Heidelberg Project

Passionate About Art

What artist wouldn't want to use every bit of space in their home or yard to display their art? Michael Dion's home backs up to a busy road providing an opportunity for people to see his art every day. It is an ever changing collection of stuff that he has turned into an amusing, weird yet compelling gallery of baby dolls, found objects, doors and color. It is a contrast to the other well manicured lawns in the area. According to Sarah Klein, of the Metro Times, Michael Dion considers himself a junkman artist. "I find my stuff in the trash" says Dion, who goes by M80 in the art world. His babydoll heads are tucked into corners and attached to unrelated objects such as a lamp base or even on a buddah statue. There is always something new to look at each time you pass by. You can find Michael Dion's art in Madison Heights, Michigan on Campbell Road, north of 12 mile road on the east side of the street.

Addicted to Flickr

What is it about Flickr that causes people to become addicted? Is it the feedback from other Flickrites or just seeing your photos posted amoung so may other wonderful photos? It could also be the camaraderie that is experienced through sharing comments with other photographers. I find that seeing other photographs inspires me and motivates me to try new things. I look forward to posting new photographs to share with my contacts and hearing what they think about them. Most people have pro accounts which allow you to post more photographs. One of the things I enjoy is the ability to peer into the lives of people all over the world. I am also happy to share my little world with others. If you would like to take a look just go to flickr.com

Are You a Photographer?

What does it take to be a photographer? While going to school to learn photography is the best possible way to start, not everyone has that option. How do you learn the basics? There are a number of very good books to walk you through composition, lighting and exposure. While learning the basics is imperative, practice is the best way to put those basics to the test. So what kind of camera do you need? There are many type of cameras to choose from. If you are just starting out, a digital camera is your best bet. It is definately more cost effective than film.

Once you have your camera in hand, go ahead and take some pictures. Take more than one of the same shot. At first, you don't need to worry so much about composition. You will begin to know what you need to do to get a better picture. That is the beauty of digital photography. You can delete the pictures you don't like.

Notice the background. You don't want a portrait of someone with a stick coming out of their head. Is there too much sky or ground? Does the background distract your eye from the subject? A plain background or one that is out of focus is best. Move in close to your subject and fill the frame. This will make your shot look more professional and less like a snap-shot.

If you are really interested in improving your skills, try looking at other people's photos. You might even try joining a group that allows other photographers to comment on your pictures.
So, what are you waiting for?

Dreams

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

Eleanore Roosevelt

Photography

I have been taking pictures since high school and still love it as much as ever. Iwas fortunate to have a wonderful teacher who allowed students to work at their own pace. That pace was full steam ahead for some of us. He would give us a pass for the day to get out of class and take pictures. All that was required from us was a roll of artistically exposed film. Of course a few of us were afforded a drivers license and the family car and were always willing to take everyone that could fit in it. One student photographer happened to own a full size van. When she drove, half the class could go.
We brought back wonderful landscapes and and many photographs of each other. Little did we know that these field trips would fuel our passion for photography for the rest of our lives. Have you ever had a teacher who changed your life? Tell me about it.