Erica Eaton Photography

Lighting Exercise

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:55:00 +0000

I had to do a lighting exercise recently, and there is nothing as fantastic as going back to the basics.
I specifically had to use a natural window light as a light source and wanted to capture the texture created by the light shining through the petals of the flower.

I could have used a reflector to direct more light onto the center of the flower to light up the central details, and I could have also upped the exposure a bit but, my intention was to attract to the finer details that you do not see with direct lighting.

I love the final result and cannot wait to frame it and hang it in my home.
Perhaps I will try some of the methods above to get a variety of different images. I had a lot of fun "playing" though, adn ended up with many images that I can work with. It reminded to keep it simple in stead of overthinking the technical aspects of photography. And I discovered how I can help myself to see the light and shadows at everything I look at, thereby enhancing the images that I want to take.

Photography and the weather!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 13:17:00 +0000

The weather doesn't always work with the photographer and most photographers love shooting on cloudy days.
This doesn't mean that you cannot take stunning photos on sunny summer days!

Sometimes you just need to creatively look at a subject and look at how you want to catch the light and represent the final impact of the image.

Light shining through the leaves of a flower, reflecting off the many interesting objects next to some roads.

All of these make amazing subjects.

Play with the concept, and try to capture it.

I have found it very difficult to look and see the lights and shadows that make every photo an image with dimension. I still battle with it on a daily basis. Sometimes that effect you saw in your mind's eye just eludes your creative process completely.

Frustrating beyond imagination it might be, but I have learned to relax, lock everything else out of my mind and just to enjoy the moment.

Smelling the air, looking around (even if you have to pretend to be a tourist), and just absorbing the moment. And most importantly, I have learned not to rush myself.

Putting pressure on yourself to achieve is sometimes more destructive than the strictest critic.

Enjoying and taking your time with each project, is an unwinding process with amazing results.

Regardless if you sell your photography, or just do it for the love of it, it will be perfect for the emotion that you invest in it. Good emotions lead to creative interesting photos.

For those who are interested in buying a print, or contracting me for a project, feel free to contact me through my website or e-mail.
http://www.ericaeaton.webs.com
erica.eaton@rocketmail.com

Peace and Tranquility

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 20:13:00 +0000

As X-Mas is fast approaaching I cannot help but wonder at the small beauty that we miss every day. When last did you just lie flat on your back and look up at the clouds drifting by, or on your stomach, absorbing the bustling life that we walk past every day.

Surrounding us every day is life, green and fresh. Vibrant colours that we miss amongst the rush and stress of every day. Feel the grass in between yur toes. Feel the touch of a soft breeze brushing past your skin. Hear the hundreds of nature calls drifting through the air. Smell the aroma of fresh growth and nurturing ground underfoot.

Our inspiration for every day life should be founded in nature. The vibrant and lively breath that makes our world so beautifull and special. No matter what country you live in, you have an amazing oppertunity to see our world as most cannot. Take that oppertunity and be greatfull.

Sunsets and New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 04:16:00 +0000

As I sat outside yesterday afternoon, soaking in the beautiful sunset that signalled the end of another hectic but satisfying day, I reflected on the year gone by and the new beginnings brought by the upcoming year.

As every other person, I know that there was opportunities missed, goals unreached and adventures overlooked and many tears shed during a year of hard work, financial worries, and time management problems.
I also look at the great things that came about this year. Every proud moment with my children, my personal emotional barriers that I overcame, and the best friends lost and gained. Again, I hope for a better year next year, and this time I had to stop myself from making new year's resolutions.
We cannot plan for the ups and downs that the new year might bring. Natural disasters, crime, financial markets slumping, diseases and all the other potential upsets that might destroy all our neatly laid out plans for next year.

My plan is not to plan next year, I will take every day as it comes, treating as it should be treated: as a day full of potential.

Perhaps then I will look back at the end of the year and not see the disappointments at all, but only see the accomplishments and joy that I experienced on a daily basis.

So to the whole world I say: Merry Xmas, and Happy New Year.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 18:13:00 +0000

So, the first day of spring came and went. Blossoms everywhere, the excitement of waiting for the Mulberries to ripen. New birth everywhere. And of course great photographic opportunities.

The flowers, the bees, the baby birds.....and what is spring without that floral scent in the air. With my excitement came the added opportunity to hand raise a tiny miniature pincher. Angel or like my husband likes to call her, Small Dog, had some really bad moments, and then the joy of her actually making it to the six week mark.

So now, I have this urge to just take photos. Of everything and anything. Not to make money, or promote my photographic business, although I might have given up on that idea for a while.
I just want to capture magic, share it with as many people I can. And who knows, maybe I can inspire others to live out their hobbies with abandon and total expression.

And now, summer is burning in it's full South African glory. The heat, the prayers for rain, the wishes for winter's cosy cuddles. Swimming on lazy Sunday afternoons in the kids blow up pool.

So go ahead, get the photos of the sky, the sunlight glittering off every possible surface...and create memories for yourself.

A Photo in every moment.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 22:05:00 +0000

If ever you feel like your inspiration has faded away, try this:
Take snapshots!
Take those photos as a mom,dad or whatever. Take that out of focus picture of your childs smile,frame it and hang it up in your home. That image of your dog sleeping, or the one of your favourite tree. These images should be in your face al the time. They remind you why you love photography....to capture the magic that we tend to overlook everyday. Those moments that make YOUR life special.
What else could be a better motivation.

Online photographic communities for the serious photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:40:00 +0000

There are so many photographic communities out there for the amateur photographers, and even for the serious professional (one who does photography for a living). What benefits do these site really have for you as the photographer. How many photographers can really say that they have earned clients and solid long term business from these communities? Who is really exposed to your creative work?

These days online magazines, social networks, e-mail and so many other Internet based sources do bring us all closer together, but it is only truly a benefit to your business if it is applied correctly. The Internet has to an extent replace the effort of actually going out there and looking for your clients. The days of meeting up with a potential client and "selling" your skills on a face to face basis seems to have passed and sadly with this passing went the issue of personal client relationships. Clients are numbers, they are potential victims. Clients are very rarely a person, a man/woman with a husband, a single mother, a grandmother.

Customer loyalty is bought with competitive pricing, branding enforcement and "value added services". How about getting back to that "face to face" , "how are you" moments. I would rather have 20 amazing clients that are with me because they value me as a person and vice versa, than 50 wealthy clients that will run off to the competitor the moment that there is a 80% sale!

Photography is one of the few areas where this is still possible. You don't have to take better photos than the expensive pro (one who flaunts their product and training before flaunting their personality). Don't provide your service and think about the potential earnings. Rather provide a service that you would like to receive, and with total empathy for your client and I can guarantee that it will be more successful for your business.
Photography is after all about the people, art and expression, let your service be such as well.

Succesfull or not

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 16:19:00 +0000

So the great promotional event lasted a whole 2 hours. Funny but it seemed very short. A stunning venue, beautifull atmosphere, but much fewer brides to be than we expected. I met some other suppliers in the wedding industry, some were helpull and welcoming, others were a bit distant and not too welcoming. Not that I was a threat, I am providing a completely different service to what they provide.
Nonetheless, I am very happy I went.

I hope the hours of effort that went into the gift bags at least get noticed. I hope my style of photography is perceived the way I want it to be. Fun filled adventure for a very special day.
For more samples of my wedding photography visit:
http://www.ericaeaton.webs.com/

The moment of truth for my photography!!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 14:53:00 +0000

Well, the opportunity has arrived. I have been invited to an open day for brides at a local lodge, as a preferred supplier. This is the moment to represent my work, and get the exposure that I need to take off.(I have to be positive :))
So now for the preparation, sample photos has been taken and must be printed. Discount vouchers from industry related businesses need to be collected. Business cards and pamphlets need to be prepared. Gift packs should be made up and decorated. I have 2 and a half days left, but the adrenaline and excitement keeps me moving forward. My day job is a total distraction, but I will make it!!

My nerves are shattered, I can barely contain the concern that I am not going to be prepared enough. Will they like what they see? Will they want to make use of my services? Once I am established I can quit the job that takes me away from my family sometimes 9-10 hours a day, 7 days a week. I can be there for the kid's athletic events, their hardships with homework, and I can be there for them the way I want to be.

So here we go.....it is time to make my mark and move up in the world. Thank you for the blessings and the opportunity..... I will make the best of it!!

Technology and it's ups and downs

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 19:00:00 +0000

To my utter disgust I discovered that my website has been down for more than 4 days! What a disaster! A photographer uses a website as a portfolio. If it cannot be seen, you are not seen.
With some ups and a lot more downs, I eventually decide that I would change my hosting company.....typically then, the website suddenly became available again.

I cannot explain the panic of that moment when I realised all the hard work that had gone into my website, might have to be done again.Yes, I could start up a new, more flashy flash website.....but I like my site.
It is homey and cosy and says exactly who I am. There is no clinical precise layout, it has personality.
Most of these new flash player sites have a lot of things in common. It seems to much to be like a SHOW. And while we as photographers should show the best of our work, we should not let the website layout and design compete with how we want to represent ourselves. Our own unique style and interpretation needs to be visible. You cannot follow a "recipe" for a website as a photographer. Eventually all photographers will appear the same, with the sames styles and character reflected in flashy, sparkly websites.

Perhaps I am to old fashioned but I do believe that the story is more important than the cover page. There is where it should be experienced. Through the story of your work.Visit:http://www.ericaeaton.webs.com to see for yourself.

The human factor.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 07:33:00 +0000

What makes a person leave a dog by the roadside. What makes a person drop of a puppy to fend for itself in the bush. I can understand that the SPCA has limited resources here in South Africa. I can understand that there is no point for them to "rescue" a dog that doesn't trust humans, they wouldn't be able to get close enough to catch it, and if they were lucky enough to do so, they cannot rehabilitate the animal either. It would most probably be put down.

BUT......I am sure that would be better for the animal than leaving it where it is......sitting in the middle of the road, unaware of the heavy duty trucks that are speeding around the blind corner,already injured by a previous car. I do not blame the motorists, this road is very narrow, winding and, roadside bush makes it impossible to see far ahead. By the time you see the poor animal in front of your car, it will be too late......., and yes, you could swerve into a ditch to the left, or even into oncoming traffic to the right. But what risk is that to you, your spouse next to you and your children in the back seat of the car? What risk is that to the tour bus full of french tourists, coming towards you from the opposite side of the road?

What are your choices?
We chose to pull of the road, direct the traffic around the dog while trying to lure it with food. We struggled for about an hour.....to no avail. This dog was terrified of humans, hungry, injured and confused. I don't even think it saw any of the cars around it. Traffic officers soon arrived and asked us to stop obstructing traffic and go home. We had to leave it there.

I cried......not because I was sad, but because I was angry and felt helpless. I blame the human factor. That small factor of people that don't mind dumping puppies in the bush. That small factor of people that would hit a dog with a car without a care and continue driving as if nothing happened or even worse, speed away and try to hide what you have done after people identified you. That small factor of people that would own a dog just for the sake of OWNING it. That small factor of people that buy puppies and discard them when they are all grown up and not so cute anymore.

I guess that human factor is not as small as I would like to believe, perhaps the "good guys" are almost extinct. Is there any hope for the human nation?

There is hope as long as I believe that I as one person can make a difference. May this inspire others to feel the same. Do something good every day. You don't have to volunteer at an animal shelter, or donate money. Just treat every animal and person that comes across your path in life with the respect and kindness that you would deserve in the same situation. Perhaps then, there will be as chance for the human factor to triumph!

Some of my Favourite Photographers

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 13:35:00 +0000

I often see amazing photographers doing amazing work and yet, they are not well known. The following photographers are not necessarily labelled as po's but they do the job just a s well

All of these photographers sell their work in print. A link to their profiles have been added. Please visit them and add your support by leaving a comment.

Gene Praag

                                               http://photojunky.redbubble.com/


                                                             Natalie Manuel

http://www.animusphotography.com/

Maureen Grobler

http://maureengrobler.redbubble.com/

Hougaard Malan

http://www.redbubble.com/people/hougaard

Inspiration is BACK!!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 08:27:00 +0000

Wow! 2 Weeks after the loss of Cheeky, my inspiration is back again. Thank goodness!!!! My mind is buzzing with new creative ideas and thoughts.I am so excited, I don't know where to start.
I have had a lot of time for soul searching and exploration, and I have discovered a few important things.

1. People will disappoint you, no matter what your expectations, so....don't expect anything.
2. You determine your own happiness, nobody can make you as happy as yourself, take control of your passions and live it out to the fullest. Do not depend on others to give you what you can give yourself.
3. Do not wait for the right time for anything, it will never come by itself. You have to just go ahead and make the right time now.
4. Love everything in your life with no boundaries, borders or expectations.........that feeling is irreplaceable.

Yes, these things are easier said than done.......but all good things require hard work......so work hard at being positive and happy.

Find the flower in every moment. :)
VISIT: http://www.ericaeaton.webs.com/

Damn Murphy!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 16:48:00 +0000

Murphy seems to have it in for me.....first one of my dogs get hit by a car, now the other one has to go in for an expensive operation that I really cannot afford but HAVE to do. My Granny is in hospital,and my daytime job is causing severe stress and anxiety, I really don't enjoy it.
I do not get time to take photos and the frustration it causes me is unbearable. I feel irritated and annoyed by everything.
Perhaps when the clock strikes 12 on the night of 31st, things will just swing magically into place.( I wish!)

May my new year and everybody else's new year carry brighter and better things to their lives.

Family Time

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 20:48:00 +0000

Tomorrow the kids are coming home! With the "miss you dearly" and "how many presents are there?" I know they are very excited. Damien picked up chickenpox, and proudly told me how he hasn't scratched hiimself once yet. Although he does beleive that he is changing into a chicken.....kids. I cannot wait!

Christmas.....come and gone.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 20:00:00 +0000

So Christmas came and went, and as I get older I realise that my children make my Chrismas. I missed them this year, but I am sure they had the best day. The sound of their voices and the jokes they made over the phone made it as clear as daylight.

What does X-Mas mean to me?Is it the special magic in the family moments? Is it the childhood memories that withstands the test of time? Perhaps, but I know what I want for Christmas every year.
I want the satisfaction that the rare moments of unconditional love that people feel towards each other will become more constant. I want to know that every person out there knows what it feels like to be loved like that and more importantly what it feels like to love others like that.

So....here is to a Very Merry Christmas to the whole world, may your joy be evelasting, and the magic of love flourish around you.

No Puppy....but I got lights!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 19:02:00 +0000

Searching for a new puppy is harder than it looks.....finding lights for my photography no easier. After searching for a week, eventually I found the lights that fit my budget and that would work for me.

With no puppy and no inspiration, I tried valiantly to apply the lighting techniques that I have learned so far and dispite the subject matter being ordinary, I was happy to see that my skills were improving with regard to lighting.

Here is what worked:

To get the black background:
The distance between the camera and the subject needs to be at least 3 times the distance between the subject and the lighting. The Lighting needs to be directed at the subject without illuminating the background.
If the background still seems a bit grey or not quite black, just enhance the background with image editing software.

I never realised how much space between the camera and the subject and the lighting can impact your photography. It was great to accomplish an effect that I love, even though I did not have much to work with.

So....... Day 2 seemed to have worked out better than expected......inspiration can come from many places, and even without inspiration, the drive and goals you try to obtain will lead you to success.
After day 2 I feel drained and exhausted, but in a good way. Heartache and the sence of loss has dissipated somewhat, and as much as I would love my photography to have a positive impact on others, I am amazed once again at the positive impact it has on me.

Perhaps others might enjoy my photogrophy too, feel free to visit Erica Eaton Photography to see if it does.
If you like what you see, sign my guestbook and let me know. Become a member for free and share the magic of photography with me.

My Journey....a photographer's story.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 07:59:00 +0000

Erica Eaton Photography
I've decided that I am going to record my photographic journey on a regular basis. Perhaps to see how my life and the losses and gains that I experience affect my creative skills.

So here we go with day 1:

23 December 2010
What a year! Looking back I miss the magic moments that passed my by, and I relive the ones that didn't. I chastise myself for the oppertunities that I overlooked and now I know: My future and success depends on me, myself and I. As the year comes to a close I start planning for the work lying ahead of me. I have my first promotional venue portfolio to do in mid January and my nerves are shattered. This is it....this is my oppertunity to either make it or break it. I am in dire need of inspiration, mine got hit by a car and left me feeling empty and lost. Goodbye Cheeky my Baby.....You were my heart, and a fantastic mommy, Thank you for the joy and happyness you brought me, I love you
Perhaps with the start of the new year......a new beginning. A shift in priorities and goals might change the powerlessness that I am feeling at the moment. Hitting a creative blank is no joke......it is depressing. And even my happy-go-lucky medication is not really affective at the moment.

I am loathe to express the desolation that I feel, through my photography. My photography should be uplifting and happy. It should show all the great emotions that mankind can experience......so until I found my inspiration again (or got a new puppy), .....I will drift through the other joys in my life......OH YEAH!!

The ups and downs of inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 11:26:00 +0000

I find that I go through moments where I just cannot see the photo....I cannot decide what the perfect subject matter is and the challenge is equally frustrating and thrilling.

Announcement!!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 09:35:00 +0000

Great Monthly photography competitions, assignments and sharing oppertunity for all kinds of photographers.
Join today...its free!!

Bluehope Photography

Some Samples

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 25 May 2010 18:03:00 +0000

Amateur Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 25 May 2010 17:40:00 +0000

Photography is a passion, it is something you live, and breathe. I've recently discovered my love of photography and have found that since then, I look at the whole world as if through the lense of a camera.

I cannot help but look at every object from 10 different angles, looking at the lighting, picturing everything I see as if it has been layed out on a photograph.

WEIRD!!!

Maybe it is wierd, but what the heck.......I could be good, I could be terrible at photography, at least I express myself through what I do.

I've found some exceptional photographers, go check it out and enjoy their talent.

http://www.nickiizlr.com/

http://www.lonefotos.com/

http://www.btadigitalphotography.com/

http://naomismithphotography.webs.com/

http://jlpphotos.webs.com/

http://majbrittsimblesphotoart.webs.com/

Also check out my site, leave a comment, sign the guestbook and even join if you'd like.

http://www.bluehopephotography.webs.com/