tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20134278139191099502024-03-13T12:31:22.298-04:00Lone Dakota PhotographyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239126917899906404noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013427813919109950.post-59372297339855221462014-07-10T13:11:00.001-04:002014-07-10T13:11:30.076-04:00Reflecting on Reflections<span style="font-size: large;">Photographing reflections can be fun and produce some very interesting results. It can also be some of the most challenging photography you can do. How many times have you taken what you think is a really cool photo only to find yourself staring back at you in the image? An unintended selfie! So the first piece of advice I have is to look at the subject you are about to photo...I mean really look. Is there a selfie in the making? Move around...left, right, up, down to get the image you want without you being an unintended part of the shot. Once you think you have just the right angle, look again through the viewfinder of your camera.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I use two methods to photograph reflections, a simple manual focus and the other manual focus with f stop adjustment. You remember manual focus, right? Auto focus is great in most cases, but when photographing reflections you will drive your camera, and yourself, crazy trying to get the right focal point. Solution? Switch it off and go manual. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n1e2E0NMYHI/U76x_XuM9mI/AAAAAAAAAUc/xJQlcKKarWE/s1600/20BN6719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n1e2E0NMYHI/U76x_XuM9mI/AAAAAAAAAUc/xJQlcKKarWE/s1600/20BN6719.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image A © David Toczko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">This first set of images was taken using just the manual focus method. For Image A, I focused on the window glass to get the reflection of the building across from it. A shallow depth of field, using an f stop of 4.0, made the contents on display in the window out of focus and gave the image a whimsical look. Standing in the same position and still at f 4.0, Image B was focused on the contents on display. This caused the reflection to be slightly out of focus and not detract from the merchandise. * NOTE I used aperture priority to control the depth of field, but to also compensate for difference in brightness of the two by having the camera adjust the shutter speed. </span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T8-ydYMz1vQ/U763mMJbSjI/AAAAAAAAAUs/eXKX6niKEic/s1600/20BN6721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T8-ydYMz1vQ/U763mMJbSjI/AAAAAAAAAUs/eXKX6niKEic/s1600/20BN6721.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image B © David Toczko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The second set of images employed the manual focus AND f stop adjustment technique. Once again, I manually focused on the surface of the water and, by adjusting the f stop, controlled the depth of field and characteristics of the reflection. These were also shot using aperture priority to control the exposure.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WUELD7wRibM/U764fzgvNiI/AAAAAAAAAU0/9C5rpjkvHek/s1600/BK8P9820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WUELD7wRibM/U764fzgvNiI/AAAAAAAAAU0/9C5rpjkvHek/s1600/BK8P9820.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image C f 2.8 © David Toczko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zBcwuF2zvcg/U764hrDjp2I/AAAAAAAAAU8/FJuCB7Sj2og/s1600/BK8P9824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zBcwuF2zvcg/U764hrDjp2I/AAAAAAAAAU8/FJuCB7Sj2og/s1600/BK8P9824.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image D f 4.0 © David Toczko<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lLsLEIS1kHY/U764s2BxupI/AAAAAAAAAVE/znhSkLiDxek/s1600/BK8P9826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lLsLEIS1kHY/U764s2BxupI/AAAAAAAAAVE/znhSkLiDxek/s1600/BK8P9826.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image E f 5.6 © David Toczko<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This final set of images used the first method described above, shot in total manual mode and a slightly different focal length from the same position.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V41Immq1spk/U765nFPUszI/AAAAAAAAAVU/V4nRlxAYrEc/s1600/BK8P9846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V41Immq1spk/U765nFPUszI/AAAAAAAAAVU/V4nRlxAYrEc/s1600/BK8P9846.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image F 1/100 © David Toczko<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aMMJbxqW4DY/U765kC3I20I/AAAAAAAAAVM/NOCRbH18fRA/s1600/BK8P9847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aMMJbxqW4DY/U765kC3I20I/AAAAAAAAAVM/NOCRbH18fRA/s1600/BK8P9847.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Image G 1/200 © David Toczko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<i>David Toczko is a freelance, commercial photographer and author of several award winning coffee table books of photography. He teaches both basic and advanced photography classes at his local college as well as holds photography seminars throughout the year. For additional examples of his work, visit his <a href="http://www.lonedakota.com/" target="_blank">web site</a>. For information on seminars and purchasing his work, contact him <a href="mailto:info@lonedakota.com" target="_blank">here</a>.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*All text and photographs contained in this article are copyrighted 2014 David Toczko</span><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239126917899906404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013427813919109950.post-26903456029368269492013-06-23T12:08:00.000-04:002013-06-23T12:16:48.418-04:00It's Time to Add Some Chlorine to the Gene Pool!<span style="font-size: large;">First let me say this has absolutely nothing to do with photography. I just had an encounter that continues to boggle my mind. I was fueling up my car and was downwind of a local fast food establishment. The smell of french fries filled the air and the craving kicked in. It's been quite some time since I have had any junk food and thought to myself "what the heck". I pulled up to the drive-through and clearly said, "One large order of fries please". The girl on the other end of the piece-of-crap intercom system said....and I'm not joking..."Would you like fries with that?".</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I was dumbfounded! At first I thought she was kidding, but could tell by her tone that she wasn't. The question gave me pause for a split second. If I said "Yes", would I get TWO orders of fries? If I said "No", would I get an empty bag? I chose to simply repeat my order hoping that she could understand what I was saying (again through the piece-of-crap intercom).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Our communication issues resolved, I was instructed to pull around to the first window. I couldn't resist...now it was my turn to play with what little mind she had. "Which is the first window?", I asked. A looooong pause...and then she replied, "The first one you come to".</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm just glad the cash register tells her how much change to give back.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">/Rant</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239126917899906404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013427813919109950.post-14637176869754804172013-04-23T21:11:00.001-04:002013-04-23T21:11:48.031-04:00Glow With the Flow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dPJlR_qxTkU/UXbBO8dzX7I/AAAAAAAAANc/ixWdR3ChFLY/s1600/BK8P0386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dPJlR_qxTkU/UXbBO8dzX7I/AAAAAAAAANc/ixWdR3ChFLY/s640/BK8P0386.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Glow With the Flow</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I recently saw an article that reminded me of a conversation I had some time back with friend and fellow photographer, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Photographic-Magic-The-photographic-Art-of-Wayne-Stacy/105716392800375?fref=ts" target="_blank">Wayne Stacy</a> . We had unsuccessfully attempted to photograph the "Moonbow" at Cumberland Falls due to an uncooperative Mother Nature. On the drive home, we brainstormed about a way to light the falls for a more dramatic and unique night shot. While I was focusing on a way to back light the falls, Wayne wanted to introduce light into the water for long exposure shots.The topic would come up every now and again, but it was this article that really lit a fire under us. It would seem we were not the only nuts out there with this idea and we just knew we could do it. The process would be rather straightforward, or so we thought. Tie similar colored glow sticks together, put them in the water up-stream of the falls and take long exposure shots while they drifted down and over the falls.Even at this stage of planning the logistics of the shoot, we knew we were going to need help and enlisted the aid of Jamie Cummings to serve as Production Assistant.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nkF_bsattFg/UXbImIiUlyI/AAAAAAAAANs/sgegub_uHAU/s1600/BK8P0113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nkF_bsattFg/UXbImIiUlyI/AAAAAAAAANs/sgegub_uHAU/s200/BK8P0113.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">© David Toczko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">With a careful eye on the forecast, we chose a clear night with a near-full moon to provide as much light on the water as possible and it was "Go Time". Preparation started a few days before with a trip to the Everything For a Dollar Store for supplies. While in theory our idea should work, reality is much different and we opted not to make a huge investment should it turn out to be a miserable failure. The afternoon of the shoot was spent rigging a few strands up while we could actually see what we were doing. Similar colored glow sticks were fastened to string using zip ties at evenly spaced intervals. The thinking behind this was that while we had a general idea as to the height of the falls, we wanted to be sure to have a long enough strand to get the effect we were looking for. Jamie (upstream) would pull the strands up and down during a long exposure shot to fill in the gaps between the lights.Only two strands were made in advance as this was still all theory and we didn't want to lose all the sticks if this system failed. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W4Pid-0oASI/UXbLzM8ktUI/AAAAAAAAAN8/ndd9WS2hyYc/s1600/BK8P0127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W4Pid-0oASI/UXbLzM8ktUI/AAAAAAAAAN8/ndd9WS2hyYc/s200/BK8P0127.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">© David Toczko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Off to the falls we went full of excitement and anticipation of doing something "outside the box". My only concern at this point was if there would be enough flow in the river to provide a nice waterfall. Those concerns were quickly put to rest as soon as we arrived. Rains earlier in the week had provided <i>more</i> than enough flow. In fact, our concern now was that our system was not up to the task. Only one way to tell and that was to use one strand as a sacrificial lamb and see what happens. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F6PDL0eyQ08/UXcOaRyFMxI/AAAAAAAAAOM/T055btAK0bI/s1600/BK8P0217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F6PDL0eyQ08/UXcOaRyFMxI/AAAAAAAAAOM/T055btAK0bI/s320/BK8P0217.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">© David Toczko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jamie also seems concerned as well as frustrated with the ease of which the lines repeatedly got tangled. Also notice that she is wearing a life vest for safety. Fortunately, the only mishap on the shoot occurred when I dropped her snake stick in the river. Sorry about that Jamie!!!! With the current too strong and an undertow that would not allow the lines to be spread out, we moved to the other side of the river where there was a step falls with a gentler current and shallower water. Time was against us now as the sun was beginning to set. Jamie began rigging the strands above the falls and I arranged them at and below the falls while Wayne continued to string lights together from a "drier location". Darker and darker it grew, so Jamie started helping Wayne string lines while I started to fire off test shots and make minor adjustments to the strands already deployed. With everything in place, it was now time to shoot. Various exposures, f stops and ISO settings were used. The best results seem to have come from relatively low ISO settings, mid to high f stops and long exposures.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LJBuPy2o7ss/UXci8visWaI/AAAAAAAAAOo/pAwSBV9Q-mA/s1600/BK8P0347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LJBuPy2o7ss/UXci8visWaI/AAAAAAAAAOo/pAwSBV9Q-mA/s320/BK8P0347.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">© David Toczko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmdN0W8kPPk/UXci8dvmKiI/AAAAAAAAAOg/6In_f8fS71s/s1600/BK8P0354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmdN0W8kPPk/UXci8dvmKiI/AAAAAAAAAOg/6In_f8fS71s/s320/BK8P0354.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">© David Toczko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0QrjrtbMl_w/UXci_RXkdXI/AAAAAAAAAO0/UK5-A4RS3BM/s1600/BK8P0360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0QrjrtbMl_w/UXci_RXkdXI/AAAAAAAAAO0/UK5-A4RS3BM/s320/BK8P0360.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">© David Toczko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lunepknXDjw/UXci_28xeoI/AAAAAAAAAO8/UPiVB4oReEQ/s1600/BK8P0365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lunepknXDjw/UXci_28xeoI/AAAAAAAAAO8/UPiVB4oReEQ/s320/BK8P0365.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">© David Toczko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XW34s5LzZl0/UXcjAtF8OpI/AAAAAAAAAPE/rzQuzmuMMjc/s1600/BK8P0373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XW34s5LzZl0/UXcjAtF8OpI/AAAAAAAAAPE/rzQuzmuMMjc/s320/BK8P0373.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">© David Toczko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vR0fXH5RxWQ/UXcjC-_zyrI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/sNpwDErNydY/s1600/BK8P0383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vR0fXH5RxWQ/UXcjC-_zyrI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/sNpwDErNydY/s320/BK8P0383.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">© David Toczko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wFrZZgUx0KI/UXcjG1xi29I/AAAAAAAAAPw/o7wBjfFlIyk/s1600/BK8P0388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wFrZZgUx0KI/UXcjG1xi29I/AAAAAAAAAPw/o7wBjfFlIyk/s320/BK8P0388.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">© David Toczko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DJmjctYAkFo/UXcjF2v0yGI/AAAAAAAAAPk/LWnsZoa_FBA/s1600/BK8P0396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DJmjctYAkFo/UXcjF2v0yGI/AAAAAAAAAPk/LWnsZoa_FBA/s320/BK8P0396.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">© David Toczko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gLAFc2zAnA8/UXcjG6xNG7I/AAAAAAAAAPs/KHbWLI0Ie3A/s1600/BK8P0401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gLAFc2zAnA8/UXcjG6xNG7I/AAAAAAAAAPs/KHbWLI0Ie3A/s320/BK8P0401.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">© David Toczko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zFReHfkIabA/UXcjHq9Cx1I/AAAAAAAAAP8/f3vTt6RmXG0/s1600/BK8P0407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zFReHfkIabA/UXcjHq9Cx1I/AAAAAAAAAP8/f3vTt6RmXG0/s320/BK8P0407.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">© David Toczko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mG12zNw9uzM/UXcjCjv6iWI/AAAAAAAAAPM/kzH4vqUQq6k/s1600/BK8P0382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mG12zNw9uzM/UXcjCjv6iWI/AAAAAAAAAPM/kzH4vqUQq6k/s320/BK8P0382.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">© David Toczko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For more examples of David's work, visit his web site <a href="http://www.lonedakota.com/">www.lonedakota.com</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Feel free to contact us <a href="mailto:dakota@lonedakota.com" target="_blank">HERE</a> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239126917899906404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013427813919109950.post-3817233844752552602013-02-02T09:47:00.002-05:002013-02-02T09:47:56.439-05:00Name That Bird<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">No...not THAT kind of bird! There is a red-tailed hawk that lives in my neighborhood. He frequents the trees in my yard and can often be found perched on the fence at the back of my property. This bird is smart...I mean SMART. He usually only comes around when I don't have my camera handy. By the time I get it out and set to shoot, he has moved on. If I do have it sitting on the table at the ready, he does not appear. He haunts me, taunts me, almost mocking me and daring me to get a good photo of him. He has been so brazen as to perch on my deck and look at me through the window. Damn bird! The quest to photograph this bird is my one and only New Year's resolution for 2013.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Oh there was one time he came around and I did have my camera ready for him. He was at the very back of the yard, perched on that fence. Even though I had my 100-400 mm lens on, I had to get closer. Slowly, calmly and ever so quietly I approached him staring through the viewfinder as I stalked him. My thinking was as soon as I got close enough for a decent shot, I would fire it off. Also, if he did fly away before I got there, at least I could get something. Closer and closer I crept, thinking all the time that <i>this</i> was the day I would get that iconic photo of him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Now...let me readily admit I am a man and yes, walking around in the yard looking through a viewfinder is not the safest (or smartest) thing. I know that. I have lived in this house for 14 years. Mowing, raking and picking up sticks and branches from the tress in the yard all that time. I should know this place like the back of my hand. Turns out...not so much. Although I could see any obstacles in front of me through the viewfinder, in my excitement I failed to take into consideration anything below that field of view. I stubbed my toe on the stump of a tree I had cut down years ago. I lunged forward, lowering my camera in a most ungraceful way and, of course, the hawk flew away. Oh yes...I did regain my balance and managed to fire off a few shots as he soared off (probably laughing at me) but he was already too far away for the photos to be of any use. A few choice words later, I return to the house even more committed to photographing my nemesis than ever.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So if you have read this far, here is where the fun comes in. I already have a groundhog living under my shed that I have named "Gus". This is beginning to sound like an episode from Wild Kingdom! Anyway, I want to name this hawk. Don't ask me why...I just do (it's a guy thing) but I have not been able to come up with a good name for him. So....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Put your thinking caps on...go to my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lone-Dakota-Photography/28537655294" target="_blank">facebook page </a>and share your idea in the comments section of the post on this subject by the same name. I'll narrow it down to my three top favorites and then post a survey so that everyone can vote on the ultimate choice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In the meantime, I am lensed up and ever vigilant for a chance to photograph this ever elusive beast. I also want to say no birds were harmed in the writing of this post, only my pride.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Happy Shooting!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239126917899906404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013427813919109950.post-8175785356694876012013-01-27T12:27:00.000-05:002013-01-27T12:27:07.271-05:00Release Me (Part 3 of 3)<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So here we are at the last of three installments about Candid photography. We looked at tips to get the photos, the issue of permission and now we wade into the muddiest of all issues, in my opinion, Model Releases. Let me say again this is my understanding of the issue and is not intended as gospel or legal advice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Some photographers may be missing out on a profitable aspect of their business because they are not marketing photos for which they don't have releases and others may be spending an exorbitant amount of time obtaining and maintaining releases they don't really need. Let's first look at the types of images when it comes to the need for a model release. When I say "types" I am referring to the <i>use</i> of the image whether that is the initial intended use or ultimate final use.</span><span style="color: #334454; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A photo's intended use is the primary governing factor that
determines the need for a subect's permission (release) before profiting from their
image. Usage falls under several broad
categories: fine art, journalism or editorial, and commercial, each of which
has their own set of rules regarding model permission or releases.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Fine Art</i></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7MBbrETrYUo/UQVURQlpZBI/AAAAAAAAALs/Bft6pBPrjnE/s1600/20BN9568_HDR_Sep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7MBbrETrYUo/UQVURQlpZBI/AAAAAAAAALs/Bft6pBPrjnE/s320/20BN9568_HDR_Sep.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">© David Toczko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">If you intend to exhibit your images as fine art, you do not
need a release. One exception to this is if the image is of a minor, in which
case you would need the parents' permission. Examples of this could be portfolios (hard copy or online), gallery exhibitions, books, art fairs, etc. Selling prints of those images at
a show is also generally considered legal. However, if you intend to make
posters of the prints to <i>advertise</i> your show, you are using the images for "commercial" use and would need to have a model release.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Editorial Use</i></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sekCCAvJDjY/UQVZSg3mvcI/AAAAAAAAAME/LmG1l5ZfULI/s1600/20BN2867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sekCCAvJDjY/UQVZSg3mvcI/AAAAAAAAAME/LmG1l5ZfULI/s320/20BN2867.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">© David Toczko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In general, you do not need a model release for photos
taken in a public place (where the subject has no expectation of privacy) or
for photos that are considered 'news'. You also do not need a model release if
you intend to sell your photos for editorial or illustrative use to newspapers, magazines
or any other publishers except in the case of corporate which may be considered advertising. Proper and accurate captioning is strongly advised. The photo on the right was taken at a public event and used in a local newspaper article about that event. In this case, a model release is not required. Photos used in an advertisement in those publications <i>would</i> require a release (see below) Even
photos intended for editorial use can put you at risk, though; especially if a
candid subject decides that you have presented them in a negative light as we discussed in Part 2. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Commercial Use</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The moment you license a photograph to <i><b>sell</b> </i>something<i>....</i>anything, it
falls under the heading of commercial use (even if you are licensing it to
yourself), and you will need a model release.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Basically, the only time a release is needed is if a person can be seen as supporting, promoting or advocating an idea, product or service. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">If the photograph is of a child, you will need one and preferably both
parents' permission to use the image commercially.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Our culture has become so "sue happy", many stock photo agencies require model releases for all images submitted to them for possible sale. This is also a growing trend when it comes to photo contests. That is their <i>policy</i> and not the actual law. Another aspect of this requirement is because most images sold by stock agencies are for commercial use (advertisement) by the client who purchases it from the agency. In addition,
regardless of the intended use it is a good idea to ask a parent not only for a
release, but also for permission any time you take a picture of a child. Because you never know the final, ultimate use of a photo when you press the shutter, keep a few releases handy. They will not add much weight to your gear bag, and you never
know when you'll create the next iconic image. Having those releases will allow you to not limit how you can use the images and can save
you a lot of work and headaches later. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I hope this series has answered a few of your questions. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Don't let all these issues keep you from taking a photo, but keep them in mind when it comes to how you are going and <i>can</i> use it. Until next time....happy shooting!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239126917899906404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013427813919109950.post-11041256856237892532013-01-21T05:55:00.001-05:002013-01-21T06:10:52.280-05:00Do I Need Permission? (Part 2 of 3)<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In my last post, I talked about tips for Candid/Street Photography. I also mentioned there may be certain legal considerations to such a venture. In this second of a three-part series, I'll talk about the need for the subject's permission to photograph them. This is rather "high-brow" stuff and not the typical lighthearted posts I make, but since I opened the can of worms in my previous post, I feel it is important I discuss it. Now...in full disclosure and as a <i>disclaimer</i>...I am a photographer, NOT a lawyer. The following is my interpretation of information obtained from numerous reputable sources and the basis under which I work. <i>Please</i> do not take it as carved-in-stone legal advice. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There is an intrinsic "right to privacy" in our culture and infringing on a person's privacy can be broken down into four basic types:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Invasion of privacy" or "intrusion upon another's seclusion."</i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It happens when someone actually intrudes upon a person's private domain in a way that would be considered offensive to the "average" person. This could be inside their home or other places where privacy is expected, even when the photographer is standing in public. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">As a photographer, the act of going on someone's land without permission would violate this privacy even if they don't take a photograph.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Public disclosure of private facts.</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This law is difficult to enforce and rarely applies to photographers. If the disclosed information is true, courts usually find that First Amendment interests outweigh privacy rights. It requires disclosure of what an ordinary person would consider private facts when an ordinary person would consider the disclosure offensive. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Portrayal of a person in false light.</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This happens often with photographs, but usually because of the <i>caption</i>. It requires someone to be publicly portrayed in a false manner in which an ordinary person would find the portrayal offensive. To be liable, the publisher of the photograph must have known or "recklessly disregarded the probability" that what is being represented is false. It is similar to defamation, when someone's reputation is damaged by a statement that is known or should be known to be false. False light does not require that the person was damaged.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Right of publicity</i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This right of privacy is very different from the other three. It is the commercial appropriation of someone's name or likeness without permission, or misappropriation. It happens when someone uses the name or likeness of someone without their permission to gain some commercial benefit. It usually occurs when a photograph of a person is used in an <i>advertisement</i> without the person's permission. In this case, a "Model Release" is required. Permission is <i>not</i> required for editorial or newsworthy publications.</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cUSZLZsaLPI/UPyBC-HBVXI/AAAAAAAAALU/EwmHgoakfCY/s1600/_0BN0989R_900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cUSZLZsaLPI/UPyBC-HBVXI/AAAAAAAAALU/EwmHgoakfCY/s320/_0BN0989R_900.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">© David Toczko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Before we wade into the model release debate (the subject of Part Three of this series), let's take a look at the main point of this post...whether you can take a photograph of someone in public (candid or otherwise) without their permission. The simple fact that someone is in a <i>public </i>setting, has been interpreted as them giving up their right to privacy and, therefore, you do not <i>need</i> their permission to photograph them. Knowing that is one thing, getting "caught" by your subject and them objecting to it is another. Most people don't mind (and even enjoy) having their photo taken. Some even ask! Those who do take exception can range from folks who simply ask you not to photograph them to some who can get quite belligerent about it. In these cases I take the attitude that discretion is the better part of valor and you should comply with their request. I see no merit in arguing with them about the legalities of the situation. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Now let me say right here, I am not a person who wraps himself in the First Amendment and goes out hell-bent on taking candid photos. Sometimes it's just not practical or even possible to ask for permission. Just because, technically, I don't <i>have</i> to ask permission does not mean I never ask. I try to be as respectful and sensitive to my subjects as I can. I certainly don't harass a subject, following them around unmercifully...almost stalking them. In extreme cases, this <i>can</i> be considered an invasion of privacy. It is my opinion behavior like this is but one thing that gives photographers a bad name. Use the "Golden Rule" and treat your subjects as you would want to be treated.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p5ZAbz1hFz4/UPyBIiRoUmI/AAAAAAAAALc/9itXBuDDyY8/s1600/20BN2807_cbw_900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p5ZAbz1hFz4/UPyBIiRoUmI/AAAAAAAAALc/9itXBuDDyY8/s320/20BN2807_cbw_900.JPG" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">© David Toczko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Some argue that by asking permission, you lose the "candid" nature of the photo. One fellow photographer has a unique "M.O.". If he sees an interesting subject, he will approach them and, using whatever reason comes to mind, ask if he can photograph them. After getting their permission and a few posed shots later, he will share the shots with his subject in the screen of his camera. He may even get their email address and send them a copy. Then he fades off into the sunset of their attention and the <i>real</i> photography begins. Remember, they have already given him their permission so any additional, candid images are also taken with their permission. A creative, but not <i>required,</i> end-run around the issue.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Must</i> you obtain permission to photograph someone in public? The simple answer is "No". <i>Should</i> you get their permission? If it is possible, I say "Yes". It may help you avoid a public scene and, in many cases, you may even make a new friend. Keep in mind the <i>USE</i> of the candid photographs you take can be restricted by certain privacy rights. More on this, and model releases in my next installment on the subject.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239126917899906404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013427813919109950.post-29920365347717735662013-01-14T01:49:00.001-05:002013-01-14T01:49:35.259-05:00So You Want To Be a Sniper<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's known by many names, Candid Photography, Urban Journalism, and my favorite, "Sniper" Photography. Capturing photographs of people in their element, doing the things they like best (or just being themselves) can be both rewarding and challenging. It can also result in some really awesome photographs. So how <i>do</i> you get that cool shot? Here's a few helpful hints....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Blend In</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sniper photography is not the time to make a fashion statement. Wear bland, generic, vanilla clothes. No florescent T-shirts with pictures or "cute" sayings on them. I'm not talking about showing up in a Ninja outfit. That, in itself, is going to call attention to you. Dress so as not to stand out. An extreme example would be don't wear a tuxedo to a rock concert or don't show up to a black-tie affair in a Hawaiian shirt and sandals. Know your venue and dress appropriately and even then, dumb it down. Be the "Plain Jane" in the crowd.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Become "White Noise"</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Even though your clothes won't attract attention, the simple fact you are walking around with a camera will. How do you overcome that? The answer may be counter intuitive. "See and be seen". Walk around...take (or pretend to take) photos of other things. Signs, flowers, statues...whatever. After a very short time, you will become old news and just another face in the crowd. People's attention spans are very short and once you have been "seen" their attention will be off to the next new thing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Go "Long"</i></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CkoR1lZ-edY/UPOhwFaNZkI/AAAAAAAAAKs/ZziP15aemvE/s1600/_0BN0428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CkoR1lZ-edY/UPOhwFaNZkI/AAAAAAAAAKs/ZziP15aemvE/s320/_0BN0428.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">© David Toczko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You are not going to get a natural, spontaneous photo if you are in your subject's face. You will need to be some distance away and certainly not in their personal space. In order to do this, a "long" lens is essential. I shoot these types of photos with at least a 70-200 mm or (even better) a 100-400 mm lens. I am far away enough to be under the radar, but can get the close-up I want. Don't worry about that big dog lens you are packing. They have seen you, seen you "taking" pictures and have moved on. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Be Patient...Be Observant...Be Ready</i></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6XJxFi-lEAw/UPOiC4wwsiI/AAAAAAAAAK0/z6Mn0ZzEPjE/s1600/_0BN0444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6XJxFi-lEAw/UPOiC4wwsiI/AAAAAAAAAK0/z6Mn0ZzEPjE/s320/_0BN0444.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">© David Toczko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There has to be a reason you want to photograph this person or persons. Is it their looks? Is it what they are doing? Is it what they are NOT doing? Is it the way they are interacting? Watch them...watch what they are doing...try to figure out "their" story. Who are they? Why are they there? Why are they doing what they are doing? You don't have to be right about this, but it will help you anticipate what they will do next and prepare you to get the shot. Think "wait and watch" at this stage. Once you get a "feel" for your subject, watch them through your view finder and be ready to shoot. Have your settings worked out. Have your subject focused. I usually have my shutter button pressed halfway down so as to be as ready for the shot as I can be. If you are afraid you are going to miss that perfect moment, you can set your camera on a burst mode and take several shots in sequence. Be aware this may "blow your cover" and call attention to you once you have fired off a series of shots either by your subject or other potential subjects around you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Be Aware</i></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bc03DRSTP5c/UPOpkBwXrCI/AAAAAAAAALE/-r8A9kTkYfE/s1600/20BN9229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bc03DRSTP5c/UPOpkBwXrCI/AAAAAAAAALE/-r8A9kTkYfE/s320/20BN9229.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">© David Toczko<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Even though you have "stalked" a subject, you have watched, you have waited, you have made up "their" story in your mind and you are ready for the kill, there may be something that just "happens" that will provide a good, and sometimes even better, shot. Be aware of your surroundings and what is going on. Keep your head on a swivel and be prepared to break on the shot you are waiting for and grab another, spontaneous moment. You can always go back to your main subject and this may provide even more cover for you.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"Sniper" Photography can result in some of your best images. You'll be able to capture people as they <i>really</i> are. No poses, no stiffness and let their true personality shine through. This, just like all types of photography, takes practice and patience. It also comes with some legal considerations. I'll give you my take on the need for model releases and other "CYA's" in my next post.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239126917899906404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013427813919109950.post-31828372622618804862012-12-29T22:17:00.001-05:002012-12-29T22:17:38.471-05:00Not Always Just "Dumb Luck"<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Being in the right place, at the right time is always a rewarding experience for photographers. While I always welcome such a moment, there <i>is</i> a way to help increase your odds of that happening. Knowing where you are in relation to the sun as well as what that means for your photographs is a BIG help. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">One of the routines I go through just before a shoot (almost unconsciously now) that I learned from a fellow photographer is to ask myself a few very basic questions. </span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Which way is North?</i> This will tell me where the sun will rise and what direction it will travel. I'll know what side of a building will be illuminated, where the shadows will fall and where I need to be in relation to the sun. I have one of those temperature and direction gizmos in my car, but have recently gotten a smart phone and downloaded a simple compass App. It's really easy to get yourself turned around and lose your sense of direction when wandering around in the predawn darkness.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>What time of year is it?</i> To some, that may seem a silly question, but this will help you know how much time you will have for a shoot and how high in the sky the sun will travel. This will also effect the color of the light you are shooting under. We have all heard of the "Golden Hour" and I am here to tell you there <i>is</i> such a thing and it <i>does</i> make a difference. There is nothing more magical than shooting during this time of day. The hues and shadows that happen during that time literally make my heart race. (More on the Golden Hour in future posts)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Where am I?</i> No, not because of all the beer the previous night, but more so in relation to the Equator (North or South and how far away). This plays a major part in the previous question and what it means to my photographs.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iTlZXRKG-DY/UN-pQo7D_-I/AAAAAAAAAKU/XhHxasapnD0/s1600/20BN7887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iTlZXRKG-DY/UN-pQo7D_-I/AAAAAAAAAKU/XhHxasapnD0/s320/20BN7887.jpg" width="212" /></span></a><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Here is an example of what I am talking about. I was shooting at Shaker Village of South Union. I knew on which side of the building the sun would be shining and how high in the sky the sun would be. I put myself in the position to take advantage of the sun. (The second floor of the Centre Family Dwelling on the East side) Now....I didn't know the sun would be shining on the candle stand, but I <i>did</i> know it would be shining through that window. Part planning, part luck, part "gift". </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There are all kinds of Apps that you can download to track the sun, the moon and the stars as well as web sites that will give you the same information, but just asking yourself these few simple questions can help put yourself in "the right place at the right time". I like the freedom and flexibility of being able to roam about a location and not sit and wait for one special shot that just may not happen. If that's you...it's OK, it's just not for me. What other shots might I miss if I am sitting and waiting for that "one" shot? It <i>would</i> have been this one.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239126917899906404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013427813919109950.post-35345834790065610612012-11-19T19:55:00.001-05:002012-11-19T19:55:30.580-05:00Simple Pleasures<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I am fond of saying I don't take photographs....I am given them. A rather straightforward statement which, upon further thought, sums up my approach to photography. Being aware of the world around you and the simple, everyday things in it can often lead to some wonderful images. Having your camera handy doesn't hurt either. Take this recent photo for example.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NmGRcLNMd-k/UKrLQ4yFE6I/AAAAAAAAAIk/37_Bs-wi3H0/s1600/20BN8073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NmGRcLNMd-k/UKrLQ4yFE6I/AAAAAAAAAIk/37_Bs-wi3H0/s320/20BN8073.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">© David Toczko</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I was visiting a friend last week and as we were standing in the kitchen drinking what was probably our third cup of coffee, I glanced over and saw this pitcher on the counter. A simple, ordinary object to be sure, but the way the light was coming through the window, the way the counter top reflected on the pitcher was what caught my eye.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I quickly grabbed my camera from my bag in the other room, raced back to the kitchen and fired off the shot. Those who know me will agree this is not an uncommon event, but can be a bit unsettling for anyone experiencing it for the first time. Especially if it is something as common as a pitcher. How many times had that scene played out? How many mornings had the sun streamed through that window and cast those shadows? Had anyone noticed? Had anyone stopped to enjoy the simple yet magical moment?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My football coach used to tell me to keep my head on a swivel, taking in the big picture and to see what was going on all around me. Little did I know it would carry over to photography. Our days are full of magical moments all around us if we just take the time to notice them. As a photographer, capturing and sharing these moments with others is the best part of what I do. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So...what's the takeaway? Be aware of the world around you. Open your eyes (and mind) to those special moments and scenes happening all around you every day. Notice the gifts that are given you to capture and share no matter how fleeting. And, of course, keep your camera handy!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Happy Shooting</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239126917899906404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013427813919109950.post-83230846563897746422012-06-14T11:09:00.000-04:002012-06-14T11:22:09.220-04:00As Time Goes By. A Quick Look Into Time Lapse Photography<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Time lapse , simply put, is a series of photos taken at a given interval over a period of time. The photos are played back in a video at a high rate to give the impression of a video. Typically these are things that happen slowly over a long period of time. Think of clouds moving across the sky, a flower opening or the stars/moon moving in the night sky. Yes, it can be time consuming both when taking the photos as well as processing, but the results can be pretty cool. Here's a quick example....................</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwP-Ybb-YZffcf7r0gyo6TrUTrIBKv9E7Hdat7L2242rCjk4YXxkmicRh6Af60y6ldCx-bZwUDP8f0qblIIjg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Equipment you'll need........</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<ul>
<li><u><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">A sturdy tripod</span></u></li>
</ul>
<ul><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Even the slightest movement will show up in the final product, so use a tripod that will hold the camera still and in the same position for an extended period of time. HINT.....wind is your enemy</span></span>.</ul>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><ul>
<li style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><u><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">A remote shutter release.</span></u></li>
</ul>
<ul><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Pressing the shutter manually can cause the camera to move ever so slightly. Most cameras these days have a timer function, but usually can't be set for more than 10 seconds. That function also uses battery capacity. Save your batteries for the shots and get a remote switch. Some cameras are picky about which ones they work with as well as how you connect the two together, so take a few minutes and make sure it will work with yours. You can get these gizmos in any camera shop, through your camera's manufacturer or online (EBay, Adorama, Amazon) If you are shooting for more than a few minutes, I would highly recommend a
<span style="background-color: #ccccc2; border: 0px; line-height: 29px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intervalometer" target="_blank">Intervalometer</a>.</span><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 29px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This is a handy little tool that lets you set it....and forget it. I'm speaking of the interval between shutter releases. Some also have added features like exposure time when the shutter is open. Google the term and you will find tons of different kinds in all price ranges. Unless you plan on standing with your camera for hours either counting to yourself or looking at your watch, these things are indispensable. HINT....set the interval between shots long enough so that each image has time to write to your card without going to your buffer.</span></ul>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<ul>
<li><u><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">A memory card with lots of space.</span></u></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"> We are talking about taking a lot of shots here. One shot every 5 seconds for 8 hours.....you do the math. Nothing worse than your card filling up right at the critical moment. Don't think you can just stick another card in. You WILL move the camera and you WILL mess up your lapse.</span></ul>
<ul><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u style="font-weight: normal;">A fully charged battery or an AC power connection. </u></span></li>
</ul>
<ul><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Again...lots of exposures...lots of time. don't let your camera die due to low batteries.</span></ul>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Now the technical stuff.........(Camera Settings)<br /> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">DO NOT shoot in program mode!!! If you do, the camera will adjust for each individual shot and your final product will be all over the place. The first setting to make is White Balance. Do NOT use Auto White Balance. Set it using a grey card or simply choose one of the presets your camera has built in. I use a White Balance of 5200K...but that's just me. These other settings are as much art as they are science. Remember you will be shooting over a long period of time and lighting conditions will change, so plan for that from the start. Choose a reasonable ISO setting. If you are shooting stars at night, the sky is the limit (no pun intended) as for how high you can go with this setting, but be aware that, generally speaking, the higher the ISO, the higher the amount of digital noise in the shot. Shutter Speed should be set to give a good exposure given the conditions and your ISO setting. I can't believe I am going to say this, but.....don't set your speed too high and don't worry about getting a tack sharp shot. I say this for two reasons. When you put all these images together, you may see a phenomena known as "flicker". While there are several reasons for "flicker", the most common is too high a shutter speed. The other reason is so you have a SLIGHT amount of motion blur in each shot which helps give a smooth transition from frame to frame. So drag your shutter just a bit either by the speed setting or by use of ND Filters. Set your f Stop for the desired effect and exposure you want, but I would start with something around f /11. If all of this seems a bit daunting, take several test shots at various settings and see what works best for you. Another way would be to run off a few shots in program mode and make note of the settings the camera automatically applied. Switch to manual and use those settings. Finally, take your camera and lens out of auto focus mode and set it manually. That way your focal point stays the same throughout the series.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">After firing off all these shots, you'll need to process the images and a program to assemble them into a "video". Use the program you normally do to adjust and process your images. No need to adjust each individual shot. Simply select the first image, adjust it to your liking and then copy and paste the corrections to the other images. Since your camera setting didn't change (you WERE shooting in manual mode) the changes in the conditions over time will come through. There are hundreds of programs out there that will create time lapse videos and range in price from free to hundreds of dollars. If you are doing this for fun and the experience....go free first. For short clips, Picasa has a nice time lapse feature and it is free!<br /> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">So set up, sit back and have fun!<br /> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><u><br /></u></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239126917899906404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013427813919109950.post-42627308612827992622012-04-22T21:27:00.001-04:002012-04-22T21:27:10.112-04:00David Toczko<a href="http://davidtoczko.artistswanted.org/atts2012#.T5Sv4GhbpZ8.blogger">David Toczko</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239126917899906404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013427813919109950.post-15171343018686996032012-02-22T23:59:00.002-05:002012-02-22T23:59:36.405-05:00Help Me Walk "The Walk"<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><b style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">About the Project:</b></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">My project is to <i style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">walk</i> <strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The French Way</strong> / <strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Camino Frances</strong> which is the most traditional of all the pilgrims’ ways to Santiago via The Way of St. James and the best known internationally. The journey covers a distance of 780 KM (482 miles) and will take about 59 days to walk. I plan to document this pilgrimage in photographs as I go. Not only the route, but the places and people I encounter on my journey. Regular blog entries to supporters, friends and family will keep them up to date on my progress as well as provide sneak peeks of photos that may appear in the book. After finishing the journey, I will produce and publish a book containing photographs, information and my impressions of my adventures. Through these photographs, I hope to give readers who may never have the opportunity themselves, to experience and enjoy this tradition. For others, I hope to inspire them to make their own journey as well those who have already, to share and remember the experience.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><b style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Your Support:</b></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">Will help fund this project and help defray the costs of travel, accommodations, meals and other associated expenses. Once the pilgrimage is completed, funds will be used to produce, publish and distribute a book about my adventure.The route, which was established in the late 11th century, crosses the North of the Iberian Peninsula, through the Basque Country, Navarra, La Rioja, Castilla y Leon and Galicia regions of Spain. Starting in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, at the foothills of the French Pyrenees, the <strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">French Way</strong> runs through Northern Spain, from East to West, all the way to Santiago de Compostela, in the Northwestern corner of the country.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><b style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">About The Way:</b></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><b style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJr2FzPnn1A" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #55a4f2; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Click Here</a> for a video about El Camino de Santiago (or The Way of St. James). </b></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">This is the pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, north west Spain, where legend has it that St. James' remains were carried by boat from Jerusalem to northern Spain where they were buried on the site of what is now the city of <a href="http://www.followthecamino.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #55a4f2; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Santiago de Compostela</a>. The Way of St James has existed for over a thousand years. It was one of the most important Christian pilgrimages during medieval times. It was considered one of three pilgrimages on which a plenary indulgence could be earned (the others are the Via Francigena to Rome and the pilgrimage to Jerusalem).</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">There is no single route on the Way of St. James. In fact, there are a number of pilgrimage routes to <a href="http://www.followthecamino.com/en/arriving-in-santiago/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #55a4f2; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Santiago de Compostela</a>. However, some of these routes are perhaps better known than others. Santiago is considered to be an important pilgrimage destination because of its association with James the Great. During the Middle Ages, the route was highly travelled, but the Black Plague, the Protestant Reformation and political unrest in 16th-century Europe resulted in a usage decline. By the 1980s, only a few pilgrims arrived in Santiago annually. However, since then, the route has attracted a growing number of modern-day pilgrims from around the globe. The route was declared the first European Cultural Route by the Council of Europe in October 1987; it was also named one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites in 1993.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">The Modern Camino`s revival began in the 1960s thanks to the efforts of people like a local parish priest who wrote a guide on the Camino and travelled around Europe giving lectures on the subject. Although initially a pilgrimage for those with religious motivations, there are many travellers and hikers who walk the route for non-religious reasons: travel, sport, or simply walking in a beautiful but challenging landscape. Also, many consider the experience a spiritual adventure away from the stress of modern life. In 2010 (the most recent year for which data is available) 272,313 "pilgrims" completed the entire trek. Thousands more did portions of "The Way".</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><b style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">More About Me:</b></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><a href="http://lonedakota.smugmug.com/Other/About-Us/17691766_PSMpW4" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #1071d1; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">http://lonedakota.smugmug.com/Other/About-Us/17691766_PSMpW4</a></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><b style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">More About My Work:</b></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><a href="http://lonedakota.smugmug.com/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #55a4f2; font-size: 16px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">http://lonedakota.smugmug.com/</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239126917899906404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013427813919109950.post-82379773505639844352011-07-18T20:29:00.006-04:002011-07-19T06:08:31.452-04:00Springfield Chair - The Back Story<script language="JavaScript">
<!--
//Disable right mouse click Script
//By Maximus (maximus@nsimail.com) w/ mods by DynamicDrive
//For full source code, visit http://www.dynamicdrive.com
var message="Function Disabled!";
///////////////////////////////////
function clickIE4(){
if (event.button==2){
alert(message);
return false;
}
}
function clickNS4(e){
if (document.layers||document.getElementById&&!document.all){
if (e.which==2||e.which==3){
alert(message);
return false;
}
}
}
if (document.layers){
document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);
document.onmousedown=clickNS4;
}
else if (document.all&&!document.getElementById){
document.onmousedown=clickIE4;
}
document.oncontextmenu=new Function("alert(message);return false")
// -->
</script><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.dxo.com/"></a> I recently posted the following photo to a group of which I am a member on Facebook. One of the comments was interested in the back story of the photo. I usually don't say that much about the photos I post, but this got me thinking it would make a good blog entry. I am WAY overdo on one anyway! Soooooooo....about the photograph itself.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HsT99k-8sUg/TiSnotCb7FI/AAAAAAAAACo/f1efW-l9w8Y/s1600/20BN4305_sfx_2_sep2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HsT99k-8sUg/TiSnotCb7FI/AAAAAAAAACo/f1efW-l9w8Y/s320/20BN4305_sfx_2_sep2.JPG" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">© David Toczko</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is one of my favorite photographs. I was in Springfield, Kentucky covering the unveiling of a statue of Abraham Lincoln. It was an all-day event with bands and speeches....you get the idea. I took the opportunity of a break in the action to stroll down Main Street. Springfield is a quiet, friendly small town with a great downtown revitalization effort going on. As I walked and window shopped, I came upon an empty store front with this chair outside. For some reason, it immediately grabbed my attention. I loved the texture of the brick, the faded chair, the worn fabric, the iron work on the front door. As I stood there, I wondered how many folks had sat in that chair and who was the last person. What did the store sell and why did it close? What is a chair doing there anyway? Right then I had the final image in my mind, but it didn't come out of the camera this way. This is one of the photos I allowed myself to indulge in some artistic post-production work.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5tolqOWxUyc/TiSnrsnA4cI/AAAAAAAAACs/VPfiOg3VkD0/s1600/20BN4305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5tolqOWxUyc/TiSnrsnA4cI/AAAAAAAAACs/VPfiOg3VkD0/s320/20BN4305.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">© David Toczko</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here is the original image after processing the raw file in <a href="http://www.dxo.com/">DxO Optic</a>s. The first thing you notice is that the original is a color photograph. I always shoot AND process in color rather than using the black and white option on the camera or creating a black and white when processing the RAW image. I do this for two reasons. The first is artistic. I think color images make better black and whites once converted than an original black and white. I think the saturation of the colors makes for stronger contrasts and shadows. And I have better control over the final outcome. The second reason is practical. You can always make a black and white from a color image...but not the other way around. Who knows what else I may want to do with the image....perhaps a HDR version....so start with color and go from there. I will say that I have been known to make virtual copies of images when processing the RAW images and apply black and white <a href="http://www.dxo.com/us/photo/filmpack/what_is_dxo_filmpack">Film Pack</a> effects to the copies whilst in DxO, but the original is always color. DxO has it's own set of great black and white film emulations, but I had a special look in mind.</span></span><br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FOTObqCIMoA/TiSnt_N4yTI/AAAAAAAAACw/5qCEOAFhCyM/s1600/20BN4305_sfx.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FOTObqCIMoA/TiSnt_N4yTI/AAAAAAAAACw/5qCEOAFhCyM/s320/20BN4305_sfx.JPG" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">© David Toczko</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FOTObqCIMoA/TiSnt_N4yTI/AAAAAAAAACw/5qCEOAFhCyM/s1600/20BN4305_sfx.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Now for the fun...ahem...artistic part! I fired up Nik Software's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><a href="http://www.niksoftware.com/silverefexpro/usa/entry.php">Silver Efex Pro</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;">, an absolutely amazing piece of software for black and white conversion in my opinion. I scrolled through the baseline presets to get a general idea what may be possible.I found something close to what I had envisioned when I took the photo and then began to tweak the settings. I was able to select from a wide variety of film emulations and adjust to my liking even farther. </span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Nice....but I want more. A little more grunge, a little more wear and tear. So back to Silver Efex. I applied another layer on top of what I had already done using a preset called "Wet Rocks". That gave me the look I was going for. I could have stopped here....and did for a while....but then the artistic devil on my shoulder said "Hey, wouldn't this look great in a sepia tone?" </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KtVR-KHezMo/TiSnwWr_yPI/AAAAAAAAAC0/oAQ1fDREZ-c/s1600/20BN4305_sfx_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KtVR-KHezMo/TiSnwWr_yPI/AAAAAAAAAC0/oAQ1fDREZ-c/s320/20BN4305_sfx_2.JPG" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">© David Toczko</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Temptation got the better of me and off to Nik's <a href="http://www.niksoftware.com/colorefexpro/usa/entry.php">Color Efex Pro</a> I went in search of just the right sepia tone. With a host of options, it was easy to find just the right look I was going for. The quick preview feature Nik's software has along with a side-by-side before and after made the selection of the "Paper Toner" preset painless. A few tweaks to the preset for my personal taste and I was done. Again, the finished image that was featured at the top of the article is shown below.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HsT99k-8sUg/TiSnotCb7FI/AAAAAAAAACo/f1efW-l9w8Y/s1600/20BN4305_sfx_2_sep2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HsT99k-8sUg/TiSnotCb7FI/AAAAAAAAACo/f1efW-l9w8Y/s320/20BN4305_sfx_2_sep2.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">© David Toczko</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">All images and text are copyrighted ©2011 David Toczko</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239126917899906404noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013427813919109950.post-13377928161049366412009-08-20T17:57:00.005-04:002009-08-20T18:35:59.216-04:00Homer<div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UtU8g7C5NQo/So3HO7RSskI/AAAAAAAAACQ/LL9nzEorH4U/s1600-h/20BN9568.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372168989765186114" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UtU8g7C5NQo/So3HO7RSskI/AAAAAAAAACQ/LL9nzEorH4U/s320/20BN9568.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> © David Toczko</span><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Sometimes the less said about a photograph, the better. Such is the case with this image I call "Homer" and I will leave you to draw your own conclusions. I will, however, give you the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">back story</span> on how I came to capture this image.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">I was in New York City a couple years ago and went to Washington Square Park for a day of recreational photography. While I was photographing the fountain at the center of the park, a homeless gentleman approached me and said, "Hey man, it's my birthday...take my picture". Not really knowing what to do and not wanting any trouble, I turned towards him and fired off a quick shot. As I started to turn back towards the fountain, he thanked me, saying he didn't know if he would live to see his next birthday. Well, I was overcome. I do not carry cash on the streets of New York but had stashed five dollars in my pocket in case I wanted a cup of coffee or the like while I was out. I dug into my pocket, handed him the five dollars and told him that was all the cash I had. He thanked me and walked away. I didn't get a chance to hear his story or even get his name. I resumed photographing the park and didn't give the matter any more thought. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Once I returned home, I started sorting through the hundreds of images I had taken during that week in New York and came across this photo and it stopped me dead in my tracks. I just stared at the computer screen with his image on it for what must have been a half an hour. I had to give him a name...but what? Since he was homeless on his birthday, I decided on Homer.</span></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">I have been back to New York several times since my chance encounter and have gone to that park in the hopes of seeing him. If nothing else to make sure he is alright, to tell him what an impact his photograph has had on me and others who have seen it and to hopefully learn his name and his story. So far, I have not seen him there. I will be back in New York in October and will once again go to Washington Square Park to look for Homer.</span></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239126917899906404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013427813919109950.post-22884013153306128632009-08-13T18:18:00.017-04:002009-08-14T10:35:52.271-04:00Pictures vs. Photographs (Part 2)<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Now that I have you rolling around on the ground, it is time to talk about backgrounds. While a close-up always makes a nice photograph, having something in the background of the main subject can add interest and a sense of time and place to an image. Think about that family vacation. A tight head shot would look the same at Disney World as one taken at the Grand Canyon. Have the Magic Kingdom in the background and even Aunt Maude will know where it was taken. How much detail that can be discerned in the background is a function of depth of field which is a topic we can tackle in a future entry. The mantra here is that the background should compliment, not distract from, the subject.</span><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UtU8g7C5NQo/SoShCK3XUBI/AAAAAAAAAB4/LOnL28ofP9I/s1600-h/IMG_7310.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369593714380853266" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UtU8g7C5NQo/SoShCK3XUBI/AAAAAAAAAB4/LOnL28ofP9I/s320/IMG_7310.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">© David Toczko</span><br /></p><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Take a moment before firing off that shot to scan the background. Is there an unsightly sign you really don't want in the shot? Are there strangers wandering about nearby that could distract the viewer? The photo above is a good example. I wanted the view through the window included to give a sense of place to the image. Scanning the background just before I released the shutter, I noticed a man and woman walking down the road. Having them in the image would pull the viewer's attention away from the chairs and the cascading sunlight to what was going on in the background. My solution? Stop...take a breath and just wait for them to walk out of the shot. Five seconds of waiting saved me untold work on the computer later. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Try to move the objects out of the shot if possible. Have your subject move slightly or you can reposition yourself to avoid getting that trash can in the family reunion photo. In a more kinetic environment, such as a wedding where you are so focused on "getting the shot", it is nice to have an assistant literally looking over your shoulder with the expressed purpose of being on the lookout for such things. Those flowers on the altar are beautiful, but pose a bride in front of them and they will appear to be growing out of her head in the final image.</span> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Don't rely on post-production editing to do this for you unless absolutely unavoidable. How many times have you heard, "Oh, you can just Photoshop that out."? Editing background clutter takes time, a lot of time and in more cases than not, creates its own set of problems with the image. Take the before and after comparison below as an example. (You can click on the images for a larger version) There are a host of problems related to background and foreground with the first image. A woman is in the window across the street, a car is passing out of view on the street, an ashtray and traffic cone are in the foreground. What a mess! After about an hour of work in Photoshop, those issues were resolved in the second image. Take the few extra seconds when you are framing the shot and do "Pre-Production Editing".</span> </div><div><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UtU8g7C5NQo/SoSwDzHPsUI/AAAAAAAAACA/tCB0XJUAvFM/s1600-h/20BN5106.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 214px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369610235039166786" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UtU8g7C5NQo/SoSwDzHPsUI/AAAAAAAAACA/tCB0XJUAvFM/s320/20BN5106.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UtU8g7C5NQo/SoSwpdeGxKI/AAAAAAAAACI/vf62lGeJERw/s1600-h/20BN5106_E.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 214px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369610882064499874" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UtU8g7C5NQo/SoSwpdeGxKI/AAAAAAAAACI/vf62lGeJERw/s320/20BN5106_E.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">In the real-time world, our mind focuses on the point of interest and we don't often see what may be in front of or behind that point. In the split second timelessness of a photograph, those items can ruin an otherwise wonderful image. We are working against human nature, but with time, patience and practice, this simple step can become second nature and will help create memorable photographs. </span></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239126917899906404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013427813919109950.post-12181104604221981142009-07-30T08:00:00.036-04:002009-07-31T12:41:22.329-04:00Pictures vs. Photographs (Part 1)<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:0;"></span><span style="font-size:0;"></span><span style="font-size:0;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span>What's the difference between a picture and a photograph? It's difficult for me to explain the subtleties, but I know it when I see it. Over the next few entries I am going to talk about some of the things you can do to take better photographs.<br /><br />In this entry I'll talk about perspective. Often times when I am out shooting I will meet other photographers. The first thing I do...I admit it...is look to see what type of camera and lenses they are using. That's a given and probably an unwritten rule (or at least a guideline) among photographers. With that formality out of the way, the next thing I look at is his/her knees. A photographer's knees should be dirty, the pants should be worn and even better if grass-stained. If this photographer with whom I have crossed paths has a dirty and/or grass stained shirt... even better!. This phenomena is due to what I like to refer to as the "Get Down" factor.<br /><br />When photographing, you should "Get Down" on the subject's level. Regardless if it is a person, your family pet or some inanimate object, the perspective from which you shoot should be on the level of the subject and not from your comfortable standing position.<br /></span><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UtU8g7C5NQo/SnI_8U5PmHI/AAAAAAAAABY/UFl5-uDbkyo/s1600-h/P7240013omp.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 244px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364420411785189490" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UtU8g7C5NQo/SnI_8U5PmHI/AAAAAAAAABY/UFl5-uDbkyo/s320/P7240013omp.JPG" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">© David Toczko</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Take the above photo of my dog Sam for example. Get in close, fill the frame with that image and get down on one knee or crouch to get eye level. It will make the image more intimate and interesting., revealing more detail and capturing the personality of the subject. This really helps when photographing animals in the wild. It may make you appear less threatening or at least less noticeable.</span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UtU8g7C5NQo/SnLvtY2rokI/AAAAAAAAABg/GB9NJgqS1JI/s1600-h/20BN1499.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364613669196636738" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UtU8g7C5NQo/SnLvtY2rokI/AAAAAAAAABg/GB9NJgqS1JI/s320/20BN1499.jpg" /></span></a></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">This photo of a baby goat was taken lying down. Yes, the grass was wet with morning dew, but it gives the viewer a better idea of scale when compared to the boards of the fence and really captures that "cuteness factor". The second photo shows dew drops on the bottom side of the rail and just how damp it was that morning. Had I taken those from a standing position I would not have been able to capture those types of details not to mention his interesting expression. You will also avoid stretching or distorting the subject, making it's head appear twice as big as the rest of it's body for example. We've all seen those types of pictures and while they may be amusing, they can be avoided. All cameras from point-and-shoot to high end DSLRs will distort an image to some degree. How</span></span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"> much depends on the photographer just as much as the equipment. Camera lenses are capturing three dimensional images and converting them to two dimensions. They don't "see" things the way our eyes do. I'll expand on that more in a future entry. </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UtU8g7C5NQo/SnLxExZnWFI/AAAAAAAAABo/PM_eh1cY6G0/s1600-h/20BN1488.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364615170434226258" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UtU8g7C5NQo/SnLxExZnWFI/AAAAAAAAABo/PM_eh1cY6G0/s320/20BN1488.jpg" /></span></a></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">The main point to take away is to be aware of what makes the subject you are photographing cute, or pretty or interesting and emphasize that in the image you capture. The dirt on the nose of the ground hog in the image below is yet another example. Had I taken the photo from a standing position I would not have been able to "see" that and his ears would have gotten lost in the fur of his head. His body would have blended into the grass and we would have lost that sense of scale relative to the log in the background.</span></p><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364621095265552978" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UtU8g7C5NQo/SnL2dpHeylI/AAAAAAAAABw/Nswq8_h3I-M/s320/20BN6757.jpg" /><span style="font-size:78%;">© David Toczko</span></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239126917899906404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013427813919109950.post-53978612329031689882009-07-24T08:15:00.015-04:002009-07-24T10:09:27.785-04:00Wrap It Up<div align="center"><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">I recently evaluated a roll of </span><a href="http://www.museofineart.com/museomaestro.aspx"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Museo Paper's Maestro Canvas Paper</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"> and was blown away with the results using my inkjet printer. The colors reproduced were accurate and vibrant, the image seems to jump off the canvas with a three dimensional quality and the detail is amazing. Museo Maestro comes in both matte and glossy versions. For my evaluation and personal preference I printed with the glossy version. I won't bore you with all the technical mumbo jumbo about the paper here. If you want to know more, just follow the link above.</span></div><p><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">After printing the images, I had to address how I was going to mount and present them, I suppose I could have gone the traditional route of matting and framing, but this would not do them justice. My solution was a gallery wrap. While they have been common in galleries and museums for quite some time, they have grown in popularity for in-home presentation in recent years. The canvas is stretched over and around the sides of a wooden frame system leaving clean edges and corners as well as the image "revealed" on all four sides. Wraps come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses (how far they stand out from the wall) ranging from 3/4" to 4". My first attempt at wrapping was a 12"x18"x1 1/4". </span></p><p><br /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362006107278664850" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UtU8g7C5NQo/SmmsJTvR5JI/AAAAAAAAABI/S5lpApUoCKg/s320/136664_MW_600.jpg" /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Photo Courtesy of Canvas on Demand)</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Things I like about the wraps:<br /></span></p><ul><li><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>The Canvas.</strong>This stuff is amazing. Not all images lend themselves to printing on canvas. Landscapes, animals and architecture look very nice on this media. Portraits would work in certain special situations such as a bridal portrait or family/group shot. While I really like how the original image appears on the canvas, special after effects can be applied to the image on the computer prior to printing that can give it the appearance of a painting. </span></span></div></li></ul><ul><li><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Lower in-place cost. </strong>A gallery wrap comes ready-to-hang. In most cases this can be a substantial savings over traditional framing.</span></span></div></li></ul><ul><li><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>No special hardware required. </strong>Gallery wraps are very light weight. No need for heavy duty nails and hangers.</span></span></div></li><br /><li><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Distinctive appearance. </strong>Gallery wraps provide a focal point in any room and any decor. In a traditional room setting they add a classic look and feel while in contemporary room settings they provide a clean, modern accent.</span></span></div></li><br /><li><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Multiple panel displays. </strong>Images can be enlarged and printed on multiple panels. This can create a unique look on large wall spaces such as over a sofa. This also allows the collector to purchase panels one at a time if desired thus spreading their investment out over three or four purchases.</span></span></div></li></ul><p align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 161px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362010810725030226" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UtU8g7C5NQo/SmmwbFcR2VI/AAAAAAAAABQ/4nt44WuB3Rg/s320/photosplit-tryptich-room.jpg" /></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Photo Courtesy of Canvas on Demand)<br /></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">While I am not abandoning the traditional matted and framed prints, for those certain images and special applications, the gallery wrap is a great alternative.<br /></span><p align="left"></p><br /><p align="left"><br /></p></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239126917899906404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013427813919109950.post-74607149417160042562009-07-16T08:44:00.005-04:002009-07-16T09:02:33.102-04:00Fog on the MountainThis morning's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">foggy</span> drive reminded me of a recent trip to <a href="http://www.corbinkentucky.us/cumberlandfallsstatepark.htm">Cumberland Falls</a>. I had great plans to get up early and photograph the Falls with the rising sun in the background. Well...things don't always go according to plan. It rained the night before and the mountain was socked in with fog when I got up. Undaunted, I grabbed my camera and off I went. When I got to the Falls, the "awesome shot" I had pictured in my mind just wasn't going to happen. I waited around thinking the rising sun would burn off the fog, but to no avail. As I made my way back to where I had parked the car, I looked up river to the bridge that crosses the Cumberland river just above the Falls. There it was...the shot. The fog was lifting over the river but the mountains still obscured by the fog. I climbed down to the river's edge and fired off shot after shot trying <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">various</span> combinations of exposure settings. Here's one example of that morning's adventure.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359041114764622098" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UtU8g7C5NQo/Sl8jgB5CORI/AAAAAAAAABA/sOduK0BxNi8/s320/5880_209315875572_780925572_7658189_7927892_n.jpg" /><br /><p>This was not the shot I had planned the night before, but I have learned you have to take what Mother Nature gives you. And <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">maybe</span>...just maybe things will work out. Like the old saying..."When life hands you lemons...make <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">lemonade</span>".</p><p> </p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239126917899906404noreply@blogger.com0