Why I Wanted a New Camera

On Christmas, 2019, Jane (my wife and so much more) gave me a dream gift: a Canon EOS 6D Mark II camera.  It was my very first full frame DSLR.  And I have taken thousands of frames with it since then.  Yes, it was the only thing on my wish list (no secret there) and it cost a hunk of change (we are not monetarily wealthy) but I have imagined myself with one ever since I first heard about it in 2017.  Why did I want one so bad, the full frame sensor of course!  What it replaced was my Canon Rebel T3i which I had for five years at the time.  Its age wasn’t the issue, its APS-C sensor was.  I wanted that full frame sensor with a passion.  But has it changed my life?  Not really.  I really like the camera though because of a lot of features it has – not just the full frame sensor.  But I haven’t really taken advantage of most of those cool new features.  I think I’m going to change that though.  I think I’m going to leave my comfort zone and try some of these cool new things.  Stay tuned.

Oh, what do you think of my cool vignetting?

Oh, oh!!  If you like my posts, please add your email to my follow gang so you’ll get a message when I post again. 

(Designation, Motion Project 32960 – not named at this time)

Finally, Part Two – How to Solve the Blank Wall Predicament

I know, I have been gone for a few hundred years (or a couple of months).  You know how it goes sometimes, you get caught up in stuff and the time gets away from you.

So, blank walls – how do we hang prints or convert “blah” walls into “wow” walls?  My wife sent me the guide below a while back and it’s helpful.  There is one detail I believe most people know about.  For the group of folks who may not be aware, once you know where you’re hanging that artwork, be sure you compensate for the difference in height from the top of your piece to where the wire will be.  You know, pick up your piece with one finger on the wire then measure the distance from the wire to the top of the work/frame.  You eliminate the surprises, and you never want those surprises.

(Designation, Kinetic Ambiguity Project 2712, Föhn)

How to Solve the Blank Wall Predicament

I imagine this happens to many folks.  You pause for a moment in your home and your gaze predictably lands up on that blank wall (or those blank walls).  You may or may not have something to put on that wall but usually that is not the real problem.  The real problem is, “I’ll damage the wall; I’ll hang it too high (or low or crooked); I’m torn between this or that for that spot; I don’t have a clue about what would look good there; etc.”  Those feelings are normal though.  Let me let you in on a secret though, doing something about it takes a bit of effort – but it is so doable.  Of course, you can hire someone to hang something for you – ask Google.  But it does not require a lot of effort to do it yourself.  Usually a nail, a hammer, a pencil, and a measuring tape will get the job done.  Ok if you are particular, you can use a level too (I do).  In an instant, or more like in under 10 minutes, you can have something in that blank space – and you will be happy it is there.  Next time we’ll talk about “how” to do it.

(Designation, Kinetic Ambiguity Project 1203, Etesians)

Breakout Moments This Spring Auction Season.

“8 Artists Who Had Breakout Moments This Spring Auction Season” was an article I scanned (I only read the first paragraph) on Artsy.  I was scanning to see if any of the artist were photographers.  I believe they were all painters.  I am not upset with painters; they are cool folks.  I am just like, “yeah, that was what I expected”, with the industry regarding fine art photographers.  I know, there are thousands of recognized fine art photographers all around the world, but it just seems like…  I am not sure of the words I want to use here so I won’t.  But there was another thing that I must keep remembering when I read these art industry articles – they are not writing to me.  They are writing to top tier collectors, notable gallerist, accomplished artist, etc.  The work that was in the article was cool though.

Just the same, you should have a look at my website.  I imagine you will really like it.

(Designation, Kinetic Ambiguity Project 4785, Aeolian)

Do You Collect Up-and-Coming Photographic Artist? Maybe you should.

 

In the image, I see giant sentinels slowly walking across the desert landscape as the wind howls its disapproval though it is powerless to stop them.  Let your imagination guide you in this vision or you may miss it.  That is how it works for me, and it can work for you as well.  The work is beautiful, and you should not deny yourself an opportunity to have one of your own.  Take this opportunity to visit the website and see what I am talking about.

I wonder how this work would look on your wall.

(Designation, Kinetic Ambiguity Project 4915, Shamal)

What Marketing Strategies Work for You?

I imagine it looks like a giant green hand grabbing the Earth as it pulls itself up from some incredible void.  As it grips the surface, the sky is alive with frenetic activity flashing between white and blue.  But this place and these happenings are a secret because no one will know about my art unless I can get the work in front of them.  Marketing is essential to getting this business moving forward.  I’m working on my social media marketing right now as I don’t have a monetary cost with that at the moment (I’m just trying to say it’s free with a bunch of words).  And I need to learn about Google Places too.  What marketing strategies are working for you?

 

Oh, don’t forget to drop by the website since you’re here at the blog.

(Designation, Kinetic Ambiguity Project 3368, Khamaseen)

Do You Know Who Marina Abramovic Is?

“I never thought about how to sell performance; for most of my career I’ve done it for free”, Marina Abramovic.  This quote comes from an article on Sotheby's website, "MARINA ABRAMOVIĆ: A WOMAN’S WORLD", by Amah-Rose Abrams, May 10, 2021.  Basically, Ms. Abramovic is a household name that I never knew.  At least the article starts out saying so.  I admit, I only read the first paragraph then started looking at the images and highlighted quotes eventually coming to the quote you see here.  That quote made me stop and think – Ms. Abramovic had money or access to it all those years.  She could afford to do “it for free”.  She was not the artist I was looking for.  And you are correct, I do not know who the artist I am looking for is.  What I do know is that the artist is not well known but sells their artwork for a comfortable living.  I just need to keep looking – I will find them.  I will learn from them.

Well, you might as well have a look at my website since you’re here.  Tell me what you think of the artwork on it.

(Designation, Kinetic Ambiguity Project 596 - not named at this time.)

Why Should Anyone Buy My Art – Part Two

Why, I ask?  I answer with because it’s now easy to do!  My new website is operational!  The address is https://www.elmpfineart.com and it’s waiting for you to visit right now.  Imagine a website where you can get your hands on a finished product, created by me, to hang on your wall for all to see.  Now that’s a great reason to buy my art!  Not everyone will understand the value, but you do.

(Designation, Kinetic Ambiguity Project 1680, Sirocco.)

Why Should Anyone Buy My Art

 

(Designation, Kinetic Ambiguity Project 752 - not named at this time.)

You should buy my art because it moves you.  Because you can imagine hanging such a creative expression of art on one or more of your walls.  Because you want to help a veteran get his new small business off the ground.  Because you believe that black owned businesses are important parts of the fabric of humankind.  Because, as I said before, the artwork moves you.  Not everyone will understand the value, but you do.

How Do I Start an Online Art Career – In Other Words, How Do I Become a Working Artist?

I do not know.  I needed to say that first.  I am trying to do just that, be a working artist.  I am actively working on my e-commerce website and it is almost ready to launch – maybe this weekend I’ll be able to show you it.  I just participated in the Medium Photo Review where I met some art industry folks who gave me great feedback on my portfolio.  Some of that feedback I am already acting on.  I have been reading a lot too.  Currently I am reading “Art Money Success” by Maria Brophy.  Lots of folks have said this is a good book to read (and do as it is a workbook).  I read Cory Huff’s book, “How to Sell Your Art Online”, which was very insightful.  I also read Jennifer Schwartz/Yoffy’s book, “Crusade for Your Audience”.  I liked it too and got some good information from it as well.  She was also one of my photo reviewers at the portfolio review.  And I have a body of work that is ready to go.  I have a proven printer and master framer on board as well.  So, I think I have all of the secrets for art success!  Thing is, there are no secrets, but I am learning, and applying that that knowledge where I can.  It is not easy, but I believe I can and will do this – it is where I want to go.  The vision is starting to coalesce.  Come on website!

(Designation, Kinetic Ambiguity Project 3121 - not named at this time.)

Why I Create Motion Blur Art

 

(Designation, Kinetic Ambiguity Project 2616 - not named at this time.)

You are in your car and you are driving down the road. The radio is on, music is playing, you are talking with someone, you are deep in thought — whatever the case, your eyes are never really focused on what is passing you by. Your eyes face towards your destination, but there is a secret world out there that you are missing.  I would like to share that secret world with you.  I call it my Kinetic Ambiguity Project. Why do I do this? This motion blur photographic art project helps me improve myself and manage my inner demons. And I believe I have something to share with fellow art enthusiast.

 

Though I have been absent from my blog for a while (I have spent a lot of time on Instagram trying to figure it out), I’m getting back to blogging. Partially because I’ll be fielding a new website for my artwork. And partially because I like blogging. As soon as the new site is operational, I will let you know.

I Still Have A Day Job

It’s been a few weeks since I have made a blog entry.  Priority things that maintain our home took all of the available minutes for a while – lots of things going on.  But this blog (and my art in general) is important to me so I figure out ways to make it happen.

Though they are few, I put a lot of effort into the actionable events I participate in.  I try to learn what I can do to make it as successful for me as possible.  I do those things that I have learned as best I can.  I say this because I still have a day Job – there is only so much time available to my artwork.  I’m married, we both work, we have kids in school, my oldest is in college, we divide the work (a lot of work) of maintaining our house, we have dogs, my mom lives with us, we have a horse, we have large extended families, we do stuff with our kids, etc.  So, when I say I still have a day job, it’s a bit more than just that.  It’s easy to see how I’m at the point now I can’t afford the time to watch TV anymore – well, save for watching Game of Thrones.

The next actionable event I’m participating in is just around the corner – the Palm Springs PhotoFestival.  I’ve been once before back in 2013 – I was still an undergrad at Cal State San Bernardino at the time, so we had the student discount working in our favor (there was a small group of us).  This event costs a good amount of money – especially if you’re participating in the photo review.  I guess it’s unfair to say I’m going to the festival – I’m going to the photo review.  I’m working on getting my work seen by people who may find it compelling enough to want to see it in a show or published.  That’s what the review is about for me.  And to get a critique of what I have done.  That is very helpful as well.  Ultimately, my goal is to work as an artist and earn as much as I do with my day job, so I don’t need my day job anymore.  Doing this photo review is working towards that end.

But part of the cost (like printing your edited portfolio) is having something to help your reviewer remember who you are.  And that is the purpose of this writing.  That and making a blog entry.

I’m making a small photo book give away for my reviewers.  I wanted to say something about the projects that I’ll be showing in the book as well.  They are my Motion Project, Juxtaposition Project, Kinetic Ambiguity Project, and Victor Valley Project.  I know that my art, my images, are just what someone is looking for.  I just have to find that someone.

California Poppies – Contemporary Art

That’s what I think; those poppies, flowers in general, are works of art created by nature.  To be clear, this is a secular blog so I’m not suggesting or hinting at anything.  I am pointing out the obvious, is all – nature has always been an amazing artist.  I spent a little time at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve yesterday.  There were a lot of people.  That was not a lot of fun, but the poppies were worth it.  And I need a lot of flower images for a project I’m working on so I will need to brave some other spots during the anticipated “super bloom”.

Abandoned Places as Contemporary Fine Art

I created some new images this past Saturday (3/9/2019).  It always feels good working with my camera in hand.  I did a few different things but the major focus were a couple of abandoned places.  They were not really that far off the beaten path but abandoned just the same.  The thing that is intriguing for me is how this type of work can be fine art.  It’s tough wrapping my head around how we package our work and discuss it will impact how well received it may be in the world.  Or not even noticed.  If I were wealthy, would I still do this work?  Of course, I would!  It would take up a big chunk of my day unlike now where I try to squeeze it in where ever possible.  I’m a photographist, after all and this is what I live to do.

I find a peculiar strength of character in those places long abandoned – I want to know the story of these humble structures.  But most I will never know.  And there is a certain disjointed charm in that knowledge.  I think it motivates my approach to the subject and directs my composition to some extent.  That must be the source of the contemporary fine art in these abandoned places.  But I didn’t show you any of those here today.  You can see one on my Instagram but today I am showing you the view of the regal San Gabriel Mountains as seen from the Victor Valley.  Why this image and not one of the abandoned places?  I haven’t edited that crop sufficiently enough for blogging yet – I just wanted to talk about it.  But this one, taken on the same day, is ready. 

When I’m done with the image creation for the day and packing up my gear, I have a since of euneirophrenia that swarms through my thoughts – that feeling of, “I know I have a winner somewhere in that group”.  I think this one is a winner.

Arts N Fashion Magazine

Wow, the year’s end is upon us.  Well, I have an assignment tonight in Beverly Hills – cool.  2014 will be a great year I know.  Here is something cool that happened in 2013 – got published in a publication not associated with my university – cool.  Enjoy.

http://issuu.com/artsnfashion/docs/winter2013/1?e=2296489/6035979

Oh, I updated my website too.

http://www.edwardlancemontgomeryphotography.com/

Happy New Year!

Victorville’s Blue Dawn

I think I have said this before but the Victor Valley is a scenic place.  When you look around the place, you see how it could have easily been a vacation spot if it was approached that way years ago.  This blue dawn is another example of how amazing the views can be.

In this photo, I’m looking east north east, if you will.  It is a quarter past 6:00 am and you can see Apple Valley in the distance.  I think the layers of mountains are what really make the image.  Enjoy.

Kauai the Garden Island, 3 of 3

Here are the last of my “artistic” shots.  These photos were taken from the north to the south of the island.  Enjoy.

 I shot these from the tour bus as we drove by what use to be plantation workers homes.

 Waimea Canyon

 You can’t help to want to stay here.

 Wailua River

 I have to go back some day

A Time of Great Happiness

You have to live up here in the Victor Valley in order to appreciate the significance of this bridge opening up.  They have had it planned for years.  They have been working on it for over a year.  Today they had a big “whoop tee-do” celebrating its initial opening.  That’s what the pictures are about.  You still can’t get on the interstate from it but you can cross to the other side (La Mesa Road) from Nisqualli Road.  You’re not forced to endure the standstill on Bear Valley or try your luck on Palmdale Road.  To get to Wal-Mart or the mall will only take 5 minutes instead of 15 to 20 minutes depending on what time of day it is for the same distance.  That’s a lot of gas idling away as you sit and wait.  And the freeway entries and exits should be operational within 30 days.  Just in time for the fall quarter.  Enjoy.

Kauai the Garden Island, 2 of 3

We were on a catamaran off of the Na Pali coast in the southern part of the island.  This was a really cool looking place.  Enjoy.

Kauai the Garden Island, 1 of 3

We went to Kauai, Hawaii last month for our family vacation.  I showed off a lot of photos of the trip on my family blog, “Categorically-Exposed”.  But I pulled a few photos to put here that I did not show there.  I think these were some pretty cool shots – that is my normal voice for trying to say I think they have some artistic value.

A life time ago, I use to think that I would eventually “get away from it all” in Costa Rica.  You know, when my children are adults and out there doing their thing – I would go do mine.  Well, Costa Rica has been replaced with Kauai.  The great thing about this is that I do not have to leave the US.  The real great thing about this was that Kauai is an extraordinarily incredible place to be.  I am still smiling even after drowning my point and shoot camera and my cell phone.  I explained all of that on the other blog but just know that it was all worth it.  The mosquito bites were worth it too and I really do not like those things.  Enjoy.

 Hanalei Beach

 Around Hanalei

 Table setting at the luau

 Princeville

 Hanalei

 Wai’oli Hui’ia Church

 North coast

In the “jungle”