About the Instructor
I have been an educator, photographer and writer for the past 24 years. My articles and images have appeared in books, blogs, corporate art displays, magazines, newspapers, national park visitor center exhibits and in public relations materials for clients in the private and public sectors.
I worked as a manager for a Fortune 100 company for many years and in the communications industry for decades. At various points in my career, I have been employed as a national park ranger and professional photographer at Morristown National Historical Park, NJ., Shenandoah National Park, VA., Yosemite National Park, CA., and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, NJ/PA.
I am a certified teacher in New Jersey. In 1994, I started teaching on a part-time basis. Over the years, I have taught in the public school system and for private businesses. For the past twelve years, I have been operating ADAM TUROW PHOTOGRAPHY.
Gear: I use Canon, Nikon and Sony digital camera systems. My lenses range from 20mm wide angle to a 500mm telephoto. My favorite lenses are the macros. I have them in normal, short telephoto and medium telephoto focal lengths.
My Mission Statement
1. Help students understand and master their equipment so they can be in full control of their images.
2. Learn to see and think like an artist (assist students in developing composition/design skills and a creative vision).
3. Understand lighting and use it to create professional quality photographs.
4. Develop expertise in outdoor photography (macro, landscape, nature, people, travel, wildlife).
5. Mentor students in reaching their personal/professional goals and objectives.
If you are new to digital photography, at a beginners level or need a refresher lesson, I recommend my "Learning Your Camera" course. This private session covers camera settings and operation. The lesson will equip you with the skills needed to take control of the photographic process by relying less or not at all on the camera's automatic settings. Since this is a private class the focus is 100% on you, the equipment you use, your objectives, skill level, subject interests and your learning speed.
if you're an iPhone/Smartphone photographer or use a digital camera, consider registering for the "Art of Seeing" course. This in-depth lesson covers the aesthetic component of photography and is guaranteed to make you a better photographer. You will learn about design, composition, lighting, color, finding subjects, what makes a good photograph and what doesn't, how to make artistic photographs and how to be more creative.
Violets in Early Spring
Next to finding an interesting subject in good light an attractive background is the next thing I look for. In this example, the out of focus background as well as the color complements the subject nicely.
I carry a macro lens with me on every outing. I have macros in focal lengths ranging from 60 to 200 mm. They each have a specific purpose depending on the subject, the working distance needed and the perspective I want.
Greater Fritillary Butterfly
Photography is all about light. The definition of photography is "painting with light".
The easiest and quickest way to improve your outdoor photography is to work early and late in the day and avoid midday light on bright sunny days. Lghting is the key to quality photography. Learn as much as you can about lighting. I teach several courses on this extremely important subject.
Digital RAW files are available for sale to art directors, editors, publishers, photo researchers, stock houses, advertising/public relations agencies and other interested individuals.
Sunset Over Lake Parsippany, NJ.
Sunrises and sunsets with the sun in the frame are favorite subjects of many photographers, especially beginner and intermediate level ones. I still enjoy making these images but most of the time I rather shoot before and after a sunrise or sunset.
Young Eastern Gray Squirrels
I have been photographing wildlife for 30 years and have accumulated a wealth of knowledge during this time. In college, I took a lot of science courses including botany, biology, ecology, zoology, wildlife management and natural resource management.
The best advice I can give someone to improve their natural history photography is to be a good naturalist. The more you know about your subjects the better photographs you will make.
Photos and text on this site Copyright 2012-2021 by Adam Turow. Contents cannot be used in any way without written permission. All rights reserved.
Male Eastern Tiger and Spicebush Swallowtails “Puddling.”
Swallowtails are very large insects. When basking in the sun, their outspread wings can be 8 to 14 cm (3 to 5.5 inches) from tip to tip. Their colors are vibrant. Broad yellow wings are edged by black and with four stripes, like tapering chevrons from the forewing margins downward into the yellow wings.
Although they are solitary creatures, often flying high in the treetops, you can sometimes spot a special sight when a group of swallowtail "puddles" as this group is doing. Male butterflies come together at damp places in the soil and drink water. The water contains sodium ions and various amino acids, which allow them to live longer.
Fade to Black
Most people would walk right by this and never notice its potential as an artistic photograph. Over the years, I have trained myself to notice everything even the smallest details hidden in a scene. If you do not feel you have the ability to see like an artist don't give up. This a skill that can be learned and developed.
I teach a course titled "Art of Seeing" which covers aesthetics, composition, color, design, lighting and developing a creative vision. i guarantee this lesson will improve your photography.
Black and White photography is a classic art form. To make a s sucessful balack and white photo you need a scene with a wide range of tones, contrasts and interesting shapes. As in all types of photography quality lighting is essential.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Posing for a Portrait
Many people associate portrait photography only with images of people. A good portrait can be made of any interesting subject. I like to make portraits of people, pets, wildlife, birds, barns, old houses, flowers and landscapes. The techniques of good portrait photography are similar for all these subjects.
