August Photo Assignment

IMPRESSIONISM

Impressionism

Impressionism is about the quality of light. It is about the relationships of color, light and shadow, often including

reflections in water. !

That is it in a nutshell. You are incorrect if you think it is more than that. I’m guessing more than one person is wondering about the application of paint in small colored dabs. The artists were, with intention and purpose, controlling the colors, shapes, sizes and rhythm of those dabs to create an effect of light. To be sure, they add an extra element of participation from the viewer but those are artifacts of the act of painting. We’re not painters. We’re photographers. Those dabs of paint by themselves do not define Impressionism. Impressionism is all about the quality of light.

Impressionism (cont’)

Following are some examples. Ignore the application of the paint and concentrate on the handling of light. Notice the multitude of color within the shadowed and sunlit areas. In some there is crystal clear sunlight. In others the light is filtered by haze or steam.

The subject matter is wide open. As you will see below, the compositions aren’t just landscapes but the emphasis as always on the light.

Think about the “atmosphere”. That’s the key.

Impressionism Photo Techniques

• Intentional Camera Movement

• Zooming

• Soft Focus

• Long Exposures

Impressionism Photo Techniques

• Intentional Camera Movement

This technique works great on landscapes with strong lines such as the horizontal lines in a beach scene or the vertical lines in a forest scene but you can do it anywhere.

You will need to experiment quite a bit before you get a result you like but that is all part of the fun. Every frame will turn out differently.

Impressionism Photo Techniques

• Zooming

Similar to the above technique, this one is intentional camera movement too, but instead of panning you zoom your lens in or out during the exposure.

Impressionism Photo Techniques

• Soft Focus

With this technique only a very very small portion or none of the frame will be in focus. The rest will be extremely soft and painterly. It will be better to use a lens that has a very wide aperture opening (f/1.8 or 2.8 for example) but not essential. It will work best if you move away from your subject and use a telephoto lens to zoom in.

Impressionism Photo Techniques

• Long Exposure

This technique works well on subjects that have some motion such as waves or shooting on a windy day.

Remember: • Think about the “atmosphere” • Regardless of the technique you use, it

still has to be a good composition

Good luck!