Taking Control
When photography was first invented, the shear fact that an image could be reproduced on paper was revolutionary in itself. But things have come a long way since then, today, taking a picture and having it shared all over the world in a matter of seconds, is something 10 year olds are doing every day.
From cheap mobile phones, to multi million dollar cameras looking down from space, images have become an integral part of our lives, Facebook alone claims 10 million uploads every single day.
Its all great staff and there is yet more to come, but it all comes at a price, complexity.
You can of course allow the little silicon brains to stay in control and let everything fly on Auto, but there are two major issues in doing that.
First of all, the result will never be as good as it could be, at best, it will good enough. The second issues is even more significant. You never know when the result will be good enough, let alone great. Setting any camera on AUTO is a lot like making a wish, some will come true, but most will not.
Its only when you start missing those unique moments in life and are constantly frustrated with the results, that you feel the need to take control of your images. As one of the most powerful means of communication, the need to be in control of capturing, processing and utilizing images has never been greater.
But harnessing the power of images today requires far more than the ability to set focus and exposure. You still need all the skills of classic photography and a solid understanding of all this new technology.
Digital technology has done many great things for photography and made as exiting as the day it was invented. One things it has not done, it make it simpler.
Learn - Discover - Create - Enjoy
The digital revolution has brought along a revival of photography beyond anyone's imagination, giving everyone the ability to take nice snap shots without any effort. But many people are discovering the need, or indeed the desire, to take control of their images and be able to capture what, when and how they want it. Simple as it is to take a snap shot these days, as more functionality is added to cameras, being in full control and obtaining great results consistently is becoming increasingly complex.
There are many ways of mastering all this wonderful new technology nowadays, from Googling yourself to fame, to entering a university course. But being on an idyllic island like Corfu, bursting with endless subjects, light, color, with its heavenly weather and relaxed environment, has to be one of the better ways to concentrate on learning and shooting. The fact you get a holiday thrown in the bargain is just another bonus.
The light In Corfu
As one of the top Mediterranean holiday destinations, Corfu needs no introduction for its beaches, historical town, castles, palaces, night life, etc. But mass tourism has neglected one special quality discovered hundreds of years ago by many painters.
The light.
Light is the primary ingredient of photography, everything else comes second.There are a number of elements which make the light in Corfu very special. The almost complete absence of atmospheric pollution and dust provides exceptional clarity, producing deep blue skies and pure white clouds. Within a period of 2 weeks humidity levels will vary from 0-80%, producing everything from extremely hard to soft daylight. Then we have the spectacular clouds. This island is blessed with the greatest variety and stunningly beautiful cloud formations you could wish from. One could easily spend a whole year photographing clouds and still be wanting for more.
Last, but by no means least, the weather. It is simply heavenly. With four very distinct, but mild season, every month is a new canvas of light, colors and backdrops. You could make a calendar shoot by leaving a camera on a tripod for a year and taking just one shot every month.
Now take this light and shine it on an island covered in lush vegetation, with 120 pristine beaches with deep blue waters, 3 million olive trees, 980 churches, 5 castles, 3 palaces, a town built by the Venetians, history left behind by the Italians, Austrians, French, British, to mention a few, and several hundred villages mostly untouched by time, all in an island just 65km long and 35km wide. Corfu is one huge playground for photographers.
Cameras have become an indispensable part of every journey and in many cases, the reason for a journey. You can make Corfu the reason for capturing its stunning views, improving your skills, sharing your passions with new people, discovering new experiences, have a holiday, or all of the above.
Whatever your reasons for coming to this island, you will always leave with timeless images in your hard drive and your mind.
