Photo Play: May Summary

With the improved mobility that showed up about mid May came a desire to get the camera out again. One thing I've learned over the last few months as I've struggled with my knee is that pain and photography don't mix for me. I can stitch when I really hurt, but taking photographs just doesn't appeal.  

Part of the renewed interest was starting a new book on photography:  Visual Poetry by Chris Orwig.  My copy came from a Half Price Books in Dallas, TX.  It was published in 2014, so it's probably out of print. Amazon had one used copy available when I checked. This book starts with chapters on poetry, creativity and learning to see.  Back in the January Summary, I shared one quote that resonated with me was "An image is a poem about time" (from Sara Leen, in 2017 she was director of photography for National Geographic). So it's not surprising that I'm really enjoying this book. The chapter on creativity had me reflecting on not just my photography, but what creativity looks like in the rest of my life.    

Two of the ideas from the book I've tried to apply this month are "edit ruthlessly" and "what's my criteria for the set of photographs".  I'm a sucker for flower photographs, but have been struggling to make them stand out as "not just another flower photograph".  My criteria when editing this set was good detail and/or saturated colors.  

Clemantis (image has been cropped) - I-Phone 12 

Canon 70D with a Sigma 105 mm macro lens used for all the following photographs. Some photos have been cropped. 

Evening Primrose

Indian Blanket Seed Head

Sweet William 

How well do these photos meet my criteria?  It's hard to pick a favorite, but it's between the Clemantis and the first Sweet William photos.

My Guy is a much better wildlife photographer than I am. You have to be fast on settings and focus, he's just a lot better on those things than I am (yes it's a matter of practice and I don't, he does).  My criteria for a photograph of any wild thing is that the composition is reasonable and the animal/bug is in focus. 

Bee on Mexican Heather

I took 20 something shots to get this one. There a couple that are close, but this one has the best depth of field throughout the photo.

How light interacts with a subject is a big part of photography.  The last three photos were me just playing with the settings on the camera and the available light shining on the zipper of my pencil bag.  My criteria for these photos was small details and visual appeal.  

  

I like how the series goes from where you can identify the subject to the very abstract last image. My favorite is the last image. The subtle color differences on both sides of the bag separated by that bright silver "line" was unexpected. 

It feels good to be back playing with the camera.  I'm not up to long walks yet, but hopefully that's coming in June.  Thanks for sticking with me for another not quilting post.  I always like to hear if you have a favorite.