Sep 072012
 

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On an overcast morning after heavy rain, this fall of red crab apples was vivid!

Nikon D300; 1/30 sec @ f11, ISO 3200 (handheld);
18-200 mm f/3.5–5.6 @ 42mm (63mm EFL); focus distance 3.16m

Dec 092010
 

Version 2
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A crabapple tree laden with fruit after a snowfall on the shore of Lake Michigan.

Version 1
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Nikon D300; f4.0 @ 1/125sec, ISO 1100 (handheld);
18.0-200.0 mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 27mm (40mm EFL); subject distance 10.59m

The other day…I learned something about not over-processing an image.

Version 2 above is much closer to the original capture, and to what drew me to make the photograph that morning—in the dark and cold, with wind blowing snow into the lens.

At least I have knowledge about how to expand dynamic range, heighten contrast, and change  brightness that I can now throw out the window. 😉

Dec 062010
 

A crabapple tree laden with fruit after a snowfall on the shore of Lake Michigan.

First Snow—Montrose Harbor, Chicago
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Nikon D300; f4.0 @ 1/125sec, ISO 1100 (handheld);
18.0-200.0 mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 27mm (40mm EFL); subject distance 10.59m

A barren tree in a field after winter's first snow.

First Snow—Montrose Point, Chicago
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Nikon D300; f5.6 @ 1/180sec, ISO 200 (handheld);
18.0-200.0 mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 26mm (39mm EFL); subject distance 5.96m

Just the other day, we had our first snowfall of the season and it was a delight to explore.

These trees were photographed in one of my favorite locations on Lake Michigan, the first at sunrise off the harbor and the second about an hour later in a nature sanctuary nearby.

Driving in the dark on roads not yet plowed with snow still falling was…surprisingly peaceful! Few were in such a hurry as to risk wasting time with an accident report, and the neighborhoods decorated with Christmas lights were so pretty to view along the way.

May 222010
 

A spray of white crabapples blossoms in the shape of an "s".

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This image was photographed May 1st. I’m having too much fun shooting, and am behind on processing!

Actually, I feel the need to process as much as shoot because each informs the other. Processing shows up weaknesses (or strengths) in a composition that I didn’t necessarily see in the field, and can watch for next time.

Public feedback helps, too.  🙂

Dark green color swatch.Medium green color swatch.Light green color swatch.Yellow color swatch.

  • Dark green R:78 G:108 B:41
  • Medium green R:112 G:141 B:96
  • Light green R:156 G:175 B:148
  • Yellow R:191 G:166 B:76
Dec 082009
 

Color swatch red Color swatch white Color swatch gray [¹]

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Just the other day…it snowed! Our first of the season. With no wind, early morning was a fairyland.

These crabapple trees immediately caught my eye in a nearby park, where I happily spent 1½ hours taking photographs just after sunrise.

I’m learning to work with my gear in cold weather, to stay comfortable but also have the freedom to move:

  • Stow pack in the trunk of the car, but choose only 1 lens for the camera to carry along with the tripod. Stash cable release somewhere handy.
  • Handwarmers activated in outside pockets, but wear only silk gloves.
  • Inside pockets hold an extra battery and memory card, along with the closeup lens and/or polarizer, car keys, cell phone, memo pad, pencil, and business cards.
  • Water bottle stays in car; but maybe next time I’ll take a thermos of hot tea instead. 🙂

¹Colors of the day:

  • Red R:150 G:27 B:24
  • White R:124 G:216 B:218
  • Gray R:107 G:98 B:97