I don’t like the fact that everything is dead, dormant or hibernating this year. Coupled with the weather, temperature and work schedule, I don’t head out too much. I know, whine-whine-whine, right? So, I’m digging though my folders and found this set that I took last year in March. I promise to have new stuff soon. Even if it means going outside.
Yes, I’m still here. I took the rest of my vacation over the holidays and made candy, fudge, cookies and snack mix, along with making dinner. Very busy, and not a lot of time to pick up the camera. Nor am I fond of the cold weather.
BUT! If there’s a really good photo op, then I might venture outside.
So, I woke up the morning of the 13th last month, and as I’m fixing the bed, I look outside. Frost!! And it looks COOL, even from upstairs. So I finish the bed and run outside. In shorts, flip-flops and a T-shirt.
Am I nuts or what?
Answer that after you look at the pics.
Before you even say it, I know. “He always shoots water drops.” Whatever it is about the leaves on Tiger Lilies, the water beads up like no other plants I’ve seen. Little, tiny crystal globes, shining in the light, after a rain. I can’t help NOT seeing them. These are from May 8th.
This is my favorite. I thought catching the reflection of the tree was a bonus.
I tried for a while to get a really good shot of this little bug. This was as good as I got. But I was blown away by the way he looked. Pretty vicious looking! The head reminded me of the death’s head from “The Punisher”.
A big round of applause and “Thanks!” to two local photographers for motivating me to go to Mile Long Pier to get some shots of my own. Roger Brownson and Matt Dempsey took some really great pics of all that was frozen behind the Jackalope. Wanting to check it out myself, I stopped by after work the other night. And it’s a good thing I did, because it’s been pretty warm the last few days. I’d go on about what I saw, but I think the pics speak for themselves.
It’s been almost 2 weeks since my last post, and almost 4 weeks since I picked up the camera. Having a cast on my arm for half of that time (broken thumb), not being able to dial the lens is frustrating. Having no drive or desire to go out of the house is bad enough, but having nothing that inspires you to shoot when you want to is even worse.
Saturday it snowed. I’m looking out the patio window at the drifts, and the peanuts in the feeder, and I start noticing details. I grab the camera and within 5 minutes, I’ve got over a hundred shots to play with. Wow, THAT felt good.
What I saw in the details was wood grain, and textures, and a possible sense of depth in the shots. I think it worked out quite well.
I thought this was over processed, too bright, and not ‘realistic’ enough. I originally tossed it, but then I thought, “Why not do it again?” And with that, pulled the 7 pics out of the trash, and ran it through the process again.
This was better, a little more real, for lack of a better word. And after shooting these, I realized I missed out on the backside of the swing. Duh.
I was very happy with this. You can see texture in the snow (in the foreground), the detail in the wood, and get a good “feel” for the way the snow is mounded and has fallen through the slats of the swing.
I liked this because I thought the edges of the snow on the tile looked soft, and the the slight blur to the grass.
I was really blown away by the results of the tree shot. With a little tweak, there seems to be considerable texture and a 3D look to it.
So, the cast is off, I’m wearing a brace now, and can dial the lens. Two photographer friends of mine got some shots by Mile Long Pier, and I hope to get out there on Tuesday. But the main thing is, I want to.
“Little Red & Grandma” by LCJVS students Rebecca Blaylock and Olivia Knapp won First Place in the Professional Division!!
It’s that time of year again for Circlefest! Start off the holiday season with a trip to the 18th Annual Holiday CircleFest. It’s the perfect way to experience University Circle, free of charge. Many of University Circle’s renowned museums, gardens, galleries, churches, and schools open their doors and offer an afternoon of activities, food, and shopping.
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Cleveland Botanical Garden – Gingerbread House Contest
Western Reserve Historical Society
Activities in University Circle
….and much MUCH more!!
December 4th, from 1pm – 5:30pm
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