Pixels and Pics

Photo Workshops for February on Hilton Head Island | Field and Classroom Instruction on Nature Photography and the DSLR Camera

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Crotty) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:39:00 +0000

SHOOT - EDIT - POST - PRINT | Photography Workshops on Hilton Head Island

Session One: Photo Walk - The Beach at Sunset
Saturday Evening
February 18   2012
5:00PM - 7PM
$45
Burke's Beach Hilton Head Island South Carolina

Join local professional photographer Jim Crotty on a photo excursion at Burke's Beach on Hilton Head Island. Jim will be guiding a small group and providing field instruction on the basics of nature and landscape photography with the DSLR camera. Emphasis will be placed on capturing the beach and sky at sunset and in twilight. There will also be instruction on close-up photography of natural subjects on the dunes and on the beach. A DSLR camera, zoom lens and tripod is highly recommended. Group size limited to eight people. Images captured during the photo walk at Burke's Beach will be utilized in session two for instruction on digital workflow and editing.

Session Two: The Digital Photographer
Thursday Evening
February 23   2012
6PM - 8:30PM
$45
Studio/Gallery @ Village Exchange
32 Palmetto Bay Rd. Hilton Head Island South Carolina

Session two will be presented at the studio location for Photography by Jim Crotty at The Village Exchange shopping center on Hilton Head Island. Here Jim will walk workshop students through his process for image editing and digital workflow using Aperture, Lightroom, Photoshop and Photomatix Pro programs. Images edited and enhanced will be those captured during the Photo Walk from Session One, however, attendance in Session One is not required for participating in Session Two. Workshop students will learn the most important steps for properly editing and managing digital image files for optimal results in printmaking and posting to web.

Attend both sessions for $80. Workshop limited to first eight registrations. Call 843-842-9200 or jim@jimcrotty.com

Just Published | In the Peace of This Place

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Crotty) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:12:00 +0000

Finally finished and uploaded my newest book to my bookstore on Blurb.com. "In the Peace of This Place" is a 40-page, full color volume featuring nature and landscape images I've captured during all four seasons in Hocking Hills State Park of Southeastern Ohio and at The Inn at Cedar Falls. The book also features my own narrative on why this area is so special to me as a visual artist and why I continue to return, year after year, season after season. The eBook version will be available very soon.

In the Peace of this Place by Jim Crotty | Make Your Own Book

Quite a Year

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Crotty) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:25:00 +0000

Favorite Images from 2011, a set on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
This set contains my personal favorites from 2011. These images are not necessarily those that everyone else likes but represent scenes and subjects that carry a deep personal meaning and memory for me. I've also presented many of these images within the Blurb mobile app whereby I've included audio commentary for each photograph @ www.blurb.com/mobile/show/03cdd86c4. The locations for these images include Sugarcreek MetroPark near Dayton, Ohio; Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio; Tampa, Florida and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

One-On-One Photography Lessons and Portfolio Reviews | Great Gift Idea for the Photographer in the Family

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Crotty) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:07:00 +0000

Everybody has one in the family - the shutterbug who never leaves home without his or her camera. What better gift than a private, one-on-one lesson at my studio and gallery here on Hilton Head Island. Whether resident or vacationing, I offer personal instruction on a variety of photography subjects including camera settings, exposure, composition, lenses and digital editing.

Call 843-842-9200 or email to purchase a session today. I will be happy to create and email a printable, custom gift certificate just in time for Christmas.

Autumn Color in the Lowcountry | November on Hilton Head

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Crotty) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:13:00 +0000

There's a tremendous variety of beautiful subjects in and around Hilton Head Island. Unparalleled access to wildlife, skyscapes to die for and maritime forests that haunt the creative eyes of the artist. However, when I first moved to Hilton Head, last spring, the one thing that I though I'd miss the most were the colors of the fall landscape, so prominent from September through November in Ohio. I assumed fall color would be absent in the coastal forests so far south. I was pleased to be proven wrong when color began appearing at the beginning of November. While only in isolated pockets, it's still enough of a change to provide a nice contrast against the Spanish Moss and pines.

The following series of images were captured in Hilton Head's most forested section, Sea Pines Plantation on the southern end of the Island. Also, Snowy and Great Egrets as well as horses at Lawton Stables, all in the beauty of morning light. Another characteristic of this area that I find visually appealing are the mists that come in off the ocean and shroud the woodlands in a soft, subdued light. After the tourist rush of summer, with all the activity on the island as well as light and humidity that's pretty much "in your face," it's wonderful to relish in the reward of autumn.

In the Light of the Season | October in the Hocking Hills of Ohio

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Crotty) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 20:57:00 +0000

There's nothing like coming home again with October in the Hocking Hills of Southeastern Ohio. Last weekend I was blessed with the opportunity to lead a photography workshop at The Inn at Cedar Falls. The weekend program flew by as I guided a very enthusiastic group of photographers to some of favorite locations within the park for nature and landscape photography. I've posted an online gallery of student images via Picasa @ Return to the Hills Photo Workshop Student Gallery.

I did make sure I had at least a day to get out and capture a few of my own images, on the Monday following the program. After all, I had driven all the way from Hilton Head, South Carolina and I wanted to make the most of my time while in Hocking Hills.

A very fulfilling workshop experience, seeing old friends as well as making many new ones and the opportunity to reconnect with the area that I consider to be home for my creative spirit. I am very thankful.

Camera Bag Product Review | Gearing-Up for Fall Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Crotty) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:12:00 +0000

Over the many years I've been involved with nature photography - hiking and shooting along trails from the U.P. of Michigan to Civil War battlefields in Virginia to National Parks in Utah and Montana - I've learned the value of a pro-quality, durable backpack for my camera gear, one that's easy to access and comfortable on the back. I've gone through many, basically because I've been doing this now for, well, 35+ years!

Recently camera bags by a company called Think Tank Photo came to my attention. I thought I'd give them a try. I was impressed by what I found, in features and in comfort.

To order camera backpacks by Think Tank Photo, please visit www.thinktankphoto.com/workshop. Enter code "WS-461" to receive a free bag with orders over $50.

Fall Photo Walkabout Set for October 16 on Hilton Head Island

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Crotty) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:05:00 +0000

October 16 2011 Photo Walkabout Workshop by Jim Crotty, originally uploaded by jimcrotty.com.

Join local professional photographer Jim Crotty on a photo excursion to Mitchellville Beach Park on Hilton Head Island. Jim will be guiding a small group and providing field instruction on the basics of nature photography with the DSLR camera. Learning to see as an artist, setting-up the shot, composing with natural elements, best camera settings and equipment for outdoor photography - a few of the topics Jim will discuss as leads the group in exploring a variety of subjects, from macro nature to wildlife to skyscapes. Jim will also be demonstrating best techniques for beach portraits. Workshop fee is $20 per person. Limited space. To register email jim@jimcrotty.com or call 843-842-9200.

Welcoming the Arrival of Autumn

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Crotty) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:25:00 +0000

Samhain- the Gaelic term for the fall season. Autumn. So beautiful it's the only season with two names. My favorite time of year, when the light goes gold and sky is set afire with brilliant hues of orange, red and purple. The "in-between" time when the veil between the temporal/seen and the spiritual/unseen is at its thinnest. Glorious autumn. Welcome !

Only Five Openings Remain | Return to the Hills Fall Photography Workshop by Jim Crotty

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Crotty) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:40:00 +0000

Return to the Hills Fall Photography Workshop by Jim Crotty, originally uploaded by jimcrotty.com.

As of 9-6-11 there are only five openings remaining for the October 21-23 fall photography workshop in Hocking Hills. Should be a lot of fun. I'll be guided the group to my favorite locations within the Park for nature and landscape photography. One of the topics to be explored will be learning to see as an artist for the abstract within nature subjects.

Beach Portraits on Hilton Head Island

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Crotty) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 12:53:00 +0000

One of the many benefits of having a studio on Hilton Head is easy access to one of the best outdoor locations for portrait photography - the beach ! What makes the beach on Hilton Head particularly appealing for portraits of families, couple and children are the natural sand dunes and natural accents and backgrounds provided by flowing sea grass and palmetto. The following are some of the images from a recent portrait session with a family vacationing on Hilton Head. Brian, Tracy and Anna were referred by a friend and previous client of mine back in Dayton, Ohio. For more information on beach portrait photography on Hilton Head please email me or call 843-842-9200.

Old Favorite | It's What Moves You

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Crotty) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 11:12:00 +0000

Old Favorite, originally uploaded by jimcrotty.com.

Not many people react to this image but for me it's special. Something about the light that was coming through that old church on that day in spring, several years ago during a photo outing in Cade's Cove. For me it communicates the lingering spirit of the place through texture and shadow. Something remains and as a photographer I am thankful for the opportunity to tell its' story.

Light for Portrait Photography | The Big Difference

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Crotty) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 17:28:00 +0000

Harbor Town Portrait Photography by Jim Crotty, originally uploaded by jimcrotty.com.

Last week I was providing a lesson on location for two local photographers here on Hilton Head Island. They wanted to know more about lighting for outdoor portraits. We chose Harbor Town (which was packed with the summer tourist crowd) as our location. My model was my daughter, Emma.

The two images clearly show the difference when it comes to lighting, not only with the source of the light but in time of day as well. The first images was lit using a on-camera flash - in this case the Canon 580ex, with a diffuser. It's nice but it lacks the dramatic effect of a professional portrait at sunset. Next I used the same camera but with the light source off to the side. In this case the light was from an Alien Bees 800 strobe, powered by the AB Vagabond portable battery by Lightgear USA. The light was diffused through an attached translucent umbrella. The only thing I may have changed was to provide a reflector on the other side to fill-in the shadows just a touch on the right side of Emma but the improvement in the quality of the light is clearly evident.

Another lesson is time of day. There was perhaps 20 minutes between the time of the first and second image. Notice how much the light and color had changed in the background. Outdoor portraits in the summer - especially here in South Carolina - are always going to be best right at sunset and even better for a good half hour afterwards. The key is to provide and direct additional light that is evenly diffused and soft on the subject.

Via Flickr:
Outdoor portrait photography by Jim Crotty on Hilton Head Island noting differences with light as to time and light sources

October at Rose Lake | Autumn Workshop in Hocking Hills

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Crotty) — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 18:09:00 +0000

October at Rose Lake, originally uploaded by jimcrotty.com.

I'm currently working on the details on a weekend photography workshop at The Inn at Cedar Falls in Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio, either in mid-October or early November. I will be guiding and leading a group of no more than 20 photographers to my favorite locations for fall nature and landscape photography in Hocking as well as providing in-depth instruction on digital editing and workflow. Please email me if you would like to be added to my first to notify list for the details and date, which should be released within the next couple of weeks.

An Infinitely Greater World | Ansel Adams's Epiphany

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Crotty) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 18:14:00 +0000

I know what this feels like. I've been there. Several times. In that moment of powerful epiphany brought on by the overwhelming silence of near-perfect light. Once in a moment such as that a switch within the soul is turned on. Nothing can ever turn it back off.

Listen to Ansel Adams's own words between the 2:18 and 3:00 minute marks and you will hear the echoes of what it feels like to become completely lost within something far greater than the self while at the same time arriving where you were always meant to be.

What Attracts the Eye

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Crotty) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 16:56:00 +0000

It's interesting to place these two images near each other and notice the common visual element found within each composition. Here are two photographs from entirely different areas of the country - one being the Hocking Hills of Southeastern Ohio; the other deep in Lower Antelope Canyon on the arid, dramatic landscape of the Colorado Plateau in Northern Arizona.

Beauty in nature and landscape is not the sole possession of exotic, far away locations. The truth is that it resides within the visual artist and is discovered in small tones and a still, calm voice no matter where he or she travels, or travels not at all !

Moving-In | Progress with New Studio and Gallery on Hilton Head

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Crotty) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 13:48:00 +0000

Over the last couple of days I've been gathering and relocating all of my photo biz materials (prints, bins, office furniture, computer gear, lights and light stands, soft boxes, etc.) to my new photography studio and gallery, located @ The Village Exchange on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The official address is 32 Palmetto Bay Road, #3A.

As you can see by the images included with this post the renovations are nearly complete. The final walk-through inspection was approved and now I'm just waiting on the fixtures for the track lighting, vinyl lettering on my door window and sign. Once the Town of Hilton Head receives notification of my occupancy permit I will have my local vendor's license and then I can schedule a grand opening. What's really special is that my daughters Emma and Chloe will be here with me for that grand opening. It will be cool to have them help me plan and present the opening event.

For the last 10 years the space served as a location for a hair salon, so naturally some renovations and updates were needed. I wasn't originally planning on a new wood floor but now that it's in place I couldn't possibly see how carpet would have worked with what I have in mind for this location.

Mike Halley of MH Construction, Inc., here on Hilton Head, has done an excellent job. I'm very pleased and thankful - thankful to have this opportunity to present my photography in such a great location. I'm blessed.

The Dimming of the Day | Primordial Peace at Dusk

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Crotty) — Sat, 28 May 2011 14:56:00 +0000

The Dimming of the Day, a set on Flickr.
Via Flickr:
I'm blessed and fortunate to have such beautiful scenes to photograph, literally right outside my backdoor. What the Carolina Low Country lacks in visually dramatic topography, such as hills and mountains, it more than makes up for it with hauntingly beautiful sunsets over the wide expanse of estuaries and tidelands. Where land meets sea there's a primordial energy that entraps and entrances the creative soul. The experience here at sunset and dusk goes beyond the mere visual aesthetics of a well-composed landscape. The lingering light of the setting sun and the softness that follows ebbs gently from the tiniest of details of life in the marshland. From the curving shadows and faint hues of sea grass in moonlight to the weathered texture of the old wood on the dock to the toothy smile of exposed oyster beds at low tide. Life slows to an almost standstill at this time of day and to those who notice, the early evening sky becomes almost like a prayer set to light, shape and color. Just before the appearance of night's first stars a final farewell comes in the calls of gull, heron and egret on the flight of their evening commute to rest and roost.

Happening | New Photography Studio and Gallery on Hilton Head Island

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Crotty) — Tue, 17 May 2011 14:01:00 +0000

I'm very happy to announce that the remodel work is officially underway on my new studio and gallery space, located at The Village Exchange shopping area on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Posted here are some pre-remodel and initial progress images. My target for a grand opening and reception will be during the first week of June.

Within this space I will be showing and offering for sale select fine art prints from my growing collection of nature and landscape photography and presenting small group workshops and lessons on nature photography and digital imaging. I will also be providing studio and location portrait photography services for individuals, families and high school seniors. It was from my work with portrait photography whereby I earned my Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) designation through the Professional Photographers of America, while managing my photography business in Dayton, Ohio.

Additionally I'm considering including the work of other local artists, representing complimentary mediums of nature and local themed art. My goal is to enhance the overall presentation within the gallery beyond my prints of nature and landscape images.

I intend to provide a browsing and shopping experience that is welcoming, peaceful and pleasing for the senses - facilitating the fusion of artist, creative vision and art admirer based on a shared passion for the calming beauty of nature and subject, both in detail and on the landscape.

My goal for a grand opening reception is sometime within the first week of June. Please check back often, either on this blog or by way of Photography by Jim Crotty on Facebook, as I will be posting additional images as progress continues on the studio and gallery here on Hilton Head.

More than just being happy with this next step in my career as a photographer and artist, I am indeed blessed beyond measure. Not only due to the opportunity to pursue my passion but perhaps more so for the opportunity to share my visual discoveries and photographs with others, in presenting my images and through teaching and encouraging the art of photography.

Possibilities and the Power of Gratitude

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Crotty) — Tue, 10 May 2011 23:40:00 +0000

Possibilities, originally uploaded by jimcrotty.com.

With this image, posted on my flickr page, I included a quote from St. Francis of Assisi: "Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible."

The scene is the setting sun beyond the Cross Island Bridge, spanning Broad Creek on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The moment was this past Saturday evening, while bringing my boat (something I never thought previously of owning let alone operating).The frame of mind was - and still is - one of thankfulness and gratitude.

The opportunity to live in a place where there is so much natural beauty and the added blessing of being able to record and capture all the wonderful nature that's just outside my door with camera and lens. And now to be just a couple of weeks away from opening a new photography studio and gallery.

It's funny how much can happen in a relatively short amount of time when we learn to let go of what it was that we've been fighting for so long, coming to the realization that the only person who holds us back, knocks us down and places limits on what we can achieve lies within us.

The power of gratitude. The discovery of grace. Peace in knowing what it is to forgive but more importantly, to be forgiven.

This is why there is much more to my nature photography than just pretty pictures.

Look closely and sometimes you see something of the photographer - the artist - that was there all along, waiting for the storm to subside. Something that goes beyond light, subject and composition.

Dusk on Broad Creek

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Crotty) — Sun, 01 May 2011 13:49:00 +0000

Sunset and nightfall along Broad Creek on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The end of April 2011.

Nature Photographer's Paradise

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Crotty) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 11:59:00 +0000

I recently relocated to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina from Dayton, Ohio. I had been visiting Hilton Head since 1980. I've also lived previously in North Charleston. The Low Country of South Carolina has always been a part of my life, primarily because of the natural beauty and unique character of the area. Hilton Head is widely known as a "golf/resort destination." It's labeled as a high $$ tourist area. This is unfortunate because what truly makes this area special is the natural, scenic beauty of the coast, marshlands and maritime forests. It's a nature photographer's dream come true, particularly in light of the fact that there is an incredible variety of wildlife. The coastal islands offer some of the best wildlife refuge areas to be found in the United States.

The skyscapes at sunrise and sunset are absolutely incredible, particularly in autumn and spring. The beach along Hilton Head actually faces southeast, providing some impressive, angled light during both morning and evening from autumn through spring.

What surprises me most is how this area is relatively overlooked by professional nature and landscape photographers. Not anymore. My goal is to become one of the preeminent nature and landscape photographers of the Low Country, building on my successes while living and working in Ohio.

Please be sure to visit and "like" the new Facebook page for Photography by Jim Crotty. Thank you !

Travel Photography with a Point-n-Shoot Camera

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Crotty) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 12:20:00 +0000

Last week was a spring break trip to Florida with my daughters, ages nine and 11. From Busch Gardens in Tampa to the Universal Parks in Orlando to an historic hotel in St. Petersburg, we had a very busy - but quite fun- week together. Because my time with my girls is limited and I like to make the best of it, I try (emphasis on try) to take a break from photography. Sure, there are lots of pics of them at the places we visit taken with my ever-present iPhone, but I don't haul along all my usual gear such as DSLR camera bodies, lenses, tripod, etc. that are the mainstay when I'm out on photo excursions by myself. Too much. Gets in the way.

But still I can't help seeing so many beautiful subjects in wonderful light that call for a camera with capabilities beyond the cell phone. This is where a good digital "point-n-shoot" comes in handy. My choice is the Canon PowerShot SX1. Here I have a portable, lightweight camera with a powerful zoom lens, macro setting, raw file format and the capability to shoot in manual or aperture priority modes with both evaluative and spot metering, not to mention impressive HD video. All in a package that is small, compact and easy to carry just about anywhere. Enough features and capabilities to keep the ever-present photographic artist within me happy while not getting in the way from sharing experiences and having a great time with my daughters.

Time for Me to Fly

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Crotty) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 20:26:00 +0000

In March 2003 I began Picture Ohio, LLC as my full-time practice in both professional assignment and fine art print photography. Since that time I've expanded my services to include family and senior portraits, stock image licensing and most recently, local and destination photography workshops here in Ohio.

I've been immensely blessed with many rewarding experiences and wonderful clients, from editorial to corporate to educational institutions to non-profit organizations to the great people I've met through my workshops. I am so fortunate to be able to pursue my passion for both photography and teaching photography in the area where I grew-up - Dayton, Ohio - and coming to know and love the natural beauty of my home state and the unique light of Ohio's four distinct seasons. I am grateful to all those who have supported my photographic endeavors and followed my work over the years. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

But now the time has come for a change. At 46 years of age I've come to know and appreciate the fact that whenever we become too comfortable in our routines, and more and more the results of our efforts produce diminishing returns, then it's a good idea to push one self and take to the road again, expanding horizons and re-energizing the creative and growth processes through new opportunities and surroundings.

As of April 1, 2011 I will officially be a resident of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The Carolina "Low Country" has always played an important role in my life, since first visiting Hilton Head during my high school years in the early 80's to three months during the summer of '83 at MCRD Parris Island to the year I lived and worked in Charleston, from '96 to '97. The natural beauty of the tidelands is something that takes a firm hold within the creative spirit of artists and writers and is hard to resist. The closeness and intimacy with the nature and wildlife of the coastal marshlands, maritime forests and beaches has an allure that becomes more and more difficult to resist with each passing - albeit quite slowly - Ohio winter.

There are a number of personal reasons for my move as well. Most recent was the health scare I experienced last October with what the cardiologist described as a "small heart attack." That was the final wake-up call to get myself to an environment that is healthier - physically, mentally and emotionally, not only for me but for my daughters as well. There's also the fact that this move helps support what I've come to value just as much as the time I have available to be with my daughters, that being the peace that can only come from the love of family. Although I'm grateful for the opportunities that I've had to grow my photography practice in Dayton, there's been some other unusual "obstacles" and challenges that have taken their toll.

There's no doubt I will miss my favorite local MetroParks - Cox and Sugarcreek - and of course, Hocking Hills State Park. But I will be back, perhaps to present a workshop or two. I'll miss all the great friends I've made through my photography including my regulars at my workshops, local creative associations such as the Dayton Creative Syndicate, corporate clients, editorial contacts with regional publications and fellow photographers through my involvement with Professional Photographers of Ohio.

I'm looking forward to all the new friends, clients, workshop attendees and art gallery owners on and near Hilton Head Island (who just might like having some Ohio landscape prints displayed to mix things up a bit).

I'm excited. My daughters are excited. I'm energized and optimistic about this new adventure and chapter in my life. Calmphotos.com will continue, so be sure to check-in once in a while or subscribe to the RSS feed for news on my photography in the "Light of the Low Country."

Wildlife Photography and Connecting with the Subject

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Crotty) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 12:27:00 +0000

For photography of wildlife it's essential that the photographer place the point of emphasis - the point of focus - on the subject's eyes. I recently had an opportunity to do some bird photography while visiting Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge on the coast of South Carolina. The location is ideal for anyone who loves wildlife photography. Raptors, waders and songbirds - this area of South Carolina offers it all as well as other wildlife subjects.

For this type of photography I prefer using a set-up that includes a Canon 1D Mark III camera body matched with a Canon 500mm f4.5 and 1.4x teleconverter. Also, the Kirk King Cobra head and a Bogen monopod. It's also a good idea to be able to "throw" a bit of extra light on the subject. In the video I'm using a Canon 550ex Speedlite but without the Better Beamer attachment, which I do recommend. I had forgotten to pack it before leaving for my trip down south.

An important consideration when photographing wildlife is to ALWAYS respect the subject. Hence the advantage of shooting with "big glass."