Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Glorious Fall Day

Today is one of those amazing days - crystal clear, cool air, warm sun - the camera loves being taken for a walk on days like today!

This photo I thought might be good for an upcoming project for my course (haven't done the relevant lesson yet, or read the project requirements, but have heard others discussing it). Love it, either way!


Another glorious fall scene ...

Monday, September 20, 2010

2010 National Geographic Photo Contest


I just entered this photo in the "Nature" section of the NatGeo contest for this year!

Wish me luck!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Photo Assignment Reviews

Got my reviews on my first photo assignment back from NYIP yesterday. Seems they're all pretty good. Only issues are ...

... Panning Motion: Instructor couldn't tell that the zipliner was going right to left - he thought left to right - so suggested I crop the other way. Non-issue, really.

... Blur Motion: Seems the printing process cut off the horse's hooves ... I didn't notice before sending the shot in! Oops!

Started unit 2 theory in earnest yesterday ... read the business booklet for this unit, and also the lesson on Image Capture. Wow, dry stuff ... might have to go through the lesson again this morning to make sure it's clear in my head!

Friday, September 10, 2010

Encouragement

Now and then, when I catch a great shot, it is always good to hear a few encouraging words, particularly when they come from sources that one respects!

I'm trying, in my small way, to do the same thing for others, too!

Friday, September 3, 2010

Family

I am so lucky!

I have the most supportive husband, who will forever hold my heart, my admiration, and my thanks. With him at my side, I have the courage to boldly follow a less-traveled path!

I have two younger brothers, both of whom I have great pride in, and love for. Despite the different challenges they've experienced, they're making their way through it all in an honest and honourable manner.

And I am very grateful that both of my parents are still with us. Their unconditional love and support throughout has been the bedrock on which I built my life. The foundation they gave me, and continue to give me, holds me up.

Thank you.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Equestrian Photography

On Saturday I had the opportunity to spend a couple of hours at a horse show in Chilliwack, the National Youth Championships.

I just wish I could've spent more time there ... not only do I need the photography practice, but it was SO great to be around horses again!

The arena I photographed was indoors with a combination of some natural light and electric lighting. It was rather dark but I wasn't keen to use a flash in case it disturbed the competitors. Of the 300+ shots I took, I think a handful might come out well enough to share. I had my iso set at the highest it would go. Of course, not being an "official" photog, I couldn't get as close to the ring as I'd have liked but hey, I worked with what I had.

I'll be keeping my eyes open for another equestrian opportunity!

Friday, August 27, 2010

Education & Practice

As I mentioned, I am currently working on a pro photog course through the New York Institute of Photography. It is an indepth program with six modules. I've finished the theory and test for the first, but am still working on the photo project for this section.

I've got two images showing motion (panning and freeze action), and I've got one each to illustrate both shallow depth of field, and distance. I need one more motion picture, one that has the background in focus but the subject blurred by movement.

This last shot I'm hoping to get this weekend. We're heading down to Chilliwack where we'll be visiting family. A big get-together of the immediate clan, which we haven't done in many years - and a long time coming! My father's visiting Canada from South Africa, my mother and older-younger brother who live in Chilliwack will be there of course, and my younger-younger brother will also be visiting from Panorama, B.C. Very excited!

Anyway, back to photography. There's an equestrian event going on nearby, so I'll be heading there for a couple of hours on Saturday morning to see if I can get the last shot for my photo project. And, of course, indulge in my passion for horses - haven't been around them in years - looking forward to that, too!

Needless to say, now that I'm the "photographer" in the family, I'll be tasked with the family portrait/s ... should be good practice!

And yes, I know this is a photography blog ... I'll get to posting some photo's soon! Meanwhile, I've got a photography group on Facebook that you're welcome to join if you're so inclined!