Discovering photos within photos

I have not posted for awhile for the same reason I haven't been able to try to improve my photo skills….
But I have been able look at the work of others. One of my favorite bloggers is Kate of "What I Saw Riding My Bike Around Today" . She will include a picture along with the description of what she saw as she rode her bike. I have included her photos before and there is always something of interest that can be found within the picture. Her latest photo was taken at Lake Pontchartrain. A beautiful sky and cloud formation, a sail boat in the distance, if you enlarge the picture you can also see that there are two wind surfers on the lake, and of course a nice example of a Great Blue Heron.

But wait, there's more. Need a banner for your newsletter or website.

Need an example of the Great Blue Heron

Or how about the sky and cloud formation as a background

Or you could crop and get a smaller picture

So study the photographs that you like and see how many other pictures can be derived from the original.

Pat, Brigit and Me

We finally have a few rides that I can talk about. We took a couple of neighborhood rides and then headed for a bike path. The first ride was difficult, my quads started complaining after two miles, they were trying to move four hundred pounds. Paved old railroads beds are smooth but there are grade changes, they look deceptively level but my muscles know better. But as the rides continue the muscles get stronger and of course the rides get longer. It's a good match, Pat gets some fresh air and scenery, I get some exercise and sweat.

Introducing Brigit

This is a longish story, bear with me as I recall the past and look forward to the future. Pictured below is Pat, me, and our Jack Taylor tandem, circa 1983.

Sorry for the quality of the photo, an "old" snapshot. The frame of the tandem pictured above was made by Jack Taylor. I built it up with Cinelli, Campagnolo, Phil Wood, and, Brooks. The finest bike I had ever owned, there were many enjoyable rides. Fast forward and we come to the present. My stoker can no longer maintain her balance or apply any pedal power. Enter Jack Baker of S & B Recumbents.

Working with his Manhattan tandem I asked for modifications that would allow us to cycle together again. I adjusted his photo and sent him the jpeg above. Jack was very willing to create the tandem that would satisfy our needs. After some conversations and emails the deal was made.

So here is Brigit.....




I am most pleased with the results. Just need to fine tune and then Pat, Bob, and Brigit will be riding the bike paths.

Photo Op

Today I was going to try and locate some wild irises in a maple swamp. As I headed for the woods this opportunity presented itself.

The deer stared at me for some time and then decided it was time to hide.

I never did locate the irises. Tomorrow is another day, another opportunity.

A Walk in the Woods

A walk in the woods is perfect as calming influence on the mind and body. It shuts off the noise of traffic and allows you some peaceful moments. You can listen for the quiet sounds of nature, except for the crows. And if you want to you do not have to think, just vegetate. We all need these times of solitude.

Using other's works

Sometimes it is an enjoyable exercise to take someone elses photo and re-work them. Of course if you do then attribution is a must. The first picture is one posted on "What I saw riding my bike around today" by Kate Drabinski. Kate has a knack for taking interesting photos that require a little study. Often you will find a picture within a picture.

Cape Cod Canal

Last week I went to the multi-use path along side the Cape Cod Canal. It was a perfect day for a walk.This gull was very cooperative and waited patiently while I composed the picture. I will have to make the trip here more often

An ant's view

Recently I purchased a new piece of photo equipment, Opteka X-Grip, it was on sale. It serves as a good stable platform for low shots. I will experiment some more. Here is an ant's view.

A change of pace

After yesterdays post I got to thinking about another comparison between color and black & white. Kate Dabrinski, the author of What I saw riding my bike around today, likes to ride the streets of New Orleans. Then she writes about what she observed. A picture of something that caught her interest is also included. Her photo, above, was very interesting. But after studying it further I thought it would be more dramatic in black and white.

Color vs Black & White

It's been a long time since my last post. Circumstances beyond my control have prevented any photo activity.

Here are two pictures. One in color the other in black and white. I think the B&W works best for this subject.

Thin Ice

It happens every year at this time. The pond freezes, slightly, and someone has the bright idea to create a skating area. All too often the they do not wait for a long freeze before they get on the ice.

La Bohéme

No picture today but an observation(s). Yesterday I watched La Bohéme for the one hundredth time. And each time I see a performance I am moved to tears during the last scene. I have attended the performances in Boston and New York, watched the opera on television and viewed the presentation on both tape and DVD. So, why after all this time do I still get misty eyed? I do not have an answer but I will watch and enjoy again and again.

Beauty

Some persons have a natural beauty that is not pasted on each morning. They are often very photogenic, have an easy smile that is not forced. These pictures were taken at a family gathering so consider them snapshots. Had I the opportunity I would have chosen the background more carefully.

Below is another natural beauty in the making. She seems to have that "je ne sais quoi" that develops as time goes by.

Reflections

I was wondering when I could get the time for more pictures when I noticed the winter moths gathering on the window pane. Here was a good opportunity to experiment with subject moths and also the reflected image. (I also discovered I must clean the windows).

New/Old photos

It has been a difficult week, I tried but could not find the time to take some new photos. What you see here are two pictures taken three weeks ago.

Veterans Day

Today is a holiday in recognition of our veterans. In chronological order:

The Civil War

World War I

World War II

Korea

Vietnam

Iraq
Iraq

Pastel redux

It seems many assume their own posture when it comes to being comfortable while sketching a subject. Some stand. some sit, others will plunk themselves down on whatever surface is avvailable.


It's interesting to view a scene through the eyes of another person. I suppose if the same subjects were pictured by ten other artists we would have ten different images.

Day 61, Pastels

Today I happened upon a group of students working with pastel colors. The weather was ideal, sunny with a comfortable temperature.


You will notice that they took artistic license with the colors but the results were quite pleasing. I will post more photos tomorrow.

Day 60, Fall reflections

I coming to the realization that the life of a photographer is one of missed opportunities. Today I visited this pond and was trying to get different views of the reflections in the pond. As I moved to another vantage point everything changed. The winds came up and caused ripples on the water, the reflection was gone. There will be other opportunities.

Day 59, Japanese Maple

At this time of year the color of a red Japanese Maple can be quite vivid. Take a picture with the sun as a backlighting source and the color is dramatic. I did not have to go far to photograph this tree, it's another maple in my front yard.