Monday, June 30, 2014

Week Twenty- six - "Weather Vanes"





"Weather Vanes"
                 
              
              
               
                    
          
                           
Coming up with a new idea for my daily challenge was becoming more of a chore than I had thought. While driving through my thirty towns in June, I noticed many buildings sported a weather vane. After a closer look I found many of them to be quite unique. Some were functional while many others were of the whimsical variety. This lighthouse vane was sitting atop a small savings bank in nearby Raynham!

I challenge you to look up (if the driving conditions are safe) and see what vanes you can find!






Weekly Photo Suggestion:

Go outside & shoot photos rather than spending hours a day on photography forums.


 A Pearl of Wisdom. . .


The Carwash Rule of Weather

No matter how clear the skies are, a thunderstorm will move in five minutes after you have washed the car!

Monday, June 23, 2014

Week Twenty-five - "Thirty Towns in Thirty Days!"





"June Compilation"
                 
              
              

                
               
          
                         
Shoot #11 was a month-long exercise in keeping my daily blog active. I decided to photograph landmarks in thirty towns that were close to home. The amount of research I had to do far exceeded what I had anticipated (looking back I may have scrapped that idea). I found the town's historical commissions to be almost non-existent. Thanks to the internet and my GPS, I was on the road with my camera. I discovered many interesting facts and structures within these thirty towns.

This image was how I wrapped up the challenge each month - a compilation of the images posted for that month. I probably should contact these towns and offer my images as a starter kit for their historical commissions. 






Weekly Photo Suggestion:

You don't need to fly to Paris to get good photos; the best photo opportunities are in your backyard.

(Today's photo is proof positive)


 A Pearl of Wisdom. . .

Ade's Law

Anybody can win -- unless there happens to be a second entry.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Week Twenty-four - "Forgotten Farmhouse"

"Bug B-gone"
                 
              
              
                    
                
          
             
               
Finishing up at the "Forgotten Farmhouse" I found myself entering a very darkened room. With the help of fellow photographer, Jeff T., I was able to borrow his small portable lighting device to brighten up this dreary area. It was a bedroom with a memory of the past lying on the shelf across from the bed.

How many of us remember using this to spray for bugs? It was in remarkable condition and the colors on the "Bug B-Gone" canister was vivid! And, it worked as there were NO moths anywhere to be seen!





Weekly Photo Suggestion:


Simplicity is key.



 A Pearl of Wisdom. . .

Preudhomme's Law of Window Cleaning

It's always on the other side! 

Monday, June 9, 2014

Week Twenty-three - "Forgotten Farmhouse"





"Medicinal Aides"
                 
              
              
                    
          
             
               

Continuing to another room in the "Forgotten Farmhouse," I found my way to a medicine cabinet. The contents had NOT been disturbed so I was able to get a glimpse into the former owner's lifestyle. I have added a second shot of one of the shelves in the cabinet. Don't you just LOVE the oilcloth shelf lining?






Weekly Photo Suggestion:

Take straight photos!


 A Pearl of Wisdom. . .

In filling out an application, where it says,
 'In case of emergency, notify:' I put 
'DOCTOR!'

Monday, June 2, 2014

Week Twenty-two - "Forgotten Farmhouse"





"Dream Kitchen"
                 

               
          
             
I was most fortunate being in the right place at the right time. Several HDP members were discussing a shoot the next day. It sounded quite interesting so i invited myself along. Phil (same guy who found that abandoned school bus) had met a guy in Carver who lived next door to a vacant farmhouse. After exchanging some pleasantries, he managed to get permission to return to shoot its interior. Each room was a return to yesteryear! This was the kitchen!


I shot it in HDR and processed it in color - although the monochromatic version is quite impressive as well.






Weekly Photo Suggestion:

Hand-held or tripod mounted?

The simple act of setting up your camera on a tripod will slow you down, and this can be enough to make you concentrate a little harder on what it is you’re photographing and what you hope to achieve. At the same time, locking your camera down for every shot you take can reduce your spontaneity, so don’t be afraid to mix it up from time to time. If you religiously use a tripod, set out without it and see what happens, and if you normally travel without one, take it with you to see how slowing yourself down affects the results you get.


 A Pearl of Wisdom. . .

Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
(unless you get to photograph an old farmhouse!)