A Different Angle

One of the challenges of photography today is to find the unusual image; there are so many people with cameras now, and when you look at the quality of phone cameras there is the potential for so many more still images.  Sometimes the unusual image is a person or object that we don’t see in the usual way.  I think one of the best ways, still, is to change the angle from which you shoot.  We see so many images today shot from eye-level or above (the holding-my-phone-at-arms-length shots); it can create quite a different perspective to get low.  You know, the ant’s-eye view.  Here is an example from one of my favourite places in my neck of the woods, Elbow Falls.  I was laying on the rocks, camera resting on them even.  This can create some interesting points of view.  What different angles can you think of to shoot from?

…And Bears Oh My!

I always try to find unique angles and shots when I photograph animals; the cliché shots are nice but it’s the unusual ones that catch one’s attention.  Here are a couple of images from one of my many trips to the zoo.  I imagine many people see these types of things when they’re at the zoo; I wonder how many actually catch them with cameras?

Just a Few Words.

Over the last few months I have come to realize how many great articles are posted on the blogs at WordPress by some truly wonderful authors and photographers.  I think I am blessed to have loyal followers that read my posts daily, and make an effort to comment on the things they like when they see them, especially when there’s so much content available here.  This has become to me a community that shares knowledge, fears, pain, joy and laughter through their

New Toy

A short post today. Yesterday I made the transition to an iPhone. Yes I made it fully into 2012! What a change from Blackberry! So now I have to learn its quirks, find the apps I want and have some fun. Today’s picture was a quick snap using the HDR mode on the camera. Nothing magical in the

When It’s Cold Outside…

I spend some quality time learning.  Yes, I need down time too, and more so when the temperature outside hits -35C, but I try to find some productive activities so it’s not ALL wasted time.  One place I frequent to learn more about Photoshop (a tool I could be constantly learning about) is Photoshop Essentials.  The site is loaded with tutorials on all aspects of Photoshop for us photographers.  The tutorials are all

Something Different

Ordinarily I write about things that directly affect me, or that I’m working on currently.  I like to pass on information and share my images.  Today I want to pass on an article I’ve read on another blog; while I’m not currently shooting this type of photography (and haven’t decided whether I will) I enjoyed the article very much.  Photography is about expression; and when it comes to people, making them look and feel their best is paramount.  When a person feels wonderful about themselves the images created will

Practice makes…

Permanent!  Yes permanent, not perfect.  The only way practice makes perfect is if the practice itself is perfect.  Otherwise practice makes whatever we do during that practice permanent, good or bad.  The more we practice good habits the better off we are; conversely bad habits become harder to correct when we continue to use them without working toward correction.  And thus the subject for tonight.

Many people ask me why I spend so much time at the Zoo here in Calgary.  There are so many good reasons to go there, none the least of which

Adage

The term ‘adage’, as defined by Webster’s Dictionary, means:  ”a saying often in metaphorical form that embodies a common observation”.  I like them!   A lot!  Something about reading these little bits of wisdom or encouragement resonates with me.  I think about their literal meaning, their metaphoric meaning, and how they relate to me.  I wonder who said them first, how they became so popular.  I wonder if they’re modern or ancient.  No matter how they affect me, I really enjoy reading them.  What’s all this got to do

Cold Squares

Today in Calgary the warm ‘winter’ weather finally broke.  We’re headed for cold and snow now.  It had to happen sometime; the well-above-normal temperatures couldn’t stay forever (could they???).  It felt like a lazy, stay inside day; it wasn’t THAT cold but I still wasn’t motivated to get outdoors.  However, the snow stuck to the fences, walls and roofs made for interesting patterns, so I got out my trusty 70-200 and captured a few shots from the warmth of my place.  Cheating?  Maybe.  But warm just the same.  Here are

A Follow Up

I have been asked a few times, since the posts on studio lighting, where one can learn more about setting up the equipment. While I’m sure there are several classes in most major centers, and probably much more info online, books have been the major source for me.  Most books now come with DVD videos, or downloadable content, to demonstrate some basic lighting setups.  One of the better sources for lighting information, as well as Photoshop tutorials, is Scott Kelby.  He is a Photoshop guru and