Aug 12thGolden Bonzai
Ideas turning in my head
Well, being creative for me is something that just makes me feel better. After a good creative day sometimes I am worn out but sometimes I am recharged. I have a few Ideas spinning in my head that I hope come to reality. When it does, I am sure that you will love it!
Today’s Photo
Well, I was kind of worn out and after heading out to shoot a sunset – and then not getting to shoot the thing because I got kicked out of the park I was shooting…I came back grouchier than normal. Funny thing is I started looking through shots that I have yes to process and I found this shot. It is a familiar tree that you have seen in some of my other shots, however this time shot quite different. I did shoot this in HDR, however I did not process this with HDR. This is a single shot, simply processed lightly in LR4. I was feeling warm when I processed it and hope that you feel warm too. This is not a Bonzai tree…but looks like it :)
Jul 31stHistoric Sunset
Where have you been??
Well that is a good question, going through a bit of a dry spell here and being creative in different ways. I plan on getting back to shooting soon though – there are some shots that I want to get before winter and cold get here.
Upcoming tutorials??
I often get asked many times about how to do this or how to do that, how I made this image look like it does etc. I was considering doing a couple “watch me” sessions but that sounded way to creepy! I might do some tutorials I might not and just leave that to the pros. Then again it might be fun to do. I also know that a lot of people are super busy and dont have time for my blog stuff, so not sure if it would help anyone either. When it comes down to it – I just dont know :)
Finding Inspiration
I have been noticing that my inspirations are coming from a lot of other great photographers lately but more than that from other arts and artist. I have not been into painting a lot but find myself in awe when noticing something that I have never noticed but been past 1000′s of times. Also I am getting a lot more inspiration from those that draw. This is super fascinating to me. While growing up I had the pleasure of knowing one of the greatest artist I have had the pleasure to know and view their work. I plan on posting more of this story later so stay tuned.
Today’s Photo
Today’s photo is from a historic site that my son and I were walking around at sunset. He was shooting as I was and as the sun went down we both looked over at this storage barn at the same time. My son said “DAD!!! Look at the sunset and it coming through the windows of that barn!! YOU HAVE TO SHOOT THAT!!!” I was not as in to it as he was, but thought, ok I will shoot it just for him. I shot it, dumped the card when I got back and completely forgot about the shot as I had planned to do nothing with it. A few weeks ago I went through my dumps (as I often do – more on that method and madness later) and came across this shot. I spent a long time on it, starting all over after ditching progress. Here is what I settled on, and now looking at it I agree with my son and am glad that he talked me in to shooting it.
Jul 26thIn the beginning we all hang on
My drive
I have not shot or even got my camera out lately. I know I need to and I am feeling the urge to, just not been able to. I recently made the mistake of traveling without it and got reminded why I should always have it with me even when it seems like just something extra to carry.
Today’s Photo
In the beginning of life each and everyone of us always hangs on to something. This photo to me expresses that. The precious gift of life sometimes is taken for granted and often times it is not valued. Tell someone today thank you and that you love them while you have the chance.
Jul 15thPrecious time, Classic Shot
Not normal
Well, ever since this one shoot I have been shooting a lot of things that are out of my normal comfort zone. I think that I will keep this as it is forcing me to grow and view things different, stay creative. I think this is ever so important and being out of the comfort zone is what makes us grow I think. I challenge you to get out of your comfort zone and allow yourself to grow. Finding your “not normal” is way more important than staying normal ;-)
Today’s Photo
Here is one shot that I really liked out of this set. I know that it is a classic shot that has been done many times – I have never tried it and when I did, it really sparked something new. I usually do not shoot people and I really do not enjoy shooting people, however after this and knowing that a special tender moment has been captured I really am re-thinking my strategy. This by no means says that I will start shooting people – it simply means that I am going to strive to understand this aspect of photography and practice with volunteers.
Jun 20thName this one if you can!!! #carbuffs
He is a off the wall rambling
So when I process – sometimes I want silence, sometimes I ask others questions, sometimes I just put music on and get lost in it. My music is a wide variety from classical, to Roy Orbison, to Mona, Eminiem, Snow Patrol, coldplay to name a few. Who do you think that I was listening to while processing this one?
Today’s Photo
Jun 8thWhat is this thing?
Who actually read these??
So part of having a blog, it makes me curious if anyone reads my banter, just looks at the picture or neither?? Feel free to leave questions/comments/concerns – good/bad/ugly – what have you :)
Coming soon??
So I have been toying around (salivating is more like it) on getting rid of my two current Canon cameras and getting a 5D III (Canon of course!). Not that there is anything wrong with Nikon, but all my glass is invested in Canon, so I really dont want to start over at this point….
Here is a great debate over current top dogs –
Nikon D800 vs Canon 5D Mark III
EitelJorg Museum
This is the front of the EitelJorg Museum in Indianapolis Indiana. I was in town for the weekend to go to the great Indy 500. While there my host took me downtown to shoot the canal and this place was right by where we were shooting. This is from the front looking towards the street and the largest Marriot hotel around.
Jun 6thDowntown Indianapolis
So, a couple weeks ago I went to the Indy 500, you would think that I would come back with a ton of race car photos right?? Well, not this guy. Though I did shoot at the track, it is not something I normally shoot and need more practice. But while there I did get to go in to the city and shoot a few shots. This is one of them :)
May 28thOh Deer!!!
So I went to the Indianapolis 500 this weekend, and boy was it HOT!! It was the HOTTEST 500 on record, it also broke the record for the most lead changes. So you would think that I would be posting some awesome racing photos right?? Well sorry to disappoint you – I found out that my shooting style is not honed very well for shooting fast moving cars (though I had a TON of fun trying and will be perfecting that along the road sometime). The night before the Indy I went down to the city and shot around, this is one that I came back with, hope you enjoy it :)
May 11thCenter Rage???
Well, I have not been posting regularly – sorry about that! Been tied up with a lot of stuff – no excuses though.
I took this shot while in Austin. I remember running across the road to get the this shot (< - - click me) and looking up and saying HOLY @#$%@#%$ I have to go get THAT SHOT!!! There was something inviting and interesting to me of how the road seemed endless to the horizon that could be seen even with the Pennybacker bridge there. So I stopped mid stream (while the 3-4 others kept going) and I ran down to spot I wanted to set up. After getting back home and downloading all these shots, I remember looking at this one and saying – meh, I dont like, not even going to process it. I came back to it a week or so later and this is the resulting shot –
May 1stAs they look on
I caught this scene in Austin on the G+ photo walk. I got there a little early (to make sure that I got a parking spot). When I got to the top with a few others, there was this young couple sitting there taking in the sunset. As I looked around I thought – why not shoot it now before the sun really sets? So I walked over, setup and got this shot just as they gazed at each other. A sweet tender moment. I normally do not shoot landscapes with people in them, however I think that this added to the shot this time.
Apr 29thPennybacker Bridge at Sunset
Where to start with this one? This one holds a very special place in my heart, the starts aligned as I just happen to be in Texas, in Austin at the same time that Lotus Carroll and Gino Barasa had a photowalk to somewhere that I have been wanting to shoot since seeing many shots of it. The shoot was amazing – I met so many nice people that were kind as well as encouraging and helpful. My first G+ walk was awesome and here one of the shots that I got from it. Most of the shots of this bridge are taken on the other side, however me and a few others ran across the highway (not jaywalking of course, why do you ask??) to shoot it from the more rare angle.
Apr 14thNice Entry
So as a part II of yesterdays shot, here is the entrance to the Hotel that I was at. Something about it was simply interesting to me. I am really not sure what it is but I just liked it and shot it. I remember framing up the shot so quickly and running through changing settings to tweak what I wanted and someone asking me – What all did you just change to fast there I could not see what you were doing? And I feel kind of bad because I am not real sure that I even answered the guy…
Apr 13thThe hotel fountain
Well, I am sorry for being absent for a few days, work was kicking my tail. We were in meetings for a few days, but after the meetings I took a little time to shoot a few at the hotel. This is more along the typical shot for me – but do you think that it is HDR or not? It sure felt good to get out and shoot though!!! I edited this with my son tonight and this is what we came up with for the final shot.
Apr 9thThis old house
This little place is literally a 3 minute walk from my house. So why dont I go to shoot it more?? I really dont know. Anyways, here is today’s quaint little place enjoy :)
Apr 7thHappy Easter – The Resurrection
Well, I have tried to challenge myself to not shoot what I typically shoot. This is another example of that, but with Easter here I shot this today and wanted to share it. I hope you enjoy it.
Luke 23-24
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus Before Pilate
23 Then the whole company of them arose and brought him before Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.” 3 And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” 4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.” 5 But they were urgent, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.”
Jesus Before Herod
6 When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. 7 And when he learned that he belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. 8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. 9 So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer. 10 The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. 11 And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate. 12 And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.
13 Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. 15 Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. 16 I will therefore punish and release him.”[a]
Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified
18 But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”— 19 a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. 20 Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, 21 but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” 22 A third time he said to them, “Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.” 23 But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. 24 So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. 25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.
The Crucifixion
26 And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus. 27 And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him. 28 But turning to them Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ 30 Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ 31 For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”
32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”[b] And they cast lots to divide his garments. 35 And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 There was also an inscription over him,[c] “This is the King of the Jews.”
39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him,[d] saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
The Death of Jesus
44 It was now about the sixth hour,[e] and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour,[f] 45 while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. 47 Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!” 48 And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. 49 And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things.
Jesus Is Buried
50 Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. 52 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53 Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid. 54 It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning.[g] 55 The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. 56 Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments.
On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
The Resurrection
24 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. 5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” 8 And they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, 11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.
by Chris Lehman