P#46: Show Notes for Abstract Photography -- An Interview with Alan Babbitt (part one)

Alan Babbit shares his advice and secrets for creating masterful abstract photography

By Andrea on April 7, 2009 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments ()

Join master photographer Alan Babbitt as he shares his own personal story and his journey to creating spectacular works of abstract photography. Whatever your style, you'll learn how you can transform your limitations into your path to success.

Show Notes for 7 Photography Questions Interview with Alan Babbitt

Topic: Abstract Photography
Host: Dr. Audri G. Lanford
Guest: Alan Babbitt
Artist's Main Website: www.ABProductions.com
Locations: Fairfax, CA and Boone, NC

This episode of the "7 Photography Questions" Podcast is sponsored by Calumet Photographic and Secrets Of Master Photographers.

7 Biggest Abstract Photography Questions for Alan Babbitt

1. Let's start with the most basic question many of our subscribers asked: how did someone who is legally blind become a photographer?? Photography is obviously a visual medium -- tell us how you got started and your mindset. When did you first know that you had this special talent for unusual art?

2. Following up on this: A couple of years ago, you were diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, so you could no longer hold the camera steady. Rather than giving up photography, which many people would have done, you turned this into an innovative photographic technique to create stunning abstracts. Again, tell us the story about what happened, and your mindset.

3. What are the three most important things that people who don't have the kinds of limitations you've had to overcome to be a photographer learn from your experiences?

4. Now let's focus specifically on your abstracts: how do you go about creating your images? What do you look for? Do you turn off the image stabilization on your camera? Can you predict or know what the outcome will be like? For example, do you know, based on how you're feeling, how much camera shake there will be? Do you wait for a day when your condition is worse to get the most dramatic shots? One last hypothetical question: If you were to be cured tomorrow, would you continue to try and replicate the abstract photography you've been doing, or would you do something different?

5. I've been in many discussions at various clubs about fine art photography, and the constant question seems to be: just what is "fine art photography" and what distinguishes it from other categories? In other words, can you give us guidance as we try to determine "What is Fine Art Photography?"?

6. Can you share one or two of your biggest secrets for creating such amazing photographs?

7. Would you suggest one or two exercises our listeners can do today or actions or listeners can take to improve their photographs -- and take their photography to the limits?

Photographer Bio

Born severely nearsighted, Alan didn't let his bad eyesight stop him in his pursuit of a career in photography, but in 2003 Alan was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. This is a shocking diagnosis for anyone, but for a photographer, the news was particularly devastating. But never one to let bad news get him down, Alan turned the negative into a positive in the form of an innovative photo technique which he calls "Tremor Enhanced Photography."

Alan has developed and taught workshops in visualization, visual aesthetics, and creative concepts at Knowledge Industries, and also was a teacher at the de Young Museum Art School in San Francisco.

He's had many exhibitions, and his 2007 exhibit at the Melting Point Gallery in San Francisco entitled Old Enough To Buy Art was aimed at introducing the younger generation -- those who are in their 20s and 30s -- to art collecting while also giving back to the community and raising funds for the Parkinson's Foundation.

Artist's Website

www.ABProductions.com

Artist's Exhibit

A public exhibit of Alan Babbitt's unique "Unstill Photography" will be held April 1 - April 30th at the Fairfax Public Library in Fairfax, CA. The exhibit features pieces from Alan's "Un-Still Photography at Vegas" and "Photo Blend-O" and is especially timely considering April is National Parkinson's Awareness Month.

The Fairfax Library is located at 2097 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Fairfax, CA. Operating hours are Monday through Thursday 10AM to 9PM and Saturday from 10AM to 6PM.