I hope you all have some great things planned this weekend. Something to rejuvenate yourself.
Make sure you do something for yourself everyday. I believe its beneficial to take the time, just for you. My "me time" comes in many forms of meditation, be it exercise, Tai Chi, listening to music or reading up on photography anything!
I recently had the pleasure of a surprise phone call by of all people, my insurance agent!
She had initially called due to a change that was made and had a legitimate question. She told me if she could live another life, it would be a photographer, capturing the beauty of the world around her. We got into a great conversation of what it was like for me, to do something I loved, a true passion.
She was excited to hear that I do a Shutter Bug Project, where I find a model, suggest a theme, find a location and teach anyone who wants to hone their skills. Amateur or professional, we just have fun!
I enjoy teaching and photographing. I can lose myself in it on a daily basis.
That phone call made my day. It also opened up my mind to start again, my Photo Of The Week. Not many were participating, even though I got a few interested. I decided to use only my images, so it would not fall through the cracks again.
One of the things I do enjoy when photographing is being able to show you the audience exactly what it was like to be in that moment. Show the atmosphere, feeling, ambiance. I also enjoy manipulating the scene, thru composition and lighting, giving the new or forced perspective.
In the photo below, I had decided on dessert at the Hot & Hot fish club. The warm atmosphere and the excellent wine made the dish decadent. When I began to process the images a few days later, I was happy with my decision to allow the warm colors to saturate the shot. I knew through software manipulation, that I could "clean" up the color but I was very please that I chose to take the best shot of how I wanted to relive the moment the first time.
It is my opinion that although nice and useful software can be, that most are not learning photography basics and taking shots with the thought of, "I will 'fix' it later". That saddens me, for if I had done that, the adding warmth during post processing, looks well, processed.
So, having said all this,, Here is the original shot, the processed shot and the settings.
50mm Lens
ISO 400
F.2.5
1/25
Personally for me, the image loses something.
Thank you all for your continued support. It means the world to me. Be sure to send me images of what moves you, give us the story and I may post it on my blog. I am always looking to make new friends and to share life's experienced. laymanphotography@windstream.net
Have a great weekend and Roll Tide!
