Project #4: Macro Photography

  This month should be referred to as "Macromay".  No not the type old ladies do with yarn, but the type when photographers go out and take photos of all the beautiful flowers in bloom.  For this project I went with 2 other photographers to The Oregon Garden and the to the Tulip Field in Woodburn.  If you haven't been to either in the spring, it is a MUST!!  The book I've been referring to (150 Projects to Strengthen your Photography Skills) suggests using a 100mm or 180mm lens.  But being a poor photographer I used my 50mm prime with extension tubes (make sure you have a manual aperture when using extension tubes).  I am quite impressed with the results. 

 

 

 

Also, if ANYONE has any idea on what to actually do with these photos PLEASE tell me.

Project #3: Silky Waterfalls

I've been working on this project for a while.  If you don't have waterfalls near you, try the ocean with some rocks in it.  The concept is easy;  put your camera on a tripod and do a longer exposure (1-5 seconds).  I used aperture priority and light compensation to get these images.  Also, going to try a fader filter on Friday.  Have fun!!

Photo Safari Result

Project #2: My Photo Safari

   It was a beautiful day today in Eugene, so I meet my dear friend Shelly and we started taking photos of things that are visually appealing to us.  We started out at the mall, then went on a walk by the river and ended our safari at a fabric store.  Here is the result of my Safari:

 

Why I like these photos, left to right and top to bottom:

1. The colors and reflection on the leaves appeal to me.
2. Besides that it is a great read, I like the pattern on the book and colors.
3. Once again the colors and pattern (on the bottom board more then the top), but also because it has a hint of 50's style.
4. The simplicity of the image and because I really like Chinese art.  (I like black, white, and red can you tell?)
5. The text on the sign and colors (the fact that I like their cheddar biscuits helps too)
6. Everyone loves a little sparkle
7. The texture and contrast in this image
8. This pattern just reminds me of old time elegance.

   

So there you have it, my photo safari.  I got the idea from Jasmine Star on creativeLive.  She used the board to help design her logo, website, and branding words.  I am also including this same board with all photos taken with my iphone 4.  Can you tell the difference?

 

Extra Credit

  After watching a Jen Rosenbaum on creativeLive (you've got to check out the workshops on that site, especially if your a photographer) I wanted to try to take photos through lace.   Being at the fabric store gave me the perfect opportunity.  So this is what I got with a 50mm through a black lace.

 

   I hope Shelly doesn't mind!? :)

Next project "Photo Safari"

Join us for a Photo Safari

  

      It isn't necessary to be in Africa to go on a "photo safari".  All you need is a camera on your phone and ideas in your head.  The object of this exercise is to figure out your style and try to take professional-looking photographs using a cell phone.  Go out and take photos of thing that you like, it could be a billboard, book, tree, clothes, just anything that appeals to you visually.  You can take a day or a week, set a time period.  Then download the photos on your computer and edit your work down to your favorite 8-10 photos, then put them together on a board.  More then likely you'll see a theme, colors, and some cohesion in your board.  Use that theme to help yourself to discover your style.  Good luck and many the camera always be with you.

Project #1:

Practice capturing human interaction

 

 

Equipment I used: 

1. Nikon D80 set on Auto ISO and aperture priority

 My experience:

After calling my photography friend and cohort, we headed to the University of Oregon Campus.  I had no idea how hard it would be to get human interaction at a college campus, all the kids are in a hurry to their next class, on their phones, or plugged into their ipods.  This is what I did get:

 Photo Title:

U of O hugging sequence

My comments:

 I really like the sequence and expressions.

Photo Title:

  U of O walking in the cold

My comments:

   Leading lines and cold.

 

 

Extra credit:

Take your worst photograph and try to make it something interesting

Worst photo before

Worst photo after