Fine Art Photography by Geraldine Allen
Fine Art Photographer Geraldine Dukes
 Initially trained in art history and graphic design in the UK, Geraldine gained valuable experience in aesthetics and design principles. Later in life she undertook study of Psychology and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Honours degree. However, Geraldine's long time interest and passion for photography beckoned. Enthused by the possibilities brought about by Adobe Photoshop in it's early days of development, Geraldine was soon absorbed by experimenting with digitised photographic collages. It was then she decided to return to Salisbury College in the UK to formalise her experience and update her knowledge of the visual media industry.

Profile
 Geraldine studied Creative Digital Arts to familiarise herself with industry standard multimedia software, and wishing to focus on still imaging, then chose to complete her BA (Hons) in PhotoMedia (Photography). Whilst computer manipulation was becoming increasingly popular, she chose to experiment [and now favours] "in camera" effects. She graduated from Salisbury College with first class honours in November 2003, having specialised in the technique of "Painting with Light ". She also earned a distinction from the British Institute of Professional Photography in their Professional Qualifying Examination.

 
© 2008 Geraldine Dukes. By using this website you are acknowledging that unauthorised copying, downloading or direct linking to images or discourse constitutes copyright infringement and may result in legal action for theft of intellectual property.
Purchase Fine Art Photography

Purchase Fine Art Photography
Individual signed fine art photos are available direct from Geraldine. These photographs are printed on glossy Fujicolor Crystal Archive paper.

Stock photography is available as digital files through specialised agencies which represent different genres of Geraldine's work. Commissions can be undertaken for bespoke photographic or illustrative solutions. Please make all enquiries through the contact page. If your browser is having trouble with the slideshows (if using Mac, Safari works), you can see some sample colour work here, and a collection of black and white photos here.

On Photographic Equipment

On Technical Equipment
"Predominantly, I am a digital SLR user of the Canon variety. I just like the look, the feel and the performance of Canon. A Canon feels right in my hand so what more can I say?

Many of my photos were shot with a Canon D60, which I was very happy to own when the camera was first released. Unfortunately 6 mths down the line the 10D was released with a substantial drop in price to boot. Now of course there is the 20D too! Such are the agonies of being a die-hard techie fiend. I have now upgraded to the new Canon 5D and love the full frame sensor which allows my lenses their intended field of view.

I use only fixed focal length lenses, having found the 'ever-practical' zoom to let me down with zoom creep on long exposures. Prime lenses produce much sharper images, although the priviledge is compromised by the infinite occasions of missing shots due to having to stop a minute changing lens. Currently I am using four lenses: a 15mm f/2.8 fisheye, a 35mm f/2, a 100m f/2.8 Macro, and a 200mm f/2.8 L - all Canon EF. Shooting an awful lot of nature pictures, my 100mm macro lens has proved a wise investment, allowing me to gain that extra close distance both for macro work and longer distance shots.

I have never had much desire to shoot very long distance. I tried a 300mm 'L' glass once, but sold it within a fortnight. The thing was a monster, and at f5.6 widest aperture, it was just not fast enough coupled with the focal length and weight of the thing. I simply could not achieve sharp enough pictures. Rather than bring faraway subjects close to me, I prefer bringing tiny things into my visual plane, so that I can study each tiny little detail. I therefore have a natural affinity for Macrophotography and Photomicrography. I use an IMXZ Microscope with a zoom factor from x10 - x40 for real tiny subjects, or when I want to reveal what the eye cannot normally see, but with an aperture of f0, or NOTHING , I am inevitably dissatisfied with the lack of sharpness throughout. Quite often I will just use the 'sweet spot' area and crop down afterward.

I missed the medium format experience altogether, but what a great discovery it was to find out I could afford a large format system! I ended up with a 4x5 Toyo View camera with a monorail extension, darkcloth, lots of double dark slides, a Schneider Symmar-S 150mm f5.6, and two boxes of Fuji Provia RDP II, all for £400!!! The film and processing costs have been adding up since, and the results still look plainly 'LF novice'.

The only other shooting equipment I have are two strobes, a 1000 watt halogen lamp, a Canon Speedlite 550EX, softbox, reflectors and stands. These are not used very often, but are on standbyfor the odd studio request. Generally though I prefer natural light and natural settings.

Post shoot editing of course requires a digital darkroom. I use a fast processor Dell PC with tons of RAM, a Mac Powerbook G4, an Olympus Camedia Dye Sub printer, a Canon S9000 inkjet, and an Epson Perfection 4870 scanner for my 4x5 film. Let's also not forget that king of king piece of software - Adobe Photoshop. I use CS version and am very happy with it.

ooops... I forgot to mention my trusty set of three halogen torches for light painting.... nothing special or expensive, just normal household torches of various strength." - Geraldine Dukes


HomeAmbienceTransienceSeeingIllustrativeContactLinks