Photography is such a personal thing for me – it’s really taken over. There’s just something about it that’s satisfying and calming. I actually try to avoid taking anybody with me when I’m photographing because I know it must be painfully boring for anybody who’s with me. I could explore a scene for hours and still not feel like I’ve explored all of it.
There are just so many interesting things going on in this room.
Ah, the first snowfall.
I actually got a little freaked out about not posting an image yesterday. I certainly didn’t want to get out of the habit of shooting so I’m glad it snowed because I recently posted that I wanted it to so I could get some snow pictures.
Ta-da. Of course I shot Handley.
Order a print of this image.
Gonna have an image on one of those historical plaques you always see near historical monuments and buildings. Cool.
This image will be on the historical plaque outside my church in Old Town Winchester, VA.
Ever wonder what the split toning can do in Lightroom? Scroll down to see the “before” image.
Pretty boring “before” image
Along with continuing to shoot both photos and videos and teaching a photography course at SU for the Spring semester, I’m going to look back at some of the images I created before I really knew what I was doing. I might revisit the edit or I might just post as-is because I’m satisfied with what I already accomplished. I’ll start with an easy one (best way, right?). I’m pretty happy how this turned out – not just in the design, but because I can now say I shot Africa’s Big 5!
I’m no hunter so my African safari consisted of a 2-week long photo shoot. Our guides were probably more excited than we were that we got to see Africa’s Big 5. | Order a print of this image.
It’s such a habit now after an entire year. I have a feeling that I’m just going to find myself shooting daily and sitting at the computer writing my one-a-day. I suppose that was the entire point in the first place – to get in the habit of shooting more. I was talking with some people today about what I might do next. How about a “Where’s Waldo” theme?
Well, this is it. At least for this year. I haven’t decided what I’m going to do as I move forward. My first thought is to continue. It’s such a large part of me now especially after 365 consecutive days of doing it. That’s a long streak. But my goal was 365 and I did it. So I may continue, but maybe not as intensively.
So, what did I accomplish. My initial goal was to stay active as a creative-type. I lost a job as the Creative Director of a TV station in December and instead of packing up the family and ripping my daughter out of her high school as a senior, I decided to stay put and figure something out. In the meantime, I needed to remain active so the 365 project was where I landed.
Starting out was a little rough. Here are some tidbits of advice – no explanation just tidbits. I discovered most of these in my research before I started. I get it now. I’m not including any explanations – just trust me.
You’ll develop the habit during the first month and before you know it, it’s December 31st.
Happy new Year Year!
I never understood the “First Night” naming convention. Shouldn’t it be “Last Night?”
I made it. Well, almost. I still have to post an image from today, but it was cool looking back on my year of photography.
Here’s an excerpt:
The concert hall at the Sydney Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 22,000 times in 2014. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 8 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.
I took a big risk in waiting until today to try a night-lapse series, but it was a perfect night. I didn’t quite have the best angle (and that really bright light that turns off toward the end really upset me), but I’m definitely learning. I’m determined to try this again at some point – it just takes forever to process it.
I suppose this is what it looked like that night. Well, minus the house and the electricity.
One of these days I’m going to try a night-long time-lapse. I would have done more on this night, but it was just cold. I don’t like cold.
It wasn’t really Sunday, but we took advantage of the nice weather and did some driver’s ed in the back yard. “Sunday Driver” is the name of my preset in Lightroom. I adopted the creative naming convention for my presets very early on so I can identify them and keep them unique.
Perhaps I should “release” my Lightroom develop presets.
It’s been a while since I took to the skies. I spent some time with my nephew letting him control the yaw of my aerial camera (it’s really the only control that would be safe for a three-and-a-half-year-old to control). I suppose I should have recorded video and posted it here. Next time.
I don’t really get a lot of sleep around this particular holiday. We’re usually visiting family and playing games until late at night. So I was feeling a little wonky when I was editing this one. I shot this one before a couple of years ago, but I wanted to do something a little different with it this time.
Having a family gathering this holiday? Play the board game Quelf. You’re welcome.
By no means am I comparing myself, but this just reminded me of a Norman Rockwell.
My Photography goal today was to capture a decent bracketed set of images of silent night at the 10pm service. I had the 4pm and 7pm service to rehearse it. At the moment of truth during the last verse my connection broke to my GoPro so this is as good as it gets this year. Oh well.
Merry Christmas to all…
My church’s sanctuary illuminated by candle light.
Just having some fun with a little light painting. Happy holidays everyone.
Maybe I’ll start a new tradition…
Alright, I didn’t think I’d be saying it, but it needs to snow so I can jazz up my images.
I think I’m going to challenge myself to go on my next trip and ONLY bring the GoPro as my single camera. The challenge wouldn’t be in getting some great images. The challenge for me would be trying to leave everything else behind!
Most of my images this time of year would be jazzed up with just a little snow on the ground.
The season wouldn’t be complete without a production of The Nutcracker Suite.
Not much else to say…
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