Why I do what I do........

I spend a fair amount of time on my photos.  For the most part, I don't do family photos.  I try to find what I would consider 'interesting'.  And then I try to translate that moment to print.

That's only the first part - seeing and taking the shot.  What comes next is how to 'help' that moment.  As much as I like the equipment, there are some aspects of the shots that the camera itself will not handle.  Even set to make the images more vivid, that still is not enough.  To go along with color management is light management.  Since I rarely have the luxury of waiting in one spot all day for perfect light, my photos have to be 'adjusted' for light deficiencies.  

I came across a photo that illustrates on many levels why I take the time with photos I like to share.

The original:

And my take:

Old Lobster Traps

This was taken along the walkway to the Rockland Lighthouse.  All along the breakwater were old broken and dented lobster traps.  The yellow colors of the 'seaweeds' along with the green(?) of the plastic coated traps made for an interesting sight.

1/25 f/11
Aperture Priority
ISO 200
Focal length 50 mm (75 mm for 35mm film)

Photo Set

Rt 381 Post

All along Rt 381where I like to shoot are these wood fences that border the fields.  I really like some of the colors that come out of the wood - and the textures.  With the added addition of the great sky and tree colors - this is a pretty good shot.  I thought I'd like the sign a bit better - and maybe in this case less would be more.  Who knows?

1/2000 f/5.6
Aperture Priority
ISO 200
Focal length 50 mm (75 mm for 35mm film)

Photo Set

Laurel Lodge - Alternate View

This is certainly an effect that either appeals to you or not.  I tried the same effect on the Point Betsie Lighthouse.  Need to look at it more in different scenarios.

Laurel Lodge

This building, a ski lodge, hasn't been used for years.  Of all the winter buildings I've ever seen this one has an outdoor fire place which is unique.  The ski area could be open next year.  The building is in great shape for being abandoned and I expect there won't be many changes but this could be an empty spot next year.

I really like how the rock and wood come out in this.

1/640 f/13
Aperture Priority  EV -.6
ISO 400
Focal length 18 mm (27 mm for 35mm film)

Photo Set

Bike in the Woods

This bike has been here for at least three years - probably more.  How it stays upright is amazing to me.  (Or how come a bear didn't take off on it?)  Usually when I've been around, the light hasn't been real accommodating to a good photo.  This time around, there was plenty of light - or enough to get decent DOF.  I didn't have to bump up the ISO too much.

1/50 f/5
Aperture Priority
ISO 400
Focal length 30 mm (45 mm for 35mm film)

Photo Set

Fall Pathway

Fall 2010 is here!  This is from a wonderful weekend in Pennsylvania - where the combination of blue sky and the colors were the best I've seen or been a part of.  This is in Linn Run State Park on the top of the mountain.  It is a gas line path that has been there for years.  When I was a kid - yes I tried to get through there on a (motorized) bike.  At that time it it was mostly a mud pit and if I remember correctly I wound up pushing the bike through the mud.  Now, it looks like a beautiful pathway.

1/80 f/16
Aperture Priority  EV -.7
ISO 200
Focal length 46 mm (69 mm for 35mm film)

Photo Set