Originally from Northern England, Alan Norsworthy has been a photographer since the late 1960's.

He moved to Canada in 1973 and has made Guelph Ontario his home for the last 24 years.

" I remember visiting the CN Tower in the early 70's and the guide said that as far as you could see in any direction is the best farmland in Canada. That comment echoes down the years as I watch subdivisions eat up the landscape."

The area around Guelph offers up a plethora of rural images which Alan captures with his artistic vision. His work covers everything from macro photographs of flowers, sweeping landscapes, historic buildings and old abandoned farms in both colour and Black and White.

"This is where I find my inspiration, I have a need to show people the beauty I see as I walk the woods and fields of Southern Ontario"


Sunday, January 31, 2010

Photo of the weekend - Flash Practice


Flash Practice - 2
Originally uploaded by Alan Norsworthy

I spent hours on Saturday playing with my new 'light shapers', shoot through umbrella and a 20" square soft box plus a few other bits and pieces.
After borrowing a couple of wireless triggers I set out to see if I could tame the shadows.
This is one of my favourites a book of essays by Francis Bacon and an old pair of glasses that I picked up as a prop. I am quite pleased with the light on the pages but less so with the overall, front to back, lighting.

Practice Practice Practice !

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Photo of the weekend - Mug Shot


Mug Shot
Originally uploaded by Alan Norsworthy

C'est moi
Last week we were fine tuning a portrait lighting workshop we will be putting on.
Grant and Dave were the teachers, Doug and I the pupils.

I took some of what I learned and made this shot. It came out exactly as I had envisioned! So it had to be my choice even if it is a mug shot of yours truly.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Photo of the weekend - Barber Mill


Barber Mill - Toothpicks
Originally uploaded by Alan Norsworthy

Why this one?
Well, recently I was given a 100' roll of Kodak Kodalith Ortho 6556 film, ISO 10.
It was unopened and in the original packaging, date of expiry 12/1985.
My first test roll was, shall we say, a little short of the mark. I learned quickly that the emulsion on this film is very sensitive and pin holes and scratches were everywhere.
This was my second attempt.
With help from the flickr group "I shoot film" I found a new developer recipe and routine.
The results? Well I really like them.

Developed in Xtol at 1+1 dilution
6 min at 20 deg c

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Photo of the weekend - Hark what light through yonder window breaks!


German School - Hark what light through yonder window breaks!
Originally uploaded by Alan Norsworthy

A freezing cold weekend but that didn't stop the intrepid explorer's.

On Saturday Doug, Andrew and I visited the abandoned Speyside school. Seeing two police cruisers waiting at the foot of the driveway when we came out was a little off-putting to say the least. As it turned out they were not interested in us :-)

Today I met up with Jay, Chris and Jeff to visit the German Rd School nr Brantford.

The early light poured in through huge, south facing windows. Of course it had to be captured in Black and White :-)

Friday, January 1, 2010

First Light 2010


First Light 2010
Originally uploaded by Alan Norsworthy

Another year over and a new one just begun - Imagine, John Lennon.

The challenge continues, this year the First Light Challenge gauntlet was picked up by Grant, Doug and Cathy, the few who were up and out before dawn. This has become somewhat of a tradition for me and I welcome the company!

This shot was taken in Galt (now part of Cambridge), Ontario and, by the clock on the wall, at just about sunrise, although the sun didn't actually make an appearance.

Happy New Year !!