Some Color

Although I present mostly black and white and sepia photographs, I always shoot in color (RGB).  The range of tones in color is far greater than you get when taking photos in black and white in the camera.  Later, in post production, I convert color shots to black and white and sepia primarily in Photoshop, although I sometimes use other applications. For my own architectural art photography, I think that colors distract from the architecture I showcase in my images.  A monochromatic photograph allows the viewer to focus mainly on subject.  Once in a while I feel that the color photograph is so expressive that I leave it alone.  Such was the case with this doorway on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.  All the colors seemed perfectly integrated and complimented the architecture marvelously. www.ellenfisch.com

Art genre: color architectural /art photograph

Complimentary decor: Traditional, Classical,  Mission, Eclectic 

Photography tip: Shoot in RGB for a greater tonal range.  Then, in Photoshop (or other application, such as Lightroom) convert to B&W. Later still sepia if it appeals to you.

Location:Upper East Side: Manhattan

Influences: Robert Mapplethorpe

Robert Mapplethorpe had a exceptional eye.  He saw marvelous contrasts and form.  These essential principles of all arts are pervasive in Mapplethorpe's photography.  Mapplethorpe is well known for his male and female nude studies.  He also acquired a great following for his celebrity portraits of artists, socialites and individuals who defined the 1970's "scene" in NYC.  Forever, Mapplethorpe will be associated with an era that poured forth revolutionary and exciting art; however, the photographer produced timeless images of great beauty.  Mapplethorpe's flowers are reflections of the sensitivity and aesthetic Mapplethorpe gave to his stunning works.
I long have admired and learned from Robert Mapplethorpe's photography.  His ability to juxtapose darks and lights with form is a continuing reference for me.  I was extremely proud and delighted when, at one of my exhibitions in which I included my photographs of flowers, an associate of Robert Mapplethorpe's purchased one of my images which he liked to Mapplethorpe's own florals.  To be compared with an artist whom I so deeply admire is indeed a supreme compliment!
www.ellenfisch.com

Contrasts and Form: Robert Mapplethorpe

Elements Juxtaposed with Values: Robert Mapplethorpe

Andy Warhol Artist Portrait: Robert Mapplethorpe

Flower: Robert Mapplethorpe

Calla Lily: Ellen Fisch

Thanks

Yesterday, Thanksgiving, was a wonderful time of family, food and drink,  beautiful weather in NYC: festivities that are harbingers of the upcoming Holiday Season.  I was very fortunate to celebrate with my family in the wake of Sandy and the Nor' Easter.  We ate, told stories, ate, drank, ate, told jokes and above all delighted in the children.  Reasons for THANKS.  I especially give thanks for the enduring human spirit.  The ingenuity, endurance, courage and creativity of humans is evident in all we are and all we do.  For me, a New Yorker all my life, there are many iconic images that express the human spirit all around the city.  This remarkable statue atop Grand Central Station symbolizes the glory of human creativity and the continuation of the ability of the spirit to soar.

Mineva, Mercury and Hercules soaring above Grand Central Station

 

 

Photographer Cole Scott Moffett Exhibits

The White Show at the Jackson Art Studio and Gallery in Jackson, NH, is a wonderful mix of photography; printmaking; painting; and fine art crafts.  Photographer Cole Scott Moffett has three extraordinary photographs in the show.  Cole Scott has the marvelous talents to motivate the viewer to enter, with him, the image and explore.  The exquisitely delicate floral; the striking lone tree and the stunning black and white town all invite us to see, feel and experience with the photographer.  Beautiful works!  The gallery is a tremendous asset to the area, presenting marvelous art.  Congratulations as well to all of the superb fine artists participating in The White Show!

Invitation to The White Show

Cole Scott and Debbie Moffett with the Photographer's Floral Photograph

http://archive.colescottphoto.com/

Joss and Main

I was delighted to see one of my black and white architectural photographs featured on the Joss and Main site.  Joss and Main presents very beautiful and functional home furnishings.  The following appeared on Joss and Main:
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DCI Studio

Curator's Collection

Featured on HGTV’s Battle on the Block and Designers’ Challenge, DCI Studio founder Phyllis Harbinger’s impeccable taste is informed by her globe-trotting spirit. An award-winning NCIDQ interior designer and practitioner of Feng Shui, the New York-based decor maven infuses her clients’ homes with stylish opulence and a luxe European air. Phyllis’s Art Deco collection, curated exclusively for Joss & Main, showcases her coveted aesthetic, boasting tufted headboards, vintage-inspired bedding, shimmering accent pillows, striking side tables, and more.

Here is my photograph:

Checkered Staircase

The Joy of Sharing

Part of the wonderful life of an artist is the ability to share with others who are passionate about art.  I was fortunate to speak at Brooklyn College's IRPE Life Lecture Series to a group of photography enthusiasts whose love of photography and art matches my own.  This communication among people who are deeply involved, whether as amateurs or professionals,  provides not only a joyful interaction, but the ability for me to improve my own photography by looking at my work through the eyes of deeply caring colleagues.

For a transcript of the talk go to http://www.ellenfisch.com/insights.html and click on The Art of Photography: How to Take Great Photos

Photographs courtesy of Brooklyn College IRPE Life Lecture Series Coordinator Madeleine Appell

Multiple Layers

Often, when I see something that catches my eye, or rather my camera's eye, I don't absorb other parts of the image.  An example of this might be the following.  Let's assume that you are presented with a beautiful flower.  You may not immediately notice the stem, leaves, wrapping paper.  The senses pick up the beauty of the flower first and then the other parts of the whole may be experienced as they are revealed to the eye.  Today, more than ever, our senses must filter an avalanche of perceptions.  We don't take in everything at once.  When I am photographing something that appeals to me, other parts of the image ofter appear when I really look at the "whole" in post production. 

The striking gold numbers on this glass doorway attracted my attention as I was walking in midtown Manhattan.  I took a few shots and then turned my focus on an elaborately ornamented building across the street.  When I carefully examined the gold number image on my computer screen, I saw so many other elements in the photograph.  These "finds" often make photography an unexpected and multilayered way of seeing.  www.ellenfisch.com

Art genre: sepia art architectural detail/ signage photograph

Complimentary decor: Traditional, Modern, Art Deco, Eclectic 

Photography tip: Carefully look for captured unexpected images in post production.  You may be surprised at the multiple layers of images you find in a single photograph!

 

Location: Midtown Manhattan