I love the contrast in this image created by the white caps of the waves. The lighthouse is the focal point of the image that would be just a bit too static if the waves weren't rolling across the frame. I dragged the shutter a bit to create a more dynamic view of the waves. The use of a little motion can dramatically improve shots like these, creating a more dramatic and pleasing final product.
Ideas and Imagery #33
This was an odd morning where the cloud cover was thick above me while the fog at the horizon was clearing up. I really like how the darkness on the top and bottom edges contain the picture, almost like letterboxing on an old 4:3 television set. I also think it is interesting how Mt. Hood seems to be floating in the picture.
On the podcast I listen to, one of the hosts frequently reduces landscape photography down to waiting for the weather. I think that is an oversimplification, especially considering my process for taking photos. I think that belief short-changes the photographer's role in creating a picture.
In this instance I was able to catch great light and atmosphere on a fall morning, but I didn't go out shooting knowing that this is what I would get. I generally don't camp in a spot over several days to try and catch the best weather. I always have my camera with me, ready to shoot when I move past something that catches my eye.
I like to think that I am good at taking what a particular scene is willing to give. I sometimes drive around with the idea of a destination, but oftentimes end up coming home with shots that are nothing like what I thought I would get leaving the house. This is due to an openness to what is around me and an understanding of the light that is available throughout the day.
Taking what the scene gives has allowed me to shoot a better percentage of keeper photos and has prepared me to shoot in almost any situation. Inspiration can be found almost anytime and anywhere if you are willing to challenge yourself to make great photos regardless of the shooting conditions.
Ideas and Imagery #32
The Rose Festival brings a lot of opportunity to photograph downtown Portland. One of my favorite features of the Memorial Day weekend is the Ferris wheel that is always prominent along the waterfront. The carnival provides plenty of color to dress things up and the bridges provide the best seats in the house.
Ideas and Imagery #31
The textures and shadows in this photo add a three dimensional quality to the leaves, especially the green leaf on the bottom right. Textures are one of my favorite hooks on a photo.
This foam was the result of slightly choppy water that was lapping against the side of the dock I was standing on. Each ripple compressed the one before it, creating this conglomeration of floating debris. The dark lines are caused by algae being compressed simultaneously with the foam.
Ideas and Imagery #30
Sunflowers always seem to add something to a scene. The green and yellow dominate this photo, which has grown on me ever since I shot it. I remember standing in the middle of the road taking this shot thinking that it is just another pretty picture of a barn and flowers. It's not a portfolio shot, but not every shot needs to be your best.
If you can come home with one photo a day that you could look at multiple times and enjoy, you're doing something right.
Ideas and Imagery #29
I stopped as I was driving by a recycling center to take this picture of a block of crushed aluminum cans. There are a lot of details in this photo to get lost in.
For some, this photo might be a case where it is hard to determine what the picture is, but for others it shouldn't take very long. The dead giveaway is the unmistakable tab/opener and the Pabst logo. I had a lot of fun taking this shot.
Ideas and Imagery #28
This is the Oregon City Bridge on a foggy morning as the sun was beginning to shine through. This shot was as much about the light as it was about anything else. Sometimes good light is a subject that can stand on it's own, regardless of what else is going on in the scene.
Ideas and Imagery #27
This shot was another instance where I was initially disappointed that someone was walking into my shot. I could see him approaching and I was hurrying to snap a few frames before he entered the frame.
As he entered though, the shots seemed to work better. He added balance to the composition and made the scene a lot more interesting. In the end I kept five shots from this composition, all of which contained this gentleman, to whom I extend my gratitude.
Ideas and Imagery #26
This was a simple case of waiting to capture a person to give the scene a bit more interest. The shot of the bridge was interesting, but the bicyclist gives the shot a focal point, and his orange jacket was a perfect compliment of the greenish-blue tones in the scene.
Ideas and Imagery #25
Sometimes when I am having a hard time finding something to photograph I try to shoot everyday objects from a different perspective. This photo is an example of one instance where I really liked the result.
The guitar in this photo is instantly recognizable as such. Regardless, I still find the shot interesting because you rarely see a guitar from this angle. I also love the richness of the wood and was satisfied with my focal point for the image.
Exercises like these can provide a quick creative boost during periods where making time to shoot is difficult.