Scouting Locations

Today I spent my afternoon scouting locations in the Serenbe community for the model shoot event this Sunday.

Hawkeye

I have had this camera for a long time.  This is the camera my grandfather used to use.  On some older blogs I have featured photos of him or taken by him -- and I believe they were taken with this camera.  A few days ago I was telling a friend about the camera.  She suggested I take some photos with it -- it would make a nice project.  So I have the bug.  I have looked it over and it seems to be in fine working condition. The bellows look great.  The lens is clear.

Here is a photo of it showing my Christmas tree in the finder.  My obstacle is that this camera uses 116 film.  That size film is no longer produced.  I have found a lot of information on converting it to use 120 film fairly easily.  This caught the attention of my husband since I likes to work on things -- he is working on how to fit a 120 spindle in the camera. 

Thanksgiving

A few mornings ago there was a great amount of fog.  As I walked along the edge of the woods with Sadie and Iris I could see many spiders' webs strung throughout the branches.  As soon as I could, I got the dogs to finish their morning sniff and headed back to the house for my camera.  The next few minutes I spent traveling along the branch tips as the spiders had the night before -- looking at the twists and turns and trying to figure the point of it all.

Sometimes trying to figure the point of it all is a waste of time -- and I stopped then only to just see the decorations left behind.  

As I shot the photos that morning, I remembered this picture.  As I took it I knew I wanted to see it in black and white.  This is a conversion using Silver Efex Pro 2.  I love this plug in for my black and white work.

I hope no one had to figure the point of anything today and that everyone had a nice Thanksgiving.  

Photography Gift Ideas

Once again it is time to think about what to give your favorite photographer for the holidays.  It is always nice to give them something they can use.  But if you are not a photographer -- how do you know what is good stuff?  Hopefully I can help.

Favorite Lenses

• 50mm Lens  If someone you know is just getting into photography -- say they bought the body & kit lens but want something else to add to it; you can't go wrong giving them a 50mm lens.  I use the Canon 50mm f1.4 and love it -- love it so much I bought two and gave one to my son.
• Lensbaby Composer Pro with the Sweet 35 drop in optic.  I have been shooting with a Lensbaby lens for a few years.  I love them.  I started with the old 3G model and have used the Control Freak, Composer and now the Composer Pro.  
• Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 VC  This is a great little walk around lens if you are looking for a wide angle and perhaps some closer shots.  The f2.8 part gives you the option to get creative with your depth of field.  I have been very pleased with this lens.

Camera Bags

• My main camera bag is a Jill-E bag.  It looks nice -- like a handbag -- but it is a great camera bag that holds all I need.
• When I don't want to carry the big bag -- I like to use a Shootsac camera bag.  These look good and are lightweight.  
• The standby for us at my house for a good go-to bag is from Lowepro.  I have had my old Lowepro bag for years -- and now my son uses it and really likes it.  

Fun Things

• Pretty camera straps are available at many locations and online.  I have ordered some from Etsy that are colorful and fun.  There are some available made from seat belts.
• Knee pads -- if your photographer shoots a lot of nature or car shows -- or anything where she may be kneeling on hard surfaces -- a nice garden knee pad set or gardener pad will be nice to have.
• Now that it is cold weather -- I love my winter golf gloves for shooting on a cold winter morning there is not much to keep your fingers from freezing -- but these help.  You can also find reusable heat pack that will last about 30 minutes -- they are 'recharged' by boiling in water to have ready for your next outing.  
• Speaking of cold weather -- Cuddl Duds are awesome to help keep you warm too -- and they are great to relax in when you come home to edit your photos.
• Camera lens mugs make for something fun.  
• I love my iPad and really have some fun with the Snapseed app from Nik Software.  The iPad allows me to tote my portfolios with me wherever I go.  My preferred method to get photos onto my iPad from my computer is using the Dropbox app.
• Give the dog a camera.  I am thinking of getting one of these for Sadie and Iris this year.  
• Scottevest jackets and vests are very useful for the photographer, hiker, or traveler.  These garments are loaded with pockets.
• And lastly -- if your photographer does not have one by now -- get her a GPS.  These are the best when you are out driving around looking at the scenery -- lose track of was that last turn a right or a left.  Just punch in "Go Home" and the GPS will get you back to where you started.

Be Promiscuous

I have found that it is best to let the idea of a photo find me.  When I set out with a certain idea in mind the photos never come out the way I had imagined them to be. The preconceived notion stifles the free flow of the 'what if' during the shooting time.

My favorite photos are of the scenes I happen to see and then shoot right away. There was no way to foresee or prepare for the above photo.  I have a new lens -- the Lensbaby Composer Pro with the Sweet 35 optic.  So far I love it more than my old Composer.  When the lens arrived, I put it on my old Rebel and left it there -- so if I see something around the house -- like Sadie napping -- I can grab it and play around.

Last Saturday I went along on a workshop at the McIntosh Preserve in Whitesburg, GA -- on the Chattahoochee River.  Beautiful day -- and yep -- I took along the newest Lensbaby.  My subject matter changes almost daily.  Whatever I see that I like -- I shoot it.  I am a promiscuous photographer.  I am not held tightly to any one type of subject.  I love the dogs, nature, still life, or city scenes.  

I believe this promiscuity comes from being in a photography club or group.  When you have a monthly theme to shoot for -- you look outside of your normal routines. Seeing the photos that other people bring in will also open your eyes to things you may not have thought about before.  Recently I began leading a new group connected to the Serenbe Photography Center.  If you are in the area, and looking for a group -- come check us out.