Today I tried to go out and get some outdoor photos. The reality of winter struck me. It is obviously cold, but even more so, it is desolate. You get very tired of seeing white. I know winter can provide some amazing photo opportunities but I think I'm just done with it for the year. The only photo that resonated with me was one of this small wooden birdhouse behind my place. It has sat empty all winter, as it does every year. I have on a few occasions glanced at it wishing there were a couple birds perching. That woulds not only provide for a cool photo potentially but also would mean summer was at least near. But today as I looked at I took in the way it sat vacant all winter and also imagined a "For Rent" ad in the paper. Another night and day will pass and it will still not see a bird even come check it out. However, when summer returns so will the birds and the scene you see before you will be just a memory.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Project 365: #51 - Hidden Face
Although not the case in reality, when I first eyed this shot, I thought it sort of looked like Aaron was without a face. I kept getting shots of the back of his head almost exclusively. It wasn't until I imported the photo that I saw how cool the shot actually was. It did look good in color but as I have learned, black and white can truly make a photo stand out. Tonight I was shooting the baptism service at church and it was tricky trying to adjust to the constantly changing lights. But, in the moments I did use the light rather than it winning the battle, I was able to take the sort of shots that are typical of my developing style. The contrast of dark and light are powerful and do a wonderful job providing depth and mood to a photo like almost nothing else can. There is still so much I must learn and practice to get to the level I expect I can. Time and hard work are in order.
Project 365: #50 - Looking In
Today stretched me like I did not know it could. I photographed an entire day's worth of dates that culminated with a proposal. It was a blast and exciting knowing what was to come while Sara was clueless. I took A LOT of photographs and there was quite a bit of mediocre shots but this one stood out to me. It is not technically satisfying but conceptually, I love it. The proposal was at this coffee shop with huge windows. It was very intentional and the windows afforded me an opportunity to get some perspective shots that normally I could only dream. This wide-angle shot through the window was taken of the two completing a puzzle, which led to Josh popping the question. It's almost as if the viewer is peering through a large TV into this intimate moment. I felt like a creeper at times but in those moments I got the shots I especially like. I learned a lot today, including that I need to not be such a perfectionist. I will ALWAYS find something I can do better and that is ok.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Project 365: #49 - Splash
Tonight was a great night to finally try a shot I've been wanting to. I now understand better why more people don't regularly do these shots. They are tough, especially for a perfectionist like me. I like the concept of the photo a lot, but the execution leaves me frustrated. I know I needed more light; probably a whole setup, but I decided to go at without even the on camera flash. So, it lacks the crispness I would want in future attempts. Ok, enough negativity. I do like the photo, and it is rather fun and challenging to make happen. For any fellow photographers who read this, try it if you haven't. Taking this photo left me wanting to go at it again like no other yet. I think that says something about the nature of the shot. Never again will I be able to recreate this exact moment but the setup (plus reflectors and a flash) can produce something similar but better and new. Ah liquid, how I am mesmerized by you and frustrated all at the same time. Anyway, I would really appreciate feedback on this shot, especially if you've tried something similar. Enjoy!
Project 365: #48 - Happy Hour
I've discovered one of the best places to take candid photos. It's rather interesting to see how much more relaxed people are and how much more willing to have photos shot of them with just a drink or two. Happy hour avails itself to so many unique and different photos that it was VERY difficult to decide on one from the evening. The story of the evening can be told in the faces but also in the setting. The empty glasses and bare spinach dip bowl do a wonderful job of illustrating the fun of the evening. I mean, how can you have spinach dip and not have fun?! Plus, for purposes of this project, it makes more sense to not put photos up of faces. Better to protect their identities since I did not get permission from each of them. The lesson here is that no matter the setting, there are cool photo opportunities. I really do need to have my camera on me at all times, if possible.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Project 365: #47 - In the Crowd
One of the coolest effects a shallow depth of field can create is a blurred subject. It sort of turns what the viewer might expect on its head. Normally, you might see the guitar player in focus and the shoulders of individuals in the crowd out of focus. But that was not to be tonight. I think this photo does a good job of helping the viewer to get a sense of being a part of the crowd looking at the subject in the distance. It almost puts the viewer as the focal point. The thing that made this shot sort of tricky was the overwhelming glow of the red lighting. It is a bit much, but again, I think it helps to place whoever is looking at the photo in the scene rather than just being a spectator. Perhaps I am making more of this shot than you have, but regardless, it is a different sort of photo than what is typical. I want more of my shots to bring out the unexpected rather than highlighting the norm.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Project 365: #46 - Flora
Even in the dead of winter, if you look hard enough you can find flowers that are in full bloom. In my case, I just have to look toward the table to the right of the sofa where my roommate has a few plants growing. I have been trying to figure out I was going to capture these flowers and finally a bout of inspiration struck. I ended up using a tripod to get this shot so I could do a longer exposure in my dimly lit living room rather than having a noisy photograph. I have read that tripods are ideal for macro shots and now I can see why. There is no motion blur from shaky hands and I can get interesting angles a lot easier. It allows me to experiment with any number of other features on the camera without being limited by the need for high shutter speeds. It's as if I am shooting on a bright sunny day without needing any sun at all.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Project 365: #45 - Greasy Goodness
Perhaps you have noticed my eclectic taste in food. Sushi, Chipotle and, yes, even pizza make my list. But pizza is not a preferred choice of food or photo. It is a product of convenience and crappy weather. I decided after getting home from work tonight that I wanted nothing to do with going outside in the snow and thus limited my photo opportunity options. However, I did learn something new tonight. Despite my preference away from using the on-camera flash, it can make for well lit shots that show the detail a photo deserves. After all, this shot might have looked fine without extra light but let's be honest, what is a photo of pizza that does not depict the grease it is smothered in? Notice the way the meat and cheese glisten. It's a thing of beauty. But seriously, flash can do a lot to help get the most out of the shot and I need to stop ignoring it as a tool.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Project 365: #44 - Acoustic
As in music, there is something I enjoy in photography when all the extra parts get stripped away. With photos, the extra parts that can distract are color. You remove color and you are left with shapes and shadows. I think this photo does a good job of communicating that the music was acoustic and sort of raw. Black and white photography is a complicated thing to master because as a photographer I can't hide behind the distraction of colors just like Jesse in this photo wasn't hiding behind electronically processed sounds. There was a time where black and white was the norm and to me, that is real art. It's like a writer who writes with a pen and paper rather than their computer. It's a new sort of challenge but both can produce stunning results. Anyway, this is the last of the daily shots for the weekend but there will be many, many more from the retreat posted within the next week. Keep your eyes peeled!
Project 365: #43 - Chance Shot
I will never claim that photos I take are always intricately planned out. Sometimes I get lucky. I might have an idea of what I want but for some reason don't get to look through the viewfinder. This was one of those photos. I had the camera up especially high on the tripod and had taken a seat with the remote shutter release in my hand. Suddenly I peered to my left and saw Derrin (the subject) talking in the mic and thought what a good opportunity to get a portrait of her for the weekend. All I could do in the situation was turn the camera toward her and press the button on the remote. Looking through the viewfinder wasn't happening. So I was amazed when I saw the image preview that this was the resulting photo. Yes, I might have wanted a different focal point but I really like this shot. I especially like it because of the way things just worked out. Maybe I need to start randomly pointing and shooting more often. Nah.
Project 365: #42 - Through a Lens
Light is such a crazy thing for photographers. It can make or break a shot or at least change the mood and story of a shot. Liquids do the strangest things with it, but so does glass. It illuminates an otherwise dark foreground in this shot. It gives the subject depth and shape that a shadow by itself would not. It gives direction to the way he is looking and can cause the viewer to wonder what he might be looking at. Light is the key to a photo. This weekend, it was my friend and enemy all rolled in one, but as I look at this photo I'm reminded not just of the shot but what was going at the time because I know where his eyes were fixed. I took another shot before this were the back of his head was lit as well and it lacked any interest, but by removing the light through the wonders of the camera, I got this shot. It's as if I am seeing not just the person but sort of what he is as well.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Project 365: #41 - Skyline
If you've seen my photos before you most likely came across a few skyline shots. I do enjoy the aesthetic appeal of skyscrapers breaking up an otherwise flat landscape. Although I think caught some cool shots in the past, the clarity of long exposures was never so present as it is with this lens. If you hadn't noticed, this week my goal is to shoot exclusively with L series lens. Might as well get good at using the best lens I have. Despite the fact that I really do like this photo, I see a lot of work that I can do. For one, next skyline I am going to increase the depth of field so I can better focus on all the details rather than just the immediate subject. Minneapolis is one of the coolest skylines and I am VERY thankful that it is so nice out that I can spend the time outdoors in February to capture this shot.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Project 365: #40 - HHR
I'm very grateful insurance allows me to have a rental vehicle as I wait for my RAV4 to get repaired. That being said, I'm not at all fond of the Chevrolet HHR. It feels like a box of death with bad blind spots and a poor attempt at masking a Chevy Cavalier. So, I think it only right that I make the most of it and add it to my photo project. After all, I plan on looking back over the year and linking each photo with a memory. Tonight my focus was on practicing long exposures. I have a great lens, a solid tripod, a remote shutter release and a dimly light parking lot. It's a good recipe for experimenting. The detail this photo displays with such little available light blows my mind. Most of this can't be seen unless you magnify the image multiple times, but take my word for it; it's there. Noise is an interesting effect to deal with but that is why you go through post-processing. Anyway, enjoy the attempt by Chevy to make an old-looking car and my attempt to replicate an older looking photograph.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Project 365: #39 - Reflections of War (sort of)
Since getting the L-series lens I've been dying to try out some candid portrait shots. Tonight my roommate feel victim to my guerilla style photography as I shot him while he was deep in concentration, trying to defeat the enemy. Ok, it wasn't anything close to the real thing but as close as most of us will have to know, playing CoD from the comfort of our couch on our HDTV's. Not only did the lens get incredible detail of individual hairs and pores but zoomed in you can clearly see an amazingly crisp reflection of the television screen on his glasses. I think I might actually be a decent portrait photographer if I take more time to focus manually and setup lighting. Shots like tonight's just prove that the quality of lens and camera can compensate for a mediocre photographer. It also proves that the sky is the limit if I invest the time to perfect the craft. If only it would continue to warm up I would be outside every day, but for now I will learn how to take good indoor photos.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Project 365: #38 - Sushi Love
This was a Valentine's Day which I will not soon forget. Not because I was head over heels in love or because it was particularly momentous but rather because of how random it was. I figured it made sense to get friends together for a meal I do not have enough but am very fond of. Sushi. Not only is it delicious but it is also a work of art. As such, it's fun to photograph. Although far from my best, I really enjoyed trying to get this shot because there was little time to do so. After all, I was starving so the scene you see did not last long at all. I think the reason this photo will stand out a year from now is because eating sushi is not a common occurrence and this will be forever linked to the most random and perhaps most fun Valentine's Day to date. Thank you Dave, Liz, Damon and Andrew for a fun evening!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Project 365: #37 - Ariana
I had been looking forward to today because my absolute favorite subjects to photograph are children. They are absolutely precious and never seem to offer the same exact expression twice. Plus, they are a challenge. You have to be ready to shoot at all times because you never know when you'll get a certain smile or look and you may not have another opportunity. Lucky for me, Ariana provided a number of great opportunities for me to capture her. The lighting in the church where she was being baptized was nearly ideal as it let in just enough soft light to get optimal exposure. Between her baptism and the service she went from wide awake to sound asleep and back again. When awake she seemed to know what do when the camera was on her. I still have some work to do with my 50mm and L-series lens to get better with using them but today was a step in the right direction. Congratulations Meghan, Justin and Ariana! It was a blast!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Project 365: #36 - Focus on the Details
Today was the second day of "good" weather. That was evidenced by the number of people who took their dogs out for some socializing. My coworker Todd had his dogs out and were the focus of my photography, so I feel bad that my favorite shot is of a random pup. But I could not pass this one up, especially after taking a closer look at it after importing it onto the laptop. It, by far, is the crispest, most detailed photo I've ever taken. Just look at the details of the snow over his eyes down to the individual hairs. The lens has a lot to do with it as I used my first L series. It really does make a difference. Dogs were a great test for me today to see how I could do with composition and constant focusing of quick moving subjects. People usually don't move as much, thank goodness, so shooting the baptism should be a little bit easier while still presenting its own challenges. SPOILER ALERT: Be prepared for a cute family portrait for tomorrow's photo.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Project 365: #35 - Excelsior & Grand
Tonight, I was beyond excited for warm weather. Just so there is no confusion, warm weather this time of year is anything hovering around 30 degrees. Warmer weather allowed me to take a photo I have had my eye on since getting the Canon. At least once a day I drive by the intersection of Excelsior and Grand and at night it is a real sight. The way the lighting is positioned and set is one of my favorite things about the neighborhood I live in. The trick is that you can't properly capture the scene without being able to take advantage of longer exposures of a couple seconds or better. This takes a bit of time to setup properly, so a couple seconds of shooting may take 5-10 minutes of total time. As you might imagine, this isn't something I am crazy enough to do when we are struggling to reach subzero temperatures. Luckily, I was able to spend the time I wanted to get the shot that's been taunting me for the last few months. So, at last, here it is. Enjoy!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Project 365: #34 - Skyway
Knowing I was going to be out and about around downtown, I decided it was a good opportunity to put my HX1 to use. It's amazing how small it seems after using the Canon. One of the features of the HX! that's value can't be praised enough is the Night Mode. It allows for crisp shots in very low light without so much as thinking about flash. This was the product of that mode. It turned a dimly light skyway into the creatively colored photo you see. I have long thought that this section of the skyway would make for an interesting picture because of the design of the construction. Architecture in general offers a variety of challenges but can definitely provide for some of the most creative shots. I think going forward I will try to include at least one architecture photograph every other week at a minimum. This will be MUCH easier once winter is gone.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Project 365: #33 - Faces of Drew
Have you ever had to pick between a number of good options and couldn't? That was my dilemma tonight. Luckily, I didn't have to choose just one. Tonight, I practiced using the 75-300mm lens, tripod and remote shutter release. I was drawn to the facial expressions of our SrHi pastor, Drew Johnson. He is a rather expressive individual and he did not disappoint while delivering the message this evening. I have seen similar compilations on flickr and see it as a good way to complete the story one photo can tell by adding it to a set of photos. This collage has life to it that an individual photo would lack. Although I really do like the end product, I think this is a technique I will use sparingly because I fear overusing it as opposed to letting the power of one photo stand alone. Anyway, I hope you get at least a fraction of the enjoyment out of viewing this as I did creating it from taking the photos to completing the end product.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Project 365: #32 - Strummin'
The reason I really love photography is because it gives me an amazing opportunity to witness and capture once in a lifetime moments to the mundane. But whether it is an amazing moment or nothing particularly special, every photograph has the potential to tell a story. This photo is one that I think has just that potential. You can almost hear the guitar playing and for everyone reading this and viewing this, I'm sure there is a different song that comes to mind. I'm still working on depth of field and I have noticed that it is much easier to use selectively when you have more light at your disposal. Alas, I'm stuck with indoor halogen bulbs. As I've been thinking about how to keep the photos fresh over the next 11 months, I know I will seek out opportunities to see people playing instruments, singing and performing because each one has a different story to tell.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Project 365: #31 - Lights That Follow Us
Here is yet an example of one of my other favorite types of shots. I don't know what it is about photographing the reflection of a mirror, but it fascinates me the mood that can be portrayed. It exhibits a point of view we can all relate unless you have never had the pleasure of sitting in the passenger seat staring at the row of cars following you. Lighting and composition for these kinds of shots present their own challenges that more traditional shots don't. So, it is no wonder that my first attempt at this kind of photo was lacking in sharpness and clarity, but perhaps that is my own pickiness shining through. I need to keep experimenting with these shots and try different subjects, times of day and movement. At some point I will need to find an open road with one heck of a scene to drive away from.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Project 365: #30 - Highlighted Words
Today was a day that taking a photograph was not easy. Between writing a paper for class and just wanting to relax while watching the Super Bowl, picture taking was next to the last thing on my mind. However, anyone who has seen my previous work, dating back to my Kodak, know I love macro shots. The closer I get to the subject, the more intricate of detail and there is something rather amazing about those photos. Although not nearly as interesting, this is one of my favorite kind of macro shots. It is especially true of this photo because the highlighted verse is my personal favorite. These words continue to ring true in my life as do many of the words of the bible. The challenge is to continue reading beyond the highlighted passage and really take it in. Anyway, I have learned a little bit about the capabilities of the camera in low light and continue to be amazed at what it can do. I can guarantee more macro shots will come along as soon as the weather warms up. Summer will be here soon! (Wishful thinking, I know.)
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Project 365: #29 - Lighthouse
I was very much looking forward to beging up in Duluth. The weather was warm, relatively speaking, which means I'd be able to be outside and get some awesome photographs of Lake Superior. As I walked along a trail that paralleled the lake, I spied the lighthouse. I immediately started taking pictures. Although, I really enjoy the shots I got, there was just something lacking. That was until I came across an anchor in Canal Park. Being able to include the anchor in the foreground gave the photo you see a good sense of depth and scale. I played a bit with aperture settings, trying to decide whether I wanted both the anchor and the lighthouse in focus or just one. Ultimately, I thought having both in focus gave the photo an interesting feel. One of my key focuses over the next few weeks is playing with and learning how to best use depth of field to communicate emotion and tell a story. Be on the lookout as the summer months approach for more lighthouse photography. There is something very intriguing about them.
Project 365: #28 - Bling
In preparing for the Old School Rap Party in Duluth last night, this shot caught my eye. The way the ring stood out through the lens of the shades was pretty cool. It actually helped to make the ring to stand out. Even more than just the ring, I was amazed to see this setup. I did nothing to put this shot together. I just kind of lucked into it and the composition is exactly what I would have wanted. You might have noticed the bokeh from the chain. I didn't even notice that until I looked at the photo on my computer today. Sometimes you get lucky and the "perfect" shot is just there, but that happens a lot less often than I had though before taking up photography. I've really had to hone my ability to visualize the shot I want and then make it happen by changing my perspective. But, I'll take the easy ones too!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Project 365: #27 - Traitor?
Today's photo is nothing especially artistic but to me that is only part of the excitement. I like that I can capture a single moment in time that may never be seen again. Today, I caught one of these moments. My coworker, Anna, has got to be one of the most diehard Vikings fans. What comes with that is a deep hatred for all things Green and Gold. I never thought I'd witness the day I'd see her in Packers gear but today was that day. She had to wear it for an event at work, which she did so kicking and screaming (on the inside). My mission was to get a photo of her smiling while adorned in her Packers jersey and painted face. Well, as you can see, I caught that moment. She couldn't be happier to be wearing the Packers attire. The question remains, has she converted permanently to Packer Nation or is this a once-in-a-lifetime moment? Time shall tell.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Project 365: #26 - Bokeh Abstract
One of the key reasons I'm doing this Project 365 is to learn the various techniques I enjoy seeing displayed. One that especially mesmerizes me is photographers who effectively use bokeh, or in simple terms, out of focus light. When used well it can create some of the coolest photos. So, that was tonight's focus. The limitation however, is that I don't always have the time to intentionally seek out lighting that would make for some cool bokeh. Tonight I got lucky though in that I had a multitude of lights at my disposal at church. I really am quite pleased with this photo because I did no editing whatsoever. The colors you see are exactly what the camera captured. It's simple yet, in my opinion, striking. Although I really rather prefer crisp, sharp, detailed images, I think mixing in a little bokeh can be quite powerful. Next bokeh task, combine boken into a portrait. Stay tuned!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Project 365: #25 - Indulgence
I admit it. I like ice cream, even when it's colder outside than inside my freezer. That's why tonight I combined two of my indulgences and photographed a pint of ice cream. There would have been nothing exciting or appealing about an untouched pint, so I had to eat some. Ah, the sacrifices we make for our craft. I am definitely stretching myself creatively, because just when I think I won't be able to come up with a photo in the trappings of my house, I surprise myself. I did decide that black and white was the best display for this shot because it helps the texture of the ice cream sort of stand out. Well I hope you enjoy looking at this photo even half as much as I enjoyed setting it up. Yum.
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