Saturday, March 17, 2018

Follow Your Heart

The Importance Of Intuition In Art and Life

Photography is a highly intuitive pursuit. As we interact with out surroundings, we find ourselves drawn to certain subjects and settings, not because some rule or calculation sends us in that direction, but because of how we feel when we see them. 

Once we select a setting and a subject, we continue to interact with them as we fine tune the images that we seek to create.

All of these choices are highly personal, driven by an intuitive, instinctive capacity that we never fully comprehend. When our choices are made honestly, a true expression of what we feel within, they form the basis of each individual's style.



a photo of a green plywood construction wall in midtown manhattan new york city
Green Plywood Wall - Midtown, Manhattan



"Your feet will bring you to where your heart is." - Irish Proverb


When I'm working with my camera, I frequently come to decision points where there is no clear advantage to going in one direction or another. Should I follow this road north or south? Should I set up lights or work with the light that is available? Should I try a different lens? Should I ask my subject to do something that's outside of their comfort zone?

In these moments, I find that it's better not to think but to feel. At a crossroad, I'll make an instantaneous decision - right or left? I leave it up to my body. Whichever direction it decides to go is the right one. I'll find something there to photograph, and the results will surprise me. 

Your heart knows where it wants to do. Your feet know how to take you there. Trust your instincts and your intuition. Relax, take your time, and embrace the magic of chance.

May the luck of the Irish be with you.


Camera:    Sony a7R III
Lens:        Sony FE 16-24mm f/2.8 GM

Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2018 Daniel R. South
All Rights Reserved


Saturday, February 17, 2018

Bride In A Mirror

Perfect Reflection



a photo of a bride in a chinese wedding dress checking hair and makeup in a mirror
Bride In A Mirror



Camera:    Sony a7R III
Lens:        Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS

Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2018 Daniel R. South
All Rights Reserved



Sunday, January 7, 2018

Midtown Clock Tower in Winter Light

Cold Air, Warm Photos

Hello and Happy New Year 2018, everyone! Stay warm and keep shooting! Winter light is amazing!



a photo of a midtown clock tower shot in the warm light of late december
Midtown Clock Tower in Winter Light




Camera:    Sony a7R III
Lens:        Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS

Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2018 Daniel R. South
All Rights Reserved




Saturday, December 30, 2017

Brownstone and Bare Tree - Manhattan

Architectural Detail in Black and White



a photo in black and white of a manhattan brownstone townhouse with a bare tree



Camera:    Sony a7R II
Lens:        Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS

Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2017 Daniel R. South
All Rights Reserved



Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Funiculaire In Twilight - Québec City

The Color Of Night



a photo of the funiculaire in quebec city at twilight
Funiculaire In Twilight - Québec City



Camera:    Nikon D810
Lens:        AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2017 Daniel R. South
All Rights Reserved



Saturday, November 25, 2017

Just Make Up Something

Nail Polish On Black Background



a color macro photo of nail polish on a black background



Camera:    Sony a7R II
Lens:        Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS

Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2017 Daniel R. South
All Rights Reserved


November Morning on the Big Sur Coast

Adventures In Black And White


I had intended to take some black and white seascape photos on my recent trip to California. Actually, I had been planning this for about two years. 


While I was out there, someone nominated me for the "7 days, no explanations" fad. So, in addition to these shots crafted meticulously with camera, tripod, and special long-exposure filters, I had fun taking some quick snaps with my iPhone.



a photo of the big sur coast in black and white by daniel south photography



It's funny how things work out. Fortunately, people seem to be enjoying all of the shots, even the ones from my phone. 



Camera:    Sony a7R II
Lens:        Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS

Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2017 Daniel R. South
All Rights Reserved


Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Sunset Over Point Lobos - Carmel, California

Coast Highway Detour

In May of 2017, a massive landslide destroyed a significant portion of California's coastal highway south of Big Sur. Six months later, the roadway is still closed and may remain closed for another year. Motorists are forced to follow a very long detour along an inland route.

I arrived in Carmel later than expected due to delays incurred along this detour. Desperate to grab a shot of something (anything) before the last light faded, I parked by the outlet of the Carmel River, grabbed my camera, and pushed through a thicket of poison oak to find a vantage point on the beach.

I set my tripod up as quickly as I could and composed a frame with the line of the beach running through the foreground. I focused on the distant trees, locked it in, and bracketed a few exposures before the light disappeared.



a photo of a sunset over point lobos near carmel california
Sunset Over Point Lobos - Carmel, California



It's amazing how often you have to scramble like mad in order to capture a landscape photo. The landscape doesn't move around, but the light can change rapidly. Miss that light by a few seconds, and you'll lose your chance completely.


Camera:    Sony A7R II
Lens:        Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM

Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2017 Daniel R. South
All Rights Reserved