I was inspired to get started on Project 52 because Don’s assignments have been challenging and interesting. Week #2 was photographing a stranger. This was truly a fun experience wherein people were typically interested in the project, even if they weren’t comfortable stopping for a photo. Thank you world for a great experience into the unknown.
January fog on blue oaks
I was fortunate to get invited (ahem, I invited myself I guess) to a hike with two of the most notable, contemporary botanical explorers of the East Bay. We headed out to Mt. Diablo State Park in Contra Costa County for which Barbara Ertter, and Diablo champion Mary Bowerman, have published a unique and informative flora. Beyond just plant identification and simple cataloging, this book relates ecological studies, talks plant associations and offers tidbits of history and nuance. Truly a classic, get it here. I have a signed one with a personal note from Barbara, so I’m considering this means we’re friends 🙂
So I’ve decided to take on a year-long project to improve my photography through a course run by Donald Giannatti. The course starts off with a mission statement of what one wants to achieve.
I’m thinking about the message, whatever it may be should be a feeling that strikes someone when they look at a photograph. “Ah that’s pretty” is ok, but it sure as heck isn’t as great as “aw, yeah. you nailed it.” … or even better, an immediate frown, smile, laugh, whatever it is from the gut.
I’m thinking I’ll start off 2011 by actively working towards my new year resolutions… well at least one of them. The photography one. I love taking pictures. I love it so much it often obscures other parts of my life. More notably, I find if I get out of practice and the photos aren’t exposing like I want I find that I get fussy. Then maybe I get in a rut – you know, put the camera down and think it’s really just the equipment taking poor pictures – not me, oh no. So here’s to staying on course in 2011.
Two years old: what a wonderful age.
So many smiles, such fun! I was lucky enough to have my camera and a Canon flash (580EX) with me to capture Ella’s 2-year old party. Kids are so expressive – especially in medium-sized groups. I noticed kids who alone were camera shy, warming up in the larger group. This teaches me that taking kids to a playground for a photo session may be the best way to get them to act naturally and warm up to the camera.
Here are a few shots from the party. Click on any image to enlarge. Thanks for letting me be two again!
One of the most original photography/nature posts I’ve seen in a while. Please enjoy this NYTimes Abstract City post – and please enjoy nature too!
Here’s a favorite sample from the post.
Brett and Ali enjoying a quiet moment
I’m not necessarily a contest hound, but boy do I love seeing what other people are doing. Especially if it’s good.
Well, this isn’t just good. It’s amazing. Here are some really fantastic sites of 20 incredible photographers who were selected as the “Top 20 overall winners from the ISPWP Fall 2010 Wedding Photography Contest“.
Sensor photo by Andrew Magill
Sensor size does matter.
This is probably the most important but least uttered pair of words for the average camera consumer. The devil’s in the details right. Yes, and by the way, those details don’t get any better if you’re collecting light (a photographic image) at 10.1 MP or 14.1 MP or 39.1 MP on a 7.6 X 5.7 mm sensor typical of most compact cameras. Yup, that Nikon Coolpix 8000X you just paid double for (because it now has 14.2 MP) is nothing more than smoke and mirrors. Get this – the sensor is only about 5 x 3.5 millimeters. Yup, that’s the size of pluto on a clear night. Tiny.
Do yourself a big favor, if you’re interested in a new camera, then read this. Read it again in case you skipped it. [Yes, that was the same link twice, but I was always taught to ask twice.]
Many folks hiking the new Diaz Ridge Fire Trail
So there’s this really cool trend that my car-o-phobic friends have started. Well, they’re not completely anti-car, actually they just believe in using the car ALOT less than the average American does. Let’s call this movement Transit and Trails. The basic idea is that the public transit system (especially in the Bay Area) can connect the average weekend warrior with quite a few really cool spots. For instance, you can go to the TnT site and find a trailhead, or a featured hike, and then it will help determine how to use public transit to be car-free for the journey.
We’ve ridden the three highest peaks in the Bay Area (Ham, Tam and Diablo – The Triple Threat) in one day using the transit system. It’s great for one-way bike rides – say Tracy to San Jose. It’s also nice for getting to nearly any East Bay Regional Park. It’s great for one-way hikes like the trip we just completed from the Marin Headlands to Muir Beach and ending in Muir Woods.
I’ve been enthralled by the act (and art) of merging images. There’s just so much you can do with this process, both artistically and message-wise. I think this technique has become so much more accessible with digital cameras. Like a whole lot.
Lech Naumovich Photography 