Reflections on 2011 (Part 2): Lessons Learned This Year

Hi Again -

As the end of 2011 approaches today, I find it only fitting to end my 2 part reflection blogs with the lessons I have learned this year in both photography and life.

They are as follows:
1. Have confidence.  Have confidence in everything that you do, even if you are nervous or unsure of yourself.  In photography, exuding confidence shows both you and the subjects you are shooting that you know what you are doing and puts everyone at ease.  Remember though confidence does not equal cockiness.

2. Be assertive.  Allow people to give feedback and direction, however ultimately you are in control - of yourself, of your photo shoot.  Do not mistake assertive for bitchiness however.  This is a lesson relevant to all areas of life.

3. Take risks.  So many of my best photos have been because I took risks.  Looked from different angles.  Maybe leaned a little too far off that cliff (just don't be reckless).  Take risks in exploring different forms of photography - of going outside your comfort zone.  If you're a nature photographer, try some photojournalism shots.  If you are a wedding photographer, take a step into nature.  You may be surprised at what you find.

4. Be patient.  I talked a lot about this in my blog post about photographing nature, but I think it is more pervasive throughout photography and life.  Be patient with your subjects.  Be patient with your surroundings.  It's okay to take 300 pictures and only find 3 you like.  My father always taught me that for every roll of film you shoot you should find 1-2 pictures you like.  I keep that rule in mind as I use digital.  For every 360 photos I take there may be only 36 photos that I truly think are worth keeping and personally, I think that's okay.  (Wedding photographers may disagree... but I'm not a wedding photographer :) )

5. Take care of your gear.  Jamming your expensive camera and lenses that you saved up for for over a year into your purse does no good for anyone.  Yes, you may look like a tourist carrying your bag around with you, but hey, that's okay!  If that's not an option just remember to treat your gear kindly - it is your friend.

6. Finally, have fun!  When something you enjoy starts feeling tedious or like work, then you need to take a step back and look at why.  Everything you do has a chance for burnout.  Personally, this is why photography is something I do on the side and leave the burnout for my full time career.

I hope these lessons that I have learned in 2011 are helpful to others as well - whether you are just starting out or if it's just a reminder to those who have been photographers for years.

Have a Happy New Year!  Stay Safe.  Check back tomorrow for the first blog post of 2012 where I detail some new gear I got this holiday season, how I intend to use it, and feedback from those of you out there who have used these new attachments and have tips.

Signing of for 2011 #A. L. Kohlmann

Follow @alkohlmannphoto

Also, Please visit my FlickR feed to the right and my website.  Thanks for your support!

2011 Reflections: Working With Human Subjects is Really Difficult....

Happy Holidays everyone!

As we approach the new year I thought I'd do a series of blog posts looking back at 2011 and some of the valuable photography lessons and tips I learned over the year.  With it only being about 2 years since I finally gave into the DSLR from my film SLR, I find that every time I take out my camera I learn something new.

My most recent lesson is... that working with human subjects is really quite difficult!

Back in college I had the opportunity to photograph a wedding.  I had a color film camera and did not have an opportunity to look at where I would be taking photos ahead of time - not that it mattered since I didn't have the proper equipment anyway.  My ceremony photos were dark and grainy because I didn't have a strong enough flash.  My posed photos were much better and in the end I was quite proud of them, but there was plenty room for improvement.  At the reception I didn't know what should be photographed or how long to stay and again had grainy, dark photos.  After this experience I figured I would stick to what I did best - at that time industrial photography.  Since then, my interaction with human subjects has been very limited.  If you take a look at my website you will see that none of my photography includes people.

This year I did two photo shoots involving people.  The first was an outdoor shoot with a good friend of mine.  I had already met her family numerous times and I was very familiar with the park we were shooting at.  What I was not familiar with was a 3 year old and 11/2 year old twins running around that park not giving me any mind with my camera.  While this made for some truly beautiful and candid shots, it also made for some struggles getting those children to stand/sit/just be still for more than 5 seconds.  After this shoot I could barely walk from all the crouching and kneeling I did that day.  Basically I not only realized how difficult it is to keep track of children, especially in open spaces to photograph them, but that I am somewhat out of shape.

Then, last week, I was afforded the opportunity to do a four generation shoot.  Now I was working with adults (and a very small baby). I figured this would be much easier since they would listen to verbal instruction.  Not the case!  One thing I learned from this shoot.... it's hard to get 3 grown men to look forward and SMILE at the same time.

In the end these were excellent learning opportunities and I wouldn't trade them for the world.  The people who commissioned the photos seemed pleased with them and ultimately that is my goal - to bring joy to people through my photography.  It helped me realize however how much work I have left to do and how very much there is to learn.

Thanks for reading.... stay tuned for more reflections on the year...

Baby It's Cold Outside! Photography in the Winter...

Brrrr..... It's cold outside!

It's beginning to seem that the Midwest is a having issues with its seasons.  Warm temperatures went well into fall and unfortunately the beautiful color suffered, and then, overnight, it was winter!  While the temperatures have been well below freezing for a while now, my area only recently saw its first snowfall.  After sitting in my apartment, bundled up in front of the space heater, the last thing on my mind was winter photography.  Then, like a little light bulb coming on, it dawned on me - I rarely think about winter photography!

Why is that?

I can explain exactly why.  The thought of going outside in the freezing cold, fumbling with my camera, slipping around on the ice, terrified of dropping all my equipment, was paralyzing - not to mention the potential damage it could do to my camera itself.  I took a few minutes to peruse some more recent years of photography and came across only a few winter photos - mainly ones taken from car windows or 3 seasons rooms where I could remain warm - and honestly, I think this is a shame.  Winter is a beautiful season that deserves the same attention that we seem to give to summer and fall.

With that said, I am making a pledge to attempt to take more photos this winter and do this season its well deserved justice.  Hold me to that - please!

In the mean time, enjoy some old attempts at winter above and to the right.  Then, visit the New York Institute of Photography's website and read their article about

Digital Photography Tips - Winter Photography

So, with the winter spirit in mind, A.L. Kohlmann Imagery is wishing you all a Happy Holidays and Happy Photographing!

#A.L. Kohlmann   -   Follow @alkohlmannphoto

***Don't forget - the holidays are coming and most prints are in stock for immediate shipping.  If you are interested in any photos on my website or FlickR feed, please fill out the contact form on my webpage and I will be in touch!  www.alkohlmannimagery.com***

It's Fall!... I think?

Hi Again!

Sorry for the long wait between postings, but a busy schedule, a little illness, and a personal photo session delayed my ability to get out there and shoot some good fall photos.  I love fall.  It is by far my favorite season - hands down.  This fall however in the Midwest has been a confusing one.  In early October I headed up to Eagle River for my annual fishing trip, eagerly awaiting a full burst of color.  Unfortunately, the color left a lot to be desired since some trees had peaked already, others had their leaves fall after strong winds, and others had not changed at all.  My attempts at capturing the beauty of that weekend left a lot to be desired.

A couple weeks later I attempted to catch the colors in Starved Rock State Park.  The color had not yet peaked in Chicagoland, but some friends who went through that area said it was starting in the Starved Rock.  I had some luck with that photo session and I have added those photos to my FlickR Feed to the right.  I utilized my fish eye lens for this outing since I wanted some unique photos. While the colors were not at their peak yet, I did get some interesting shots of the leaves beginning to change.

With this fall being so wet, warm, and windy in the Midwest, I have to ask if we even experienced fall.  The temperatures are starting to drop into the 50s now, but next week is November already and the Christmas trees are out on display in stores.  I feel like I was cheated out of my favorite season.  Rest assured, there will always be next year.  For now, please enjoy a sampling of what Starved Rock State Park had to offer and as always, please visit my website, www.ALKohlmannImagery.com for other photos.

Oh!  Don't forget, the holidays are coming soon.  I have a large selection of my photography shown on my website and FlickR feed in stock and ready to be shipped - matted or no matted - for any holiday gifts.  Prices available upon request - just fill out the Contact form on my web page.

Happy Halloween Everyone!


#AL Kohlmann

Galena, Illinois

Normally each summer I take a week off of work to relax and take a much needed vacation.  Unfortunately, due to changes in my workload and my being ill the previous year, I did not have as much vacation time to play with this year.  I decided on a brief weekend trip to Galena, Illinois.  Being extremely busy up until the day I left for vacation, I only had the deposit on a hotel and a travel guide to go off of. Generally, I plan out my vacations, so leaving the door open for anything left me feeling slightly lost.

Amazingly, even though I had four days off and no plans, I found this vacation to be one of the most relaxing and photographically exciting I have experienced in a long time.  The highlights of my trip were visiting the Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium across the river and taking advantage of the free botanical gardens nearby, wandering around downtown Galena and having (too much) delicious food, getting a private tour of the Linmar Gardens, and finally taking the opportunity to hike
some of the gorgeous bluffs in the area.

I had a wonderful opportunity to use my camera in situations that I had not yet experienced.  For example, I battled with trying to take pictures through thick glass at the aquarium, at dusk in downtown Galena, and in the middle of the afternoon in a partially shaded garden.  Check out my Flickr feed for select photos from my trip and please leave feedback.  If you are not a Flickr member, then leave info below.

I had a wonderful vacation and will be going back to Galena in the near future.  Not only is there a lot to do, but the area is beautiful and the people are extremely friendly.  I have included a list of links of places I visited and recommend if you find yourself en route to Galena or the surrounding areas soon!

Galena, Illinois - http://galena.org/
Chestnut Mountain Resort - http://www.chestnutmtn.com/
Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium - http://www.mississippirivermuseum.com
Linmar Private Gardens - http://linmargardens.com/
Market House Restaurant (Gluten Free options!!!) - http://www.markethousetavern.com/index.html
Galena Brewery - http://www.galenabrewery.com/
Goldmoor Inn (Amazing Food & Scenery) - http://www.goldmoor.com/

Enjoy!  And remember to use this Labor Day Weekend as a great opportunity to exercise your creative side!
% A.L. Kohlmann
AL Kohlmann Imagery *

CNN Video: Photographic Film is Not Dead

Interesting video about how photographic film is not dead.

Headed to Galena, IL - Any Photo Suggestions?

Hi everyone -

Photo Credit: goldengunner10 via Chicago Tribune

In the next coming weeks I am headed to Galena, IL for a short vacation.  I'm excited for an opportunity to take some pictures of a place full of both rich history and beauty.  Right now my plans call for a lot of hiking and a list of potential other activities.  I like to keep things laid back, but am up for some adventure as well.  Has anyone been to Galena and has some suggestions for places to photograph?  Please leave a comment or respond via twitter at @iluvphtgrphy.  I'm looking forward to everyone's suggestions and will make sure to post my photos on Flickr when I return!

Thanks,
%A.L. Kohlmann  - www.alkohlmannimagery.com - via twitter @iluvphtgrphy

Full Photo Credit: http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/midwest/wisconsin/chi-mwt-galena-ugcpg,0,8541.ugcphotogallery

Photo Editing - What's Your Opinion?

I know in the recent months I have had the debate over photo editing and how much editing is appropriate.  I am very sure there are many schools of thought in this arena, but among the people I have spoken to, they seem rather polarized - you either edit very little to maintain the "true intention" of the photo or you have free reign to do whatever you like with a photo.

In my own opinion, I like to look at my photography as an artistic piece.  An artist has their own creative license to take a piece and alter it in a way that they find visually pleasing - just as you would a painting or drawing.  When it comes to my photography, I am very "go big or go home."  Generally, I edit my raw images in my EOS photo software, convert them to .jpgs, and then continue editing them in GIMP.  I am a huge fan of highly saturated, highly contrasted photos.  In most instances I feel that I am enhancing the image so that the true beauty can be discovered, while also creating visual interest.

A person arguing with me might say that I am doing a disservice to the photo by not conveying what I'm truly seeing or what the true form is by doing this sort of extreme editing.  My rebuttal is that unless you are being paid to take photos for a certain purpose (family portraits, weddings, etc), that art is simply that - art.  The beautiful thing about digital photography is that you can play around with an image in many different programs and forms until you find something that you enjoy.  Take some risks and enjoy the art of photography.  And remember, we took and still take artistic license in the darkroom as well!

So have some fun with it people and let your photographic hair down.  I would love to walk by more people's desks at work or go into more homes and see framed photos that reflect a creative effort than all those simple point and shoot photos printed at your local store.

I understand that photography is not for everyone and that point and shoot photos may be your style, but if you want to play around at all - go for it!  GIMP is a free open source program that mimics Photoshop.  It can be complicated, but figuring it out can be part of the fun.  Also, sites like winkflash and snapfish will print your photos for pennies and often have wonderful deals.  I encourage everyone to print their photos "matte" to avoid fingerprints and glare.  So go for it.  Edit the hell out of those photos. Have fun. And then be proud of your work - because that's important too.

%A L Kohlmann
***The photostream has new photos on the right, with more coming soon and always remember to visit my website.


http://www.gimp.org/
http://www.snapfish.com
http://www.winkflash.com

Happy 4th of July! How to photograph fireworks!

Hi Everyone -

Photo Credit: www.desktop-xp.com

Now I realize that this post may come a little late considering that some cities already had their fireworks, but I wanted to briefly share an article I read about how to successfully photograph fireworks.  Unless you are fortunate enough to visit frequently or live by Navy Pier or any other venue that regularly shoots them off, then the 4th of July weekend is one of the rare yearly opportunities to exercise these skills.

Digital Photography School recently published an article detailing 10 tips to successfully taking digital photos of fireworks.  Now this article assumes that you are shooting with a digital SLR, so if you are taking your small handheld camera to the fireworks show, just play around and keep some of these general rules in mind (for example - stay still!)

Please read the article HERE and have a safe and happy 4th of July!


Thanks!
%ALKohlmann

Then visit ALKohlmann Imagery and browse my FlickR Photostream.  Please comment on photos if possible because by the end of the year I will be moving a select few from FlickR into my website rotation.

The Tricky Art of Photographing Wildlife

Recently I had the opportunity to spend some quality time at my parent's home for a long (and much needed) weekend.  They live on sprawling farmland surrounded by woods.  Being immersed in nature as they are, a 4 seasons room is necessary and for me, the perfect venue to try my hand at photographing wildlife (open the windows, sit on the couch, aim your camera, and pray the wildlife does not enter into the room).  Since my parents are avid bird lovers, there were numerous opportunities to photograph tons of beautiful birds.  Who knew that Orioles loved grape jelly?


Throughout the weekend I learned some valuable tips about shooting wildlife photography and I'd like to share them with you:

1. A telephoto lens is a must ... wild animals do not like people that close to them and birds are especially sensitive!  The sound of the camera taking a photo is enough to scare all of them away.
2. A tripod is also vital ... telephoto lenses are heavy and a lot of times photographing animals is a waiting game. Trust me when I say that your arm will get tired.
3. Find a spot and focus your camera there ... Scoping out your surroundings is key.  For example I knew that there was a lot of activity around the feeders and that grape jelly, so I mounted my camera and focused it on the spot - that way I was ready for the precise moment the birds arrived.
4. Patience is definitely a virtue ... I cannot tell you how many hours I sat and waited.  Granted these were peaceful stress-free hours, but the birds knew I was there.  Insert some hilarious moments where I tried to hide myself under blankets, etc in order to get a good shot.
5. Out of many photos, many hours, you may find one good shot ... This is a reoccurring theme in my blog, but one that inevitably holds true - even more so it seems in nature photography.

Now I understand that sitting in my parents sunroom in my PJs waiting for birds to eat grape jelly is not true wildlife photography - but I'm a novice and somewhat lazy.  Since this was my first adventure into the realm, I would hope you die hards out there will cut me some slack.  For those of you looking to try it, I recommend the tips above and starting out small.  Let me know what you think of the shots and please visit my FlickR Feed to the right for the rest of the wildlife shots.  Enjoy!

As always www.alkohlmannimagery.com :)
A.L. Kohlmann

Back to Basics: 10 Questions to Ask When Taking a Digital Photo

Every few months I take a moment to step back and re-evaluate my work.  Is there something I can do better?  Is there a place I haven't shot yet - maybe right in front of me?  And I take note of where I need to grow.  I began doing photography at a very young age.  My father was a photographer for a long time and until I moved out on my own I had full access to an in-home darkroom.  Over the years I had this amazing opportunity to create, explore, and experiment with what I felt visually appealing.  As the years went on and I lost that immediate access to a darkroom, I made the transition to digital photography.  I will always be in love with the idea of black and white film, rolled in a pitch black room - photos shot with a camera older than yourself, and that peaceful, calming process of being alone in the darkroom with your film and your thoughts, eagerly anticipating the end product.  With that said, I revel in the excitement and versatility that digital photography has to offer.  While I feel that I have learned a lot over the years since I been shooting digital, I find that every once in a while I need to take a step back and go "Back to Basics."

I recently read an article called "10 Questions to Ask When Taking a Digital Photo" by Darren Rowse featured on www.digital-photography-school.com.  I found this article to be both insightful and helpful in taking me back to basics.  Rowse states that there are 10 major questions you should ask yourself:

What story am I trying to tell with this photo?

1. What story am I telling?

2. What is the visual focal point of this shot?

3. What competing focal points are there?

4. What is in the background and foreground?

5. Am I close enough?

6. What is the main source of light?

7. Is my Framing Straight?

8. What other perspectives could I capture this subject from?

9. How would holding the camera in the other format change this shot?

10. How will the eye travel through this image?

Read more: http://www.digital-photography-school.com/10-questions

Oh course I ask that you read the post itself and then consider taking an inventory of your work.  This article is a good basis for both beginning photographers and a reminder to those of us who have been shooting for many years.

While these 10 Questions are important and fundamental to our work, there are many that would argue that asking too many questions or thinking too hard about your shots may cause you to miss something wonderful or take the joy out of the process.  Whether you need the 10 Questions or not, just remember what photography is all about: Shooting photos from the heart.  You remember that and you will make beautiful memories.

Visit http://www.alkohlmannimagery.com/

#A.L. Kohlmann

Flickr Feed Added for New Photos!

Exciting new developments for my website!

Since I love sharing all my photography with you, but not all are worthy for the galleries showcased on my web page, I have created a Flickr Gallery to share recently shot photos.

On the right side of this blog there is a box entitled "Flickr" that previews 3 randomly chosen photos.  Click on the box to view my Flickr Photostream.  (If you are having trouble with the link, click here to view my photos.)

To view more photos from my recent trip to Madison, click on the Set entitled "Madison."

As I take more photos as the year goes on, I will alert you to new "Set"s in my Flickr Photostream.  Every few months the most "worthy" will be moved permanently onto my website.  Feel free to comment on your favorites since your input is important to me. 

Also remember most photos viewed on my website or Flickr Gallery are available for sale (without the watermark of course.)  For more information on purchasing any of these photos, please visit the "Purchasing" tab on my website at A. L. Kohlmann Imagery.

In the mean time - keep browsing and don't forget to exercise your creative side every once in a while!  Happy Memorial Day weekend!

#A.L. Kohlmann

Bucky, Abe Lincoln, and...Circus Clowns? Oh My!

Hi Everyone!   

 This post definitely caps off an eventful weekend - one full of tons of walking, excellent food, great photos, and even better nostalgia.  This weekend I took a trip to Madison, as I do every year, and the city never ceases to amaze me.  While the campus keeps changing, I can't help but feel like part of it will always remain the same.  I finally, after 5 years, got my chance to sit on Abe Lincoln's lap (I have the injuries to prove it) - it was quite the adventure.  I also had a chance to return to some of my favorite places - the lake front, Sun Room Cafe, Chautara, Olbrich Gardens, among others.  I had the pleasure of exploring new places as well.  This year I traveled up to Baraboo to visit the Circus World Museum.  Fascinated by both the circus and museums alike, this proved to be a very satisfying trip.                      

 Throughout my weekend I had the opportunity to take hundreds of photos. As most photographers will attest, you may take 200 photos and end up with 20 that you like.  With that said, I was able to capture some priceless images.  I have put up a small sampling of my favorites in this post.  I will add the rest to a gallery on my website soon.

Last year I learned a valuable lesson about taking photos at dusk - a tripod is a must.  This year I brought a small tripod that fit in my bag and am very pleased with the end result.  My lake front terrace photo above is a testament to that.

I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed my weekend.  On Wisconsin!

#A.L. Kohlmann

Please visit my website at A.L. Kohlmann Imagery

Links and a New Blog!

Hi Everyone!

As you can see I've linked my News & Updates to a blog to facilitate updating my website. This way I can give you news and updates without having to re-publish my site every time I have something to say. :)

The "Links" page is as complete! Please visit it and support my old friends and colleagues! Special thanks to Patricia LaPointe, Jarred Pfieffer, Hannah Mintek, Linda Keller, Simmi Urbanek, Tom Jones of the UW Madison Art Department, Ryan Somerville of Allsite Media, and Dave Lundeen from A Bullet Called Life for being so talented and continuing to do what they love to do.

Currently I am working on the logistics of an Etsy site. Come to find out it is more difficult than previously thought. Right now if you see a photo in the gallery "Journeys" or "Perspectives" that you are interested in, you can email me at info@alkohlmannimagery.com and we can arrange something.

In the mean time, thanks for all your support and please visit alkohlmannimagery.com

Thanks!

#A.L. Kohlmann

Final Gallery, "Perspectives" Is Ready for Viewing!

May 14, 2011

Finally, the last photo gallery, "Perspectives," has been uploaded and is ready for viewing. I am currently working on a "Links" page that will link to fellow artist's websites. I love that so many of us stayed with the arts after college and would like to promote their work as well. Make sure to check out their work once the "Links" page is active.

#A.L. Kohlmann

www.alkohlmannimagery.com

"Journeys" Gallery is Up and Running

May 12, 2011

The "Journeys" gallery is now complete and ready for viewing. It showcases places I have been over the past decade and encompasses the overall beauty of spaces around us. Some of the photos
in this gallery will be available for purchase in 8x10 Matte format in the near future.
Other sizes may be available upon request, but may take longer for processing. Please continue to visit the "Purchasing" tab for updates on my Etsy site.

#A.L. Kohlmann

Welcome to A.L. Kohlmann Imagery!

May 08, 2011

The website creation is now in full swing.  The "Industry" Gallery is available for viewing, with "Journeys" and "Perspectives" to soon follow.  Information on purchasing select prints will be available in the near future.  I am setting up an ETSY shop and will link it to this site when it is open for business.  As always, thanks for your support in this project.  Check in again for more news on website updates and new galleries!

#A.L. Kohlmann