Friday, October 28, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Photography as a Life Coach
Since I’m an amateur photographer, I decided to join a camera club. It’s a wonderful group of people of all skill levels. Some of the work is absolutely amazing and a true inspiration. Check out the Omaha Camera Club's galleries at http://occ.smugmug.com/.
Interestingly, I’m finding that photography is a lot like life. Below are a few things I’ve learned thus far:
1. Composition, impact and technique. These are the three elements that judges look at while critiquing a photo.
a. Composition – an array of the parts to form a whole. Is the scene organized and unified?
b. Impact – the influence or effect it has on the viewer. Does it make a statement?
c. Technique – the manner and method (technical skills) the artist uses to accomplish the task.
Are you part of the “whole”? Are you working with others for unity? What impact or statement are you making to observers? What feelings do your actions create? How are you accomplishing your goal? What actions are you employing to achieve the desired effect?
2. Sometimes the picture is off balance. Characteristics may be either exaggerated or understated. When this happens, find the golden ratio (a naturally occurring code of proportions [Fibonacci’s numbers]). Are you spending the appropriate amounts of time on work, play, external responsibilities, family, and taking care of yourself?
3. Sometimes the picture is blurry. Things aren’t clear and start running together. When this happens, remember to slow down and focus. Hold steady. Everything looks better with a clear understanding.
The technology of PhotoShop has taken photography to a new level. My philosophy has always been that photos should be straight out of the camera, just as they really are. I’m having trouble embracing the concept of post-processing. However, through many conversations with my mentor and looking at a lot of photos, I am learning that post-processing is not the evil I initially thought.
4. Sometimes the background is distracting. There is a lot going on and what is important gets lost in the big picture. When this happens, crop. Take away all the distractions and zoom in on the subject at hand.
5. Sometimes the picture is dull. The scene isn’t interesting or it appears pale. When this happens, make adjustments. Straighten things out. Make the lines crisp, give it definition. Make the details stand out. Add color.
In other words, in photography AND in life, plan well, use the right methods, and enhance when needed. Make it beautiful.
OR
Monday, October 3, 2011
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Leaves, horses and pumpkins
How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days.
~John Burroughs
The essential joy of being with horses is that it brings us in contact with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit, and fire. ~Sharon Ralls Lemon
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| Platte River State Park Corral |
I never met a pumpkin I didn't like!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
On being present
Breathing in, I calm my body
Breathing out, I smile
Dwelling in the present moment
I know this is a wonderful moment.
~Thich Nhat Hanh
What a beautiful day! Not just because of the change of seasons and cooler weather, but because of my state of mind. We slept with the windows open last night and awoke to a chilly 40 degrees this morning. The cool brisk weather alone is a great feeling. Needless to say, I was enjoying a "wonderful moment" snuggled under my down comforter. But I knew at some point I'd have to get out of my cozy bed and start the day. So I donned my ultra soft bathrobe and slippers and headed to the kitchen where James was enjoying his coffee. Typically on beautiful mornings we sit out on the deck but it was just a bit too cold for either of us this morning. So instead, we headed downstairs to our winter-cabin room with the fireplace. It didn't take long to warm up the room (yes, it's a gas fireplace) and soon we were ready to face the day. James wanted to go running and I wanted to go for a long walk. But it was cold outside. Decisions, decisions. Eventually I convinced myself to leave the comfort of my so-called-cabin knowing it would be worth it and I'd feel good about myself for going.
Once we got to Chalco the sun was up and warming the outside air nicely. I took my camera along, which these days interupts my walking for the purpose of exercise. However, as I've mentioned in previous posts, the camera helps me look beyond the next step of concrete. It enables me to see things I wouldn't normally see.
At the onset of my walk, I stopped to photograph some ducks feeding, a bit of fall foliage sandwiched between the clear blue sky and the reflective water, a plant here and there, etc. But when I rounded the corner to the dam I saw 3 bluebirds flittering around a house. I've seen bluebirds only a few times in my life so these three definitely caught my attention. I was so excited! Immediately the photographer in me kicked in, wanting to preserve this image, this moment in time. I stepped off the beaten path into the still wet grass and watched in amazement. I only had a 200mm lens so I knew I'd have to get fairly close for good photos. The birds were so engrossed in their feeding they didn't even notice me. I kept my distance and zoomed my telephoto lens in as much as possible. I watched as they would fly down into the grass, flutter or hover around and fly back up to perch on the posts near the birdhouse. Then I noticed something bright green. They were picking grasshoppers from the ground for their breakfast! I probably spent 10 minutes photographing the birds. The world around me seemed to vanish and I was "present" in that moment. I'd never thought about the purpose of a grasshopper yet this morning, it was obvious to me that their purpose was to nourish the bluebirds. Nature has a harmonic way of being cruel yet beautiful at the same time. Make time to be present in it.
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