Thursday, June 25, 2009

Few New Angles

After the last pictures posted at Painting Pictures, there was a comment which when I interpreted, was a dare for other kind of pictures, namely scenes or landscape. Apart from admitting that I am yet good at those shots (or any for the matter), I do face another drawback or two.

Strange as it might sound, I seldom venture out for photo-shoots on the street. Not for any reason, but I do find going about it by car a great hassle. Tried it once I did, and did not like it one least bit. In my opinion, having a bicycle would be the idle ride for this purpose. Sadly - rather ashamedly, I have to admit - I cannot afford one yet.

The other, this camera having been a heavy investment, I do have the fear that some thugs might find it a good item to be hawked on the streets. Looking at some photographers who go out in groups of at least 2 or 3, I do not think I am being paranoid. And honestly, I have tried contacting one photographer in hope of joining his group, but have not received any response. But I fret it none as this has been the history of my life - finding myself alone in my undertakings.

Anyway, for several months now when the moon is full, I have been taking pictures of it from just outside my house. Realising that my camera is not equipped to take a real good picture of a full moon (with some of the landscape thrown in), I found, quite by accident, another perspective which I think few others have: I shoot the moon when there are clouds around it. The result? Forgive me if I sound vain, but I think they are quite awesome! Here, I keep reminding myself that I am merely a photographer who was able to capture scenes created by Allah s.w.t., and am very happy to have been able to do so.

In this near future, insyAllah, I will embark on a lone photo-shoot of more scenes, which include of people, a subject I like best. In fact, I have been slowly compiling several(about 20 now), using the Olympus (returned to owner now) as well as the Canon EOS 1000D.

And oh! The blue light near the moon in Moonlit Clouds: Legend of Moon-eating Dragon? Well, its just a reflection from a lamp at my rear. This picture was one of the first I took of the moon. As such, I was pretty much inexperience...and a dum dum. Afraid, viewers can expect a few more later.

For pics on this entry, kindly click here.


ps. I had a strange dream last night. Honestly, I am in two minds about it here. But since very few do hap upon this blog:
I dreamt that I disclosed my bank account number here in hope that anyone who do find my picture blog entertaining, wouldn't mind slipping a few notes into it. Something like basking. It would really help actually, seeing that my financial side is not doing too well now. But, as the saying goes: Let me sleep on it first.

Monday, June 1, 2009

New Blog - Emi's Garden, Revamped

This is, yet, another blog I'm putting up. Frankly, I would not like to, but find the necessity to do so as documentation of my experience in the world of photography; it will be more of a diary of sorts, where I can later reflect on later to further improve myself. Working alone, is never easy. Many things you tend to forget. Things which otherwise, a partner could help by pointing out. Anyway, this first entry would be about a photo-shoot I did at Emi's garden quite recently.

Initially, I thought Emi had wanted some pictures of his garden for his new brochure - he is in the landscaping business - I approached it with a serious outlook, which is, when I reflect back, was wrong. Being serious meant that I unwittingly put needless pressure upon myself and this somewhat curtail any creative view and authority I should exude for the 2days there. Still, since it was the first time I was called upon, this perhaps could be forgiven.

To be honest, I am not too happy with the outcome of the shoot, especially on the first day: As Emi wanted the effects of the light of a setting sun to reflect on the garden and hence, the pictures, there was something like a mere 2 hours to work on. Perhaps for a seasoned or learned photographer, the time may have been more than sufficient. But for a greenhorn like yours truly? Let the pictures speak for my inexperience.

Further, without the confidence and authority, I found some undesirables such as the rubber hose used for watering the garden, as well as a water bottle carelessly left on one of those big earthen jars, included in some of the pictures. The two are, not exactly what one would expect for a picturesque view.

As those large jars occupy the front and center of the garden, I had intended to use them as the main theme. Can't say I succeeded well there.

Also, as the garden was sandwiched between two blocks of houses, I had set the ISO at 800 to offset and dark spot which may occur, while using minus 1 apprature to bring out the best in colour. I cannot say whether this is the correct thing to do, but by putting the pictures up here and allowing some learned people to look and comment, I would be able to learn more.

Should anyone stumble upon this blog, then the pictures I mentioned can be found at my Painting Pictures blog (click here).