Composition

The composition of a photograph is critical to its success.  The rule of thirds can be called on numerous times, but even with that guide, composition must continuously move the eye all around the image.  No dead space.  Empty space is quite different.  Empty or possibly negative space can stimulate the eye to seek detail.  In this image I tried for a non-symmetrical symmetry.  All the elements are just the slightest bit "off."  The three larger peaks above the doors are not exactly centered and one has a small branch over it.  The six windows are not perfectly equally aligned.  Just a little off center.  I think it creates a better composition to have the sightest (or perhaps larger) variations.  Do you? www.ellenfisch.com

Church: NYC

Art genre: black and white architectural detail/art photograph

Photography tip: Use symmetry and add interest within its constructs.

Location: Chelsea, NYC

Repeating Forms

Often elaborate architectural details seem to be ornate for the sake of detail.  In other words, craftsmen add & add & add more & more to the decorated space.  It would be like adding 2" of frosting to a wafer cookie or yards of necklace, bracelets, rings to an already multi-patterned garment.  Yet highly carved and detailed architectural ornamentation, crafted at a time when such work was prized, was frequently plotted geometrically within repeating forms.  Notice the circles, rectangles and how exquisitely the carvings complement these basic shapes.  There is nothing random about the design of the ceiling which is plotted in its elaborateness on essential forms. www.ellenfisch.com

Sepia Ceiling Detail

Art genre: sepia architectural detail/art photograph

Complementary decor: Rococo, Gothic, Romanesque, Eclectic, Modern 

Photography tip: Look for basic forms and frame them.

Location: Austria

May All Your...

Wishing you all a Season filled with Peace, Light and Hope.  May Happiness and Good Cheer pour into every corner and Health be yours.  2013 will be the year best yet!

Vienna: 2009

You Never Know

New sights are everywhere, no matter how familiar the territory.  Many times I have walked down certain streets in Manhattan, especially midtown, and been distracted by a shop window or person passing by.  Then, one day, I am amazed to see architectural embellishments that I never noticed.  Perhaps these gargoyles noticed me......rushing down the street.  Amazing stonework.  The perfection of the placements creates overall design that is miraculous.  How truly dedicated to form and design were the creators of this midtown, NYC building.

Art genre: black & white architectural detail/art photograph

Complimentary decor: Rococo, Gothic, Romanesque, Eclectic 

Photography tip: Continue to look at familiar places for subject matter.  You never know.......

Location: Midtown, Manhattan

A Great Honor

Wednesday evening I had the great honor of being elected as a Governor of the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New York.  The General Society has been an institution in NYC since 1785 when several tradesmen initiated an organization to help trades-people and their families during times of need.  Today, the General Society hosts a magnificent library and a tuition free school: the Mechanics Institute where students can receive an education that is unparallelled in such subjects as preservation, HVAC and Electrical Technology.  The John M. Mossman Lock Collection Museum and the  marvelous Artisan Lecture Series are also a part of the General Society which offers much to make NYC the great city it is.

Rockville Centre Revisited

I am delighted and proud to be exhibiting my architectural/ art photography at the Rockville Centre Library.  This is my second series of Rockville Centre photographs. The exhibition, "Rockville Centre Revisited" will be on view until December 29.  To see the wonderful architecture and the charming village of Rockville Centre please visit this link: http://www.ellenfisch.com/rockville.html
For more information about the exhibit visit: http://www.ellenfisch.com/exhibitions.html