Photo Safaris

I'll be the first to admit that work has prevented me from doing much with my photography, but I need that to change, if only a bit. Since I'm going on vacation soon, I'll make some progress in this area. But after having spent some time this morning talking with someone about photography, I've realized how much I've missed spending time with people who feel the same way I do. So, I've decided it's time for some photo safaris. They've really helped open my eyes as to options, techniques, and just plain fun. Here are examples of my work from past safaris:





The third one is significant to me, as that's when I was told that I needed to keep shooting and keep trying. The instructor had never seen anyone take that picture before - and she'd led the safari more than a few times.

Anyway, I miss experimenting, interacting with fellow hobbyists, and just enjoying myself. With that said, I'm considering the following safaris:

Fine Art Photography - I really want to learn more about this, what it means, and how it could apply to me.

Afternoon Light in Annapolis, MD - To learn how to take unique pictures of typically touristy areas

Panoramic Photography - This could really be interesting. I don't love Photoshop or anything, but I love landscapes and want to learn more.

Coming this week - trip updates, assuming my equipment, the weather, and my motivation cooperate. :)

Take me out to the Ball Game

I haven't critiqued my work in a while. Truth be told, I haven't HAD any new work in a while. Much of this is because I haven't traveled much, and I need a big push.

Last week, my team at work and I went to a baseball game at Nationals Park. I thought, what a good time to practice using my telephoto lens! Well, I was partially right.

First, I checked the ballpark rules. Fortunately, at 7 inches, my telephoto lens passed the test. Given that I didn't know where I would sit, I also packed my kit lens.

I sat in a front section, but far away from third base. Without my lens, it would have been hard to see much of the game. These were the types of shots I'd took:



What I liked:

1) There's some action here. I understood the game well enough to look for good moments.

2) Despite the sun, these pictures aren't too bright. This is thanks to one of my filters - a neutral density filter.

3) Most of my pictures did not have noticeable camera shake. This is definitely thanks to my telephoto lens - IS is the way to go.

4) I took several test shots to make sure my settings were what I'd wanted.

What I need to do better next time:

1) If I want to do this again, I need to sit in a seat where I get a better view. It was difficult to capture much of anything from where I was.

2) The pictures are a tad too dark. I shot in RAW, so that's easy to fix, but I should think about my settings a little more next time.

3) I had to crop almost everything. This goes back to sitting in a seat that gives me more flexibility.

My settings:

F-stop - 8. Shutter speed - 1/800. ISO = 200.

Next time: photo safaris of interest.

Dress Rehearsal - Without the Camera

You may have come across one of my older posts about this topic. However, what if you don't have your camera with you, for various reasons?

I spent the weekend in Ocean City, Maryland with friends. You may have seen some of my pictures of the area in past posts:





This trip was different, though, in that instead of traveling with my sister, I was with my friends. One big implication was that I knew I would not have time to focus on my photography. The other is that with the high heat index, I would not have wanted to take my camera, in any case.

So why am I terming this a dress rehearsal? I am planning a trip to various Southern California beaches next month. I'm heading to three different locations with different personalities and settings. Spending the weekend in Ocean City helped me a lot. I was able to walk around and consider certain points, such as:

1) Generic water shots have only one purpose - test shots for my camera (settings, focus, etc.). Otherwise, I don't need literal shots.

2) I need to look for the small details - birds, other animals, and patterns.

3) I need to consider my themes. Ocean City is a party town. However, the places I'm visiting are not, at least not in that sense. Do I have any stock photography options?

4) How to incorporate my sister into some shots (because it's easy to get a model release from her) - what can I learn from doing that? Shooting people has never been my strength, but last fall's family shoot in NYC has encouraged me to practice, if only for the purpose of capturing our memories.

5) Speaking of people, how can I take hotel shots, something else I've considered, without the people in them? I need to make sure to scout the properties when I arrive. Then, I can wake up early the next day and take the pictures. In theory, anyway. I'm not the earliest riser while on vacation. :) But, at least I know to be aware of the people and to make sure to not take pictures with them in them.

I can't wait until my trip next month! Next time - a review and critique of my last few photo shoots. I haven't done that in a while!