My Best Shot

I've moved!!

2011-04-24T20:02:00.002-04:00

I've decided to move from my Blogspot to my own unique website: www. ajsimoneau.com to promote my photography. A new location where you will still recieve my blog, photos, and get some cool insight! Enjoy!

Evening Delight

2011-04-12T21:22:00.001-04:00

It's nice to come home to see three smiling, tail wagging dogs. Each one of them wanting to fetch the ball, eat dinner, and harass me while I unload my truck from a day's work-all at the same time. No matter what age they are (seven months, eleven years old, or twelve years old) each one of them greet me with unconditional love and excitement. They give me energy when I don't think I have anymore left at the end of the day. Each one barking and/or herding me to go for a walk, run with them, pet their tummy, throw the ball, throw the stick, go for a ride... Each dog wanting different things at the same time. They instantly make me smile (even when I think I don't have one left to show). My dogs are a great addition to my life. Thanks to my four-legged, life-long, friends.

Need I say more?

A sunset like this one can only enhance the importance of the simple things in life and reintroduce the beauty that's right in my own backyard. I live on a hillside which allows me to see, appreciate, and sometimes capture moments like this one on camera. Every sunset is unique. The days I have to travel for work, I try to get home before dusk. This allows me to be greeted by my dogs and settle-in from the day's challenges and responsibilities, before the sun closes off the day.

The evening I captured this sunset was a great distraction and couldn't be missed. Sometimes I feel I'm the only one that can see it. Or, as if I have front row tickets to the most important show. The brilliant colors, the shades of blue layering the hills across the way, and the sun's size and brightness grabbed my attention. Each piece and all it's spectacular colors, drew me in to a peaceful mindset.

Back Home

Cramming Knowledge

2011-04-11T07:40:00.008-04:00

In addition to four days learning "segments" of Lightroom 3, Photoshop, and Photography at Photoshop World Expo in Orlando, I attended The Flash Bus Tour in Boston. David Hobby and Joe McNally gave a one day crash course on how to use Manual and TTL flash. I came away with so much information. My mind is overloaded with ways to work speed lights and strobes into photography.

David and Joe performed well as they used their laid-back humorous ways of teaching flash photography. They both shared key points to using flash beyond the popup camera flash. They teach lighting as if it is cooking. David says, "It's like adding salt to the recipe." Adding light can only make your picture better. Control your ambient light and add fill, key, and accent light to your picture. Joe explains in his hours of teaching: "What worked for you today is not going to work for you tomorrow." You need to know how to use Manual and TTL flash and adapt according to the environment (type of light/s: florescent, full sun, window light, ... ) you are working in. Joe says "Light is essential... You have to shape it... Light is a language we use as part of our subject."

Thanks David and Joe for helping me better understand the language of light and the use of Manual and TTL flash.

Joe McNally

David Hobby

Joe used his The Flash Bus Crew and randomly selected people from the audience to demonstrate his creativity with TTL flash. Joe showed us how to use light in creative and unexpected ways.

The Flash Bus Crew (left to right): Mike Grippi, Drew Gurian. and Mike Cali (AKA Justin Bieber)

Photoshop World Expo Faces

2011-04-04T16:45:00.018-04:00

During the time between classroom lectures at Photoshop World Expo, I would grab any opportunity to capture some of the "professionals" (that's an understatement) on camera. Not only did the "pros" allow me to take their picture, but they answered photography questions, inspired me, and even allowed me to have my picture taken with them and/or received a hug or hand shake which made me feel a part of this pool of creativity.

Jay Maisel

Cliff Mautner

Frank Doorhof

David Ziser

Just before the Pre-Conference classes were to begin, Joe McNally was spotted in the hallway heading toward his classroom. A classmate was able to stop Joe and start a conversation. I happened to be there and I was able to "mingle" with Joe McNally for 3 minutes and 21.0032 seconds. All I did was stare at him and try to engage in the conversation between Joe and the classmate. I decided if I can't talk, I have to at least touch his shoulder. I slowly reached out to his shoulder (to give him enough time to swat my hand or scream for security) and applied a small amount of pressure on his top right shoulder. Joe automatically assumed there was something on his shirt that needed to be removed. While Joe attempted to brush off something that wasn't even there, I finally opened my mouth and said, "I just had to touch you (with a smile)." We all laughed and Joe responded by saying, "Oh, we need a group hug!" We all laughed as Joe embraced us. I never did get a picture of Joe McNally during the week. I held off since I will see him soon enough in Boston. I think it will be a better opportunity since it's a full day with Joe and Dave Hobby.

The view of Convention Center from my room.

I'm still on a high from the amazing opportunity attending the Photoshop World Expo in Orlando. Not only did I reflect on what I learned everyday while I was there, but since I've returned I think it and dream it. I actually woke myself from my sleep last night after calling out "ambient light!?!" I've been known to talk in my sleep, but that's just a little too much.

Photoshop World Expo

2011-04-02T21:27:00.004-04:00

Oh my... I've had the time of my life this last week spending it with famous photographers: Dave Black, Joe McNally, Frank Doorhof, Cliff Mautner, Jay Maisel, Scott Kelby, David Ziser, RC Concepcion, Joe Glyda, and many more! I didn't sleep much during the week.
Instead, in four days: I attended the Pre-Conference Workshop with David Ziser on Wedding Photography; I attended at least seven hours of classroom courses everyday; Listened to more great knowledge and experiences from professional photographers at the Expo; I window-shopped gear, materials for print, and software displayed on the Expo floor; In the evenings, I attended a couple of the scheduled events with instructors and classmates.

The first photograph you see here was taken when everyone was released from the opening ceremony. I think there were about two thousand people who attended Project Photoshop. With this mass amount of people leaving the opening keynote, the Convention Center had four out of five escalators running... directing the crowd safely up and out. The center escalator was going the opposite direction. One attendee decided to run up the center escalator that was going the opposite direction to try and cut his wait time. He ran up it with grace! A woman from the crowd said "I'm going to try it." She tried, but as you see, she didn't quite make it with grace on her first attempt. She quickly got up and ran up it a second time. I have to give her credit for getting up before the escalator took her back to her starting point. The crowd awed and applauded as she made her way up. Embarrassed? I would think so. Camera? I doubt she had a working one after that fall.

Sunday Drive

2011-03-20T19:49:00.004-04:00

This is going to be one of the shortest post ever, due to fatigue, time restraints, and wanting to hit my pillow for a solid night's sleep (I can only hope). It's been a long week and work trailed right into the weekend (I consider this "make-up" work - hours of work that was lost due to bad weather).

Scooter and I leisurely head back to the house after a long weekend of working and volunteering.

Joy Ride

We stopped at EB Frye and Sons and Oak Leaves Woodcarving Studio in Wilton, NH.

Today was a sunny, spring-thawing day...

We are glad to be home.

Long Winter Nights

2011-03-09T00:34:00.005-05:00

This post is dedicated to my brother, Dave.

This long Winter is almost over.

I share with you my favorite photo I took in January 2011. This photo has so much more meaning than just icicles, stars, and the moon with "good exposure". I remember how cold it was the night I took this photograph. Before opening the door to head outside with my camera, I thought to myself how beautiful the night was without realizing how brutal the elements outside could be without mittens, a winter jacket zipped up, and a hat to keep my ears warm. In this photo, I was looking to capture my perspective of the winter nights here in New Hampshire. Little did I know, this photo I took was the beginning of a long, cold, snow-filled season.

It's March now, and the cold nights and challenges with snow/ice are finally coming to an end. I'm optimistic plowing and shoveling are no longer a priority to getting to work in the morning. The last several nights I've been looking to the sky with a smile of hope knowing Spring is near. I'm anxiously waiting to hear the birds sing in the morning and for me to spend more time outdoors without my jacket zipped up.

For each day that passes, it's clear to me better weather and better days are ahead.

Flooding Starts

2011-03-07T18:29:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year, the beginning of the Spring Thaw in New Hampshire. We have had a great couple of days with temps in the 50's, which made for massive amounts of snow melt. My road has plenty of places to place snow for our next plowing (Hopefully, it doesn't snow again) and the dirt road has become more of a mud trench. All this melting of the snow makes for muddy roads (probable 4-wheeling on my road by local teenagers soon) and river flooding, street closings, and insurance claims.

Today, after being in Peterborough for Momentary Times, interviewing Levi, we quickly found the road home closed. Route 202 in Peterborough was under a state emergency due to river flooding. Within 20 minutes, homes were flooded and residences and businesses were evacuated. We had to take an alternate route to get back home. The following photos taken were within 20 minutes of river's destructive path.

This photo below was taken from a resident's home looking down off their deck. Water had just entered their basement and continued to rise. The homeowners (Welch) seemed accepting of the quick destruction of their home and knew they couldn't control what is to be. This is the first time they have had problems living near the river.

On the Road

2011-02-25T21:30:00.004-05:00

Actually, I'm not traveling right now. "On the Road" is in reference to life on the road. The road is the road that leads to my house.

Just about every day, I get to walk my dogs a couple of miles. All to get exercise, bonding time, and some fresh New England air.
Scooter (Aussie/Mix) being the latest addition to the family has taken to Shadow (Germain Wired Hair/Lab - the elder dog) and has taken the lead. Every time I latch the leashes on the dogs, Scooter insists on walking Shadow. This is the typical view I get while walking the road. I just so happened to finally capture it.

ISO 200, 150mm, f/9.0, 1/400 sec

Today was the first snow storm in a last couple of weeks. It was also the first time I haven't had to worry about plowing the road, shoveling, or delaying/canceling work due to snow expectation of 4-8" (Film Crew from Momentary Times had house/ road maintenance duties today- we're using my log cabin as a base for a documentary on which I'm Creative Director).

ISO 800, 170mm, f/7.1, 1/125 sec

Not only did I not have to worry about snow, but I'm glad I had my camera sitting in my passenger seat as my co-pilot ready for the unexpected moment/s. The following photos were taken within a mile from my house on my way heading out to work. A Barred Owl perched at 7AM waiting for prey.

ISO 800, 200mm, f/5.6, 1/125 sec (cropped)

Change For Purpose

2011-02-17T06:29:00.002-05:00

OK....You must be wondering why I haven't posted lately. Don't worry, I don't easily stagnate into a set of routines.... My life is full and constantly changing. "The only constant in Life is Change."

Within the last week, I have committed my home to four passionate men who are focused on the topic of homelessness. They have traveled from Oregon to New Hampshire interviewing, videoing, and photographing. The crew have sought out homeless people, case workers, and anyone who has a voice wanting to make a difference regarding homelessness.

Victory Park, Manchester, NH

I have joined this project for several reasons: to learn more about the issues behind homelessness, to pick up my camera and share the story with others, gain experience from a talented crew, and make a difference in society. The crew is staying for the month as they work on the documentary. Not only are they focused on film, but also on establishing a family shelter home in the Peterborough, NH area.

This is a great feeling to be able to share my home with the crew, pick up my camera, and help find new resources to continue the project.
Come join us, follow us, and support a great cause: Momentary Times.

Snow Bound

2011-02-03T19:43:00.005-05:00

I made it! I'm back in NH from San Francisco. I received a warm "Welcome back!" from my father. Thanks dad for picking me up at 11:30PM at the airport, having a hot meal ready for me at your home, and a place to stay for the night.

In just under 8 hours after my return from San Francisco, I'm back to work. I'm on my feet and working a full day. While in my "work mode", I'm caught in the act trying to resolve a crisis from an incoming call. Need I say more with the expression! Richard, thanks for sending the photo below and witnessing the moment. :) LOL!

I'm tired and pumped with caffeine.

After work, I come home to this... More plowing, and shoveling for the next couple of days. Not only do I have to plow myself out, but I have to try to figure out how I'm going to fit the next day of work in while we get a hit with more snow (approximately 12" during the day). Unfortunately, a work day lost--snow plowing and shoveling won.

Note the 4' snow stake at lower left of photo. We got a lot of snow!!

OK, enough complaining. Winter is here for some time. I've got plenty of wood to keep me warm and I know I can rely on my three alarm clocks to get me up in the morning--even if the power goes out.

Reflections of SF

2011-01-31T12:02:00.005-05:00

ISO 200, 32 mm, f/5.0, 1/1250 sec

My last day in San Francisco and I had the opportunity to visit the Golden Gate Bridge. Thanks to my cousin Bonnie and her family for giving me my last tour of the City.

I traveled mostly on foot and with cable cars. With a small pocket size street map, I had no trouble finding my way around. The infrastructure of the City is organized and welcomes walking or taking public transportation.

ISO 400, 20 mm, f/10, 1/100 sec

I hope to visit this City again for photo opportunities, culture, good weather, and the diversity of lifestyles.

I'm now on route to head to the East Coast to face the harsh winter and start up the plow truck for more snow removal... Transition time.

SF Chinatown

2011-01-30T23:33:00.002-05:00

Walked SF Chinatown during the Pre-New Year Celebration. The New Year starts on Tuesday, February 1st, the Year of the Rabbit (Xin Mao).

Photo was taken at SF Chinatown and enhanced with the new software purchased at Macworld 2011

ISO 200, 16 mm f/6.3, 1/500 sec

ISO 200, 44 mm, f/4.5, 1/400 sec

Several blocks were blocked and businesses overflowed onto the sidewalks and streets to display their products and try to draw people in. Live fish, fresh meats, toys, trinkets, scarfs, produce, and flowers were intermingling within each block. I was shutter happy with all the people, colors, and culture.

Just by chance I was at the right place at the right time to see a Chinese New Year Parade.

Yes, I did jump in the middle of the parade to make this shot.

Thank goodness for hills in SF. I was able to capture this performance since it was on a decline from where I was standing.

ISO 200, 75mm, f/11, 1/160 sec, with SB-600

Nights in SF

2011-01-30T18:54:00.010-05:00

The last couple of night in SF and I finally got to use my tripod. I now feel better after having packed and traveled with the tripod all the way from NH. One night up at Twin Peaks we were able to get Market Street and the Bay Bridge area. It was a clear night and with just a little patience, the night was captured.

This photo is taken looking at Lori's Diner on the corner of Powell Street and Sutter Street.

With my poncho and tripod I was able to set up between the rain showers, traffic, and crowds of people on a Saturday night.

My main focus and attraction was

the reflections the rain had left behind.

Inside Lori's Diner (ISO 400, 15 mm, f/5.6, 1/25 sec)

ISO 400, 15 mm, f/2.8, 1/6 sec

After lots of practice and encouragement from Jill, my next goal before the night's end was to try some panning. The trolly car was my target.

Macworld 2011

2011-01-29T21:04:00.001-05:00

Our agenda for being in San Francisco was to attend the Macworld Expo. Today was the day. Software, accessories, food, music, demos, samples, give-a-ways, and creative ideas filled the Moscone Center for three days.

A remake of the Macworld Expo sign using Topaz Suite.

I was surprised on how organized the program was and how inviting the vendors were in letting over 20,000 people test their product/s.

Tourists

2011-01-28T23:50:00.003-05:00

Today's weather was in the high 50's with an overcast until mid-afternoon when the sun decided to break through the clouds.
Muir Woods and Alcatraz were on our list for today. The day started at 8am and we didn't return back from the scheduled tour until after 6pm.

I didn't want typical postcard photographs of my experience. So, my goal was to shoot casting different perspectives of the popular tourist attractions: Muir Woods and Alcatraz.

Photos above is at Muir Woods. The three photos below are at Alcatraz.

ISO 200, 11mm, F6.3, 1/500 Sec

ISO 200, 44mm, F5.6, 1/1000 Sec

ISO 200, 11mm, F6.3, 1/800 Sec

Scanning San Francisco

2011-01-27T23:31:00.006-05:00

My second day in San Fran is a perfect day: clear skies in the mid-sixties. 15 degrees warmer than the average temperature for January.

I took the cable car to Fisherman's Wharf and Ghirardelli Square.
My day was filled with seeing the homeless, traveling by cable car, lunch on the Wharf, photographing the City Hall, and viewing the City from Twin Peaks (the highest point of the city) at night.

Top photo: Dwayne is homeless and is taking life one day at a time.

Lower photo: Fisherman's Wharf down by Pier 39.

My description of San Francisco... a hilly New York City with Boston's North End attitude. I'm really enjoying my time here in the City with friends.

City Hall and Zhang Huan "Three Heads Six Arms" - Buddhist Statues in San Francisco.

Chinese Laundry

2011-01-26T22:31:00.002-05:00

I'm visiting the great city of San Francisco, CA (love it even more knowing I've entered 60 degrees from 1 degree in NH). No shoveling or plowing here.
After sitting for over eight hours on a plane I couldn't wait to check in the hotel to settle my things and grab my camera for a hilly walk around the city. I walked up to Chinatown, North Beach, Telegraph Hill, and Lombard Street. It's a start to the week.

This photo comes from the corner of Chinatown.

Hot Lens

2011-01-23T11:47:00.004-05:00

I was inspired this morning from a flickr photo that was sent to me. This is my version of the same subjects.

I have minimal motivation to get outside today. The weather is below zero, the wood stove is working hard, and the dogs are lazy.

Great Weather, Great Company, Bad Camera Settings.

2011-01-22T00:30:00.011-05:00

I returned from a wonderful night snowshoeing with several friends I hadn't seen in several years. Unfortunately after my return from snowshoeing, I discovered I had taken night shots with an ISO locked at 200, but thought it was set for ISO 1600. Always check your camera and make sure it's in the right custom setting bank (or none at all)! Thanks Bob, Cindy, Eric, Paul, and Kevin for a fun, healthy, and memorable evening (photos or not)!

After some adjustments in Lightroom3 I was able to partially salvage this photo of our moonlit evening. Original settings: ISO 200 (locked), 32mm, F/10, 30.0 sec

Snowing Again

2011-01-21T07:10:00.001-05:00

Plow truck warming up, flakes are flying, and gators are on. 6-8" of snow is due to stick on the ground.