your creativity feels stifled, it’s better to take a break than go through the motions—especially with something as personal as photography and other types of art (and blogging for that matter). If you’re not feeling creative, it will be difficult to capture mood and essence in your photography.

Along those lines, my style is to photograph by feel rather than stick to hard and fast rules, so mood and emotion play a part in each photograph. Although it’s important to know all the settings on your camera and to master all the aspects of producing a great photograph such as lighting and composition, trust your instincts as well. If you’re preoccupied with setting things up for the perfect photo or churning out numerous photos, you may miss that golden moment when the light is sparkling around your subject or a unique opportunity is revealing itself right in front of you. The photograph in this post, “Solitary Fisherman“, was one of those opportunities. Although the lighting was not optimal to be taking any photographs, I was amazed when I saw the perfect outline of the fisherman against a sepia sky, right down to the detail on his fishing pole.

Having the camera in my hands allows me to feel my way through the process, especially when photographing moving subjects or unusual lighting situations. Mood plays a part in the final outcome, and I believe the only way to sense and capture that mood is to feel your way through it.

So, if you’re just not feelin’ it—go fishin’!

**One more note…stop by virtually to visit my portfolio at Susan DeTomi Fine Art Photography Portfolio.

04/26/16 ~ Susan

Farewell Charleston Farmers Market & News!

CFM Days

Thank you & farewell

Being a juried artist/photographer at the Charleston Farmers Market was a great adventure and a memorable time. My business grew as I received a great deal of positive feedback on my photography. Thank you to the wonderful visitors and customers from all over the country and the world who purchased my photography or stopped by to browse and express good wishes. For any visitors and customers who might be curious or wondering where I am, I decided not to return to the market for the 2016 season. I had a successful five-year run and felt it was time to move on. Although I never intended to stay as long as I did, my business grew year over year, and it became difficult to leave.

A few things I’ll miss about being at the market:

• The smell of bacon wafting through the air early in the morning, somewhat of a smelling salts for the tired, and something which I often cursed for tempting me.
• The clanging of the church bells, and the anticipation preceding the Saturday morning eight-o’clock bell.
• Early morning regulars scurrying through the market with their baskets and carts full of fresh flowers, fruits, and vegetables of every shape and color.
• Swelling crowds of enthusiastic visitors meandering down the market pathways towards late morning, casting their smiles and compliments my way.
• Dogs of every breed and size wagging and panting their way down Tobacco Row with their owners in tow.
• Gatherings of eager customers forming in and around my booth to chat and select photography.
• Visitors from every corner of the country and the world sharing their interests and stories.

A few things I won’t miss about being at the market:

• Staying up late every Friday preparing for the market; then having to get up at 4:30 AM on Saturday; followed by exhaustion on Sunday.
• Arriving on Saturday morning to a sea of half-drowsy, often grumpy vendors, including myself.
• Setting up and breaking down my booth, which is rather complicated and heavy.
• Trying to keep my artwork protected from the so-called pop-up showers which unexpectedly turn into torrential downpours with storm-force winds.
• The dust-permeated musty odor that hangs in the air during July and August.
• Attempting in vain to stay cool while watching throngs of melting visitors lumber by as the temperatures head towards 90-something, and the air is so thick you could cut it with a knife.

News!

Although I’m not at the market, I still have my fine art photography business, and my online portfolio is ready to be viewed at Susan DeTomi Fine Art Photography Portfolio. Please “stop by” virtually and feel free to leave comments or ask questions.

02/4/16 ~ Susan

CAG Gallery Members Exhibition 2016 & More!

Top Section of photo: Award-winning entry-“Union of Spirit”, Ltd Edition ; Bottom Section of photo: CAG Gallery Members Exhibition 2016

CAG Gallery Members Exhibition 2016

I’m thrilled that my work is currently being displayed at the CAG Gallery Members Exhibition 2016, and that the Limited Edition photograph I entered, “Union of Spirit”, received a recognition award! You can view it along with all of the other amazing artwork if you have a chance to stop by before February 6.

“Union of Spirit” in the making

“Union of Spirit” is a very special photograph of a family of Great Egrets that was in the making for four+ months while I observed the mother sitting on the nest waiting for her eggs to hatch; watching the young chicks grow; and then, very infrequently, seeing the parents together with the chicks. Hundreds of days and shots later, it was an exciting moment when the male (father) flew up to the nest, and the whole family interacted together. You can see the anticipation and excitement between the parents and the chicks. It’s amazing that they just know they are a family, and each parent knows how to care for their young in their own way—they’re not told what to do—they just know.

“Union of Spirit” is a Limited Edition, which is currently on its Ninth Edition. The piece in the Exhibition is Edition No. 4–this edition was set aside for showing because it has a special framing treatment.

Check out my portfolio!

Check out my portfolio to view more images like “Union of Spirit” at Susan DeTomi Fine Art Photography Portfolio or click on the link in the right sidebar of this blog.

01/28/16 ~ Susan

Sparkling New Year!

Frosted Berries

I hope everyone had wonderful holidays and a great start to the New Year! I sympathize with those who had to deal with harsh winter conditions and an avalanche of snow in the Northeast and beyond. Charleston certainly had its share of bad weather this year, but snow was not in the mix.

The truth is, I enjoy chilly weather and snow during the winter—it allows you to appreciate the sunny beautiful days even more.

More on the positive side:

❄ Everything seems cozier inside when it’s cold and snowy outside.
❄ There’s nothing like the smell of comfort food wafting from the kitchen.
❄ A peaceful quietude permeates the air when it’s snowing.
❄ When it’s chilly outside, everything sparkles a little brighter.

04/9/15 ~ Susan

Design, Photography & Artistic Vision

Design by Peacock

Design & Photography

One of my new photographs, “Feather Envy“, was recently selected for the Juried Signature Art Exhibition with the Charleston Artist Guild Gallery. The title alludes to stark realities and instincts inherently present in nature and the animal world, such as the struggle to survive. Peacocks, for example, are incredibly beautiful creatures, yet that beauty comes at a price. Last year, I observed several peacocks throughout the breeding season. By the end of the season, one of the peacocks was still sporting its striking array of colorful feathers, while the others were so battle-worn, they had nothing left but quills to display. Peacocks and other birds battle each other over territory, mates, food, and status, sometimes to the death. This year I watched a great blue heron nest with two babies in it and witnessed one of the babies almost peck the other to death. The poor chick was hanging out of the nest, its back bleeding and raw while the other continued to peck at it with no remorse.

“Feather Envy” also reveals the intricate patterns, designs, and colors on the back of a peacock and on its feathers as well as in nature. A love of design frequently reveals itself in my photography, and there are many elements of design embodied in nature. “Design by Peacock“, an older photograph featured in this post, displays an alternate aspect of design and color present on the peacock.

Speaking of design, I enjoy helping clients to select artwork by reviewing color and design elements in their spaces and working with them to select photographs. I just completed a Consultation for a client who wanted coastal photographs for a recently redecorated bedroom. We worked with all of the elements in the room, including an existing print; the paint color on the walls; the duvet and pillow colors; and the size and shape of the available space, to select the right pieces for that space. I’ve been doing this for a couple of years now, and I offer this service free of charge. I want to ensure that people select the right artwork for their spaces, and that they are happy with the work they’ve selected. So, if you would like me to do a Consultation for you, just contact me to set up a time to talk, skype, or meet. I’ve even done this remotely, whereby clients text or email photos of their spaces, and we work from there.

Two more newsworthy items I’d like to mention are: first, I am working on finishing my online portfolio which people have frequently inquired about. It would probably have been finished by now if I hadn’t been out enjoying the Spring bounty of photographic opportunities!

Second, I am a “swamp dweller” at this time of year. For quite some time, I’ve been observing the wildlife and birds around the Audubon Swamp, an amazing natural habitat close to where I live. I released many photographs in previous years from that swamp, chronicling almost every bird in it, and I will be releasing many more this year!

Artistic Vision

What is artistic vision? My interpretation is that it represents the unique creation; artistic endeavor; idea; view; or vision represented in an individual’s artwork–that artistic vision which came out of their own history, thoughts, location, attitudes, emotions, mood, etc. at the time they created the artwork.

It is important to respect the artistic vision of artists and creators or we will all be doing the same thing, and that will not only be demotivating for artists striving for originality in their work, it will be uninteresting for those who view the artwork.

In this world of easy access to everything with the internet, people forget to respect each others’ unique visions and hard work. It is too easy to stake claim to others’ visions and works by claiming them on Facebook and other social media outlets; backdating postings; information; writing; original ideas; and artwork–thereby making it your own. An example of this is the practice of creating facsimile or derivative artwork that was viewed from another artist.

The message I’d like to convey here is that artists should strive to dig deeper into the creative resources that lie within themselves; and that appreciators/buyers of art should support artists that forge original ideas and artwork that came from the creator’s own artistic vision!

02/19/15 ~ Susan

Happy New Year & Thank You!

Happy New Year!

Although it’s already February, the year is just beginning, and it’s not too late to make it a great 2015! Last year was a great year for my photography business, so I apologize for stepping away from this blog for a while. My excuse is that I was taking photographs and growing my business. For all of the customers who purchased my photography or stopped by to appreciate it, I want to say thank you! I never stop feeling excited and honored that people enjoy my photographs, and I never get tired of the generous compliments I’ve received. I’m dedicating this post to all of the wonderful people I met in 2014 and in the years before that, and I want to let each and every one of you know how appreciative I am. Photography inspires me, but you have kept my inspiration and creativity thriving.

I shot the photograph in this post last year while strolling along Pawley’s Island beach on New Year’s Day. I didn’t create the “sandi”-work, but I appreciate the unique handwriting it was created with and wanted to share it.

I’m looking forward to being back at the Charleston Farmer’s Market again this year, which starts on April 4. Hopefully, my dedication to my business, my photography, and to the market showed last year—I didn’t miss a single Saturday or Sunday all year. I look forward to seeing many of you back again this season!

10/15/13 ~ Susan

Was this Photoshopped?!

Southern Tapestry

Every time I hear the question, “Was this photoshopped?”, I’m not always certain what it means. In an effort to get to an understanding of the question, this article offers food for thought.

First, Photoshop allows users to process and edit their digital images, and it became the standard for digital imaging software. Not all that long ago, before digital photography became prevalent, photographers processed, edited, and produced their images in the darkroom or at a lab using various processes and chemicals. Photoshop mirrors many of those processes digitally, such as dodging, which is a process to lighten areas of an image. Although many photographers still use film, digital photography—carried out with digital cameras, computers and monitors, and digital imaging software to process and produce the images, has become the new standard—thus eliminating the need for film and the darkroom altogether.

In addition, different digital imaging software packages accomplish different things during the digital photography workflow. Some software is all-inclusive and does everything from generating the raw images from the camera to assisting with the printing, while other types of software accomplish a specific purpose, such as adding an aged effect to the image. Digital images, with the exception of those taken with super fast and easy point-and-shoot cameras or cell phones, typically require some type of editing. Even if the photographer shoots all of their digital images as JPEGs, they usually have to load them from the camera onto the computer and edit them in some way before producing them for web or print. Some cameras, including many point-and-shoots, come bundled with simple editing software, while other cameras, such as digital SLRs, require more sophisticated software to process the images. Many serious photographers shoot their images in RAW format (comparable to negatives with film), which allows for more editing, and, theoretically, achieves a better result. During the digital photography workflow, basic edits are accomplished with digital imaging software such as Photoshop. These edits change or improve upon functions that were not or could not be optimized during shooting such as lighting, color, composition, etc. Additionally, for more advanced users, abundant software packages exist that offer numerous functionalities and effects.

Many high-end photographers very skilled with digital imaging software use Photoshop and other software programs to create dream-like fantasy photographs, while others use similar techniques to create false impressions—sometimes with good intentions, such as for advertising, and sometimes with bad intentions, as when paparazzi alter celebrity photos in unflattering ways for monetary gain. Along those lines, a popular connotation of the term “photoshopped” refers to images altered in such a way as to create a new image/photograph that is nothing like the original, such as a photo of a woman floating over a body of water or a photo of a dog’s head fused onto the body of a human. The very nature of digital photography allows for these types of combinations. The artwork featured in this post, “Southern Tapestry“, is an example of using Photoshop to create a finished product which is nothing like the original photograph(s). “Southern Tapestry” is actually multiple photos which I combined together in Photoshop to create a collage-like effect. I created this for fun, but the majority of my photography is minimally processed.

Getting back to the heart of the question, “Was this photoshopped?”, requires some explanation of its intent—Is the question being posed to find out whether the photograph was shot in film or digitally? Is the intent of the question to find out whether the photograph was put through an extreme editing process that substantially altered the original image, or was there another intent?

With all of that said in reference to digital photography, the answer to the question, “Was this photoshopped?”, almost has to be yes, taking into consideration that Photoshop is somewhat of a catch-all term for all digital imaging software. Therein lies the rub—although the answer is yes, what do you mean by “photoshopped”?!

06/7/13 ~ Susan

Friend or Foe?

Alligator and two turtles at Magnolia Plantation

Friend or Foe

A bunch of spectators, including myself, watched in awe at a peculiar companionship between an alligator and two turtles. At times, the turtles stepped onto the back of the alligator to sun themselves, unaware of the potential danger lurking there.

Turtles are, in fact, part of the alligator diet, yet they exhibit a strange camaraderie when the alligator is not in the mood for a meal. Springtime is the perfect time for them to share a sunny spot on the shoreline, taking pleasure in their mutual habitat.

Perhaps what is so striking about this strange amity is the dichotomous relationship being witnessed between a friend and a foe—a relationship present in all of nature—the ability to exist in harmony in conflict with singular ambitions.

05/10/13 ~ Susan

Smoky Mountain Wildflowers

Fiery Columbine

I recently visited Great Smoky Mountains National Park between North Carolina and Tennessee for the first time, catching the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in all its glory. In the lower elevations, starting at Oconaluftee River Trail, many varieties of wildflowers dotted the terrain including Crested Iris, Thyme-leaved Bluets, Foamflower, and Blue Phlox, while elk meandered across the pathways and trotted out to a stream to have a long cool drink with their comrades.

Fearing the car ride up the mountains would be like so many other white-knuckle trips I’d taken to lofty peaks in the past, I mulled over whether to trek to the other side or play it safe in the low-lying area around the waterfalls. The well thought-out decision to make the journey did not go unrewarded, as surprises greeted us around every twist and turn—clusters of red and yellow Columbine, as in the featured photograph “Fiery Columbine“, and Bleeding Heart sprouted from craggy cliffs; Bishop’s Cap lined up along the slope in perfect unison; White Trillium peeked through bunches of Fire Pink; and whole cliff sides sprayed in purple looked like wildflower waterfalls.

A fellow seeker of flora and fauna that day boasted about the unique ecosystem of the park, a part of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, referring to its extraordinarily diverse population of plant and animal life. According to the National Park Service, “over 17,000 species have been documented in the park, and scientists believe an additional 30,000 – 80,000 species may live in the area.” Considering this, a one-day visit only whetted my eagerness to see more of this spectacle, and I’m already daydreaming of a Summer or Fall sojourn to take in a little bit more.

04/22/13 ~ Susan

Search or Serendipity?

Lil’ Blue Heron Fishin’

Someone remarked recently that great photographs cannot be found by searching or hunting for them. When I thought about this comment, I’m not sure I always agree. There are many times when planning a photography adventure for the sole purpose of photographing particular settings turns out extremely well.

Planning a trip doesn’t necessarily mean that the resulting photographs will be mundane; on the contrary, time and money can be saved with planning by ensuring that aspects such as weather and lighting will be advantageous for the photography. In addition, routes can be mapped to save time and gas that might otherwise be wasted looking for specific or intriguing locations. That having been said, there is another side to that argument alluding to the possible intended spirit of the remark.

The reverse argument favors the idea of serendipity—finding that amazing photograph when you least expect it, unplanned, uncharted, and completely spontaneous. I’ve taken many surprising photographs resulting from chance encounters. More often than not, however, I find the unexpected during a planned trip. One such photograph titled, “Stained Glass Tree“, was taken on a visit to a popular waterfall. Although the waterfall was stunning, the real beauty that day was a scrubby looking maple glistening at the edge of a cliff overlooking the waterfall, sunlight illuminating its multicolored leaves while patches of blue sky peaked between every crevasse.

The photograph featured in this post, “Lil’ Blue Heron Fishin’“, is an unplanned siting of a little blue heron catching a fish with bright green duckweed as his backdrop. Its difficult to plan shots of wildlife and birds because they’re unpredictable, so you have to be ready at a moment’s notice.

I’m not sure there is one right approach since there are many different factors. However, whether you plan your photography adventure or not, remain open to all of your surroundings, not just your intended destination. You’ll end up being surprised at the hidden gems you discover along the way.

Impressions

photoblog by Susan DeTomi