Saturday, May 13, 2017

Young Woman With Flowers In Her Hair

Natural Light Portrait in Black and White

I shot this portrait several years ago in natural light. It's has always been one of my favorites. 



a photo in black and white of a young woman with flowers in her hair
Young Woman With Flowers In Her Hair


I recently decided to convert the image to black and white to focus attention on this young lady's beautiful features.


Camera:    Nikon D700
Lens:        Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8G ED VR

Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2017 Daniel R. South
All Rights Reserved


Sunday, May 7, 2017

Bright Red Scooter

In Living Color

Vivid colors are so much fun! Sometimes, the colors are more interesting than the subject.


a photo of a bright red scooter in new york
Bright Red Scooter



If this fellow had been riding a gray or black scooter, would the photo be as much fun? 



Camera:    Nikon D810
Lens:        Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G ED

Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2017 Daniel R. South
All Rights Reserved



Sunday, April 16, 2017

The Oculus - New York

An Instant Architectural Classic

Here's another example of the "popular subject" problem. The Oculus has been open for about six month. Tourists and photo enthusiasts flock here in droves, snapping pictures, day in and day out. Is it possible to get a different view than everyone else?

That may be a tall order, but here are some ideas to consider when looking for your own view. 


a photo of the oculus train station in downtown new york black and white
The Oculus - New York



- Eliminate clutter. Shoot over the crowds and isolate details. (I did my best to eliminate people from this shot.)

- If you can't eliminate clutter, embrace it. Show how busy the place is by adding a human element. (Doesn't apply in this example.)

- Focus on shapes, lines, and architectural details. Draw the viewer's eye in to the image. 

- You can use symmetry or asymmetry, but make certain that your choice is a conscious decision. (From where I was standing, symmetry wasn't possible, so I created an asymmetrical composition.)

- Time your visit with a special event or season. (Notice the Christmas decorations in the photo.)


Camera:    Nikon D810
Lens:        Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G ED

Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2017 Daniel R. South
All Rights Reserved



Sunday, April 2, 2017

Liquor Store Sign - Chelsea

The Challenge of the Obvious

Some subjects just beg to be photographed. It's almost as though they're taunting you to pull out your camera and make something happen.

"Come on, smarty pants - yeah, you! Don't walk away! I saw you looking at me; I know you want to take a picture. What are you waiting for?

"What's the matter, Mr. Fancy Camera Guy? Can't come up with a good composition? Can't figure out how to use the available light? Well, let's get a move on, because the sun's about to go behind a cloud."


a photo of a liquor store sign in chelsea new york
Liquor Store Sign - Chelsea


Yeah, well, take that, Mr. Smart Alec Sign! I think I just nailed your rusty frame!


Camera:    Sony A7R II
Lens:        Sony Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA

Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2017 Daniel R. South
All Rights Reserved





Sunday, March 26, 2017

Flatiron Building at Sunset

Casting New Light on a Landmark

I love to photograph well-known landmarks. I like the challenge of looking for a way to bring my personal touch to a place that has been photographed countless times.

Here's a recent shot of the Flatiron Building in New York captured in the warm glow of sunset with one of my favorite lenses.



a photo of the flatiron building in new york at sunset
Flatiron Building At Sunset



Camera:    Nikon D810
Lens:        PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5 ED Tilt/Shift

Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2017 Daniel R. South
All Rights Reserved



Saturday, March 18, 2017

McWay Waterfall - Big Sur California

Sea of Tranquility

Add the McWay Waterfall in Big Sur California to your list of places to visit. It's heavenly - so tranquil, so inspiring, so breathtakingly beautiful. See it once, and you'll never be the same.


a photo of the mcway waterfall in big sur california by daniel south
McWay Waterfall - Big Sur Coast


Camera:    Nikon D810
Lens:        Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2017 Daniel R. South
All Rights Reserved



Monday, February 20, 2017

The Church of St Catherine of Siena

In additional to serving local parishioners, The Church of St. Catherine of Siena on the Upper East Side of Manhattan serves the staff and visitors of two neighboring hospitals - The Hospital for Special Surgery and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

St. Catherine of Siena, a Fourteenth-Century Dominican philosopher and theologian, is one of the two patron saints of Italy (the other being St. Francis of Assisi) and one of six patron saints of Europe.


a photo of st catherine of siena church in new york
The Church of St. Catherine of Siena - New York


The church seems modest as one walks past, but it is beautifully kept by the Dominicans. If you are in the neighborhood, please consider stopping by for a few moments of reflection. Visitors are always welcome.


Camera:    Nikon D810

Lens:        PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5 ED Tilt/Shift

Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2017 Daniel R. South
All Rights Reserved



Springtime on the California Coast

Season of Renewal

I have spent a lot of time photographing the California Coast over the years. I have countless happy memories from those adventures, everything from the sights that I have seen and the images that I captured, to the restaurants where I stopped for lunch. Every detail mattered. Every experience was meaningful. 

Each year about this time, I feel a longing to return, not just to take more pictures, but to experience the beauty of California first hand, to renew mind, body, and spirit in this magical, incomparable part of the world.



Springtime on the California Coast



The photograph above was taken at sunrise. It might appear to be a sunset, since the color in the western sky. But that's the amazing thing about the Pacific Coast. The skies are unpredictable and dynamic. The color of a sunrise or a sunset can appear in any direction. It keeps you on your toes. If you're not in tune with what's happening in the moment, you'll miss an opportunity like this one. Be in tune with the moment is critical not only to getting the shot, but to making the most of or your California adventures.


Camera:    Nikon D810

Lens:        PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5 ED Tilt/Shift

Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2017 Daniel R. South
All Rights Reserved