Tagged: picture
365 Project: Photo 5 Holy Ivy Pole
Believe it or not, this is the same telephone pole as Photo 4, taken the same day, same time. I may have stepped back a foot or so. Other than that, I just recomposed the camera, and shot away! I guess, not only can you find interesting subjects on your own street, you can also get more than one shot from one subject just by viewing it from different angles. When I see something I want to photograph, I’ve started asking myself two questions: 1. What is it about the subject that I find interesting? 2. How can I shoot this subject that is interesting, not done before, or a different way of looking at it? When I take the time to analyze then shoot, I am usually more satisfied with the results.
365 Project: Photo 4 Hot Autumn Ivy
After RadLab
Before RadLab
You may have noticed I have been posting the photo “specs” for my 365 projects, and I’ve been mentioning something called a “RadLab plug-in.” You may or may not care what that is. Those of you who are photography-savvy will want to know about this. I promise. (If you’re not a photography nut, or not into photo-editing, don’t read the following two paragraphs) I found out about it on Facebook. Go ahead. Roll your eyes. I would. When you are done, listen because THIS WILL CHANGE YOUR DIGITAL PROCESSING EXPERIENCE! If you get bogged down feeling like you have to improve your photos with Photoshop to get any sort of artistic respect, you need this. If you just want to be able to add that “wow” factor to your photos quickly, you want this. If you look at professional photography and wonder, “How did they do that?” and want to do it too, this is your ticket. How does it work? If you know anything about Photoshop, RadLab, in the simplest terms, works like an effects filter. Kind of. It’s more than that. It’s also like a program within Photoshop. Most importantly, it let’s you think like a visual person (a photographer) by applying the effects right on your photo in a preview screen. You can pile effects on top of effects another to create a unique look. The possibilities are endless.
I keep going on about it because I can’t say enough good things about what RadLab has done for me. I used to dread the digital darkroom. Now I look forward to the process. It has made it a fun, creative experience again. Now I translate the raw image in the camera into the piece of art that existed only in my mind in a matter of minutes, not hours! I firmly believe everyone who uses Photoshop should have this! The best thing? I use Elements, and it’s compatable! Last, I had some issues with downloading the program. The support team was on it immediately. I sent an email and before I even got home from work the next day, I had three emails, and a solution. THAT, my friends, is customer service you can’t find easily anymore. AND because of all my trouble, I got a fantastic credit back! The only only drawback that may stop you from clicking right over to purchase this fantastic software right now? Well, it could be the price. But at $150.oo, it’s easily the cost of an SLR lens, or other comparable photography equipment. In my obvious opinion, what it saves you in time and creative flexibility, it is well worth the price. If money is the only thing holding you back, deny yourself a few gourmet lattes (or other splurges) and put $10 or $20 in a coffee can for a few months. You’ll be glad you did! So to see more click on over to http://www.gettotallyrad.com
This Photo: (specs) Nikon D200, Nikkor 50mm f/1.8, f/1.8 @ 1/1500, ISO 100, Edited with PSE8 & RadLab
This photo is proof that you don’t have to travel to exotic countries to find an interesting subject. This is a telephone pole across the street from my house. I noticed it a day or so before shooting, but had to wait until I had time, and for the lighting to be right. I took a few shots from further away, but they didn’t quite capture the light like I wanted. While shooting this photo, I wondered what my neighbors might be thinking. I just smiled, and shrugged off any self-consciousness. One thing I’m learning is that to get my shots from good to great, I’ve got to get over my shyness and just go take the photo. Shove that timidness out of my mind and go grab the image that I know will be great! Who cares what anyone else thinks? It’s this mindset that had some in the crowd at Pointfest, Cedar Point asking if I was with the band, Disciple. Yeah. Don’t I wish! Maybe some day. A girl can wish. Man I’ve go to post those photos too. I guess that’s what the winter is for, but that’s another subject.
Be blessed,
Megan
365: Photo 3 Moriah & Matt (bonus photos!)
I know I said one photo per day. But I ask you, how could I post one of these without the other? They make me smile. My husband, Matt, and I went to my brother’s house to watch their four kids while they took a well-deserved night out with friends. During the course of the night, the youngest, and only girl, Moriah, clung to Matt. It was so adorable! I will admit I was a little jealous because if I could have, I would have held Moriah all night and let Matt entertain the three boys! Moriah would only have Matt.
So I got out my camera. The night could not have gone better, but to the chagrin of both of our mothers, I can confidently say that it did not stir any parental inclinations in either of us. We put the kids to bed. Nate and Lisa came home. We went home and crashed in our beds. We are content to be Uncle Matt and Auntie Megan. 
Specs: All three photos were taken with Nikon D200, Nikkor 50 mm f/1.8 lens, f/2.8, 1/60, ISO 100, on-camera flash in red-eye reduction mode. Edited in PSE8 with RadLab plugin.
365: Photo 2 Antique Hall Tree
Specs: (camera) Nikon D200, (lens) Sigma 18-50mm at 26mm, (aperature) f/4.0, (shutter) 0.5 sec, ISO 100 Edited with: Photoshop Elements 8 (PSE8) & RadLab plug-in – http://www.TotallyRad.com
Like I mentioned in one of the last posts about this project, I’m not starting out real strong here. I guess that gives me plenty of room for growth, right? Though you may be hopeful, I shake my head because I know I’m capable of much better than this photo may convey. Truth be told I snapped this one with no additional light except that which is already installed in our ceiling. I did move some furniture slightly out of the shot, but no heavy lifting. Total shooting time: about 15 minutes. In my defense, I had had a long day of running around, and this was shot at about 9:30 at night.
Okay, enough photography ramblings. The story behind this piece of furniture is kind of fun. Every year there is a huge festival in Kendallville, Indiana called the Apple Festival. All the vendors prepare their food and crafts in the olde tyme tradition and dress like John Wayne, Annie Oakley, or Tonto. People come from all over to this mad-house and tie up the entire town of Kendallville, mostly for the food. My mom and I went for lunch and somehow found ourselves wondering around a building full of antiques. I have no idea how that happened! Well, to make an extremely long story short, I bought this hall tree. My husband and I managed to get back to the festival to pick it up without killing anyone, which is a major feat considering Matt’s intense hatred of large crowds. I was sternly told to, “Never buy furniture at the Apple Festival again!” I have no problem with this ultimatum whatsoever. As a reward for all the stress I put him through, we went out to eat at one of his favorite authentic Mexican restaurants, El Patron. When we got the hall tree home and set it up, I was thrilled. It fit perfectly in the space, and looks gorgeous in our living room. Matt’s first comment as he inspected the new old piece of furniture, “I wish it had antlers on it instead of these hooks.” I just laughed and said, “We’re not changing them.”
365: Photo 1 “New Hat”
The first photo for my 365 project is a quick self portrait shot into a mirror! This is my new AWESOME hat! Normally I don’t do anything that will draw attention to me. But, you know what? I really like this hat. Why should I let the thoughts of others keep me from wearing an article of clothing that might make some people smile. It certainly brings me joy when I look in the mirror, which is exactly what I tried to capture in this photo!
So far this project hasn’t started out real strong. I realized it was October 2nd, and I had not taken any photos yet. So, I came home after all the necessary running around today and snapped this photo for the 1st, and another one for today (to be posted later). Perhaps this project will also be an exercise in giving myself grace. Ah, well, this is also something I need to work on anyway.
Have a blessed week,
Megan
I’ve become one of THOSE fans!
In honor of finishing the photos from the House of Heroes show in Bryan, OH from April *sheepish, slightly ashamed look* I had a little fun with some of them. Wasting time? Yes. My excuse? Resting from any and all labor in celebration of Labor Day. But hey, I learned some things in the process. It wasn’t a total waste, right?
As a photographer, I get a kick out of the expressions that are sometimes captured in the fraction of a second while the shutter is open. This is a perfect example of this. I just put my own narration to those expressions. When I was finished, I realized that I’ve now become one of those fans who creates fan art. Not sure how I feel about this. Ha! And I’m not sure this qualifies as art either! At any rate, enjoy.
House of Heroes, Bryan HS 4/9/11
I’ve got a lot of photos piling up, all of which I am longing to share. Art, being a visual experience, is no good to anyone if it’s tucked away in a corner, an attic, or, in my case, lost in the recesses of my computer. Imagine if the best works of art: DaVinci, Michaelangelo, Picasso, Rembrandt were never put on display for us to reflect upon! This world would be markedly less beautiful. It would be like a gift that was never given! But I digress. I’m absolutely not comparing my little hobby here to history’s greats. Not by any means! I’ve just been asking myself the question: Why bother working to create good pictures if no one ever sees them?
This brings me to a concert I attended in April. My loving husband attended this show with me, even though House of Heroes is not necessarily his favorite band because HOH is one of my most favoritest bands. I am so glad we went to this show. The crowd was great, even though it was made up of almost all high school kids and it made me feel old. These kids were so full of energy and excitement! As a photographer, this show was an absolute dream. Props to whoever hired and/or set up the lighting. It. Was. Fabulous (insert sing-songy voice here). I feel like I got some great shots out of this show. It was such a great opportunity, and I am so thankful that I took it. Without further ado, here are the few photos that I have finished. I will add more as I get them done.
Ichthus Photos #6: Disciple
Well, I have to apologize for my extreme procrastination in posting these photos. I cannot believe it took me this long! My only excuse is the fact that the holidays and winter took me hostage. When I finally escaped from their captivity, it took my mind a while to adjust to freedom from their icy grip. You think I’m kidding?! One positive outcome for you: I took more time playing around with these in editing software. You may or may not notice a difference in how these photos look when compared to the other Ichthus entries.
At any rate, Ichthus Fort Wayne 2010 is the day I fell in love with the band Disciple. My husband really likes them too. Though I think it has more to do with the fact that the bass drum has a hand grenade on it than anything else. If you know him, you understand. I had their self-titled album already. Since Ichthus, between the two of us, we have purchased or been given three more albums. Love all of them. I love more than their music though. I love Kevin’s (lead vocals) gift of speaking. If you see them live, you will be challenged, encouraged, and touched by his words. I love their passion, for God, for truth, and for their fans. Sometimes groups, even Christian groups, get cynical or calloused by, well, by what I don’t know, but it comes through in their music, and general attitudes. Fans can feel it. Disciples fans don’t feel anything but the love of Jesus shining through this group of guys. Check them out, you’ll see what I mean.
Without further ado, here are my photos:
Notes: Would like to once again point out that I am 5’4″. And rather shy. So I get as close as I can and look for windows between heads. Inevitably, the tallest person decides the best place to stand is right in front of me, which usually just makes me laugh at the irony of the situation. A few times, I tried holding the camera above the crowd (not looking through the viewfinder). After many attempts, a few of those photos found their way into this blog. I hope you like what you have seen. Be blessed.
ImageBearer
Ichthus Photos #5: House of Heroes
I won’t apologize, but I’ll post twice.
Next was House of Heroes!!! I was so excited to see House of Heroes live. I just love their music and was looking forward to experiencing their live show. While the music was amazing, I hate to admit that I was a little disappointed. When a band performs live, I guess I expect to almost get to know them better, feel like part of the show, and yes, unfortunately, be entertained. Musically, this band did not let me down, I guess I just felt like there was no connection to the crowd. Just a quick “Thank you,” between songs and on to the next. In their defense, there was a schedule and perhaps they were pressed for time. I hope to make it to more shows. Love you guys, and your music. Keep on rockin’.
And thanks to the nice guy who asked people to move so I could be right up front for some shots. You were Jesus for me then. Be blessed.
Ichthus Photos #4: Photoside Cafe
Ok, so it’s been so long since I’ve blogged, I’ve forgotten exactly what happened after Sanctus Real’s show. But I’m not going to apologize for my lack of posting…or for my life “getting in the way” of the internet. I do remember we had a lot of time before House of Heroes played. So I think we went to the Galleria stage to check out Photoside Cafe and SIT DOWN. The description of Photoside Cafe in the program sounded like something we might like. I am so glad we caught their set. They are amazing musicians, and so different from anything I’ve seen or heard before. The violinist even busted out the Pirates of the Caribbean theme during his sound check! Awesome! We bought their cd, but it doesn’t really do their live show justice. They’re based in Chicago, so hopefully we can see more of them.
