Some Photo Inspiration for Today

In this day and age, I think it's best not to specialize, which is why I say, "My specialty is not specializing." Take a listen in this interview.​

​However, no matter what your interests, you still need to know about light and composition. Learn more about those elements in my Light and Composition classes.

Explore the light,​

Rick

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Use $10 Lights and Go from Average to Awesome

Coming in June: my new, cool on-line/on-location lighting class. In the class I use some $10 lights and go from: average to awesome, snapshot to great shot, from drab to fab, from mundane to marvelous, etc.

Here are to some shots from today's shoot.​

Of course, some technique is involved when using $10 lights. I'll share all this stuff with you in the class. Stay tuned to my blog for the release date.​ You can subscribe here.

Oh yeah, I also use some professional accessories in the class. The more the merrier.​

Explore the light,
Rick

P.S. This class will be launched at the same time as my Landscape Photography class.​

This post sponsored by x-rite. X-Rite is the global leader in color science and technology. The Company develops, manufactures, markets and supports innovative color solutions through measurement systems, software, color standards and services.

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Look Ma! No studio.

Look ma! No studio.

I'm working on a new, cool on-line project about taking natural light portraits - in your home and in your backyard. Here is a before-and-after example from the project.

The quick transformation here: I set up a Westscott black background and I warmed up and softened the image with the Duplex filter in Nik Color Efex Pro.

Shoot me an email to get on the info list for this project.​

​Explore the light,
Rick

This post sponsored by Adorama - a great place to get great prices on great gear.​

Nature Photographer Alex Morley Takes On NYC

I recently attended a photography workshop in New York City. This was a challenge for me as I am a landscape and wildlife photographer. Rick Sammon inspires me to photograph everything. As Rick says, “I specialize in not specializing”. I grew up in rural Wyoming and practice medicine in Eugene, Oregon, so NYC was definitely out of my element.

Of course I started off with cityscapes. That was easy. They are like landscapes. Get to a great location and follow the light.

Shooting the Brooklyn Bridge was also relatively easy too. Find a composition that’s good. Then do black and white.

Many people love having their photo taken, but a few do not. You have to be careful not to make anyone’s day worse for taking the photo. And if you do take a photo, it’s great to interact and show the image to them. I was surprised at how many wonderful, kind, and interesting people there are in this city of 8 million.

“Walk slowly. Be open. Have a reason for shooting the picture, joy, information, color narrative, etc. What- ever you shoot there should be a trigger.” - Jay Maisel.

One of the great things with street photography in a diverse city like NYC is that you have no idea what you will find. Moments open up and will surprise you.  Paws up!

So, I think I am a better photographer after challenging my limits in the big city. I know I am a better person. As Rick says, “We are a part of everyone we meet”.

​I still like my cityscapes, though . . . . 

“You must learn to run through the snow without leaving footprints” - Zen saying. Good advice for photographers.

Thank you Rick for having me as a guest blogger!

Alex

www.alexmorleyphoto.com
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/alex.k.morley
Google+:
http://bit.ly/KUzHF4

"Hand of Man" vs. "Hand of God" Photographs

Famed black-and-white landscape photographer Ansel Adams did not like to take photographs that showed "the hand of man," that is, photographs that included man-made objects or objects arranged my man. He enjoyed taking "hand of god" photographs.

In my landscape photography and on my landscape photography workshops, I like to to take both types of pictures. "Hand of God" pictures can be awe-inspiring, while "hand of man" pictures can be fun. They can also tell a story.

How do you feel about "hand of man" vs. "hand of god" photographs? I'd like to hear your thoughts?​

I took these images yesterday and today here in the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado. I'm here working on an awesome new on-line educational landscape photography project. Shoot me an email to get on the info list . . . and stay tuned!

Top image: ​Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 14mm lens. Nik Silver Efex Pro - the best way to make a black-and-white image. Info on on my Save on Plug-ins page.

Bottom image: Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 24-105mm IS lens.

Explore the light,
Rick

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