What’s Up?
I am currently leading a BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Cruise in the Galapagos archipelago. Basically, I will not have internet access until late in the day on July 29 so please refrain from e-mailing me at the traditional samandmayasgrandpa@att.net address until very late July. For mail order or other help please contact Jim by phone M-F at 863-692-0906 or via e-mail at the staffbaa address. To register for an IPT please contact Jennifer by phone during weekday banker’s hours at 863-692-0906 or via e-mail to our Verizon address with ATTN: JEN in the subject line. AS a side note, my right hand man Jim Litzenberg can help you with just about anything BIRDSASART.
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This in-camera HDR Art Vivid image (dynamic range +/- 2 stops) was created on one of the 2015 Palouse IPTs the tripod-mounted Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens (at 120mm) and the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. ISO 400. Evaluative metering at zero yielded a base exposure of 1/30 sec. at f/20 in Manual mode. AWB. 2-second timer with Live View for mirror lock. With the Giotto’s MH 1302-655 “tiny” ballhead. Center AF point (Manual selection)/AI Servo Expand/Rear Focus AF on our right side of the headlight and re-compose. Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #1: Rusted Green General Motors Truck |
Not Sure Why…
I am not sure why I am so fascinated by rusty old trucks and cars. There is something about the history and their sticking it out over many, many decades. Sort of like me. I love the look of the faded original colors and of the rust.
The Image Design #1
What do think of the image design and composition of Image #1? Could you have made a better designed image by pointing the camera a bit up or down or left or right or by framing a bit wider or a bit tighter? In any case, please explain why.
Exposure Question
You usually need lots of plus compensation with Art Vivid in soft light. Why did I need to go to -1/3 stop for image #1?
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This in-camera HDR Art Vivid image (dynamic range +/- 3 stops) was also created on one of the 2015 Palouse IPTs, this one with the tripod-mounted Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens (at 70mm) and the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. ISO 400. Evaluative metering -1/3 stop yielded a base exposure of .4 sec. at f/22 in Av mode. AWB. 2-second timer with Live View for mirror lock. With the Giotto’s MH 1302-655 “tiny” ballhead. Center AF point (Manual selection)/AI Servo Expand/Rear Focus AF on the left hand headlight and re-compose. Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #2: Really Rusted International Truck |
The Image Design #2
What do think of the image design and composition of Image #2? Could you have made a better designed image by pointing the camera a bit up or down or left or right or by framing a bit wider or a bit tighter? In any case, please explain why.
What are They?
If you can identify (as to manufacturer and model) and age (as to year) either or both of today’s subjects please do share your knowledge by leaving a comment.
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Subject and focal lengths from upper left to right and then around to center. Palouse Falls: 11mm; homemade kiddie race car: 105mm; barn siding pan blur: 798mm; Rolling fields diorama: 110mm; Crayola drums: 343 mm; Hay barn interior: 19mm; vintage gas station: 40mm; Dilapidated farm building: 13mm; Denise’s tree Infrared: 20mm. Images and card design by Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART. |
The Palouse ~ A Creative Adventure/BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT)/Eastern Washington State. June 3-7, 2016/5 Full Days: $1699/Limit 12
The Palouse ~ A Creative Adventure/BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT)/Eastern Washington State. June 10-14, 2016/5 Full Days: $1699/Limit 12
Double Header!
Maximize both your travel dollars and your learning experience by signing up for both IPTs.
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Images and card design by Denise Ippolito/A Creative Adventure. |
The Palouse IPTs
Rolling farmlands provide a magical patchwork of textures and colors, especially when viewed from the top of Steptoe Butte where we will likely enjoy spectacular sunrises and possibly a nice sunset. We will photograph grand landscapes and mini-scenics of the rolling hills and farm fields. We will take you to some really neat old abandoned barns and farmhouses in idyllic settings. There is no better way to improve your compositional and image design skills and to develop your creativity than to join us for this trip. Two great leaders: Denise Ippolito and Arthur Morris. Photoshop and image sharing sessions when we have the time and energy…. We get up early and stay out late and the days are long.
After 6 days of back-breaking scouting work in early June 2014 we found all of the iconic locations and, in addition, lots of spectacular new old barns and breath-taking landforms and views. On three additional scouting days in 2015 we discovered several more truly amazing locations. We will teach you what makes one situation prime and another seemingly similar one a waste of your time.
What’s included: In-the-field instruction, guidance, lessons, and inspiration, our newfound but very extensive knowledge of the area, all lunches, motel lobby grab and go breakfasts, and Photoshop and image sharing sessions when possible. There will be a meet and greet at 7:30pm on the evening before each workshop begins.
You will learn and hone both basic and advanced compositional and image design skills. You will learn to get the right exposure every time. You will learn to develop your creative eye. You will learn the basics of HDR (high dynamic range) photography. You will learn a variety of in-camera creative techniques. Most importantly you will learn to see the situation and to create a variety of top-notch images. Do see both of our blogs for lots more on that in the coming weeks. You will learn how the quality and direction of light combine to determine the success of your images. And–please don’t gasp–we will be working quite a bit with sidelight when creating landscapes. Lastly, we will be doing some infrared photography.
To Sign Up
A non-refundable $699 deposit is due now. The balance will be due on February 15, 2016. If we do not receive your check for the balance on or before the due date we will try to fill your spot from the waiting list. Whether or not your spot is filled, you will lose your deposit. If not, you can secure your spot by paying your balance.
With the spectacular success that we enjoyed in 2015 it seems quite likely that this one will fill up very quickly. Please let me know via e-mail that you will be joining us. Then you can either call Jim or Jennifer at 863-692-0906 during business hours or send us a check to leave a deposit; the latter is preferred. If by check, please make out to “Arthur Morris” and mail it to: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL, 33855. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via e-mail: artie or denise.
Travel Insurance Services offers a variety of plans and options. Included with the Elite Option or available as an upgrade to the Basic & Plus Options. You can also purchase Cancel for Any Reason Coverage that expands the list of reasons for your canceling to include things such as sudden work or family obligation and even a simple change of mind. You can learn more here: Travel Insurance Services. Do note that many plans require that you purchase your travel insurance within 14 days of our cashing your deposit check. Whenever purchasing travel insurance be sure to read the fine print carefully even when dealing with reputable firms like TSI.
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Typos
In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).
Hi Artie
I love it these old trucks too. We have an old saw mill about an hours drive from home, abandoned and left to rot . Machines and machinery every where. I have some awesome photos from my trip there. I love the detail shots up close and also really like a wider view taken up very close with a WA lens which gives a caricature kind of look. So frame tight or wide, which ever takes you fancy . There is no limit to. How you can design images of such a great subject
I really like no 1. The chrome is balanced and the lines are lovely and so too the colours. In No 2 the pale blue in the top left corner immediately caught my eye and distracted me.
Top looks like a 1941-2 GMC truck with its classic waterfall grill. In mid-40’s and later GM replaced that General Motors Company long I.D. plate on the side of the hood with a 4-5 fin chrome grill in the same format. I like the top image with its interesting range of colors and textures. The bottom photo might benefit from cropping out the other truck shown top left. The truck in the lower photo looks like an International KB-7 produced mid-47 to 1949. Not a pickup; 2-3 ton. All the knowledge represented here acquired in last 20 minutes courtesy of Google and Wikipedia. I’m no truck expert.
Many tanks. And trucks. a
Hi Art, Great capture!!
Love the photos but why are the headlights soooooo clean?
Great stuff, that was a real fun IPT!
It really was a fun trip. Glad you were able to come!
Nice images:) Composition being subjective, I like what you did. Vintage vehicle boneyards are often restrictive and challenging when composing an image. I assume the – 1/3 was to help offset the exposure on the reflective area’s of the image. I am guessing that the General Motors Truck is a 41 pick up and that the International is also a 41 but a larger model, possibly a tractor or towing vehicle. Keep up the great work.
Jean-Louis
All good and many thanks. artie
Image #1 exposure question typo:
“Wy did I need to go”
Thanks and fixed. a