Tag: Low Light

It’s About Time.

Anecdote, Finding your Zen, Industrial Photography, Landscape Photography, Travel, Travel Photography

Truth be told. My photography and the inspiration to take photos have been at an all-time low. Going out in record heat during times of the day that aren’t conducive to the rules of light and shadows. That and other factors have seriously put a damper on my creativity. So much so that I was beginning to think I needed an open-ended break from one of my true loves. Thoughts such as “Haven’t you taken enough pictures already?” and “Maybe it’s time for something else.” With thoughts like that working their way into my mind. Leaving the camera behind on occasion have worked its way into my subconscious. That thought, “Leave the camera home.” immediately came to mind when my wife and I travelled to Baltimore to satisfy her craving for a great burger. And while Baltimore had been a regular destination since our return to the east coast. This time, we’d be traveling to an area we had yet to explore. Luckily, we brought it along. As we found this industrial beauty somewhere in between our burger and search for refreshing iced coffee. It’s many shadows and interesting lighting provided a boost and many opportunities to shoot in different modes that helped bring me out of what felt like an everlasting slump. Thus, allowing me to realize, while it’s okay to chase. Letting the right time come to you might be the most rewarding approach.

Living in Shadow.

Exploring, Finding your Zen

The key to living is to never allow yourself to stop learning. It’s an essential part of growth and navigating lives challenges. When I think of some of the most important lessons I’ve learned as a photographer. I often think of an exchange with a friend and fellow photographer. Shortly after our friendship began , our passions were shared. We met up to talk photography, amongst other things, while sharing our work. His critique “What did a shadow ever do to you?” regarding the rather flat nature of some of my studio images. Made me think and ultimately, start a journey that turned my fear of failing to a love of shadows.

Experimenting with Music Photography

Damion Photo, Editorial, Finding your Zen, Indie Rock, Memories, Music Journalism, Rock Photography, Show Photography

It’s safe to say, my interest in photography was born out of necessity. As a teenager in love with hardcore punk and going to Sunday matinees, I started a fanzine which needed pictures to go with my interviews and show reviews. Admittedly, my pictures were terrible. I really knew nothing about composition or camera settings. When I think about it, I didn’t even own a film SLR until I was twenty four. by then I was more interested in documenting my new surroundings in a neighborhood known as Hell’s Kitchen. While I was still going to shows regularly. and taking much better photos, I eventually got bored, which started my focus on experimentation with light and movement. Ultimately, is was within the shadows, movement and darkness, that I found my love. The more I learned about composition and waiting for the right moment, the more my images stood out. While it wasn’t alway pretty, I felt that I was finally capturing the energy, raw emotion, and elements that capture the essence, and intimacy that smaller venues offer.

Abstract Moments

abstract, Art, Canon R6 Mark II Mirrorless, Dramatic Lighting, Manual Mode

Working from home is one way of closing yourself off from social interaction. Enduring a dark, rainy day ensures I won’t be going very far. However, today’s combination of both did little to extinguish my desire to attempt anything remotely creative. Thankfully, the rain left its impression on our living space. As drops of rain collected on our windows and doors. Enough to make for a pretty cool idea. In working on using light, shadow, and other aspects to achieve my future goals of using natural light to create mood in my portraits. I find that experimenting with various elements will benefit me in the end.

Into the Night

Long Exposures, Night Photography, Street Photography

In my last post ‘Sunrise’, I briefly spoke of waking before dawn to have a chance to watch and capture the sunrise. Well it turns out that on that particular day, there wasn’t much sun to speak of. What eventually came over the horizon was a bit anti climactic. So, as the following day approached and I suddenly began to overthink that the studio end of my photography and how much I miss photographing people. I decided to clear my head and indulge myself in some night photography. I love the soft light at dusk and the feeling of solitude that comes over me. I took this shot before 7:00 pm as my wife was making tacos.

30.00 f/ 25 100ISO 75 Millimeters 6:58 pm

Remotely Speaking

Canon lenses and equipment, Dramatic Lighting, Long Exposures, Night Photography, Street Photography

When we headed out today, I made sure to bring my camera, tripod and recently surfaced remote. Knowing that running errands has become an all day thing for us. I knew that by the time we arrived home, it would be dark. Me being somewhat obsessed with night time photography and how beautiful capturing the available light in the night sky can be. I asked my wife to stop a few feet from the garage and let me do my thing. Both shots were taken at f22 on a 30″ timer. The top image was taken with a 200 ISO.The second (or bottom) image was shot at 100 ISO.

Closer to Home

Long Exposures, Manual Mode, Night Photography

As we returned home from Baltimore, I asked my wife to stop the car just a few feet before entering the garage. If I wasn’t going to ask that she indulge me in another photography detour. I might convince her to stop for just a moment for me to try to capture a moment that I’ve been talking about more and more over the last couple of weeks. Knowing that we were just a few feet from our destination and being somewhat overcome by an enthusiasm equal to that of a just adopted dog on a ride back to his/her new home. She agreed and even left the car to see what all the hub bub was all about. As someone who has become obsessed with night photography and long shutter releases. The walkway that takes you from the front of our condo to the back was all the inspiration I would need.

Light in the Darkness.

Location Shooting, Long Exposures

Though I’ve missed my photo gear, I can honestly say that the last months I’ve spent living out of a suitcase have been educational. This time has reminded me how happy my trips abroad have been, mainly since I was traveling with the bare essentials. With the weeks closing on our condo in the rear mirror, the impending move is just days away. I find myself feeling grateful for getting to know my 50mm better lens and capture the many things that catch my eye and capture my imagination. As one who’s long been intrigued with light and shadow, there have been countless opportunities to be creative and work towards bringing my vision to life. From the day we arrived at our hotel, I became fixated on the lights above the bar on the hotel’s ground floor. Something about it reminded me of the Death Star depicted throughout the Star Wars saga. Just like the movies. I needed to find the right angle or spot to fire. Once I did that, I was able to go into manual and take my shot. Though I’ll be going back to work on my manual focus. I thought the images below were pretty cool, with only a short time left before moving day. I’ll be sure to be roaming the halls, looking for light and looming in the shadows.

Searching for the Light

Canon Lenses, Canon lenses and equipment, Long Exposures, Street Photography

Headed downstairs tonight to take care of some unfinished business. During the day this parking lot is filled with a combination of parked vehicles and ones coming off Rainier Ave. South in search of a good parking spot and some groceries. As I continue to shoot in manual mode, I’ve gotten back to explore my cameras many features to get as creative as possible.

Night (1 of 2)

Night (2 of 2)