A Life Spent Seeing Beauty All Around
The opportunity to just soak and capture beauty is like therapy for me. I love landscapes, especially if they have water involved.
Forty South magazine featured my nautical photography recently, and I realised again they are some of my best shots.
Tasmania has unique light conditions, cloud formations and an abundance of rivers, mountains, forests and lakes.
Almost everywhere I go there is something of beauty that is worth capturing.
Falling in Love with Photography
My love of photography started at 16 years old when I was an exchange student to New Zealand. Mum lent me her camera. After that I was hooked.
Photography and a Digital Workspace
My digital workspace is composed of a sit/stand desk with two 24 incl IPS monitors.
If I am processing a batch of landscape photos, an event or maybe a wedding, I can be glued to it for several hours at a time!
Mounting Artwork
When I print and mount my artwork, I have an A3+ photographic printer in my office and I then commandeer the family dining table (8×4 feet) to mount and frame my work.
I also have an old Epson 7880 printer and I hope to set up a home photographic studio with that printer in it.
Photography, Paper and Performance
I have taken to a bright white Illford photographic paper for landscapes that need the depth and contrast.
Most of my dog photography I use SIHL Masterclass Lustre for, which is a softer, creamier paper.
I also use textured and cotton rag papers when they present the subject well and offer canvas prints too.
Teaching Photography
I have taught photography locally and mentored internationally. I am hoping to schedule some workshops near Launceston to cover light, framing and composition because it opens people’s eyes so much and I love seeing their creative light go on!
Growing into a Local Creative Community
Being part of a community is important to me. Having moved from Huon Valley to Carrick just six months ago, I am slowly finding creative contacts and community.
I started and ran a Photographers, MUAs and Models group in Ballarat several years ago. It was a lot of fun and people were keen to collaborate and learn. I enjoy that sort of dynamic.
The Essence of Scenic Photography
I have evolved from someone who appreciates a scene and wants to capture it into someone who understands more about why I like a particular scene and how to photograph it to bring out the aspects I want to portray.
In addition to this, I have learned the past four years to fly a drone, which provides some fascinating alternatives to land based photography.
A number of my drone shots were recently featured in Forty South Magazine.
The Best Things About Photography
Going on long drives or scouting an area for the best views. Things jump out at me: light, colour, framing and perspective. I know what to do to capture it when I see what inspires me.
Exhibitions and Photography
Choosing photographs for an exhibition can be a bit of a process.
I like to do as series that has a theme.
It is always interesting to look again at my photographs, selecting set and deciding how large to print them, on what media and how to frame them.
Seeking to Understand
I like to get inside the head of my clients when engaging in a paid photo shoot.
Understanding what motivates them and how they will evaluate my artwork gives me clues as to the right approach.
Clients may ask for certain sizes or even sets of photographs, may have ideas about the medium to print on and many have framing concepts in their minds that can even inform how to shoot and process photos!
Constantly Learning From Others
An older professional photographer once encouraged me that an artistic career takes time to build.
A marketing lady once encouraged me to share regularly otherwise I can drop from people’s minds.
My friends and family have long encouraged me to push my skills and explore, which i am grateful for.
Practice is important, but so too is peer feedback. There’s nothing like kind words that direct and lift you through failures or difficult patches.
How to Plan Successful Arts and Crafts Events
Running successful arts and crafts events can be a game changer for all involved, in part 1 we look at what is involved and how to achieve your goals easily.
About the Artist
I’m a passionate landscape and floral photographer.
The opportunity to just soak and capture beauty is like therapy for me. I also enjoy teaching photography to small groups.
I grew up near the beach and was always on or in the water. That love of water often comes out in many of the landscape photographs I take.
I like my images to appear attractive and natural. I like people to look at the light, the framing and perspective and say “Isn’t nature incredible!”.
Follow the Steve on Facebook for a healthy dose of photographic Tasmanian inspiration, and explore the Steve Barnes Photography website for all the details about his pet portraiture commissions, automotive gallery and wall art gallery.
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Read What Our Members Say About Belonging
Join the growing, supportive artists community today and have your Artist story told here.
Belinda is doing a great job creating a professional looking artist hub online. Check out the profile I posted recently to see how well she does them. To all my artist friends let’s help make this THE go to place to discover local artists.
You won’t regret joining Art Trails Tasmania . It’s a welcoming community for creatives at any career stage.Becoming an Art Trails Tasmania member wasn’t a hard decision for me to make as it’s such a wealth of knowledge and support.Being member provides a quality way to showcase your creative endeavours and it’s quickly growing in reach.
We operate a home based picture framing business and recently joined Art Trails Tasmania as a means to giving us exposure to the wider artist community. We have almost immediately seen increase in activity thru our online sites, which I am certain will lead to more opportunities to grow our business.
Artist Profile Stories
I want there to be more arts and crafts in our world, in our communities and in our own lives. Hopefully you’ve found this blog post inspiring and interesting.
So I’m creating, with your help, Art Trails Tasmania, allowing all of us who feel this love to create more of it.
And the Art Trails Tasmania blog is a key part of making this happen, telling the stories of members. It’s about what they have happening with workshops and classes, exhibitions, open studio trails, where to find their outlets, markets, fairs and festivals so you can shop their creations as well as their art and craft retreats.
Also being shared are the supporters of our artists, the galleries, shops, cafes, art societies and groups, places to stay and artist in residencies.
