Paddling.

On a recent outing down at the river, my kayaking subjects brought an extra boat for me. This was unexpected, but appreciated. It allowed me to get new and interesting perspectives. I was able to shoot from the kayak, water level and from the opposite shoreline of my normal vantage point.

As I was loading up the boat, preparing to shove off, one of the guys told me it'd be better if I removed my shoes.  Wading into the river even a little ways usually sinks your feet several inches into the muck.  Water shoes or sandals like Tevas will fare just fine, but normal hiking boots really absorb the mud and accompanying smell! Not easily cleaned. I took his advice and left my shoes and sock there on the river bank.

We paddled up river and headed for their play-boating spot of choice. I took it slow, taking advantage of the boat, shooting much along the way. A small, rocky island sits here in the middle of the river.  From up there I thought there'd be choice images.  I paddled to other side of it and got out. Oh yeah... shoes! River bank. Ugh. Well, not going back. So with at least thirty extra pounds of camera equipment on my back I barefooted it over the pebbles, rocks and sharp edged boulders (and not a few prickly plants!) to attain my new vantage points. Ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch!

Thankfully, there were plenty of photo ops along the way. I am submitting many for the article I've been working on for National Parks magazine (Winter issue.), so I must refrain from posting them. But this one I shot for myself. Unique in its perspective, it gives the sense of real wildness. A lone kayaker in the middle of nowhere... yet, in actuality, just outside of a major American city.

Love this place!

Might As Well Jump!

"Action is eloquence." --Shakespeare

Quality of Light.

Good light is essential for good photography. Early morning, late evening, overcast with dramatic clouds, and of course a judicious use of flash.  Whenever possible avoid sunny, midday photography. Harsh light from directly overhead makes for pretty crappy images.

There are times of course when you have no choice but to shoot at or around noon. In those cases, go for it. Make the best of it. But when the sun starts sinking low get back out there. Even the weakest of compositions will benefit from better quality light.

Below are a few shots from a recent trip to that big peninsula at the southeast corner of the United States.

Up first, a shot at 5 in the evening with storm clouds in the distance. A lone fisherman wading into the deep in search of his quarry gives us a sense of scale.

Image two was taken around 7:30 PM while the sun briefly peeked through the clouds, casting long shadows and a warm glow on two beachcombers.

The next shot was taken about ten minutes later, the sun had gone back behind the clouds and I had an assistant hold a flash, camera left, pointed directly at the dude in the chair. Nice clouds, good background.

Last photo: 7AM, hazy sky, orange sun, silhouettes... 

Quality light is the key to quality photography.  Get out early, stay out late and shoot like mad!

Cheers.

A Little R & R.

Hey folks, off with the family for a while.  Won't be blogging til we return.  Until then, here's to you!

Cheers.

Retour en France!

On a rugged seaside cliff in Brittany... just north of Cancale.

Looking closely you can see--sort of--Matt futzing with his camera (lower left) and Rachel and Angie in conversation (upper right). There's a photo in the post below this one of Matt and Angie together... same place.

Once again, beautiful country.  Cannot wait to return.

A bientot!

What is Art?

Never let it be said that there is no "artsy-fartsy" strain coursing through the man. Be it for good or for ill, this place will not always be about the technical crap.