A Photo Geeks ups and downs through words and images.
Though our area has seen it’s share of rain. When it clears. The signs that Spring is right around the corner are becoming evident. Our first trip to the beach and more walks around the courtyard have offered many returns. While I admit to not being much of a nature photographer. It’s given me a chance to use my Canon 100 – 400 millimeter lens and practice using maual focus mode.Looking forward to allergy season, extreme heat, and historic humidity. Until then.
Growing up in New York City, the closest I ever came to a cow was eating a cheeseburger at a local bar my Dad frequented. In my late teens, I was introduced to vegetarianism through some close friends. Since then, I’ve developed a love and admiration so strong that the mere sight of cows grazing in the distance brings me a childish joy that would be hard to describe. I found myself within a few feet of a group of cows feeding just outside a nearby farm. I patiently watched, hoping they’d come within a distance of my newish 100 -400 mm lens. Some of the cows came so close that I could reach out to pet a couple and communicate with a few moos’ despite the overwhelming midday sun. I managed to capture a few shots without reaching for my flash.
No matter what the situation, chances are, I’m thinking of or indulging in the art of photography. So much so that I firmly believe that we would never get to our intended destination if my wife stopped the car every time I spotted something I wanted to photograph. As my camera is often in its bag snuggled far out of reach, whatever photos taken while driving are done so with my phone. While this practise has produced a number or worthy photos, for me, it’s just not photography. So today I kept the camera with me in the front seat and did my best to avoid the dirt and smudges on the windshield As expected, results varied. I did, however, like this particular shot.
It happened. I finally move forward and purchased the Canon R6 mirrorless kit which includes a 24-105 F-4 mm lens. At the same time, I traded in two full camera bags of lenses, bodies and accessories. With my wife cheering me on and congratulating .me for lessening the load that has accumulated over the years. The salesperson, Elder, at District Camera was thorough, knowledgable, and above all, patient with my long list of questions. By trading in many items, I felt much lighter, even letting out a long breathe of relief. As we drove home, my wife seemed pleased by my making the jump to mirrorless. She’s always been super positive and supportive of my work, drive, and passion. Something that I’m forever thankful for. Here’s to the learning curve I hope to undergo, and many, many more photography opportunities.
Taken on a long stretch of road driving through Pennsylvania. Stopping for gas was a good excuse to get out of the car, stretch our legs and take a few pictures. Since I was four, there’s always been an unexplainable fascination with gas stations. Having grown up just blocks from the local airport, there were many available to refuel the countless automobiles traveling to and fro. Shot at 100 ISO to offset the mid day sun. Taking this image rewarded the reason for stopping while making the long ride home more relaxing. It’s always good when a long day ends with some proper documentation.
There are times, like this one, when I might get distracted from what I’m intending to capture, something that is far more appealing to the eyes and creative sense. Such was the case when a soccer team assembled while I was in the midst of framing the planes descending to land at Ronald Reagan International airport. While seeing airplanes up close and personal can be a rush. The formation of enthusiastic athletes grabbed my attention long enough to want to capture their sudden burst of energy. Not wanting to be too intrusive or get hit by an errant soccer ball. I reached into my bag and grabbed my Canon 70-200 focal lens.
As time goes by, I find myself trying to wane off all automatic features offered on my camera. Shooting on Manual, AV, or TV has been the most rewarding educational experience I’ve had as a photographer. It’s helped me improve my composition skills while giving me complete control of my creativity. Manual focus, however, seems to have become my Achilles heel, especially, and almost exclusively, when it comes to night and low light settings. My focus here was the far-off Queen Anne Cell Towers, which have been an image I’ve attempted to take for some time now. At the same time, my attempts have rendered results both good and bad. It’s the sharpness of my manual focus that always seems to be the judge.
Looking at the shot below and being reminded that it was taken without the balance of my tripod makes me appreciate my growing sense of patience. I wholeheartedly recommend learning all the options your camera offers. Using those tools and getting off manual modes with not only help you grow as a photographer. It will also help you create your unique vision.
There’s no doubt that the view from our balcony is picturesque. And as the weather gets warmer and then rain and cloud cover Seattle is infamous for disapapate, I will surely be spending more time it. Though, as of taking pictures has definitely taken a back seat to my writing. I still find insiration in learning new and old photography tricks and tutorials to keep one of my greatest passions alive.
Back when I was giving my studio photography an overhaul. A mentor and close friend who was going over some of my old sessions. Adding, “What did a shadow ever do to you?” It was something I had heard at an International Center of Photography workshop but wasn’t sure how to correct it. However, once I learned, it was as if an entirely new world of depth and creativity opened up. Just aa I began adding what I learned to my studio photography, I found myself adding shadow to my landscape photos. To add definition to my landscapes and interiors, partly and considerately more to put shade and add anonymity to the people, often strangers in my photos. It’s helped me in a lot of ways, including sales.
It’s also made me think of myself growing increasingly introverted and wary of close contact with others. Below are a couple of images I took before exiting Gas Works Park this afternoon.
I feel as if I’ve been chasing the light a lot lately. So much so that I think something different needs to come, and soon. Yet, that time won’t come along until I know I’ve taken that perfect shot, which brings me to this weekend’s short visit to Kerry Park. Though beautiful in that you get a beautiful view of the city from an unobscured view, the crowded spot reminds me of a tourist trap. I think, by now, it’s safe to safe to say I’m a bit of a loner when it comes to photography. One of two people is okay, but when a spot gets crowded with people taking selfies with their phones. I find myself craving solitude. Below is a favorite from my relatively short visit to Kerry Park. On a related note, after joining a Seattle photography group earlier today. I noticed a post featuring an image of the space needle. One that looked almost the same as mine and the countless other pictures of the monument. While by all means, a great shot. It reminded me that I cut my own weird and unique cloth. Angles and all, I want to sidestep the norm.
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