Crowley Point, Death Valley

The majestic scenic overlook at Crowley Point is nothing less than breathtaking. It is located at the west entrance to Death Valley National Park and provides a wide variety of panoramic photographic landscape possibilities.

Crowley Point, Death Valley National Park

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

ANCIENT BRISTLECONE PINE FOREST

Home of the oldest living things on earth, The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is located about an hour east of Bishop, California in The White Mountains (elevations between 9,000 to 11,000 feet) and accessible via The Schulman Grove Visitor Center. These magnificent trees can range between well over 2,000 to 4,773 years old! Think about it! This was taken in October and the temperature was below freezing. If you plan to go, dress accordingly.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

 

 

International Color Awards in Architectural Photography

Longest Night – Eastern State Penitentiary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

9TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL COLOR AWARDS HONOR Rich Smukler from Boca Raton, Florida.

LOS ANGELES 8/24 – Rich Smukler of the United States was presented with the 9th Annual International Color Awards Nominee title in the category of Architecture: architectural photography.  He was also nominated in the Category of Nature: nature photography. 5,678 entries were received from 78 countries.

“I am proud to announce that ICA saw fit to bestow this honor. You might remember that ‘Longest Night’ was awarded Honorable Mention at this year’s International Photography of the Year Awards.”

“Longest Night” is part of a photographic essay of Eastern State Penitentiary recently published by LenCulture Magazine. Located in Philadelphia (Smukler’s hometown), Eastern State Penitentiary was once the largest and most expensive public structure ever erected, and quickly became a model for more than 300 prisons worldwide and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965. It was also known for some such infamous prisoners as Al Capone and Willie Sutton.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

International Color Awards Nominee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

9TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL COLOR AWARDS HONORS Rich Smukler from Boca Raton, Florida.

LOS ANGELES 8/24 – Rich Smukler of the United States was presented with the 9th Annual International Color Awards Nominee title in the category of Nature Photography.  5,678 entries were received from 78 countries.

The live online gala was attended by over 10,000 photography fans around the globe who logged on to watch the climax of the industry’s most important event for color photography. 

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

 

From Skagway to Davidson Glacier

So here you are, enjoying your early morning coffee in Skagway, Alaska and looking for something amazing to do. Look no further. Consider the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari. I’d like to tell you that it’s right down the road and you can’t miss it. Not quite true, but certainly worth the effort. You start off in a custom enclosed power boat for a 45-minute ride through Lynn Canal which happens to be North America’s deepest and longest fjord – with a chance to see all types of sea life, waterfalls and mountain views. The trip takes about 45 minutes. Upon arrival at Glacier Point beach you board a bus for a short ride to a base camp where you will gear up with boots to repel the glacier silt, life jackets and wet weather gear. A hike through a magnificent rain forest leads to 31-foot voyager canoes that will take to you Davidson Glacier recounted by John Muir in his travels around Glacier Bay in 1879. Just amazing! You will walk though the glacier silt and rock formations as you get closer to this natural wonder.

Rich Smukler specializes in Landscape and Fine-Art Photography from his studio in South Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Rich Smukler Honored by 10th Annual Black and White Spider Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

BLACK AND WHITE SPIDER AWARDS HONORS PHOTOGRAPHER RICH SMUKLER FROM THE UNITED STATES.

LOS ANGELES (OCTOBER 18, 2014) – Photographer Rich Smukler of the United States was presented with the 10^th Annual Black and White Spider Awards Honorable Mention in the Category of Still Life for Conical Dance  at a prestigious Nomination and Winners PhotoShow webcast Saturday, November 21, 2015.

The live online gala was attended by over 10,000 photography fans around the globe who logged on to see the climax of the industry’s most important event for black and white photography.

The awards international Jury included captains of the industry from the industry’s biggest names and tastemakers including Bonhams, Random House, Aeroplastics Contemporary, Stockholm City Museum, Annenberg Foundation, Leo Burnett, FTM Art Advisory and Fratelli Alinari .

“It is an incredible achievement to be selected among the best from 7,686 entries from 74 countries that we received this year,” said Basil O’Brien, the awards creative director. Rich Smukler’s “Conical Dance” entered in The Still life  category is an exceptional image and represents black and white photography at its finest, and we’re pleased to present him with the title of Honorable Mention.” Jury member Diane Ruggie from Velocebella agency added, “The gallery of winners and runners up has true stopping power.

BLACK AND WHITE SPIDER AWARDS is the leading international award honoring excellence in black and white photography. This celebrated event shines a spotlight on the best professional and amateur photographers worldwide and honors the finest images with the highest achievements in black and white photography.

Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile)

Three Weeks in Tuscany (day 21 – Finale)

Our last day is spent in Florence, a magnificent city. Be prepared for the crowds, however. It has been a wonderful journey and I hope you enjoyed some of the stops along the way. A special thanks to Michael Cartwright and Shona Nunan of The Rondine Gallery in Bagni di Lucca for their guidance and support. Ciao to Bella Italia until we return.

Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Three Weeks in Tuscany (day 20)

For those who have the time, the rolling landscape of the Val d’Orcia is interlaced with ancient trails that connect many of the villages and towns in the area, passing through scenic, contemplative countryside. These walking paths have been around forever, the way people traveled before the advent of the automobile. Take your time and breathe this in. There are walking paths seemingly everywhere, hidden from the frenetic traveler.

Tomorrow is our last day of this wonderful voyage. We are off to Florence.

Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Three Weeks in Tuscany (day 19)

The Hills above The Square of Sources, Bagno Vignoni.

Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Three Weeks in Tuscany (day 16)

Both San Quirico and Pienza are magical, ancient Tuscan towns. They are connected by an extraordinarily exciting road that  strums the true sounds of Tuscany. For years I have driven the 6.25 miles of this amazing highway and never tire of it.

SP146 / Strada Provinciale di Chianciano ribbons through the Tuscan countryside and is the stuff that Lamborghini and Ferrari must have had in mind. Go as the sun rises or as the sun is stretching its long shadows from the west. Any time of year will reveal the many facets of this magnificent countryside. There is one lane in each direction with multiple winding curves that provide a bonanza of sight lines. At a decent speed the entire ride is about 15 minutes. Downshifting into one of the many hairpins brings a broad smile to your face.

For a little extra delight, as you approach Pienza, look to your left for a sign to Santa Anna Comprena. This back road will take you to the 15^th Century Monastery where Director Anthony Minghella shot many scenes from his movie The English Patient starring Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fienes. The setting is both serene and haunting.

Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile).

Radisson Blu Adds “Cross” To Permanent Collection

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 22, 2014

The Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts in Minneapolis, Minnesota in conjunction with Indiewalls, Inc., has acquired “Cross” by Rich Smukler  as part of its permanent collection. “Cross” is an image taken in an abandoned marble quarry in Apuan Alps, near Pietrasanta in northwestern Tuscany. This area is known for the quality of marble used by Michelangelo.

“Cross” had earned distinction at San Diego Art Institute’s (Museum of the Living Artist) 50th International Award Exhibition (2009), The Elliottt Museum’s 7th Annual Juried Art Show 2012 (Stuart, Florida), The Elmhurst Art Museum’s National Art Premiere 2012 (Elmhurst, Illinois), and The Saco Museum (Saco, Maine) 2012.  The Radisson Blu is located at 35 South Seventh Street, Minneapolis, Minn. Stonehill and Taylor is the  architecture and interior design firm established in New York City in 1986 that curated the collection.

Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile)

A few thoughts for the New Year

I’d like to thank all of you who have been following my Blog over the years, amazingly since 2011!  It has been a labor of love and heart-warming to know that some of my meanderings are shared with you. I would encourage you to please exchange your thoughts and comments. I love expressing my experiences about photography: the technical aspects, the practical solutions to common problems, the artistry of my endeavors, etc. And I enjoy hearing what thoughts or concerns any of you might have.

I know that some of you are serious photographers, designers, fine art professionals, lawyers, realtors, and on and on. Photography is an endless journey which explores one’s personal vision pitted against an ever changing and expanding technology. To know your camera, your computer, your printer, and all that goes with this technology only serves to challenge the way you see and feel about life.

May you enjoy a healthy and amazing 2015. I hope to hear from you!

Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile)

ARLES, FRANCE – The Spiritual Home of VAN GOGH

Arles is one of the most popular destinations in Provence, famous for its significant Roman heritage. It is the spiritual home of Van Gogh, and you will see how this artist was so inspired by the beautiful countryside in this region of France.

• The Fondation Vincent van Gogh inside the Palais de Luppé – modern artists (eg Francis Bacon, David Hockney) pay tribute to Van Gogh.
• The Espace van Gogh, which used to be a hospital (and where Van Gogh had spent some time after the famous ear incident), has art exhibitions throughout the year.

Most of the roman and medieval monuments are within walking distance in the old town and can be covered easily on foot in a day. 

Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile)

Musee d’Orsay, Paris

Musée d’Orsay  is a museum in Paris, France, on the left bank of the Seine. It is housed in the former Gare d’Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station built between 1898 and 1900. The museum holds mainly French art dating from 1848 to 1915, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photography. It houses the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces in the world, by painters including Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, Seurat, Sisley, Gauguin and Van Gogh. To my way of thinking, though certainly discovered by the public, it provides far more breathing room than its better-known counterpart, The Louvre.

This shot was taken from inside the museum. The iconic clock, oft photographed, looks over the Seine. If you allow your eye to follow further, you will eventually reach Montmartre, known for its many artists. 

Rich Smukler currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally. You can see more of his works at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com. (Kick back and stay awhile)

The Farmington Museum of Art Introduces Rich Smukler’s work “Cocoon”

 The Farmington Museum at Gateway Park (Farmington,  New Mexico) will present its annual National Juried Exhibition May 10, 2014 with an opening reception and presentation of awards from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Saturday evening May 17th. Prior to the reception, at 6:00 pm, Juror James Trigg will present a lecture. Mr. Trigg is a nationally acclaimed award-winning impressionist fine artist specializing in the magnificent vistas of the American Southwest.

Rich Smukler, from Boca Raton, Florida,  will exhibit Cocoon. This elegant abstract expressionistic piece both challenges and calms the soul. His works have been featured in numerous museums, galleries and private collections internationally.

 

Farmington Museum – 3041 E. Main Strreet – Farmington NM 87402 – 505-599-1174 – http://www.farmingtonmuseum.org

See more of Rich Smukler’s work at http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com

Against the Traffic: Death Valley – Dante’s Peak and Zabriske Point

It’s 4:30 AM and a few hearty photographers are starting to set up their tripods and await the dawn. It is quiet, very quiet. It is windy and cold. I struggle to keep the tripod steady. I’m already dreaming of my first cup of hot coffee. I attach my headlamp to see the way. I’m fearful that my lens or camera has seized up. Without my gloves this would be a fool’s errand. I panic, return to my car and reset. I do not want to miss the sunrise. It comes and goes so fast. Maybe 30 minutes tops, then it is over. This can be said for both Dante’s View and Zabriske Point, though Dante’s Point was much colder. I shoot them on consecutive days, but will discuss them each in today’s Post. They are both magnificent and should not be missed.

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Dante’s Peak, Death Valley is a viewpoint terrace at 1,669 m (5,475 feet) height, on the north side of Coffin Peak, along the crest of the Black Mountains, overlooking Death Valley. Dante’s View is about 25 km (15 miles) south of Furnace Creek in Death Valley National Park. This spectacular view is named from Dante Alighieri, who wrote the Divina Commedia (Divine Comedy), in which there are described the nine circles of Hell, the seven terraces of Purgatory and the nine spheres of Paradise. For those of you who might be Star Wars junkies, it is a filming location in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.

Zabriskie Point is a part of Amargosa Range located in eastern Death Valley Valley and noted for its erosional landscape. It is composed of sediments from  which dried up 5 million years ago, long before Death Valley came into existence. This location was used to represent the surface of Mars in the film Robinson Crusoe on Mars.

The photographers line up on their selected vantage points and wait. An occasional test shot to see where the light is. Then it sneaks up slowly and BANG!!!! The cameras jump to life, like a bunch of fishermen waiting for a strike. And here it is. Have everything ready to go. No room for mistakes. The slowly awakening sun kisses the landscape, rises, and the majesty soon disappears, hidden for another day.

That’s it! Off to find some coffee and breakfast. I have a couple of afternoon locations in mind, so stick around.

Happy Shooting!

Rich Smukler

http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com

Against the Traffic: Stovepipe Wells and Mesquite Flat Dunes

For the rest of the week we will be bunking at The Hotel at Stovepipe Wells, Death Valley. This is not The Four Seasons Hotel, make no mistake! In fact, the movie “Mad Max” comes to mind. The rooms are clean, large and extremely basic.  Wifi is spotty at best. Telephones are non-existent in the rooms and there is essentially no cell-phone coverage (calls must be made from the spare number of phone booths on site). There is a restaurant and bar. I will be polite about the food in the restaurant. The burgers and beer at the bar are just fine, especially if you want to shoot a game of 8-ball. Across the road is a general store and gas station where you can stock up on water, snacks, food and fuel. If you are truly looking for top-notch accommodations, consider The Furnace Creek Inn and Ranch Resort around 26 miles down the road. You will pay substantially for this luxury, however.

A brief thought on the issue of no phone or computer service: It can make you a little nervous at first, especially if you are addicted to these electronic toys, as I am. But after you get over the fear that the world will somehow come to an end if you are not tuned in, the world gets more serene and beautiful. You can see better. Your photography will soar, if you allow it to do so.

Just down the road is Mesquite Flat Dunes. These dunes are the best-known and easiest to visit in the national park. They are located in central Death Valley and accessed from Highway 190 or from the unpaved Sand Dunes Road. Although the highest dune rises only about 100 feet (compared to 680 feet at Eureka), the dunes actually cover a vast area and provide quite a different subject matter. Many first time visitors to Death Valley are surprised to find that it not covered with a sea of sand. Less than one percent of the desert is covered with dunes. It just so happens that the first two locations of our tour of Death Valley are duned areas. The benefit of Mesquite Flat over Eureka is its proximity to your room back at Stovepipe Wells. It allows you to make return visits to shoot based on your decisions over lighting, cloud-layer, etc. The remote location of Eureka Dunes pretty much kills off this flexibility, unless you are willing to set up camp. The suggestions I made about dune-shooting at Eureka in my prior post applies similarly to Mesquite.

Happy Shooting

http://www.richsmuklerphoto.com

View RICH SMUKLER’S works at The SACO MUSEUM IN SACO, MAINE

The “Cross” and “Jessie” cross country tour continues! See Rich Smukler’s works “Cross” and “Jessie” currently exhibiting at The Elliottt Museum’s 7th Annual Juried Art Show (Stuart, Florida)  held thru March 2, 2012.  These two award-winning pieces will be exhibited at The Saco Museum in Saco, Maine from April 6 thru June 10, 2012 as part of their 2012 Mill-ennial.

“Cross” is an image taken in an abandoned marble quarry in The Apuan Alps, near Pietrasanta in northwestern Tuscany. This area is known for the quality of marble used by Michelangelo. “Cross” has earned distinction at San Diego Art Institute’s (Museum of the Living Artist) 50th International Award Exhibition. It will also be on display at the The Elmhurst Art Museum in Elmhurst, Illinois from February 21 through March 28, 2012. “Jessie” was also exhibited in San Diego and  is currently part of  The American Juried Art Salon: Fine Arts Show 2011 (on-line). It is also published in Photographer’s Forum Magazine / Best of Photography 2011 (Serbin Communications).

The Saco Museum’s opening reception is scheduled for the evening of Thursday, April 5, 2012, located at 371 Main Street, Saco, ME 004072. Phone: 207-283-3861 for further information.

Rich Smukler’s works can also be seen at www.richsmuklerphoto.com

VIEW RICH SMUKLER’S WORK AT THE ELMHURST ART MUSEUM

See Rich Smukler’s photograph “Cross”  at The Elmhurst Art  Museum’s National Art Premiere 2012 to be held from Friday, February 21, 2012 thru March 28, 2012. “Cross” is an image taken in an abandoned marble quarry in Apuan Alps, near Pietrasanta in northwestern Tuscany. This area is known for the quality of marble used by Michelangelo. “Cross” had earned distinction at San Diego Art Institute’s (Museum of the Living Artist) 50th International Award Exhibition. It will also be displayed at The Elliott Museum in Stuart, Florida from February 3, 2012 thru March 2, 2012.

The Elmhurst Art Museum is located at 150 Cottage Hill, Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126.

 

 

Rich Smukler’s works can also be seen at www.richsmuklerphoto.com.

HOW DO YOU DEFINE A FINE ARTIST?

 

 

Over the years I have gone to hundreds of museums and galleries, studied the works of the masters, read the analyses and opinions of critics, seen and opined on the works of my fellow students and mentors. All the time, I am searching for a thread, a common denominator. What makes a piece of art wonderful, memorable or just plain awful? And within that question, I try to evaluate the body of work of that particular artist and ask whether or not this is the work of a fine artist?

 

 

George DeWolfe, in one of his master classes, fascinated me with his revealing analysis of paintings of the masters, such as Rembrandt, Degas, Cezannes, Pollack and others, as they related to development of the fine black and white photo. He took images of these paintings and reduced them to grayscale to better view the breadth of tonality in each of these pieces of art, even before photography was on the map. This was done to demonstrate some of the amazing qualities of these painters, all painting with color, but somehow fully understanding the quality of composition in its underlying tonality. They knew how to see well. Dewolfe went on to say that,

 

  “The masterful articulation of the grayscale in these paintings is not only the key to good color, but also the essential key to creating presence in the work – the foundational element of a masterpiece.”

 

 

This is as good a place as any to start our thought process.

 

I confess that often I’ll go to a museum and wander through the exhibits and unfortunately, not get it. I mean that I am not moved, wouldn’t want to own it, in fact, I am angry that I am wasting my time! And yet, these exhibitions, installations, or pieces of art are often heralded by the museum, or someone of credibility, as being significant and noteworthy. I shrug my shoulders.

 

What does impress me however, is when an artist has over the years developed a unique and consistent body of work; pieces that would be recognizable as being that artists’ artwork years after being produced, yet, in some way, different from the earlier work. I am sure we are all familiar with some exceedingly successful artists who have a signature style that is forever recognized as being special and unique. Some of these artists, unfortunately, get caught up in their success and are fearful of leaving an established comfort zone. Others display the guts and artistry to move forward with newer and more challenging work. I say SHAME on the former, and HATS OFF to the latter.

 

 

I am willing to allow the definition of a fine artist to remain somewhat undefined for the moment. I am steadfast, however, in my belief that a fine artist will create a unique and recognizable body of work that continues to evolve as the artist explores and builds on the past. We owe a debt of gratitude to those of you that adhere to these convictions. What are your thoughts?

HAPPY SHOOTING!

You can see works of Rich Smukler at www.richsmuklerphoto.com.

 

 

 

 

 

Against The Traffic: PIETRASANTA (Michelangelo’s Marble Mines)

 

Pietrasanta is a marvelous artists’ community located in northwestern Tuscany. It is less than 3 km from the coast, 32 km north of Pisa and part of Versilia. This jewel was founded in 1255 and was recognized by Michelangelo for the quality of the marble mined from the nearby Apuan Alps. Artisans by the dozens populate the area and draw fellow-artists and collectors world-wide.

By day, this town has a quiet, sleepy quality with exciting cathedrals, towers and museums to be taken in. At night, the excitement is rolled out! It’s as if the movie “Night at the Museum” is being played out in real life. The lights from the many restaurants, shops and galleries sparkle. In the Center Square you are treated to street musicians, mimes, and more. This is a wonderfully lively setting for those of us into night street shooting. The colors, action and energy explode!

For me, however, the true excitement is traveling into the nearby alps to search out its many marble quarries, some active, some not. It is easy enough to Google “quarries near Pietrasanta” for some guidance on locations. I preferred just driving around and hoping to stumble upon something interesting. I was fortunate enough to find one quarry no longer operational. Yet, I was able to walk through and marvel at this natural masterpiece. It was peaceful and oh so quiet. I will never forget it!

This is where you will have to remember to make the appropriate adjustments for exposure. Inside the quarries there are often strong reflections and bright glare, much like you would find in snow-like environments. My first outing into a quarry some years prior left me with most of my images being near pitch black and under-exposed when first opened. I was only saved through post-processing in PhotoShop. For the best way to handle this technically, I commend you to Jim Zuckerman’s discussion on white balance…

 

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“Use your in-camera or hand held reflective meter to read a middle toned, or medium-gray, subject: a gray camera bag, a pair of jeans, a tree trunk or perhaps a rock outcropping. Any middle-toned object will work (regardless of color) as long as it’s receiving the same light as the scene before you. Once you’ve determined this reading, manually set the lens aperture and shutter speed and don’t use the automatic exposure mode to make the shot.” 

Pietrasanta is this photographer’s delight:  The combination of so many photographic challenges: indoor, street and natural shooting, makes this one of my favorite excursions against the traffic.

HAPPY SHOOTING!

You can see other shots taken in Tuscany at www.richsmuklerphoto.com

Against the Traffic: The Road From SAN QUIRICO D’ORCIA To PIENZA

Both San Quirico and Pienza are magical, ancient Tuscan towns that merit comment and will be the subject of future articles. Today, however, we will visit the extraordinarily exciting road that connects these two towns and strums the true sounds of Tuscany. For years I have driven the 6.25 miles of this amazing highway and never tire of it.

SP146 / Strada Provinciale di Chianciano ribbons through the Tuscan countryside and is the stuff that Lamborghini and Ferrari must have had in mind. Go as the sun rises or as the sun is stretching its long shadows from the west. Any time of year will reveal the many facets of this magnificent countryside. There is one lane in each direction with multiple winding curves that provide a bonanza of sight lines. At a decent speed the entire ride is about 15 minutes. Downshifting into one of the many hairpins is just plain awesome!

MAJOR RULE: DON’T FORGET YOUR TRIPOD! (Say that at least three times). I know it is a pain schlepping it across the world, but you won’t regret it. Your images will be infinitely better. Also, be prepared for some atmospheric challenges. This part of Tuscany is rural and agricultural. You may  find some dust kicked up from the tractors and such. That can be also be great news for your shots, as the combination of light and dust can produce wonderful results. Be ready to clean your lenses regularly while out in the field. If you are carrying a backup camera body, I suggest you select your two favorite lenses, one for each body, and refrain from removing your lenses from their bodies while the dust is swirling. Or, you can always retreat to the car.

For a little extra delight, as you approach Pienza, look to your left for a sign to Santa Anna Comprena. This back road will take you to the 15^th Century Monastery where Director Anthony Minghella shot many scenes from his movie The English Patient starring Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fienes. The setting is both serene and haunting. It has been turned into a B&B and you will be able to shoot inside the church, both memorable and challenging.

Happy Shooting!

You can see more of my images from Tuscany at www.richsmuklerphoto.com

TRAVEL TO SHOOT? THE MEANING OF TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY

Having returned from a photography trip to Kenya and Tanzania, I was brimming over with pride at the many exotic images I captured: Kilimanjaro, the Maasai tribesmen, the Serengeti and all that Africa has to offer. I was living my dream. That’s when a cold towel slapped me across my face! At our monthly photo-group meeting I was itchy to show some of this new work. Meanwhile, one of our members was displaying some truly great images that he had just taken in his backyard! An interesting point-counterpoint crossed my mind.

What is the concept of TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY all about? Travel for me isn’t as much fun as it used to be. I’ve shot world-wide and have seen many of the wonders the world provides. Air travel has presented new challenges. My old bones aren’t what they used to be. Yet, there is still a rush that I get when plying my craft in new and unique locations. I see things with a fresher eye. My hometown is Boca Raton, Florida, replete with many exotic sights. However, I wouldn’t consider shooting in my hometown as TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY. Ironically, someone who has traveled from Africa to Florida to shoot probably WOULD. So, if it isn’t the travel that lures me, and if locations can be treated as fungible widgets, then perhaps it is something else? Perhaps it is the mindset or dedication to the craft when you are on a new location (wherever that might be)? Perhaps it is being totally focused and immersed in all things photographic when you are situated in a location that is conducive to your full attention?

Some years ago I was part of a workshop sponsored by TPW (Toscana Photographic Workshop) and led by Arno Minkkinen. Arno is the consummate instructor. He tirelessly challenges his students to be as creative and innovative as possible. One of his exercises, which caught my imagination, was a road trip that we took to Lake Bosena, situated in the Lazio region and close to the boundaries with Umbria and Tuscany. There were only about eight of us and we decided to take three cars. And though we had an end destination in mind, it was decided by Arno to stop every fifteen minutes and shoot for about ten minutes per location. We stopped once on the side of a barren field, a commercial site and a location in some hillside area. None of these locations would have typically caught my eye or called out to me to stop and shoot. Yet, the images gathered by our group from these locations were exceptionally interesting and memorable. Lesson learned: Perhaps the setting isn’t as important as the photographer and his will to see well.                                  

Another unintentioned lesson was learned in Arno’s class. One member of our group was a young woman who was seriously injured and permanently confined to a wheel chair. Only through her sister’s love, was she able to travel thousands of miles from the United States in order to fulfill her dream of shooting in Tuscany. An amazing feat! She shared her portfolio early in the workshop with the rest of us. The main body of her work was comprised of a series of images taken from her basement apartment. Being wheel-chair bound as she was, she had a single view from a window which looked out and up on a street in New York City. The view was limited, yet her pictures were fascinating and multidimensional. She also had invited people to come to her cramped quarters and photographed them against a single wall where she produced a series of intensely moving portraits. The lighting and composition were astounding. I will never forget them or the lesson she brought to us.

I love the whole concept of TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY and am proud of many of the images captured over the years. Yet, I have grown to believe that it is the mindset that comes with travel that is most important. I ring this thought up each time I dust off my camera for another shoot.

Happy Shooting!

You can see more of my images on my website at www.richsmuklerphoto.com.

I HATE MY CANON D5 MARK II CAMERA!!!

NOT REALLY! I’ve been a satisfied Canon user for years pre-dating digital: from the AE-1 35mm SLR Film Camera, 20D, EOS T2i, 40D and now the D5 Mark II. I have to say that I am thrilled with the D5 and am amazed at its power and versatility.

I know that some of us out there are Nikon enthusiasts and others are Canon. It just so-happened that when I was converting to digital some years ago, most of my instructors were into Canon. I started down that path and saw no reason to change, especially due to the lens interchangeability feature.

Some months ago I was shooting out in Santa Monica, California. Typically, I carry the camera with the strap around my neck (either over one shoulder with my camera to the side, or with the camera hanging in front of me). I am recovering from recent neck surgery and after several hours the weight of the camera begins to take its toll. I sought advice from a friendly neighborhood camera shop.

They came up with a two-part solution. The first was a Tamrac Neoprene Shock Absorber Strap. It a tough stretchy neoprene rubber strap that holds most digital SLRs and absorbs the weight of the camera for hours, or so they claim. It acts like a bungee cord and really does the job. The second solution was a carry bag which is big enough to hold the camera and can be worn with a built-in belt around your waist or a built-in strap that you can carry over your shoulder. I purchased a second Tamrac strap to replace the strap that came with the case. I find that the camera, when in the case, isn’t nearly as accessible for quick shooting in comparison to the camera being around the shoulder.I chose a Canon carry case. It has a front-ended pouch which can hold a couple batteries and memory cards. There is another interior compartment for whatever else you miight choose. I know that there are several brands of these cases and recommend you select the best for your particular needs.

This system works for me and I hope it is of some value to you as well. By the way, I own no stock or have any financial interest whatsoever in any of these products.

Happy Shooting!

You can see more of my images at my website at www.richsmuklerphoto.com.

View Rich Smukler’s Works at Boca Raton Museum of Art School

See Rich Smukler’s award winning photograph “This Way” along with “Squared” currently on display at The Boca Raton Museum of Art School (Boca Raton, Florida), running through January 11, 2012. These pieces were previously exhibited at The Robert Rauschenberg Exhibition at The Museum of The Gulf Coast in Port Arthur, Texas (home of Rauschenberg’s birth).

Raschenberg is one of America’s most prominent artists (October 22, 1925 – May 12, 2008), known for his works as The Abstract Expressionist Movement morphed towards Pop Art. Not only a painter, he worked also in photography and printmaking.

You can see more of Rich Smukler’s works at www.richsmuklerphoto.com.

WAIT FOR THE LIGHT: OR PASS ON BY

Sometimes my mind sees a potential image better than it really is. I am afraid that my previsualization is occasionally on steroids and the end result can be a disappointing capture whose time has long past.

Example: Recently on a trip to Ravello, Italy, an absolute jewel of a town on the Amalfi Coast, I was walking down a picturesque road and came upon a fabulous antiquated church. It was bathed in ivy and had a wonderful mountainside as a backdrop. Another sucker shot I thought. This was too good to be true. And of course, it was. The composition and texture were magnificent! One problem. I forgot about the light! Feh! I saw it in my mind, but forgot to transpose it in reality. The result, a dull, flat and uninteresting image that was beyond post-processing first aid. Dead on Arrival!

 Sandro  Santioli is thought by many to be the quintessential Tuscan landscape photographer. Some years ago I had the pleasure of participating in one of his workshops, an experience I will never forget and be forever grateful. Our group started the day before sunrise, tripods in hand and cappuccino consumed, fearlessly planted in the midst of a beautiful field outside of Pienza. We waited for the sun to appear. And it did. As it moved through the sky, clouds moved in and out of the eye of the lens. Shadows changed, images appeared and disappeared and reconfigured upon the rich, lush Tuscan countryside. And for hours I barely moved my tripod, much like a patient fisherman waiting for the catch.

 By Noon the sun was too high. We retreated to one of Tuscany’s many ancient mountaintop towns for lunch and more shooting. Architectural shots can be pretty successful when the sun is high as the buildings block the direct rays and can create some wonderfully sharp and interesting images.

 Not to be daunted, by afternoon we returned to the fields to yet again track the sun, this time as it moved to the west. If you have ever been to Tuscany you appreciate the long late and early evening light, so rich, colorful and warm. Same location, different results, stunning in many ways.

 That evening, the sun now gone, we changed locations to inside Sienna, another wonderful feast for the eyes and lens. This time we concentrated on night street shooting with the added benefit of a little atmospheric eye-candy as a light rain provided a memorable challenge with eye-popping results.

 I learned that day about patience and the light. I hope to remember that lesson the next time I come upon a sucker shot.

Happy Shooting!

You can see some of my Tuscan images on my website at http://richsmuklerphoto.com

PHOTOGRAPHY WITHOUT CAMERAS

An unlikely premise, I know. However, after many years as a photographer, I am beginning to sense a change in the way I approach photography and also the way I see life.

As a young man, goofing around with my Brownie Hawkeye camera, I would only see what the camera lens had to offer when I was actually in the process of looking into the camera and trying to take a picture. Many years and thousands of images later have led me to a totally different approach to my craft.

Wandering through the swamps, or over mountains or through the cities looking for interesting shots to take, has re-wired the way I look at things, searching for what I consider a well-seen image. I find myself driving along in my car saying to myself, “what a great shot that’d make,” or “look at the wonderful glow rim-lighting that tree!” I’d often think to myself that I wish I had my camera with me. Often I do, but sometimes I don’t.

There is still nothing that quite beats the hunt of the shoot, that is, going out and physically taking the shot and transferring it into an electronic or print image. Yet, the sadness or upset of not having my camera when a perfect moment appears is not quite as painful as it used to be. Now, I AM THE CAMERA and exhilarate in the experience. I find myself looking at most everything as though I’d be framing it in an artistic composition, making split-second, automatic decisions as to whether the light is right, depth of field requirements, etc., all the elements on my checklist as if I actually had my camera in hand. It is a somewhat soothing effect. I wonder if you feel that as well?

Happy Shooting!

you can see some of my images on my website at http://richsmuklerphoto.com