Monday, February 29, 2016

Passing up Photographic Opportunities ::

I learned long ago that if I come across a scene worthy of a photograph I should go ahead and take it then or, more often than not, the scene will have changed when I come back later. Saturday morning I broke this rule when I came across this scene as I was driving around the countryside.

The first thing that drew my eye on this little side street were the twin doors with the plastic sunflowers at the top. I kept going, but I came back by Sunday morning with the D800 and took the above photo. I also shot a couple of Holga images on Fuji color film, but I'll have to wait a few days to see what that looks like. Anyway, when I processed this image later in the day I noticed the arched doorway with a rectangular door behind it. I really like photographs that contain several elements and one in which the eye can wander around a bit and find more than one interesting element.

Saturday, February 27, 2016

"Finding Vivian Maier" ::

I've been watching this film which is now available streaming on Netflix. I got the notice late last month that it would soon be available and I happened to remember it this evening so that is what I've doing. I've kind of been following the story of her discovery for the past few years and I'm happy to finally be able to see the film.

The first part of the film concentrates on her work, how it was discovered, and the lengths to which needed to be taken to preserve the work. The second half of the film delves more into her personal life and her work as a nanny with interviews with many of the people for whom she worked. Unfortunately, this section brings up some very disturbing aspects of her personality.

If you have a Netflix account take an hour and a half and watch the film. It's well worth the time.

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Another Shout-Out to IT Supplies ::

I wrote a few weeks ago about the great service from IT Supplies in delivering my new Epson P800 printer (which I love), and the great service continues. Yesterday morning I ordered a 17" x 50' roll of the new Epson Legacy Baryta paper at around 10am and the paper was delivered this morning at around 9 am. 24 hour service just can't be beat and the price was very reasonable.

I'm looking forward to trying this new paper out.

Sunday, February 7, 2016

A Nature Photograph Challenge ::

Last weekend I was challenged by my friend, Kathy, to post one nature photo each day on Facebook. Now, I certainly do not consider myself a nature photographer at all and interpreted the challenge with a lot of leeway. I posted the 7th, and last, photograph this morning and it pretty well sums up my feelings:

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Pallet Flags ::

This was the 1st photograph I took of this shipping pallet painted as an American flag, although I did shoot a couple of photographs of this fence prior to the pallet being placed in front.

When I first shot this, I thought that the painted pallet was done by the homeowner, but, in the past few months, I have seen these all over the place although I've yet to find the supply source. I've had a thing about photographing flags for many more years than I care to admit and I love to find them in unusual circumstances.

Friday, January 22, 2016

Poplar Ridge School

This is the 2nd time I've photographed this old one room schoolhouse which is located on a back road in Owens Crossroads, Alabama. I'll have to check with some of the old timers in the area to see if they have any stories to share about attending this school.

By way of technical data, this was taken with a Nikon D800 fitted with a Nikon 20-35mm lens. This was also a handheld 7 shot HDR. I know that it would be best to use a tripod and, in fact, I did have one with me, but I didn't intend to do a HDR when I got out of the truck. It worked though.

I don't often do HDR shots and I do usually use one of the tripods, but I'm not afraid to shoot handheld.

Sunday, January 10, 2016

First Prints From The Epson P800 ::

I haven't really had a chance to give the P800 a good workout yet, but I have printed a few black and white and color prints and the tonal scale and color renditions are just beautiful. So far I've only had the chance to print on the Epson Ultra Premium Luster paper, but I have some Hot Press Bright that I will be checking out soon and I am about to order some Hahnemuhle Photo Rag. I've used the Hahnemuhle in the past and I really like it.

In the meantime, here is a Holga photograph for today:

Friday, January 1, 2016

New Epson Printer

I ordered the Epson P800 this past Tuesday in order to qualify for the $350 rebate. I was in Atlanta Wednesday to see some friends and the printer was delivered while we were having lunch so it was on the porch when we got home Wednesday evening. I couldn't believe the quick service and delivery by UPS after ordering the printer from IT Supplies. This is the first big purchase I've made from them although I do sometimes order Hahnemuhle paper. I heartily recommend IT Services!

Anyway, I finally got the chance to set the printer up this afternoon and I'm extremely pleased with it. The set-up went smoothly although it took me about 20 minutes to take all of the tape off from various locations, but I'd rather do that than take the chance of something going awry. I also ordered the roll paper adapter for the printer and the installation of the adapter was also very smooth and easy.

One thing I really like about the printer is that it connects wirelessly via wi-fi so the only connection is for the power. I really hate the tangle of USB connecters I have to deal with. I've only had the chance to print one image so far, but the canned Epson Ultra Premium Luster profile was spot on. I've been using Epson printers and scanners for years and I've yet to be disappointed!