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Inspiration

9

Shells are Swell – Beautiful Examples of Seashell Photography

by Warren Krupsaw

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In the mid ’70′s I met a lady who had an extraordinary shell collection in addition to a basement filled with labeled boxes of more shells as this was her business.

I became interested enough to acquire a few specimens without breaking the bank (not hard to do if you wanted some prime quality rarity), since the range in prices varied tremendously.

Of course my interest was as a photographer, so after I shared some of my results with her and thereby had “proven” myself, I was granted access to her amazing collection as well. (Even had a few images published in one of R. Tucker Abbott’s books, Seashells, 1976).

While I haven’t done this kind of work in many years, my approach today would be no different: 1) Eyeball my subject closely trying to find a position that reveals it in an exciting and revealing way. 2) Find a compatible background that isn’t distracting (you’ve always got your black velveteen, but it’s often more interesting to go beyond that). As described in “Flower Power,” the appropriate sized piece of “Aquarium” coral, spray-painted matte black, makes an excellent background. 3) Be aware of the light (for what it’s worth, all these were done with natural light). 4) Apply proper technique (tripod, macro-lens or setting, smallest f/stop for maximum depth-of-field — if that’s your thing — maybe polarizing filter to minimize glare on the shiny ones, etc., etc.). Basic stuff. You should know the drill by now.

Finally, keep in mind because of their designs and formation many shells lend themselves to “Konfabulation” (Mirror-image blending: “Seeing Old Work with New Eyes”). Two examples here: “Chambered Nautilus” and “Murex pectin” Konfabulations.

More from Warren Krupsaw

16 Behaviors of the Serious Photographer
Memories of Ansel Adams
16 Fantastic Images of Fungi Fun
Ice is Nice – A Showcase by Warren Krupsaw

Please check out Warren’s latest Moth Photography in his new self-published calendar Mothography 2012.

Warren Krupsaw, a one-time student (and house guest) of Ansel Adams is a nature photographer concentrating on landscape & detail. After participating in the first year of a new graduate program in Photography at M.I.T. with Minor White, he earned his M.F.A. in Photography under Harry Callahan at the R.I.S.D. in 1968.
Gallery: http://www.pbase.com/thekrupgallery
Book: Portraits of Passion and Other Dalliances

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9 Comments

• 

  Peter Kok said:

  It’s just unbelievable what you are showing of these incredible images of nature. Thanks for all the work!!

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  Nicolette Toussaint said:

  Stunning images! Warren Krupsaw has an amazing eye.

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  Forest Shomer said:

  the universe is spiral upon spiral as is most evident here–great in-sight in these photos

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  Louise Stubins said:

  I’ve searched the beaches of Captiva Island for years for shells, and rarely ever came across anything as beautiful as your shell pictures.
  I’m inspired to keep combing the beaches.

  Louise Stubins

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  Art of Concept said:

  Great collection! I love seashells and this stuff is great! Awesome images!

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  Joel E. Cohen said:

  Stunning beauties!

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  Julie said:

  Beautiful shell pictures. I have found some really nice ones here in Florida especially around Sanibel.

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  sara said:

  Hi
  Thank you. so beautiful and lovely

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  Pat Thompson said:

  Thank you for sharing your techniques! ELEGANT capture of nature. Your passion and creative use of natural textured backgrounds was refreshing and clearly professional. An inspiration.

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