Saturday, January 26, 2013

Stay Out And Keep Shooting

Fair Seas in Foul Weather

It had rained that day, heavily at times.  When it wasn't raining the sky was solid overcast.  I remember feeling that my visit the seaside had met with unfortunate timing. 

Expectations were low; I figured that I wouldn't take many photos, and to be fair, I didn't take many.

Lunch offered a chance to get out of the rain.  Well, more or less out of the rain - all of the cafes in this resort town had outdoor seating.  An umbrella over the table helped, but the air was chilly.  Thankfully, Croatian pizza is warm and satisfying.

After lunch I took a stroll along the water's edge.  Several small boats were moored along a simple dock.  I noticed a man waiting to board one of the craft as another fellow prepared it to sail.

I almost walked past this scene.  The weather was gray and foreboding, but something about the dock and the boats caught my eye.  I grabbed my camera and took a handful of test shots. 


a photo of a man with an umbrella standing on a dock in porec croatia
Man on a Dock with an Umbrella, Croatia, 2010

At one point the man leaned on his umbrella in an interesting way.  I felt a rush of excitement as I pressed the shutter release.

This small gesture made all of the difference.  I was able to capture the moment, not by the grace of quickness or skill, nor with talent nor training, but rather with a willingness to be open to the possibilities that were unfolding before me.

If I hadn't been ready...  If I had kept my camera in the bag while moping about gloomy weather...  If I had opted to linger in a gift shop, the shot never would have happened.

I'm glad that I had the good sense to stay out, stay alert, and keep shooting.


Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Lens: Canon 24-105 f/4L IS


Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2013 Daniel R. South
All Rights Reserved

Monday, January 21, 2013

Nico

Portrait of Venice

I don't know the boy's name.

I don't know the name of the lady sitting in the window.

If I enlarge the image and look very closely, I can make out some of the names on the doorbells.



a photo of a boy and a boat named nico in venice italy by daniel south
Nico - Venezia


But the boat's name is Nico.

And that's all that I really need to know.



Camera: Nikon D800
Lens: Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70 f/2.8G ED


Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2013 Daniel R. South
All Rights Reserved

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Grand Canyon in Winter

Adventures on the High Plateau

Arizona.  Land of sun, sand, and cactus.  An oasis where one might expect to play a round of golf any day of the year.

Granted, part of the state matches this description, but Arizona is a complex landscape.  Vast areas of Northern Arizona rest on high plateaus, considerably higher in altitude than the "Mile High" city of Denver, Colorado.

When winter comes to the high plateau, it's cold.  Surprisingly cold.  Nighttime temperatures can approach zero degrees Fahrenheit (-17 C).  Dress warmly if you want to greet that once-in-a-lifetime sunrise.


a fine art photograph of the palisades of the desert at grand canyon at dawn
Pre-Dawn Glow Over The Palisades Of The Desert

Winter can be an interesting time to visit Grand Canyon.  The crowds are smaller.  The life-threatening heat of summer is no longer an issue.  And if the weather cooperates, you'll be able to enjoy views of the canyon graced with fresh fallen snow.


a fine art photograph of grand canyon with snow
Sunrise Over Grand Canyon in Winter

Ice and snow add subtle highlights to canyon features.  Since the winter sun hits the canyon at a low angle, interesting shadow patterns are visible throughout the day.


a fine art photograph of grand canyon rock features and temples in winter
Snowfall atop Grand Canyon Features

At sunset, very little of the canyon will be lit by direct sunlight, but unexpected lighting effects can occur.  In this image, warm light from the setting sun was reflected downward into the canyon.  The effect lasted for only a few minutes.  Luckily, I was able to frame this shot before it faded.


a fine art photo a grand canyon at sunset from the abyss
Sunset Reflected Downward From Winter Clouds

Witnessing a Grand Canyon sunset over snow-crested cliffs is a breathtaking experience.


a fine art photograph of a winter sunset with snow at grand canyon
Winter Sunset, Grand Canyon National Park

If you want to see a different dimension of Grand Canyon, consider a trip during the winter months.  Drive carefully, dress warmly, and enjoy the unexpected as it unfolds before you.


a fine art photograph of a lenticular cloud over the grand canyon at sunrise
Lenticular Cloud over Grand Canyon at Sunrise

I would like to extend a special 'Thank You' to all of the wonderful people who keep Grand Canyon open for tourism every day of the year.



Camera:
            Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Lenses:
            Canon TS-E24 f/3.5L II
            Canon 24-105 f/4L IS
            Canon 70-200 f/4L IS


Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2013 Daniel R. South
All Rights Reserved