I know I just talked about my new camera in my last post, and how I've been going out and taking pictures. But what I didn't say is taking photographs in and around Seattle is not easy for me. In fact, it's a major challenge. So I thought I'd share why this is with you.
When I travel, my camera is a constant companion. I have no problem toting it and its gear. I love taking snapshots of locals in their element and photographs of daily life. My eyes are alert -- my "photo-vision" is at work. However, when I board the plane/car/boat to come home, much of the photo-vision is packed away until the next trip. It's a combination of reasons, but here are what I consider my Big Two Photography Demons.
First, when it comes to Seattle, I've "been there, photographed that". The city and the subjects within aren't new and fresh to me. They are part of my daily life, so they aren't on my radar anymore. A prime example- right after I got my D300s, I made myself go outside to take pics. I wasn't very creative, so I ended up at Gasworks. Gasworks is one of my favorite parks in Seatown. But the thing is that it's really difficult for me to take pictures there. The reason being that I feel like I've photographed it all before. Now, I know that isn't true, but the "photographer's block" I experience is...
My second demon is my comfort level of shoot daily life pics drastically decreases when the people involved live in my neighborhood. Don't ask me why -- I am just more comfortable shooting strangers outside my zip code. Case in point: Earlier this past week I decided to enjoy the afternoon by taking a walk around Maple Leaf (my neighborhood). Once again, I was deliberate in bringing along the Nikon. As I'm strolling through the residential streets, I see a house prepped for painting. The painters are out front, sitting and enjoying a smoke break. I liked the idea of the image -- people working outside, making a living. Now if I was anywhere else, I would have clicked away. But instead, I felt uneasy, almost as if I wasn't allowed to take the picture. So instead of capturing the image on "film", the only snapshot I have is in my head.
So what does this all mean? Well, much of my time during my sabbatical has been introspective. Not only when it comes to what I want to do next workwise, but also taking the time to learn new things. Specifically to photography, I'm trying to find ways to improve and increase my skills. By recognizing and fighting the two demons above, it forces me to look at my everyday life and surroundings and embrace them new ways. And in doing so, hopefully it will expand my personal shooting styles and boost my comfort levels.
I did find a couple suggestions (here and here) to help me in my battle against boredom. I look forward to using them in the next few weeks. The first idea is to have a theme in mind. For example, shooting pictures of things that are red. Or pics of VW Bugs. Or sneakers. You get the point. Another idea is to shoot the Alphabet. Apples, Boats, "Comfort" are all fair game. So, will these tips work? I don't know. But it can't hurt to try, right? As for those of you out there that are photographers, do you have any suggestions? Do you ever experience this "photographer's block"?
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
My New Toy
Be warned, my inner techie penned this blog. For those of you who don't care about camera features, you might not find this post to be very interesting. Proceed at your own risk. - SKC
******
A couple weeks ago I got a new camera to replace my well used, well loved Nikon D50. It had been my trusty sidekick on many travels for the past 5 years, but it was time for it to retire (or at least take some time off). It's replacement? The brand spankin' new Nikon D300s. This camera is a beast. It's not the top of the line professional series (which I definitely don't need and can't afford anyway), but it's a significant upgrade to my D50. The transition has been a pretty smooth one but there are three things I've needed to get used to:
1) The heft. To use my brother's words, "it makes the D50 look like a toy". (He was talking about his new camera, but it's the same sentiment). This sucker feels like it's twice as heavy as my old DSLR. Granted its camera body is built with magnesium for durability. But still! I feel like I need to go do some arm curls at the gym to lug this camera around.
2) It's got video! I've never really had a video camera. Sure my folks had one, but the closest thing I've had is the video feature on my point and shoot. The main difference with this one is that it can utilize all the lenses I have for my Nikon. So now I can not only capture the still shots, but record it to view later. Not only do I need to think like photographer, but apparently it's time for me to start thinking like videographer as well.
3) The new bells and whistles. Five years in technology time is a lifetime. And the D300s reflects that. There are some features on this camera that I didn't have on my D50. Sharper resolution, bigger LCD, higher ISO with less noise, 51 focus areas, wireless flash commander... the list goes on and on. So although I know how to use the core functionality (aperture, shutter, etc), I'm going to have to learn how to use my flash, my shooting preferences for exposure areas, blah, blah, blah... Good thing I've got the time to do so, right?
Having vomitted all those tech terms on you now, I don't want to give you the wrong impression. I love the camera. I've been using it on and off over the past couple weeks -- the weather has been beautiful here so I've been trying to go out and use it. Plus, I helped shoot some pictures for a friend's wedding rehearsal and reception. The high ISO for the low light helped a ton...
So all in all, I'm glad to have the new D300s. It's taken a bit of getting used to, and I've got a bunch more to learn, but it's been fun.
******
A couple weeks ago I got a new camera to replace my well used, well loved Nikon D50. It had been my trusty sidekick on many travels for the past 5 years, but it was time for it to retire (or at least take some time off). It's replacement? The brand spankin' new Nikon D300s. This camera is a beast. It's not the top of the line professional series (which I definitely don't need and can't afford anyway), but it's a significant upgrade to my D50. The transition has been a pretty smooth one but there are three things I've needed to get used to:
1) The heft. To use my brother's words, "it makes the D50 look like a toy". (He was talking about his new camera, but it's the same sentiment). This sucker feels like it's twice as heavy as my old DSLR. Granted its camera body is built with magnesium for durability. But still! I feel like I need to go do some arm curls at the gym to lug this camera around.
2) It's got video! I've never really had a video camera. Sure my folks had one, but the closest thing I've had is the video feature on my point and shoot. The main difference with this one is that it can utilize all the lenses I have for my Nikon. So now I can not only capture the still shots, but record it to view later. Not only do I need to think like photographer, but apparently it's time for me to start thinking like videographer as well.
3) The new bells and whistles. Five years in technology time is a lifetime. And the D300s reflects that. There are some features on this camera that I didn't have on my D50. Sharper resolution, bigger LCD, higher ISO with less noise, 51 focus areas, wireless flash commander... the list goes on and on. So although I know how to use the core functionality (aperture, shutter, etc), I'm going to have to learn how to use my flash, my shooting preferences for exposure areas, blah, blah, blah... Good thing I've got the time to do so, right?
Having vomitted all those tech terms on you now, I don't want to give you the wrong impression. I love the camera. I've been using it on and off over the past couple weeks -- the weather has been beautiful here so I've been trying to go out and use it. Plus, I helped shoot some pictures for a friend's wedding rehearsal and reception. The high ISO for the low light helped a ton...
So all in all, I'm glad to have the new D300s. It's taken a bit of getting used to, and I've got a bunch more to learn, but it's been fun.
Monday, September 21, 2009
What a Game!
I know it's Monday and it's been two days since the Epic Upset occurred at Husky Stadium. But I felt that it was my duty to at least put a little post up for the victory. Our beloved (but unranked) Washington Huskies defeated the third ranked University of Southern California Trojans. And what a game it was... I haven't heard the Ol' stadium that loud, that raucous, that excited in years.
After Eric Folk kicked the winning field goal with three seconds in regulation, B & I ran down three levels of stairs and ramps to "rush" the fields with 5000 other estactic fans. Here's a scene from the second level...
The first level...
Along with the horde of students there were some notable people on the field... Here is Coach Romar (the head coach of our basketball team) celebrating with some fans.
After Eric Folk kicked the winning field goal with three seconds in regulation, B & I ran down three levels of stairs and ramps to "rush" the fields with 5000 other estactic fans. Here's a scene from the second level...
The first level...
Along with the horde of students there were some notable people on the field... Here is Coach Romar (the head coach of our basketball team) celebrating with some fans.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The Job Search
I know I just recently spoke about how my unemployment has been going... And although I didn't touch on it too much in that post, I have been looking for work over the past few weeks. I've been utilizing the internet to find and apply for jobs (who doesn't nowadays?), but my favorite part of the search so far has been the relational, face-to-face aspect of it. The search has provided me with reasons to reconnect with old friends, not only in a professional aspect, but personally as well.
People often ask me what I'm looking for in my next job... My general answer is a senior program/project manager position. But of course it's much more than that. The new role has to have something that sparks my interest(s). Perhaps it's a new area to work in. Or maybe the challenge of creating or growing something new for the business. But I think ultimately, one of the main things that draws me to a job is the relational day to day interactions with people, whether they are customers or colleagues. I love working with people, whether it be collaborating, mentoring, leading or learning with them. So even though I expect this for my future role, what I didn't anticipate was finding it in my search for a new PM job. It has been a pleasant and fulfilling surprise.
People often ask me what I'm looking for in my next job... My general answer is a senior program/project manager position. But of course it's much more than that. The new role has to have something that sparks my interest(s). Perhaps it's a new area to work in. Or maybe the challenge of creating or growing something new for the business. But I think ultimately, one of the main things that draws me to a job is the relational day to day interactions with people, whether they are customers or colleagues. I love working with people, whether it be collaborating, mentoring, leading or learning with them. So even though I expect this for my future role, what I didn't anticipate was finding it in my search for a new PM job. It has been a pleasant and fulfilling surprise.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)