2011MyFaves-11 for 11
A challenge for any photographer (but a very worthwhile exercise) is to select some of your best work from the many many images you take each year.
Do this with our own files and create criteria why the shots "work" for you.
ENJOY my selections -- I am always happy to hear what YOU like -- or tell me what has helped you from my newsletters this year.
Gretchen
PS -- What has helped me grow as a photographer this year ??? The input of fine-art, landscape photographer Hiro Sugimura from New Canaan.
He has me working on a good tripod and SEEING my compositions. There is always lots of room to evolve and improve.
"Birding in my Bathrobe:)" -- the birds are feeding in the early morning light. This image captures three species -- a nice composition of birds entering and exiting the frame. L-R: Tufted Titmouse, Downy Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee.
Nikon D7000 and 70-200 mm (heavy lens) on tripod facing out window -- remote cable release -- low ISO -- fast speed -- RAW format.
"Caribbean Beauty" This pretty lady was helping the captain of our snorkel charter. I pulled her below deck in the boat where the light was soft and indirect. It was close quarters, but I could control the light coming off the contours of her face creating this nice portrait -- one of my favorite things to do.
"Dawn Light on the River" -- Here is a shot that is an example of some of the new things I have been practicing this year with master photographer, Hiro Sugimura. Shooting on tripod with 70-200 2.8 -- slow speed to create water flow -- early light hitting fall follage dropped in the river.
"My Dad and Me" I am proud of this shot !!! It is the kind of image that made my heart flutter when I knew I had it in the camera. I was shooting this sweet young ladies Bat Mitzvah and she was having a dance with her father -- this gesture happened for a split second in very dim light and my D80 with a very fast (fixed) 50 mm 1.4 caught it. Yipeee!!
"Spillway, Fall Reflections" -- This image is inspired by Hiro Sugimura -- who taught me to see it and then capture it.
"Pretty Female Cardinal" -- I used this image for my holiday card this year. No one thinks the female cardinals are pretty -- but this lady proves them wrong. And the light snow in the air and foreshortened view of the bird created a unique image that I like.
"Fishing Hole" -- was shot during a kids fishing tournament on Sprite Island. Many of my favorite images this year involve water and reflection.
"Dual Dimples" -- I shoot many events and I love the energy and faces of young and old having a great time. Here, I was shooting in a very dark reception environment. The magic of Nikon strobe technology along with a very fast lens caught what my naked eye could barely perceive.
"Tree Peony" -- I love the delicate color and translucent quality of this flower.
"Autumn Sculler" -- this is sort of a miracle shot. I was hand-holding my very heavy 70-200 2.8 lens with camera -- just shooting some reflections in the river when she quietly appeared around the corner moving quickly across the water-- over 100 ft from me. I shot several times and caught her in sharp focus, taking her breaths. (see the next page for the last shot).
"October Light" -- here is an example of a moment where water, light and subjects (twin sisters) come together in an exciting way. I love this kind of visual interaction. Hope you have enjoyed my selection. Thank you for looking. Feel free to add your "Comments" here. Gretchen