I have hosted a few camera clubs at Fonthill this spring. On one visit, I brought my camera and a new attitude. Inspired by my friend Dan Sniffin, I decided to leave my gear downstairs and be open to something that might catch my eye as I wandered the Castle. In other words, I was not looking for something to photograph, rather I was going with an open mind and no expectations. I wanted to allow something to call me to be photographed rather than force it to happen. I was called by these four situations and feel I was successful with each. A pretty good hit ratio, four scenes four “keepers.”
About the images. I’ve photographed the vessels with my iPhone, but never with a “real” camera. A triptych seemed like the right creative choice. I’ve photographed the room with the wonderful chair, but never this way. The chair is my favorite in the castle, so I focused the attention on it opting for a medium telephoto lens versus my normal wide angle choice. The items on the desk were newly added, they called to me, I responded. Finally, the shadows on the stairs is something I’ve walked past many times. This time the scene turned my head, I responded and got my camera.
John, great images! I especially like the one of the Persian tiles and shadows. During my recent shoots, I have been focused on capturing the tiles themselves from a documentary perspective. Shadows were the enemy. I am looking forward to going back and capture the feeling of castle.
Thanks Karl.
very inspiring words john. so many times, i find photographers are all about getting the shot, sometimes i find it is just great to take in the surroundings with my eyes instead of always with a camera.
Amen Roni.
Beautiful!
🙂
I find that the camera helps me see better, as I initially survey the entire scene, then move in, either physically or with a lens, to capture the details that often escape the casual observer, whether a photographer or otherwise. The details are what create the entirety. Fonthill is a place I would very much like to photograph, but cannot justify the expense. Is there a way to join a camera club visiting there at a greatly reduced rate?
Gary, I sent you a private email.
Really lovely photos. I like them all for various reasons despite the different subject matter in each one. As i was scrolliong through them and thinking about that it came to me what attracted me to them al. They all seem to have a perfect ‘balance’. The top one with an object in the middle and on each side even though the subject., to me, is the shadows. The second balanced by the arches and the third by the symmetry of the objects divided by the black book, the last by the similarity of the images balancing the tryptich. Not sure if that makes sense, but I really like them.
Thank you Howard. Always appreciate your thoughtful feedback. We need to get you into Fonthill!
The shadows, or streams of light dependent upon one’s point of view. I’ve seen several outstanding images from Fonthill but the ones that stick most are like your stairs image. Love it
Thanks Dick.
A very nice series of images . The grouping has a nice variety of subject mater which gives the viewer a sense of place. Might you comment on the processing, which is spot on.
Thanks Jim. If I recall, each of these were processed primarily in Lightroom. I then went into Topaz Clarity to finish them up.
Yep. Four for four!
Beautiful photos! One day I would like to go there on one of your tours, John!!
You walked, loaded the bases and ended up with a grand slam of a result! Awesome JB!