Member Monday Featuring David Silber
Explore David Silber’s nature photography and discover his techniques in this week’s Member Monday post. Every week, we introduce you to a new KelbyOne member and share their work—right here!
He’s here today to share his story!
About the Photographer:
- Hometown: State College, PA
- Years in Photography: 20 or more
- Years as a KO Member: At least 11
About the Photo:
- Title: Dogwood Blooms
- Location: My front yard
- Any additional description of the photograph: 1/20 sec at f/10, ISO 200
- Gear/Software Used: Canon 6D Mark II on an Induro tripod with a Canon 100mm macro lens
Describe your creative style in 3 words.
Finding the heart. I don’t have the Grand Tetons in my backyard, so I try to find the thing in the image that evokes a strong emotion. Work with what you have.
Tell us about a time you struggled or failed with your photography, and how you overcame it?
Oh, that list is long. One particularly hard one was struggling on how to do posing for portrait subjects. Basically just getting stuck in a rut. I found it helpful to just immerse yourself into viewing the work of others (e.g. 500px is a great resource), and ask yourself what is it about that photograph that you like. Then try to find something similar in your own work.
What sparked your love of photography?
It was kind of a feedback loop. I started with landscapes. Trying to get better with that led to experimentation, which led to getting different gear and different processing techniques for better photos, which led to more experimentation. There always seems to be something new and interesting on the horizon.
What’s your favorite class on KelbyOne and why?
Hmmm, that’s a really tough one. One of my favorites (there are others) is Advancing Your Photography: Making Photos People Will Love because you can come back to it from time to time to get refreshed.
If you’re looking for more on David and his work, check out davidsilber.smugmug.com or @dnsilber on Instagram.
Thank you for joining us for another Member Monday! If you haven’t yet, be sure to submit your photos for a chance to receive a Member Monday feature of your own.
Enjoyed the photos and the short interview. That third photograph is spectacular! Where is that?
Thanks! That’s at Watkins Glen State Park (the gorge), in Watkins Glen, NY. Up in the Finger Lakes. Gorgeous area. You have to hike the gorge pretty early if you want to avoid people. The gorge doesn’t open up until about mid-May. They have to rappel down the sides to remove loose rock that’s accumulated over the winter.