First, if you are reading this because you continued to subscribe to my blog during the past year, thank you for staying with me. If you are reading this blog for the first time, welcome.
Almost two years ago, I stopped shooting. Lots of changes in my life. Lack of interest. Lack of desire. A received lack of talent. I just had no motivation to pick up a camera, find a subject, and shoot. Sure, I would shoot something close to home. Fireworks over Disneyland on the fourth of July. An interesting bird in the backyard. Something I was doing around the house. But there was no extra effort to pack up some gear and travel to find a subject.
Over the past year I have found new interests. I bought a rooftop tent for my FJ Cruiser so I can camp in more remote locations as the travel whimsy strikes me. I became very interested in overlanding. My bother got me riding dirt bikes in the desert and that has transitioned over to the track. I am pioneering the use of the iPad in the classroom at our school. In other words, I had other interests and focus.
I kept following a few photography blogs. I followed Scott Bourne’s Photofocus blog because he almost always writes about being inspired and thinking creatively. I followed my favorite photographer, G. Dan Mitchell. He is has the ability to shoot ordinary subjects in an extraordinary way. I don’t always like his work, but it always makes me ask if I like it, what I’d do different, and why. And I continued to follow Chuqui because he is an ordinary guy like me who just keeps plugging along doing what he loves to do; blogging, birding, shooting, following hockey and technology, and staying in the public eye. I admire that.
All of them keep the fire kindled, but at a pilot light level. I needed a shift in the wind to get the fire restarted.
A few weeks ago, I visited Rodney Lough’s gallery in San Francisco. I was inspired. The work I saw there was surreal. I knew it was photography, but it was like none other I have ever seen. I moved from image to image, reading the EXIF data and determining the affect of each aspect the data had on the image , looking at the image up close to look at the detail, and finally stepping back and really examine the composition. I did that for over an hour. I listened to tourists talk about what they saw or how they thought an image was done. They asked me questions; some answers I knew, some I didn’t.
I got to talk to the gallery manager about the images, how they were printed and displayed, and Mr. Lough’s passion for photography, nature, and producing the perfect image. I learned how he works, some of the techniques he uses, and some of his thoughts. I felt privileged to spend ten minutes talking with her about a common interest. I got excited about photography again.
Finally, I had the desire to pick up my camera and shoot. I shot dirt bike races. I shot my trip to San Francisco. I have plans to travel to one of the national parks over the thanksgiving and/or winter breaks. I am shooting what interests me. I am shooting for me. I am shooting for fun.
Photography is fun again. I am hoping this is a new beginning.
Posted 7 months, 4 weeks ago at 8:38 am. 1 comment
Here are the photography blog posts and sites that I found this week that I think you as a photographer should read. Not all of them are always related to photography, but they are worth looking at and will probably make you think.
POSTS
The Turning Gate Cart CE – This looks like a good shopping cart for photographers that integrates with Lightroom.
iPads in Your Classroom – I’m a teacher, so once in a while I checkout places other than photography sites. This one is VERY interesting and demonstrates the possible future of education.
Remote Control Chopper Follows Wakeboarder – In an example of what technology might bring to photography, this “helicopter” follows a wakeboarder, keeping the camera pointed at him as he plays.
Google Yourself – A good way of finding out what is being said about you and possibly finding infringements on your images.
Turn Your Deck into A Wildlife Oasis – From the National Wildlife Federation
SITES
Basic Digital Photography – Like it says, information on the basics of digital photography.
Alpha Mount World – Lots of reviews and information on digital cameras.
NatureScapes.net – The resource for nature photographers. I love this site. It has information, a great store, and more.
Anne McKinnell Photography – A good photographer from Victoria B.C., Canada who is taking a road trip for the next year. She has a good eye and is entertaining to read.
National Park Service – Ok, I’ll be honest. If you’re planning a trip to any national park, this should be your first stop. It may be your last. It has TONS of information about all of the parks and monuments.
Posted 1 year, 11 months ago at 9:30 am. Add a comment
Here are the photography blog posts and sites that I found this week that I think you as a photographer should read. Not all of them are always related to photography, but they are worth looking at and will probably make you think.
POSTS
Canada’s Plastic Money – Their replacing the paper currency with a polymer.
Free Lightroom Presets – From Photoshop Lightroom Killer Tips
What Abandoned Places Can Teach You About Photography – From The Current Photographer
7 Sites to Sell Your Stock Photos – I’m not into stock photography, but I like the list.
5 Tips for Using a Polarizer – From Scott Bourne
SITES
MyShutterSpace - An online site for photo enthusiasts.
The Pinhole Gallery – Everything you wanted to know about pinhole photography.
PhotoJournalism – Lots of sports and photo journalism information.
Nature Photographers.net – A great site for those that shoot nature.
JMG Galleries – Home of Jim Goldstein San Fransico based photographer/blogger/podcaster who has some good images.
Posted 1 year, 12 months ago at 9:41 am. Add a comment
Here are the photography blog posts and sites that I found this week that I think you as a photographer should read. Not all of them are always related to photography, but they are worth looking at and will probably make you think.
POSTS
A Secret Way to Judge or Build a Portfolio – From Scott Bourne and Photo Focus
A Look into Jay Maisel’s World – From Scott Kelby
How to Maximize Your Twitter Presence – From the Social Media Examiner
The Life of a Tennis Photographer – A look into the world of a world traveler who focuses on professional tennis.
Why Twitter Removed the Favorites from Your Home Page – An interesting interpertation of why Twitter removed lists and favorites. Or hid them.
SITES
NAPP – Photoshop User by Scott Kelby
Red Bubble – A place to sell your photography without hassle.
The f-Stops Here – An interesting mix of tips and tricks for outdoor photography.
Nikonians - A GREAT community site for all things Nikon.
About Photography – From About.com. Ok, it simple, but it will help some.
Posted 2 years ago at 8:52 am. 1 comment
Here are the photography blog posts and sites that I found this week that I think you as a photographer should read. Not all of them are always related to photography, but they are worth looking at and will probably make you think.
POSTS
7 Quick Tips to Make Your Stature Pictures More Interesting – From the Light Staking crew
Model Posing Tips -Try looking out the side of your face. Seriously, once you read it, it makes sense.
Understanding Color – A great article by John Paul Caponigro
Protecting Your Email With a Canary – A clever way to determine if your email account has been hacked.
Guy Tal Interviews Michael Gordon – Both are great photographers. It’s an interesting post.
SITES
Make Me an Offer – This is a great idea. He buys used cameras that have the film or card still in them and develops the images. It’s kind of cool.
DIY Photography – Some really good ideas on how to do things in photography. Even if you don’t build something, they will make you think.
Shutterbug - It’s a great magazine. It’s a great website.
Amateur Photographer – A UK based site that has lots of photography information. Most of it from or about the UK.
Chuqui 3.0 – I’ll keep pushing this site. He has a good view on photography, hockey, and technology. Plus, he is a great guy.
Posted 2 years ago at 5:03 pm. Add a comment
Here are the photography blog posts and sites that I found this week that I think you as a photographer should read. Not all of them are always related to photography, but they are worth looking at and will probably make you think.
POSTS
A Photographer’s Three Phases of Development – From Scott Borne at Photo Focus
20 Interesting Images of Roads – I’m not big on this kind of thing, but these really are interesting.
Why Bring a Second Shooter to a Wedding – A pretty good argument.
100 Fantastic iPhone Apps for Photographers – Yes, they are good.
Model Releases – A good post on the hows, whys, and whatnots of model releases.
SITES
Alpine Exposures – GREAT photography from the outdoors.
Snappy Shutter – Tips, tricks, and tutorials.
By Thom – THE expert on all things Nikon with great information.
A Photo Editor – Interviews and information on and about photography.
Bill Atkinson Photography – A photographer with an unusual eye for details.
Posted 2 years, 1 month ago at 8:55 am. Add a comment
Here are the photography blog posts and sites that I found this week that I think you as a photographer should read. Not all of them are always related to photography, but they are worth looking at and will probably make you think.
POSTS
190 Free Presets for Lr – From the onOne software people.
Experimenting with Macro Photography – From Megapixels and Beyond
Originality: A Matter of Perspective – I talked about this earlier this week. It’s a great post.
Trees Tell the Story of 1,100 Years of El Nino – An interesting science article about how El Nino has affected the planet.
Don’t Be An Idiot – Guy Tal discusses the role of the photographer in art and the importance of understanding art.
SITES
What Digital Camera – As the name suggests, a site that helps answer the question.
Popular Photo – One of America’s great photo magazines is online.
Digital Photo Tutorials – A large number of online tutorials on photography.
Better Photography – An online school for photography.
Guy Tal – A great nature photographer.
Posted 2 years, 1 month ago at 10:27 am. Add a comment
Here are the photography blog posts and sites that I found this week that I think you as a photographer should read. Not all of them are always related to photography, but they are worth looking at and will probably make you think.
POSTS
Someone Just Fired Their Photographer – Don’t think you job is secure.
A Backyard Bird Set-up – Mine looked very similar to this.
12 Unique Cases for Your iPhone – They are unique.
Wildlife Gardening for Beginners – How to turn your garden into a small wildlife sanctuary.
The Best NP for Spotting Wildlife – Want to see animals? Go here.
SITES
Camera Hacker – Rewriting the software in your camera.
Digital Pro Talk – A good site for some interesting tips, tricks, and opinions.
SLR Gear – A GREAT site for reviews on equipment. It’s one of the first I check when contemplating a purchase.
SmugMug – The BEST site for storing and selling you images online. I use it, you should too.
Camera Dojo – Kerry Garrison has great ideas and tips and is willing to share them. His podcast is good too.
Posted 2 years, 1 month ago at 10:21 am. 1 comment
Here are the photography blog posts and sites that I found this week that I think you as a photographer should read. Not all of them are always related to photography, but they are worth looking at and will probably make you think.
POSTS
STACY PEARSALL on Scott Kelby.com – This is one of the most compelling reads I have come across in a long time.
Glamour Posing – An interesting read about posing glamour shots.
How to Steal Like an Artist – A very good read about original thinking. And it’s entertaining.
7 Tips for Helping Women Love having their Photo Taken by You – Some good ideas about putting women at ease as you take their pictures.
SITES
photoSIG - A good site to have your images reviewed and critiqued.
Photo Rumors – The name says it all.
Resize It – A cool website that allows you to resize your images.
Scott Kelby – Come on! It’s Scott Kelby, the master of all things Photoshop and Lightroom. ‘Nuf said.
Photography Corner – A good resource of photo blogs and websites.
Posted 2 years, 1 month ago at 10:46 am. Add a comment
Here are the posts and sites that I found this week that I think you as a photographer should read. Not all of them are always related to photography, but they are worth looking at and will probably make you think.
POSTS
What Happens to the Plastic We Throw Away – This is a post with some VERY disturbing images. (You have been warned.)
Using Your Camera’s Diopter Adjustment – One of the little talked about features on your camera.
How to Choose a Workshop – Three good tips from Justin Reznick
Mass Animal Deaths – A Google Maps overlay of the world’s mass animal deaths. Morbid, but interesting.
20 Ideas to Help Your Photography – Scott Bourne give you 20 ideas that will challenge you and help your photography.
SITES
Alaska Photography Blog – Home of Patrick J. Endres.
Guy Tal Photography – Home of Utah based photographer Guy Tal.
Cornforth Images – Site of Washington based photographer Jon Cornforth.
Ian Plant Dreamscapes – Virginia based photographer Ian Plant’s blog.
Bret Edge Photography – Website of Bret Edge, another Utah based photographer.
Posted 2 years, 3 months ago at 10:31 am. Add a comment
