PHOTOGRAPHY CHALLENGE 31: 'TEXTURE'

CaptureYour365 
Week 5: Inspiration Week
Day 31: 'Texture'


I decided to add another level of 'challenge' to today's assignment by using my Nikon Coolpix 'point and shoot' camera. 

With Enzo, my dog, in tow, I headed out on my photographic safari. 

Today's offering: 'Sedums on Rocks'

A nice photography. Lots of texture, for sure. I wanted something with just a bit more punch.

A few filters later, I had this result.

FRIDAY FOTOGRAPHY FUN

Last Friday, I wrote about the iPhone photography class I took and how I was inspired to use the wonderful editing apps available.

Today, I want to share with you the second assignment for that class.

For the second assignment, I was to photograph the following: 

• Sky
• Portrait
• Night

The photographs shown were all taken with my iPhone and edited with iPhone applications.

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Original Photograph: 'Sky'

And turned it into this...

For the second part of the assignment, I went to my favorite model, Joy.

Original photograph: 'Portrait'

And turned Joy's portrait into this...

I love how the photograph of Joy turned out. There is something about it that makes me think of a Renaissance-era portrait, updated, of course.

Unfortunately, I wasn't pleased with any of the night photographs I took. I am, therefore, substituting the photograph below. A wonderful sunset shot and a very lucky one at that! Taken with my iPhone and edited to intensify the color.

'Seattle Sunset'

PHOTOGRAPHY CHALLENGE 27: CURVED

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Week 4: Composition Week
Day 27: 'Curved'


As I did with the prompt 'Black and White', I decided to go literal with this assignment. 

This is where I started...'curvy' eggs in a 'curvy' bowl.

'Eggs in a Bowl'

Curves are calming. The photograph above has a calm feel. 

The color white, however, can be stark. I learned this lesson years ago when shopping for my wedding dress. After helping me into a white wedding gown, the woman assisting me stepped back, paused for a moment, a forefinger tapping thoughtfully on her lips, and then said in a lovely English accent something along the lines of, "Darling, white is not your color." I am blonde, blue-eyed and have a very fair complexion. Pasty, actually, with hints of blue. A professor in college would ask me routinely if I was sick. NO! 

But I digress... The Englishwoman (I really should know her name. Seems rather tacky not to remember the name of the woman who sold me the dress I was married in...) trotted me back out the racks where I was instructed to limit my choices to ivory. 

The 'take-home' message: white can be harsh.  

Wanting to enhance the sense of calm, I added an antique filter to the photograph. 

'Eggs in a Bowl 2.0'  

Definitely a softer image.

I then started thinking about what I could do so the objects in the photograph (eggs and bowl) would become secondary to their curved lines. Does that make sense? 

A 'faded paper' filter resulted in the photograph being less about the eggs and the bowl and more about their curves. I also like the ethereal, dreamy quality the photograph now has.

I give you 'Curved'

PHOTOGRAPHY CHALLENGE 25: 'A FAVORITE'

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Week 4: Composition Week
Day 25: 'A Favorite'


This is a busy week, so I have gone to my achieves for 'A Favorite'. 

The photograph below is definitely one of my favorites. I wish I could say that I thoughtfully composed the shot, but I didn't. I 'discovered' this image when I reviewed the photographs I had taken.

In July 2014, I visited the Netherlands Open Air Museum near Arnhem. It was raining heavily that day, so I opted for my little point-and-shoot camera in lieu of my DSLR.

I was in heaven visiting the various antique houses, farms, windmills, gardens, etc. Those of you who know me know what a history buff I am. 

I took this photograph inside one of the farmhouses from the 19th century. I happened to notice an open door (the door is the brown object on the right side). There, at the end of a short hallway, stood a family of wooden shoes neatly lined up against the whitewashed wall, a spinning wheel nearby. And the lighting...it was as if the lighting was saying, "Susan, look! Take this picture!" I did. 

My little Nikon did a very nice job capturing the shot. The light was actually quite dim. I brightened things up Lightroom.  

'Wooden Shoes'

PHOTOGRAPHY CHALLENGE 24: 'SPACE'

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Week 4: Technical Week
Day 24: 'Space'


Space, the final frontier...

Space, hmm....

Spent quite a bit of time pondering this prompt and how to approach the assignment.

My first idea was photographing an empty space: the room that used to be Matthew's bedroom. Simple, straightforward...

...and boring.

Time for Plan B

I liked the photograph, the lines, the blocks of color. Even the ceiling fan was an interesting shape addition. Maybe the photograph would become more interesting is if it looked a bit less realistic.

Time to try some filters.

OK, much more interesting.

How about going more impressionistic?

Alright...

I liked the photograph above (which I have nicknamed 'Ghost Room'), except for the outlet and the hazy reflection on the wall, and the register on the floor. They were a distraction and had to go.

A couple of edits and a different texture filter later...

Perhaps a bit far-fetched, but I like the lines, the blocks of light and dark, how the light and dark balance each other.

If you read this deeply into the post, THANK YOU! I am curious...which of the photographs did you like the best and why?

FRIDAY FOTOGRAPHY FUN

About a year ago, I took a photography class entitled 'Telling Better Stories'. 

Most of us arrived the first day of class packing powerful, feature-laden DSLRs. One woman had a point-and-shoot; another intended to only use her iPhone camera. 

There was a definite sense of superiority (mixed with astonishment) on the part of those of us with DSLRs at our classmates with their smaller, simpler cameras. Our instructor quickly put us in our place. He reminded us that it is not the camera that makes a truly remarkable photograph, it is the person using the camera.

To make a long story short...as the class progressed, the woman with the point-and-shoot and the woman with the iPhone again and again presented breathtakingly beautiful and original photography.

This past November, motivated by what I had seen in the 'Telling Better Stories' class, I took an iPhone photography class. It was taught by the same instructor, David Perry, who taught the 'Telling Better Stories' class. All I can say is the class was absolutely inspiring.

Which brings me to FRIDAY FOTOGRAPHY FUN...

Some of you reading this post know I use this blog to chronicle my journey towards one day, hopefully, becoming a technically proficient photographer. 

I have decided to take a break, on Fridays, from the CaptureYour365 challenge. On Friday, I want to do something different. I want to show photographs that come from the techniques and applications I learned in the iPhone photography class. 

David Perry, the instructor, is a professional photographer with decades of experience photographing, among other things, what he described as "guys in ties on business highs". He is very much a poet, both in his photography and in his writing. The first assignment, therefore, was to photograph a haiku. In other words, as I understood the instructions, simplicity.

As always...All Rights Reserved

Original Photograph: Hibiscus Flower 

Final Photograph: Haiku

If you would like to take a look at David Perry's work, here is the link to his website
http://www.davidperryphoto.com/site/DPerryPhoto.html

PHOTOGRAPHY CHALLENGE 19: 'SIDELIGHT'

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Week 3: Technical Week
Day 19: 'Sidelight'


Behold Nick's sister, Emma.

Emma is actually a worse model than Nick, but I think she's jealous of all the press her sibling is getting. It's like living with the Kardashians.

For those of you getting tired of cat pictures, please keep in mind I am a woman of a certain age. You know what that means...photos of grandchildren, dogs or cats. My dog is camera-shy and I don't have any grandchildren. That leaves cats. 

Back to business...

I shot this photograph with my iPhone. Very few edits. Just cropped the photograph and opened up the shadows. I didn't bring out much of the detail of Emma's fur because I wanted her eyes to be the outstanding feature. I did convert the original photograph to black and white to add a bit more drama. 

'Prima Donna in Sidelight'

PHOTOGRAPHY CHALLENGE 18: 'WITH THE SKY'

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Week 3: Technical Week
Day 18: 'With the Sky'


In yesterday's post, I wrote that Nick, my cat, is a terrible model. He must of read my post because today I found him perched in his favorite window. When I fetched my camera, rather than hop down (which is what he usually does), he stayed put!

I took this photograph with my iPhone (again, because it was handy and I didn't know how long Nick would remain cooperative). The original was underexposed so as not to blow out the sky.

Original photograph

I imported the above photograph into Lightroom. I did a lens correction, opened up the shadows and cropped it. I also converted the photograph to black & white, which I thought more dramatic.

Final photograph: 'Nick in Silhouette'

PHOTOGRAPHY CHALLENGE 17: 'LIGHT'

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Prompt 17: 'Light'


Week 3 of the CaptureYour365 challenge: Technical Week
Day 17: Light


Hmm...how to approach this challenge... 

My cat Nick obliging decided to take a snooze in a pool of sunlight. Let there be light! 

Since Nick is the worst model ever, I knew I had to act quickly. That meant I didn't have the luxury of using my 'big' camera. What camera is ALWAYS nearby?! I grabbed my iPhone and snapped the following. 

As you can see, Nick is fairly annoyed at being disturbed from his nap. Sorry, Nick, but art waits for neither man nor beast.

At this point, I must thank a photography instructor, David Perry, for for a tip I have used time and again when shooting with my iPhone. "Go with underexposure..." Underexposing reduces blowout in the highlights and allows for the retrieval of detail in the shadows. 

The photograph above posed a few problems for a novice photographer like me. I liked the contrast between Nick and the patch of sun. Lots of detail, however, was lost in the black of his fur.

I imported Nick into Lightroom and began to play. I think I was fairly successful in my efforts. 

OK, assignment fulfilled. A good photograph, if unremarkable...except for Nick's perturbed look.

I began to wonder if I could make the ordinary more extraordinary.

First attempt at extraordinary: 'Nick in Black and White'

Not bad, if I was going old timey. 

The look on Nick's face kept nagging at me. I wanted to use it. I know the look is one of annoyance. Someone else, however, might see fear. Something about Nick's look got me thinking about posters for low budget horror movies from the 1960s. I started adding filters. 

From Scaredy Cat Productions: 'WHAT THE CAT SAW'

Don't see it alone!!

PHOTOGRAPHY CHALLENGE 16: 'SEPIA'

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Prompt 16: 'Sepia'


This photograph is from my archives. 

I took this photography about a year or so ago. It is a 'first' in a couple of ways. 

• First photograph I shot using artificial light
• First 'still life' photograph
• My first attempt at being 'artistic'

'Sepia: Bosc Pairs'

PHOTOGRAPHY CHALLENGE 14: 'BLACK & WHITE'

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Prompt 14: 'Black and White'


I wanted to go very literal with this assignment. Simple black and white color; simple black and white objects against a black background. I used only light from a window to illuminate the shot with a couple of white cards to open up the shadows a bit. 

Not only did I enjoy shooting this assignment, I also enjoyed a tasty snack afterward!


'Milk & Cookies'

PHOTOGRAPHIC CHALLENGE 13

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Prompt 13: 'Mostly White'


I went into this assignment fairly confident and came out the other side thinking I have a lot to learn about photographing white objects. 

White is tricky. Too much exposure, and the highlights blow out. Too little exposure and the whites go gray. White also reflects light. I have a new appreciation for those photographers who shoot weddings. 

Not only did I wrestle with the correct exposure, I was less than thrilled with my composition.

Sometimes, however, I have to say, "This is my best effort right now" and move on. 

'Mostly White'

PHOTOGRAPHY CHALLENGE 11

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Prompt 11: 'Complimentary'


When I saw the prompt 'Complimentary', I immediately though of two ways I could approach the assignment.

1. Complimentary colors
2. Complimentary objects

No doubt, there are many other 'complimentary' scenarios out there. 

I decided on complimentary colors, wanting to save the idea of complimentary objects for a later assignment.

A bit of color theory... Complimentary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel. Blue and orange are complimentary colors, as are violet and yellow. I chose to work with red and green. 

I thought this was going to be a quick assignment to execute. I decided to photograph red flowers against a green background. I seem to remember hearing somewhere that the red-green combination is one of the most pleasing to the eye. 

'Finding the shot', however, took forever.

I started with three flowers in separated vases arranged in a variety of ways. Then I moved to three flowers in a single vase. Finally, I tried a single flower in a single vase.

Here is the shot I decided to use. It is unedited

  
An OK, if unremarkable, shot. While the photograph fulfills the requirement of the assignment, it seems to me to be crying out for something more. Like a plain dress in need of some accessories.

I first added a cross process filter, then two texture filters to produce the final result. I think my plain Jane is now a psychedelic flower child! As always, All Rights Reserved. 

PHOTOGRAPHY CHALLENGE 10

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Prompt 10: 'Monochrome'


"A monochrome is a photograph developed or executed in black and white or in varying tones of only one color."

Last fall, I took a black and white photography class. I understood the concept of taking a photograph in black and white. I understood the concept of converting a color photograph to black and white. Then, the instructor talked about 'colorless color'. Huh?

The expression "Not being able to see the forest for the trees" applies here. Seattle, during the winter, is Ground Zero for 'colorless color'. Heavy overcast produces dim, diffused light. Colors dull and wash away, leaving behind a seemingly monochrome world.


'January Grays: A Exercise in Colorless Color'

                                                                                                                                                              

PHOTOGRAPHY CHALLENGE 9

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Prompt 9: 'A Relationship'


In the interest of full disclosure, this is not a new photograph. It is from my achieves. That said, it is one of my favorite photographs. 

Mother and daughter
Two beautiful women, inside and out
Two of my best friends 

'Joy and Lynne'

PHOTOGRAPHY CHALLENGE 7

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Prompt 7: 'Good for Me'


Yesterday, my friend Mary Ann and I went to the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) to see an exhibition of impressionist art on loan from the National Gallery in Washington DC. Two hours very, very well spent...Good for Me!

You stand in line to buy your ticket under a series of cars tumbling through the air overhead.

This is my original photograph taken with my iPhone.

I took my original photograph, did a lens correction, cropped it, and added a cross process filter to get the version below.

The impressionist paintings I saw inspired me to turn my photograph into this... Non, ce n'est pas un Cézanne. C'est une Suzanne! (No, it's not a Cézanne, it's a Suzanne!)  :)

I had way too much fun with this challenge!

PHOTOGRAPHY CHALLENGE 6

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Prompt 6: 'Pushing Myself'


OK...this photograph is killing two birds with one stone. It is a combination of Prompt 3: This Is So Me/Self-Portrait and Prompt 6: 'Pushing Myself'.

I confess to be much more comfortable behind the camera than in front of it. To be honest, I am not terribly photogenic. So, to take a self-portrait is definitely pushing myself.

After reviewing the results, I decided to take the 'Push Myself' aspect of this challenge a little further.

I give you 'Susan a la Grunge'...

PHOTOGRAPHY CHALLENGE 5

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Prompt 5: 'Makes Me Happy'


For those of you paying close attention, you probably noticed that Prompt 3 and Prompt 4 are missing. As I wrote in a previous post, I probably wouldn't be able to participate in the CaptureYour365 photography challenge everyday. 

(In the interest of full disclosure, the photograph below comes from my achieves.) 

This photograph 'makes me happy' in a couple of ways. First, I can't help but smile each time I look at it. The dog in the photography is Enzo, my buddy. And there is nothing that makes Enzo happier than going for a ride in the car!

I hope 'Drive Through Coffee Stand' makes you happy, too!

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PHOTOGRAPHY CHALLENGE 2

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Prompt 2: 'One Word'


I think I may be bending the rules just a bit, as this photograph was not taken on the second day of the challenge. It was taken on day one, but I think it fits the bill.


One Word: 'Blue'

PHOTOGRAPHY CHALLENGE 1

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Prompt 1: 'Fresh Start'

Many people mark the start of the new year participating in a polar bear plunge.

Jan. 1 was clear and bright. The temperature a brisk 39º F.

As always...All Rights Reserved 

I have entitled my photograph 'Final Instructions'.

HELLO, 2016!

You know what that means...new year resolutions.

Since it's already Jan. 3, I'm a bit late to the party. My grandmother always said, "Better late than never", so here I go...

I have decided to call my 2016 photography resolutions goals. Resolutions sounds so black and white. You achieve your resolutions or YOU FAIL. Goals, on the other hand, seem to me more forgiving. Even if I don't make my goal, I can take comfort in the fact that I at least moved in the right direction.

Photography Goals for 2016:

1. Be more consistent in blogging about my photography
2. Create an efficient workflow from camera to final photograph
3. Participate in the CaptureYour365 Challenge (OK, maybe not everyday, but as many days as possible)

With a nod to the great Jackie Gleason..."And away we go!"