Photography by KML

Photo Tip Friday - Other Details Too

2009-11-06T06:46:00.000-05:00

Photo Tip Friday - Other Details Too

A bit of a different tip for today.

I love to explore new areas when taking photos, and I always try to make sure I have what I am going to need with me for my equipment.

For sure, I will always find something - even just walking under the power lines will yield something worth photoing.

New views, plants, rocks - my eyes are always open for something.

With the powerlines humming above us as we walk along, we stopped under one set to take a break - sitting on the concrete base so we are off the ground.

I'm interested in looking through the viewfinder, my husband is scanning the scenery for any wildlife.

Both absorbed in our actions, we were not paying too much attention to our very immediate surroundings.

And that was our downfall.

It's chilly outside and we are in a shrubby area with tall grass - and the soil is rather sandy.

Perfect for tracking the wildlife.

And perfect for one of nature's big menaces.

Ticks - lots of them.

I saw one on my husband - and he was just like velcro - no brushing him off.

Then I looked down - they were all through the grass and climbing up - towards me.

My first thought - I should have tucked my jeans in my boots, then sprayed all my clothing with repellent.

One of the details I forgot about - it will not happen again.

Need to think beyond just the equipment!

ABC Wednesday - P is for People

2009-11-04T05:09:00.000-05:00

P is for People............

People photography is not something that I am very good at.

It takes me so long to get everything just so in the viewfinder, that my subjects loose patience with me very quickly.

And when they start getting agitated, it doesn't make for a very good photo.

So, other than family photos, I try to take unexpected people photos - from a distance, or just pieces of people.

Sometimes it's a hand holding something, or the side of the face.

Different, but it works for me, and of course, my poor impatient subjects!

This is the fifth round of ABC Wednesday. If you would like to join in please visit this site for the details.

Fallen Leaves - My World

2009-11-03T05:19:00.000-05:00

Fallen Leaves - My World

The trees are all bare now and the colorful leaves have spread their vibrant beauty on the ground.

Within a couple days they will be brown and dry.

But that is not all bad - I have always enjoyed hearing them crunch under foot as we walk over them in the yard.

The oaks will be the last to shed their leaves then the task of gathering them all up will begin.

Working on Etsy Shop

2009-11-02T15:54:00.004-05:00

Working on Etsy Shop

I have been taking a closer look at Etsy lately and have decided to work on setting up a shop.

I opened an account there about a year ago but never really did anything with it.

After looking at some of the beautiful works of art from several blogs that I visit, I figured it would be another outlet, and it is really quite reasonable to list on there.

It is also very easy to list items on the site.

I have found that I need to resize my images - they are too large to upload the originals. It is an extra step that I will only do for certain photos.

It is still a work in progress for me, and if anyone has advice - I am all ears!

I have added a link to the side bar if anyone is interested.

I am happy to be a part of the Etsy community - there are some really talented artists out there!

Photo Tip Friday - EXIF Info

2009-10-30T18:32:00.003-04:00

Photo Tip Friday - EXIF Info

In the days before digital cameras, the best a photographer could do to remember all the camera settings for an image was to write them down for each shot.

Very time consuming and confusing and not always practical to do.

Digital photography allows the photographer to have all the camera settings, date, time, and even the lens focal length at their fingertips with a click of the mouse - for every photo they take with their camera.

This is known as the EXIF info or metadata for the image.

It records the shutterspeed, f-stop number, ISO, size, and many other settings including the flash settings too.

I tried to show the EXIF screen for the above image, but I could not get it to come through on this post.

When viewing your images on your computer, right click on the photo, and click "properties" on the drop down box.

From there, click on the "image" tab and scroll down a bit. The header reads: EXIF.

All of the camera settings are listed under that header.

It is a great learning tool for a beginner, and it makes life a lot easier for the more experienced!

ABC Wednesday - O is for Oak Leaf Floating

2009-10-28T05:39:00.000-04:00

O is for Oak Leaf Floating............

I know it doesn't look like it is in the water, but this leaf is floating on top of it.

The polarizer is doing such a good job, it completely removed the glare from the water and allowed us to see under the surface.

The incoming tide had a gentle flow against the rocks and the seaweed beneath the surface was slowly swaying back and forth.

I was lucky to enough to grab the shot before the leaf was pushed against the rocks by the water.

I like the splash of color that the leaf gives to the whole scene, and if you view the larger image, all of the little details become much clearer.

This is the fifth round of ABC Wednesday. If you would like to join in please visit this site for the details.

Old Bridge Reflection - My World

2009-10-27T04:33:00.000-04:00

Old Bridge Reflection - My World

Once used for just trains, this old bridge was converted to vehicle traffic many years ago.

It's old and rusty but still quite sturdy as it stretches the short distance over the small river.

There was plenty of water to catch the reflection - usually it is quite low in the summer with mostly rocks showing.

Almost looks abstract with the upsidedown bridge.

Pussy Willows

2009-10-25T21:26:00.003-04:00

Pussy Willows

These were taken this past spring - soft willow buds that we grew up calling pussy willows.

They only last a couple of days before the leaves begin to emerge and cast off their soft furry shell.

We loved them as kids, and I still look forward to them each spring.

Photo Tip Friday - My Favorite Filter - The Polarizer

2009-10-23T04:47:00.001-04:00

Photo Tip Friday - My Favorite Filter - The Polarizer

In last week's post I mentioned a problem that my polarizer filter was causing with my lens.

Theresa, over at Out in the Backyard asked what a polarizer was used for, and I am glad she did because it is my favorite filter.

Everyone loves a deep blue ocean and a beautiful blue sky overhead.

Many times the sky seems a bit washed out, and the glare on the water doesn't allow the deep colors to show up in an image.

So, how does a photographer get those vivid blues?

They use their trusty polarizer filter.

And not only does that polarizer make the blue colors more vivid, it enhances the reds and greens also.

It effectively removes reflections from glass and water so you can see beneath the surface with more depth.

A little piece of magic that I would never be without - especially since I love nature and landscape photography.

I keep it on my lens at all times - I have one for each lens.

Since this filter "spins" to increase the polarizing effect, you can effectively turn it so that it doesn't work at all if you do not need it.

One thing to keep in mind if you keep it on the camera at all times - you need to adjust your exposure.

As with all filters, it is another "layer" for the light go through, and adjusting for the exposure compensates for this.

A circular polarizer is a must for digital cameras with autofocus lenses. A Linear one does not work with an AF lens.

Keep in mind that the polarizer also tends to "cool" down the overall tone of the image, so I recommend a Moose's Polarizer filter which includes an 81a warming filter built into it to put the "warmth" back into the photo.

Spending a little more for a quality polarizer is really worth it in the end - it is the best little helper a photographer can have!

ABC Wednesday - N is for Nest

2009-10-21T05:18:00.000-04:00

N is for Nest............

This is the most unique sundial I have ever seen. Mama bird feeding her babies in the nest with the stretched worm casting the shadow that is needed to tell the time.

This is a scan from a slide that I took over 25 years ago.

No matter how much I try, I cannot remember where I found this little work of art.

It would be great to go back there and capture them from a different angle.

Perhaps someday the fog will clear and my brain will remember.

This is the fifth round of ABC Wednesday. If you would like to join in please visit this site for the details.

Thin Ice Forming - My World

2009-10-20T11:07:00.002-04:00

Thin Ice Forming - My World

I stumbled upon an interesting meme while visiting a new blog, and I decided I would give it a try.

My World, Tuesday is the name of the community, and it takes us all over the globe.

My contribution for this first post was taken late last autumn.

Thin ice was just forming over the lake, but the reflection was still just as beautiful in the late afternoon sunlight.

Photo Tip Friday - Dealing with Vignetting

2009-10-16T18:57:00.002-04:00

Photo Tip Friday - Dealing with Vignetting

Have you ever heard of the word or term, vignetting?

Well, if you look at the image above, I bet you can quickly figure out what it is.

This photo has come directly from the camera - no photoshopping, cropping, or adjustments of any kind (something you will very rarely find here).

The edges of the photo loose the brightness that composes the center of the image.

And what causes this, you may ask.

Well, sometimes it is intended, and there are filters available for getting that effect in a photo.

But in my case, it was not intended.

And it is something that you cannot see through the viewfinder when taking the photo.

In the above image, it was caused by a couple of things.

First, I used my wide angle lens at it fullest capability.

This is usually not a problem most of the time, but I like to keep a polarizer filter on my lens at all times.

And unless you specifically purchase a slim (very hard to find a quality one) filter, then the polarizer filter tends to be a rather "thick" piece with a wider rim.

The lens in the wide angle position can "see" the edges of the rim, and it shows in the image, darkening the corners.

Now, you can get around this by purchasing a step up ring, and getting a bigger filter so it sits out beyond the lens' edges.

Filters for wide angle lens are bigger and more expensive, and by using the above method, you need to purchase an even larger filter (and lens cap).

As I have found out, it is best to check this out before you purchase your filters so you don't end up with unused, expensive equipment.

Or you can use the square filters that fit on any size lens as long as you have the correct mounts.

When I finally get to processing this image, a simple crop will easily take care of that unwanted vignetting without taking anything away from the image.

I was lucky this time.

ABC Wednesday - M is for Moon

2009-10-14T05:26:00.000-04:00

M is for Moon............

I wasn't expecting to catch this view when we headed out to the ocean one morning during the summer.

We usually head back home before dark, but the boys wanted to stop for one last chance of catching a fish before we left.

Had I known all of this, I would have grabbed my tripod or monopod.

When all else fails, setting the camera on a picnic table to avoid any motion works just as well.

Now if we head anywhere outside our immediate area, the monopod goes in the car - no matter what!

This is the fifth round of ABC Wednesday. If you would like to join in please visit this site for the details.

Almost Like a Watercolor

2009-10-11T20:56:00.002-04:00

Almost Like a Watercolor

It's hard to tell from this small photo, but the reflection in the water of the branches and grasses reminds me of a watercolor painting.

It shows the same affect of the way that the water color paint tends to spread across the textured paper.

If you click on the image, it will bring you to my website where a larger image can be viewed with more details.

It's kind of neat - a textured reflection brought about by a slight wind across the top of the water.

Photo Tip Friday - Keep it Dry

2009-10-09T11:12:00.003-04:00

Photo Tip Friday - Keep it Dry

Today is my 27th wedding anniversary, and we were supposed to spend it at the ocean.

Watching the weather forecast all week, I knew it wasn't going to be a bright sunny day, but overcast with a 50% chance of showers in the late afternoon.

No problem, I think to myself, I always carry a plastic bag, tucked in the corner of my camera case.

Since my gear comes everywhere with me, you just never know, and I don't want it wet.

That bag will keep things dry until I can get in the car or inside out of the weather.

Well, last night the weather forecast was for rain all day.

That little bag was not going to do me any good with that kind of precipitation.

So the trip is postponed - too much water for walking humans and cameras today.

ABC Wednesday - L is for Light

2009-10-07T05:44:00.000-04:00

L is for Light............

Photography is all about the light - without it, there is nothing for the camera to capture.

And sometimes "finding" that light is a really tough.

Since I prefer natural light to the studio or flash, I have very little control over what mother nature gives me to work with.

Too much and the photo is flat.

Too little hides all the delicious details.

It doesn't happen very often, but when that right light comes along - it can give me goosebumps.

The clouds have to be just right, the sun's position in the sky has to be just so - and I have to be there to "see" it.

There are times when I have waited and waited for the right light - it just can't be predicted.

Stumbling on it it very exciting too.

It's not something that can be explained, but when it appears, you can certainly feel it - and it is the best !

This is the fifth round of ABC Wednesday. If you would like to join in please visit this site for the details.

Building a Blog List

2009-10-05T18:57:00.002-04:00

Building a Blog List

This is a view from the apple orchard that we have been going to for the last 20 years or so.

It's a top a big hill, and it has the most fabulous view.

We can pick our own apples here, and we usually enjoy an autumn afternoon during the week when it is less busy.

On to the title of this post.

I have been building a blog list over the last few days of many of the blogs I visit each day while dropping my entrecards.

Since so many blogs are leaving that community, I started this list so I don't loose any more great blogs that I enjoy reading.

I have been part of that community for almost 2 years, and I have decided to just sit tight for a bit and see what happens over there before I make any decisions.

I have found so many terrific blogs over there that I hate to make a rash decision and just leave even though I am not in agreement with their recent changes.

My list is an ongoing project, and as I visit each day, I will add more.

Even though I don't comment much, I do enjoy reading these blogs, and would miss them greatly if I were to loose track of them.

Good thing blogger makes it so easy to add these links, and it even includes when they update with a snippet of the title.

A great addition to my blog that I will use to keep up to date with everyone's posts.

Autumn Leaves

2009-10-03T16:57:00.003-04:00

Autumn Leaves

A big apology to my readers for not making a post yesterday on Photo Tip Friday.

It has been such a busy week, and it wasn't until this morning that I realized I hadn't done a post.

As the fall starts to near a close, we start to pick up the pace in our online store in anticipation of the holidays, and it leaves less time for my photography.

I try to grab a few minutes here and there, but with the economy being as it is, the main bread and butter becomes a priority.

Will try to keep things going as regular and I appreciate you stopping by.

Take care, my friends, and enjoy the beautiful autumn days which pass so quickly!

ABC Wednesday - K is for Kayak

2009-09-30T05:17:00.001-04:00

K is for Kayak............

I couldn't resist a shot of these colorful kayaks stacked on a wood rack beside a local pond.

I have noticed that this sport has been gaining in popularity in our area - I see more of them on car roof racks these days than ever before.

It is tempting - I would like to give it a try some day.

Some warm, summer day, so when I inevitably tip over, it won't be too cold.

And of course, my trusty camera, that is just about glued to my shoulder, will have to be left behind.

I will sorely miss those great photo ops that can only be taken when viewing the world from one of these little vessels!

This is the fifth round of ABC Wednesday. If you would like to join in please visit this site for the details.

Better Late Than Never

2009-09-28T20:13:00.002-04:00

Better Late Than Never

It took me a while, but I finally joined Facebook this past summer.

Since I never made a post to announce it, I figured it was about time to do that.

It took a while to figure it out, but I must say, I really like the way it pulls all my blogs together.

There is an application that also posts the images I upload to my photo website.

And since I joined Twitter about the same time, it also pulls in all those posts.

And not only do I get to keep updated with all my blogging friends - we can comment on each others posts right there.

I am so glad I finally "discovered" this website.

I have a facebook and a networked blogs widget in the sidebar - thanks for stopping by!

Friday's Photo Tip - Keep Your Eyes Open

2009-09-25T13:50:00.002-04:00

Friday's Photo Tip - Keep Your Eyes Open

This post is a bit different from my other photo tips posts, but I think a quick reminder is necessary.

If you are anything like me when the camera is up to your eye - the rest of the world becomes non-existent.

I'm concentrating on the DOF, f-stop, shutter speed, and composition and am consumed in those actions.

I'm not noticing the bystander on the bench, or his buddy that is sneaking his way towards me.

I'm holding almost $2000 in camera equipment in my hands, and I am alone in the city, taking a walk while waiting for my husband to finish up with his appointment.

It's not a good idea to close out the rest of the world when behind the lens.

We are usually together most of the time when we are in the city, and he watches over things - something that I don't even have to think while shooting images.

Until now.

Quick thinking kept me safe this time, but I think I much prefer the beasts in the woods to the beasts that inhabit the city.

ABC Wednesday - J is for Journal

2009-09-23T11:55:00.002-04:00

J is for Journal............

We have been self-employed for over twenty years now, and I find the record keeping to be the most monotonous part of the whole business.

The computer has made life so much easier as far as recording everything, but all the paperwork still has to be organized, checked off, and accounted for before it gets input into the computer.

The general ledger and journal are much easier to deal with - I remember many sheets of columned paper that were all written and manually added.

I worked in a bank long before I became self employed, and my expense journals are nothing compared to theirs'.

But by the time I left, computers were beginning to make it easier there too.

Don't know where we would be without them, but it is good to know that if things ever went back to not having them, I could still work with those dreaded journals and ledgers.

This is the fifth round of ABC Wednesday. If you would like to join in please visit this site for the details.

Time for a Dusting

2009-09-22T20:06:00.002-04:00

Time for a Dusting

Even though he is a feral cat, we keep an eye on him when he begins to start itching or twitching just a little too much.

He needs our assistance when a stubborn tick gets a hold of him, and when the fleas move in, we usually give him a dusting.

And he is not a happy camper when that happens.

We sweet talk him and hide the dust behind our back as we walk towards him pretending nothing is out of the ordinary.

But he knows every time and takes off in a hurry - we have got to come up with a new approach.

Because as much as he doesn't like it, after seeing several flea bites pictures online, we don't want any of those nasty bugs getting a hold of us either!

Happy Dragonflies

2009-09-21T19:54:00.004-04:00

Happy Dragonflies

There were hatchings all around our yard this afternoon.

I saw them rising from the just mowed grass, so I went out to investigate.

The flying ants were taking flight as they crawled out of their holes in the ground, and the dragonflies were having a feast.

There weren't as many around as there is in the summer - the last few nights have been really cold, and they don't do well with it.

They will be around for the next couple of days - late summer weather is predicted tomorrow for the first day of autumn

They are as welcome as these next couple of warm days are!

Friday's Photo Tip - Get Down to Their Level

2009-09-18T11:48:00.004-04:00

Friday's Photo Tip - Get Down to Their Level

The knees and the hips aren't as flexible as they used to be, and the toes and ankles don't really like me to balance too long on them either.

But for the sake of a good photo, I assume a squatting, lunging, kneeling, or whatever position I must, to get down low enough to capture my subject.

And these guys were not easy - they were only a couple of inches above the ground.

I took many photos of them, but the most uncomfortable position yielded the best result.