Award winning photographer Reb Orrell from Maryland specializes in Landscape, Fine Art, Architecture, HDR and Portrait Photography.
Reb writes to us :
1. Why do you like photography ?
Photography allows me a creative outlet, one in which I’m constantly learning new techniques and facing new challenges. Where ever I go to photograph, regardless of how many times I’ve been there something is always different. The sky might be different than the previous time, it might have just rained, any number of things might have changed. As a photographer I see those changes are ‘challenges’ and work with them. If it’s rained is there a large puddle I can photograph and possibly capture the building in the puddle? If it’s about to rain can I capture the storm clouds forming over the horizon? Would this location be good for either sunrise or sunset? In this instant communication age I can go to an app on my iPhone or take my iPad with me and using an app determine exactly where the sun and moon will rise and set on any given day. I might want to photograph the sun rising (or setting) over a barn from a specific location. With this app I can instantly discover that the sun will set over the barn on July 14th – July 17th or that the sun will never set over the barn from that location.
2. What is your favorite type of photography ?
Without question I enjoy landscapes and scenic photography the most. It’s the challenge of capturing the outdoors and bringing it inside to your wall that’s fun. For many years in the late 70’s and early 80’s when film was still being used, I did some commercial work and weddings. I put photography aside for several decades and picked it back up again about four years ago. This time around I said “If it walks, talks, or barks, I don’t want to photograph it”. While I don’t go actively looking for weddings, I’ve found I do enjoy portrait work and have set up a full studio in my basement. I’m also enjoying doing a lot of ‘tabletop’ photography concentration on a classic fine art image. I’ve been bitten by the HDR (High Dynamic Range) bug and shoot HDR quite often. I started the Baltimore HDR Photography Club in November 2011 and the Baltimore Lightroom and Photoshop for Photographers Club in January, 2013.
3. Share a funny story about your photography…
Last year I was hired by a Ghost Hunting Tour company in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to photograph all of the haunted locations they took tours to. I had been to several of these locations before and saw no sign of ‘ghostly’ activity. When I went to the basement of one building I was setting up in the dark (there was no electricity in the house). My wife and a company employee were outside and hadn’t come in yet. I was the only one in the house. I got a chill across the back of my neck and heard a low long growl coming from the other side of the room out of the darkness. I can assure you no one else was there with me … that was living.
4. Share a photography trick or tip…
Many photographers forget to carry a polarizing filter with them. When shooting in bright light a polarizer cuts down on glare. It can be used for many shots. Also, reformat your memory cards in your camera every time you go out to photograph. Remember to carry extra cards and invest in a spare battery.
5. Why do you love SmugMug and/or jR Customization ?
I’m new to SmugMug but like their system. Being able to integrate online sales is a plus. As a retired website designer, I just didn’t want to have to learn a new design platform. After researching, I decided on jR Customization for several reasons. They supplied me a list of websites they created and has a nice clean style to it. They are very easy to get along with and I enjoyed working with them. I would recommend him to anyone seeking to design a SmugMug site. They came up with some good ideas.
6. Any big projects or goals for 2013 ?
I’ve been invited to be a teaching photographer on a Bahamas Cruise in February, 2013. I’ll be teaching HDR photography day and night for about 4 days. I hope to continue to compete in local photography club contests as well as on line contests. 2012 was a very good year for me as I won over 580 awards for my photography.
7 How can people learn more about Reb Orrell Photography ?
That’s easy – go to http://www.RebOrrellPhotography.com. You can keep up on my actively on my blog (which jR Customization built).
