I have been envisioning this shot for a few weeks and the snow did its part in keeping me indoors tonight to set it up. I especially enjoy candid shots but also very much appreciate the work it takes to setup a shot. You have to not only get the angle of the camera, lighting, aperture, shutter speed and ISO but you also have to set the stage, so to speak. It was especially tricky tonight because I do not have an external flash or much in the way of lights. I can see how it'd be much better to have all those accessories but it's more challenging and rewarding to do it with less. Anyway, so obviously I was going for a certain look and depth of field played a large role in creating the look. I love the way that depth of field really can change the mood and feel to a photo. The ones I took without a shallow depth of field were just lacking the "it" factor. Well here is to hoping that I see this exact combination of cards next time I go to Vegas!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Project 365: #23 - Gaze of a Wolf
Finally, I was able to get to the zoo to play with the zoom lens on my 20D. I really didn't know what to expect since I was not going to be able to use a tripod. Como Park rules are not the most photographer friendly but I am grateful for such a cool place to shoot. I went excited to capture the polar bears, and I did. But they paled in comparison to this snow wolf. He ran right up to the edge of the cage by me and followed me move for move. As I backed away from the cage, he lied down and stared at me for the better part of 5 minutes. I swear he must have known I was taking photos of him as he would change his head position while keeping his gaze fixed on the camera. It was some of the most fun I've had photographing an animal, and I was really impressed with the image quality I got out of the low-cost zoom lens. Many more trips to the zoo are bound to happen.... once the weather warms up.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Project 365: #22 - Reflection of a Flame
As promised previously, here is another photograph of fire. Although I do think this one flame is rather interesting, it's not what really grabs me about this photo. What my eyes are drawn to first is the reflection of the flame in the pool of melted candle wax. It's not a mirrored reflection that is symmetrical to the flame, but an imperfect representation. It sort of reminds me of those old cartoons where the main character's reflection in the mirror has a personality all its own, independent of whatever the protagonist does. Again, I am intrigued by how light interacts with varied surfaces so uniquely. The reflection off the glass is nothing like the reflection seen in the liquid wax. In the first three weeks I have learned quite a bit about how light impacts the feel of a photo just by altering it ever so slightly. More experimenting and learning shall ensue throughout the next eleven-plus months.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Project 365: #21 - Any Key
I stare at my keyboard everyday. Ok, maybe I don't "stare" but I sure do look at it a lot. I think it only proper that I include it in my photo project. At first glance, there is little, if anything, that stands out about a keyboard. Perhaps, that's why I chose it today. Not every photograph I take is going to be of extraordinary proportion or have a particular appeal. In fact, some of my favorite photos that others have taken are of simple, ordinary objects. My goal in taking photos of mundane subjects is to use the camera as a tool to turn them into something interesting. That might not be the case with photo, but it is a starting point nonetheless. I think what makes this picture stick out to me is how the pattern of the keys come to the forefront due to the lack of color. Black and white photos allow the photographer to place the focus on shape, pattern, depth and detail. We'll have to see what I can do with B&W photos throughout the year.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Project 365: #20 - Dried Beauty
On my second day of using just kit the lens, I realized something very important. It can get closer macro shots than the 50mm. This means I have found the first of many benefits (apart from landscape shots) of using the kit lens. One of my favorite macro shots is of flowers. I am just amazed by the intricacies of the texture and colors of the petals. Sadly, it's winter and roses tend to not do so well this time of year. I'm sure I have taught you all something revolutionary. Anyway, one of my coworkers has had this dried rose by her desk for at least a few months and I have long been saying I want to get a picture of it. So, here it is. I can't help but enjoy how the pink seems to be escaping from the edges of the petals, leaving just a soft yellow color behind. Even in winter, colors of spring and summer can be found.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Project 365: #19 - Invitation
Tonight's challenge was using the kit lens. I haven't used it much but its versatility in getting wide-angle and zoom shots should make it a preferred option. However, I have become spoiled with the 50mm lens with the wide open aperture. So, I took along the kit lens and decided to see what she could do. During worship tonight my attention was drawn not just to the lighting and silhouettes but to the lyrics of the songs. Sometimes the composition won't be spectacular or the subject all that intricate. Sometimes the photo can best communicate a message monochromatic type. Tonight I think captured just that. The power is in the words, not the photo itself. Take time to think about what those words are saying, and I think this photo may just be one that sticks with you as I am sure it will me.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Project 365: #18 - 12:22
I've been wanting to get some pictures of downtown building and finally decided to suck it up and brave the cold. After all, it was a balmy 14 degrees. I look at this building often from the windows in my office, but it's only after getting outside that I really appreciated the design of both the brick and face of the clock. It is definitely representative of a time period tong passed. I wish we cared about designing buildings that had character like this as opposed to the cookie-cutter designs used. Anyway, I especially like this photo because I really enjoy green, brown/red and blue as is evidenced in some of my other photography. Expect many more similar color combinations to come throughout the year.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Project 365: #17 - Change
This jar of change, as the picture indicates, was overflowing with a lot of change. So, before I went to cash in the coin I thought it a good photo. Not only is it a good way to commemorate the jar going from full to empty but I also thought it was cool the way the light reacted differently based on the angle of the individual coins. Any guesses as to the amount of money in the jar?? Hint: It was mostly loaded with silver.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Project 365: #16 - ChapStick
As I looked outside today I couldn't help but notice how white it was. The world outside this time of year lacks color. Well that is not the case everywhere and colors abound indoors. So, I just had to look around. Chap stick especially caught my eye because of the texture as well as the color. There is always something to photograph; you just need to keep your eyes open and take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Project 365: #15 - Matt & Lisa
Today was my first engagement photo shoot. We picked a good day too; it was above 0 degrees. Barely. Matt and Lisa were both amazing and made this entirely too easy but a lot of fun. This shot was actually one of the last of the day but I really think this one does that best at capturing them. I know without a doubt there is much more to learn about getting the best shots possible and making the most of limited time, especially in frigid temperatures. That being said, for a first shoot, I'm happy with the amount of shots that are keepers. I should have samples posted by the end of the weekend on my photography Facebook page.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Project 365: #14 - Snow Covered Field of Dreams
I have learned two things already on this project. 1, I am going to have to be creative when it comes to getting the shots I want and 2, I can get some awesome outdoor shots from the warmth and comfort of being indoors. Today was no exception to both. As I headed toward the parking ramps through the skyway a light snow began to fall. I wanted to capture the wintery scenery but kept getting glares off the windows. Fail, or so I thought. On my way, I pass by Target Field, which shouldn't surprise many of you as being a highlight of my day. I caught a glimpse of this couple standing outside huddled up on the pavilion. Once I got past thinking how ridiculous they were for being out there, I realized I had a pretty cool shot. I know we are still a few months away from baseball season but some people, myself included, can hardly wait.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Project 365: #13 - Plastic
Tonight while waiting for my oil to get changed, all I had was my camera and objects at the dealership. I thought about photographing cars but doubt that would have gone over well. So, I looked for other random objects. My eye was drawn to the refrigerator full of miniature bottles of water. Ah, the possibilities. The thing I like about this picture is how the plastic of the bottle affected the light. The shallow depth of field created really cool bokeh on the bottom of the bottle. Tonight was my experiment with light and how to use my camera to get the desired effect.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Project 365: #12 - The Moon
Since taking my first moon photos over a year ago, I've dreamed of the day I'd get to take another one. A better one. Despite the usually cold temperature, I got outside and took the shot I thought would have to wait until at very least late April. Well to my delight this is the picture I got. I absolutely love the detail of the moon and being able to capture it so clearly is a victory to me. I can't wait to get even better pictures in the warmer months of summer.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Project 365: #11 - HX1
Photographs of cameras are some of my preferred types of shots because it's sort of flipping the script. The device that usually is doing the capturing of images is instead the subject being captured. One of the specific kinds of shots I plan on working on during my 365 day project is product shots. To my surprise, these are actually not easy. I know I'm not using any backdrops or advanced light setups but getting the proper look is tricky. I was focusing just on depth of field and found that to be quite the challenge. I am looking forward to getting reflectors and diffusers as the year goes on but for now, I'll keep playing with what I have.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Project 365: #10 - Sisters
Sage adores her little sister Penny. That is obvious to anyone. The reason this picture grabbed my attention today is because you can tell that Penny already is mesmerized by her big sister. All weekend long I got to see those two interact so I was excited to get to capture a moment of it today. I can't wait to go back!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Project 365: #9 - Bath Time
It was bath time for Penny tonight and camera time for me. She made a number of different faces but none as funny as this one. The trick with kids seems to be constant photo taking because if you don't, you are bound to miss a priceless moment. This is so true with little ones as experience the world during their first couple years. Hopefully soon, I'll be around a bit more and get the opportunity to capture many more firsts and many, many more fun photos like this.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Project 365: #8 - Sage and Snow
When Sage made it apparent she wanted to go out and play in the snow, I think I may have been more excited than she was. Finally, I was able to take a photo with natural light! This time of year, getting outside can be a real challenge. Well, here is my favorite of the shots I got today. Enjoy!
Project 365: #7 - Deuce
There is nothing like capturing the look of a close friend. In this case, annoyance would be my best description for the look you are seeing. Regardless, I especially enjoy capturing authentic expressions; not forced or canned ones.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Project 365: #6 - A Cut Above
Yesterday I experimented with some still life. Not everyday am I going to have that many options but there are always things to photograph.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Project 365: #5 - Tilt Shift
So today I decided to deviate from the DSLR and use a cool feature on the camera app for my phone called "Tilt Shift". It is a technique used to make subjects (people, cars, etc.) appear minature by adjusting the focus to emulate a macro shot. I have seen some far more amazing uses of it but think it is one of the coolest techniques. The camera app I use is on the Android Market and called Camera 360. Check it out!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Project 365: #4 - Blue Hot
Tonight I was experimenting with exposure of a flame. It is definitely a tricky thing to get right and I have a long way to go in getting the exposure how I really want it. That being said, I think I'll be taking a number of pictures of fire. Let's hope I don't burn down the house!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Project 365: #3 - How Sweet
Today I was experimenting with depth of field, bokeh and color. I really enjoyed the way the glass reflected the light. I am learning new things every day.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Project 365: #2 - Worship
Tonight proved to me that if I want to get a good shot, I need to have my camera with me wherever possible. The lighting was really cool and when I saw the cross standing out behind our congregation worshiping I was grateful I had the camera to capture the moment.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Project 365: #1 - Chipotle
Now that I have acquired a DSLR in the form of a Canon 20D and invested in a few lenses, I think it a good idea to practice using them daily. I have A LOT to learn about getting the most from my equipment and what my style is. So, I have decided to embark on a year-long journey, taking at least one unique picture a day. As I've read about others who have done the same thing, I do not expect that it will be easy every day to get a picture taken but I do think it will be an opportunity to see a good deal of growth for me as an amateur photographer. Needless to say, I'll be posting each photo on my blog for everyone to see. I'd really appreciate any advice, criticism or feedback. Thanks!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Lesson #6 - Take a Risk
One of the biggest things I am reminded of in my adventure of photography is that the only limitations on its potential are ones I place on it. Digital photography has allowed me, and countless others I'm sure, to dabble in an activity that was rather unattainable in the past. No more did I concern myself with quality of pictures because of the limitations that a film camera imposed. I could mess up time and time and time again with a digital camera and with the press of a button, start from scratch and do it again. I imagine I will always take full advantage of this technology. The risk associated with using numerous rolls of film for one acceptable picture is gone, but I see risk as a key component of photography.
One risks putting their work out there for the entire world to see and criticize. What if no one else appreciates it? What if it just really isn't that good? I think we all go through this mind talk in many areas in life. The truth is, maybe no one will like it one bit. Who cares?! Get it out there. Share your art. For me, because I exposed myself to potential criticism, I realized I might actually have found something I really, really enjoy to be a talent.
Risk is not a one-and-done type thing. It is continuous. Whether it be photography or any other aspect of life, do not fear failing. Failure will only lead you on the right path to success. Remove the self-imposed limitations, and be amazed at your potential.
One risks putting their work out there for the entire world to see and criticize. What if no one else appreciates it? What if it just really isn't that good? I think we all go through this mind talk in many areas in life. The truth is, maybe no one will like it one bit. Who cares?! Get it out there. Share your art. For me, because I exposed myself to potential criticism, I realized I might actually have found something I really, really enjoy to be a talent.
Risk is not a one-and-done type thing. It is continuous. Whether it be photography or any other aspect of life, do not fear failing. Failure will only lead you on the right path to success. Remove the self-imposed limitations, and be amazed at your potential.
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