Can you see the various profiles formed by drifting snow?
I love the contrast between the tree and sky. By itself, the tree might convey a certain loneliness. But against the rich blue sky, I see independence
I love the warm, curvy tones of this tree, long past it's prime
This image really cracked me up. I can only imagine 2 turkeys coming face to face at the intersection and pausing to let the other one pass :))
A quick change of lenses brings a whole new point of view to the wonders of nature
I love looking for abstracts in nature. Here a twig frozen in ice and a snow capped rock
Yes, I was walking on thin ice :))))
More wonderful abstracts. Who says winter isn't beautiful?!?!
And finally, a warm, furry coat until spring. I hope you enjoyed this little tour around the farm. You can see my whole collect of Adirondack Scenics right here http://marronephotography.com/scenic-landing-page Enjoy!!
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All good portraits should start with a concept just like a journey needs a destination. Sure, it's fun to get in the car and just drive but seriously, how many times do we do that? In the same way, starting with the concept informs the entire process from lighting to background and even the subjects expression. I was going for a dramatic, thoughtful, determined confidence and while I wanted those characteristics, I also wanted a hint of likeability. I do tend towards the introspective and while I enjoy working with people very much, I am often thought of as aloof. Truth be known, I usually have a million thoughts running through my mind and am very project oriented (sorry:)
OK, so I have my concept and personality theme identified. Now the lighting has to support that vision. here's my lighting diagram:
Technical data: SB910 set at 0.0EV SB800's set at -0.7EV Camera [email protected] ISO 160
About the technical data. I wanted to photograph this at a lesser f/stop and let the focus fall off sharply but since I'm the subject and not behind the camera, getting the image in focus can be quite challenging. According to others, my eyes are my asset so that was my focal point and getting them in focus was essential. Actually, that brings up an important point. Everyone that I have photographed over 33 years has concerns about some aspect of their appearance and it becomes the filter through which they see themselves. The obvious "ouch" for me would be my balding head although, I'm certainly not the only member in that club. Knowing that we all have this filter, it's my job to identify and accentuate what you like about yourself and reduce or eliminate what you would rather change. For example, you'll notice on my portrait that the cropping takes off the very top of my head. Here's the reasoning: since the goal of the portrait is to create a statement of "dramatic, thoughtful, determined confidence" and focusing on what I like best about myself (eyes), having my full head visible keeps that as a primary object showing one of the areas I like least (balding head). You still understand that I have a full and complete head just like I have a full and complete body although, that too, is not shown.
Finally, I converted the image to B&W using a combination of PhotoShop techniques until I had just the right amount of contrast and depth. Since the style is reminiscent of a 1940's Hollywood genre, B&W reinforces the theme.
With the development and ease of access to digital devices, "picture-taking" is practiced at an all time high. While I love the idea that my craft, which I cherish, is so popular, I do find it distressing to a degree, how many images flood the internet that are grossly inferior artistically and technically. Too often, we don't take the time to carefully think through a project and too often, we sacrifice quality for expedience (or cost). Given the concerns we share about our own image, starting with a concept and trusting it to a seasoned professional, will always be the surest way to get your best portrait ever. Most people think of me as a photographer but actually, that's just what I do. Why I do it, which is more important, is to encourage people. To emphasize through photography, the qualities that you yourself and others will find most appealing. Not just in a physical sense but the essence of who you are. The wonderfully authentic you. That's something we can all be encouraged by.
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From May 2014
1- Vern and Dick layout the foundation 2-Haitian workers dig out earth to proper depth (not accomplished by the hired equipment operator)
3- Footer progress 4- Blocks are laid 5- A wall rises
1- Jim leads the team pouring concrete 2- Vern and Dick keep us straight, level and plumb
3- A sudden downpour halts work for the day
4- Test positioning a roof purlin 5- The team with Haitian workers
From June 2015
1- The building with purlins on the Western side 2- Chalk boards 3- 3'x22' Steel roofing
4- our 500 gallon shower held up by 3-2x6's
1- Richard with Pastor Olney 2- Our interpreter and friend Been Valcin 3- Completed Steel roof with plexiglas sunroof 4- 2015 team (minus 3)
5- Keith, engineer and fearless leader 6- Walt makes handy use of our wheelbarrow 7- Interior of classroom with wall modification
8- School is in session 9- Me...tired, filthy and very happy!
At the end of the day, this is the main reason we went to Haiti...for them.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 New International Version (NIV)
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What are your favorite flowers? While these are in my top 5, my #1 favorite will bloom in June. Any ideas?
Technical data for those who want to know: Nikon D800 Iso 320 f/2.0 @1/1000
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Grizzle Ocean is a rather small pond and only 1.1 miles from the South end of Putnam Pond in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. Busy beavers make dramatic changes to the wilderness over time and thereby create a very diverse landscape. Fallen deciduous trees are juxtaposed against thriving evergreens. Sunlight carefully illuminates a fallen birch against a forest background resting in soft shadows. Calm waters offer beautiful reflections and bring a sense of peace to the world and within. If you would like to view all the images or see these individually, please follow this link.
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Your son or daughter's senior year will be a very busy time for them and for you. Between college visits, summer jobs and yes, Senior Portraits, there's a lot to consider. By now, you’re probably getting flooded with advertisements by photographers hoping for your business. If you’ve worked with one of us in the past, and were satisfied, then it should be pretty easy to figure things out again.
I wanted to write this blog for the multitude of people who are, for the first time, considering senior portraits or perhaps, just want some insights on how to have a great experience.
That, actually, is my first point; your child’s senior year is all about the experience. It’s the final chapter in their life at home and a celebration of their accomplishments at school. Unlike school pictures, which while valuable, are really just a record of their growth, the Senior Portrait underlines one of the most significant milestones of their life. The portrait session should convey this in an experience that is both fun and produces their best portraits ever!
Senior Portrait sessions usually take place the summer preceding your senior year. Generally, between May and September, with June-August the busiest months. But that said, anytime up until graduation can work.
Here are some other guidelines to consider:
1-Check out their website; most professional photographers have a website loaded with senior portrait samples. By spending a few minutes there, you’ll know quickly if their style appeals to you or not. Most of all, make sure your “senior” agrees with you. A good photographer will give enough variety to please everyone.
2-Plan for your investment; the senior portrait is not like the school pictures you purchase every year. I can promise you that in most cases, this is the last individual portrait of your child that you will have. If you think that they’ll send you an update in 2 or 3 year, you’ll be waiting a long time. Most likely, you won’t see another portrait of them until their engagement or wedding (wow, does time fly). There can be a broad range of pricing options among photographers. Don’t be afraid to find out what to expect before you commit.
3- Schedule your session early; my own kids have graduated, and I was shocked at how busy the summer before their senior year was. With so much going on, the more you can organize your time, the better. Photographers tend to get busiest in August so you run the risk of squeezing in your session at a time that’s good for your photographer instead of a time that’s good for you. You might even consider other times of the year. We can satisfy yearbook requirements easily and then photograph for your personal use anytime during the year.
4-Don’t DIY; let’s face it, we live in a do it yourself world. But that’s not always the wisest choice. Here again, is where viewing the work of a professional will give you insight as to whether or not, their style matches your taste. Plus, the experience of working with a pro can't be overstated.
5-Personality; as in any experience, we want to be around people that we like. There’s an old saying that goes, “people don’t care what you know until they know that you care”. When selecting a photographer, working with someone you like and respect will make the experience all the better. Professional Photography is a relationship profession and should be one of the highlights of your senior year.
Take some time to do your homework and I can guarantee that this will be a cherished memory.
If you have any questions, I’ll be happy to answer them as best I can!
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