{click image to view large}
I’ve enjoyed playing in the sandbox of Photoshop since the first version for Windows was released in 1992, and can imagine there must be a way to digitally create this image if I’d come up with the idea. Instead, what a pleasure it was to look up at this moment—“whoa!”—and simply click the shutter release. Instant gratification.
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Nikon D300; 1/45 sec @ f11, ISO 220 (handheld);
18-200 mm f/3.5–5.6 @ 105mm (157mm EFL); focus distance 33.5m
Nikon D300; 1/125 sec @ f8, ISO 560 (handheld); 18-200 mm f/3.5–5.6 @ 27mm (40mm EFL)
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Nikon D300; 1/125 sec @ f8, ISO 500 (handheld); 18-200 mm f/3.5–5.6 @ 26mm (39mm EFL)
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Just the other day… At 6 a.m. I was standing on the end of a pier during a collision of weather fronts over Lake Michigan—marveling at the colors, storm light, and changing cloud formations. As the wind shifted from calm to whirling, it felt like I was in the center of a vortex.
When it finally began to rain, I retreated beneath trees in the park and realized I’d been the highest point on lakefront with the metal tip of my folded umbrella way above my shoulder. Probably not the smartest move.
But I didn’t get struck by lightning, and it was exhilarating to be there!
It’s curious to realize I posted a similar photograph in July of 2010, but there was no conscious intent to replicate the scene. Both were shot after attending workshops in Miksang Level 1, but I much prefer the clarity of the second image. Same place, different time…
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Nikon D300; 1/45 sec @ f4.2, ISO 1000 (handheld);
18-200 mm f/3.5–5.6 @ 38mm (57mm EFL); focus distance .89m
This image was photographed recently while attending the Miksang Level 1 workshop in Boulder, Colorado. It was discovered in a back alley during the “texture” assignment.
I first took Level 1 three years ago, and have since completed Levels 2-4. It was interesting to notice that I felt more free in tackling the assignments this time around—less confined by trying to figure out the “rules”. There’s really only one criteria in this practice: Was it a fresh perception, and did you express it clearly? Ok, that’s two. 🙂
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Nikon D300; 1/250 sec @ f11, ISO 200 (handheld);
18-200 mm f/3.5–5.6 @ 44mm (66mm EFL); focus distance .5m
Nikon D300; 1/45 sec @ f8, ISO 200 (handheld);
18-200 mm f/3.5–5.6 @ 56mm (84mm EFL); focus distance .71m
Nikon D300; 1/90 sec @ f8, ISO 200 (handheld);
18-200 mm f/3.5–5.6 @ 60mm (90mm EFL); focus distance .79m
Found in the alleyways of my neighborhood. I’m struck by the contrasts of formal labeling and uncontrolled energy.
When I started practicing Miksang three years ago, we were instructed to “boycott your default position”. Sometimes, however, I just have to capture classic beauty in a traditional way. The light on these flowers was perfect, and the raw file needed very little post-processing. I love when that happens!
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Nikon D300; 1/125 sec @ f11, ISO 400 (handheld);
70-300 mm f/4.5–5.6 @ 240mm (360mm EFL); focus distance 1.78m
Enjoying the light thrown by a green glass vase received from my husband for my birthday. It’s not just for flowers!
(Click on any image to view larger.)
Running errands is always more entertaining when I bring my camera! This was photographed in the parking lot of a grocery store.
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Nikon D300; 1/45 sec @ f11, ISO 640 (handheld);
18-200 mm f/3.5–5.6 @ 200mm (300mm EFL); focus distance 2.66m
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Panasonic DMC-FZ40; 1/15 sec @ f4.5, ISO 400 (handheld);
Focal length: 89mm (502mm EFL)
I like this image for its quiet nature and the blurring of lines between worlds. These fish aren’t actually swimming through plants in the pool, but through their reflections.
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Nikon D300; 1/125 sec @ f11, ISO 3200 (handheld);
70-300 mm f/4.5–5.6 @ 78mm (117mm EFL); focus distance 2.82m