Category Archives: Photography

The art, science and craft of photography

Keen and Quirky Observations

Posted on November 28, 2014 by Mark Aidan Bergin

My December 3, 2014 Enchanté column A woman sits on a metal bench in a courtyard, talking on a cell phone. Her legs are crossed and turned toward a wall behind her, like she’s positioning herself away from the world. … Continue reading →

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“Sláinte!” to Ireland

Posted on March 16, 2013 by Mark Aidan Bergin

You’ve probably seen the phrase “Erin Go Bragh” hanging in a pub somewhere in your travels. It’s the anglicized version of the Irish Éirinn go Brách. The English spelling is meaningless. The Irish Gaelic phrase Éirinn go Brách roughly means … Continue reading →

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Patti Smith: punk’s fairy godmother

Posted on February 21, 2013 by Mark Aidan Bergin

Only Patti Smith should cover a Rolling Stones’ song. Same goes for the Who’s My Generation, Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit or Them’s Gloria. No one else can capture the original soul of the sound. In 2007, during her induction … Continue reading →

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Image tells a story

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Mark Aidan Bergin

Just received an email questioning how a single image can actually “tell a story.” I offer this photo I took of Drombeg Stone Circle in Ireland. The photo has only been slightly edited. It was a very grey day with … Continue reading →

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Stunning photographs

Posted on June 12, 2011 by Mark Aidan Bergin

I am usually so not into scenic photos. They’re the easy way for amateur photographers to impress their friends, without requiring any advanced or photojournalistic skills. However, I’ll make an exception here. There are stunning photos by Sebastião Salgado in today’s (June … Continue reading →

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The Craft of Photography, Number 4 – Working with Available Light

Posted on May 25, 2011 by Mark Aidan Bergin

Advantages of working with available light: You work with what you’ve got for a greater sense of realism. You don’t have to carry heavy lighting equipment and stands, only a monopod or tripod. You can shoot quickly. You can move freely. … Continue reading →

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Suzy Lamont – photographer

Posted on May 20, 2011 by Mark Aidan Bergin

Watch for my story about photographer Suzy Lamont in EMC News next week. Probably the first story I’ve ever done on a photographer.

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The Craft of Photography, Number 3

Posted on May 18, 2011 by Mark Aidan Bergin

I’m not facetious: buy a film camera (lots of used ones around for cheap). If you must, get a super cheap disposable. Use it for a full week without ever touching digital. You’ll force yourself to consider composition in much more … Continue reading →

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Photography and gadgets – The Craft of Photography, Number 2

Posted on May 16, 2011 by Mark Aidan Bergin

A good photograph tells a story. A great photograph captures a universal feeling/theme. Photography is a craft and a science. All the gadgets in the world won’t make you a good photographer. If you use digital, turn off your screen. … Continue reading →

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The Craft of Photography, Number 1

Posted on May 16, 2011 by Mark Aidan Bergin

May 15, 2011 Photography means a lot to me. I love expressing art through images. Art reflects the soul of life. Photography is my art. A friend once said to me—in frustration at the abundance of so-called photographers out there—that … Continue reading →

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