I wasn’t initially going to post this one, but once it all came together I changed my mind. I just like the perspective this one gives to the landscape. By the way, this is the big cemetery in Winchester – Mt. Hebron Cemetery. They advertise that they have space available for the next century! Yeah, it’s huge.
Every city has one. Ours just got a major facelift over the past couple years and it’s really been revitalized. Lots of stuff going on down there. Only thing it’s missing is the view from up here.
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I like to shoot sunrises and sunsets. I’ve said this before. But after a while, as with anything, it gets harder and harder to shoot it differently. Granted, each sunset and each sunrise is different, but how do I create something unique. A big deal for a perfect composition is to have depth to your images and that’s done by introducing foreground elements. That’s kinda tough when your camera is 250 feet up in the air. I just wonder if I’ll get any backlash from this image because of how close I was to it.
By the way, if you live in the Winchester-Frederick County area of VA (and maybe even if you’ve driven through), you’ve seen this water tower along I-81 at exit 310.
I’m so amazed at the new perspective of architecture that I can get with this new technology. Some things look much more majestic from above and others tend to lose a little something with the elevated perspective. I think the Handley Library actually loses that majestic edge when it’s shot from above. Maybe I’m too high. Don’t get me wrong, it’s an amazing building, but it’s just not the same from above. Certain things are meant to be shot from below, specifically subjects that you want to appear more powerful. I’ve posted images of this building from the ground (and, of course, from inside) on this blog. What do you think?
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Free photo contest! When I first started, I joined any and every photo contest out there. Not so much anymore. It just seems to me that photography is so very subjective (as is any art) and it really depends on how the “judge” is feeling that day. Sure, anybody can evaluate an image based on a set of established criteria (framing, composition, use of leading lines and so on and so forth), but that removes all beauty from the work and it becomes sterile. Anyway…
But this contest is totally random. You submit an image to be eligible for a random drawing. The photos aren’t really “judged” at all. They’re there for the viewing pleasure of all – minus all “objective” judging criteria. I’m in. You should be, too. Enter the contest here and support Virginia State Parks.
The Shenandoah Valley’s very own version of the Horseshoe Bend (like the one in the Grand Canyon).
I think I should try my hand at a “series.” What do you think?
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I’ve posted “One-A-Day” since January 1 and have yet to actually post a video. It’s about time I did. I’ve been collecting plenty of video footage over the past couple weeks with this new drone and had an idea to create some school videos for various local high schools and universities. What better school to start with than the school that both my kids and my wife attended – John Handley High School. And what better music to accompany than the alma mater. I wonder how many people really know the origin of this tune. The original lyrics don’t really paint a pretty picture, but I’ll leave that up to you to research.
You may know it as “the ubiquitous alma mater song used by almost every school in the universe.” – +oldwhtman
I looked all over for this song and all I could really find was the Kellerman’s Anthem from Dirty Dancing. Or a university glee club singing their own lyrics. Thank goodness for YouTube! And thank you +oldwhtman for allowing me to use your performance of it.
Shhh, don’t tell anyone. You’re not really allowed to fly over 400 feet, but I just really wanted to see what it could do. It’s kinda like the sports cars (or most cars for that matter). If the speed limit is 70 here in the states, why make a car that can do 184?! Somebody, somewhere is going to put it to the test. It just has to be done.
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So, this is what the sunset looks like at an altitude of 400 ft. I’m dying to try 1,000 now.
The sunset over Sherando Park in Stephens City, VA
“Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning.”
– William Arthur Ward
It definitely draws attention. Glad these kids had some fun with it. It’s always interesting to see people’s reaction to it when I rev it up.
“This one time, at band camp…”
Well, this was the last JMU Summer band camp that either of our kids will attend. What a great opportunity for any band student. This camp not only teaches marching band fundamentals, but it also teaches leadership and teamwork. Great opportunity if you’re thinking about a band camp.
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You know when you look out your back window and you see those colors of the sunset and think “wow, that’s an awesome sunset?” Well, you’re right, it is an awesome sunset.
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I’m self-taught on several subjects. Specifically bike maintenance and mechanics and videography/photography. The two areas that have essentially dominated my life for the past 20/30 years. I’ve turned both into successful professional careers at one point or another.
As a side note, I have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from James Madison University.
My kids think it’s hilarious that I have a BS Degree.
It’s really a tough way to do it for many reasons, but mostly because you’re at the mercy of your own motivation and commitment. Freelancing is a tough road, but it can be rewarding. The one thing I’ve learned through my “travels” is that whatever the new technique is or whatever the new trend in the industry is, you gotta jump right in to stay current. Learn as you go, make mistakes and improve your craft. Whatever it is. Just go for it – head on.
Trying to take my photography to a new level. Ha! I just heard that in my head.
Sunsets have never been easier. Granted, it’s not the highest quality sunset image that I could take, but it gets me above the power lines and mess of the city and gives me a clear shot at one of the best parts of the day.
Was able to grab the gear and catch the sun setting over Winchester. That’s the elementary school (bottom) where both my kids attended.
“Flying is learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.”
– Douglas Adams
Yep. Guess who got a new toy? Look out world, here I come!
Cedarmeade Studios 