This is a place I return to again and again to photograph, and I never go away disappointed! Around each bend is another view, and a mood and mystery hangs in the air as spacial alignments become clear and the subjects seem to design themselves into the camera’s frame.

Every March, I look forward to my workshop here, visiting my favorite spots, and also reviewing 5 Basic Directives for creating strong images in-camera, out in the field as the image is being made.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THIS WORKSHOP

Macon’s great architecture represents many different eras and styles, from homes, to civic buildings and also industry, beginning in the early 1800’s, and can be seen from hilltop views all around the city.

The COAL TUTTLE – as far as I know, this is the only one like it and the only one remaining… anywhere. The old coaling tower would release coal down the shoot to fill the waiting trains on the track below. I’ve been obsessed with it’s design and symmetry for many years now, and visit whenever I can.

ROSE HILL Cemetery is beautiful, not just because of the Victorian Era monuments and garden layout, but also because of the rolling lay of the LAND.

Started in 1840, multi-levels of gravestones and pathways entwine and connect 19 divisions of squares and hilltop ridges along train tracks and the flowing Ocmulgee River. We’ve made some amazing images here over the years that have a movie-like quality and often are reminiscent of European scenes, or from Eras Past!

THE SPIRES of Mercer University – The old Administration Building sits on the Historic Quad.

WHEN IS IT APPROPRIATE?

Images that are full spectrum color, and straight forward examples of our every day views of modern reality are often jarring when combined with the texture of canvas, and give a feeling of incongruity.

When I set out to create a photograph I often try to keep in mind the way it will ultimately be printed and displayed. This foresight gives me the chance to make decisions up front, both with film and processing, as well as digital. The effects are produced entirely in camera, as the image is being made, and not later in post production.

These are four photographic images intentionally created with painterly lighting and texture, making them appropriate for archival canvas printing. The archival inks are enhanced and protected by a final varnish, and like paintings, are not matted or covered by glass. The feeling is completed with dramatic custom framing that complements the tonalities of each image.

To see the final framed images Click Here

 

GEISHA GARDEN – Taken just after sunset with one of the first digital cameras at a high ISO setting, back when realistic color and higher noise were considered problematic in low light, but here I love how it creates this stippled illustrative effect. This shot was also directed and composed to be like a scene and character from an old story book page. I also really like this one because it came out of the camera just this way and successfully emulated a high speed film I used long ago but could no longer get.

 

STILL LIFE – Inspired by paintings we visited in Italy, this was set up as a demonstration for my Cortona Center of Photography students, and uses warm directional light, and the dappled texture of a very old flaking mirror.

 

THE CHIMERA – Scanned from an old Polaroid transfer that turned out to have a very lucky textural effect. The Chimera is a composite animal and for me, she symbolizes protection and a calm but powerful sense of her own being. This image also prints beautifully at 30 x 40 inches.

 

THE FLAPPER  – Is a symbol of her era, still colorful but with an electric light golden glow. The simplicity of shapes, patterns and angles and a simplified and limited color palette all work to make this image really sing.

 

 

All text and images ©2014 Robin Davis

 

 

Images from my scouting trip for the upcoming Winery Workshop in North Georgia.

These are recent photographs from some of the locations we will visit on August 22nd and 23rd,
and illustrate in-camera techniques we will review during the two day workshop.

Exploring this region is a real joy, from the scenic curving roads, the real and artfully prepared food, and the open kindness of the people. The gentle mountains are dressed in ever changing colors and I found many hidden views
and landscapes to explore with my photography students.

The tallest falls east of the Mississippi – Amicalola is the Cherokee word for “Tumbling Waters”
A view between the vines at Frogtown – This photographic technique illustrates a subtle painterly effect
Heirloom Mini Tomatoes from The Dahlonega Farmer’s Market, Downtown at Hancock ParkGrapes on the Vine at FrogtownLuscious White Grapes at FrogtownBlue Mountains roll in the distant landscape
Jelly and Jam Jars – Homemade offerings at the Dahlonega Farmer’s Market
Fun at Night on the Historic Square – Main Street Dahlonega
Tractor and Farmhouse in the Nearby Countryside

Wine Tasting at Monteluce – Amazing Wine and Ambiance – creates a perfect balance of the old and modern world

all photographs ©2014 Robin Davis