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Still

Leica M9, 90mm f/2.8, f/4, 1/4000, iso 160

Came across this scene on my walk yesterday. Didn't have much of an idea if I would like it when I was shooting it. Back in the office, at first it wasn't knocking me out. There was more of the plant to the left. I cropped that, and cloned out a few stragglers. This image really began to grow on me.

I tell a few of my photo friends that I have lost interest in shooting the traditional landscapes. Like stands of trees in fall color. I want to do work that is different. I think I'm beginning to understand why I'm drawn to Diane Varner's work. Her subject matter is nearly always something no one else has thought of. This is one of the things I enjoy about photography. You can branch off and go down roads just because something piques your interest. Watch for more "different" sorts of images here on the blog.

Sailboat Races

Canon 5D Mark II, 300mm F/4, f/6.3, 1/6400, iso 250

When we got up Sunday morning we had a little even going on in the backyard. A "round the island sailboat race." Was a blast to watch all kinds of sailboats going by, it was a windy morning. Took a few pictures too!

Wordless Wednesday

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Topaz Tuesday - Tiny Bride

Leica M9, 50mm F/2, f/2.4, 1/125, iso 400

Without any intention, I am realizing I have become drawn to store window displays, specifically the mannequins. I have done several posts from store windows in Seattle. I find them fascinating, don't really know why.

I came across this little beauty in a used clothing store. I asked the shopkeeper if she minded me photographing her, and she said "please do!" When I viewed it on screen, in brilliant color, it was appealing. But I felt it could really use a vintage type of treatment.

So into the new Topaz Black and White Effects we go. I cycled through several presets, eventually settling on "white chocolate." (Can't beat that, can you?) I found that the face was kind a dark, and the veil kind of light. I tried a curves adjustment but it wasn't working. So into the local adjustment for a dodge (on the face/hair) and a burn (on the veil). Just like in the darkroom back in college. Well, without the smells and bumping into everything in the dark.

The Topaz software completely gave me the result I imagined. Nice when that happens. As always, click on the Continue link below to see the original. And thanks for a comment if you like this one.

Putting Them Together

Leica M9, 90mm F/2.8, f/5.7, 1/60, iso 1250

Have mentioned several times how much I enjoy tree trunks but that generally I feel shots of trunks just don't work for me. I think anyone that enjoys photographing flora likes ferns, how could you not?

I came across this scene during our recent Grand Forest hike and thought "hmmm, putting them together, in more ways than one." As I set up my shot the light played across the scene. I took several images, liking the light in this one the best. I considered moving the frond on the right, but felt like "this is how nature set this scene." You know: "no one fools with..."

The camera rendered the scene a bit more green than I remember, so just a few adjustments in LR and it was ready for posting. What do you think?

Boatin' Sunday - Binnacle

Canon 5D Mark II, 70-300mm, f/5.6, 1/160, iso 200

Isn't this lovely? In the old days, I guess compasses were not waterproof. So vessels had these binnacles to keep them dry. I hit this image with a "vintage" treatment in Lightroom. You just can't beat these classic wooden boats.

Go For a Walk With Me?

Leica M9, 50mm F/2, f/2.4, 1/180, iso 500

Here on the island we have many beautiful areas to walk and hike. There is a land conservancy movement here, which buys (or has donated to it) chunks of land which is then turned into walking areas for everyone.

One is called The Grand Forest, and it really is beautiful. We walked it for the first time yesterday. And I had my first opportunity to shoot landscape with the M9. It sure is great having such small gear while hiking!

This shot is straight out of the camera other than a bit of crop off the bottom and then resized for the web.  Amazing detail.  I shot a low f/stop to try to blur the background a bit. I could have gone all the way to f/2. My focus point was the clump of fern right at the first bend in the trail.

I'm having fun!

Fun Friday - Street Wedding - Puna Shoutout

 

Leica M9, 50mm F/2, f/6.7, 1/125, iso 400

Last weekend I had a one day conference in Seattle. I brought my new M9 along of course. When the conference was over, I made my way back to the ferry by way of Pike's Place, was hoping for maybe some interesting street shooting.

Got more than I bargained for, a wedding shoot! As this is Fun Friday, it isn't fine art, but it is fun. And in a shout out to my friend Puna, I'm doing a "slice o life" montage, like she often does on her great blog. So click on the continue link for more!

A Morning Like No Other

Canon 5D Mark II, 70-300mm, f/6.3, 1/60, iso 250

I often look longlingly at gorgeous landscape images, and realize the photographer just worked harder than I'm willing to work. Whether it is numerous trips to capture the light, or days of trekking to get there, I usually realize I'm just not going to make that trip.

Hiking two hours through the night, in several feet of snow? Uh uh. One of the young guys in my PACE photo group did that. He loved it. I might have too at his age. Or my friend Jerry Dodrill. Climbs freakin mountains with his gear on! Not going there either.

But every dog has his day, the saying goes, right? As I put together yesterday's blog post, a brilliant sunrise was taking form right outside my window. My camera was already on the tripod. I just mounted the tele zoom and walked into my backyard (about 30 steps). In my bathrobe (it was about 60 degrees, comfy for me). And then I waited (5-10 minutes).

It was glorious. I actually got another great shot with a ferry going by as well. Just me and the mountain. In my bathrobe. A morning like no other.

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