There's a Time and Place for "Paparazzi"

For all photographers out there, have you ever had a request to take pictures and end up having to compete for position?  As in trying to take great pictures, but ended up taking pictures of the backside of other photographers?  I had an interesting episode happen at my church.  I was asked by a couple to take pictures of their baby dedication and later after service, their renewal of vows.  They have enjoyed my portfolio and wanted me to capture the beautiful moments of their lives.

When I have my camera in my hand, creativity is my best friend.  I make the best of a photo op.  So, here are a few pictures that I found quite amusing:

Here's the antics I've uncovered:  rushing over to where I'm taking pictures, hogging for position and not moving, not aware of others around them (the audience and other photogs), and firing their flash gun right in my ears (really?!)  

When I take pictures at events,  I keep a low profile and not intrude in the moment.  I hardly use flash, because it can sometimes produce harsh results.  Also during an intimate moment, I don't like to hear or see a flash go off.

If I'm in front during an event, I've learned to take my picture quickly and back out so others can have a photo op.  I don't care to have my backside in other people's pictures.  Plus, I'm being respectful and giving others their photo moment.  I'm giving people their space.  I'll also ask others if I'm in their way while they are getting their Kodak moment.  

I've learned to take make do with what I have as far as equipment (zoom lens and a low-light capable DSLR) and the surroundings of the event.  So if folks want a picture of their backsides, I figure that's just another creative moment for me.

Finds in Alaska...The Other Hobby

I spent one evening on a shopping adventure for my family.  I found two wonderful yarn shops in Anchorage.  I came across these beautiful buttons at Far North Yarns for future garments:

50mm, f5.6, 1/125, ISO 400

Then I came across some beautiful yarns by Rowan, Louisa Harding, and Noro (Far North Yarns and The Yarn Branch):

50mm, f5.6, 1/125, ISO 400

So far, Far North Yarns is my favorite yarn shop.  They had a wide variety of yarns, plenty of colors and a large quantity on hand to knit garments.  I'm in the process of knitting Christmas gifts from these beautiful finds.  Shhhhhh....

More Pics from Alaska

I finally found the time to go through 500+ pictures I took in Alaska.  Here are a few.  

Some snow up in the Chugach mountains

This is pretty much the view along the first few miles on the Seward Highway (from Anchorage).  Beautiful mountains.  Every stop along the way is a different view.

A view from the parking lot along the Seward HIghway

Train tracks and a view of the Kenai mountains (Beluga Point)

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A New Small Gadget

As I was seeing hubby off to work early this morning, I looked up in the sky and saw the moon.  I saw a photo opportunity.

The moon at 8:30am EST (200mm, f5.6, 1/1000, ISO 100)

I ran inside to get my camera, tripod, and my new gadget...a corded remote.  I've had this remote for about 3 months, but never got around to trying it out until this morning.  It was pretty simple to use.  I plugged it into the left side of the D7k and turned the camera on and just started clicking away.

Nikon corded remote control (50mm, f1.4, 1/125, ISO 720)

I bought this nifty gadget right after taking pictures of fireworks on the 4th of July.  No more wiggly fireworks pictures for me.

50mm and Natural Daylight

On the spur of the moment (actually...after taking a late afternoon nap), I ventured out into our gardens to see what was blooming.  Surprisingly, a few lonely souls were on display:  

Single hybrid rose scented the front garden (50mm, f6.3, 1/160, ISO 100)

A lonely geranium...perennial (50mm, f5.6, 1/125, ISO 100)

I really enjoy the results that I get from my 50mm lens.  Many times, nice artistic surprises:

Lily of the Nile (50mm, f2.8, 1/125, ISO 100)

To Flash or Not to Flash?

If I look at my stats I tend to use my external flash about 20% of the time.  When I have it on hand, I seldom use it unless I'm inside with limited lighting.  There are times when I do need it to bring out the fine details or capture the brilliant colors:

50mm, f4, 1/125, ISO 400

50mm, f4, 1/125, ISO 400

50mm, f16, 1/125, ISO 1800

Playing with the 50

That is taking pictures with my 50mm lens.  A friend of mine wanted to see the two little wildlife friends I brought back from AK.  Here's the little critters that followed me home:

Lil' B (Little Bear) and Lil' M (Little Moose) (50mm, f11, 1/25, ISO 3200)

Lil' B wanted his own portrait (50mm, f11, 1/25, ISO 3200)

Darling hubby had brought me flowers when he came to pick me up at the airport.  It was a rainbow of colors and textures:

50mm, f8, 1/25, ISO 3200

50mm, f8, 1/15, ISO 3200

50mm, f4, 1/80, ISO 3200

Okay, this one was a total "ooooops" picture.  The more I look at it, the more I like it.  A bit artsy.

50mm, f1.4, 1/125, ISO 900

The colors remind me that Fall is here.  Hard to believe as it has been 80 degrees and I'm still wearing my flip-flops.