Sunrise Sunday

SUNRISE IN BELIZE

Several years ago we had the most wonderful vacation in Belize.  We stayed in a vintage beach house almost at water's edge.  This was taken early one morning about 20 feet from our bedroom window.  Other than a couple staying in the beach house next door, we had the entire magnificent beach to ourselves the whole week.  There was not anyone as far as we could see up or down the shore.  We packed a ton of memories into that week!

Phriday Phun

If You're Going to San Fransisco, Be Sure to Wear Some Flowers in Your Hair....

This car, turned shrine, turned landmark, is about 20 steps from the colorful mailboxes I posted HERE on last Phriday Phun.   I bet it's been sitting in this spot since the 60's and I wonder how many parking tickets it got before it took root!   I've decided the residents of the apartments who own the mailboxes must be retired hippies who are still living the dream.  This was my era as well, but thankfully, I followed a different dream.  As for the photos, the subject matter just begged for some bright psychedelic colors.  Now for those of you who want to walk, I mean shuffle down memory lane (J/K), here are the rest of the lyrics to this song that helped draw so many young people to the bay area in that decade: 

If you're going to San Francisco
Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair
If you're going to San Francisco
You're gonna meet some gentle people there

For those who come to San Francisco
Summertime will be a love-in there
In the streets of San Francisco
Gentle people with flowers in their hair

All across the nation such a strange vibration
People in motion
There's a whole generation with a new explanation
People in motion people in motion

For those who come to San Francisco
Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair
If you come to San Francisco
Summertime will be a love-in there

If you come to San Francisco
Summertime will be a love-in there
                                     written by John Phillips of the Mamas & Papas

Autumn in Utah's Rocky Mountains

The Golden Light of Autumn

Here is a peak at 'my neck of the woods'.  This was taken about 15-20 minutes away from my home on what we call the Alpine Loop, American Fork Canyon.  This picturesque loop starts close to where I live and winds up over the backside of Mt. Timpanogos, past streams, lakes and natural springs, and through pine forests and the most glorious aspen groves you've ever seen.  It then passes Robert Redford's Sundance ski resort and ends in Provo canyon near Bridal Veil falls, (another beautiful photo op).  I try to drive the loop every spring and fall.  I finally found an hour or two about a week or so ago.  It is always beautiful, but the brilliant reds of the oak and the brilliant yellows of the aspen leaves had already faded and I was disappointed.  No shots taken.  But coming home I noticed how lovely the light was streaming through the trees and I stopped alongside the road.  After a brief stroll, I found this scene.  Obviously, a few lovers from past generations had stopped here before me.

Tech Talk Tuesdays

HOW TO KEEP A PHOTOGRAPHER HUMBLE!

As I've said many times, I'm a 'fickle' photographer.  I love to photograph many different subjects (I get bored easily).  Shooting landscapes and still life and architecture all eliminate one challenge...these things rarely move!  They are stationary.  You set up your tripod and take all the time you need to compose your shot.  Even in most portrait photography, like engagement shoots, senior photos, executive shots, etc., your clients are anxious to cooperate in order to help the photographer get the shot.

Family portraiture, however, is unique, because usually, the only one who wants to be there is mom!  Dad knows this is a family duty, so he's usually cooperative, but the kids are a whole different 'ballgame'.

What seasoned family photographer has not been confronted with the sullen teenage boy in the family, spiked hair and a thousand pounds of chains pulling his pants down to his ankles, staring daggers at you.  (Hmm, might think about adding a can of pepper spray as part of your camera gear!) (J/K)  Then there's the teenage girl who rolls her eyes and flips her hair and shows her disapproval at every pose you put her in.  And what about the 7 year old boy who manages to have his eyes crossed and tongue sticking out in every single shot!

Once in a while you can bribe teenagers with a couple of movie passes, or free car wash coupons, or a gift certificate, and if that doesn't work, maybe the threat of grounding might work coming from Dad.  The seven year old might respond to some immediate gratification, like candy or baseball cards.

But this all pales in comparison to taking photos of toddlers.  They are a whole different story.  They can't be bribed and they have all the power.  They are in control and they know it.  All the adults at the photo shoot are using every possible trick they know to get them to stand still, look at the camera, smile, stop crying, stop rolling on the ground, stop screaming,  stop running away.  There is nothing that can bring a photographer to her knees, (literally, because that's where you should be when photographing toddlers), than trying to get the impossible:  an in focus shot of a smiling toddler!  In my opinion, photographers who make their living photographing children should be the highest paid in the industry!

So now that I've attempted to be a bit humorous describing a family photo shoot, I have to say, that taking photos of families and especially children is most always fun and rewarding.  To see families interact with each other and to know I'm recording family memories makes me feel good inside.  And even though the above situations happen occasionally, most families and children are delightful and a joy to photograph.  And toddlers are the best.  They are so honest, they do the funniest things, and there is no need to guess about what they are thinking, or what they think of you, or what they want to be doing at any given minute.  As a photographer of toddlers, you have to be in the moment, flexible, intuitive, creative, quick, and know your equipment and how it will function without thinking about it.

So here's what I've learned about photographing toddlers:

• First, the prep work.  Make sure you schedule the shoot when mom says it's the toddlers best time of the day.  She/he should be rested, fed and in comfortable clothes.

• Always take the formal shots first, if that is the main reason for the shoot.  Because initially, toddlers will be mildly amused at you and your camera, and mildly amused at your assistant who is getting their attention with some outlandish behavior.   It's downhill after that.  And your first thee shots will be the best!!!  At least that's been my experience.  I keep thinking 'the first three shots' rule is the exception, however, so every time I take family photos I persist in continuing until I've taken a hundred shots.  But almost always, the first few are the best.  So knowing this, the set up is critical.  First of all, you must work quickly because toddlers get bored, tired and hungry really fast.  Let someone take the toddler off to the side to play for a few minutes while you get everything set up.  Make sure your lighting/exposure and camera settings are perfect.  Then bring in the adults and other family members and pose them.  Take a shot to make sure you are all ready.  Next quickly have your assistant bring the toddler in and pose her where you've planned.  Then as the assistant blows a horn, makes funny faces and noises, and/or does cartwheels, start snapping away.

If you get lucky they'll hold still long enough for a formal portrait

• After your attempt at a formal portrait, if you still want to pretend you're in control, try some 'moving shots'.  Swinging, bouncing up on Dad's shoulders, lifting into the air.....motion can usually bring a smile, or at least a pause in the crying for a few minutes.  But remember, motion also brings blur.  So make sure you set a higher shutter speed and maybe bump up your ISO, then explain what controlled motion you want the parents to do, and be ready to snap away.

Then comes the 'motion' shots

• But in reality, the best shots you will get will be when you let the toddler be in control and you are there to record the adventure.  In other words, the candids.   Everyone begins to relax, and the photos are real and fun.  Sometimes we photographers get too hung up on wanting a perfect composition, a perfect background, etc., and we lose sight of the important part of family photography, and that is to capture family dynamics and personalities, and memories.

And finally, you just let them do their own thing!

A Leap of Faith

Sometimes we are stuck in a rut, unable to move forward.  We don't like the rut, in fact it is miserable, and yet oddly comfortable because we are familiar and safe in our very own rut.  We know there's a road ahead, and we need to get out of our rut and move forward....but......the problem is, we can't see the road ahead, and we don't know what danger might be above or below us.  We know we must take a chance if we want to change, but we can only see small glimpses of the happiness that might be waiting for us on the other side.  It's all so uncertain and scary,  yet we know we will not be alone.  Friends and family who've been down the road tell us it is worth the effort.   And Someone wanting to help us, has put railings on each side of the road to keep us from falling off, and a bright white line down the middle to lead the way.  Others have done all they can to encourage and support us, but we must have the courage and faith to take that first step.  

(Golden Gate Bridge)   

Sunday Sunset

SUNSET KISS

Phriday Phun

No Address Required

 or

 Happy News Delivered Here

or

Cure for a Grumpy Mail Carrier

or

Regulation Mail Boxes Only

or

Ocean Art

    or.....

Help me out here.  I need some inspiration for a Title!  These mailboxes were near the dock of a sleepy little bay community in Sausalito.  Very cute and cheerful, although I guess the owner of the crab box was not into painting!

A Bleeding Heart - Today We Remember

A Life Too Short - Hearts That Ache

She was a pixie who loved bugs

Soon she became a beautiful young woman and an accomplished violinist

She loved and was loved by a large circle of family and friends

Then she found drugs

Now she is gone!

My sweet niece would have been 27 now, but today is the one year anniversary of her death.  Life is fragile and sometimes abruptly short.  Every day is a 24 hour gift.  Use each day you are given wisely and do not miss an opportunity to say, "You are wonderful", "I love you", or if necessary "I'm sorry, please forgive me".

Tech Talk Tuesday

Fond Memories

Family Heirloom

Salt Lake Temple in Spring

Mt. Timpanogos in Fall

What do these photos have in common????  Keep reading........

Last Tech Talk Tuesday I challenged you to get out of your comfort zone.  To repeat:  "So in summary, here's my challenge to you photographers who want to improve:  get out of your comfort zone and find ways that will force you to be more critical of your own work.  Here are a few ideas to get you started:  enter a local photo contest, photograph a subject that is totally foreign to you, set up a booth at your county fair and sell your pictures, ask a professional photographer in your area to critique your work, participate in some of the many 'challenges' floating around the photo blogger world, volunteer to take photos of your neighbor's newborn.   Make your own list, then choose the one that scares you the most!!!   I think your photography will improve!"  Today I'll mention another way to improve your photography and make memories at the same time.

The top photo is a lovely china vase my mother called a 'jardiniere.'  My great great aunt painted this in 1906.  Both my mother and grandmother loved china and china painting, and I have inherited much of their fine china.  I have such fond memories of their homes graced with beautiful china, and of watching my mother collect and paint.  When I look at these lovely things, I remember her.

So how will my children remember me???  (Hopefully with many fond memories of happy, family times and the knowledge that they are my greatest treasures and blessings, and being their mother was the best, most important, most rewarding 'job' I've ever had.)  But how will they remember who I was as a person-my interests, my talents, etc.  Since photography has been a big part of my life in later years, I want to give them a part of me to enjoy.  

So here is my work in progress.  I am going to give each of my children two special photographs.  (This is in addition to the numerous family photos I take.)   One will be of the temple in which each of them was married, and the other will be one of my favorite landscapes to enjoy in their home.  This means I have to come up with 10 special images since I have 5 children.  

I will have these photos enlarged to at least 20x24,  (sprayed and mounted so they won't be under glass), then nicely framed to match their decor.   It's one thing to print out 4x6 prints, but when you commit to a 20x24 print, you are saying, I've taken a photo good enough to warrant the cost of printing and framing, and it is also good enough that someone would actually want to display it!   The second and third photos above are my first two photos, that are now enlarged and framed but not given as of yet. 

Now, get over being modest, or too critical of your work.  I know that your loved ones, be they children or dear friends or relatives, would be honored to have a work of art especially for them from you!  Even so, I bet you will think twice about the quality of your photography if you were going to blow it up and give it to someone dear to hang over their sofa!!! 

So here's my challenge.   You, too, should have big beautiful prints of your work hanging over your sofa and fireplace and above you bed, so if you haven't already done so, choose one of your favorite photos to 'embiggen',  (thanks Scott), and frame, then hang it in your home for your family to enjoy.   Then, when you are brave enough, give a big and beautifully framed, priceless original work of art to someone you love!  And YES, it is priceless and beautiful, because you took the time to share yourself with someone special!!!   

Phriday Phun

TEN BEAUTIFUL, SMART, PRECIOUS ANGELS SENT TO US TRAILING CLOUDS OF GLORY 

One we had to say goodbye to for now and one we won't meet for a few months.  I am so blessed to be their grandmother.

10-10-10
October 10, 2010

This is my contribution to Dave's challenge to be posted today, which is 10-10-2010.  You can read about it HERE.
For the past few weeks I've thought of various 'clever' ideas for this challenge but couldn't make up mind.  When it dawned on me that I have 10 grandchildren, (actually 9 soon to be ten), I knew what my post would be about.  I am the proud grandma of 10 amazing children, and I'm positive I'll have the best subject matter for this challenge!!!
(P.S.  This ultrasound of Number 10 is the cutest I've ever seen.  Can you see his little hand waving at us?) 

Tech Talk Tuesday

THE CHALLENGE:

HE AIN'T HEAVY

HIGH FASHION BRIDE

BIG BITE OF CORN

What do these three images have in common you ask????  

I'll tell you in a minute, but first I want to talk about taking your photography to the next level.  Some years ago since people were already asking me to to wedding photography and family photography, I thought I'd try to make some money at it.  That was a very scary thing for me to do, putting myself out there as being good enough to be entrusted with capturing people's precious memories.  But I took a deep breath and pretended I knew what i was doing.  After awhile, however,  I realized that with the time I was spending on the business end, plus the excessive amount of time I was spending perfecting each and every photo I'd give to clients, I figure I was making about $5 an hour.   My fun hobby was not fun anymore.  It was work.  That was back then.  Now I shoot what and when I please, and the fun is back.  However, I've found that with no one looking at my photography with a fine tooth comb, and with no immediate incentive, I've become lazy and I'm not improving as much as I did then.


Meanwhile, through several photo clubs and organizations I'm associated with, I've become acquainted with several photographers who make their livings shooting and selling micro stock.  I had no idea what that was either!  Micro stock photographs are images that anyone can buy over the internet.  If you were putting a newsletter together for your garden club and you wanted to advertise the upcoming sunflower festival, you could go to one of the micro stock websites and within seconds find hundreds, maybe thousands of images of sunflowers you could download and use for a minimal cost.  Otherwise you might have to spend time and money to hire a photographer to take pictures for you to include in your newsletter.  Many customers of micro stock are graphic designers who buy a basic image then change it or add to it to produce what their customer wants.


Here are a very few things I've learned about being a micro stock photographer, at least with istockphoto:
1.  Since you only earn a very small amount for each image that sells, the photographers who are really earning a good living at this have submitted thousands of photos.
2.  You can't just submit any type of photo.  These companies usually are overloaded with photos of flowers, cats and dogs, sunsets - in other words common things that would be easy to find and photograph are usually not accepted.
3.  For every recognizable person in your photos you must have a signed model release - no exceptions.
4.  Before being accepted as a contributing photographer you have to take a test showing you understand what they are looking for in quality and content of photos, then you must submit 3 photos which must be accepted as meeting their standards.  All photos must be at high resolution and are rigorously inspected at 100% resolution for proper lighting, exposure, composition.  No grain, jaggies, fringing, no over processing and filter use in Photoshop, etc.
5.  After you are accepted as a contributing photographer, each image you submit to be placed on the website for sale is inspected by the above standards and then is either accepted or rejected.


So awhile back I got to wondering if my photography would be good enough to get accepted.  I've been following the work of several istockphoto photographers, and they are very talented.  I wondered how my photography would measure up.  I threw that thought out months ago but every so often it  returned.  As I said earlier, I feel like I needed a challenge to make me really look at my photography with a critical eye, or rather have an impartial someone else look at my stuff with a critical eye since one really never knows if family and friends are being honest.  On the other hand, did I really want to know the truth?  I could end up being depressed for months! (not really)


Anyway, I bit the bullet, jumped through their hoops, and submitted my three photos.  Yikes, one was accepted..... which meant two were rejected!  Luckily they give you the reasons why the photos were rejected.  (I forgot to mention they have a system where if you are rejected you have to wait 3 days to submit different photos, then 7 days, then I think it is 2 weeks, then a month, and I think if you don't get accepted by then you have to wait a year.  My disclaimer here, is that I can't exactly remember how that progression goes so don't quote me on that.)


So I took their advice to heart, looked more critically at my photographs, and tried to produce more technically correct images.  And guess what, second time around, all three were accepted!  And that's what the above three photographs have in common.  They were my three accepted photos.  

So now I'll start uploading tons of photos and will soon be rolling in money!  Hummm, I don't think so.  I'll probably see if I can get a few more accepted for fun, but my intention was never to make money.  However, if micro stock photography has sparked a bit of curiosity for you,  HERE is the link to istockphoto, and HERE is a link to a great istockphoto photographer's blog, and click HERE for a link to another great istockphoto photographer's blog.


So in summary, here's my challenge to you photographers who want to improve:  get out of your comfort zone and find ways that will force you to be more critical of your own work.  Here are a few ideas to get you started:  enter a local photo contest, photograph a subject that is totally foreign to you, set up a booth at your county fair and sell your pictures, ask a professional photographer in your area to critique your work, participate in some of the many 'challenges' floating around the photo blogger world, volunteer to take photos of your neighbor's newborn.   Make your own list, then choose the one that scares you the most!!!   I think your photography will improve!  

Phriday Phun

OVERACHIEVERS!

Last Saturday was the annual GIANT PUMPKIN weigh-in at Thanksgiving Point.  I knew there would be some phun photo ops so I headed over there to kill an hour.  Two problems, harsh midday light as is usually the case for outdoor events, and so many people it was hard to get in a good shot.  Here the people were over watching the weigh-in of the BIG daddies, so I had to be satisfied with shooting the 'puny' ones.... only about 400 lbs. or so.  The record is over 1100 lbs. which is unbelievable.  It is amazing what these people do to raise these pumpkins and the tender, loving care they receive.  The rule is there can be no cracks or breaks on the outside.  Can you imagine what they must do to get them out of their garden, onto a vehicle and to their destination with no accidents!!!

A Note from Karen

We're off again for this coming week.  I'll see what you've all been up to when I return.  In the meantime, I've scheduled some fun posts to look at while I'm gone.  Have a great week!!!!

October Desktop Image

FALL IN UTAH'S ROCKY MOUNTAINS

Here is my October desktop image for you to download, share and enjoy.  Just click HERE   then right click to set as your desktop image.   It should not be pixelated or blurry.  If you have problems, let me know and I'll help. For those of you who might not know, at the beginning of each month, (with one exception), I post an image sized to fit your monitor.  It is for your personal use, but feel free to share with friends.  Just don't use it for profit. 

Tech Talk Tuesday

Part 1:  Encouragement for Beginners

Stephani asked me for a few 'words of wisdom' on how to become a better photographer.  As I was writing an email back to her I realized that I get lots of similar questions and I usually have the same first response. So I thought I'd write it here as well. For those of you who've been around awhile this will sound like a broken record (hmm, I guess that phrase is really outdated).... anyway, this is for you newbies who might benefit from my answer.

Hi Stephani,

Just a follow up to your comment on my Phun Phriday post asking for some ‘words of wisdom’.  I don’t think my words will be particularly wise, but more practical, and a bit boring.  For me, it all comes down to time, practice and persistence.  If you are willing to do these three things, I know you (and anyone) will certainly improve by leaps and bounds as a photographer.   Even those of us with limited natural abilities, can ‘learn’ to develop their creative side.   Probably 80% of everything I do, I learned from someone else.  That leaves only 20% for originality and creativity.  I got into photography later in life, after my kids were older, so I had a bit more time to devote.  So here’s what I did and still do.  I first got a decent camera, then read the manual.  I went to my local book store and bought several books further explaining how my particular camera works.  (If you have a popular camera, these books are readily available.)  I studied all the features of my camera, practiced until I understood all of what it could do in addition to just pointing and shooting.  Then I read every book the library had on photography, and purchased some new ones as I could afford them.  Now I have all sorts of books from learning general photography, to specialized ones on lighting, exposure, portraiture, how to shoot landscapes, etc.  Then the internet came along and I discovered if I spent some time, I could find almost limitless websites, blogs, etc. teaching just about every aspect of photography.  I find out about well known and new techniques, both for general photography and editing.  I find and follow the blogs of great photographers.  I study their photos, I read their tutorials, then I practice, practice, practice.   I am active in local camera clubs, and got on the mailing lists of camera shops and clubs that sponsor guest speakers and classes for little or no money.   Years ago I discovered Photoshop Elements and that changed my photography dramatically.  I realized that not only did I love to take photos, I loved the artistic side of seeing what I could create in post processing.   

I know there are those who are truly gifted, and can pick up a camera and within a short time create spectacular images.  That’s not most of us, and certainly not me.  For me there are no short cuts.... just time, practice and persistence!   Believe me, if you saw some of my early attempts at photography, you’d really have confidence that everyone can improve!!  Hope I’ve given you some encouragement.

Happy shooting,

Karen

Thanks for asking Stephani. I'm honored that you would find my opinion valuable; and, for everyone reading this, check out Stephani's great blog Picture Window.

Part 2:  Critical 'equipment' for photographing children

GROUP HUG!

Here is an image from tonight's photo shoot.  This is my beautiful daughter and her beautiful handsome family!

  From this point of view you'd think taking this picture was easy ..... smiling, cooperative children holding still while grandma fiddles with the lighting, her camera settings, until she finally snaps the shot.  Well not true!  If you are thinking of specializing in family and children's portraiture, there is one essential piece of 'equipment' you MUST have.  And that is an assistant!  But beware, not just anyone who calls themselves an assistant will be able to get the job done.  It is essential that your assistant have multiple and unique skills and abilities.  This person must be in good shape because a lot of physical labor is required such as running up to the children to wave a stuffed animal, feather boa or other interesting item in their faces then racing out of the picture so the photographer can take the shot.  She must be proficient at blowing horns, ringing bells, and conducting a puppet show on the photographer's head.  She must be quick witted in order to make up silly games on the spot, think up and execute unusual noises and sounds that will entice children to look at the camera.  She must move quickly and have good upper body strength and stamina to chase, pick up and carry a 2 year old back to his spot at least 100 times in one hour.  She must be an entertainer, a comedian, and a disciplinarian.  And most important, she must be someone the kids adore!!!  And I have the perfect assistant that does all of the above, even when she's 5 months pregnant!!  This is my wonderful daughter-in-law Michelle.  I've decided if she ever moves too far away to be my assistant I will just have to stop taking pictures of children!  She is always willing to help me, and believe me it is work.  She is exhausted when we're through, but I honestly could not do this without her.  Thanks Michelle!

 

Sunset Romance

Sunset Romance

Don't they make a beautiful couple!  I guess it's alright to say that about my own son and daughter-in-law.  I think they could quit their day jobs and be models (but I wouldn't want them to!)  I love the way Emily's veil is lit by the sun, as is the outline of Dalin's suit.  With my camera on manual, I exposed for the sky pointing in the sky to the right of the bright sun.  Of course this put Dalin and Emily in silhouette.   (If I'd exposed for them, the sun would have been totally blown out.)  To light them, I put my flash off camera on a stand and attached it to a small, portable light box, triggered with two pocket wizards.  With one attached to my camera and one attached to the flash I then experimented with flash strength until I got what I liked.  In post processing I used a Lightroom preset to turn the artificial flash to the same warm color as the natural sunset color.  I love how this turned out. 

(Shortly after this shot, the sun went below the horizon and instantly we were attacked by 10 trillion mosquitoes and noseeums.  Read my comment in the last post.)

Phriday Phun

GET ME TO THE CHURCH ON TIME!

Here's my photo story for Phun Phriday.  My son and his bride (last year's marriage), wanted to do something fun and edgy after the 'official' wedding photos.  We went out to the great Salt Lake and just had fun.....that is, until we were attacked!  (More on that in the next post).  Anyway, hope these photos put a smile on your face to start the weekend!

Tech Talk Tuesday

Photography - Reality, Artistic Creativity AND/OR a Combination of Both 

So, as photographers are we artists, story tellers, historians, journalists, painters, snap shooters, etc. etc.???  The answer is YES!  We can be whatever our personal style and interests dictate.  This post will show you my style of blending photography, story telling and creativity:

Battery Mendell

This facility was build in 1905 to keep enemy warships from entering the San Francisco Bay Harbor.  At the time it was armed with the biggest guns in America, 12 inch cannons.  They could be hidden, then rise up for a surprise attack. 

This day was dark, except the sky which was white with fog.  Here is one of many SOOTC shots I took at various exposures.  We walked around and up the stairs and saw where the cannons were positioned.  The bars on the windows of the jail area, the heavy metal doors with rivets, the graffiti, the stark concrete and remains of peeled paint all gave a very eerie and menacing feeling to me.  The textures and details on the walls were amazing.  I'm always looking for new textures to use as overlays on photos, so I took several photos just of textures.

As is often the case, when I looked at my photos on the computer, I didn't get my camera to record what I saw, and just as important to me, I couldn't capture the mood and feel of the scene.  Yes, the above image is dark and gloomy as was the case, but still uninspiring to me.  Here's what I did:

This is one of the texture shots I took.  First I changed it to B&W and increased the contrast a bit.  Then I added it as a layer to the above original photo, altered the opacity, and masked/erase parts on the building where I didn't want it.  To me, so much white sky was boring, so I wanted to mimic the textures of the building. Then I used Topaz Adjust (a Photoshop plugin) to accentuate the contrast and clarity.  Basically I moved the sliders until I was happy with the result.

Final Image

The gritty, grainy, rough textures, the stark coldness of the concrete, the menacing thought of enemies attacking our shores, and a prison to stop them.  This photo more clearly tells me this story when compared to the original photo.  

WHAT DO YOU THINK ?  IS THIS ART OR IS THIS PHOTOGRAPHY????? 

Oakland Temple

Just Before Sunset

If anyone does not know why photographers call sunset the 'golden hour', this photo should explain.  The temple looks beautiful bathed in this warm light.  And, believe it or not, I did nothing to the color of the sky.  (But I do notice that when I downsized to post, it created a subtle 'blotchy' look.)

At Twilight

This is a multiple exposure image, (HDR).  By underexposing and overexposing several shots and combining them, you can create an image with a greater range from light to dark than with a single exposure.  HDR works best when you have a scene with extreme lights and darks, such as this one where there is a brightly lit building, and deep shadows in the shrubbery.  Although I could see these shades with my eye, my camera couldn't. 

On this shot, I did not change the colors, but I did make an adjustment in camera.  I did a 'Tech Talk Tuesday' on this quite a while ago and it works whether you are doing portraits or landscapes outside and are shooting at twilight.  Simply change your white balance to the 'florescent' preset (on a Canon it shows a picture of a rectangle light.)  This will make a pale blue/gray sky pop with color, and in this shot, it also made the dull gray foreground water turn dark blue.  Very dramatic.

To answer some questions, this is one of over 130 temples around the world owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, (Mormons).  While we were visiting, we learned that many brides of all religions come here to have wedding photos taken in these lovely gardens.  At one time the church decided to turn off the lights at night to conserve energy and were approached by city officials saying they would help pay to keep them on.  Evidently the lights are so bright on the hill that the temple acts as a beacon and landmark for ships and planes.

Sunday, a Time to Worship

Oakland LDS Temple

While in the bay area for my son and daughter-in-law's wedding open house, we spent a couple days seeing the sights.  This beautiful temple sits on a hill and overlooks San Francisco.  Check back later tonight and I'll post my favorite night shots.  It is spectacular with night lights.  Oh, and have a wonderful day of worship and rest!