Programs

Imaginary Realms

The Macro Photography of Stones and Crystals

This program reveals the visual exploration of stones and crystals through macro photography as illustrated through the theme of Imaginary Realms. Starting with a discussion about mineralogy, George Fellner describes the initial spark for this journey and the criteria for the implementation of this Earth source material. The description of camera and lighting equipment, along with the photo shoot setup reveals some of the technical considerations. Through the visual display of images, he discusses the ongoing evolvement of this unique form of abstract imagery. Influential art movements including Impressionism, Expressionism, Cubism, and Surrealism are examined. In particular, the revelations involving points of departure include messages from history, mythology, geology, astronomy, biology, and many other themes. In turn, this defines the associative relationships of the images with meaningful messages.

The creative process results in Imaginary Realms, evoking ancient and future fantasies, as well as planetary and cosmic-scapes, traversing space, time, and dimension. Ultimately, the intent is to stimulate the imagination of both the photographer, as well as the observer. This presentation includes case studies, photographic and post-processing techniques, and lighting strategies.

Creating Your Photography Book

Design and Publishing

Photographers may ponder the potential notion of creating a photography book. There are certainly numerous components to consider and many options to evaluate. This presentation explores the initial spark for a book idea, theme and message, along with the development of contents. A review of format, text, image, layout, cover design, review/editing, and associated criteria is presented and the bookmaking process with basic strategies is outlined. Traditional publishing is discussed along with the strategies for submission.  

In turn, self-publishing is presented with design/layout options, example features, format, content requirements, text specifics, image specifics, and importing information. In addition, there is an outlined review of the upload process for both printed books and eBooks, as well as a discussion about selling platforms and marketing strategies. Ultimately, the intent of this presentation is to demystify the processes and to inspire photographers interested in the design and publishing of a photography book.

Creating a Slideshow Video

Concepts and Methodology

This program offers background information starting with historical context and interesting evolvements in technology. Purpose, goals, and concepts are discussed with emphasis on organization, sequence, and the process for making a slideshow video. In turn, the integrated components encompassing images, video clips, voice narration, motion graphics, and music are highlighted with insights. This material, along with good practices involving the final review process, provides useful information for artists/photographers interested in the prospect of creating a slideshow video.

Night Sky Photography

Themes and Strategies

Photographing the night sky is a response to an innate human curiosity about the cosmos. This program explores themes including the blue hour, the ascending moon, the Milky Way, star trails, the aurora borealis, as well as comets. Strategies and mindsets are presented as insightful means for obtaining optimal images. In addition, camera equipment and accessories are described as complementary information. Furthermore, camera settings and methodologies for the photo shoot are shared for each type of night photographic theme. Photographs illustrate the wide spectrum of imagery for each of these themes. This program offers the spark for becoming immersed within the immensity of the cosmos and engaging with the wonders of the night sky.

Architectural Photography

Concepts and Strategies

This program covers the essentials of architectural photography in terms of concepts and strategies. The subjects include equipment, camera settings, goals, building/site context, lighting, composition, people, culture, perspective, architectural elements and details, among other topics, as they relate to both interior and exterior architectural photography. In addition, playful juxtapositions are presented, revealing the potential for creative imagery. Furthermore, the multiple and integrated use of architectural photography for the design process is illustrated. 

This program is for anyone who is interested in the built environment and in photographing the rich diversity that is inherent in architecture. As both an architect and a photographer, George Fellner provides his unique perspective on architectural photography, reviewing strategies, and sharing his personal experiences.

Visual Moments in Iceland

Essence of Place, Culture, and the Natural World

This photographic journey of Iceland explores visual moments that express the essential manifestation of place, culture, and the natural world. The locale, sense of emotional response, and experiencing of place are revealed through the images, as viewed during the summer season. In addition, samplings of history, technology, architecture, and the humanities are articulated. The natural world forms the overall theme for the depicted scenes that encompass land, water, fire, and ice.  

This presentation illuminates the mindset for experiencing and photographing the wonders of this awe-inspiring world. The use of the senses, imagination, communication, and emotion are all key components. In turn, the intentional integration of composition, drama, light, and weather is illustrated. Ultimately, the Visual Moments in Iceland aim to spark curiosity, creativity, understanding, and insights for the community.

Visual Moments in Iceland

A Winter Sequel

As a follow up to a previous program on the Essence of Place, Culture, and the Natural World, Visual Moments in Iceland: A Winter Sequel presents a return to the land of fire and ice. In contrast to the summer experience, this program offers quite a different flavor. This presentation of images illustrates the mindset for strategies and for using the senses to photograph both the natural world as well as the built environment in Iceland. 

Focusing on the winter experience, specific strategies and techniques are revealed involving the photo shoot process, along with stories and impressions. Specifics regarding travel, hiking, clothing, and other aspects are also shared. Ultimately, this presentation aims to spark the creative spirit, provide practical information, and offer inspirational insights.

Visual Moments in Oregon

Compositions by the Earth

This photographic journey of Oregon explores visual moments that express the wonders of the natural world. The multiple diverse regions that have evolved due to millions of years of geological activity and climatic factors are exhibited as Earth’s compositions. Over the course of three different trips, George Fellner has photographed some of the evocative locales within the Oregon Coast, Columbia River Gorge, Cascade Mountain Range, Columbia Plateau, and the High Desert regions.

This program includes a descriptive narrative of each region’s geological formations through the eyes of a photographer. Stories and impressions are also shared with the sequence of images. Indeed, the terrain, weather, lighting conditions, and overall mood of each locale accumulatively express Visual Moments in Oregon: Compositions by the Earth. This presentation aims to provide useful information, spark the imagination, and offer inspirational insights.

Pictures at an Exhibition

A Mindset for Creative Photography

This program explores the characteristics and attributes that make a photograph successful. While there are numerous categories and genres of subject material, there are nonetheless certain common denominators that can be used to determine what makes a good photograph. Specifically, there is a set of criteria that can be defined as objectives. For example, an image should have impact and possess a certain attraction that is both compelling as well as captivating for the viewer. A creative expression that is unique and imaginative, helping to convey a message is paramount for a photograph that is intended to leave a lasting impression. Furthermore, drama and emotion have the propensity to affect the viewer’s experience. The elements of composition certainly are a part of the equation, as well as the technical understanding of proper lighting, color balance, resolution, detail, contrast, tonal gradation, among other specific aspects. 

Through a discussion of concepts, strategies, and process, George Fellner presents a mindset for creative photography. His use of visual examples helps to illustrate the positive and negative aspects of a photograph in a descriptive and revealing manner. The intent is to provide an understanding of what makes a good photograph and of what is involved in judging images in a photo show. Ultimately, as photographers, we all strive to learn what works for Pictures at an Exhibition.

Optimizing Depth of Field in Photography

Process of Focus Stacking

The realities of depth of field sometimes pose limitations for certain types of photography. 3-Dimensional subjects, particularly in macro photography, are challenging with regard to establishing sharp focus throughout the composition. The process of focus stacking involves taking a series of photographs at multiple focus points which are combined into a single photograph with optimized depth of field in sharp focus. 

This presentation reviews concepts, rationale, photo shoot process, step-by-step procedures, and software options, along with graphic examples. In addition, there is a step-by-step focus stacking demonstration using Photoshop.

Imaginary Realms within Stones and Crystals

Revealing Spheres of Influence

Inspiration for artworks comes in many forms. This program describes spheres of influence that have sparked George Fellner’s ongoing collection of photographic images, exploring the cornucopia of Imaginary Realms within Stones and Crystals. Art movement influences including Impressionism, Abstract Expressionism, Cubism, and Surrealism integrally form some of the roots for the creative mindsets for these Imaginary Realms. 

Serving as points of departure, a multitude of thematic influences are illustrated through collages of images. These include history, mythology, culture, fantasy, and the sciences. Ultimately, this program reveals how spheres of influence can serve as catalysts for the imagination, sparking visual exploration and creativity.

The Aesthetics of a Castle

The Architecture and Landscape of Gillette Castle

There is potential for the celebration of architecture and landscape, juxtaposed in terms of historical context. The goal is to discover multiple expressions representing the many faces, moods, and personalities of the world of Gillette Castle as well as of William Gillette. Thus, a visual journey exploring form and light with the intent of creating evocative images can transform, transcend, communicate, and often surprise the observer.

The transformation of the familiar into the unique can be an enlightening as well as a rejuvenating experience. Mingled among the photographs, there are intriguing bits of information relating to the life and work of William Gillette. This photo presentation of The Aesthetics of a Castle serves as a vehicle for this visual journey.