Photo Shoot in Different Light

I had some unexpected free time this morning, so I put on my boots, grabbed my two dogs, and ventured out into the woods behind my house.  It was 9am, I was hoping it wasn't too late to capture some nice soft morning light.  The sun is filtered today through a light cloud cover.  I was hoping for some breaks of morning light shining down.  

I normally find it difficult to take photos unless there is a good source of light, so that subjects seem to sparkle and cast interesting shadows.  There was only diffused and soft light on my walk this morning.  What I find frustrating is being able to capture the light that I see, as beautiful and radiant as it appears to my eye.  For instance, there was a pond where I walked and the diffused light was glistening on the pond as well as on the many interesting grasses around the pond.  I found it difficult to capture that amazing light.  

I did manage to take some photos that I was happy with.  I find that light is key to me in what I am drawn towards to take a photograph of -  I found in my journey today that I was only really inspired to take a photo of objects/subjects if they had even the littlest bit of light.

The light seemed to be cast just on these dried flowers, setting them apart from the background a bit

I liked how the diffused light hit this twisted twig

My ever faithful companions leading the way

Being with Seamus is like always having the perfect model along - I was happy to capture a bit of sunlight shining on him through the clouds

Wet with dew and lit with a little sun

The green of the moss is a welcome boost of color in the winter woods, I liked the way a quick moment of sunlight hit this little woodland bank

Unfamiliar Beauty

My next assignment was to step out of my comfort zone and photograph something that was "unfamiliar", taking at least 100 photos and narrowing it down to the two or three best.  Since I normally photograph things that are "pretty" I decided I would get out of my comfort zone and try to find "unfamiliar" and "hidden" beauty in something that wasn't necessarily pretty or perfect.  I chose to take photos at a 300 year old barn that is a short walk from where I live.  The owner let me have the run of the place, and except for a few chirping sparrows, I was alone in this magnificent structure.  It was quiet and wonderful. I took 166 photos, and narrowed it down to seven (sorry, I just couldn't get down to 2 or 3!)

I liked the rough texture of this old paint and the door ajar

I thought this photo captured exactly what I was trying to convey

I like the "grunginess" of the hardware and dirty paint in this photo, as well as the way the light hits the top of the door and highlights where the horses have gnawed on this door for probably centuries :)

I was drawn to the bright blue color against the texture of the barnboard

These birds were chirping away inside the barn while I was photographing, but I couldn't get a shot of them inside.  All of a sudden I looked up when I went outside and there they were, sitting still long enough on the ledge for me to get this shot, I love the beauty of the birds agains the worn, old wood.

OK I guess this guy is "pretty" (couldn't resist :)

I liked the reflections in the glass, even though broken, still beautiful :)

Finding Your Eye ~ Lesson 4 ~ Inspiration File Review

After reviewing the photos in my inspiration file, I had a difficult time narrowing down the elements my favorite photos have.  I noticed that some of them have more than one element. I am definitely drawn towards beautiful light, color and no color - and I noticed that many photos I am drawn to have people in them, doing just ordinary things.  I also love photos of places. I am drawn towards windows and reflections in them. Here are a few examples:

(1) Light,  Movement and Emotion - I just love this photo, this boy is about to do "flips" (somersaults) down Beale Street in Memphis, I love the light on him, the tip bucket, his concentration and grace, to me he looks like a ballet dancer.

Beale Street Flipper

Boys at the Shore

(2) Portrait and Color

El Hombre ~

(3) Imagining a Story to go along with the photo

Rainy Day Stroll to School

Elevator Man

(4) Colorless

Paris Morning

Window at Mont San Michel

(5) Reflections

Chocolate Shoppe

Lemons in the Window

Finding Your Eye ~ Lesson 3 ~ Part Two

     I returned home from my wonderful walk in the cornfield, happy to have spent a little time in such a serene place that I feel I should visit more often.   My "Find Your Eye" assignment completed and ready to post.

     I went about my day ~ starting to get our spare room ready for some guests who will be visiting soon.  Then I saw how the light hit the antique Morris Chair that has been in this room forever.  All of a sudden I saw how many different and interesting angles I could photograph this simple chair.  I grabbed my camera and started shooting!  Kat, I think this is more what you had in mind :)

Back Rack Concerto

Spindles Patina

Stage Lights

Shadow Pattern

Ancestor Tapestry 

Finding Your Eye ~ Lesson 3 ~ Part One

     Today is a cold day in New England.  I went for a brisk walk this morning, watching the sunlight as the sun slowly climbed higher into the stark blue sky.  I was thinking about what subject I would choose for my "Find Your Eye" lesson today - the assignment was to take 50 photos of the same subject, a familiar subject, taking each photo from a new and creative angle and end up with two or three good ones.
     I put on my snow gear, boots and warm coat, and headed to a nearby cornfield with a trusty companion, my dog Turbo.
     I visit this field often when my son comes home.  He is a birder and there is always plenty of wildlife to see and hear while walking in this forgotten, last slice of farmland, remarkably untouched ~ it is like going back to a simpler time.
     My thought was to photograph the familiar bluebird houses, however, my "eye" saw many other beautiful things in this quiet slice of heaven ~

Row Houses

Empty Nester

Warmth of the Sun

Corn Husk in Winter

Cornfield at Sleep

Why Photography?

I like to take photos of places, things and people that move me.  Simple things, it may be the light I an drawn to, or color. The challenge is to have my viewer be moved, too.  That's the hard part, but something I am looking forward to being able to convey more and more to my viewer.  I love the moments that are captured forever.  I love surprises in photography, too, sometimes you can capture something that was not intentional but wonderful!

I was pleased to see the flag reflections in the window of this photo:

Another example of something unintentional in a photo - I took this photo of the two Santas and only noticed the face on the left later.  I call this "Double Vision" because of the curious expression on the face looking at the two Santas.

In this photo I was concentrating on photographing the sailboat and didn't see all the vibrant colors of the umbrellas and people on the beach in the background until I went to edit the photo.  I love surprises like that!  How colorful!