- Contributed
The Milk River Spa, partially submerged by the June 1986 flood rains, taken by veteran aerial photographer, Jack Tyndale-Biscoe. Visible are the tops of some coconut trees and the ground floors of all the buildings underwater as the river over-flowed its banks.
Howard Moo Young, Contributor
WHAT WOULD the world be without photographs? It would be memories without pictures. We would still have to depend on artists to supply us with paintings and drawings of loved ones, places, buildings and things, as they perceive them. Could we afford the services of these artists and illustrators? Would there be enough of them to fulfil the demand?
Thanks to the camera, we can find tons of photographs of families and friends in homes across Jamaica and the world. Images of weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, picnics and a host of other activities that adorn walls, dressers and are displayed in well-preserved albums. Today, the disposable "point and shoot" cameras have changed the way photographs are taken. Almost anyone can take a picture. It has never been easier, and yet, the results often disappoint us. Why? Because one has to learn to see things in a new way, through the lens of a camera.
How many of us have ever encouraged someone to seriously consider photography as a career? If you have never given it a thought, think of photography as a universal means of communication.
The opportunities offered to talented individuals in this field are tremendous. Many Jamaicans here and abroad have made successful careers out of this profession.
First of all, a person interested in a career in photography should have a general academic background as well as a technical knowledge of photography. The Edna Manley School of Visual Arts offers evening courses in photography by full time instructor Donnette Zacca, herself a graduate of that institution. Donnette is in the process of completing an advanced degree in photography. Colleges and universities overseas offer specialised courses in photography.
I will touch briefly, some of the opportunities offered in the field of photography.
PORTRAITURE
Taking pictures of people and special events in their lives, are just some of the assignments given to the portrait photographer. Some of these might be done in a studio or on location. In this field, the photographer might specialise in one type of portraiture, such as children or weddings. Portrait photographers must know how to pose their subjects and how to create pleasing effects, whether it is an individual or a bride and groom. In Jamaica, a lot of photographers fall within this group.
COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
This is a specialised field that requires skill and imagination in a wide range of photographic techniques. Commercial photographers take pictures for advertisements, magazines, brochures, posters, billboards and other forms of publications.
They work with subjects as varied as construction equipment and bath soap, and the assignment may take place at a building site or a waterfall. Some commercial photographers will accept public relations assignments.
PHOTOJOURNALISM
Most photojournalists take pictures for newspapers and other publications. They are either sent on specific assignments or seek out and record dramatic action in everyday life, whether it is politics or sports, accidents or natural disasters. A photojournalist must be able to capture images rapidly and also have a sound knowledge of the type of equipment to be used in any situation.
Some situations are unplanned, while some will be given advanced notice. The results must be processed and printed quickly for the editor to make a choice. The digital camera was developed for this purpose internationally and has been adapted by the photographic department of the two major newspapers locally.
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY
Although this is included in photojournalism, some photographers seem to specialise in this field.
For instance, one Jamaican photographer, Delmar, has travelled worldwide recording dramatic images of cricket and cricketers in action in numerous Test matches. He has even staged exhibitions just on the sport of cricket. Junior Dowie and Bryan Cummings have also captured many award winning photographs in this field of sports.
The photographers must have some knowledge of the sport being photographed before he can do justice in recording the action, for example golf, tennis, and dominoes.
Some of us can remember that famous photograph of Muhammed Ali standing over Sony Liston, who was completely knocked out on his back. A remote camera strategically positioned directly over the boxing ring took the image.
LANDSCAPE/NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY
I have not met one photographer who did not include pictures of sceneries, flowers and animals among some of his first photographs. Jamaicans travel many miles, sometimes on foot, to capture images that we admire on calendars and postcards. Some will photograph animals and birds in the wild, or at the zoo, from a crocodile to a tiny hummingbird. National Geographic is an excellent publication that features great examples of landscape and nature. The best times to capture these pictures are from dawn to 10:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to dusk, depending on the time of year. A favourite of many photographers, this category is usually oversubscribed in the annual national photographic exhibition.
ARCHITECTURE/ENGINEERING PHOTOGRAPHY
Many popular magazines contain pictures of buildings showing both interior and exterior photographs.
These consist of homes, office buildings, museums, theatres, churches, hotels, airports, shopping malls, castles, apartment buildings and other man-made structures. Included also are bridges, monuments, parks,
statues, highways, marinas and other forms of construction.
The photographer who is given the job of photographing a building must carefully study the angle of the sun at various times of day.
The weather plays an important role and even the skies can make a difference in adding impact to the picture.
Composition is very important in architectural photography and this calls for special lenses such as wide angle and perspective control lenses.
The architect and interior designer usually offer their recommendations to the photographer on both exterior and interior angles.
Both vertical and horizontal images should be taken of the interior as the emphasis might be on the ceiling and flooring. A thorough knowledge of lighting techniques is key to capturing the details of some of these interiors. Attention to detail can add to the hours needed to record the final pictures.
UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY
If you can't swim and dive, in fact, if you are afraid of water, do not attempt this type of photography. Besides having to deal with all the scuba equipment and wet suits, underwater photographers have to contend with photographic physics. At 15 feet below the surface, most of the full colour spectrum is reduced to blue with just a hint of warm tone. The photographer must compensate by using an external flash to restore the full colour of the scene. This type of photography calls for specialised equipment, but the results can be extremely gratifying and beautiful.
Without these photographers we would never see life below rivers, lakes, seas and oceans.
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
You might as well be grounded, if you are afraid of heights or flying in a small plane.
But there is more to taking good photographs from the air than grabbing your camera and jumping into an aircraft.
Retired aerial photographer Jack Tyndale-Biscoe, has told me on many occasions that one has to plan well ahead of the shoot, while listening carefully to the weatherman.
The position of the sun and time of day can make a clear difference in the results.
Most photographers won't find themselves in the position of pilot and photographer, as Jack was, but photographers won't find themselves in the position of pilot and photographer, as Jack was, but will have to settle for hiring an aeroplane or helicopter which makes it much easier.
Aerial photography is used to record the progress of projects such as superhighways and housing schemes; damages by hurricanes, floods and earthquakes; the surveying of towns and cities in detail showing every building, road and gully. In going to the extreme, the image of Jamaica taken by satellite is just amazing.
FASHION/GLAMOUR PHOTOGRAPHY
Photographers in this field have to work closely with models both male and female, and have a sound knowledge of posing and lighting, both in the studio and in an outdoor setting, just ask Brian Rosen. A good eye for detail is important, and with the help of the make-up person and designer, the rest is up to the photographer and his creativity.
Fashion magazines are always seeking out the fresh talent of photographers who are not afraid to explore new approaches in creating exciting images of models, clothing and accessories. The fashion and glamour photographer will attempt nude photography, which in artistic terms is called figure study. This is confined to the human figure, not necessarily nude, male or female, showing particular attention to form and composition. Franz Marzouca has this down to a fine art.
SCIENTIFIC PHOTOGRAPHY
This includes medical, science and forensic photography. Medical photography provides images of patients' illnesses, and may work with special close-up lenses and ring flash, or with microscopes, X-ray machines and other equipment. These photographs can be seen in medical journals, books and encyclopaedias. It may range from dental disorders, major surgery, bullet wounds, or deformity.
To diagnose and treat illnesses, physicians use visible information provided by medical photographers. The forensic photographer provides pictures of a crime scene, showing details important to the investigation.
The total eclipse of the sun has been captured through the lenses of telescopes around the world. The world of science is always providing photographs never seen before.
Other fields in photography include insurance photography, research, film processing, darkroom and digital printing as well as business management and sales. Careers are also open to people who can teach photography.
If you have the eye, the gift, the passion and the ambition to pursue this form of communication, many opportunities are open to you to get introduced to this growing profession. One has to have a good all round knowledge and training in all aspects of photography before trying to specialise.
If you can't attend a photography school, you can learn about it in the comfort of your home.
The New York Institute of Photography founded in 1910 has a "distance education" programme just for you. NYIP has students worldwide, including Jamaica. Professional photographers evaluate students' work via audiocassettes.
The Photography Club of Jamaica has helped to produce many outstanding photographers over its four decades of existence. It is open to photography enthusiasts, both amateur and professional, and meets every two weeks during which monthly slide clinics are evaluated, visiting photographers conduct workshops, and field trips are organised.
The membership is made up from all sectors of the society who find the time to meet, exchange ideas and learn from each other.
Go ahead, load up and shoot your family and friends this coming week! The "photography bug" might just hit you and get you started on a new career.
