One year ago, I took my Canon 5D III out for the first time. I borrowed a lens from a friend so that I could take pictures of the 2012, Estes Park “Catch the Glow” Parade. I owe a big thank you to my friend for allowing me to borrow her lens so I could start off my venture with the DSLR! I have grown leaps and bounds over one year, and still have a lot that I want to accomplish!
This theme has been resounding in my life in recent months – I cannot do this alone. The theme popped up, again, today.
As I have been talking about in previous posts, there are several different subjects in photography – landscapes, wildlife, portraits, etc.. There are also different types of photographers – technical, creative, artistic, etc..
A lot of the photography that I do is out in Rocky Mountain National Park. Hiking in the “backcountry” is not something that should be taken lightly. It takes advanced preparation and planning, especially for photographers. What equipment should be in my pack to get the shots? What equipment do I need in case the weather changes? There are also the essentials of food and water.
When I was in scouts, we always used the buddy system; meaning, we never went out alone. I have never really just gone out for a hike by myself, usually hiking with a friend or group. I also extend the buddy system to notifying someone of where I am going and when I plan to return. That way, help can be sent if needed.
Back to today… When people find out that I am a photographer, they always ask what my subject matter is. I usually respond with landscapes and wildlife. Well, I was tasked with taking a few more portrait photos. This is a completely differ style of photography that I am typically not comfortable doing.
Portrait photography means dealing with clients in a much different demeanor. A landscape does not need a release form to be photographed. A wild animal usually minds it’s own business unless its territory is encroached upon. There is no risk that a landscape will dislike how it looks. I think I am making my point… The main issue is sharing the moment with someone, and letting the scene do the talking. Of course, there is always a story behind a photo.
I can certainly take a decent portrait photo. It is possible to operate a portrait photography business with one person. However, I am not capable of managing the entire process by myself. Then, the question becomes – do I really even want to walk down that path? It is not out of the question. Yet, sometimes the door is closed and it has to be opened. Sometimes the door is open and we have not walked through it, yet. Another way to say it is – it is in God’s hands.
The two prints that I took in for matting are back! They look great! I definitely recommend “Wild Spirits Gallery” for their service.
These two prints are for sale at $45 each, plus shipping [unless local]. Both are 8×10 prints with the mat sized to fit an 11×14 frame.
Message me if interested in buying one.
The four prints that I ordered last week were delivered on Wednesday. I took them into “Wild Spirits Gallery” the same day and picked out mats for two of them.
The two prints that are getting matted will be for sale at $45 plus shipping [unless local]. They are “Water Droplets on Aspen Leaves” and “Hedge Hog Cactus Flower.” I am expecting them sometime mid to late next week.
One of my hummingbird pictures is going to Arizona with me at Christmas as a gift. I like this photo, because my imagination put a speech bubble above the hummingbird, saying “Surprise! You caught me.” It makes it a unique photo, but I almost decided not to post it. It is a reminder that “beauty [or art] is in the eye of the beholder” as the phrase states.
The other photo, “Loch Vale Snow,” is being matted and framed, because it is a non-standard frame size. I am not sure what I am going to do with this one.
I am somewhat anxious to see the final results!
God has shown me many things through photography – Humbleness, Creativeness, Joyfulness, Sadness, Happiness, etc..
The past couple of weeks, I started ordering prints. It is a scary place to be, to be honest. There is no guarantee that there is any interest in my photos, even with the positive feedback and the criticisms.
One print is a gift. That one photo is not really my favorite photo. In fact, I don’t know why I have it on my webpage. That is where God shows me all of the characteristics I can bring to the table with photography. That photo shows uniqueness, and it humbled me to know that someone appreciated it enough to request it!
Was it worth the effort to setup up the camera and wait patiently for the better part of the afternoon for that photo? Yes! To someone it was.
I placed a second order for a few more prints! These ones will be up for sale after I get them matted and framed. All three are 8×10, and I will have a price after they are matted and framed.
One is “Water Droplets on Aspen Leaves”
http://www.justphotographin.com/Portfolio/Portfolio/n-8XNQF/i-mkTqZ7G
One is “Hedge Hog Cactus Flower”
http://www.justphotographin.com/Portfolio/Portfolio/n-8XNQF/i-wSpjptN/A
One is “Loch Vale Snow”
http://www.justphotographin.com/Portfolio/Portfolio/n-8XNQF/i-jSFnRzr/A
Email me if you’re interested in any of these! I should have them ready next week.
This past week, I decided to order the first three prints of photos I have taken. This is a huge starting point for JUST PhotographIN’!
My neighbor recommended a local store, Wild Spirits Gallery, that works with mats, mounts and frames. I took the three prints to the store to check on options, and the owner was impressed and said he wanted to see more of my work!
On a similar note, the reason why I decide to order a few prints was to do a quality assurance test. What is visible on a computer monitor does not always translate to what is visible on a print. I wanted to see how the order process worked and make sure that what is being printed is the quality that I am looking for.
The overall experience was good! I am happy with the order process and the print quality! Plus, I gained a potential business partner to help display some of my work.
The three prints that I currently have are going to be donated to the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies in support of the children and youth programs. I am certain that I will be working on a few more prints soon, and will definitely return to Wild Spirits Gallery for mounting, matting and framing options!
Hummingbirds are difficult to photograph. It took a lot of prep time and patience to get these photos on August 27th. What I was attempting to get was a shot of the hummingbirds that filled the frame as much as possible. In order to do this, I went with a slightly unconventional approach. I used my 100mm macro lens.
Apparently, today is “national pasta day.” I enjoy cooking. That means I decided to make some macaroni and cheese with homemade cheese sauce.
One of the reasons I selected the Canon EOS 5D mark III is the video recording capability that the camera provides. The video specifications and reviews are impressive for this camera.
I am just beginning to explore DSLR video, which is exciting. There are numerous opportunities to add another dimension to my capabilities as a photographer.
I recently purchased the Zoom H4n digital audio recorder as an added accessory for enhanced audio recording capabilities. This will compliment any video shooting that I do with the 5D III. I have been using the H4n for a couple of weeks now, and am impressed with the results!
Once I have some video worth posting, I will uploaded it to share! Right now, I am still in the practice mode.
JUST PhotographIN' 