Post 100 - Happy Anniversary!

Celebrating What's Important With Photos

This is my 100th post on Earth Color Magic. I wanted it to be special. 

This is a photo of my father that I snapped in 2008. He was raking leaves one pleasant autumn morning with his dog and constant companion, Frankly, at his side. I saw them and snapped a photo. It's one of my favorite photographs, because it shows my father in his natural element, working in the yard, doing what he loves to do.

Frankly was my aunt's dog. When she passed away, Dad took him in, and they became inseparable.

My Father Raking Leaves (2008)

We all take lots of photos, but the most important images that we'll ever capture are the ones that record the milestones of our lives. Remember that. 

Life moves quickly. Children grow. Family members age. Friends and colleagues come and go.  

Take pictures of all of it. Take way too many pictures and store them obsessively. Take some video, too.

You can never go back in time. You will never, ever, ever be able to go back and photograph an important occasion once it has passed. When the moment is gone, the photos and videos that we took time to record will be critical physical reminders of important times and the people with whom we shared them.

Post 100 - Happy Anniversary! Here's to a hundred more.


Camera:    Sony A7RII
Lens:        Sony FE 85mm f/1.8

Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2017 Daniel R. South

www.dansouthphoto.com

All Rights Reserved

Vernazza Under Cloudy Skies

Memories of the Cinque Terre

It's been nearly five years since I visited the Cinque Terre for three stormy days in November. Hopefully, I'll get to enjoy less dramatic weather on my next trip. :-)

Vernazza Under Cloudy Skies

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

Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2017 Daniel R. South

www.dansouthphoto.com

All Rights Reserved

Montreal By Night - Complexe Desjardins

It's Wise To Compromise

During a walk one pleasant evening, I came across this colorful atrium. 

The ceiling caught my eye first, specifically the diamond-shaped panels that were lit with multi-colored gels. First, I set up a shot that isolated the ceiling, but I decided to include the steps, doors, and shiny metal railings in an alternate composition.

Complexe Desjardins - Montréal

My trusty 24mm perspective control lens kept the vertical lines under control. I had to maneuver the tripod over some cracks in the sidewalk. I leveled the camera and focused carefully.

Capturing the ceiling was tricky. Those diamond-shaped panels changed colors constantly. A long shutter speed wouldn't work, because as the colors changed, they morphed into a bland amber. I sped things up by boosting the ISO to a stop above the base value and opening the aperture from f/11 to f/8. These modest compromises yielded a shutter speed that was fast enough to capture the unique colors of one cycle of lights. 

Voilà! A shot to remember!


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

www.dansouthphoto.com

All Rights Reserved

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. 

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

www.dansouthphoto.com

All Rights Reserved

Bright Red Scooter

In Living Color

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

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

www.dansouthphoto.com

All Rights Reserved

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. 

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

www.dansouthphoto.com

All Rights Reserved

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."

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

www.dansouthphoto.com

All Rights Reserved

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.

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

www.dansouthphoto.com

All Rights Reserved