Being a Craft and Vision Author, I love seeing new things coming out. The sophmore release of Photograph, Craft and Vision's quarterly release is now out. Building on the success of the first issue, the content of this is equally as strong. I thouroughly enjoyed the whole magazine and find no fault with it.
I also didn't read it in one sitting, which gave plenty of time to savour it. This quarter, the portfolios are from Martin Bailey, Andy Biggs and Chris Orwig. Martin is the author of Making the Print, and some of this work was featured in that, but not as large as this. Martin shoots a wide range from wildlife and landscapes. The work here is beautiful and inspirational. Andy Biggs is a big gun in this issue (I'm kidding, it's a big camera for wildlife). Andy shoots on the African plains, from close animal portraits, to large scale environmental portraits, as well as sumptuous landscapes. The final portfolio is from none other than Chris Orwig. Chris is a fantastic photographer and a tutor for Lynda.com, as well as lecturing in the Brooks Institute. The intimate daylight portraits displayed here show why Chris is respected so much. From the environment of the shot to the connection, the photos are compelling.
Each Portfolio concludes with an interview with the photographer. Martin and Andy's are short and sweet giving a glimpse into what drives and interests them. Chris goes deeper, even to the point of sharing how he was in a photographic lull and how he's revitalising his work.
With the porfolios done, we’re into the articles, kicking off with Craft and Vision cofounder David duChemin. David takes us through the process of capturing the moment. First from defining the moment to knowing your gear to get that moment. Not to leave out the gag he sneaks in from his routine as a former stand up comedian.
Keeping up with teaching the Craft of photography, John Paul Caponigro has an excellent and particularly insightful look at using the image frame to create interest. I've read a lot of books on composition as a photographer, and the way JP describes his thoughts on this is unique. It's like he's sharing a deep part of his mind, like 'touching the master'. One of the best articles I've read on composition in ages.
Fresh from his new Craft and Vision book, ‘A Sense of Place’, Younes Bounhar takes us through making long exposure photographs, and how to see life at a slower pace. It’s a primer that will take the beginner through the gear and thought process in creating long exposure photography of note.
Next we get a reprise from Portfolio contributor Chris Orwig. Chris gives us a detailed talk about Inspiration and Fight. Using the life of Jack London, Chris encourages to seize the fight within us to burn bright as artists.
The Featured Article is ‘On Missing The Shot’ from David duChemin. This 6 spread article brings home the point of being present, and how knowing and trusting your gear will help you get the shot. It’s no nonsense and practical, giving plenty of ideas to improve craft.
Kevin Clark gets super practical in the Studio Sketchbook, where he takes the reader through a look at shooting a ‘Simple Sushi Session’. The article takes you through the lighting and styling of this food shoot, and includes a few pro tips that I’ve not seen before. There’s no secrets here.
With all the photography being discussed, you'd think the camera work was all that the photographer needs to know. Not so, as Piet van den Eynde shows us, with his Before/After of an Armenian Taxi Driver. Peit takes us from the Raw file, right through to the final image, explaining his methods and thoughts on post processing.
Martin Bailey returns to his role as print master for a discussion of how resolution affects the quailty of print, and how to overcome situations where you need resolution far beyond the file you've shot.
For the newer photographers, (and maybe a few more experienced photographers that rely on P Mode!) Nicole S. Young looks into Exposure and Metering Modes. As well as explaining what various mode settings like Spot and Partial metering do, Nicole explains when you might need them. We also get a look at Auto Exposure Lock, and AF-On as well as thoughts on making more of your cameras metering settings.
Reviews in the middle of the review come from Al Smith. This time it’s just one product: The Fujifilm X Pro 1. Al exudes passion for this camera, based on practical experience with it. With so many people considering reducing size without reducing qualty too much, this look at a popular mirrorless camera is timely and useful.
The final note comes from Jay Goodrich and his dealings with monsters. I won't spoil this endearing tale, but it is a fitting end to yet another content rich and advertsing poor issues of Photograph.
Photograph 2 is available as either a Single Issue for $8 or a Subscription. Subscriptions are yearly, covering 4 issues for only $24 dollars. I’ve written about Issue 1 already here, and it's still available to purchase.
