Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Take The Time, Part 2

I have previously blogged about "taking the time" to make pictures but it is such an important idea it's worthwhile to revisit it once more.

My partner and I have been on Maui, Hawaii for the past week. Maui is a gorgeous paradise and we have enjoyed every minute of our stay. Of course being a photographer I brought along a small but potent kit of gear to record our visit in pictures. Sometimes though making a picture requires more energy then you may want to divert to the task and that is where the choice between no picture and "taking the time" comes in to play.

The other day we made a short drive and twenty minute hike to a nearby waterfall. Of course, I had brought along my gear. I took some "easy" pictures during our trek but shots at the waterfall required more effort. To get that dreamy, smooth effect on the waterfall I needed a longer exposure. The longer exposure meant a tripod, variable ND filter and a few other gadgets. No problem. I took the time to dig out the requisite gear and made my pictures. A few snaps later I disassembled the gear and we continued exploring. Not long after I decided to do a shot of the two of us with the waterfall in the background. Making that picture required considerably more effort (I needed off-camera flash) and a bundle of patience to set up the necessary equipment. It was decision time. Take the time or not bother?

I took the time.

I took the time because I know the how much the picture will be cherished when looking back at a wonderful vacation. I know how important it is to document the special moments and I know how important it is to do it right. It is always worth the time.

Keep shooting.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Beautiful Maui


I have been on the beautiful island of Maui, Hawaii for the past five days. Its amazing scenery affords limitless opportunities for making great pictures. I packed a very light kit of gear, including a few new pieces - a Joby Gorillapod Focus with a Ballhead X and a Tiffen variable neutral density filter. Both pieces of equipment are small and super light to pack and helped me make this picture.

Beautiful Maui

Keep shooting.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Night Moves

It has been quite a while since I got out for some night shooting. I honestly can't remember the last time I did it but I'm sure it has been a few months or more. Sad really because I really love shooting in the city core at night. I especially love long exposures with moving subjects. I love how you never really quite know what you're going to get. The light just seems to bounce everywhere. The mysterious light trails from vehicles that seem to make no sense and the shadows. When it goes well they all perform this magical dance and you get a cool picture. When it doesn't go as planned, uh, well, you just delete the picture when you get home. Regardless, it's always fun to capture activity after dark.

_MG_9952

Keep shooting.