Photography Workshops and Private Lessons

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Mary Buck

Summer Photography Self-Assignments

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Embrace the warmth of the sun and the vibrant colors of summer as you embark on your photography journey.

This season is a canvas of endless opportunities, waiting for your lens to capture its magic. Through your camera, unveil the hidden beauty in every moment, from the golden hour sunsets to the playful laughter of children in the park.

Remember, photography is an art that transcends time and allows us to freeze fleeting moments forever. Your unique perspective has the power to evoke emotions, tell stories, and inspire others. So, embrace the lens as an extension of your soul, and let your creativity flow like the gentle breeze of summer.

Let every click be a step towards unlocking your true potential as you explore new angles, experiment with light and shadow, and immerse yourself in photography. Allow your passion to guide you, and let the beauty around you be your muse.

In this season of warmth and growth, let photography be your creative outlet, a way to express your unique vision and leave a lasting impact on those who witness your art. Remember, every photograph can inspire, transport someone to a different time and place, and ignite a fire within their hearts.

So, my friend, seize this summer with your camera in hand, and let your passion for photography shine bright. Embrace the moments, embrace the beauty, and capture the world through your lens. This summer, let your photographs tell stories that will inspire and transcend the boundaries of time. Happy clicking!

Here are ten photography homework assignments for the summer:

  1. Landscape Exploration: Visit a local park, beach, or countryside and capture a series of landscape photographs. Experiment with different angles, lighting conditions, and compositions to convey the beauty of the natural surroundings.
  2. Street Photography: Spend a day in a bustling city or a lively neighborhood capturing candid moments of people, street scenes, and urban life. Focus on capturing unique expressions, interesting architecture, or cultural events.
  3. Macro Photography: Explore the world up close by photographing small subjects like flowers, insects, or everyday objects. Experiment with different lenses and techniques to capture intricate details and textures.
  4. Portrait Series: Create a series of portraits that tell a story about a person or a group of individuals. Explore different lighting setups, poses, and expressions to capture their personalities or convey a specific mood.
  5. Night Photography: Venture out after dark to capture the magic of the night. Experiment with long exposures, light painting, and capturing the city lights or starry skies.
  6. Still-Life Composition: Set up a still-life scene with carefully chosen objects and experiment with different arrangements, lighting setups, and compositions. Focus on creating visually pleasing and impactful images.
  7. Architecture and Cityscapes: Explore the architectural beauty of your city or any other city you visit. Capture unique buildings, bridges, and cityscapes from different perspectives, highlighting their grandeur and design.
  8. Documentary Photography: Choose a social issue or a local event and document it through a series of photographs. Use your camera to raise awareness or tell a powerful story that sparks conversation and understanding.
  9. Silhouette Photography: Experiment with capturing silhouettes against vibrant sunsets, striking landscapes, or interesting backgrounds. Pay attention to the shapes and forms created by the subjects against the contrasting backdrop.
  10. Experimental Techniques: Explore alternative photography techniques such as double exposure, intentional camera movement, or different filters and lenses to create artistic and abstract images.

Remember, photography is an art form, so feel free to add your personal touch and interpretation to these assignments. Enjoy your summer photography journey!

Family Travel Photography Tips – Make Your Trips Memorable

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If you have been planning a family trip for some time now, then the best thing is that you can actually have fun regardless of what other people might tell you in the first place. However, the good news is that you can manage to have some fun in certain situations, and the one definitive way of making sure that traveling with your family is not a tedious process is by bringing a camera along with you on the trip along with some other fun activities.

If you have been searching for some family travel photography tips, then you are at the right spot, as we are going to spend some time exploring all the tips that you can use to have the most wonderful experience you have been looking for with your family. So, let’s not waste time and start looking, shall we?

Family Travel Photography Tips – Make Every Moment Count

With the introduction out of the way, let’s look at some tips that are going to let you make the most of your family trip. We are going to try and keep things brief so you do not have to worry about the aftermath.

  1. Choosing the Right Camera and Lens

I do understand that this is going to be a statement that has been repeated to death but whenever you are looking at a camera/lens combination, you simply cannot understate the importance. A lot of times, people simply overlook that and they end up getting the wrong experience out of them. If you genuinely want something that is good and something that will not fail you, then going for the right camera/lens combination is important.

As a photographer, I would always suggest you invest in a travel lens. I remember when I went for travel photography with Sony A7III and brought on some an excellent travel lens with me that helped me with all the photos. The point is, these things better.

  1. Travel Light

One more thing that I am going to suggest is that you are traveling light. Simply put, when you are going on a family trip with your family or friends, you would want to be able to be mobile without any issues. Setting up your camera is only going to increase the time between every shot and we are not looking to go for that.

Keep one camera and a great lens. Ideally, I’d suggest that you are keeping something along the lines of 24-70mm and that lens is going to help you a lot as it is one of the most versatile lenses in the market and always gets the job done.

  1. Make Preparations

Carrying a camera with you is all fun and games on a traveling trip until you run out of battery mid-way only to find out hat you do not have any spares. I do understand that this can be frustrating but it often comes with a very simple solution. When you are going somewhere with your family, it would not hurt to have a few, fully charged spare batteries as it will only make the experience much better and smoother overall.

  1. Avoid Being Selective

When you are talking about family trips or trips in general, if you are going to take a camera with you and shoot the pictures, then being selective is a common trap that most people fall in and you would want to avoid it. Be as candid as possible when you are talking about capturing moments and that is only going to make things better for you because you would be able to get the shots that you want and that too, without any issues that might otherwise come in the way. I am aware of the fact that most people would just want to take pictures in a hurry but trust me, if you are being selective, it will take the fun out of it. Let everyone enjoy the moment, and capture them as you go, that is the best way to ensure that you are having the fun you want to have and capturing the pictures you want to capture.

  1. Composition Matters

Another thing that you have to keep in mind is that whenever you are going on any trip where you have access to a camera, it is always better that you are keeping the composition in mind because at the end of the day, good composition will stand out a lot more than bad composition and we do not want that for anyone, to be honest.

Rest assured, as long as you are taking pictures that are properly composed, things will start making a lot of sense to you and you will be able to take the type of pictures you want to take without any issues coming in the way. 

  1. Timing Matters

The last thing that I am going to tell you is that timing matters a lot more than you might think. I do understand that in most cases, you can just go ahead and take the pictures but when you are out with your family and want to make the most of the pictures you are taking. Going for the right timing will result in every single shot looking excellent.

The best timing that I would suggest, or anyone else, for that matter, would be around the golden hour. Why? That is the best time where the lighting is excellent and you will not have to wait around to get the right shot. It is simple, and very good in general, and that is the purpose of this whole timeline.

Conclusion

Going out with your family can be a lot of fun, to be honest. However, when you are traveling with a camera and your family, then it is safe to say that there are more responsibilities on you that you will have to partake in. After all, taking proper shots is something that everyone would want and we cannot just go ahead and ignore this, in the first place.

Therefore, if you are looking into making sure that you are doing everything the right way, then this is an excellent choice because it will surely help you in getting the right shots. We have added all the tips that we believe are necessary, so for all the photographers, you can easily have fun with your family while being outside with them.

Article by Gary Sindell, Guest Blogger

Twelve Reasons one Should Learn Photography.

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  1. Create outstanding photos: Most of us love to share our pictures and see the response your family and friends have to them. Learning photography can help you create better photos you can be proud of.
  2. Become intimate with your equipment: Learning to use your camera well and becoming confident will result in a more enjoyable and creative photography experience.
  3. Photography can be therapeutic: Photography allows you to get away from everyday stress. While shooting, you will forget your worries and focus on creating great photos.
  4. Photography enables you to see the world a little differently: Once you understand the language of light and the elements of composition, photography can help you see the world in a new way.
  5. Photography is a great way to tell stories: A great photo tells a story, captivates the audience, and induces an emotional response.
  6. Learning photography can help improve brain function for seniors. A 2014 study of older adults found that learning a new and cognitively demanding skill, such as photography, enhanced memory function.

Here are just a few more reasons one should consider learning photography:

Photography has many benefits that can improve one’s life. Here are some of them:

  1. Photography is a form of self-care: Photography can help you relax and focus on something other than your daily routine¹.
  2. Photography improves well-being through community interaction: Photography can help you connect with others who share your interests¹.
  3. Photography helps to find beauty in our world: Photography can help you see the world differently and appreciate the beauty around us¹.
  4. Photography enhances memory and keeps your brain healthy: Photography can help improve memory function and keep your brain healthy¹².
  5. Photography gets you outdoors and makes you exercise: Photography can encourage you to get outside and explore new places while also getting some exercise¹.
  6. Photography makes you enjoy what you are doing more: Photography can make everyday activities more enjoyable by giving you a new perspective¹.

Learn more about Private Photography Lessons

Learn more about the Beginner Online Photography Course

Learn more about Photography Immersion Workshops

The Best Ways to Learn Photography

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The best way to learn photography may depend on your preferences, learning style, budget, and goals. According to the search results, some of the common ways to learn photography are:

  • University/college degree: This is a traditional and formal way to learn photography, where you can get a comprehensive and structured education, but it may also be expensive and time-consuming.
  • Apprenticeships and internships: This is a practical and hands-on way to learn photography. You can work with experienced photographers and learn from their feedback and guidance, but it may also be competitive and challenging to find.
  • Blogs and other online resources: This is a convenient and accessible way to learn photography. You can find many free or low-cost information and tips, but they may also be overwhelming and inconsistent.
  • Workshops: This is a social and interactive way to learn photography. You can join a group of other photo hobbyists and learn from a professional instructor, but it may also be costly and infrequent.
  • Online courses: This is a flexible and affordable way to learn photography, where you can follow a curriculum and learn at your own pace, but it may also be less engaging and motivating.
  • Mentors: This is a personalized and supportive way to learn photography, where you can get one-on-one coaching and advice from a skilled photographer, but it may also be expensive and hard to find.

Do you have a preference for any of these ways?

Is Learning Photography Hard?

 Learning photography can be easy or hard, depending on your goals and preferences. Suppose you want to learn photography for your benefit, such as a hobby or to enhance your creativity. In that case, you only need to know the basics of photography, such as exposure, aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. You can also study the work of renowned photographers and choose the type of photography you prefer, such as landscape, portrait, wildlife, or street photography.

One of the best ways to learn photography is with other photo hobbyists. You can join a camera club or take introductory photography classes at a local camera store, arts center, or library. You can also find online courses, tutorials, and workshops that suit your learning style and budget.

Photography is a skill that requires practice and experimentation. The more you shoot, the more you will learn and improve. You will also develop your unique vision and style, which is essential to producing work that stands out.

What kind of photography are you interested in?

Learn more about beginner photography classes

Learn more about online photography classes

Learn more about private photography lessons

Learn more about Immersion Photography Workshops

Duluth Photographer Teams up With a Local Charity

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ART FOR THE HEART FUND-RAISER

Get a snazzy new headshot, pick up some new artwork for your home, and help benefit the community.

Have you heard about Taco Tuesday?
Well, now there is Headshot Monday.

The first Headshot Monday is scheduled for February 13th from 11 AM – 2 PM. Each session lasts 15 minutes, and you can choose two backdrops; light gray or medium gray. I will take 10-12 photos of you. The best five will be edited and presented in an online gallery five days after the event.

Headshot Monday will be held at Bunten Rd. Park, 3180 Bunten Rd. Duluth GA 30096

A headshot is only $59 for the first one and $35 for each additional headshot. Each image is provided in full resolution and retouched. Retouching includes:

  • removing shadows under the eyes
  • reducing facial lines
  • whitening teeth
  • remove shine from the face

VISIT MY HEADSHOT GALLERY

Best of all, 5% of your bill will be donated to a local charity, Hands of Christ.

To learn more about Hands of Christ, scroll down.

What’s not to like about Headshot Monday?

You’ll receive a BRAND NEW Headshot to start the New Year, and you will help out a local charity.

Registration and payment for one headshot are required to reserve your spot. There are no refunds for no-shows or cancellations less than 24 hours before your appointment.

REGISTER HERE
PLEASE BRING A CANNED GOOD THAT CAN BE DONATED TO HANDS OF CHRIST DULUTH CO-OP

Mary Buck Nature Photography – ART SHOW

An Art Event to help benefit the community.

5% of all sales will go toward Hands of Christ Duluth Co-op

Sunday, February 12, from 1 PM – 5 PM

3779 Davenport Rd. Duluth, GA 30096

I will be showing some new work from my recent travels.

All former pieces of printed art will be 50% OFF

Light refreshments will be served

Hope you can come!

(please park at the library and walk two blocks or park in one of the parking spots marked with white stripes).

VISIT MY GALLERY

ABOUT HANDS OF CHRIST DULUTH CO-OP

The Duluth Co-Op relies on the generous support of churches, businesses, civic organizations, schools, private foundations, grants and individuals to provide emergency services to families, the disabled, and seniors who desperately need a helping hand.

There is a dire need for help in Duluth and Gwinnett County—and most people living in our community are unaware. In fact, Gwinnett County has the 3rd highest total homeless population in the state of Georgia. A few other facts might surprise you as well:

  • In Gwinnett County, 11.4% of the population lives in poverty (102,496 out of 900,628 people).
  • A 2015 Georgia Department of Community Affairs report suggests Gwinnett has the largest homeless population of any metro Atlanta community.
  • In 2016, 54% of all Gwinnett County school children were eligible for free or reduced lunches. That’s almost 96,000 children—enough to fill over 1,370 school buses.

The Duluth Co-op brings our community together to provide food, emergency assistance, and hope to neighbors in need. We believe churches, businesses, and community members can serve together in a way that makes life better for everyone.

How to be the Best Photographer You Can in 2023

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You’ve probably heard of the 10,000-hour rule

, popularized by Malcolm Gladwell’s blockbuster book “Outliers.” As Gladwell tells it, the rule goes like this: it takes 10,000 hours of intensive practice to achieve mastery of complex skills and materials, like playing the violin or getting as good as Bill Gates. But what about learning photography? Will it take that long?

Patience is the key to mastering any new skill

because it does not happen overnight. Photography can be a life-long learning process because technology is changing so rapidly. Trends also change quickly. Becoming a master of photography will happen with time.

Here are some tips to help accelerate the process for the New Year:

  • Join a camera club or photography meet-up. You will learn so much informally from other like-minded photographers. I recommend GNPA, which has many chapters within Metro-Atlanta.
  • Go beyond your limits by trying a new lens or camera. Always using the same focal length can produce stagnant work. Try out one of the new mirrorless cameras and see if that puts a new fire in your commitment to learning. Aperturent is my go-to rental shop in Atlanta. It is located on Roswell Rd near 285. 
      • Commit every week to photography. If you can, make it on the same day and time, so it becomes a habit. A simple walk around your neighborhood or a local park can inspire creativity and also provide exercise and Vitamin D.
      • Consider entering your photos in a competition. You’ll need a bit of thick skin for the process, especially if you request a critique. Judging is very subjective, but you will learn so much about all levels of photography, from composition to technical excellence.
      • Lastly, bring your camera everywhere you go. Sometimes, you never know when the bald eagle will show up. 

      Hopefully, I have given you some

      some ideas to help you get on track to becoming a Master of Photography. Let me know if any of these ideas work for you, and please share them on the Facebook page. 

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