Photo Stories: Off to Places Afar

Title: Off to Places Afar | A determined little bug refuses to stop for the camera as it crawls across a mountain of grass.

November 6, 2008 is when I met the tiny bug. I'm guessing him to be about 1 inch from beginning to end. He graciously allowed me to take his photo so long as I stayed out of his way. He didn't say much during our meeting, just persistently made his way across the pile of grass clippings where we met. I don't think I've seen him since either, and I occasionally wonder what became of this itty-bitty bug.

         Shooting Conditions                     

          Camera | Canon Digital Rebel XSi

            Lens | Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

        Exposure | 1/320 at f/2.8

           Flash | N/A

   Exposure Bias | 0 EV

   Exposure Mode | Semi-Auto (Aperture Priority)

       ISO Speed | ISO 200

   Metering Mode | Pattern

 Post-processing | Photoshop CS3 - Minimal

Weekend Rundown.

Well, no video. Sorry I didn't get one made. Thursday was my birthday as well as Thanksgiving, Friday  was "Black Friday" so Staples had me working all day, and today I woke up under the weather. So, I'm just going to move onward from here and drop this weeks video. A new photo story is coming Monday!

The Photographer's Personal Ponderings 8:Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is all about the food.

...

...

...

...You didn't really think I would leave it at that did you? No, most of us know that Thanksgiving is much more than just another food fest. There's a multitude of things I could talk about or discuss, but plenty of other bloggers will probably do a better job explaining things than I could. So I'm going to list three things I'm thankful for.

For one: my family. It seems like something that is or should be on everyone's list, but I really am thankful for the family I have. My dad is unceasing in providing more for my family than we could ask, and my mom equally so in using that provision in the wisest ways possible.

Secondly: my fiancée. She is all around kind and diligent, as well as my future. She is also a blogger, so hop on over here if you want to see what she is like for yourself.

Trés: my living conditions. I have seen so many things on the television this past year that I realize just how "rich" I live. I haven't a want or need beyond the frivolous.

I've been listening to the pastors on the radio quite a bit lately and I am noticing a certain theme keeps creeping up this year. That theme is how when one is truly thankful, they will do something to show appreciation rather than settling for a vocal "thank you."

I don't know how many readers I have, or where all of you are, but thanks for reading and have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Photo Stories 4 Pic Special!

This will be a 4 photo special since the pictures aren't my normal style (and I had them all processed, so why not put them out here). A little abstract, a little artsy, and mostly from one day, these photographs were taken in my backyard on November, 6th 2008 (with one exception). Enjoy!

Title: The Beginning | The lens cap from my favorite lens, taken by my favorite lens.

This lens cap is off of my 100mm macro lens. I love that lens because of the color and depth of field it can give me, but sometime it is little too "zoomed in" for indoor taking. This photo is the odd-ball of this bunch because it was taken on November 3rd, 2008. Picky picky.

         Shooting Conditions                     

          Camera | Canon Digital Rebel XSi

            Lens | Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

        Exposure | 1/200 at f/11

           Flash | N/A

   Exposure Bias | 0 EV

   Exposure Mode | Manual

       ISO Speed | ISO 200

   Metering Mode | Pattern

 Post-processing | Photoshop CS3 - Straightening/Minimal

Title: The Heart of Now | A glimpse of what drives the modern world.

A circuit board from an air-conditioner's control panel. The board was still attached, but now power was going to it! Be careful taking pictures of high voltage electronics.

         Shooting Conditions                     

          Camera | Canon Digital Rebel XSi

            Lens | Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

        Exposure | 1/80 at f/2.8

           Flash | N/A

   Exposure Bias | 0 EV

   Exposure Mode | Semi-Auto [Aperture Priority]

       ISO Speed | ISO 800

   Metering Mode | Pattern

 Post-processing | Photoshop CS3 - Minimal

Title: A Wave from the Past | This is the grate which shrouds the magneto on an old pull start lawnmower.

An old lawnmower, missing its hood, just seemed to beckon me to take its picture. So, I did.

         Shooting Conditions                     

          Camera | Canon Digital Rebel XSi

            Lens | Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

        Exposure | 1/100 at f/2.8

           Flash | N/A

   Exposure Bias | 0 EV

   Exposure Mode | Semi-Auto [Aperture Priority]

       ISO Speed | ISO 500

   Metering Mode | Pattern

 Post-processing | Photoshop CS3 - Minimal

Title: Now You Know | A warning sign from an old air-conditioner.

This warning sign explains something about gas-line connections. I was too busy taking pictures to read it. Oh, and in case you're wondering, the air-conditioner is a combo unit. Meaning it has both a heater and air-conditioner in one unit.

         Shooting Conditions                     

          Camera | Canon Digital Rebel XSi

            Lens | Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

        Exposure | 1/60 at f/2.8

           Flash | N/A

   Exposure Bias | 0 EV

   Exposure Mode | Semi-Auto [Aperture Priority]

       ISO Speed | ISO 200

   Metering Mode | Pattern

 Post-processing | Photoshop CS3 - Minimal

Vlog 6 from the Zoo!

Finally! Here is the Vlog post everyone has been waiting for, er... well, everyone who knows better. Right? Hee-hee. Anyway both videos were taken at or around the Oklahoma City Zoo. Elizabeth and I had a great time and saw some amazing examples of God's creation.

The below 5 minute video is actually three in one. That way more animals could be fit into the next video...



And this 10 Minute video is taken exclusively at the zoo. Elizabeth and I switched off running the movie camera, but I had my regular camera so I mostly took still pictures.

The videos are made, but...

the videos are made but I'm having a hard time loading them. Yesterday my fiancée and I spent the whole day at the Oklahoma City Zoo, so I didn't do any editing last night. Today I edited our 30+ minute video into 10 minute and 5 minute videos. Sorry to delay, but thank you for your understanding.

My apologies.

I think I need to move the weekly videos to Saturday. Friday is such a good day to film on that I don't seem to have time to do both filming and editing on the same day. So from now on I will be posting the videos on Saturday. Thanks for reading.

The Photographer's Personal Ponderings 7: Empathy

Empathy - noun

1. the intellectual identification with or vicarious experiencing of the feelings, thoughts, or attitudes of another.

2. the imaginative ascribing to an object, as a natural object or work of art, feelings or attitudes present in oneself: By means of empathy, a great painting becomes a mirror of the self.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010. 

What a strange thing that we humans can empathize. To feel feelings, whether real or perceived, which are not our own. I don't know how many times a movie or video game has drove me to certain emotions even though none of the characters are real. So empathy can be manipulated, but without it at all the world would be a dismal place.

God gave us empathy, but why? I think it is a shadow of Him, a manufacturer's mark if you will. Empathy plays a huge role in love. Without it we wouldn't have any way of comprehending another's emotion. Most of the best social qualities rely on perception and empathy. Relationships are God's highest priority (especially our relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ) and without empathy most would be strictly business.

Photo Stories: Catherine's "Frosty"

Title: Catherine's "Frosty" | I think Frosty the cat enjoyed his brief photo-shoot.

From nearly 2 years ago to the day, this photograph  was taken on November 22, 2008 and shouldn't be here now. No, this picture should have been deleted. In the very least it ought to be lost at the bottom of my digital photo files. Why? Well, it's the only photo taken that day and was taken  to show off my new lens, nothing more. No setup was taken. No posing. No thought. I slid off the couch onto one knee, set my shutter to the light meters tune, and took the picture. *click*

         Shooting Conditions                     

          Camera | Canon Digital Rebel XSi

            Lens | Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

        Exposure | 1/15 at f/2.8

           Flash | N/A

   Exposure Bias | 0 EV

   Exposure Mode | Semi-Auto [Aperture Priority]

       ISO Speed | ISO 1600

   Metering Mode | Pattern

 Post-processing | Photoshop CS3 - Minimal

Vlog 5 Main Course Ready

My main vlog is ready and I'll add the Elizabethcam stuff later tomorrow to make a complete set. Set is complete. hope you can enjoy it!




P.S. I know there is a typo in the above video. Please forgive me. :)

The Photographer's Personal Ponderings 6: Winning

First, some news from the photography show. I entered the three photos below into the contest...

Title: A Cheerful Friend

Title: Impression of a Hunter

Title: The Mug

... and Impression of a Hunter won best of show. Yes, one of my photographs entered against professionals in the advanced category actually won the top prize available! Not just best of the advanced, but best of all the show. Needless to say, I am excited.

Now then, how does one handle winning? Some wave it in others faces, some deny any talent in semi-feigned  humility, and yet others take all the credit, but what is right? I don't know for sure. I tend towards denial since I don't like to be the center of attention. I do know that boasting is sinful, as is shrinking back, or denying God's hand altogether. What is right is doing what God has sent you to do. Be it preach openly or demonstrate Christ by attitude.

I will be doing much praying about how I should handle winning. I never expect to win, but I don't consider how to witness for Christ if I do. I don't expect to win even more, but I've entered three shows in three years and won three awards. God must have a plan, and I must get on the same page.

Photo Stories: Sweet Rest

This little blade of grass gets some rest between breezes.

I think this will be the final photograph from November 15, 2008. This image was taken while I was on my way back from the ponds, which were my main destination. There wasn't a whole lot of light available and so Photoshop touched more of this pic than the others. The sun is behind the clouds, behind the grass near the top of the photo. Because of that I could either get the sky to look good and the grass to be black, or the grass to look good and the sky to be white. Well, I was taught that digital sensors handle too much light better than not enough so I weighted my exposure towards making the grass look good and let Photoshop bring the sky back into the visible. Thanks for reading.

         Shooting Conditions                     

          Camera | Canon Digital Rebel XSi

            Lens | Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

        Exposure | 1/500 at f/8

           Flash | N/A

   Exposure Bias | 0 EV

   Exposure Mode | Semi-Auto [Aperture Priority]

       ISO Speed | ISO 200

   Metering Mode | Pattern

 Post-processing | Photoshop CS3 - Saturation 

                 | & Highlights

P.S. I have the results from the photo contest and... I'll let you know more in my personal ponderings post on Wednesday. I will tell you that my post won't be a disappointment. *hint* *hint* :)

Vlog 4, late run.

Here are the videos as promised. ElizabethCam is back in the somewhat long behind the scenes vid. Enjoy!

Rain Check!

I have the videos. Really, I do, but...

... it's too late to process them. To put my mark on them. So...

... tomorrow. Check back, tomorrow.

The Photographer's Personal Ponderings 5: Disappointment

Today I went to get my haircut and couldn't because of the barber shop's unscheduled closure. Now I was disappointed about not getting an haircut, but that isn't enough disappointment to prompt me to write. No, what stirred me was the sign on the door that one of the two barbers was gone for the week with health issues and the other out for the day because of a doctor's appointment. I was disappointed that these great guys were unable to do what they like to do because of health.

Disappointment is so basic, so common that I don't pay it much mind from day to day. It's an area of my life that I leave relatively untouched by God. I don't let Him move me with it or remove it when it isn't healthy. I ignore the feelings of disappointment, or let them continue naturally.

I don't know exactly were I wanted to go with this, so I'll leave it open. If you want to comment and add to these thoughts, please do. My final remark is that disappointment is a symptom of the Fall and designed to point us to the savior of all fallen, Jesus. Belief and trust in Him will not remove those symptoms entirely, but releases the bonds of slavery to those feelings enabling you to live uninhibited, but not sinful. If not now, then in the future.

Photo Stories: Impression of a Hunter

The only evidence that a bobcat had been here was this impression in the sand.

Another uncropped image from November 15 2008. This photograph was taken just short of my intended destination of two lakes, down in a bowl like clearing in the trees. I never did get a shot of those lakes that I liked, but as you can see I took plenty of pictures that I did like. This paw print was the only one of it's kind out there and a short distance away was a torn to shreds wing of a large bird, maybe a vulture or something like that. I don't know if they were related.

I personally like the sand in this image. It is so crisp and the impression is so well formed that I am fascinated by it. Anyway, on to the vitals of the pic.

         Shooting Conditions                     

          Camera | Canon Digital Rebel XSi

            Lens | Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

        Exposure | 1/1000 at f/2.8

           Flash | N/A

   Exposure Bias | 0 EV

   Exposure Mode | Semi-Auto [Aperture Priority]

       ISO Speed | ISO 200

   Metering Mode | Pattern

 Post-processing | Photoshop CS3 - Minimal

P.S. I stuck this image in the "scapes" folder on my site because I hated to have it be the only one in its own folder. :)