Lucky Break

Well, I'm still playing around with my speed lights and off camera flash. Working with white items against white background isn't too difficult, though I could be a lot better at it. Still having fun. toying around with concept images. My microstock agencies have accepted some of the images, so I must be on the right track...

Pier over Pacific

In the not too distant past I was able to go on a Photowalk in Santa Barbara.

Though the group was small, it was still a lot of fun (I prefer small groups anyway) and time just flew by.

I'd recommend photowalking to any photography enthusiast. It's a great way to meet other photographers and get to see things from different prospectives. Who knows, one may even come to a town near you...

Chillin'

Great day today, so far! I had a shoot at dawn and got to play with long shadows, and such, but the real fun came after that. You got it! I got to play in a studio, and work with a model. I'm still learning to work with strobes.... I've got tons more to learn, but Strobist is sure helping me on my journey into the world of lighting...

Morning Flight

To see that single fighter jet on the flight deck of the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan as the sun came up behind it was really something. Photographing it was a bit of a challenge.

When your shooting a sunrise time is of the essence, which means for best results get to your location well before sunrise and be in position ready to make your images. As photographers we don't always have the luxury to be able to do this.

Such was the case here. I'm driving along the coast and, low and behold, there's an Aircraft Carrier (either that or I was in need of some more coffee) just asking me to take its picture.

Sudden change in plans. I forget about what I had driven down to photograph and hurry to get in a position to photograph this warship as the sun came up behind it.

Easier said than done. The first problem was that it was high tide, which meant that there was little if any beach, and since getting into position meant walking a bit of a distance this meant dodging waves and jumping on rocks with equipment in tow.

This really slows you down, but it's important not to underestimate Nature and be pulled into the water. You will drown and/or lose your equipment. Be as cautious and safe as possible.

I made my way into the position that I needed to be in as quickly and safely as possible. Sunrises being what they are I had only moments to get any of the shots I had hoped for, you know the dramatic kind where the sun peeps around the silhouette of the object you're photographing.

Though the circumstances weren't perfect (I was atop several rocks trying to keep my balance with waves crashing against them) I did manage to get a few shots that I'm happy with.

What made all of this possible was the fact that I had enough practice shooting objects at sunrise to have a very good idea of the camera settings that I needed to use, and the position of the sun in relation to the object that I was going to photograph. This was a real help as I needed to concentrate on my personal safety.

And that's that...

When your horse doesn't start

We sure like to talk, but are we really saying anything?

Racing on the Pacific

It's racing season again, so there will be plenty of photo-ops of sailboats. I'd like to try something different this year, which is mainly to shoot from a different direction and see if the lighting is a bit more favorable, and to see if I get better images for stock. Part of this will depend on the tides of course, but it could turn out to be interesting.

Some color

Nothing like a little color to brighten up one's day...

Cracked

I spent some time playing around with my speed lights just getting familiar with the controls. There are a lot of things those little gadgets can do, well mostly just light but in a lot of subtle ways. They are fun and very useful.

Easter Renewal

Life returns in celebration and color.

Amazing

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. Psalm 23:6

A little rest

Now that Spring is here, time to relax and enjoy the season.

Rollin' and Tumblin'

Evidence of the last storm that rolled through, the beach is covered with rocks that sit like silent monuments until the ocean carries them away.

Spring Canvas

I don''t think it's possible to improve upon Nature, but you sure can get inspired by it. So, why not work with the subject matter at hand, Spring....

Come Spring

Nature awakes from her Winter slumber and puts on something colorful and of good cheer.

Quite Celebration

It's been a year since I started this blog. The main reason for starting it was to see how it would shape, form, and play out over the course of a year. What trends and themes would emerge over this period of time? To be honest, I'm not sure if any did or will. All of that said, it has still been a good experience.

Strobist

I've been reading Strobist a lot lately. My goal is to try and expand my photography by learning to use lighting. My friend Brian volunteered and was kind enough to let me play with using my borrowed Nikon SB-600 AF Speedlight. All I have to say is that I've to a lot to learn and more equipment to buy. Photography is an expensive endeavor.

Spring Explosion

Explosions of Spring color everywhere you look. Everything is new again.

Get back

Beaches are funny in that moments after the sun goes down they become almost as barren and empty as the desert.

Modern Times

What knocks me out is your hidden charms...

Bodie California

Green and Red

Since I'm on the theme of wildflowers and I posted an image twice, here's a new image to keep with the changing of the seasons. I've got to get more than a couple of hours sleep. Sheesh!

The hills are alive

Though Spring hasn't officially arrived there is plenty of evidence that it's on the way.

(I just noticed that I've already posted this image, so I'm going to post a map to where this is - Figueroa Mountain, Santa Ynez California. This image was taken on March 8, 2008. So, if you like wildflower photography, this is what it looks like right about now).


View Larger Map

Sunrise Solitude

It's not uncommon to see a sunrise such as this. What's rare is seeing anyone out to actually enjoy it. I guess people just don't like t get up early.

In Color

How years ago in days of old
When magic filled the air
I ran across fields of gold
A Spring beyond compare

In Bloom

The fields give in to the colors of the season.

Don't fence me in

Spring is on its way. There's no holding it back. The fields are green and the wildflowers are starting to bloom. Looks like it is going to be a colorful time for some Nature and Landscape Photographers.

Signs of Spring

Time to head of the door and see if Nature has waken from her nap.

Last Gas 70 Years

Here's a gem. Boarded up along the side of the road.

Dancing Cheek to Cheek

No, a little more to the left. That's it. See, right I want more shadow over there. This lighting thing can be fun.

Rescue Me

Rescue me - that could be the theme song for the State of California. At least when it comes to its budget, which in turn affects much else in the State. When a company is as badly managed as California is, you get a new CEO (which the voters did when they elected Schwarzenegger) and you replace management.

Since California's problems are clearly growing worse, it is time to make a big effort to replace the State's Management (the California Legislature). How? Vote in some new people and get a cohesive and fiscally responsible Legislature in place. This is going to take some time, but we should start working towards that goal now.

Palms and Clouds

Silhouette Sentinels ...

Strobist Training

You've got a light... making it work for you is the real story.

Vacant Seats

I've flat lined and just don't know it.
Filling vacant seats with no one.
Grey is the world around me.

California could use a few more empty seats up in Sacramento... it might help to slow down how fast they spend other people's money.

Will the State go bankrupt? Only time will tell...

Making the most of it

Always a good time for some color to brighten up a day...