Bombo

September 19, 2018 in Monochrome, Seascapes

"To be master of photography means to be master of light."

~ Joseph von Sternberg

Wild minds

September 01, 2018 in Monochrome, Minimalism, Seascapes

“Creativity is a wild mind and a disciplined eye.”

~ Dorothy Parker

Play hard

August 27, 2018 in Abstracts, Colour, Seascapes

“And when they played they really played. And when they worked they really worked.”

~ Dr. Seuss

Authenticity

August 17, 2018 in Seascapes, Film, Monochrome, Large Format

“The more of me I be, The clearer I can see.”

~ R. Archelaus

We used to climb there, scary steep rock climbing, on loose soft Sydney sea cliff sandstone with the ocean pounding beneath your feet. Perpendicular is an apt name for this wild place.

You are beautiful

August 16, 2018 in Abstracts, Seascapes, Colour

“You are imperfect, permanently and inevitably flawed. And you are beautiful.”

― Amy Bloom

Oceans

August 10, 2018 in Seascapes, Monochrome

“The sea is emotion incarnate. It loves, hates, and weeps. It defies all attempts to capture it with words and rejects all shackles. No matter what you say about it, there is always that which you can't.“

~ Christopher Paolini

Colour is my torment

August 05, 2018 in Abstracts, Seascapes, Colour

“Color is my day-long obsession, joy and torment.”

~ Claude Monet

Beginnings

July 22, 2018 in Monochrome, Seascapes, Abstracts

“ Before, I could only guess of who I was. Now, thanks to my art, I know who I am.”

~ Luhraw

Have arrived at South West Rocks, lovely warm and sunny during the day and still cold and crisp at night. We are paused ready to start our week of Abstract Photography. We joke about how the family gathers around. It is just like that, the people who come to study with me become dear friends. My family. When they return it’s a reunion and such a lovely feeling is immediately on us all. Nearly everyone is returning for this coming week. That makes it extra special.

Understanding an art that is so centred around the emotional and feelings will be our challenge for the week. I always learn so much. A feeling of excitement is central to my presence today. Where will we end up. What new directions will we discover.

Nobody knows. I do know, through experience and a unfaltering trust in the process, that it will be wonderful and visually stimulating. I can’t wait.

Expressionism?

June 28, 2018 in Colour, Abstracts, Seascapes

I tend to use the term abstract to describe this sort of work. Impressionism and expressionism are equally used by photographers of this type of work. I find these terms misleading because they are specific labels for art movements.

Impressionism ties in very strongly with the artists such as Monet, Degas, Cezanne, Matise, to name a few. Post impressionist Van Gogh definitely influences this work, as does the Expressionists. I love the expressionists Kandinsky, Schiele and Miro.

Yet taking a movements name just doesn’t feel right for my photography. Abstract just refers to leaving representational art and a moving away from reality in depiction.

It is not considered a specific movement, but rather a genre of art.

The thing I like about abstract is it is considered a continuum as it moves further away from reality it becomes more abstract, yet even the slightest movement in that direction is still called abstract.

You can be anywhere on it and be abstract. What a beautiful freedom that is.

Personally, I struggle with moving my photography to the further end of this continuum because I probably hang onto reality too much. It is something I will push myself further with. Many of my students do the most amazing abstract work that I admire so much.

This photograph was created during last years abstract workshop at South West Rocks. It’s my, and my students opportunity to push ourselves out on this continuum to explore. Sometimes I think composition is so much more important in abstract work as often reality saves poorly composed art. So for me, learning abstract strengthens my composition.

If you want to join us on this amazing week, there are still places.

http://www.lensschool.com/workshops-tours/south-west-rocks-abstract-workshop

Fitzgerald River National Park

June 21, 2018 in Seascapes, Monochrome

“There must be a beginning of any great matter, but the continuing unto the end until it be thoroughly finished yields the true glory.”

– Francis Drake

Len's Master Class 2019

June 19, 2018 in Announcements, Colour, Seascapes

I am pleased to announce that I will be running my Master Class in photography in 2019. I haven't run it for the past five years or so. I am trialing a new format where we meet for six weekends, one every two months. These are spread out over the year. Each weekend is at a different location within a two hour train ride from Sydney Airport. This will make it easy for students to fly in for the weekend and attend.

Len's Masterclass is how I started teaching photography full time. I started with a small group of six students in Katoomba and the class was one night a week during school terms. We had a wonderful year of learning and growth. The year culminated in a group exhibition. They told their friends and the next year there were 18 people in Len's Master Class. That year was huge. So much beautiful work. So much growth.

From the Master Class, Focused Lens developed, as a mentoring program. Many of the first students in Len's Master Class are still dear friends, and turn up on workshops and courses for an extra injection of inspiration. It is truly wonderful. Focused Lens continues with some of the original students.

Each weekend on next years Master Class has a different theme. We explore our cameras in the first weekend, composition and processing on the second, monochrome and portraiture on the third, abstract and colour on the forth, flowers and still life on the fifth and presenting your photography on the sixth. Len presents and teaches you with carefully constructed educational sessions. In between the bi monthly weekends, you will have weekly homework and projects to be working on. Lastly, you will be working on your own individual projects throughout the year so you can bring prints for critiques.

We end up in a learning community, a photographic family if you may. Each helping, inspiring and supporting each other to learn and grow. Seeing what others are up to is incredibly inspiring. Having people tell you where your work is working is motivating and gives you very specific direction forward. Knowing it is safe to ask the silliest question and get a straight answer is a relief.

Students work on all sorts of projects, from portraiture, to still life, from abstract to documentary. You are required to work on a photographic project of your own choice. Something you love photographing or a project you have always wanted to do. It has be presented at the end of the year as a finished product. A set of framed photographs, or a book or a calendar. A physical finished object made from your photographs.

This course is not for a raw beginner, it is for intermediate photographers that have some photographic experience. Advanced beginners you may call yourself. You can already use your camera and computer to make photographs. This course is designed to build your confidence with your photography.

This is the most exciting course I run. It has the most energy and growth because of the regular sessions over a full year, and the time it gives you to go home to practice and asimulate your new learning.

Because of the new format I am trialing, I am running it in 2019 at an introductory price. If you do want to book in you should contact me first so we can discuss your current knowledge and your possible work you would do while on the course. This course is strictly limited to ten people.

For more information follow this link: http://www.lensschool.com/workshops-tours/lens-master-class-2019

Testimonials from Len's Master Class

“Len is a master of adult education to the point where you assimilate information without even realising it. I was guided to focus in new areas of photography revealing strengths that I did not know I had. It challenged and stretched me well beyond any of the photographic courses I had done before. I am completing the course with a much greater depth of knowledge; of skills; of confidence and a vibrant excitement with photography. The dynamics of the group, gently guided by Len, contributed greatly to the best course I have ever done.

Hello Len, Well the wonderful break is behind you and now embarking on more adventures to be fully supported by photography. From your newsletter all sounds very exciting and potential for a blossoming future. I just wanted to send you a note wishing you the very best for this afternoon, evening and the same again tomorrow - Master Classes. The year spent with you has been one of the highlights of my life and corrected the photographic dead-end I was on, not realising it but the road was getting narrower and would probably have petered out. Boy have things changed - the full joy and pleasurable challenge has returned; I have made a Learning Contract and 5 weeks into it am going energisedly (if that’s a word) strong. So again thank you and warm wishes, and I am pleased for your participants as they are in for a wonderful time. See you in the future.”

— Paul Hulbert

“The course this year has been fabulous. When I reflect on what I have learnt, it is very difficult to describe. At one level it is easy. I have learnt many new techniques and I have connected with a much broader photographic community than previously.

The aspect that is more difficult to put into words, is the way I have grown and matured as a photographer. Your course has given me structure, it has challenged me in ways that I have never been challenged before, it has made me think in a new ways and it has given me the confidence to take risks with my photography.

In your own quiet way you have allowed me to discover a photographer within that I had not previously been confident enough to recognise. I am now attempting different types of photography than before. You have helped me discover what my strengths are, or more importantly, what my photographic strengths can be. I find myself speaking about my work with more confidence than ever before. I’m not afraid to use photographic and artistic language in discussions about my work. You’ve given me language I can use and you’ve believed in my photography enough for me to feel pride in what I’ve produced this year. This in itself is a major outcome. I started the year knowing I loved photography but not knowing if I had the potential to be really good at it.”

— Shirley Steel

“I’m still persuing the learning journey which commenced in Len’s Master Class and enjoying the rewards.”

— Kay Gordon

“Len’s fantastic ability to make everyone feel comfortable was vital, especially when critiquing other people’s work. The bond between the class members is very strong and supportive. This was even more apparent on our outings. The days were not just for learning and sharing knowledge, but were for having fun.

The homework and projects that were set not only enabled us to use the information learnt in our own work, but allowed Len to guide us to produce some outstanding work throughout the year. This culminated in an end of year exhibition. This was daunting at the beginning of the year, but with the extra knowledge and confidence gained throughout the year, it became an exciting prospect.

Len’s teaching and leadership has helped me to create a style of my own that I am comfortable with, but I’m also willing now to try different ways to communicate with my audience. I have learnt to watch the light more and be patient, both with myself and the subject. I believe I will continue now to grow as a photographer thanks to Lens class. I cannot thank him enough.”

— Dot Radley

Departing Western Australia

June 06, 2018 in Colour, Seascapes

“The artist must train not only their eye, but also their soul.”

(Note: quote edited to make it gender inclusive)

~ Wassily Kandinsky

Today I start my drive back across the Nullarbor Plain. Heading homeward. It looks like I will have a tail wind. It will be sad to leave this beautiful part of the world and it’s mild weather. This trip has been full of amazing places and flora that stimulates my senses with such fresh newness. Everything is different over here. The people, the colours, the water, the plants, the coast.... The list goes on.

The most important part of this trip has been the reconnecting with family. A lost part of you finds its way back into you. Reminded of times past, of growing up, and bonds so strong that time only makes them stronger. It has been stimulating and relaxing. Restorative and strengthening.

I cant wait to return and the number of people asking to come with me will make that possible.

Next stop Adelaide for a long weekend of photographing people. Another thing that has been missing over the past few years. So exciting. For those waiting my return, it isn’t long now.

Hamersley Beach

May 31, 2018 in Seascapes, Monochrome

”Photographs should not need to be explained. The photographic image should stand on its own.”

~ Dan Winters

South West Rocks

May 30, 2018 in Monochrome, Seascapes, Abstracts

“What is focus and who has the right to say what focus is the legitimate focus?” – Julia Margaret Cameron

I can’t wait to get to South West Rocks again. To spend a couple of weeks concentrating on “legitimate focus”. Our Abstract Photography Workshop allows us to explore and concentrate on expressionism. A great chance to explore something very different from the usual. There is a week long workshop followed by a week long tour of the area.

http://www.lensschool.com/workshops-tours/south-west-rocks-abstract-workshop

http://www.lensschool.com/workshops-tours/south-west-rocks-photography-tour

Point Ann

May 29, 2018 in Monochrome, Seascapes, Animals

Wandering around Point Ann in the Fitzgerald River National Park, Western Australia. A UNESCO listed biosphere of international importance with over 1800 species of plants and 20% of the states flora in it. Most of it is closed to even walkers as it is threatened by dieback and has many unique and endangered species.

I walk around the point without my camera I happen by chance encounter three whales and a pod of dolphins. They are close to the shore in shallow water and from my high vantage point I look down at them in awe. So close thier breaths are so loud.

I stop and watch. Two are leaving and one appears to be arriving.

This particular bay is a birthing place, a nursery. One of only two for Southern Right Whales in Australia. Sheltered and warm I suspect.

After the whales disappear I finish my walk kicking myself for leaving my wildlife lens and camera in my 4wd truck. I obsess about it as I walk.

A moments flash of thought, and I think what I would be telling my son or my students. ‘Aren’t you so lucky to have seen them! What a special thing!’

A few breaths latter I am calm again, I wander around and pick up my camera and they are all well gone.

I sit on the point and feel how special it was to see them. At least I had my iPhone to capture this memory. Photographs can just be for memories. We all get too caught up in the perfect shot we sometimes forget to live the moments.

Shelley Beach

May 26, 2018 in Colour, Seascapes

It’s my last morning in Albany. I have had a wonderful time here. This place is amazing. From what I can tell it has the most diverse landscapes all within an hours drive in the South Western corner of Australia. The water is the most beautiful cyan colour. It’s a rich turquoise. The coast line is varied from open beaches to rocky headlands. Boulder strewn stretches, inlets and rivers. Some peacefully calm. Others with large swells and beautiful waves.

Staying in a lush green homestead just minutes from town has been perfect.

The river walk we photographed in the mist and smoke haze was a highlight.

The Stirling Ranges make an excellent backdrop too. The forests are gorgeous and heading west they grow bigger and become more comforting for me.

The workshop and tour I just completed were just wonderful. Another lovely group of people came together to help each other grow with their visual art. Learning to see and to grow in seeing is such an important part of the never ending journey as a photographer. I am thankful for their input and it was delightful to see thier work grow and develop over our time together.

I don’t think I could live without the joy that teaching brings to me. I feel blessed to have found such a wonderful life.

I will be back here to run another workshop and photography tour. Three requests already.

It’s now time to meander over to Esperence. A few days in the Fitzgerald River National Park with just myself and cameras will recharge my batteries. It’s time to return to my daily writing. Thank you for your patience while I have been engrossed in teaching. So many more beautiful photographs to share with you, stories and thoughts.

The Gap

May 24, 2018 in Monochrome, Seascapes

“In photography there is a reality so subtle that it becomes more real than reality.”

~Alfred Stieglitz

Know thy self

May 21, 2018 in Monochrome, Seascapes

“(Creating photographs) is about knowing oneself and trying to listen to that kind of intuitive forces that allow you to respond more positively to one image or to one subject over another and pay attention to that emotion and to follow that and also to be aware of it.”

– Edward Burtynsky

Soul

May 19, 2018 in Monochrome, Seascapes

“Technique is a part of our craft, and it plays an intergal role. However, it should not be at the core of our work. Ours should be a pursuit of the soul.”

Two Peoples Bay

May 17, 2018 in Monochrome, Seascapes

“I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority. “

~ E B White