Week In Review - Idaho Falls, Idaho Area

The weather finally broke enough that I was able to get outdoors and do some much needed photo therapy.  While attending the High Desert Photography Club meeting this week, my photography juices were flowing.  My desire was to be able to capture some new architecture, find some interesting lines and work on my birding skills.
Old architecture is very hard to come across in and around my area due to the fact that I live in a large farming area.  Any piece of ground that becomes vacant is either planted on or grazed.  I am totally envious of all the photographers that have at their disposal the old rustic farm houses and out building.  Someday I hope to take a road trip and find some of my own to photograph.
I've been able to come across some really great restored images of old barns thanks to Pinterest, you can check out my architecture board (which will be continually added to) if you get a chance.  Let me know when and if you drop by.

Now for the reason that you stopped by, to view what I captured this past week.
Life on the Snake Rive is my first photo share.  This time of year the river is packed to the banks with all types of winter migrating birds.  The Canadian Geese happen to be my favorite to photography for two reasons: 1.  they aren't so leery of people and 2.  there are so many of them.  Here's my practice at capturing motion.

Coming In For A Landing
Taken with my Nikon D90 f/4.5 @ 1/1000 ISO 200

Now it's on to practicing my Black and White photo conversions.  There is just something that I find so intriguing about taking the colors from a image. This process is a challenge for me as most times my images come off all muddy and soft looking.  I will have to practice a lot more to get something that has the B&W WOW factor.

  The Big Stretch

 f4.5 @ 1/1250 ISO 200

Summers Final Harvest

Nikon D90 f/11 @ 1/50 ISO 400

Bottles On The Window  f/11 @ 1/30 ISO 1250  Woops note to self ALWAYS check your ISO before shooting. LDS Temple By The River f/9 @ 1/400 ISO 200  See what I mean about B&W images looking a bit muddy when converted?  I am after the crisp definition between the blacks and whites, I want the focal point to really POP of the page.  This is still a technique in search and training. Trumpeter Swans Over The Snake River f/5.6 @ 1/1000 ISO 200 One thing that I've learned while trying to capture birds in flight is you need a very FAST shutter speed, spot metering, long lens and patience. Line Sight Sparrow Hawk f/8 @ 1/500 ISO 200

Country Lane f/10 @ 1/60 ISO 200 White On White f/8 @ 1/1000 ISO 200 +2/3 EV

And Now for my persona favorite out all this weeks photos- Birds On A Wire f/10 @ 1/200 ISO 2100 I was shooting with pure luck having my shutter speed so slow, good thing these guys never attempted to make a move.  I am really liking the brown on brown effect of the Dove against the fall foliage. Well that does it for this weeks photo review.  I still have lots to learn and don't mind sharing what I've learned in the process of photo practice.  If you have a photo question, ask away and I'll go out and pratice the photo concept and come back with the answer. Thanks for dropping by and your comments are always appreciated. Note to self - CHECK YOU ISO before shooting!

1.26.11 Two

Every time I try my hand at Black and White conversions, the photos always turn out a bit muddy looking.  I am on a quest to perfect, well maybe not perfect, improve my black and white photos.
I've read everything from Scott Kelby's perfect Black and Whites to the local forum post on the subject.  Seems everyone has a perfect setup.
I've tried most of what others suggested, I've even purchased a action or tow.  Things just were getting too complicated way too complex.
I have decided to just return back to the basics, ACR, grayscale and adjusting the color slides.

f/4 @ 1/125 ISO 1600 OCF Flash -1

Seems to have worked for now.  There is most defiantly some contrast action going on here.  I like it!
Now I've really got to remember to reset my ISO for my next shot.  How crazy is that?
BTW, there is a story why I am photographing water wear in the middle of winter.  My grandchildren love to help their grand dad with the irrigating in the summer. Seems that we never have enough water wear for everyone.  I came across these in a flee market and knew that they would be perfect.  Now all I have to do is find 3 more pairs of fun little rubber boot and I will have enough for everyone.
I can see it now, grand dad in his big green hip boot and 7 little helper all decked out in frog boot, trucker boots, pink princess boots and little yellow fireman boots. 

1.4.11 Resolution – Challenge

I am not really a goal oriented person.  I am on the other hand a spontaneous, riding on the seat of your pants type of gal.  Not much into making list or checking them twice.
When I read about all the goals that people are writing down I feel a bit left out.  So to start of this year like everyone else, I made a list. 
I challenge myself, no I resolve to -
1.  Remember.  Remember important date of my family members. Seems that birthdays, anniversaries and such sneak past and before I know it they are long gone.  I resolve to do better.
2.  Do away with the soft drinks.  After cancer surgery (thyroid cancer) I was left with the inability to drink anything that didn’t have a taste.  WATER WAS OUT!  I can say that I am HOOKED on the carbonation BURN.  I resolve to find something better than sodas that will quench my thirst.
3.  Get organized.  Ever seen those show where they showcase a person with a terrible hording addiction?  Well I am not that bad but I do have my stashes of things (stuff) that I have been moving around from place to place.  Time to sell, give away or through out.

There you have my Challenge for 2011.  My New Years Resolution.  It’s a small list compared to some but it will take me the whole of 2011 to get something's completed so I am ready for 2012.