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Ron Foster 4/29/21 Ron Foster 4/29/21

Thankful Thursday: Listen to Create

I find when taking on a new client, it’s important to take the time to listen. I am asked, what is the most important skill needed to be a photographer? I always will reply, it’s the skill of listening. I have found that it is a skill in constant and continual development.

Listening to my client or a potential one makes me better informed of their expectations. It arms me with the necessary tools to better execute the photography I have been hired to perform.

I ask all types of questions about their life and goals. What will they be using the images for? Who will be the viewers of the photos? Where will the images live?

Some may think it is invasive to ask so many questions or to develop a dialogue with your client, however, I have never had a client reject the time to connect. I have found from my experience I have shot better photographs for doing so. Listening builds trust.

“A good thirty minutes of dialogue make the soil ready for planting the seeds for an excellent twenty minutes of shooting”.

I conclude with this thought; when you are researching to hire a photographer. Make sure they know how to listen. You might gain a friend in the process.🙂

Ron Foster 12/31/20 Ron Foster 12/31/20

2020 The Year Through My Lens

When 2020 began, I could not possibly conceive of the world we are now living in today. Neither could I have imagined that my camera would be a tool used to share the changing tides of a nation. From a global pandemic to an awakening of social injustice, I found a need to capture images that would visually tell our story of the historic time we are living through. I wanted future generations to have tangible visual evidence of the road that we are now traveling down.

“We are the change we seek.”

In my current vantage point, 2020 has been a year of great loss for many and exuberate gains for others on some level. The year stretched my photography career in ways I am still trying to grasp and discover. Never in my life have I been pushed so much to leave my comfort zones. Photographing in enormous crowds of people during a pandemic, well I must say it’s the furthest place I would want to be. But this year taught me that there are events, concerns, and subjects much larger than myself. I am usually advocating for wildlife and global conservation. However, this year I began to look inward at myself and the country I live in. I could no longer be a passive participant in change; I quickly realize that I must be aggressively engaged. We are the change we seek. Change begins with each one of us.

“Behind every dark cloud, there is a silver lining.”

As I took time this week to reflect upon one of the most tumultuous years of my life, I also found a new peace and optimism for the future. As horrible as it is, this pandemic has ushered in change. Citizens galvanized to participate in their civic duty to vote, removing a president from office. There was magnification upon inequality and injustice in all areas of our society. It is said, “Behind every dark cloud, there is a silver lining.” I do believe we are at a crossroads for our nation and as global citizens. We can live divided, without a thought for one another and the environment. Or, we can band together to solve the ills upon our planet and society. I choose the latter. We are stronger together than when we are apart. If anything, the year 2020 has proven this theory.

I leave you with a question, what will you do in 2021 to bring us together and to build a world better than how we came into it?

Make it a happy new year!

This is 2020, the year through my lens

Ron Foster 5/7/19 Ron Foster 5/7/19

The Photographer's Meet-up: The Met Cloisters

There is no place in the world like New York City! I cannot think of any other place in the world that offers such a plethora of diversity. The city allows me to capture images of people from all walks of life. New York City absolutely embodies street and urban photography.

On the fourth Saturday of each month, a group of photographers, amateur and professional, gather together at a new location to make this city the backdrop of their photography.

I invite you to join us as we make this creative platform an environment for meeting other photographers. It's a wonderful way to create a community for professional photographers and beginners alike. All are welcomed to participate.

The photographer's urban meet-up is also a great way to exchange tips and experiences with other creatives. We all have something to learn or tips to share. So whether you are a cell/smartphone photographer or a full frame camera user come out and join us for some street and urban photography.

About Our Meet-Up Group

“There is no place in the world like New York City!”

I cannot think of any other place in the world that offers such a plethora of diversity. The city allows me to capture images of people from all walks of life. New York City absolutely embodies street and urban photography.

On the fourth Saturday of each month, a group of photographers, amateur and professional, gather together at a new location to make this city the backdrop of their photography.

I invite you to join us, as we make this creative platform an environment for meeting other photographers. It's a wonderful way to create a community for professional photographers and beginners alike. All are welcomed to participate.

The photographer's urban meet-up is also a great way to exchange tips and experiences with other creatives. We, all have something to learn or tips to share. So, whether you are a cell/smartphone photographer or a full frame camera user come out and join us for some street and urban photography.

This Month’s Meet-Up Location: The Met Cloisters in Manhattan New York City

This month we will be meeting at The Met Cloister. Note, we will not be photographing inside of the Cloisters, we will be photographing in the surrounding areas. The Cloisters is located in the middle of Fort Tyron Park. This area has some of NYC’s most scenic views. This a lovely part of the city to get your urban photography on, with a nature twist.

WHERE WE MEET: In front of the Met Cloisters, 99 Margaret Corbin Drive, New York, NY 10040

WHEN: Saturday, May 25th. We will begin our photo walk at 2 PM Sharp

BEST WAY TO GET THERE: Take the "A" train to 190th street station, exit via Fort Washington Avenue, then walk or take the M4 bus up Margaret Corbin Drive to The Met Cloisters

AFTER THE MEET-UP: We will be finishing the first part of our meet-up around 3:30 PM to make time for those who want to enjoy the Gardens of the Met Cloisters. Note, there is a cost for the entry into the Cloisters. At 5 PM for those who are interested, we will head to one of the local restaurants (TBA) for drinks and food. Everyone who attend is responsible for their own tab for drinks and meal.

Please RSVP if you are planing to join us by emailing me @ronlouisphotos@gmail.com, also indicate if you would like to be on our emailing list for future events.

Remember to follow and hash tag #rlpurbanphotographersmeetup your images on Instagram from the day, so everyone can see your captured images.

Hope to see you on May 25th as we enjoy photographing the area and one another.

Here are some images from our April meet-up in Union Square:

Ron Foster 4/16/19 Ron Foster 4/16/19

My First Speaking Engagement Sharing My Passion for Photography

Last evening I had a wonderful opportunity to speak to a crowd of residents from the Fort Greene Community and surrounding neighborhoods. I shared the slideshow presentation of photos from my landscapes, people, and wildlife collections. The response from the audience and outpouring of gratitude warmed my heart. Like in times past I did have butterflies beforehand. I suppose this will always be the case. It's not like this was my first speaking engagement, I have spoken in front of way larger crowds before. But this was different, I spoke about a subject dear to my heart, my photography tied into the theme of the night, "Earth and the Environment"

Last evening I had a wonderful opportunity to speak to a crowd of residents from the Fort Greene Community and surrounding neighborhoods. I shared the slideshow presentation of images from my landscapes, people, and wildlife series. The response from the audience and outpouring of gratitude warmed my heart. Like in times past, I did have butterflies beforehand. I suppose this will always be the case when I speak to a group. It's not like this was my first speaking engagement, I have spoken in front of larger crowds before. But this was different, I spoke about a subject dear to my heart, my photography. I was able to tie my presentation into the theme of the night, "Earth and the Environment". I continue to override my fears and step out to live out the dreams within me. It is my destiny and journey. Thank you FGA (Fort Greene Association) for the opportunity.

Ron Foster 7/24/18 Ron Foster 7/24/18

Photography Sold!

Another image sold today at the EyeEm Market on Getty Images. The pocket change I did not have and I am grateful for receiving. Do what you love. Put your work out in the world so it can be discovered, loved and embraced. In doing so, you will bless others and in return, you will be blessed.

Celebrate and give thanks for everything large and small. You can find this and my other photos at www.ronlouisphotos.com and Ron Foster | EyeEm.

How are you living? You are welcome to leave a comment.

Ron Foster 7/16/18 Ron Foster 7/16/18

"Looking Into Windows" Photocrowd Competition Top 10% Favourite

Ron Foster 1/23/18 Ron Foster 1/23/18

The Gentle Giant

I never get tired of photographing these marvelous creatures. The elephants are the gentle giants of our world. They move with such grace and strength. Yet, they are so playful and child like. I remember just staring and watching with anticipation for the elephants next move. They truly rule their surroundings. It was a pure blissful moment when I captured this beautiful black and white photograph. The contrast of the dark gray textured skin of the elephant and the white background make a good composition.

I am so excited to share this latest addition to my #etsy shop: "The Gentle Giant" #art #photography #black #white #elephants #blackandwhite #photographery #wildlife #wildlifephotography http://etsy.me/2DAtyB5

The Gentle Giant

It was a pure blissful moment when I captured this beautiful black and white photograph. The contrast of the dark gray textured skin of the elephant and the white background make a good composition.

Ron Foster 1/22/18 Ron Foster 1/22/18

Leopard Waiting Standing Strong

Looking for his mate, the leopard stands erect listening for the sounds of her approach. The sun is beginning to set. He stands in the shaded area of the brush. The light shines upon him through the trees. It's a glorious sighting and a moment worthy of photographing. Looking majestic as the sun shines upon him. What a beautiful captured moment. I am excited to share this latest addition to my #etsy shop: "Leopard Waiting Standing Strong" #2 #art #photography #black #brown #leopards #wildcats #cats #bigcats #standingstrong http://etsy.me/2DyT2P5

Leopard Waiting Standing Strong

Ron Foster 1/17/18 Ron Foster 1/17/18

Wildebeest Grazing

A hot morning in the bush, we drive across the grasslands. On a hill not so far away a herd of wildebeest gathered to graze with their young. The scene was beautiful and peaceful. I am excited to share another addition to my #etsy shop: Wildebeest Grazing, perfect for a den or study. #art #photography #brown #green #animals #wildebeest #grazing #greenery #bush http://etsy.me/2Dee41a

Wildebeest Grazing

Ron Foster 1/16/18 Ron Foster 1/16/18

Brooklyn Bridge Sunset Reflection

It's iconic, a landmark and it is absolutely beautiful. The Brooklyn Bridge is not just an East River crossing between Brooklyn and Manhattan. It is one of the city's life centers. Tourists from all over the world visit and walk across the bridge for some of the best panoramic views of New York City. I am excited to share another addition to my #etsy shop: Brooklyn Bridge Sunset Reflection #art #photography #blue #brown #ronlouisphotos #ronlouisdesign #brooklynbridge #bridge #brooklyn http://etsy.me/2Dh3Npl

Ron Foster 1/15/18 Ron Foster 1/15/18

Angola Strike

Standing on the edge of the Okavango River in Botswana and Angola on the other side, I witnessed a storm approaching. Sun shining and dark clouds arriving, what a dramatic scene. Then the lightning began to strike. I am excited to share the latest addition to my #etsy shop: Angola Strike #art #photography #green #blue #thunderstorm #stormclouds #lightningstrike #lightning #angola http://etsy.me/2D628P3

Ron Foster 1/12/18 Ron Foster 1/12/18

Hudson Shadows

Sometimes I take a photograph and no words can convey the feelings behind the scenes. This is one of those photographs, so I will say no more. I am excited to share another addition to my #etsy shop: Hudson Shadows #art #photography #black #white #views #cityscapes #skyscraper #photo #blackandwhite http://etsy.me/2CUg1Qs

Ron Foster 1/11/18 Ron Foster 1/11/18

Oh What a Web...

While on location in a Montréal alley way photographing a client, I stumbled upon this spider web shining and reflecting the evening sun rays. An image popped in my head of what this would look like captured in a photograph. I shot it and I was pleased. Something so simple can have such beauty.

I am excited to share the latest addition to my #etsy shop: Oh What a Web... #art #photography #black #green #magenta #web #spiderweb #reflection #light http://etsy.me/2CQEyFL

I am excited to share the latest addition to my #etsy shop: Oh What a Web... #art #photography #black #green #magenta #web #spiderweb #reflection #light http://etsy.me/2CQEyFL

Ron Foster 1/8/18 Ron Foster 1/8/18

Graffiti Blues

An evening walk during the "blue-hour", you know that magical hour after the sunsets, the sky takes on those lovely shades of blue. I walked across the Manhattan Bridge located in New York City with my camera in hand as usual. The bright colors of the graffiti and the blue background of the bridge made a beautiful scene for a still portrait. I am excited to share another addition to my #etsy shop: "Graffiti Blues" #art #photography #blue #yellow #graffiti #blues #colors #industrial #ironbeams http://etsy.me/2Dak0JC

Ron Foster 1/4/18 Ron Foster 1/4/18

Geometry Above

Look up while standing in the rotunda of the architectural marvel of the Fulton Hub Station. Located in Lower Manhattan in New York City, it is absolutely beautiful. The geometric shapes, metal and glass accompanied by the shadows made for a lovely photographic moment. I am excited to share another addition to my #etsy shop: Geometry Above #art #photography #black #lines #circles #curves #abstract #newyork #nyc http://etsy.me/2CEuJPr