In the Company of None

Nikon D600
f/22
Photoshop CC, Lightroom 5

This could probably be considered my absolute favorite time of the year. I absolutely don’t mean to sound like I do not enjoy the company of others, or that I don’t want other people to enjoy this beautiful place I am fortunate enough to live in, but the pre-tourist time of year is like heaven for me.

This Too Shall Pass

Nikon D600
1/125 sec. at f/9
ISO-3200 and 70mm focal length
Lightroom 5

I know, we generally think of the saying “This too shall pass” while we are in the midst of strife and turmoil, but I like to remind myself that the good things pass too. We need to take the time to savor and appreciate everything that comes our way. The good and the bad.

ArtPrize 2013

1/60 sec. at f/7.1
ISO-800 and 50 mm focal length
Lightroom 5, Photoshop CC, Perfect Effects

Let the festivities begin! Well it is almost officially and definitely unofficially that time of year! Early voting opens today and all the great artist parties are tomorrow. We will be bouncing back and forth between San Chez Bistro and Cafe and The B.O.B. as those are the two parties at which I will be diving into the complimentary food and drinks. I am a starving artist after all. I take the perks where I can get them. Got a great discounted room at my mom’s venue (The Marriott) and VIP passes to the benefit at my venue, (San Chez Bistro & Café) which just happens to be my favorite place to eat in downtown Grand Rapids. I love hanging out in the city when I don’t have to worry about parking, the cost of dinner or driving home. Looking forward to a great mini-break.

Simple Expression

Nikon D600
1/320 sec at f/4.5
ISO 200 and 85 mm focal length
Lightroom 5, Perfect Photo 4

I am preparing for a workshop on Contemplative Photography, so lately a lot of thought has gone into sense perception, and what actually gives us, as photogs, pause to take a shot and then the process we take in recording that moment. It seems that lately that my images are not being prebuilt in my head by some grand design, (well some are and hopefully more about those in a week or two), but are springing forth from flashes of color, shape or space. Take this shot as a walk through.

Stoned and Loving It

Nikon D600
1/25 sec. at f/25
62 mm focal length 100 ISO
Lightroom 5, NIK Define, HDR Efex Pro 2, Perfect Effects 2

Sticking with the feeling of simplicity, because it just plain feels good these days, here is the other end of the spectrum. The yin for yesterday’s yang so to speak. All the softness and blending of yesterday is replaced today by single image HDR processing and enhanced tonal contrast. These incredibly beautiful rocks cover my favorite beach, and I wanted the image to show them in all their hard, colorful glory.

Heading North

Reconditioned old shot
Metadata lost or unavailable
Photoshop, Lightroom, Perfect Photo Suite 6

So here I am, I just submitted my first post in weeks and now I am taking off to the internet free great white north again. Gotta take that inspiration when you can get it! This has been a busy week, with the Google/NIK announcement and getting a piece juried into the Western Michigan Regional Art Competition. I think I have earned a break! Well, not from the blog, but from the hectic pace of life below the bridge. I am taking a computer this trip so I will all least attempt to get something up here while away on my adventures. I am hoping to make it out to Tahquamenon Falls for some winter shots, and hey, there is a full moon tonight. If the clouds cooperate, which isn’t expected, maybe some full moon shots over Superior. Today’s shot to ponder is my entry into the WMRC. If you are a Western Michigan local head over to LowellArts! and check it out. The exhibition runs through April 26. Maybe I will see you there!

Use Your Live View and Save the Knees

Nikon D5100 18-55 mm
f-22 3 capture hdr +2,0,-2
processed with HDR Efex Pro 2

As I wander around photography websites and blogs and browse the latest issues of my favorite magazines it seems that low angle shots with some flavor in the foreground are pretty big these days. And rightly so, done right they are very sharp and compelling captures.

Well, today’s blog is directed to all, but mainly to those Michigan shooters, who, like me, love getting out in the off season. I am sure that I am not the only one that has wandered back to their car damp, covered in snow and dreaming of a hot coffee and a hotter car. It can be a little too cold to be crawling around on knees and belly setting up low angle shots.