Archive for December, 2006
The longer I live in Harlow, the more I am fascinated by it. I used to think it was just a typical Essex town, and mostly it is, but with a positive twist. The twist being the Arts & Architecture.
So I am greeted with a heavy frost, some fog, and other commitments that mean I can’t wander far from home.
I have a few locations locally that I think would make iconic images of Harlow - from a photographer’s perspective of course! One of the things on my list is sculpture.
Harlow has quite an extensive sculpture collection, some are better known than others. And I like the fact that many are just situation in ordinary locations.
This particular sculpture, known as Pisces, is situated in the Water Gardens in the Town Park. Given the weather conditions, it was wonderfully misty, around the sculpture.
December 28th, 2006
I used to drive past these trees every day. They run adjacent to one of the main routes to Harlow Town Centre, yet despite their roadside location they make a really beautiful avenue.
I originally photographed them in full Autumn colours, and they looked stunning, and in between times this road has undergone some alterations, so I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to capture the curve of the tree line in quite the same way as before.
December 27th, 2006
The photograph on the top was taken yesterday, and the bottom one in the Summer - June, both of the same place. I must remember to take one in the Spring & Autumn, then I’ll have a full set!
December 21st, 2006
Parndon Mill, Harlow, December 2006
I’m liking the frosty mornings - well not so keen on the slippery roads, and clearing the ice of the car windows, but loving the photographic opportunities it offers.
I’ve seen some fabulous spiders web, heavy with frost. In fact this is what drew me to this composition. Now I don’t often photograph close to home, but this was the view that greeted me as I arrived at the studio.
December 20th, 2006
I’m reaching the point where I should change computers, and I can’t decide whether to lease one or not.
I can see some advantages, having the new computer set up & all data transferred for one but what I see as a big disadvantage is being tied into a contract for 3 years with no possible exit, and still having to reinstall all my various software programs of which I have a lot.
I also can’t figure out what the charges are - am I paying a reasonable amount for the kit & the support - or are there some other hidden charges in there.
My big question - is whether the supplying company can support my preferred choice - an Apple. Why Apple Mac? To my mind I get the best of both worlds as now I can also run PC programs on an Apple. Very useful indeed. However they are not Apple Mac specialists - their tech team seem to have mostly just bought one. OK that’s good, but if I get stuck I want them to solve it for me, and my worry is they won’t have the experience to trouble shoot for me.
So am I just better buying direct and lumping on Apple Care support with my purchase? Answers on a postcard please to ….
December 14th, 2006
I found myself toying with the idea of joining a local BNI chapter this morning, for no other reason than the fact that I could combine it with a trip to the gym! Seriously though I wondered if it would be a good thing to do to promote my Kids Photography business.
I used to go to networking events a lot in the beginning - well the beginning of promoting my landscape photography, but decided it just wasn’t the right way to promote that business.
Kids Photography is slightly different, but what puts me of attending is not having to be there for 7am, but that it has to be every week. And I mean every week.
And the fact that a friend went along to a meeting and was unable to leave as there was a queue of people wanting to tell her about their services, the first time she ever met them. It really put her off.
So I think I’ve talked myself out of that idea!
What would be really nice if every happy client told two of their friends, and they booked a sitting. Sadly life intervenes, and it doesn’t happen as I’d like it to all of the time.
December 12th, 2006
Heavy rain can be problematic as the sheer force of the deluge makes it almost impossible to work. However it is still worth venturing out and finding shelter ready for sunlight breaking through the storm, illuminating the landscape against dark, dramatic sky. These breaks of good light on days such as these, can be short, and you have to be quick to take advantage of them successfully.
If sunlight does breakthrough during rainfall, then chances are a colourfull rainbow will be formed, adding an extra splash of colour to the landscaoe. Slightly underexpose the shot to enhance the colours, and try to photograph it against a dark background.
Rain can add a creative element top your photographs. Water acts just like a mirror, especially when it is dark, so it can be used to catch the reflection of a brightly coloured bus, or catching shop lights in puddles. Long exposures are best to stop the rain drops recoding, and getting the exposure spot on is essential too.
December 11th, 2006
A dull overcast day is ideal for taking pictures deep inside a wood or forest, because contrast is low. A polarising filter will cut through the glare of damp, shiny foliage and enhance colour situation. This type of weather is also good for pictures of rivers and waterfalls, as light levels are low enabling a long exposure, blurring the movement of water in a way that’s not possible on bright days.
If you are out in the open, one solution would be to get up onto higher ground and look down onto the landscape, and exclude the empty sky from the composition. A polarising filter and/or a warm up filter may enhance the light. Interesting buildings might provide a photographic opportunity.
Alternatively shoot for Black & White – low contrast light gives wonderful tonality.
December 7th, 2006
Nope, not in my world. In my eyes it quite simple:
Good composition + good lighting + correct exposure = successful photograph
OK you need to learn the rules, and the theory behind them, but once you do the best classroom is actually doing it. And just seeing what happens, and hopefully it’ll go a little wrong so that you learn & improve along the way.
It’s a bit like learning to drive – I really wasn’t fussed how the engine actually worked, so long as I knew how to drive safely. Others thrive on knowing how the engine actually works – I’m just not one of them.
A lot of it I just find intuitive, photographically speaking that is!
December 5th, 2006
Travelling with 8 other photographers was an absolute eye opener. Once darkness arrived, we retired to base to download the day’s photographs and discuss photography until overcome by tiredness.
As the only professional I knew far less about Photoshop techniques than the others. The others – all brilliant photographers, but serious amateurs, knew lots of neat tricks and tips. I just wish I had the time! For me it still has to be right in camera, so I can get it ready for my website, and stock library quickly.
I’m almost tempted to learn more about Photoshop, but reluctant to in case I then need to spend more time on my images. Bit of a rock and a hard place that one!
December 2nd, 2006
