These chrysanthemums are such a wonderful shade of pink, unfortunately, I had great difficulty getting them to come out just right in a photo. I have fought with myself over which image should be day 9 in my Project 365, so I finally decided to remain “artistically” indecisive and combine the two.
The purist forms of both halves are available from the stream: BW + Color
My Image Coding System
For my own records, and for anyone who may be interested, this is my image coding system, it identifies how an image file is to be named once it has been processed, post-processed or manipulated after initial shooting.
Nikon D-SLR Class Naming System: DSC_9999.jpg/DSC_9999.nef
Cropped Naming: DSC_9999-1.jpg, DSC_9999-2.jpg OR DSC_9999-800×600.jpg, DSC_9999_16x9
Straightening (not rotation): same as cropping
Resize: rDSC_9999.jpg OR DSC_9999r1024.jpg (if multiple resizes)
Processed RAW: DSC_9999p.jpg (first processing), DSC_9999p1.jpg (second an beyond)
Color correction/Image Cleaning (general): DSC_9999c.jpg
Color correction (mono/grayscale): DSC_9999bw.jpg
Color correction (cast addition/limited color): DSC_9999blue.jpg
Generic Change To Image, Not Affecting Image Shape/Size: DSC_9999c.jpg
Generic Change To Image (All others): DSC_9999-1.jpg
P365: Day 8
Not quite the normal level of interest for a daily photo, but I realized that I have never really taken a photo of my model locomotive before.
New Camera Bag
My new Lowepro Toploader Pro 75 AW arrived today, and I must say, as a camera bag, it is a little overwhelming. I was expecting something to just replace my present “holster” which is basically a padded leather case that is designed to match the shape of a camera. This bag is more substantial, having better padding, several zippered compartments and places to attach other accessories, such as a long lens in a special lens bag (such as the Lens Case 2, which I have) or a speedlight flash. It only took me a few minutes to adjust the strap the way I wanted it, but I am having a hard time determining what I should put in the bag. So far I have put in things like a spare memory card and the backup battery. I am trying to decide if I should move the card reader into the new bag, or leave it in the main bag. The bag is intended to supplement the main camera bag, not replace it; however, having a “holster” this featured will make it necessary less often. One of the most interesting aspects of this bag is something hidden in a little pocket on the back of it, it is a little plastic covering that is tethered to the bag, much like a parachute. It is designed to deploy and cover the bag when it rains to protect the camera and bag.
P365: Day 7
Working with some new backgrounds, trying some remote lighting and some other fun stuff. I really had nothing originally for day 7, so I decided to try something to salvage the day, otherwise, it was a picture of a box (its in the photostream if you are bored). I took this photo based on something my Drawing II instructor said. She eluded to using something unique, but yet universal as a basis for a work when inspiration is limited. From that, I present, my pen cup.
Halloween Crap
Just got the annual Halloween costume e-mail from Amazon and decided to explore the selection a bit. I am seriously starting to miss when things were better done. I looked at a variety of costumes, from Halo 3 characters (I think I might be one of those this year) to more traditional things like cowboys and cops. I understand that it is difficult to affordably create costumes, but some of the stuff people are coming up with is absolute crap. The cop and the inmate are apparently supposed to carry either plastic or rubber handcuffs. Who is going to have a good time with some goofy plastic shit, wondering all night if it is going to break. I remember cheap stainless steel handcuffs that I used to have as a child, and they were not particularly expensive, but they were better suited for a night of trick-or-treating, or even a Halloween party than the stuff currently sold. Biggest letdown with the cuffs is the sound. Rubber and plastic don’t make the same sound and the effect is lost. Aside from the props, what about the costumes themselves? Fabrics used in their construction seem to be getting worse. I looked at some of the Star Trek costumes and discovered that many have communicators and pips that are merely screen printed. Is it really that expensive to add a few silver buttons for things like that? The costumes that are actually decent have a lot of pieces missing, such as the gunslinger, which I thought was kind of cool. To do that costume, I would have to get a hat, boot cut jeans, cowboy boots and a gun holster (it isn’t included). I would probably also need to obtain a big-ass belt buckle. Among the most interesting and complete is the firefighter, it includes everything except boots, and I already have a pair of tactical boots, not that it would stop me from considering a pair of fire boots (Morgan’s has them). Halloween just seems like it would be more fun if costumes were actually made decently. Anyone got any suggestions for what I should be?
P365: Day 6
Jake guarding his yard. I didn’t do a lot of images for this day, but this one seemed like a good selection. Went for a pleasant walk before dinner and was greeted by Jake as usual. Its one of those things that is a characteristic in my daily life that is nice to capture.
There isn’t any great lighting on this image or anything, the sun was reaching the point where it goes below the tree line, making it useless. I would have preferred to capture a little more of a glow from Jake’s fur. Maybe on the next attempt.
P365: Day 5
I have been fascinated with the way that beverages, glass and light interact recently. I have been trying to capture the essence of that fascination, but it does not translate to photography well. This image is a positive step towards being able to capture it, although, I still can not actually focus fizz.
P365: Day 4
Out of all of the shots I took yesterday, I don’t know why I picked this one. This one jumped out at me. Something about the 3 different areas of light against an otherwise dark composition seems interesting. I did this shot right after doing my own attempt at a “challenge shot” that I had previously had Chris to attempt (involving the pillars to the right of the image).
One Topic, Two Books
I decided recently that I wanted to learn more about light, in terms of how to use it to get the photo I want and how to best illuminate subjects. The book that all serious photographers seem to lean toward is “Light: Science and Magic”, so I bought it. Open it up and it will leave you searching for a pop-quiz in the end of the chapters. There isn’t one, but that doesn’t remove the textbook feel of it. I don’t mean that in a bad way though, it is a very interesting and useful book, but it is highly detailed into the technical aspects of things. The second book I saw at B&N and had to have. “the Hot Shoe Diaries” is a hilarious look at flash photography. It is useful as well, but it is less technical and more directly to the point of how and why of things.
I guess I will be using these books to guide me into using more light in my photographs. I presently rely too much on natural light because “it’s the only light that looks right” in most of my shots, but artificial light can be appealing, if it is used properly. As Scott Kelby says “use your pop-up flash as a weapon”. Most artificial sources, except the ones built into cameras are good light sources that can create appealing effects in images.
They are pretty thick books, but I will do my best to make it through them and come out alive.