I Can See Clearly Now…
Winchester
Impressive
Thankful
As we gear up for the holidays, there is certainly a mixed bag of emotions coming to the table this year.
Wow, I actually had to pause and really think about what everybody must be going through. All the different situations we all, as Americans, are facing right now.
I have many things to be thankful for this year and every year and I think that sometimes I have to take a step back and really think – think about the things I might take for granted. Those are the things that I should be thankful for – the things that I rarely think about actually BEING thankful for. The things that aren’t always front of mind. The things that, if they were removed from my life, would make a serious impact, but I just never think of them so…no impact.
I live within walking distance of a major cultural center in my city and region. I never thought too much of it before I became involved professionally, but I did become involved and I’m pretty thankful I did. I’ve met some really awesome people and experienced some pretty awesome events and exhibits. I took it for granted and I’m guessing I’m not the only one who did.
Next Wednesday (11/25/2020) marks over 3 1/2 years since I produced the first video in a series to promote and begin the fund raising task to bring a brand new experience to the residents of this region – The Trails at The MSV. They open to the public a day before Thanksgiving. It’s an outdoor venue that anybody can enjoy at their own leisure. Yup, the’re FREE.
By the way, I just joined The MSV – no excuse for why it took me this long. You should, too. See you on the trails!
Flight
“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards.” – Leonardo Da Vinci
I was, without a doubt, a bit nervous before my flight today. It essentially went against all my protocols up to now. Got some pretty epic footage though. Be on the lookout for the marketing videos coming out from the airport soon.
Old Jake
I don’t get to shoot for myself much anymore so I have to grab any opportunity to get creative. I’ve always wanted to shoot “Old Jake” so after a recent flight for a client, I did just that. The original “Old Jake” weathervane is on display at The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley in Winchester, VA.
Old Jake perched on top of Rouss Fire Hall in Winchester, VA | Order a print of this image.
The Eye
There’s lots of competition these days and I encourage any and all newcomers, but keep this in mind → it doesn’t take a high-end camera, it doesn’t matter if you’ve got the latest “this” or spared no expense on “that” – it takes “the eye.” Do you have the creative “eye?” Equipment only matters up to a certain point.
“The Eye” at The Handley Library. The best camera is ALWAYS the one you have with you.
KOKV 291515Z AUTO 21007KT 10SM CLR 17/07 A3013 RMK A02
Great day to fly – yeah, I’m a geek, so.
The weather finally cooperated with me – just wish the foliage would, too. | Order a print of this image.
Painterly
It’s certainly not for everybody and I’ve seen it done with great success, but the “painterly” style is definitely different.
Shenaodah University’s Halpin-Harrison Hall as the Fall foliage sets in. | Order a print of this image.
Due Diligence
Ok, now that I’ve done the “heavy lifting” to be allowed to fly a sUAS legally it should be as important for you (the consumer of photography and video) to complete your due diligence. Make sure the person/company you’ve just hired to shoot your video is also legally allowed to perform the sUAS work for hire. It concerns me that anybody can walk into Best Buy or Target or Wal-Mart or hop on Amazon or any number of other online retailers and purchase these flying machines. And young kids these days are seeing the proliferation of drone videos and YouTubers flying with reckless abandon that it seems glamorous and risk-free. It’s certainly not risk-free, but kids tend to simply plow forward without a second thought. It worries me to no end that a very young middle-schooler recently proudly announced to me that he just got a DJI Phantom 4 – a fairly expensive flying camera. Yeah, kids are amazing at video games and technology in general these days, but the decision-making skills are simply not there. It’s comparable to a drivers license. There are reasons that teens go through a process to earn a driver’s license which includes an age requirement. Decision-making skills folks. And I’m certainly not saying that you have to hire me – just make sure the person/company that you DO use is qualified and legally allowed.
Ok I’m done. Enjoy this image of Fall colors knocking on our door.
Fall colors are popping up quickly. My goal is to get this shot with much more Fall color in the next couple weeks.
Strawberry
I wasn’t about to let a photo opportunity slip by that was basically handed to me “on a silver platter.” It was a scramble to get it, but I think it was worth it. And, of course, I just had to shoot it at Handley High School. I probably could have gotten some decent ones at the Handley Library, but this will do just fine.
The Strawberry moon ushering in Summer 2016. | Order a print of this image.
Luck
I completely stand behind my statement that I tell a lot of people about my photography. There’s certainly a lot of luck involved. Right time, right place. As I gain experience, though, it’s becoming easier to be in that right place at that right time.
As the double rainbow was strengthening, I was able to spin it around and catch the lightning! | Order a print of this image.
The magnificent double rainbow over Winchester tonight. | Order a print of this image.
Teaser
The weather wasn’t perfect for the shoot and I’ll probably go back when it is better, but there are so many more possibilities in this space. In the meantime, here’s a teaser image.
If you’re familiar with Winchester, you’ll recognize the Loudoun Street parking garage in the reflection. | Order a print of this image.
Point of View
One of the first things I try to instill in my photography students is to change up the stereotypical way that they take a photograph. Most people view the world from essentially the same vantage point, but as a photographer you need to break that mold of seeing “as usual.” Some of the most interesting images (at least IMHO) are ones that take full advantage of a different point of view. Go ahead, take that picture you were going to take from the standard photography stance (standing, feet slightly wider than shoulder width with one in front of the other for more stability, camera level, SNAP!). Now that the obligatory image is out of the way, move around and get into some unconventional positions and take the more interesting images. It’s always cool to see a familiar scene from a different point of view, isn’t it?
The flagship buidling of the Handley Reginoal Library in Winchester, VA
Hmmm…
I Took the opportunity to shoot a little bit while I was at The Handley Library this evening. It’s been a while since I shot there and I’ve been meaning to get back and do it properly.
Things that make you go “hmmm…” | Order a print of this image.
Did You Miss It?
With all the commotion going on with the super storm of 2016/Snowmageddan/Jonas/Storm of the Year or whatever you want to call it, did you miss the full moon last night? We saw it while we were watching The Shining on our sun porch which was surrounded by the blizzard. Cool.
January’s Full Moon. #theshining #blizzard #heresjohnny #stephenking #whydidtheyhavetokillscatmancrothers #lolololololololol
The Soul
Everybody needs something in their life that’s stress-free. You know, that activity that satisfies the soul. I didn’t realize how much just shooting does that for me. I was able to get out the other day and just shoot for nothing more than the fun of it. That’s good stuff. For me at least
The dome of the Handley Regional Library in Winchester, VA. | Order a print of this image.
.
I’m Back…
It felt like a surgical scene as I was reassembling the drone last night, but I’m back. It’s back. My nerves are going to really keep me in check for a while after that incident. Perhaps that was a good thing.
I think I’ll need to go through all the settings again. The rebuild must have sent everything back to factory default. I typically shoot at 100 ISO, but this one was shot @ 1600!
Before
This image makes me think about what it must have looked like before we came along.
Prep
I wanted to get some “before” images and the sunset was perfect today. Can’t wait to really test out the low-light performance of this rig. The video is gonna be off-the-chart awesome!
The beginning stages of set-up and prep for the carnival at this year’s Apple Blossom Festival.
Graduation
Just over 50 days until we’re done with high school as a family. Wow, that’s going to be a big piece of the puzzle that’s missing. Moving on to act II and getting ever so close to that empty nest!
How many different ways can I shoot this iconic cupola? I’m determined to find out.
Cedarmeade Studios 