We were driving in haste to beat the pre-dawn. The closer we were, the lighter it became. So without much thought, out came the tripods, ND Filters, Cable Release, Lee Big Stopper and shoot like mad.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Not sure what your thoughts are on this, but I for one, really do enjoy square format images.
Whether they are of people, still life, landscape or whatever takes your fancy, you will view your photography in a different light.
Here is a sample of a friend’s baby shoot I did a couple of months ago.
Now make up your own mind what do you think – go square or not?
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Being such a cloud gazer, I always appreciate a great sky. It is only natural that the camera comes out in a flurry, especially if a polarizer is attached. That way there is minimal editing in the digital darkroom.
This was captured when on the Worldwide Photowalk last weekend. The view out over the Coral Sea – Cairns Queensland is quite remarkable. We do not have a surf here in view of the Great Barrier Reef being on our doorstep. Hence the flat sea and it is a joke to the locals if we have a little movement of, say 1-2 feet, we say, watch out….surf is up!
I had the good fortune to go to Hamilton Island for a workshop “AWAY – ART in Photography” with our tutors Peter Eastway, David Oliver and Bruce Pottinger.
We had about 40 like minded people, so it was fun all around with much ‘photography speak’. No need to say more 🙂
What did I learn…
- How to use reflectors for outdoor portraits.
- Using Off camera flash with action photography.
- Using diffusers in bright outdoor beach portraits.
- Aerial photography – most fun of course!
- Early pre-dawn/sunrise photography – it was chilly.
- Mock wedding – Wedding Photography. Sadly I missed a whole section of this.
- Editing techniques – Lightroom/Aperture, Photoshop.
- And most of all – to enjoy our photography.
Do you ever really look at yourself? Inside & out. Deep into your conscious and unconscious state of mind? This can be a moving experience as you reflect and start to have a new vision. And suddenly there is an inner peace, a calmness, a certain serenity. You accept your failures, your achievements and what will be.
This challenge is quite daunting and takes you well and truly out of your comfort zone. As photographers we are always behind, not in front, of the camera.
This image is actually one of many (and let me tell you, there were many) photographs I took a few months ago. It was our local photographic club challenge, so I had a good taste of how confronting this can be. We are never happy with our own vision of ourselves and for today I actually I chose one of my rejects. It was to teach myself not to always look at the ‘pretty’ the ‘perfect’ of images, but rather ‘how it is’ and come to terms with that.
Probably this challenge will ultimately teach me to just ‘love myself’ warts and all. And as the ageing process continues, let me tell you, it is one of the most unsettling journeys to come to terms with. So we have to just be, become accepting of what we cannot change and view each stage as a beautiful gift given to us and to just embrace it.