D100: Its Getting Deep Over Here...

Right after I snapped today's image I spotted some awesome hoar frost on a nearby bush. It was only about 20 feet from the road, so it seemed easy enough to get close.

Not quite.

As I stepped away from the road, I instantly sunk all the way up to my thighs. Lacking the proper gear on this trip, I was unable to make the 20 foot trip.

Perhaps tomorrow.

Manual: Page 1631 - Modifying the Print Order

Images:Mike Colon
I looked at some of Mike's work back in November, but I decided to revisit his sight today. I really like his lifestyle work.


more...

D99: Unseen

I find it very interesting that so much of our "historic" downtown goes unseen, simply because we don't look up.

Much of the iconic culture of the early days of our town can still be seen if you are looking for it. Many old buildings still have remnants of billboard advertisements that had been painted directly onto them.

Definitely an interesting idea for a summertime series.

Manual: Page 146 - Customer Setting 12: BKT Set

Images:Trevor Brucki
Trevor has some pretty cool wedding photography. It appears that he utilizes a few different Lightroom actions, but they only enhance his work. At the core, Trevor produces great images.


more...

D98: Finding A New Path

The end of the summer brought a startling conclusion; my photography was on a fast path to a dead end.

After 7 years I was stuck in a rut. I wasn't progressing and I had still not found a style that was my own. I was out of answers, and then it hit me.

I had to start over.

My first step was starting this project, in hopes of rebooting the creative parts of my brain. I also began a long journey of education and self-discovery.

I have learned more in the past 6 months than I did during the previous 7 years. I also feel that I finally have my "style" bouncing around in my head. Now I just need to translate that to the camera.

Manual: Page 187 - Accessory Shoe

Images:Thomas Hawk
Cool street photography.


more...

D97: The Blight

For the record, I hate power lines. I think they are a blight upon our cities. Imagine the pitch for power lines in today's world.

We have this new service that will change the world, and we want to bring in to every city in America. How do we plan on installing it, you say? Well, we're going to stick tall poles in the ground everywhere, and then string wires from them.

I don't see that concept passing in today's world.

However, I really like this picture. I'm not entirely sure why.

Manual: Page 100 - Using the Built-in Speedlight

Images:Lori Nordstrom
I really like Lori's senior images.


more...

D96: Some Things Never Change

I came down with some awful cold straight from hell back in December. It left me with a cough for almost 2 months. Needless to say, Its now been 3 months since I've been to the gym.

Today I made my return.

It was nice to be back. It was even nicer that nothing changes there. Ever since the ownership changed 4 years ago, the contents within those 4 walls have been static. It allows me to used my gym time as an anchor. No matter what is going on in the world, I know that "gym time" will always be "safe".

Its also where I listed to Ron Dawson's podcasts religiously.

Manual: Page 182 - Camera Settings

Images:Denis Reggie
I think Denis is one of those photographers that we'd all like to be like from time to time.


more...

D95: Sorry Tasra I Cheated :(

The day totally got away from me. Suddenly its midnight and I hadn't even picked up my camera.

This shot is from this past Sunday at the local ski hill. It was an AMAZING day, and I really wanted to share one of the images.

Please forgive me.


Manual: Page 186 - Optional Speedlights

Images:Joanna Tano
I love the expressions that Joanna catches during weddings.


more...

D94: Curtain Call

If you didn't get a chance to follow the complete saga, here ya go:
Introduction
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6

The stage is dark tonight. The Legolier murder has been solved, and all is well with the universe.

What did I learn this week? Well, I learned that sometimes less is more. I opted to focus on the characters instead of building custom backdrops, which was also a great time-saver. Shooting Legoliers(that's what I named their race) for a full week allowed me to just play, not worrying about finding a good location for the "image of the day". The series became more about the plot lines than perfecting the technical aspect.

With everything said & done, I'm glad I chose to do the series. I learned a few things about shooting with an infinity backdrop, and I was able to de-clutter my brain. I think from time to time, we all need something to clear our minds. I feel the creative juices starting to flow once more. Tomorrow I begin shooting in the real world again. I wonder what I will find?

Manual: Page 141 - Custom Setting 4: AF Assist
I first learned how to turn this feature off when I was trying to capture some candid shots in a crowd just after sunset. Having that little lamp light up every time you're focusing a shot was causing my subjects to pose for the camera, thus killing my intended shots.

Images:Gray Scott
Gray has some beautiful images from the fashion industry. They remind me that I know absolutely nothing about fashion! I am ok with that.


more...