Portfolio•
on January 7th, 2010•
As Chase Jarvis has been preaching, the best camera is the one that is with you. Since getting a new iPhone for my birthday a month ago, I have slowly warmed up to capturing images with it for public consumption. The idea of using such a simple camera was a bit off from what I have been shooting with over the past couple of years. I have always read and heard (and understood) about the importance of strong composition and the photographer’s ‘eye’ when shooting, but just the same, it is easy to slip into the process of gearing up with heavy firepower anytime I plan to shoot.
Being a follower of Chase’s blog, I have seen the progression of his online social presence explode as of late with the help of his iPhone – among other things. He recently published a book, the first book of all iPhone photographs, and has since co-created an iPhone app that is designed to add visual effects to photographs taken with the iPhone and publish them to social networking sites. One of those sites is of his creation, thebestcamera.com.
I have to commend him for the vision, energy, and effort he has put forth in further opening an already open and welcoming photographic community.
Sooo, since wedding season is over, focus is on the business side of things with advertising, booking wedding dates, taxes, etc. Luckily, I have had some great opportunities to shoot over the winter.
With the recent (very) cold weather, the idea of whipping out my iPhone and snapping shots is even more appealing than before. No schlepping gear or fiddling with lenses, buttons, and settings. Ah, such freedom. Much like the freedom of riding a single-speed mountain bike – as soon as things warm up that is. In general, the concept of shooting with such a camera really pushes one to focus on the composition and see things a little differently.
So today, I went out with my friend, co-worker, and fellow (incredible) photographer Bryan Elkus for a quick sunset shoot.
Bryan had his 50mm and I had my iPhone. The sunset was shaping up to be another spectacular (I don’t think I can ever get tired of photographing them) sunset on Hatteras Island. We braved the frigid air just long enough to grab a few snaps. I have included some of the photographs that were captured with the iPhone and processed using The Best Camera app.
The great thing about photographing with the iPhone is The Best Camera App for the iPhone. Visual effects are created and accessed in such a way that you don’t have to spend much time post-processing photographs to get great results. The ability to mix and stack filters and effects makes for lots of creative possibilities. Besides all of the photography ‘geekin’ out’ this practice helps to keep photography fun.
Well enough of my rambling. I hope you enjoy the photographs I have created with my iPhone and The Best Camera app for the iPhone. Stay tuned. More to come.
Portfolio•
on December 3rd, 2009•
After a number of strong storms this year, many areas of the Outer Banks are changing shape. Some quite significantly. With the islands being one big shifting sandbar, the potential for ‘adjustment’ in the lay of the land is high. As is evidenced by the moving of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in recent years, the fight to keep this land in place is futile.
This morning had been reserved for an early morning kiteboarding session on the ocean with a number of friends since the waves were predicted to be overhead and the wind around the 30mph mark. After waking and realizing the front that pushed through last night killed the wind, I took my time in getting to work by checking the surf (not planning to paddle out) at ‘Buxton Hotels’ at the North end of Buxton North Carolina.
Seeing how much the water encroached on the little bungalows was a little surprising. Having been my favorite surf spot this year, I spent a good amount of time there and noticed the beach smaller, but nothing like what I witnessed this morning. There were crews still working to get a handle on the situation, but it seemed quite useless. Prolonging the agony in my opinion.
I snapped a few quick photographs and ran along to work hoping the wind might come up later and I would get in a session at some point. Having lots to keep me busy at work today I lost track of the time and couldn’t get on the water at all. Oh well, there is always tomorrow, eh?
I did manage to photograph the flickering remnants of another beautiful sunset on Hatteras Island. Not a bad way to wrap up the day.
After a pretty busy weekend and start to the week, I was not up to much tonight except for helping Kim get her gear ready for this weekend’s race. Her and 3 of her girlie-friends are participating in a 6 hour adventure race. She has done an adventure race with a couple of the girls already so they should have a great time. I’m shooting a wedding on Saturday, so I don’t get to play.
Besides, I’ve been working on other types of training.
Our house is nothing but one big gear closet, but this week has been especially so. My climbing gear is out from where I gave the girls a quick(ie) rappelling (and compass/land nav) clinic earlier this week and I’ve had my photography gear strewn about. On top of the kite gear that never seems to be put away during kite season, it is a mess around here.
Here is the better part of what Kim will be taking with her this weekend. I believe they will be camping all weekend so more stuff will be added to this pile as the week comes to a close.
Kayaks are part of the race this weekend, but Kim’s boat was not in view of the back door during the torrential rain storm we experienced tonight, so I snapped a quick shot of my boat that happened to be in view. It will have to do for the purpose of this post.
And, the bike. Big wheels roll faster. Isn’t that what they say? She will be riding with gears and (front) suspension for the race. Smart girl.
It has been a busy week and the weekend isn’t letting me slow down at all.
Today was my first time shooting a pro cycling event. I have watched many races and raced a few myself, but attending the race with Richmond Pro Cycling was something different. With my press pass in hand I set out to see what I could come up with.
The sun was bright and it was pretty darn hot so I knew I would have to deal with a lot of ambient light. I brought along a minimal set of gear as my primary camera body is in the shop for a factory recall. I set up a couple of small flashes off-camera to see if I could get a decent result.
The field was full of big-name teams and was amazingly fast. On the first lap one man took off and ‘timetrialed’ for over an hour and a half holding off the pack. A break away group finally reeled him in and worked him over. An impressive solo effort none-the-less. The RPC guys held on pretty well, but it was a tough day for fighting it out. Many casualties out there.
Overall, it was a great day to be back in NOVA and DC. I was satisfied with my lighting and I continue to learn as I shoot with my small but effective set up.
After the race I got to do a bit of sightseeing in my former hometown with Kim and our friend Kara. Even though it was Kara’s first time visiting DC, we didn’t stick around very long as we were whipped from the long day and the heat (and heavy camera gear), so we found a great little Indian food restaurant and devoured our fair share.
