Tapestry, Vatican Museum, Italy. 2009

Here is another example from my recent photographic trip to Italy where I had to work through a difficult situation with many restrictions but in the end was rewarded with an image I really like. The artwork was made in the Vatican Museum which is really beautiful and amazing, but as you can imagine very strict with rules about what and how you can photograph. This image is an overlapping frame panoramic (3 frames, in camera) of two different tapestries… I visualized my final image and selectively chose different elements from  two different tapestries to create a new tapestry of my own.

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Tapestry, Vatican Museum, Italy. 2009
Triple Overlapping Frame Panoramic Technique
Capture: Olympus XA 4, Kodak Ektar 100
Image Size: 9.5″ x 25″, Printed on Fabriano Rough 640 GSM
Edition Size: One.
Copyright Stephen Schaub 2009

NOTE: Stay tuned for my next two articles on REDSCALE film and thoughts on the Black Cat Extended Exposure Guide.
Viva la Revolution- Stephen

Thoughts on Exposure Calculators

Do you trust your light meter?… I don’t! Good exposure is the result of a healthy relationship between camera technology and your visual memory/ brains. In the video below I discuss other options to your in-camera meter or even a hand-held meter as a suggestion for creative growth and better photographic control.

LINKS:

Fred Parker Ultimate Exposure Computer

(Fred Parkers information on exposure is a  good read and something to spend a bit of time with.)

Rick Oleson Really Clever Pocket Exposure Calculator

Exposure Mat by Dave Harris

Andys Handy Exposure Calculator by Andrew Lawn

andyshandyexposurewithdof(In the video I call this Handy Andy’s Exposure Calculator and of course it is Andy’s Handy Exposure Calculator… sorry!) Just as a note this is my favorite Exposure Calculator from the list above.

The image to the left is Andy’s Handy Exposure Calculator with my attached Rollei 35 DOF Chart. What more could you want!?

 

and here is some good information on LV and EV…

What Are LV and EV by Ken Rockwell

One more Exposure Calculator…

Shoot Diana Exposure Calculator

The Shoot Diana Exposure Calculator is made specifically for the Diana+ camera by yours truly… it’s not free like the ones listed above but at only $5 it won’t break the bank either.

Happy shooting… Viva la Revolution- Stephen

Note: What was the first practical photographic light meter? The Weston Photronic Exposure Meter model 617 ca 1932/33.

Caligula and Friends

How’s that for a catchy title? The image below represents- as I mentioned in my audio blog journal from Italy – a situation where I had to work though some difficult restrictions but in the end was rewarded with an image I really like. The artwork was made in the Vatican Museum which is really beautiful and amazing, but as you can imagine very strict with rules about what and how you can photograph. When we entered the “room of heads” (my name) I was really drawn to the layers of history and how everything seemed to merge into an ordered historic chaos. This was also a situation where the macro feature of the XA 4 really came in handy!

Caligula and Friends

Caligula and Friends
Vatican Museum, 2009
Triple Overlapping Frame Panoramic Technique
Capture: Olympus XA 4, Kodak Ektar 100
Image Size: 9″ x 25″, Printed on Fabriano Rough 640 GSM
Copyright Stephen Schaub 2009

Overlapping Frame Panoramic Technique

Below find new artworks from my recent photographic trip to Italy. All of the images below were shot on an XA 4 using Kodak Ektar film. I am still scanning and editing my film and anticipate finishing this body of work in a month or two, at which time I will post a complete portfolio. No titles yet; just basic information with each image for identification purposes. The last image in the series however is a photograph of a finished printed artwork from this series and as such has additional information.

To view additional artworks made using this technique please view my A New Eden Artworks.

One last image made since my return and after figuring out how to do this technique on the Rollei 35… experimentation is key!

setsoftreesbenningtonvt1
Sets of Trees, Bennington, Vermont. 2009
Copyright Stephen Schaub. 2009

You Are Your Best Photographic Tool

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An audio blog discussing common mistakes made by photographers that damage their bodies and prevent their full creative potential… anyone have a bad back or shoulder from carrying their gear?! Suggestions are given on proper computer setup, thoughts on carrying gear for the long haul and general information and examples on staying well and balanced as a photographic artist. 

The audio blog can be listened to by clicking on the RED CROSS.

 

LINK:

How To Setup Your Computer: Ergonomics

The One Minute Rant – No Photoshop Used

1minrant

The sixth installment of the One Minute Rant. Each audio is one minute or less and focuses on a very specific topic to engage readers here on the FR to comment and start a dialogue! Just click on the RANT logo to listen.

Putting It All Together

Everything I post here on the Figital Revolution is- in one way or another- part of a test I am running for my own Artworks, or for a client at Indian Hill Imageworks. Over the last few months I have been testing the Olympus XA, the LOMO LCA, the Olympus XA 4, Kodak Ektar 100, alternative printing paper, perfecting my carry solution (BBB) and new methods for hanging artwork. Now it is time to put everything into action! I am leaving for Italy italianflagin a few days (note the Italian Flag) and all of the works and testing will finally get full use. Below is a new image I just made called Winter Leaves, Vermont. 2009. It is made using the Olympus XA 4 using an in-camera multi exposure, overlapping-negative technique I have been refining for the last few months. The film: Kodak Ektar 100…I am taking 40 rolls of it with me to Italy! The paper/ image: printed on an uncoated sheet of Arches Rough 22″ x 30″, 640 gsm as a d’Vinci Print (12 color).

Note: I am about to test a similar style paper with some different sizing properties made by Fabriano… since my new  artworks will be from Italy it only seemed right to look at Italian paper. Hey, they’ve been making paper for over 700 years… they have to be doing something right!

Winter Leaves, Pawlet, Vermont. 2009

Winter Leaves, Vermont. 2009
Edition size: One
Image Size: 25″ x 9″
Paper Size: 22″ x 30″
Copyright Stephen M. Schaub 2009

Install View

Installation View

Finally, I will be working on additional articles while traveling so get ready for new and exciting things here on FR once I return.

schaub-web09

 

 

 

Viva la Revolution- Stephen

Publishing Your Own Photography Book

AudioBlog LogoHaving published 4 books in the last 10 years and seen radical transformations in not only the printing process but also in the selling of art books I decided to record this audio blog for anyone considering publishing their own book whether using a full scale fine art press, publisher or an online printing service. See the example images below for specific examples that are mentioned in the audio. Also, please comment on printing services you have used with your thoughts as well as suggestions that may be of interest/ help to our community.

Here is a nice online marketing badge provided by Blurb, for Free, so people interested in your book can have a direct link to its page on Blurb (note that I have one here in the right side bar and also on stephenschaub.com. Included are book specifications, cost, delivery options and a 15 page book preview (this is an option that you can decide to do or not do…you should do it) that I feel really helps sell your book.

Volume One
By Stephen M. Schaub

Beyond the Frame and Glass: Alternative Print Display Solutions

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In this audio blog I give examples of multiple options for the display of photographic artworks beyond just a frame and glass. Given the current economic crisis, the tightening of clients budgets, and the ever-increasing cost of materials, these alternative print display solutions are a great option to consider for any fine art photographer requiring a modern presentation and an affordable price tag.

IMAGES:

LINKS:

Pin Clips

T- Pins… available at most craft stores.

Neodymium Micro Magnets

Magic Tape Velcro