Wednesday, April 29, 2009

looking, seeing, and that little black box.


The Online Photographer had a post a few days ago -- about photography, about cameras, about seeing the world. I really recommend it. You can find it here.

quote:
"When they look at your work, nobody cares what brand camera you used, and you don’t get any credit one way or the other (i.e., positive or negative) for the name on the box you happen to choose. What you want from a camera is for it to be "good enough.” Beyond that, I’m here to tell you that the next incremental improvement in your work is not going to come from buying a slightly better box."

I really dig this -- the idea that art and creativity have less to do with the tools used, and more to do with the ability of the artist to convey a feeling or a mood, or simply reflect the scene. This applies to oils, to watercolor, to charcoal, to pastels. But mostly it should apply to photography, especially digital photography... when the next big thing is just around the corner, and it can run around a thousand dollars, but probably more.

TOP goes on to say:
"Photography is all about looking: looking at the world, and looking at pictures. It’s not about cameras. Well, it is, but it only begins with the camera. It doesn’t end there. Shooting skills, visual sensitivity, craft and technique have more to do with how good your pictures will look than the brand name on the box."

Enough said. Of course, I have the new Canon 5D Mk II, so I suppose I shouldn't really be talking. Then again, the major difference in my camera upgrade is the size of the file and the size of the print. The quality's better, of course, but it's still up to me to create the image. To find the location, to work the scene, to determine point of view, and depth of field, and so on. The camera doesn't do any of that for me. I do.


Monday, April 20, 2009

Udvar Hazy

We went to the new Smithsonian Air & Space Museum last week -- the Udvar Hazy building, near Dulles, VA. This is my new favorite museum, not only because of all the shiny planes, but also the architecture. It's mostly shaped like a hanger (if you've seen Transformers 2, you'll know what I mean), and the detail work is interesting and varied throughout the building.

Here's my latest architectural 'find' at the Udvar Hazy Air & Space Museum:


Sunday, April 5, 2009

Cleveland rocks!

I'm back in Maryland after a week-long visit to Cleveland.

I spent some time wandering around the city, seeing the changes over the past few years. The slow economy has hit Cleveland hard, but the housing crisis has been much worse. And the Flats have really changed since I lived in Cleveland.

I was able to do a little shooting during my time in Ohio -- from oddities in the Flats, to reverse camera macros, to long exposure night photography, to museums, I fit in a lot of experimentation in a short while.

I found this odd structure in the Flats, and still have no idea what it is, or why it's there. I do know, however, that security guards at Federal Courthouses are very touchy about where you park. I wasn't hauled in for interrogation, but I think they ran my license plates, and I was given a firm talking-to.









The window light streaming in from the security lights next-door was pretty eerie. A long-exposure brings out the quality of light.






I had fun experimenting with macro photography using a reversing ring. I did realize, however, that serious macro work will require a more intricate tripod head, and am considering something that will make minute adjustments. Until then, however, it is still amazing for abstracts:




And, of course, I came across some very interesting architectural detail. It just happened to be in the women's restroom of the Canton Museum of Art.


Monday, March 30, 2009

adventures in photography

I hadn't realized how long it had been since my last post... luckily, it's because I got busy with work, rather than true slackerdom. (slackerness? slackerocity?) When I barely have time to keep up with Twitter and Facebook, I know I'm busy.

I'm in Cleveland for the next week or so. Driving to Cleveland from Maryland is fairly simple: 70W, Penn tirnpike, Ohio Turnpike. With no deviations, it's less than a six hour drive, door to door.

Well, unless of course, you're me. I managed to drive North for not even an hour, meander around in Western Maryland for 6 hours, and then finish the drive to Ohio. The clouds were so incredible after the storms! I just had to stop and shoot. If you're a shutterbug, you'll understand.

Here's a favorite image from the trip:




Saturday, March 28, 2009

Gettysburg, PA

It's surprising to me how close I live to the Gettysburg battlefields, and how infrequently I've visited. I've driven by a few times, yet haven't taken a proper tour. I hadn't even driven through until recently, when I had a few moments on the way to an appointment.

It was a very foggy and overcast day. The fields looked barren and empty, just waiting to be planted, to grow. I was able to make a few images while driving through. Here's my favorite:




Sunday, March 1, 2009

down south

I was in Orlando last week, keeping a friend company while she attended a conference. I spent time on the coast, at the pool, and wandering around the city. I had a great time at the Botanical Gardens on a warm, sunny day.






Saturday, February 21, 2009

minimalism

Although I did not do well keeping up with my POTD project, for a few days, I took part in the "Minimalism" pbase.net project for January.

Here's a few of my favs of a lamp in my office:








Tuesday, February 17, 2009

fine art figure photography

I've been poring through my photo archives lately. Mainly to assemble another wedding portfolio, but also to make sure I know how behind I am in processing. (The answer is years. Years! How sad.)

But anyway, my trip down memory lane has been interesting, so I decided to post a few favorites here. Perhaps I'll even make it a regular thing... it'll definitely entice me to clear out my backlog!

A few years ago, I able to take a workshop on fine art figure photography, an interesting event in and of itself. However, the topic was one that I really enjoy - the use of shadows.

I have to say, I love shadows. I love using shadow to portray shape and form, I love using lighting to bring out texture, I love using B&W photography to emphasize and deconstruct all of these aspects. I love using three examples in a row without using "and."

I was originally wary of taking a figure class - more than a little skittish of being the only woman amongst the class members. Overall, though, I'm very glad I went. I had a wonderful time, produced some admirable work, and was definitely able to concentrate more on the art of photography. The models were fantastic, really helped to put me at ease, and luckily, my classmates weren't all skeezy old men.

Friday, February 13, 2009

more Moo

I've been waiting for my new order of Moo cards, and they did not disappoint! My new order arrived today, and much sooner than expected. My last order (last year) was a little slow to arrive, but I think that they've gotten the kinks worked out of their system, so that delivery from London to the US has become more efficient.

So, my stats:
Ordered: Feb 4
Shipped: Feb 6
Arrived: Feb 13

Not bad!

Again, let me know if you want to add Moo MiniCards to any package... they're adorable.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

new camera!

I have been in love with the 5D Mark II since it was only a glint in Canon's eye...

A few years ago, I wanted to update my camera body to the 5D fullframe, but was hesitant to switch, not knowing when a successor would be brought to market. So, I've been waiting. And waiting. Etcetera.

And then, the rumblings and rumors came true last fall... the 5D Mark II is out! I know, I know, this is old news. The news is that, thanks to my friends at Hunt's Photo & Video, there is a new 5D Mark II body winging its way to me right now!

Yay! It should arrive Monday. I intend to play with it all day, and follow the most efficient model of 5D arrival: read the manual while I charge the battery. Waste no time!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

mini-Moo cards

I am so in love with these mini-Moo cards!

So here's what they look like. And you can put any text you like (within reason, of course!) on the back. Mine give my contact info in hot pink. Naturally.

I'm starting to offer them in certain photography packages, so let me know if you want to order cards from your session!

I'm also offering these a la carte as wedding favor cards with photo info on the back, or as 411 cards for seniors.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

new marketing materials

I've recently moved, and am taking the time to update my marketing materials. Well, to be more specific, I am taking the time to choose a template for my new marketing materials. :-) I've narrowed it down to these two choices: We'll wait and see how this works out. I'm aiming to have the marketing templates all customized and the content placed within a few weeks, even though I don't absolutely need to make a decision until my new logo is designed. Oh... that's right! I haven't blogged about this yet. I'm working with a good friend of mine, Rachel from Freerayn Graphics, to design a logo for Sarah Lane Photography. I'm so excited! I'll definitely post the new logo to the blog when it's finished.

Monday, February 9, 2009

first post

Well, here I am. I'm a photographer & a small business owner. A former librarian, I was dissatisfied without an outlet for my creative spirit. So I picked up my camera (again) and haven't looked back. I became a photographer because I love people, from the tiniest baby to the strength of a octogenarian.

I love being an artist. I create portraits of intimate moments. Of family, of love. I create images of beautiful weddings, full of energy and emotion. I love being able to capture the intimacy of family, the beauty of a small child, the passion of a marriage. I capture and preserve the most precious memories of life... the excitement, the passion, the laughter and joy.

For me, photography is simply magic, and this blog is a way for me to pass that magic along to others. Not every post will be this flowery, I am sure that some will be downright terse. Even so, thank you for coming along on the ride!