In a world of so many great photographers and writers, I am venturing into some unknown territories, leaving comfort zones, finally very willing to practice the art of seeing. By maintaining the practice of posting daily photos, I hope to continue learning about the possibilities that I trust are out there for the taking.
Sister Ginny joined us after a 10 hour day of sighting in Mexico City. Walid Ginny’s husband knows how to show us around.
Next on the agenda is dinner at 7:30.
I set out in my backyard this morning to practice looking around for 10 minutes before I picked up the camera to shoot. My intended goal was to look for a subject, composition of the subject, how light fell on the subject, perspective with the shot, move around the subject, imagine what settings I would be using and essentially not shoot off one frame for 10 minutes.
I couldn’t do it. Within a 30 seconds of nearing the birds I had the tripod and camera in ready position and shot off one shot, then another and another, and never really stopped. Mindlessly shooting, hoping I would capture something, rather than waiting and creating something.
Some thoughts I later wrote down that were operating below the level of my consciousness until I took out pen and paper once inside, so disappointed in myself and my photo.
If I don’t shoot right now:
-I’m going to miss this shot.
-The morning golfers are nearing the 17th hole (where the birds were).
-The birds might fly off as the golfers drive down the 16th fairway.
-I need to shoot one photo to get the settings right before the birds fly away.
-Because this was the only time I was going to pick up my camera, and hopefully get over do things done, and I might not get this “cool” (cool if only I’d been closer) shot.
In one week Lane and I are going to compare our shots. I wonder if he shot today AND if he waited the 10 minutes before shooting?
Cormorants sunning themselves before the golfers get to this hole.
Before I add some morning hike photos, I just read something I want to practice beginning NOW.
Melissa showing us the iphone video she captured of a house on fire.
This location on our hike has become the staging ground for morning picture taking. While Melissa was telling us about how a neighbor broke a window in the burning and soon after a dog jumped out through the window to safety.
I always try to get the girls to remember that I'm shooting their silhouettes and need space between their body parts. Good job on spreading those fingers girls!
The first of many motion shots with the morning color as our backdrop. Jen is always ready to test the waters.
Quincy and Marco joined us on our hike. Thanks Quince for being a good sport.
Quincy and Jen with Marco below.
Marco helping Jen with her settings. Marco is a REAL working photographer. Thanks for your help this morning Marco.
Jen, Linda and Quincy. Photo by Marco Franchina.
Overhead map-light lighting on me in the passenger seat, taken with the iPhone.
Arrived in a very over populated Vegas last night. Wishing Susan and Andrew a wonderful wedding day.
Melissa brought over Moo this morning.
Moo has zero interest in facing the camera so I consider myself very lucky with this shot.
Melissa left and Stacy came by to pick up the Franklin Planner 2012 refills we’d ordered together. I told Stacy she could come over right away to pick up the planner as I had to get ready to drive to Vegas. Not long after we hung up Stacy arrived I cracked up when I opened the door and Stacy was standing there in her pjs holding a cup of coffee. Her husband Jim had yelled out to Stacy as she left home, “I hope a cop doesn’t pull you over.”
Stacy arrived looking like this (but holding a coffee mug in her hand).