A Tale to Tell

Nikon D600
1/5 sec, at f/11
ISO 200 and 48 mm focal length
Lightroom 5.2, Photoshop CC, Define, Perfect Effects

I had an interesting comment when I posted a working copy of this image on social media yesterday.  It was something akin to wishing that I had books to go with my images. I never really thought about the transition from nature photographer to conceptual photographer, but she was right in her comment, with conceptual fine art photography it is essential, for me anyways, to know the compete history of your character going in. I learned the importance of this during an online seminar given by Brooke Shaden, but yesterday’s comment made me realize that this process has become so second nature sometimes I don’t even realize I am doing it.

The Lingering Colors of Summer

Nikon D600
1/6 sec. at f/16
ISO-640 and 85 mm focal length
Lightroom 5.2, Photoshop CC, Perfect Effects, Define

I loved the way this field of wildflowers looked in the late sunset glow last week. I was very glad I had my tripod in hand and had not wandered home in the waning light, but stayed out to play in the post sunset afterglow. Luckily it was a windless evening which allowed for an aperture small enough so that the details in the background remained recognizable.

Leaving the Past Behind

Nikon D600
1/100 sec. at f/16
ISO-320 with a 34 mm focal length
exposure bias -1.3 step
Lightroom 5, Photoshop CC, Perfect Effects

So today I think I would like to touch upon inspiration and how I develop inspiration to make a conceptual image really tick. With a painter in the family I was always jealous that she was able to start with a clean slate while, with my camera, I had to work with what was already there. It used to make me feel less creative, like I wasn’t actually creating anything at all, just copying what was in front of me. Thus the draw to the type of photography I am doing now. I now feel comfortable in calling myself a creator because I now create not what I see with my eyes, but what I see with my mind’s eye.

Mirror, Mirror

Nikon D600
1/6 sec. at f/13
ISO 100 and 44 mm focal length
Lightroom 5, Photoshop CC, Define and Perfect Effects

When you look at yourself do you like what you see?
If you like what you see you’re the person you should be
Cause your reflection reflects in everything you do
And everything you do reflects on you ~Burt Bacharach

Still Spinning

Nikon D600
Lightroom 5, Photoshop CC, Perfect Effects, Define

I just can’t seem to keep a grip on everything  this summer. Every time I think I am about to get my priorities straight and my scheduling under control The operator starts the ride back up. And yes, I pretty sure I am on The Zipper, pictured above. You have this sense that you can control the movement of your car, but in the end it is going to do its own thing. All you can do is sit back and enjoy the chaos of the ride.

Making New Worlds

Nikon D600
Lightroom 5, Perfect Effects, Photoshop CC

So many things are bubbling through my brain that I would love to share. It has been an exhausting and exiting few days. But I will contain myself and stick with one thing at a time. Setting up this shot was such an incredible experience! Bringing my own world to life was surprisingly empowering. And well, the solitude of the location was just what my soul needed to prepare for the shoot.

Finding My Way

Nikon D600
1/60 sec. at f/22 fill flash used
ISO 800 and 40mm focal length
Lightroom 5, Photoshop CC

Other than ArtPrize 2013  which has already been printed, this summer’s major events are coming to an end. I am still a featured artist in a couple locations through the end of the month, but no more receptions, events or fanfare. Ahead of me stretches the long dark winter. A winter I am actually looking forward to. I am pretty confident that I have enough fuel to keep my muse well fed, and the light of inspiration burning brightly!

Nearly Through the Chaos

Nikon D600
1/320 sec at f/4
ISO 100 and 18 m focal length
Lightroom 5, Photoshop CC, , Perfect Effects, Define 2.0

The chaos should be settling soon and life should be returning to its more normal pace of mildly hectic. I have ordered as many prints as I dared for this weekends events. I don’t necessarily count on selling much, but would rather have it than not. ArtPrize images are at the printer, and my camera has been repaired and is currently in quality control for testing before making its trip home. I don’t think its the events and shows that really kick my butt though. Studying for the Photoshop CC certification test was the real bugger.

Left Behind

Nikon D600
1/160 sec. at f/22
ISO 600 and 24 mm focal length
Lightroom 5, Perfect Black and White, Perfect Effects, Define

Wow! What an incredible fruitful few days. I am very fortunate to have a trio of beautiful nieces willing to play model while they are vacationing here in Michigan. The visit just happened to coincide with my intense desire and recent decision to jump into conceptual fine art photography with both feet.

Subjectivity of Seeing

Nikon D600
1/160 sec. at f/4.5
ISO 200 and 85 mm focal length
Lightroom 5, Texture added in Perfect Photo Effects

I would like to start today’s post with the inspirational reassuring words of someone else. As I prepare to venture into the world of Conceptual Photography I have been considering the struggle between straight out of camera versus a final product developed through post capture processing. David duChemin has some interesting insight!