Experiment and Evaluate

Today I decided to exercise a different approach in my post, rather than displaying images I wish to share with others, I have chosen to get a wee bit technical.

As some of you already know, for me the process is as important as the final result. Utilizing quality tools is one of the pleasures that drives me through those processes. This is one reason why I continue to shoot film even though I also shoot digital. It is also why I scour ebay in search of equipment gems with which to over-stuff my gadget bag.

A short time ago I acquired a pristine Nikkor AF-D 60mm micro lens and what does one do with a new - er um, toy? Well you immediately go play with it don't you? I know I do, thus I attached the new-to-me lens onto my D70, screwed on a circular polarizing filter, and headed to the beach.

This was near the end of September and being in Canada only driftwood hunters occupy the beaches, and only anglers sail upon the waters, so I wasn't left with much subject, not to worry though, shooting digital the photographer in me could afford to experiment. What lay before me was a wonderful opportunity to improve my skills with the polarizer, so during that dreaded time of day - mid afternoon - I set out to build filter muscle. It was a good exercise.

I encourage all photographers who want self-improvement to upon occasion set out with minimal gear and a very defined objective, you will absolutely become a better photographer as a result.


All images:
Nikon D70 - Nikkor AF-D 60mm - Cokin Circular Polarizer
ISO400 (equivalent) - Aperture Priority

Note:
Only 1 minute passed from the first to last image. All lighting effects a result of filter adjustment.

click on images for larger view

1/400 sec. @ f5.0 2:40:00 pm



1/500 sec. @ f5.6 2:40:03 pm



1/250 sec. @ f8.0 2:41:02 pm

These photos were not taken as compositions but as studies in the filter effect.
My favorite effect is the last photo; I am particular to the tonal changes in the water, the sky color, cloud texture and the contrast in the forest. I also believe the color to be the most accurate.

Which is your favorite, and why?

Abstracts From A Wedding

People do not have to feature in every picture made at a wedding, as I wondered around the location with my mind on the people and the ceremony my photographic eye continued to scout about for frames of interest. In doing so, I couldn't resist the texture of the cobblestone flooring nor those wonderfully changing perspective lines forming from out the identically laid tiling pictured above. Neither could I prevent myself from popping the Lens Baby 2.0 onto the D70 to capture the chairs posted below. In hindsight though I would have placed a single flower on the featured seat, providing a spot of color further defining my chosen focal point. ( I know I could PS one in but for me the art is photography, not post process graphic manipulation. ) Another lesson learned.




I wouldn't be true to my heritage if I failed to be inspired by a kilt, and there in the background is once again that fabulous stone floor.




And yes, this is a people picture, but you must admit that it does have an element of abstract to it, and that really is my point - for the photographer who looks around, there is always another photo ready to be captured.