Jaspal Jandu Photography

The Difference a Day Makes

I recently noted how the onset of a new season can dramatically change the appearance of a landscape.  In that particular case, I made a winter return to a scene which I had already captured in its Autumnal prime.

Having just returned from the spectacular Italian Alps and Dolomites over Easter, I was very fortunate to witness an ‘instant’ seasonal change when a storm dropped an absolutely pristine blanket of snow during the cover of night...

There’s nothing better than trampling over fresh snow so it was a joy to mess around during the day (note: snowball fights and cameras really don’t mix) and then to capture a few classic scenes during the most favourable times of sunrise and sunset.

Most European ski resorts have been very happy with the snowfall this year so it may take some time before the new bloom of Spring.   I think I may have been pushing my luck by asking for 3 seasons in a week so a little bit of patience may now be deservedly called for!

Jaspal Jandu Awarded ARPS

Jaspal Jandu Photography is proud to announce that Jaspal was awarded an Associateship of the Royal Photographic Society (RPS) earlier today.  The RPS was formed in 1851 and was granted a Royal Charter in 2004.   Its aim is to promote the art and science of photography and it is an Educational Charity.

The Associateship (ARPS) requires a high standard of technical competence and significant evidence of creative ability.  The RPS notes that “…complete technical control will have produced quality which is entirely fit for the intended purpose. There will be a consistency in the work which will also make a statement of a strong personal style.”

In addition, there were specific requirements for each of the key judgment criteria: Communication, Presentation, Artistic Skill, Cohesion, Originality and Technical Skill.

Jaspal passed all criteria with a unanimous vote.  He noted “…passing a critical peer review is one of the most rewarding milestones of my photographic career.  I am sure I’ll refine my vision even further as I continue this incredible journey through the lens.”

Kindest regards

Jaspal Jandu Photography
info@jaspaljandu.com

Random Acts of Nature

I was recently talking to a client who purchased the Higher Ground Limited Edition Print.  As the discussion turned to composition, I placed my emphasis on the two strong counter-diagonals which are formed via the pier and the sweeping clouds.

Lines and curves have always had a strong place in art theory.  Diagonals, in particular, convey a feeling of depth and movement – an effect which I often use to ‘pull’ the viewer into the image.

However, in this case the left-right cloud movement was a by-product of a completely random act of nature.  It was certainly not one which I could have foreseen as I scouted out the cloudless area earlier that afternoon.

I am slowly beginning to realise (possibly as I get older and wiser) that despite our collective desire to control the world around us, we should sometimes be happy being a witness to events rather than master!

Camera Lust

I'm not sure how it happened.  I walked into my favourite camera store (Teamwork Photographic) to buy a few packs of Fuji Velvia and ended up walking out with the brand new Canon 1ds mkIII. 

With over 20 megapixels of resolution and a slew of new features, it really is a beast of a camera.  However, I’m finding the old adage of being careful what you wish for is extremely apt in this case. 

Having taken the camera to India and Switzerland last week, I am finding the files are simply too big to manage effectively.  The camera filled up my new 16GB memory card in a day, the images took ages to transfer to my laptop and finally they were simply too large and unwieldy for quick previewing.

Ultimately, I realise that the problem may lie with me and my ancillary equipment and in the end the camera will prove itself beyond worth (I particularly like the new automatic sensor cleaning function, for example).

However, it says a lot for my trusted Linhof 617 film camera.  It hasn’t changed one iota since the day I purchased it and will in all likelihood retain its sharpness and resolution during the course of at least the next decade.  A faithful soldier indeed!