Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Dayton Photographer Has Work Published In New Book
I am pleased and honored to have several of my nature and landscape
images published in the new book release, "South: What it Means to be
Here in Heart or in Spirit." The photographs selected were those
captured in South Carolina, North Carolina and Texas. "South" also
includes the work of several other well known photographers and essays
from some of the best known authors and essayists throughout the
Southern United States including Pat Conroy. "South" is published by Lydia Inglett Ltd. Publishing of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
Monday, July 07, 2014
September Photo Workshop at Cox Arboretum in Dayton Ohio
I am happy to present a fall photography workshop amongst the beautiful gardens of Cox Arboretum MetroPark, near Dayton Ohio. This will be a one-day program that includes both classroom and field instruction, with subjects that include close-up nature, landscapes and outdoor portraits. Classroom instruction will be presented in the Mead Theater Room at Cox Arboretum, interspersed with outings to the gardens for demonstrations and exercises in composition, camera settings, lighting and more.
Toward the end of the workshop I will have time for students to share select images for class and instructor critiques, always conducted in a way to positively reinforce creative ability, technical skill and artistic vision.
I love photography but perhaps I love teaching photography even more. Come share in my passion for both the art and craft of photography. Late September at Cox Arboretum provides exquisite lighting conditions and wonderful natural subjects to photograph, including a tall grass prairie in its late summer/early fall splendor.
There will be models on hand for my field instruction on outdoor portraits, using both natural light and detached flash. Students will learn the difference between simple snapshots and professional portraits with my best tips on posing, angles, light direction and depth of field.
Classroom instruction will feature managing and editing image files using Adobe Lightroom and the Nik plug-in software.
This workshop is primarily geared toward those just starting out with their first DSLR camera, however, I often have advanced photographers attend my introductory workshops because there is always an opportunity to learn and share in a group instruction setting. A DSLR camera is not required but strongly recommended. Students are encouraged to bring all of their equipment.
The cost is $89 per person which includes a catered box lunch from Panera Bread. The workshop will begin at 8:30 AM and conclude by 5:00 PM. There is a $20 deposit required to reserve a seat. I try to keep my workshops limited to the first 20 people who register so as to ensure quality of personal instruction. Deposit payments can be made by check to: Picture Ohio LLC 2581 Trebein Rd. Xenia OH 45385 or via PayPal to "jim@ohiophoto.org."
Come enjoy a beautiful day of fun and learning and see why it is that I still have as much passion and enthusiasm for the camera and light as I did when I first got started many years ago. It will be a photographic experience you will always remember, and one which will make a big difference with what you can accomplish with your camera.
Email jim@jimcrotty.com or call 937-896-6311.
Toward the end of the workshop I will have time for students to share select images for class and instructor critiques, always conducted in a way to positively reinforce creative ability, technical skill and artistic vision.
I love photography but perhaps I love teaching photography even more. Come share in my passion for both the art and craft of photography. Late September at Cox Arboretum provides exquisite lighting conditions and wonderful natural subjects to photograph, including a tall grass prairie in its late summer/early fall splendor.
There will be models on hand for my field instruction on outdoor portraits, using both natural light and detached flash. Students will learn the difference between simple snapshots and professional portraits with my best tips on posing, angles, light direction and depth of field.
Classroom instruction will feature managing and editing image files using Adobe Lightroom and the Nik plug-in software.
This workshop is primarily geared toward those just starting out with their first DSLR camera, however, I often have advanced photographers attend my introductory workshops because there is always an opportunity to learn and share in a group instruction setting. A DSLR camera is not required but strongly recommended. Students are encouraged to bring all of their equipment.
The cost is $89 per person which includes a catered box lunch from Panera Bread. The workshop will begin at 8:30 AM and conclude by 5:00 PM. There is a $20 deposit required to reserve a seat. I try to keep my workshops limited to the first 20 people who register so as to ensure quality of personal instruction. Deposit payments can be made by check to: Picture Ohio LLC 2581 Trebein Rd. Xenia OH 45385 or via PayPal to "jim@ohiophoto.org."
Come enjoy a beautiful day of fun and learning and see why it is that I still have as much passion and enthusiasm for the camera and light as I did when I first got started many years ago. It will be a photographic experience you will always remember, and one which will make a big difference with what you can accomplish with your camera.
Email jim@jimcrotty.com or call 937-896-6311.
Tuesday, May 06, 2014
Spring in Ohio | Renew a Right Spirit
It would be an understatement to say I am thankful for the arrival of spring in Ohio. This past winter was just brutal. Sure, there were days of beautiful snow and wonderful winter window light, but you never fully realize just how hard winter in Ohio can be until you experience it from the vantage point of a 115 year old farmhouse on eight acres of farmland, one which isn't connected to all those great utilities we tend to take for granted. Don't ever allow someone to convince you that propane is an inexpensive way to heat a house during winter!
But spring has sprung and perhaps the best month for nature photography in Ohio is upon us - beautiful May. April was pretty awesome too. I posted this note on my photography Facebook page providing a recap of my experiences during the 2014 Shoot the Hills weekend event in Hocking Hills, Ohio.
More than just an event, Shoot the Hills has become a celebration of spring of sorts, where photographers of all skill levels come together to shake-off the last of the winter blahs and relish in the beauty that is spring in our beloved Hocking Hills State Park.
This had me thinking too. Isn't the act and art of capturing a photograph just that, a "celebration?" The image that moves both photographer and viewer becoming the visual proof of emotion expressed in appreciation of a moment that will never be repeated again, with that unique harmony and flow of light, subject and setting with the universal need to express beyond what words are capable of describing. The photographer. The subject. The viewer. Expressing, connecting and celebrating.
Spring is much more than a change in the weather. It is a rebirth of creative energy and the lifting of the hopeful spirit. It's a time to get up, get going and start anew again. Our energy reflects the energy of change that takes place around us, and for me at least photography is representative of that connection between creative spirit and environment.
I'm grateful for spring. All is new again within the elegant mystery of the divine constant.
But spring has sprung and perhaps the best month for nature photography in Ohio is upon us - beautiful May. April was pretty awesome too. I posted this note on my photography Facebook page providing a recap of my experiences during the 2014 Shoot the Hills weekend event in Hocking Hills, Ohio.
More than just an event, Shoot the Hills has become a celebration of spring of sorts, where photographers of all skill levels come together to shake-off the last of the winter blahs and relish in the beauty that is spring in our beloved Hocking Hills State Park.
This had me thinking too. Isn't the act and art of capturing a photograph just that, a "celebration?" The image that moves both photographer and viewer becoming the visual proof of emotion expressed in appreciation of a moment that will never be repeated again, with that unique harmony and flow of light, subject and setting with the universal need to express beyond what words are capable of describing. The photographer. The subject. The viewer. Expressing, connecting and celebrating.
Spring is much more than a change in the weather. It is a rebirth of creative energy and the lifting of the hopeful spirit. It's a time to get up, get going and start anew again. Our energy reflects the energy of change that takes place around us, and for me at least photography is representative of that connection between creative spirit and environment.
I'm grateful for spring. All is new again within the elegant mystery of the divine constant.
Friday, March 28, 2014
Prints Recognized with Awards at PPO Conference
I'm honored and thankful to have all six of my print entries juried and scored high enough to be shown in the print display at last weekend's annual conference of the Professional Photographers of Ohio, held in Lewis Center, just north of Columbus. Five of the entries were additionally recognized with awards including Award of Achievement and Honorable Mentions.
Four of the images were captured in and around my home and farm in Beavercreek Township, Ohio. Another was a favorite from my time living on Hilton Head Island, SC and one image was captured this past February in Hocking Hills, Ohio.
The juried competition at the PPO conference is particularly strict in scoring methods. All judges are accomplished professional photographers. There is an emphasis on attention to detail as well as artistic merit.
Showing an impressive image on a mobile device or other screen is one thing but producing a true, fine art print is another. I am thankful to the help and support of one of the best pro print labs in the Dayton area, TI Graphics.
Four of the images were captured in and around my home and farm in Beavercreek Township, Ohio. Another was a favorite from my time living on Hilton Head Island, SC and one image was captured this past February in Hocking Hills, Ohio.
The juried competition at the PPO conference is particularly strict in scoring methods. All judges are accomplished professional photographers. There is an emphasis on attention to detail as well as artistic merit.
Showing an impressive image on a mobile device or other screen is one thing but producing a true, fine art print is another. I am thankful to the help and support of one of the best pro print labs in the Dayton area, TI Graphics.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Spring Camera Photo Workshop | Dayton Ohio
Celebrate spring with Professional Photographer Jim Crotty as he leads a small group workshop on the art of nature and landscape photography amongst the gardens, fields and woodlands of Cox Arboretum MetroPark near Dayton.
Learn the tips and techniques behind Jim’s award-winning images. This workshop will be a balance of classroom and field instruction with the group exploring subjects such as spring flowers as well as a portion of the workshop devoted to outdoor portraits. The classroom portion of the workshop - presented in the beautiful and comfortable Meadwestvaco Theater Room - will emphasize digital file management and editing tools as well instructor reviews of student images.
Open to all levels of skill and experience with the DSLR camera. Minimum equipment required. Fee includes box lunch from Panera Bread, guided instruction and workshop handouts. Limited to first 20 people who register.
$89 per person. $20 deposit to register. Payable via PayPal to jim@ohiophoto.org or check to Picture Ohio, LLC 2581 Trebein Rd Xenia OH 45385
Email jim@jimcrotty.com or call 937-896-6311.
Thursday, February 06, 2014
Winterlight Workshop in Hocking Hills Rescheduled for March 1 2014
The new date for the Winterlight Workshop is Saturday, March 1 2014 at The Inn at Cedar Falls. Same price, same schedule. The only difference is that we are more likely to have strong, flowing water to work with when photographing the streams and waterfalls, due to late winter thaw following a very snowy winter. Some of My best images of the falls in Hocking were captured in early March. I've included one of those images with this post.
The other added benefit is that The Inn at Cedar Falls has graciously extended a 20% discount off of accommodations for those workshop attendees wishing to stay at The Inn on the weekend of the March 1 workshop. Please mention that you are attending the program when making reservations.
The fee to attend this workshop is $89 which provides professional, guided instruction, hand-outs and lunch at The Inn. To register please email jim@jimcrotty.com or call 937-896-6311. There is a $20 deposit requirement to register which can be paid via PayPal to "jim@ohiophoto.org" or check to Picture Ohio, LLC 2581 Trebein Rd., Xenia OH 45385.
To make reservations for accommodations at The Inn at Cedar Falls please call 1-800-653-2557 or go online at http://innatcedarfalls.com. Please mention the Winterlight Workshop with Jim Crotty when making reservations.
The other added benefit is that The Inn at Cedar Falls has graciously extended a 20% discount off of accommodations for those workshop attendees wishing to stay at The Inn on the weekend of the March 1 workshop. Please mention that you are attending the program when making reservations.
The fee to attend this workshop is $89 which provides professional, guided instruction, hand-outs and lunch at The Inn. To register please email jim@jimcrotty.com or call 937-896-6311. There is a $20 deposit requirement to register which can be paid via PayPal to "jim@ohiophoto.org" or check to Picture Ohio, LLC 2581 Trebein Rd., Xenia OH 45385.
To make reservations for accommodations at The Inn at Cedar Falls please call 1-800-653-2557 or go online at http://innatcedarfalls.com. Please mention the Winterlight Workshop with Jim Crotty when making reservations.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Original and True | Coen Brother Films as Inspiration
"Like something out of a Coen Brothers movie." There's a fine line between inspiration and imitation and I suppose that's why I find my best sources of inspiration in other mediums than still photography. I admire the work of the masters such as Adams and Weston, but I never want to imitate it. And that can be a challenge sometimes. But to be inspired by prose and poetry, music, film, design, sculpture . . . that's where energy in the art of expression is renewed, again and again.
For example, the films of Joel and Ethan Coen. They don't bend to popular whims nor do they film to please this particular group or that particular audience. They hold true to their own creative vision and all else falls into place. They also stay true to those components or pieces that best serve their vision, whether it be the musical genius of T. Bone Burnett or the understated performances of John Goodman.
The Coen's nail it every time because they have the courage to be who they are and not mold themselves to the expectations of a fickle audience, and the studios come to them. Sure their best work often gets snubbed but there's no mistaking one of their films from those of a sea of other filmmakers.
The universal connection found in the art of creative expression that is unique to each soul is life and light set to a harmonious interludes of wonder and joy. To be true, even it means long stretches of hanging out there by your lonesome, that's the place to be. Life was never meant to be a popularity contest. The posturing and posing and pandering leaves everyone wanting. I've seen a lot of that in my life. There have been many times I've been guilty of falling into that trap as well. The two years I was living and working on Hilton Head Island immediately come to mind due to the country club nature of resort town life and the rampant narcissism that results from it. Calculating and manipulating. Always misleading. Ultimately it was just plain sad. It served as a painful reminder of the importance of being true to self, always humble and thankful to a higher power and love without conditions or false intentions.
Life is meant to be lived in the courage of your own convictions and expressed through the work of your own hands. Talent fully utilized may on the surface be seen as selfish but when serving the higher purpose of inspiring others (and always in gratefulness) it is actually quite the opposite, and beautiful to behold.
For example, the films of Joel and Ethan Coen. They don't bend to popular whims nor do they film to please this particular group or that particular audience. They hold true to their own creative vision and all else falls into place. They also stay true to those components or pieces that best serve their vision, whether it be the musical genius of T. Bone Burnett or the understated performances of John Goodman.
The Coen's nail it every time because they have the courage to be who they are and not mold themselves to the expectations of a fickle audience, and the studios come to them. Sure their best work often gets snubbed but there's no mistaking one of their films from those of a sea of other filmmakers.
The universal connection found in the art of creative expression that is unique to each soul is life and light set to a harmonious interludes of wonder and joy. To be true, even it means long stretches of hanging out there by your lonesome, that's the place to be. Life was never meant to be a popularity contest. The posturing and posing and pandering leaves everyone wanting. I've seen a lot of that in my life. There have been many times I've been guilty of falling into that trap as well. The two years I was living and working on Hilton Head Island immediately come to mind due to the country club nature of resort town life and the rampant narcissism that results from it. Calculating and manipulating. Always misleading. Ultimately it was just plain sad. It served as a painful reminder of the importance of being true to self, always humble and thankful to a higher power and love without conditions or false intentions.
Life is meant to be lived in the courage of your own convictions and expressed through the work of your own hands. Talent fully utilized may on the surface be seen as selfish but when serving the higher purpose of inspiring others (and always in gratefulness) it is actually quite the opposite, and beautiful to behold.
Wednesday, January 08, 2014
Thankfulness Set to Pictures | My Best of 2013
The best way for me to express the incredible experiences of 2013 is by sharing my personal favorite images from throughout the year. January 1 2013 began on Hilton Head Island. By the end of the month I was on my way to Texas and by the beginning of July I was back home in Ohio. I’ve taken some kindhearted ribbing from a few family members and friends regarding the craziness of my moving twice in one year, but, I still believe that it all happened for a reason and to set the stage for greater blessings down the road. Besides, at least I can say “done that, been there, I tried it out.”
One of the important lessons I learned is that the grass is not always greener on the other side and Ohio can be a pretty awesome place to live. It gets a bum rap by many who grow up here. It deserves much better. Another lesson is to carefully think through the advice of others when they give you their opinion about where and how you should live your life. Just saying. I have a tendency to be too much of a people-pleaser, much to the determent of my own health. I’m working my way out of that, one day at a time. Follow your heart and those who love and care will fall in around you.
Another lesson reinforced is the fact that the best images arise from where and when the heart is engaged. It’s not so much of chasing images in many locations but rather letting go of expectations and following the heart and the blessings that are presented, even if just outside the back door or down the road.
All in all I am very thankful to have finally landed back in the Dayton Ohio area, enjoying life and photography on my little eight acres of rural heartland. The journey has been incredible, tiring, wonderful. So many images captured that could have made my top ten list. It was hard to select the ones to post here but honestly these are the ones that carry the most personal meaning for me, whether they were popular on social media or not, it’s the personal connection and story that counts.
These images are no particular order. For more insight on the story behind each image, please see http://calmphotos.com
Here goes -
Best of 2013 by Ohio Photographer Jim Crotty from Jim Crotty on Vimeo.
One of the important lessons I learned is that the grass is not always greener on the other side and Ohio can be a pretty awesome place to live. It gets a bum rap by many who grow up here. It deserves much better. Another lesson is to carefully think through the advice of others when they give you their opinion about where and how you should live your life. Just saying. I have a tendency to be too much of a people-pleaser, much to the determent of my own health. I’m working my way out of that, one day at a time. Follow your heart and those who love and care will fall in around you.
Another lesson reinforced is the fact that the best images arise from where and when the heart is engaged. It’s not so much of chasing images in many locations but rather letting go of expectations and following the heart and the blessings that are presented, even if just outside the back door or down the road.
All in all I am very thankful to have finally landed back in the Dayton Ohio area, enjoying life and photography on my little eight acres of rural heartland. The journey has been incredible, tiring, wonderful. So many images captured that could have made my top ten list. It was hard to select the ones to post here but honestly these are the ones that carry the most personal meaning for me, whether they were popular on social media or not, it’s the personal connection and story that counts.
These images are no particular order. For more insight on the story behind each image, please see http://calmphotos.com
Here goes -
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| Altus, Oklahoma. March 2013 |
 |
| Raptor Ridge, Beavercreek Township, Ohio. September 2013 |
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| Broken Rock Trail Falls, Hocking Hills, Ohio. April 2013 |
Broken
Rock Trail Falls, Hocking Hills Ohio. April 2013. I had returned to
Ohio for a short visit after moving to Texas, to Hocking Hills to teach a
one-day spring workshop at The Inn at Cedar Falls and to be a
judge/guest speaker at the 2013 Shoot the Hills event. It was a
spectacular spring in Southeastern Ohio and the streams and waterfalls
were flush with flowing water. When I am in Hocking Hills, most often to
teach workshops, I try to always set aside at least one day to get out
and shoot on my own. When I am teaching I am completely devoted to the
task of instructing and guiding my students. This image was one of many
that I captured during that day out on the trail by myself, on the
Monday following the Shoot the Hills weekend. I was blessed with
pristine spring conditions. The light was ethereal coming through the
Hemlocks and into the gorges. It was an intimate connection to the place
I know best as home when it comes to my love of nature and landscape
photography. Broken Rock Trail Falls is off the beaten path and a little
bit of a challenge to get to but that’s why I love this scene so much.
It’s a closeness, a connection, in quiet and peace. - See more at:
http://calmphotos.com/#sthash.gszilkgz.dpuf
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| November Sunrise at Raptor Ridge |
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| Summer Morning. Raptor Ridge, Beavercreek Township, Ohio. August 2013 |
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| Summer Nightfall on the Farm. Raptor Ridge, Beavercreek Township, Ohio. July 2013 |
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| The Rural Route. Frisco, Texas. April 2013 |
 |
| Harvest. Raptor Ridge, Beavercreek Township, Ohio. August 2013 |
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| The Classic. Trebein Road in Xenia, Ohio. November 2013 |
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| Moon and Thunderhead. Kettering, Ohio. July 2013 |
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| Holy Spirit You Are Welcome Here. Old Man's Cave, Hocking Hills, Ohio |
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| Best Christmas Present Ever. Raptor Ridge. December 2013 |
Best of 2013 by Ohio Photographer Jim Crotty from Jim Crotty on Vimeo.
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