Floral Heaven

It's so nice that my parents and their neighbours are avid gardeners.

Geranium

Mom tells me this is likely a Martha Washington Geranium. I wouldn't know, but I love the photo. Just thought I'd share.

PhotoFriday Challenge: Spiral

This weeks PhotoFriday Challenge is Spiral. Here's my entry.

Stepping On Rainbows

I'm very proud of this photo. I didn't just see a composition, I saw the potential for a composition and created it. This is, for me, a real sign that I'm moving beyond merely taking the photo to actually making the photo.

I think the 365 Days Project I'm working on is already stretching me as a photographer. I feel the need to capture more than just a pretty picture of a flower or a sunset; I feel the need to capture the essence of the day, or at least of a moment in the day.

As a matter of fact I'm having difficulty choosing which pictures to put up because I usually have more than one that I feel encapsulates my day. I'm struggling between allowing myself to post more than one if I feel like it, and continuing to restrict myself to just one as a way to force my self into more clarity.

I stopped writing little blurbs to explain the photo as well. I feel that the photo should do most of the talking, and that, as a writer, I should be able to use a short caption to further enhance the message. So that's what I'm doing.

Ultimately I may change the rules, if I feel changing them will benefit me in the long term.

I'm really intrigued to see where this will all take me, creatively.

My First Telephoto Lens...

Woohoo, I just purchased my first lens. A Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG Macro.

My co-workers gave me a gift certificate as a going away gift so that I could start my lens collection, and I'm pretty happy with the choice I made.

I've been reading up on the pros and cons of zoom lens over prime, and while I do see the advantages of primes I feel that for practicality I'll go with zoom options for now. I just don't have the money to invest in primes, nor the knowledge to utilize them effectively. I also lack the ability to cart around large amounts of equipment.

I can already tell that by using primes I'd learn a lot about the technical side of photography, since just switching between my basic kit lens and the new Sigma has clarified a few things for me about SLR photography.

This purchase comes at a great time. I'm just starting to explore candid street photography and having a telephoto allows me to remain less conspicuous while capturing my subject.

I also can't get over how much I feel like a true photographer walking around with that long lens and its companion lens-hood. It looks so impressive; I even found people pausing to let me take photos, as opposed to walking right into my frame. I suppose a serious SLR camera just gets a little more respect!

I can handle that.

I'm eager to take it out for a third run. I bought it Saturday and have already taken it out twice. I've taken close to a thousand photos already!

Enjoy these two captures...courtesy of my new Sigma. The first is not the best technical photo by any means, but it shows a growing ability to capture mood and movement, something I'm now working on. The crystal ball is one my favourite photos. It displays an increased eye for detail, I wouldn't have noticed the reflection in the ball 6 months ago.

::grin::

Dragonfly

 

 

Captured this little lovely with the non-DSLR camera we have here at work. Sadly, my cherished Canon was at home. This needs to be a lesson to me. No matter how sure I may be that I'll not be needing my camera, it should still be with me at all times.

I was able to salvage a couple of interesting images to play with, but had I had my own camera there would have been some very great shots. The little predator stayed happily on the wall for guite a long time.

Ah well, better these shots than nothing.

Lesson learned, I hope!

Gardens And Tripods

The weather finally changed this weekend and the cherry blossoms and hyacinths lent quite an amazing perfume to the air. I was inspired to head over to Van Dusen Botanical Gardens with camera and tripod in tow.

I haven't used my tripod much, but I think it truly made a difference to the photos I took. Especially the blossom close-ups. I intend to make an effort to use it more. Perhaps when the tulips come into full bloom...soon, I hope!

You can access some of today's photos here.

Cherry Blossom Time In Vancouver

Hastings Park Fountains

Took a walk out to Hastings Park, where there is a lovely Italian garden with fountains apparently modelled after the fountains of Aquila, Italy. Since it was a drab day with not too much to capture other than the sculpture of the fountains I took the opportunity to play with some slight editing effects in terms of colour.

You can see the series here.

March 21st 2008 - Spring in Vancouver

I've added a new photo album on my photo collections page. R. and I took a walk down by Granville Island a few days ago, and enjoyed these signs of spring.

Entry: Portrait

Entry: Black And White

Entry: Angles

Entry: Sunlight

Entry: Air

Entry: Water

Entry: Movement