Exploring the art of painting with light.

Knots in Wood

February 11, 2012
Knots in Wood

Focal Length: 24mm; ISO 200; Exposure: 1/15 sec at f/4.0; Camera: Canon EOS 50D (Click to Enlarge)

The intricate patterns and shapes are what attracted me to this carved totem. I spent a lot of time looking at the knots carved into the wood, marveling at the talent of the wood-carver who kept a symmetry to the different designs he included, probably working with simple knives and chisels. I can’t give you a lot of information about the origin of this totem, other than I believe it came from the south seas. The only thing I can say with certainty is that I liked everything about it.

This was another shot captured at the North Carolina Museum of Art, and this totem is part of the permanent collection there.

I made the decision to convert the original color image to black and white because I wanted to focus attention on the detail of the carving and not on the colors of the wood. I was extremely happy with the depth of focus as well for the same reasons.

Category:

Black and White, Still Life

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Art Lovers

February 10, 2012
Art Lovers

Focal Length: 28mm; ISO 200; Exposure: 1/30 sec @ f/4.0; Camera: Canon EOS 50D (Click to Enlarge)

Watching the people at the North Carolina Museum of Art is as much a cultural experience as viewing the masterpieces that are on display. The museum is casual enough that people in blue jeans are as proper as patrons in more formal attire. It is also interesting to see how different people approach viewing the works of art. Some read every word written on the cards near the pieces, and others study every nuance, trying to interpret the artist’s intent for themselves.

For a photographer, capturing people in public places is as much a joy as viewing beautiful works of art. I enjoy the street photography opportunities at the museum, and I enjoy seeing how other artists interpreted the world around them through paint, sculpture, and even photography. It can be very inspiring.

Category:

Color Photography, Street Photography

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Carousel Jungle

February 8, 2012
Carousel Jungle

Focal Length: 24mm; ISO 200; Exposure: 1/200 sec @ f/4.0; Camera: Canon EOS 20D (Click to Enlarge)

Not many details today. I’m going to leave this post at sharing a favorite shot from a couple of years ago. It’s my birthday, so I get to make the rules. :)

Category:

Color Photography

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Waterfalling Leaves

February 7, 2012
Waterfalling Leaves

Focal Length: 105mm; ISO 200; Exposure: 1/5 sec @ f/18; Camera: Canon EOS 20D (Click to Enlarge)

I wanted to get a really different perspective of the waterfall at the dam for Yates Mill when I composed this shot. I was trying to capture the texture of the stone in the dam, the movement of the water without making it appear too silky looking and give it some context with the leaves. I pictured this in black and white from the start and at first thought of processing it so that it would look like an antique photograph, but changed my mind when I got to the point where it looked like what you see above.

I especially like the highlights on the wet rocks and the way the falling drops of water looked stretched out. The relatively slow shutter speed I used created that effect and provided the look I was hoping for.

Category:

Black and White

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Retired With Honor

February 6, 2012
Retired With Honor

Focal Length: 60mm; ISO 100; Exposure: 1/160 sec @ f/6.3; Camera: Canon EOS 20D (Click to Enlarge)

These huge pieces of rusted metal are parts from Yate Mill left over from the renovation work that was done several years ago. Rather than discard the sections of the drive system that powered the old mill, the county decided to place it along the paths around the park for the visitors to explore. Besides adding interesting bits of abstract for photographers like me, it provides and opportunity to explore the workings of a grist-mill up close.

Category:

Landscape

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