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Bob Campbell
9th of April 2001 (Mon), 15:55
Okay, to maybe get something going in this part of the forum... when I get the itch to take some pictures, not at a family gathering, or on vacation or for any "purpose", I often will give myself an assignment. Today, I will find scenes that exemplify...contrast, or pattern, or rhythmn, or line, shape, color, etc., etc.

Of course this is still a very broad and general goal. So to refine it, I make my objective more focused. This morning I decided that I would look for pictures showing some aspect of "local history". Not grand monuments, but just images that convey some aspect of the history of northern New Jersey where I live.

http://www.fototime.com/41278782947739E/standard.jpg

The local streams were the power source for grist mills, as well as lumber mills in colonial times. Many of the old structures are in disrepair. Some are being preserved.

Perhaps some of you would share scenes that make your local environs unique??

Also, I concentrated today on getting some shots of places that I will return to throughtout the year to show how they change over the seasons. I looked to incorporate crops, trees, bodies of water, farms, picnic grounds and other attractions that get different use throughout the year. It is Spring time here. If you live where there are seasons, this might also inspire you when you are out looking for subjects to shoot.

Bob

Pekka
10th of April 2001 (Tue), 16:26
Hi Bob,

Assignments are a great way to keep the brain alive and the shutter clicking. I've been recently doing a list of what to shoot, and it's growing really big!

Here's some views which display the "old style" Helsinki (4 days ago):

This photo is the entrance to area called Eira which has the most expensive houses; that's why the traffic sign is so prominent - I can never afford to live in that area. I live a few hundred meters away from this place (good neighbourhood, too), so I get to walk there whenever I feel to.

http://studio-on-the.net/photography/G1/new_stuff/eira1_00001.jpg

Same area:
http://studio-on-the.net/photography/G1/new_stuff/eira2_00001.jpg

Spring is here!
http://studio-on-the.net/photography/G1/new_stuff/spring1_00001.jpg

jeremey
15th of April 2001 (Sun), 04:21
Pekka, the colors in those three images are really vivid. Are you doing anything in particular to get those results? I'm always impressed at the richness of the photos in your gallery.

Thanks,
Jeremey.

Pekka
15th of April 2001 (Sun), 06:38
Jeremey,

I try to avoid overexposure, and in sunshine I usually use a Circular Polarizer (B+W) which makes the sky look deeper and helps dimming the light 2 stops. I also see for each photo if high saturation is needed in RAW to TIFF conversion.

Also, being there when colors are vivid helps. The right time and the right place.

jeremey
23rd of April 2001 (Mon), 16:45
I think it's that northern light, too. :) I was in Ottawa last week for 3 days and got some nice shots with pretty vivid colors and great, deep blue sky.

Regards,
Jeremey.

Pekka wrote:
Jeremey,

I try to avoid overexposure, and in sunshine I usually use a Circular Polarizer (B+W) which makes the sky look deeper and helps dimming the light 2 stops. I also see for each photo if high saturation is needed in RAW to TIFF conversion.

Also, being there when colors are vivid helps. The right time and the right place.