D'Arcy Evans Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (D'Arcy) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 13:56:00 +0000

I saw this bright red building in Memphis, Tn. The bright light made the red that much more vibrant. The shot was simple; start with the subject then work the composition around it. The brass door handle, green weeds and lettering all work nicely together to create the "pop" I was looking for. Together with the colors is the "flow of the items". I think the image works well and is in harmony.

The Road Runner

noreply@blogger.com (D'Arcy) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 13:31:00 +0000

I'd see this sculpture of a Road Runner at a rest area high above Los Cruces, NM. There never seemed to be time to stop and see what it was all about. I kept saying "next time". Next time finally came, sometimes you have to simply make the time! The sculpture is actually discarded highway debris! Tires, running shoes, garbage really; all encased in wire mesh and proudly displayed for all to see.

New Lab Service

noreply@blogger.com (D'Arcy) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:01:00 +0000

I remember the day when after a shoot, you'd bundle your film, fill out each envelope (fill it out correctly least the lab screws things up) and ship it off to the lab. After about a week voila you got your proofs back.
Then you had to sort through them discard the junk, stamp proof on the back, and your copyright. OK now your ready to contact the customer have them pick them up and wonder if you ever see them or your proofs again. It's no wonder photographers were in a bad mood!
Things are much easier today, after the shoot, you process your own images in your digital darkroom (who misses those smelly chemicals)?
Here's the really cool part - you upload your images to your lab, create an online ordering system for your customer, they log in order what they want, the lab process the order collect the fees and ship. When all is said and done the lab sends your cut (in about a month because all work is guaranteed for 30 days).
I like the layout I've created for mine. Let me know what you think.
www.backprint.com/darcy

- Posted from my iPhone

iPhone Art

noreply@blogger.com (D'Arcy) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:23:00 +0000

Ok I know there are a lot of kick ass digital camera's out there, I'm very find of my Nikon.
But what about the smart phones? Sure why not, no the quality is not as good but their fast and easy and some of the apps make editing a snap.
The way I see it when your creative juices are running low and you don't feel like pulling out your big dollar gear, have at it with the phone.
BTW the new iPhone 4 has a resolution of 8mp, not bad!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

What makes an image great!

noreply@blogger.com (D'Arcy) — Sat, 29 May 2010 20:23:00 +0000

I wonder; As our equipment becomes more advanced how many of us get lazy, you know set that bad boy to auto and fire away at a blinding 10 fps. I mean it's natural isn't it? We can sort through the rubbish later on our desktop and perhaps find our jewel. I was as guilty as the rest, it wasn't until I ventured back to film that I had to be more conservative and again began to think before I fired.

I began again my love affair with the medium, now it's personal again - I like to think of it as art. As I ponder this concept of thinking before shooting I realize there are considerations that one must be make before one clicks the shutter....

What is it about the image that caught your eye in the first place?
What will best suit the image - colour or b/w?
How does the light look (remember photography means painting with light)?
Will you need a filter? (neutral density, graduated grey, colour balance, polarizer) etc.
How will you place the subject within the frame? (composition)
Have you considered depth of field? (that which is in focus vs out of focus)
How about camera angle (remember to look at your subject from different angles)
Is your camera on a tripod? (a good habit to be in - it does make a differance)
Do you use a cable release? (reduces camera vibration - as does locking up the mirror if possible)

A friend once told me I had an eye for photography. I don't, I have a passion and thus the desire to create something that pleases me first. If others like that which I have created then I'm flattered but I must first satisfy myself. The bullet points listed above are basic considerations I make on most of my images, only when I get lazy do I realize there will be little worth looking at when I get my film back!

Frosted Maple

noreply@blogger.com (D'Arcy) — Mon, 24 May 2010 17:32:00 +0000

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Dion Burns

noreply@blogger.com (D'Arcy) — Mon, 24 May 2010 17:28:00 +0000

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Big Sky - Montana

noreply@blogger.com (D'Arcy) — Mon, 24 May 2010 17:20:00 +0000

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Wild Horse Lookout - Washington

noreply@blogger.com (D'Arcy) — Mon, 24 May 2010 16:47:00 +0000

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Milkweed

noreply@blogger.com (D'Arcy) — Mon, 24 May 2010 16:37:00 +0000

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Let Me Out!

noreply@blogger.com (D'Arcy) — Mon, 24 May 2010 16:29:00 +0000

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Beale Street - Memphis

noreply@blogger.com (D'Arcy) — Mon, 24 May 2010 16:00:00 +0000

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Western Utah

noreply@blogger.com (D'Arcy) — Mon, 24 May 2010 15:45:00 +0000

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Hasselblad 500cm

noreply@blogger.com (D'Arcy) — Fri, 15 May 2009 14:34:00 +0000

Back to Basics

noreply@blogger.com (D'Arcy) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:13:00 +0000

I hate to admit it but I like so many people got caught up in the (new fad) of digital photography. don't get me wrong I think its great, problem is it can shut down your creative process if you let it. what does this mean>
With even the high quality digital cameras there is very little thinking involved, we get all caught up in the pixel process and we for get to advance our skill as creators. Its easy to simply point and shoot - seems that quantity prevails and quality is a hit and miss reality.
I remember long the thrill of creating a picture that "worked", I had a pretty good idea of why it worked when I made it. I was concerned with such things as shutter speed, depth of field and of course composition. I don't have the same thrill, not because I've lost the passion but I think because I've gotten into the point and shoot mentality.
The Solution
I've gone back to the basics, I've acquired enough skill over the years (wisdom too I believe) to create wonderful images if only I slow down and take the time to think about each exposure (don't hear that very often any more).
I've always considered the Hasselblad 500CM, an amazing camera with superior quality elements. I believe if you can't make a good picture with a Hasselblad - its you; not the camera!
So my journey continues, over the past few months I've been busy hunting down all I feel I need as far as equipment goes to create the images I know I'm capable of. I've looked at images I've made with a Hasselblad decades ago and although Nikon digital is a fine camera with great optics, I feel it just can't compete with the Zeiss optics.
The Film
An apparent sign of the times - I went into a Wolf camera yesterday to check out their supply of 120 medium format film, I didn't think they would have a large selection but I figured it would be more convenient than ordering online. The guy looked at me like I was from another planet - he had no idea what medium format film was, I would have expected this response form the photo department at Walmart but not from a large photo retailer like Wolf Camera. I guess its back to online!
Anyway as I immerse myself back into this medium I have decided to go right back to the beginning with the best film I've had the pleasure to use. TMAX 100, This film provides super fine grain and wonderful shades of gray from deep black to bright white and the larger size 6cm X 6cm is very exciting.
Mixing The Old And New
I'm not a fan of the dark room nor do I enjoy the smell of chemicals, but yet I want to be involved in the final process of image manipulation - the solution; I've found a lab that will process the negatives and scan them to disc. I don't know what to expect as far a quality goes but I'm confident that aspect of technology will serve me well. I'll be able to manipulate the scanned image and when I'm satisfied upload it to the lab for printing. I'm curious to see how it all works out. I'll post the new images on my website .

Buy it on Ebay!

noreply@blogger.com (D'Arcy) — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 14:39:00 +0000

Camera equipment is expensive - some of it is very expensive! I've been an Ebay shopper for a few years now. I've come to understand a few things that I'd like to share with you. This information is from my experience only and should not be taken as gospel.

Key points regarding the purchase of equipment used in photography to include the likes of scanners, cameras, tripods ect.

1. Generally those that have had and used high end equipment will have maintained and taken good care of it. I believe this to be true in that camera equipment is a tool for photographers although they endure some abuse they must be cared for. They are delicate pieces of equipment, manufactures understand that that their pro "tools" will be abused somewhat and I believe they work to provide quality products for that market.

2. Camera equipment is changing rapidly. There will always be those that have more money than brains - those are the folks that feel they need to have the latest and the greatest. This form of snobbery will work in your favor. Let then absorb the loss on buying new equipment. many times they will liquidate the "old stuff" and roll that cash into the new. Problem for them is they may lose up to half the cost they paid in the first place. In other words you may get a $2000.00 Nikon for $800.00. How cool is that!

3. Know the value! Don't get all caught u[p in the bidding process. Watch what other pieces of identical equipment has sold for. now you have an idea of a fair price for what your after. Decide to pay only so much and DON'T waver from that, if your patient there is a good chance you'll get what you want at your price (be realistic).

4. Study the sellers rating! If this person has sold other items their customers will rate the experience. Take the time to check that rating. What do others say about this person, are they slow to ship, are they honest in their description of the item. You can make an informed decision by reading the comments of others. Remember a bad rating can be the death of an Ebay seller, they must satisfy their customers or they are gone - its that simple!

5. Ask questions. If you are concerned about an aspect of the item you can ask the seller questions, they'll respond hoping to make a sale, you take it from there!

6. Buy insurance! I'm thoroughly disgusted with UPS, seems everything I receive shipped using their service is either lost or damaged in some way. I avoid them like the plague! My first choice is DHL then Fed-Ex then the Priority Post with the Postal service. Insurance will cost you a few bucks but its worth it! Also make sure your package can be tracked, its nice to know when you can expect delivery!

7. Watch shipping charges! Some sellers will offer a great deal then hit you with ridicules shipping charges, again look to see what others a re charging to ship comparable pieces. remember not all equipment purchased is thousand dollar cameras. You may need a flash drive or a specific filter or memory card. Heck you can even buy lots of fresh slide film for your old SLR.

8. Read between the lines. What does this mean?? Well, look at the add and try to form an opinion about the piece being offered. Let me explain a situation I experienced.
I was looking for a Manfrotto 3001 tripod. Retail for a new one with a head was about $147.00. I decided to pay no more than than $80.00 for one that I would need to decide was in excellent condition. I had bid unsuccessfully on probably 6 or 7 until I found on that was listed that caught my eye. Here's why. The listing included the original bow (who keeps the box)? The pictures of the item were poor but the listing said it was in good condition. there was little action on the bidding so I jumped in at $55.00. I ended up winning to bid, I suspect because others couldn't see the item very well due to the picture (there was only one).
The item I received in timely fashion and in good condition (USPS - insured). It is like new! I was ecstatic. I had taken the time to make an informed decision and it paid off!

I hope this information helps, if you have more questions let me know I do my best to answer them.

Holiday Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (D'Arcy) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 13:48:00 +0000

Well its that time of year again! I thought I'd share a few ideas that will perhaps make this year just a little more memorable.

As we get ready for Christmas lets remember what the season is really about - I understand that retailers are concerned with their bottom line, its hard to get through the day and not be hammered with all the adds telling us to buy. Christmas is more than that, for those of us that are lucky (or blessed) enough to be amongst family and loved ones at this blessed time of year than that in itself is a truly wonderful gift.

Now having said that lets get ready to take some pictures! Hows the batteries? make sure you have a good selection and if their rechargeable then make sure their charged. Before we get into subject matter and perhaps a little technique lets remember that the holidays don't start on December 25. There are lots of things going on now that will add to your collection of memories as the years go by. Here are a few ideas...

Here in Marion, the Court House is well lit with Christmas lights, they have trees on the grounds that are also lit in the evening. Get the family together and use the area as a background for some Christmas portraits. You can also try some unusual angles and perhaps selective focus for the trees and lights - play, that's what photography is about, if you are using a digital camera you need not worry about the cost of film! Remember that in the evening the light will be low, it would be a good idea to use a tripod or make sure you have some way to brace your camera. If you can you may be able to change your iso (film speed) 600 - to 1000 would be good for hand held. I have a picture on my website called "The Gathering" it was done for the Chamber of Commerce, I used the Court House as a background and allowed the people to move around freely. Because I had used a slow shutter speed the people showed movement but naturally the building is sharply in focus - a cool technique you can try.

This is naturally just one idea, here are a few more...

Family arriving for the holidays, Christmas plays at school, Christmas parties at work, putting up decorations, your neighbors and their homes, shoppers with their parcels, Church functions, preparing dinner, kids as they first see the tree Christmas morning, you get the idea, it all is up to you, the memories you create now will last a lifetime. Just make sure your prepared, batteries charged, if you use film how is your supply, is your camera lens cleaned (always remember to remove your batteries if your camera will not be used for several months - the batteries will leak).

There are a few simple rules for better Holiday pictures but guess what we've already covered them - just be ready, use your imagination and fire away and remember don't cut off Aunt Millies head!

Merry Christmas everyone, from my home to yours!

D'Arcy and Ingrid and the boys.

New To MySpace

noreply@blogger.com (D'Arcy) — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 09:49:00 +0000

I now have an account at MySpace, if you don't have one you should look into it. It was a snap to put together and I enjoy meeting new people and building my business through that avenue. I've added two slide show presentations of my work over the years.
I've added a link at the bottom of the page, if you now have a MySpace account add me to your list of friends if you don't yet have an account - look into it I think you may enjoy it! Myspace Page

Digital Age - Two Thumbs Up!

noreply@blogger.com (D'Arcy) — Sat, 26 May 2007 01:35:00 +0000

I can develop and print my own pictures - the old fashioned way in the dark room complete with foul smelling chemicals and groping around in the dark trying to load a roll of film on a spool. With today's technology we no longer have to endure trying to get it right in the dark room. If you want to try something different with a computer you can and you won't incur the cost of wasted paper and or chemicals that have to be harmful.
I used to send negatives to a custom lab and try to explain to them what I wanted done - burn here dodge there -not too much now. today we can manipulate the image as we please and we're provided much more freedom to experiment. The interesting thing about all this however is you still have to start with a decent image, one that has been well composed and properly exposed, with media cards you can create thousands of images and just keep the ones you want.

The Art Of Seeing

noreply@blogger.com (D'Arcy) — Sat, 26 May 2007 01:17:00 +0000

When I first got started in photography in the late 1970's I used to carry around with me a 5X7 mat board with a 4X5 opening cut out. I would hold up the cut out and "compose" several scenes. I would use different composition techniques to practice the art of seeing. Once you learn to deal with composition and if you can train your eye to view a scene with the fore ground or back ground out of focus you can develop a keen sense of seeing as an artist. Its important to first utilize the basic camera skills, in other words take the darn thing off automatic. you need to understand why one picture is better than another and how the photographer achieved his objective. Look at the pictures to the right I have included different basic techniques which will be discussed later. Can you identify what I was doing and why? How would you do it differently? As you become more involved with the craft you will soon learn there is no perfection - you will always be growing, learning, evolving. It all begins with one learning first to see. Mother was right - take time to smell the roses, take a good look at the world around you, the images you make will depict your opinion of that world! Will your world be one of beauty or will it be cynical and cold, the choice is yours beware however the power of the camera!

Having An Eye

noreply@blogger.com (D'Arcy) — Fri, 25 May 2007 19:40:00 +0000

I remember someone saying a long time ago "Boy DArcy you sure have an eye for photography". I think I was flattered but as I've gotten older I realise that rather than haveing an eye I simply dove into the whole thing. I would read everything I could find (I still have hundreds of issues of major photographic magizines. I remember working on a specific subject matter (depth of field for instance) until I was happy with my understanding of it. I believe that first you have an interest then you develop the passion.

Ataining Success In Photography

noreply@blogger.com (D'Arcy) — Tue, 22 May 2007 22:52:00 +0000

There have been times when I got side tracked, when making money was what it was all about. I became involved in photography not because if thought I'd get rich but because I was passionate about all things photography. I've learned over the years to be true to myself, to not sell out, to only make the pictures that I wanted to make for the reasons I wanted to make them. As far as success goes; I don't know I had no expectations no visions of grandeur, I simply loved making pictures - sales and admiration simply fueled the flames. The mark-up on a photographers work is ridiculous, a $3.00 8X10 will sell for $25.00 easy. No wonder the public is buying up digital camera's and thumbing their noses at the "pro". Do I think that a Photographer is not worth such rates - depends on the quality of work and if the public is willing to pay it. As for me I get a bigger kick out of selling a souvenir magnet to a lady in Japan or a sweat shirt of an image I made in Oregon to someone in Ohio. These people paid good money for work that I did, the image had to stand on its own, there was no fancy selling techniques. I did and do want to be the best that I can be for me, this is a business that is continually evolving. It's funny that after 25 years when I have the camera set on the tripod I still become engrossed in the image and loose all track of time and place.
I guess in the grand scheme of things I have been successful, the passion is still there, I have visitors to my website from all over the world. My images have been purchased by customers from many different countries. I guess that's the natural progression of things - if your passionate about anything in life you simply gravitate in that direction.

Don't take yourself too seriously!

noreply@blogger.com (D'Arcy) — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 11:01:00 +0000

I've run into many photographers over the years, I'm still looking for one that seems to be down to earth. There is a certain smugness about this profession - bottom line, I don't care how many degrees you have, face it your just a dude with a camera. Even the greats like Ansel Adams or the Yoseph Karsh didn't seem to have the ego of some of the fellows I've bumped into over the years. I've always tried to remain humble, my motto is simple - If you've hired me to do a job, I'll do my best, if I screw it up I'll try to fix it. If I'm making pictures for myself to market to the public and you approve I'm grateful for your admiration and appreciate your support. That's it, I know there are many photographers far more talented than me, I don't belong to any affiliate photographers club, I have no degree in photography and I don't enter competitions. As I get older I accept less assignments and spend more time doing my own thing, Its a freedom I've always enjoyed - never will I allow photography to become a JOB.

I Failed Art Class

noreply@blogger.com (D'Arcy) — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 10:50:00 +0000

I can't sing, never could hit a note. I can't dance - two left feet, I can't even draw an apple to look like an apple. I even failed art class in grade 10. (poetic justice - that art teacher approached me 15 years later to inquire if he could hang his art in my art galllery, and it should be noted I had a very attractive blonde sitting on either side of me)! My artist talent has been challenged to be sure, but I developed a passion for photography, a passion that burned so brightly I was and to some extent still absorbed. This all when taking a photography class in high school, I remember the experience of learning about f-stop depth of field and so on. The experience in the dark room was mesmerizing! I was hooked!