Outstanding Photographers

Introducing the incredible work of Scott Masterton, exploring the beauty of our planet through photography!

Posted by Arnaud | Filed under Landscape, Nature, Travel, Urban

Introducing our 157th featured artist, Scott Masterton from North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland! Skimmimg through his images I’m sure you will all agree Scott is a born artist with a deep love and appreciation of the beauty of the world around him! With a natural talent like his coupled with a true passion for nature one can imagine the high quality, reliable photography that Scott puts out with each and every shot! Below is but a small sampling of the incredible work of Scott Masterton!

I love exploring the beauty of our planet through photography and am endeavouring to add images showing the beauty of nature to the planetary photostream. I especially enjoy how the act of taking photos anchors you in the here and now, heightening the senses and enhancing the moment…. it makes me feel alive.

My particular interest is in landscapes, often minimalist. I enjoy the empty places of our fascinating and beautiful world. I find light fascinating, particularly its interaction with time, and long exposure work often features in my images. Mostly though, I like color and my shots reflect what I feel I saw, and experienced, at the moment of capture.

I used to be a trout fisherman, something I’ve all but given up, and I find landscape photography to be a very similar pursuit… The best times are around sunrise and sunset, you get out and enjoy nature, you never know what you might catch, and there is always the one that you almost caught that got away!

I get a lot of pleasure from looking at the work of other photographers around the world who share their work and let me see places and light that I will never have time to see myself… I was born and bred in Scotland, a country I love, and I try to share the beauty of my country in return.

Finally I like to travel and have some fun with my photography and that’s where my little friend Hamish helps me out.

Ashes of Memories still aglow

Second Beach

Hamish in the city

Silence

Spirit Horse

Foreshore

Loona

A Bridge too Far?

Sometimes

Frozen

Emerging

Magical

The Tree

Pool

Buachaille Etive Mòr

Foreboding Skye

Oily

We came to dance

You can contact Scott at: http://www.fascinatinglight.com

Use of these images on websites, blogs or any other media without the explicit permission of the artists is absolutely prohibited. © All rights reserved. It is prohibited to download, copy or use a photo in any other way without the express permission of the photographer.

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Tags: East Lothian, landscape, nature, North Berwick, Scotland, Scott Masterton, travel, United Kingdom, urban

Read more | Comments off | August 22nd, 2011

Magda Indigo is a talented and versatile photographer who does not fit into just one little box!

Posted by Arnaud | Filed under Conceptual, Nature, Photographers, Portrait, Urban

Our 16th feature is a talented and versatile photographer who does not fit into just one little box.

Magda Indigo talks about herself and photography:

“I am a Belgian, born in Bruges, Flanders, who happily lives in the UK with my husband, fellow photographer Paul Indigo. Contrary to what many think: I AM NOT A FLOWER PHOTOGRAPHER! Just A photographer, a passionate and intuitive photographer, this on here is my fun, my freedom.

Photography is a way of life for me. Being creative is not a choice… it is an urge in me…. I can forget the world, time, food, drink or sleep when I am in that mode…

Photography for me is ALL about light, creativity, beauty and EMOTION, not only technical prowess, a ‘perfect’ image without creativity or emotion is just a ‘picture’.

Knowledge comes mostly with time, curiosity, a hunger for learning and lots of experimenting. And now in the digital age, many of the ‘skills’ and attributes seem to have been forgotten! It took me over 15 years to achieve the image that was behind my eyes and see it in front of them!!!

I take my studio black-background shots on Hasselblad, digital back, with extension tubes, lot of different light-sources, our Godard light-boxes (I do not use them here as flash-lights), snouts, honeycomb, flags, cutters and gobos, reflectors of all kinds, I mean, a piece of white foam, a sheet of silver, they all reflect. It DOES NOT HAVE TO BE EXPENSIVE… Be creative even there! I prefer comp made IN CAMERA! My camera HAS to be my friend from day one (same for the lenses!), I MUST like the feel of it, not too light for more stability. Do not like tripods (except in studio), my main dislike is FLASH. We all have our preferences but if you are a good photographer who has learned the skill and knows what he’s doing… you can do EVERYTHING! If it is to help young photographers, I think this will be representative.

If you have any questions just write and ask! We like to help. I’m a humble and quite shy person, however the facts are, because we are pro’s, we have, over the years, accumulated equipment and knowledge that most ‘enthusiasts” do not have access to (and don’t need to). Regards, Magda” (*_*)

TRIPLE TOUR en l’AIR

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

THREE STAR TULIPS

LIVING ART NOUVEAU, the yellow tulips

A BUNDLE OF ENERGY

OIL AND VINEGAR

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

SPANISH NETWORK for FISHING

HANGING AROUND

THE DREAM DANCER

SPRING SONATA

THE DARK PINK BLOSSOMS, VICTORIANA

ANYONE WHO HAS A HEART

A STAR IS BORN

IN THE OLD FASHIONED WAY

SUPERWOMAN

CAN-CAN de Los CALAMARES

LATE EVENING EARLY NIGHT

Please do not use these images on websites, blogs or any other media without my explicit permission. ©

You can contact Magda at: Website: indigo2photography

www.magdaindigo.blogspot.com/

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Tags: Belgium, conceptual, Flanders, Magda Indigo, nature, portrait, United Kingdom, urban

Read more | Comments off | July 21st, 2011

Breathtaking ocean landscapes and visually stunning compositions, meet photographer Louise Denton!

Posted by Arnaud | Filed under Conceptual, Landscape, Photomanipulation, Still life

Some photographers seem to freeze, slow, or speed up time while others intrigue and twist our imagination to new and imaginative concepts. Our 148th featured artist Louise Denton uses various photography techniques to take her imagery into entirely new dimensions! In fact a brief look through Louise’s photostream and you will be treated to a variety of styles, color, breathtaking ocean landscapes and visually stunning compositions! Enough said! For a taste of Louise’s artistry here is a visual guide to 18 of her most awesome captures!

About me -

I’m Lou, originally from the UK but lucky enough to now be living in the tropical region of Darwin, northern Australia.

The environment I live in is awesome, which has led me to become interested mainly in landscape photography. Darwin has everything from beautiful beaches, the best sunsets, amazing waterfalls, gorges and national parks everywhere. I still haven’t explored everywhere I want to and it will be a long time before I become exhausted with this location!

I began my interest in photography in October 2010, using my first DSLR; a Canon 450D. My passion (bordering on obsession, now!!) was furthered when I bought my first wide angle lens; a Sigma 10-20mm. All of my landscapes use this lens. I do like to create inspirational images, and shoot still life with my 50mm prime lens.

My other passion is travel, and I am lucky enough to have been able to travel through Europe several times, through SE Asia a couple of times and all around Australia. Unfortunately, I wasn’t as interested in photography then so I think I need to go and travel it all again!

My next trip planned is to Kakadu National Park, which is within my home state. It is the second largest national park in the world. I also would love to revisit Uluru and the “red centre”. I just don’t have enough time!

Anyway, that’s just a bit about me – I’m pretty crazy, a bit hyper sometimes….. but I love to hear from people, so if you have something to say check out my Flickr account and get in touch! All of my images are available as prints on request.
www.flickr.com/photos/lou1003

18 shots -

Like glass

Rapid Creek

Blue Hour

Palm Trees

Ebb and Flow

Where have you come from, driftwood?

Another Darwin sunset

A moment shared

Lonesome

Is there anyone out there?

Backlit

Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful!

Under a blanket of cloud

Simple and Beautiful

Simplicity is beautiful

Sunshine

For Everyone

Coffee splash, with a twist!

You can contact Louise at: Louise Denton Photography

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Tags: Australia, conceptual, landscape, Louise Denton, photomanipulation, still life, United Kingdom

Read more | Comments off | July 18th, 2011

Wind, ocean spray, mountains, rocks and waves…the pure visual splendour of photographer Gary Newman!

Posted by Arnaud | Filed under Landscape, Night

Wind, ocean spray, mountains, trees, rocks and waves… all of these may make a landscape, but the task of the photographer is to isolate the important elements and somehow convey them in a purely visual way. Gary Newman , our 126th featured artist, is just that photographer! Gary has the talent and ability to visualize and capture the essence of every scene and bring it to us in all it’s splendor! Here is just a taste of Gary’s work, I am sure you will all enjoy!

Artist’s statement:

“I became interested in photography after the purchase of my first DSLR in 2006, a Nikon D50. The purchase of this camera spurred me on to learn how to use it so I took a beginners course at a local photography club. I became hooked from that instant and have been filled with a passion for Landscape Photography ever since.

Early on I became interested in long exposures, initially through night photography. I then moved on to using 10 Stop Neutral Density filters which allow me to be able to capture exposures of multiple minutes in the daytime. I remain fascinated by the wonderful effects
that can be produced using this method of photography. Although I do not use this method of photography in all my shots, it is where my heart lies.”

Durdle Rush

Arctic Dusk

Arctic Living

Strichtly NO Bathing

S u s p e n s i o n

Arctic Rock

Windows In The Sky

Haukland Pano

Rhych Point

Mountain View

Ersfjordbotn Sunset

M i l l

Yet More Jetty

Tree

T o r

Clevedon Slip

Vicars Close

You can contact Gary at: Gary Newman Photography

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Tags: Gary Newman, Great Britain, landscape, night, United Kingdom

Read more | Comments off | April 28th, 2011

Pete Barnes, an eye for composition, great sense of color and the capacity to “catch the moment”!

Posted by Arnaud | Filed under Landscape, Wedding

As our 62nd featured photographer we are proud to present Pete Barnes, an amazing photographer from Wakefield, West Yorkshire (UK) with an eye for composition, a great sense of color and the capacity to “catch the moment”!

Artist’s statement:

“I am a full time Wedding Photographer based in West Yorkshire (UK). I have been taking photos professionally for about 3 years. My interest in photography began fairly late in life on a round the world trip in 2005 (I was 24). I took a small canon powershot A95 on the off chance that I might take a few shots and came back with about 5000! I am entirely self taught, learning what I can from various internet resources and developing a critical eye by looking at a lot of photos!

I enjoy taking wedding photos and get a lot of satisfaction from the response of a couple when they first see their wedding shots. Although I am interested in all genres of photography I think my favourite subject would be landscapes, as I love the outdoors and photography, landscapes seemed like a good fit! There is nothing quite like arriving at some remote spot when it is quiet and no one is about, to carefully set up and compose a shot and watch the sun rise and capture it on camera. Even if it is a popular spot and the sun rises everyday, each one is entirely unique and when I look at one of my landscapes I am instantly transported back and can remember all the little details about the day. Plus its always nice for someone to say “That’s a great shot!”

I draw a lot lot of inspiration from Ansel Adams and his attitude to not only photography but the outdoors and the environment. Another landscape photographer who I admire for the same reason would be Joe Cornish. I love Nick Brandt’s wildlife photos too. The easiest tips I can give to anyone wanting to improve their photography skills would be just take lots of photos and look at lots of photos, you’ll be amazed how fast you improve the more you do. With landscape photography get out for the golden hours, 30 minutes either-side of sunrise or sunset is when you can turn an otherwise good photo in to something amazing”.

Dunstanburgh Castle

Autumn Colours on Derwent Water in the Lake District

Frozen Jetty at Derwent Water

Normanton Church on Rutland Water

Warm Waves at Sunrise on the Yorkshire Coast

Banyuls sur Mer on the mediterranean at sunrise

Great Langdale in the Lake district in Winter

Whitby

Boat house on Ullswater in the Lake District

Wuthering Heights

Landscape Photography of a beach on the Isle of Harris in Scotland

Pugneys Tree

Emley Moor Mast in Winter

Landscape photography of a sunrise on the Isle of Skye with low clouds below the mountains

River at Pla de la Lau

Beautiful lake called Etang Araing

Lepton Skies

The Lonely Cottage

You can contact Pete at: Pete Barnes Photography

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Tags: landscape, Pete Barnes, United Kingdom, wedding

Read more | Comments off | March 15th, 2011

Karl Batchelor is KaStBa, a talented photographer with an incredible creative reserve!

Posted by Arnaud | Filed under Landscape, Nature, Portrait, Urban

Who doesn’t love looking at great imagery? We all do. It’s what inspired most of us to pick up our own cameras and it’s one of the main things that continues to inspire us as we evolve as artists. Our 102nd featured artist is Karl Batchelor (KaStBa), a talented photographer with an incredible creative reserve! Indeed, one glance at his portfolio will reveal a wide variety of photographic styles and a skilled hand in the post-production process! To sum up, breathtaking captures and a meticulous presentation is what characterizes Karl’s photostream.

Artist’s statement:

Hi, I am a father of two lovely children who have inspired many fantastic photos. In 2002 a close friend offered me the chance to buy his Fuji Finepix 2 megapixel camera. At this time my oldest was turning 4 and I thought it would be a great way to keep a record of her growing up, and for the next 5 years I would take only the most basic pictures, documenting Megan growing up. In 2003 my son, Tom, was born, but he was born with mental and physical disabilities. This was to be a turning point in my life and in Jan 2007 I stopped work to look after Tom full time.

I spent a part of my savings on a new and improved P&S, also adding some software to my arsenal. I started to take photos more and more often and began editing them in photoshop. In the following months my photography became a tool to both relieve stress and to teach Tom. Over the last few years my gear has grown along with a passion for great photography and great editing. Tom gets visual stimulus and I get great memories. Each year I see a little improvement in my work and each year my hunger to improve grows. As a photographer I’m an opportunist, and you will only see what I think are the best photos from whatever opportunities I get. I love taking all sorts of photos, and learning how to improve my techniques both photographically and editing these images in photoshop.

Looking after Tom has given me opportunities I would never have had if he hadn’t been disabled, in fact I probably would never have joined Flickr. Without the support of my wife I could not have got this far. I also give thanks to a great family that inspire and challenge me, helping me grow not only in photography but in all aspects of my life.

Karl Batchelor

TRUCKIN

A SMALL PIECE OF HISTORY

MORRIS MINOR CLUB

OLD STYLE CARS : HDR

Explosion

EURO FIGHER

Charlie

Megan at sunset

Snow & Feathers

JUST WALKING

Flight

SWANS IN FLIGHT

NATURAL BEAUTY

SUN, SEA AND SAND

SAUNDERSFOOT HARBOUR – WALES – HDR

FIREWORKS DISPLAY – DINARD

LONDON – 02 – Millenium Dome

Colwell Bay at sunset

You can contact Karl at:

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Tags: Karl Batchelor, landscape, nature, portrait, United Kingdom, urban

Read more | Comments off | March 14th, 2011

What’s Karl Williams secret to success? Share with the audience the emotions experienced when clicking the shot button!

Posted by Arnaud | Filed under Landscape, Urban

Excellent photos don’t only display facts — they tell stories, they awake feelings! Photography plain and simple, that’s our 99th featured artist well known flickr photographer Karl Williams (Shuggie)! Karl’s secret to success? Share with the audience the emotions experienced when clicking the shot button, the power of the sunrise or sunset, the mood, be it incredibly beautiful, funny, poignant or very sad!

Artist’s statement:

My photographic philosophy is quite simple, and is based upon a quotation from Ansel Adams (pinched from the profile blurb of my great friend and mentor Bill Cross namely: “There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs.” Quite simply, I look at a photograph and ask myself: “Irrespective of its technical merits, would that look good framed and hanging over my fireplace?”. If the answer is “Yes” then, in my view it’s a good photograph. If I think I could look at the photograph again and again, and never entertain any doubt that the original decision was right, it then becomes a great photograph.

My philosophy on life is equally simple: if it ain’t fun, it ain’t worth doing!

On the photographic side of things, I think it would be sufficient to say that with few exceptions, my images are not “straight out of the camera” renditions of a scene or subject, and they most certainly do not represent the “capture of a moment of time” beloved of many photographers. They are, first and foremost, PICTURES in which the camera, the photographic technique and the subsequent processing have been used simply as tools to produce the desired end result. In particular, the majority of my images have been produced using the High Dynamic Range Imaging (HDRI) technique. Whilst the very mention of HDRI has been known to engender a state of apoplexy in some members of the photographic community, who regard it as an abominable affront to the “purity” of the photographic process, I believe that, providing it is used sensibly, sensitively and as a means to an end rather than as an end in itself, this technique produces images which most closely mirror the way we, as humans, see the world. I leave it to others to judge!

Play Misty for Me (2)