Larry’s photography was something that I had never seen before. The technique he used is called, “painting light”. I had no idea what “painting light” meant or looked like, let alone, know the technique. What I did know is that the night images were completely different and very interesting compared to “conventional” photography. Larry’s night photographs are ghostly reminders of our past. His subject matter is usually ghost towns, abandoned buildings, old farm equipment and such. His technique brings the old items back to life.

Larry inspired me to attempt some night photography myself. Basically, you need to go out when the moon is full and far away from city lights that create light pollution. Then using slide film(though digital is possible now) with very long exposures(up to 4 minutes), you “paint” the subject with light from a flash light or multiple blasts from a Flash. This technique leaves a lot of room for creativity.

I am also drawn toward night photography because of the solitude. I find shooting by myself at night a nice way to spend time with myself. Nobody is waiting for me. I can take my time and try out new techniques without worrying about a model getting bored.

Larry has been getting quite popular in recent years. The other night I had seen him being interviewed on an arts magazine tv show. He is also been featured on several magazines, including my favourite mag called Photolife.

I am pleased to see Larry’s success grow over the last 8 years from his humble beginings in 2000. I have followed him the whole way. Visit Larry here.

I am not a big fan of HDR(High Dynamic Range) photography. I find too many people over do the the photo effects to the point of the image looking like a painting. To me, this kind of blurs the line between “photograph” and “digital art”. James Neeley is a landscape photographer who does use HDR but in a subtle way. He does not over do the effects so his images still look like photographs. In my opinion, he does not butcher images with HDR as some people do.

HDR is not the only aspect of photography that James excels at. I find his compositions use great lines, perspective, and use of reflections. You would not know it but James does not do photography for a living but I think he easily could. That does not mean he doesn’t have prints for sale. Check his blog or his Flickr photostream.

I admit that I am partial to BC photographers. I suppose that it’s because I like cheering for the ‘home team’ but also because BC is a beautiful place to take photographs.  Nobody quite expresses this as Snorri Gunnarsson. He is a transplant of of Iceland now living in Victoria, BC. He captures the west coast as not many others can. Looking at his photo’s inspires me to get out to the coast and start shooting. He reminds me that, yes,  I do live a very beautiful and lively place. Check him out.

http://snorrigunnarsson.com/

Blue Olive Photography is Reilly & Miranda Lievers. I tend to enjoy surfing local photographers websites out of pure interest. This couple are based in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Their style falls in line with what is popular these days. Their images could be called sassy, refreshing, fun, urban, and indulgent. I would not go as far as calling them “unique”. There seems to be many other wedding photographers that have a similiar style as Blue Olive Photography. If clients are looking for a certain style, I suppose you would lean toward THAT style. Regardless whether I think that their style is just a trend or not, I really think the style is FUN! The sessions must be an absolute hoot for both couple and photographers.

I also tip my hat to Blue Olive Photography for their website design. It is not the typical black, grey, or sometimes white colour scheme. They use, of all colours available…. a BLUE colour palette! Imagine that! The colours do give an impression of “fresh”, which emulates their photographic style. I also think the site is easy to navigate and is very pretty. I like the design that was obviously produced by a pro or at least an amatuer who is talented.

Did I mention they have won multiple awards?

Click here for their site.

By the way, this post was scheduled in case I dont’ have time to write or lack of internet connection on Monday.  Monday, I will be in Bangkok heading out on a train to Chang Mai in the evening.