Learning to see light

Today I started to look for light. I mean really look for light. How does it fall in each direction? Where is the best illumination of the subject and from what angle? It was an eye opening experience. I thought I knew before, but today was like a gift I'm so thankful for. Here's a water fountain in Kansas City.

Photo Stress Reliever

I was feeling like I needed to take a break today, so I took the camera out and photographed the first thing that caught my eye. These water droplets were the perfect thing.

Fishin' Off Harsens Island

Probably the last time my daughter will be able to fish off of this dock on Harsens Island in Michigan.

Water Works

Stream - Inventive Title, I know

Lately I have only been posting pictures from my iPhone, but this is where I am right now. I have been paying special attention to composition and I feel that the iPhone limits me to just two things 1. composition 2. Lighting. Those are two of the most important aspects of photography and I think these images are showing my progress with it.

Marathon Cups

This past weekend our daughter had the opportunity to cheer on her team at the Detroit Marathon. They were running for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and were running in my daughter's honor. As I was helping with the water station I noticed the cups being discarded by the runners after the race and couldn't help but tell the story with my camera. It was a beautiful day for a race, but not so beautiful for the cleanup crew.

A walk at the beach

A Walk at the beach.

Here's a bit more from last weekend.

Joy at the beach

Joy at the beach

Water texture

Water Texture

I have taken this shot many times, but last night the light was just right. This is the water as the sunset was hitting it. I thought it would make a great texture for the background of something. What do you think?

Bokeh Blades

Bokeh Blades

This was an experiment with capturing the morning dew on the blades of grass as the sun rose. The focal point is located somewhere near the center of the picture and gradually moves out of focus the further away and closer you become to that point.

Touching Water

Touching Water

Water fountains are mezmorizing and soothing at the same time. Almost like watching a camp fire. This baby was walking around and touching the water today.

Sleeping Bear Bluff

Sleeping Bear Bluff

This swimmer was wandering in the water of lake Michigan. In the distance is part of the sleeping bear dunes national lakeshore. I liked the composition of this one a lot because it highlights the beauty of the dunes and the vastness of lake Michigan. This picture would be nothing without the swimmer wandering in the water. I gave him room to walk in the frame in order to convey the distance and give a natural feel to the shot. Wow that was a mouthful, but these things are really what I was thinking when I took this shot.

I borrowed a friend's Nikon D80 and lens for this shot.
Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/500)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 105 mm
ISO Speed: 100

Vacation Photos

Vacation Photos

Empire beach is a beautiful setting off of lake Michigan. The water can be cold at times, but this week was just right.

Morning Myst

Morning Myst

I took this photo just one week ago, so it fits my blog rules of taken within the week. I took this at about 7am while on a drive and it was one of those moments where I had to stop the car and get out the trusty Nikon D80. The sun was hitting the dock with some really warm light and the morning fog was just hovering over the pond.

Water Faucet

Water Faucet, originally uploaded by edwardjohnphotography.

One of my final pictures from a photo walk at the Meadowbook Mansion. This water faucet had all the features of a black and white shot, but the more I looked at it the more I wanted the colors to stay. All other aspects were great including aperture and shutter speed, but I failed to get the composition just right. Taking my time with every shot is very important, and I need to continue to keep composition in mind when shooting. I still like this one anyway.

If it needs a sign, it's badly designed

If it needs a sign, it's badly designed

One of my mantras in the programming world is "If it needs a sign, it's badly designed." Many times we get frustrated with common everyday things including this water faucet. In order for the water to come out, one needs to place their hand in just the right spot and hold it there for 6 seconds before water jets out. The water then propels out so harshly that you end up getting water on your pants causing you to pull you hand away. It becomes a vicious cycle, because pulling your hand away stops the water and you need to wait another 6 seconds for it to start. I had to do some camera acrobatics to get this shot, but it was worth it.

Mobile Water

Mobile Water

The current photo assignment is mobility. The first interpretation I had of the concept of mobility came in the form of water flowing through the adverse conditions of the frozen world around it. This creek runs next to one of my favorite coney island restaurants. The food is great and the atmosphere is even better. I highly recommend Lipumas in Rochester Michigan if you ever get a chance.