Monday, August 31, 2009

Photo Of The Day - 241 of 365. Early Morning Cat Tails.

Sunday August 30 2009.

The best part of late summer in Alberta is that I don't have to get up at 6 am to get a shot like this with nice early morning sunlight. As fall approaches, I can sleep in.

241/365 2009. Early Morning Cat Tails.


Canon 50D, EF-S17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, ISO 400, f/5.6 for 1/1000 sec.


Chris.

Photo Of The Day - 240 of 365. Rear Curtian Sync.

Saturday August 29 2009.

Messing around with my speedlight. Rear curtain sync creates some really neat effects.

240/365 2009. Rear Curtain Sync.


Canon 50D, EF-S17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, ISO 400, f/8 for 1/6 sec.


Chris.









Friday, August 28, 2009

Photo Of The Day - 239 of 365. Unit 4, Photo 1 - Window Light, Reflector #3

Friday August 28 2009.

Just had to use this shot today. I don't think I'm going to get a better photo of the day today.

239/365 2009. - Unit 4, Photo 1 - Window Light, Reflector #3


Canon 50D, EF-S17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, ISO 400, f/8 for 1/60 sec.


Chris.

Photo Of The Day - 238 of 365. Boots and The Puddle.

Thursday August 27 2009.

So at 41 I sill like to jump in puddles. I was told years ago that if I didn't grow up by the time I was 40, well then I didn't have to. :)

238/365 2009. Boots and The Puddle.


Canon 50D, EF50mm, ISO 100, f/1.8 II, f/5.6 for 1/50 sec.


Chris.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Budding Photographer Interview - Dawn Bourget.

I've been watching Dawn's photo stream on flickr for quite a while now. I'm always struck by her ability to take the everyday and make it art. Everything from a scraped knee to a field of hay bales are thought out and photographed just right. She has a keen eye composition, color and well everything that always inspires me.

Photographer name: Dawn Bourget, Flickr Stream, Website.

1 ) How long have you been interested in photography?

Ever since I was little, I was interested in photography. I remember getting my first camera at about 12 years old. I took that camera everywhere.

2 ) What got you started in photography?

When my daughter was born, my passion for photography was reborn too. I was in awe of her and wanted to capture every moment and milestone. It was about 3 years later, when all my friends and family had me photographing there kids and families. So, with the support of my husband Dawn Bourget Photography became a reality. www.dawnbourgetphotography.ca

3 ) Do you have any photographers who's work you admire?

Wow so many photographers inspire me.

4 ) What inspires you to make photographs?

Life… It’s a cliché but life is so short and goes by so fast, photographs help to make our memories last a lifetime. That’s what drew me to “the 365” capturing those everyday fleeting moments.

5 ) Do you have a specific style that you like to shoot? Such as portraits, fine art, photojournalism etc.

I prefer lifestyle/photojournalism. I don’t think photography has to always be about the perfect shot.

6 ) What is your favorite photographic subject?

Well, if you’ve seen my 365 you know it’s my daughter. She has always been my inspiration.

7 ) What gear do you shoot with?

I’m a Canon girl =) The EOS 5D Mark II with various lens.

8 ) What is your favorite lens?

Currently it’s the 50 mm 1.4 lens.

9 ) Do you shoot in Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority or Manual?

I shoot manual.

10 ) Where do you see your photography in 10 years?

Let’s see – photographing ads for GAP would be nice.

11 ) Do you have a tip for our readers?

Light is your friend in photography, learn to use it to your benefit.

12 ) Do you have a favorite photo of yours that you would like to share with us?

That’s hard; my favorite photographs change almost daily. Here’s one from my last session before leaving Ontario to move to Alberta. The connection between this mother and her newborn was so overwhelming; it brought tears to my eyes. Moments like this are priceless, and memories for a lifetime to come.

newborn



Thank you very much Dawn.

I recommend that everyone check out Dawn's photos. Especially her Emelie set which really shows the thought that goes into her photography. Then head to her website and check out her work. Fantastic photos there.

Chris.

A Great Day For Sports Photography?

I just read a post on Scott Kelby's blog about how some professional sports photographers stole a dream away from an amature photographer and proud dad. He had won a sideline pass for a major soccer game and that outraged the so called professional photographers and they rallied to have the pass revoked. NOT VERY PROFESSIONAL. Were they worried that he would be a better photographer than them? Are we amateurs such a threat to a professional that they have to go this far. I feel for this guy. It saddens me.

Anyway, here is the link to the post.

Chris.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Photo Of The Day - 237 of 365. Alanna.

Wednesday August 26 2009.

I managed to take a photo of my wife before the thunderstom rolled in this evening.

She is my world.

237/365 2009. Alanna.


Canon 50D, EF50mm f/1.8 II, ISO 100, f/5.6 for 1/100 sec.


Chris.

Low Light Photography - Camp Fire Photos.

Camping. Who doesn't love it? I love taking photos at the lake. Anybody who's been to the lake with me can tell you that. What about getting some fun shots from around the camp fire? It used to involve a tripod and the subject posing or using the flash for the candid shots. Either way, the shot was not the same. It was either way to "posed" looking or the flash just ruined the great light from the fire.

Recently, I took some photos around the campfire with a very high ISO, 6400, and my 50mm f/1.8 lens wide open to f/1.8. Of course this produced some pretty bad noise. Especially with the ISO at 6400. I could have gone with a lower ISO setting but I really wanted the faster shutter speed to get the sharpest photo I could. Well what to do? I used Noise Ninja to take care of the noise. Here are the resulting photos. I won't bore you with the before shots, trust me it was like looking at a sand painting!

IMG_0190 50D 08222009


233/365 2009. Mesmerized by the Fire Light.


IMG_0199 50D 08222009-Edit


IMG_0203 50D 08222009-Edit


IMG_0204 50D 08222009-Edit


IMG_0206 50D 08222009-Edit


IMG_0208 50D 08222009-Edit


IMG_0210 50D 08222009-Edit


Chris.

Photo Of The Day - 236 of 365. Air Hog.

Tuesday August 25 2009.

As he learned to fly it. It broke. What a crazy toy. Too hard to fly but lots of fun.

236/365 2009. Air Hog.


Canon 50D, EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS, ISO 1600, f/5 for 1/250 sec.


Chris.


Photo Of The Day - 235 of 365. Massive Trailer.

Monday August 24 2009.

These trailers are massive. All the wheels steer. It must be 80 feet long. Always impress me when they back them under a building.

235/365 2009. Massive Trailer.


Canon 50D, EF-S17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, ISO 100, f/8 for 1/100 sec.


Chris.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Meditative Photography.

Recently I've been asked repeatedly why my camera is always in my hand. Well, let me try to explain my apparant obsession with photography.

Actually, I heard a pod cast this morning that explained it pretty well. Rob Nunn just released a pod cast on this very thing.  It speaks volumes about what I think on the topic.

It's meditative. Plain and simple.

When I'm taking photos, the world seems to stop. Nothing matters at that moment but me and my camera and my subject. Whether it's one of my kids, or a bird or a rock. Everything just stops. My mind clears, my blood pressure goes down, my heart slows, my breathing slows. I just feel much better about everything. There was a time in my life where I actually took up meditation itself. I was more confident, more relaxed, harder to anger, healthier. Less stressed out. Life got in the way of that, kids and busy days at work will do that. I've found my new meditation.

I can take my camera with me anywhere and I do. All I have to do is stop, look around me and take some photos. Instant meditation. This is not to say that everytime I have my camera means that I need to slow down and clear my mind but, more often than not, that is the case.

I have created a set on my Flickr stream called Meditative Photography. Please check it out and share your thoughts with me.

Chris.

Photo Of The Day - 234 of 365. Driving Into The Storm.

Sunday August 23 2009.

On our way home from the lake today we started driving into this. We searched for another direction to go but none took us home. Too bad. We never did hit it though. It was moving pretty fast. Us too. I shot this at 65 MPH! Talk about a drive by shooting!

234/365 2009. Driving Into The Storm.


Canon 50D, 17-85mm f/3.5-5.6, ISO 100, f/8 for 1/320 sec.


Chris.

Photo Of The Day - 233 of 365. Mesmerized by the Fire Light.

Saturday August 22 2009.

Late night fire shot. Lit only by the camp fire. Taken at ISO 6400, f/1.8 for 1/100 sec. Then cleaned up with Noise Ninja becase the noise was nasty. I like the resulting photo.

233/365 2009. Mesmerized by the Fire Light.


Canon 50D, 50mm f/1.8, ISO 6400, f/1.8 for 1/100 sec. Cleaned up with Noise Ninja.


Chris.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Photo Of The Day - 232 of 365. Die.

Friday August 21 2009.

As in tool, not death. I was drawn to the sharp edges and just had to photograph them.

232/365 2009. Die.


Canon 50D, 55-250mm EF-S f/4.5-5.6, ISO 400, f/8 for 1/25 sec.


Chris.

Photo Of The Day - 231 of 365. Hat Rack.

Thursday August 20 2009.

My mini theme for today is - Office Hats

Why not.

231/365 2009. Hat Rack.


50mm, ISO 100, f/2 for 1/25 sec.


Chris.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Budding Photographer Interview - Lani Barbitta.

Lani Barbitta- www.flickr.com/photos/lanibarbitta/

I first met Lani through Flickr back in 2008. We are taking the same course through NYIP.

Lani has a style that brings shallow depth of field and interesting subjects together that leaves you thinking "Wow, that is just so cool". I always find myself waiting to see what Lani will post next.

Enough of my rambling, here is the interview.

1 ) How long have you been interested in photography?

I’ve always been a little curious about photography, but it was only recently that I developed a strong desire to create ‘more than a snapshot’. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with snapping a generic snap shot. I do this on a consistent basis! However, I wanted to raise the bar a little bit for myself.

2 ) What got you started in photography?

My dang co-worker Hawk! He convinced me to open a flickr account at the tail end of 2006. Ever since then it’s been the battle of the dueling cameras, each trying to out do the other! Hahaha!! No really, it was the viewing of all the amazing images, taken by photographers whom I found on flickr, and realizing that I, too, could try to create the same caliber of images.

3 ) Do you have any photographers who's work you admire?

Good question. I’ve recently found Henri Cartier-Bresson to be an inspiration. I love how he captures that definitive moment in his images. His quote, “Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst” speaks volumes to me. I’m there. I don’t quite ‘like’ my images yet. I've been shooting for three years steady, so in a few more years, I'll discover that I will actually like the images I produce! I also admire Robert Mapplethorpe for his edginess and strength for photographing and publishing images he feels so strongly about.

4 ) What inspires you to make photographs?

When I started flickr, I partook in a ‘project 365’, which entailed taking and posting one image a day for a year, all in the attempts of honing one’s photography skills. It proved to be a challenging endeavor and I dropped out of the project. I like the less demanding, non structured way of doing my own thing, so I continue in the vein of project 365, but instead of the emphasis of taking one image a day to post, I’ve built up a little repository of images that I ‘perfect’ using Photoshop, posting one of those each day. I found that I really do enjoy the post processing part. It can be quite addictive.

5 ) Do you have a specific style that you like to shoot? Such as portraits, fine art, photojournalism etc.

Jeez, my photography style right now seems so eclectic and vast…I think my style is still evolving. Nonetheless, I try to challenge myself to visualize the ‘essence’ of what I’m photographing. Such as, what makes it unique, what gives it purpose, trying all the while to convey this into an image.

6 ) What is your favorite photographic subject?

Lately, that subject would be anything I can shoot close-up using the 50mm 1.8 lens. I love getting that creamy, shallow depth of field effect. In fact, that sometimes is my subject!

7 ) What gear do you shoot with?

Now Chris, you’re getting kinda personal here! But since I like ya, I’ll tell ya. I shoot with a Nikon body with various lenses. My kit at the moment contains:

Nikon D80

AF-S Zoom-Nikkor ED 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF DX VR
Nikkor 50mm 1:1.8D AF
Nikkor 60mm 1:2.8D AF Micro
Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM
Sigma 30mm 1:1.4 DC HSM
Sigma 70-300mm 1:4-5.6 APO DG (macro/telephoto)
Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Autofocus Lens SB-800 AF Speedlight from Nikon
FinePix F50 SE
and one el cheapo tripod!

I like to shoot in raw format and post process using Photoshop CS4. I post process everything in Photoshop. That’s the Maybelline for my photos.

8 ) What is your favorite lens?

My favorite lens of the moment would be my Nikkor 50mm 1.8 lens. Not only is it affordable, it looks cute on the end of my D80. Cuteness is what it’s all about, right? ;-)

9 ) Do you shoot in Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority or Manual?

I do shoot in Manual, but I get really lazy sometimes and end up keeping the camera in Aperture Priority mode. Since I really admire images of the shallow depth of field variety created by using a wider aperture, by shooting in Aperture Priority, this ensures that the images are shot with the aperture I desire. However, if I run into an extremely hard lighting situation I’ll pop that puppy in Priority mode, making the camera choose my aperture and shutter speed.

10 ) Where do you see your photography in 10 years?

Hopefully not stuck in my hard drive located on my computer! Har har. Hmmm…I’d like to have a show room one day where I would showcase more fine art images. I’d also like to venture out and be a wedding photographer with a photojournalistic edge, as well as creating on location natural light portraits for clients.

11 ) Do you have a tip for our readers?

Don’t give up on your photography. It’s so easy to get frustrated with your growth level or lack of growth. Just keep on going, keep on pushing that shutter button. (I’m in love with that shutter sound. It’s music to my ears!) Get/Borrow/Buy Bryan Peterson’s book entitled “Understanding Exposure”. It will change your life! Erm, it will give you a clear understanding of how to meter your camera for those hard to get exposures. Of course, I had to read it five times before it all started to sink in. Now, that’s not Mr. Peterson’s fault. It’s the fault of my extremely thick non-information absorbing skull.

12 )Do you have a favorite photo of yours that you would like to share with us?

I shot this image with the Sigma 30mm 1.4. I adore the shallow dof and how the wrought iron fence just leads the eye. I think the beauty of the shot comes from the golden hues caught on that clear, crisp, fall day.

under foot



Thank you very much Lani.


I highly recommend everyone take some time to look at Lani's photos. Especailly her Bokeh and dof (Shallow) sets. I'm sure you will enjoy them as much as I.



Chris.

Photo Of The Day - 230 of 365. Lift My Spirits.

Wednesday Aug 19 2009.

I actually needed this crane to lift my spirits today. What a blah day at work it was.

230/365 2009. Lift My Spirits.


50mm, ISO 100, f/5.6 for 1/400 sec.


Chris.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Budding Photographer Interview - Let's start with me. Chris Lemmen.

I've been getting some greif from the 10 people who follow my blog. I guess my content is very ho-hum ( my words ). I thought I'd shake it up a bit with some interviews of some of the budding photographers that I know. Just 10 simple questions. Kind of a get to know session.

Let's start with me.

Chris Lemmen - PILPhoto on flickr.

1 ) How long have you been interested in photography?

All my life really.  But only seriously in the last 5 years. The last 2 have been very intense. That's when I got my first DSLR. 2 years ago.

2 ) What got you started in photography?


My dad had a very slr nice set up when I was a kid and I was always fascinated by how our moments and memories could be captured and we could look back on them. We would have slide shows when people would come to visit and it was always a good time. In the 80's my dad bought a fully automatic Minolta system and gave me his old one. I still have that camera.

3 ) Do you have any photographers who's work you admire the most?

That's a tough question. Art Wolf, Rick SammonScott Kelby Just to name a few. There are so many. I have lots of flickr friends that I admire as well.

4 ) What inspires you to make photographs?

Everything. I very much live a photographic life. I take my camera everywhere. I see photo opportunities in everything. But if I had to pick just one thing it would be my kids. I feel compelled to document their lives in the best possible quality I can. That drives me to improve my photography everyday.



5 ) Do you have a specific style that you like to shoot? Such as portraits, fine art, photojournalism etc.

I'm still so new to this that I'm still not sure what style I like best. I love doing portraits, especially kids. They are so pure in their expression. I think I will specialize in not specializing but will more than likely do mostly family portraits. It's very rewarding to see the smiles on their faces when they see the images we have created together.

6 ) What is your favorite photographic subject?

Light. How's that for a broad subject. Haha. But seriously my kids. Especially my son. He loves having his photo taken and is quite a photographer himself for a four year old. Haha. I hope he will share my addictive hobby. Both my kids are very photogenic but my daughter is only 2 and moves very quickly still. I have trouble getting her to sit still long enough.

7 ) What gear do you shoot with?

Right now I have a Canon 50D with a Rebel XTI as a back up. I have a Canon 17-85mm, Canon 55-250mm and a Canon 50mm f/1.8 that is amazing. I also have a Canon 430ex flash.

8 ) What is your favorite lens?

My favorite right now would be the 50mm f/1.8 that I just don't get to use as much as I'd like. I love the control over the depth of field and after being in Canon's line up for so long it really has been perfected. It's a great lens.

9 ) Do you shoot in Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority or Manual?

Mostly aperture priority. I like to be in control of the depth of field. I'd say 99% of my photos are there.

10 ) Where do you see your photography in 10 years?

I'd really like to have a family and pet environmental portrait business going strongly. I have plans to start it in 2010.

11 ) Do you have a tip for our readers?

Watch your back ground! This is one that I constantly struggle with myself. Be aware of what is going on in the back ground. Trees growing out of someones head look bad. Lines coming out of peoples heads look bad. A shallow depth of field will help to simplify an overly busy back ground.

12 )Do you have a favorite photo of yours that you would like to share with us?

My favorite today would be one that I took of my son while we were taking a break from a quad trail ride that we were on together. I was taking some photos of the forest and asked him to sit down on a fallen tree and pose for me. This is the result.

215/365 2009. Attitude.


This one though is a very, very close second. Mostly for the emotion.


229/365 2009. Backyard Princess.



This concludes the first of my interviews. Even though it was me I hope I have given you some insight into me and my photography.


Chris.

Photo Of The Day - 229 of 365. Backyard Princess.

Tuesday August 18 2009.

Practicing some fill flash for back lit portraits.

229/365 2009. Backyard Princess.


41mm, ISO 100, f/8 for 1/80 sec.


Chris.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Photo Of The Day - 228 of 365. No Running In The House.

Monday August 17 2009.

No running in the house!! Unless it's for Dad's panning photos. LOL.

228/365 2009. No Running In The House!!


50mm, ISO 400, f/1.8 for 1/ 50 sec.


Chris.

Phot Of The Day - 227 of 365. Close Enough To Touch.

Sunday August 16 2009.

I can't get over how close I was able to get to these wild geese. I was only about 15 feet from this one when I took this photo.

227/365 2009. Close Enough To Touch.


85mm, ISO 100, f/8 for 1/250 sec.


Chris.

Photo Of The Day - 226 of 365. Corn Maze!

Saturday August 15 2009.

Spent the morning at the Edmonton Corn Maze. Our second year there. Lost of fun for all.

I wish he would have stopped running for just a moment. Oh well, he was having a blast.

226/365 2009. Corn Maze!


17mm, ISO 100, f/8 for 1/100 sec.


Chris.

Photo Of The Day - 225 of 365. Street Lamp.

Friday August 14 2009.

It occurs to me that I have taken no photos of our new neighborhood. We've been here five weeks and nothing. This weekend I'm going to try to rectify that.

This is one of the street lamps on our area. They are nicer than any I've seen in town before. Not your typical up and curved grey ones. They throw an orangish glow. I'll try to get one of those this weekend too.

225/365 2009. Street Lamp.


24mm, ISO 100, f/8 for 1/250 sec.


Chris.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Photo Of The Day - 224 of 365. Glow.

Thursday August 13 2009.

Looking out my backyard this evening, we were greeted with this amazing sky as the sun set over the houses behind us. Of course it started raining not too long after.

224/365 2009. Glow.


68mm, ISO 100, f/8 for 1/40 sec.


Chris.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Photo Of The Day - 223 of 365. Polution.

Wednesday August 12 2009.

Even though I work in the oil industry, I still don't like to see this. It was like this for over an hour. Nasty. Notice the scrap yard in the foreground, the steel mill in the middle ground then the poluting refinery in the background. What an environmentalist's nightmare!

223/365 2009. Polution.


85mm, ISO 100, f/8 for 1/250 sec.


Chris.

Photo Of The Day - 222 of 365. Stationary Feet.

Tuesday August 11 2009.

Heres a switch. The feet are still and the little boy is moving around them. Must be some heavy shoes.

222/365 2009. Stationary Feet.


24mm, ISO 1600, f/8 for 1/6 sec.


Chris.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Photo Of The Day - 221 of 365. Organized Mess.

Monday August 10 2009.

We've been in the new house 5 weeks now. What is this all about?!

Still a huge mess but much more organized now.
the stuff in the middle just has to go.

221/365 2009. Organized Mess.


17m, ISO 400, f/8 for .6 sec.


Chris.

Photo Of The Day - 220 of 365. Family Portrait #2.

Sunday August 9 2009.

Attempt #2. We like this one better.

220/365 2009. Family Portrait 2.


28mm, ISO 400, f/11 for 1/100 sec.


Chris.

Photo Of The Day - 219 of 365. Young Gull.

Saturday August 8 2009.

The young gulls from this years hatch are very tame. Until they loose the brown feathers, they are very easy to aproach. This one was no more than 15 feet from me when I captured this.

219/365 2009. Young Gull.


250mm, ISO 200, f/8 for 1/1250 sec.


Chris.

Photo Of The Day - 218 of 365. Take Off!

Friday August 7 2009.

We went for a boat ride this afternoon and I captured many shots of the flock of gulls that call the lake home. This one of a gull just taking off is one of my favorites for sure.

218/365 2009. Take Off!


250mm, ISO 400, f/8 for 1/1600 sec.


Chris.

Photo Of The Day - 217 of 365. Marina Portrait.

Thursday August 6 2009.

We took a drive to Cold Lake today just to get away during the less than perfect weather. We stopped at the marina and while the girl was napping we left her and mom in the truck and took a stroll along the warf.

217/365 2009. Marina Portrait.


38mm, ISO 100, f/8 for 1/160 sec.


Chris.

Photo Of The Day - 216 of 365. Family Portrait #1.

Wednesday August 5 2009.

Each year we take a family portrait gathered around this rock. We hang the photo in our holiday trailer. I spent the better part of a day digging this rock out of 5 feet of water so we would not hit it with the boat motor. The rock and I have a special bond. LOL.

216/365 2009. Family Portrait #1.


50mm, ISO 200, f/5.6 for 1/320 sec.


Chris.

Photo Of The Day - 215 of 365. Attitude.

Tuesday August 4 2009.

How's this for attitude. We had stopped for a snack on our quad trip on the many trails and this is the look he gives me?! Funny guy.

215/365 2009. Attitude.


50mm, ISO 400, f/1.8 for 1/400 sec.


Chris.

Photo Of The Day - 214 of 365. The Boy And Rocks.

Monday August 3 2009.

While out on one of our many nature walks, we came across a pile of rocks in a farmer's field. So many rocks.

214/265 2009. The Boy and Rocks.


55mm, ISO 200, f/8 for 1/125 sec.


Chris.

Photo Of The Day - 213 of 365. Kayak.

Sunday August 2 2009.

Kayak begging to be taken out on such a calm lake.

213/365 2009. Kayak.


22mm, ISO 100, f/8 for 1/250 sec.


Chris.

Photo Of The Day - 212 of 365. Spin Me Round.

Saturday August  1 2009.

The kids having a spinning contest after we had gotten settled at the lake.

212/365 2009. Spin Me Round.


56mm, ISO 1600, f/8 for 1/800 sec.


Chris.