sports•
on November 29th, 2009•
While in Myrtle Beach for the Thanksgiving holiday, I was invited by friends to attend a power-lifting competition. Never having been to an event like this I figured I should jump at a chance to shoot something new. Besides, I wanted to see our friend’s brother set a new world record. Yes world record. The event is sanctioned by the Amateur Athletic Union and many of the athletes in attendance are competing for world records. Having a chance to photograph a new sporting event is always at the top of my list.
The event hosted competitors ranging in age from pre-teen kids to masters. The oldest competitor was aged 76 years young. Also, Special Olypmic athletes are represented at this event.
Being a competitive athlete for many of my adult years, I can appreciate the amount of effort these competitors put into reaching an event like this. It was apparent that many of these athletes are serious about their training practices and maintain a unique focus.
commercial•
on July 6th, 2009•
As I continue to look at photographic challenges for myself, I follow a blog (Strobist) that is perfect for introducing those challenges. Most often, I simply work to duplicate certain techniques illustrated by the blog posts, which is great practice for me.
The blog is dedicated to techniques that promote minimal lighting equipment and maximal improvisation and photographic skill of the photographer. This is a great way to practice the art of photography for many reasons. One of which is an obvious one; Professional photographic equipment can be extremely expensive. There are times when big, expensive, feature-packed equipment is required. However, as I am learning from the blog’s teachings, there are many opportunities when similar (and equally acceptable) results with minimal equipment can be obtained.
Aside from the price point of the recommended equipment promoted by the Strobist blog, the learning aspect of using low-feature, low-power gear evolves into a great asset the photographer can utilize throughout their career. Information and skills gained from practicing the aforementioned skills are the big reason I subscribe to the blog.
In addition to posting lighting and photographic techniques, the blog also publishes assignments for the readership. As personal photographic challenges go, I have yet to take on an assignment put forth by a party other than myself. After reading about the current Strobist assignment I decided it was time to take on something that was of another’s conception as the challenge seemed well within my current comfort level. So off I went.
I was out of town for the July 4th weekend with my usual minimalist travel pack of camera gear. It provides me just enough functionality for most applicaitons. After setting up my ‘travel studio’ I started pulling food objects from the fruit basket and refrigerator as potential subjects.
The results were satisfactory and I was happy to dial in my lighting and exposure. However, one little gem I stumbled across was an orange bell pepper that was previously used for a dish. About half of the body was intact with part of the core as well. It provided more content for composition technique as it was rather unique.
As I played with different lighting effects and positions I finally nailed the look I was hoping for. This turned out the be the shot I submitted for the assignment.
Something about the enroaching state of decay slowly pushing it past its prime along with the various contours and facets really caught my interest. In addition to the interesting details, the simplistic starkness of the darkened background helps push forward the impact of the overall shape. I get the sense of a familiar object with less familiar details.
For those interested, below is the set up I used for the shot. Two small strobe flashes (wirelessly fired) with modifiers along with a makeshift reflector card on the kitchen counter top. About as minimilist as you can get.
commercial•
on June 10th, 2009•
Last night was a late night for many Henrico county constituents as they waited their turn to speak and listen to others speak. The occasion was to address the current 2026 Comprehensive Plan in a public forum. It was the last chance for interested parties to speak up and let their thoughts and concerns be heard before the County Board of Supervisors votes to approve the plan.
Being a life-long resident (37 of my 40 years) of Henrico county (Brookland district), I can appreciate the varying needs and perspectives of the county constituents. Growing up riding my bicycle to and from school and everywhere in between, the changes to the county I’ve seen have been incredible. Some better than others.
As expected, the night was filled with various perspectives, opinions, and facts. It was an empowering feeling to listen to the passionate thoughts and suggestions presented by many residents of the county specifically, Varina residents, an area that is proposed to be developed.
College students, citizen advocacy groups, small-farm farmers, retired farmers, local residents, business interests, you name it. They were there, and they all had excellent points about their interests. Looking at the map of Henrico and the proposed development, I can’t help but think what will happen when the land is no longer farms and open space.
Dr. Kimberly Perry spoke on behalf of Bike Walk Virginia about the need to address bike and pedestrian accommodations. Thomas Bowden also addressed critical points concerning the need to devote attention towards bike/ped needs. Additionally, Dr. Tracy Wright, pediatrician at Richmond Pediatrics Associates spoke on addressing the rising childhood health concerns when considering new community development.
If you did not make it to the meeting last night, follow the link at the top of this post and voice your concerns about this plan. There is still time to make your opinion known to the County Board of Supervisors. Thanks are in order to all that attended and facilitated the meeting. It was a late night but a great way to see our government at work.
