In the previous post I had a shot from a new location on the beach. I liked the overall composition but was unhappy with a few of the details. Here is a shot from a simliar location, but with more attention to detail. This shot will look very different in a couple weeks when the trees have all their leaves.
Another night watching the sunset on the beach. I went there intending to get some shots of a nice sunset (which turned out to be OK, but not as good as I hoped). I did go a little earlier than usual to see what I could find for other subjects. I processed the two pictures below and skipped all the sunset photos.
This morning I took a drive the Holden Arboretum, beating the predicted rain. The arboretum is about 10 miles south of my house, and Lake Erie, so I thought the trees and flowers might be a week or two ahead of those at my house. I was disappointed to find everything to be about the same. A few nice cherry blossoms were the center of attention for my photos today. Unfortunately the sky was very bland today.
The other a group of us were having lunch with our friend, Kevin, who was in from Atlanta. We ate outside at the Greenhouse Tavern, across the street from Kevin's Martini Bar. Kevin wanted a picture before we left.
Using Camera+ on my iPhone I took the photo below. I know I didn't compose the shot very well, with the sun harsh on his face. But I was really impressed with the HDR filter in Camera+. With the filter at 100%, it's a bit much, but scaled down to 10-20%, it provides just enough character to the photograph.
Camera+ is my go to camera app. I think the pictures come out better than in the standard camera app, and the various filters and controls allow for improved cleanup and creativity.
Kevin's Martini Bar
Living a block from Lake Erie can be a treat when the sky is painted so beautifully.
Fairport Harbor Light House
The sky looks looks like a water color painting
I've been lacking inspiration to go out and shoot lately. My iPhone camera seems to be getting more use than my Canon Ti4. A combination of cold and generally crappy weather, along with my lack of a macro lens have really limited my creativity. I really miss my 50mm macro that was stolen with my old camera and gear.
The weather is starting to turn, I think. If the weather cooperates I would like to go to the arboretum next week. The plants should be sprouting as spring approaches. Sometime later this year I hope to get a new macro lens.
Tonight's sky had potential for a nice sunset, but wound up being average, and cold. I skipped watching the playoff in the Masters to go to the beach where the wind chill was probably in the high 30's. This time of year the sun sets a little south of the lighthouse at Fairport Beach. My hope was that the clouds over the lighthouse would be painted brightly as the sun set. The clouds we nice to the south, but unfortunately the scenery is not attractive in that area. On the bright side, I got in some practice.
Last weekend in NYC, my friend Jenifer picked up my camera and started taking some pictures. She got a really nice picture of the bartender. Jenifer appears to have a natural talent for photographing people that I wish I had. I'll stick to buildings and landscapes.
Bartender in the Irish Pub.
Last weekend I traveled to New York City for an event. It was my first time in the city. I packed my big camera and was excited for the opportunity to photograph a new place. Unfortunately, I was so uninspired by the city. The first two days ended no being to hectic, I didn't get a chance to use the dSLR. I took a few iPhone photos that didn't turn into much. I had planned on Sunday being my day to walk around with the camera. Late flight, lots of time. The morning started with a mile walk to the drug store, and getting lost on the return trip. Later I took a walk on Highline Park with a friend. I should have taken my camera, but by then had no desire to carry it. I made due with the iPhone and got one shot I'm happy with. These are my two best shots from the trip.
This morning I got up early hoping to get a nice sunrise at the beach. When it's dark and you can't see the conditions in the sky, you have to get up and hope for the best. Unfortunately the sky was quite overcast. Too much to let the sun show through. I was up, so I went to the beach anyway. Ended up playing with my variable neutral density filter, taking some long exposures of the water. Those shots didn't turn out very well. I also took a few shots of the rocks and pebbles. After some creative processing and cropping, I got a shot I was happy with. Not my greatest work, but better than a complete waste.
Smooth and Bumpy
Had dinner at the Winking Lizard restaurant tonight and tried a new GF beer. Omission was good. It tastes very similar to Redbridge. I was not disappointed.
The facility where the SMPS Columbus 30th Anniversary Party was hosted. Beautiful building with great lines in the structure.
I recently sent a couple of my photos off to be printed on canvas. For more than a year I promised my cousin a print as a housewarming gift. This time around I chose http://www.canvaspop.com/
The prints come out really nice and they do a great job stretching and framing the canvas (the image is warped in the camera, not in real life). I'm not generally a fan of photos printed on canvas, but I was happy with this one.
I had one other project printed on canvas. A photo manipulation that looks a lot like a painting. This one really looks great on canvas. I didn't get it stretched or framed. Someday I will have that done. If you are looking for quality canvas prints at reasonable prices, check out CanvasPop.
My tour guide, Blair, took me to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Unfortunately being early March we were just a little early in the season and the flowers were not in bloom. I only got a few pictures as it was difficult to find compositions that had nice views.
I love the Camera+ app on iPhone and iPad. It's photo was shot with my iPhone and transferred via Photostream to my iPad where I used Camera+ to edit. The iPad version allows for more flexibility in editing, being able to add multiple filters and painting or erasing filters on selected portions of an image.
This photo started as an accident. But I really liked the folds and textures. With a little post processing it turns into an interestingness photo.
Hula Girl
Last November my car was broken into and all my camera gear was stolen. Working with the insurance company, I was able to replace most of it. I upgraded a few thongs along the way.
My most recent purchase is the Tenba Messenger Bag. This bag is a designed for camera equipment, but also has room for my laptop. I ordered the bag in December, and after being on back-order, it arrived on Friday. I never saw a Tenba bag in person prior to ordering, but I have to say I am very impressed with the build quality. The bag is worth the wait.
This bag will be ideal for traveling with my camera and computer, which I do several times a year. The bag holds everything I need, with the exception of a tripod. It is large enough for my gear, but small enough to fit in the airplane overhead bin or under the seat.
Specs:
2 lbs. Inside Dimensions: 16"W x 11"H x 5-8"D. Can hold DSLR body, 2-3 lenses and accessories plus a 15" laptop.
Made of Military-grade nylon exterior; High quality hardware (clips and zippers); built-in padded sleeve for laptop; padded shoulder strap with rubberized non-slip material; removable padded photo inserts; a plethora of pockets; reinforced moisture and abrasion resistant bottom; and a padded back (the side that rests against your hip).
I have my first trip coming up in a few weeks, so we'll see how it works out. I do have a separate, smaller day pack I use for photo excursion.
If you are in the market for a new camera or computer bag, check out Tenba. http://www.tenba.com/@tenbabags
Exterior, front
Exterior, back
Interior, pockets
Interior, full of gear
Interior, empty
