When Bad Weather is Not (so Bad)

I absolutely, positively, detest rain, snow, clouds, dry (not humid) air, and anything that isn't sunny and hot. In photography, though, variably to completely cloudy days can be wonderful for the following reasons:

1) You can shoot at any time of the day, because there is no sun glare
2) Cloud formations (and how the sun passes around them) are visually appealing
3) Instead of bright, saturated, pictures, your pictures take on a more muted appearance

Here's one example:

This is what this area looked like on a bright sunny day:

The water in each picture looks completely different. Each color scheme has its appeal.
You can make the same case for nighttime. This:

is nicer than this (in my opinion, anyway):

By the way, I wish I had my SLR on this trip. I took these pictures three years ago. I haven't been back to this area since then.
Till tomorrow!

Passing this Time Around

I received an email today:

Are you a professional or emerging photographer, ready for an industry expert to "tell it like it is?" Register now for FotoWeek DC's popular portfolio reviews. They always sell out! The Corcoran College of Art + Design along with 20 nationally acclaimed photo professionals are taking part in the 3rd Annual Portfolio Review Day on Sunday, November 7th. Head to the Corcoran College of Art + Design and have your work reviewed in the supportive atmosphere of professional camaraderie and constructive dialogue.  This year, an international lineup of curators, educators, photo editors, and other experts in the fields of commercial, fine art, photojournalism, multimedia, and documentary will be on hand to offer frank appraisals and critiques. Can you take it? Sure you can! You'll make valuable business connections, while gaining helpful advice on the progress of your work.

Call me crazy, but I'm not ready for this yet. Why? Because I don't feel like I have a cohesive portfolio yet. By having a better sense of what appeals to people (and I'm learning that it's highly subjective, and nothing like what I like about my work), I can make sure I'm ready. Here's an example of a recent a great example of a shot I took and LOVED (smaller version below):

For me, I thought it was great that the butterfly blended in so well. However, the feedback I received was that the colors were really nice, but that the butterfly would have been better if there were some contrast.

Meanwhile, take a look at this shot:

I like this, but not as much as some other people seem to. I'm overthinking this, I know. But I need some finding my "crowdpleasing" shots, versus my "technically excellent" shots. As I evolve as a photographer, I'm confident I'll figure it out. :)

Till tomorrow!

Submission Accepted!

One of the local blogs posted a picture I'd submitted! But, as always, I'm getting ahead of myself.
A few days ago, Bethesda Actually, a local blog about all things relevant in my town, posted a few pictures of fall. As you know, I didn't have the greatest outing on Sunday, and I felt motivated to go and try again. The fact that the blog was willing to take submissions certainly didn't hurt.

So, off I went yesterday late afternoon, camera in tow. I was a little concerned, as the sun was harsh, and taking pictures in harsh sunlight isn't exactly my sweet spot. However, I did find a few shots that would be crowd-pleasers, and here they are:

So, how did I manage to take these pictures in such harsh sunlight?
1) Positioning - I made sure to use nature's obstructions. I ducked behind trees, used different kinds of lenses, and rejected anything that was too bright. Even a subtle movement made a big difference, so be sure to try this - a little more time goes a long way.

2) Risk taking - I don't recommend this to everyone, but I didn't just stay on the sidewalk. I headed out to the middle of the street, working the angles until I got what I liked. Watch out for the cars. And the children. Not to mention the dogs.

3) Focusing on simplicity - I often forget that a lot of crowd-pleasing shots don't have to be intricate. After all, fall is just barely underway, the leaves are starting to turn, and we're excited. The picture doesn't have to say much else. In fact, you can tell that fall is just starting to emerge. I spend so much time composing "the perfect picture" like this butterfly shot that I forget to relax and let things happen.

Bethesda Actually opted to include my third one, and they called it "Superb Picture from a Reader". AND, the article mentioned my name! I'm extremely flattered. It really does prove to me that if I give myself a chance, I can do some good work in a short amount of time.

My friend Julie recommended that I refocus this weekend and attend The Farm Color Tour in Loudoun County. I think I will! Maybe I'll find more inspiration. Even if I don't, I'm sure I'll enjoy the scenery!

Till tomorrow!