by tmoffett | Dec 8, 2010 | Color, Composition, Photographic Technique
Sunset At The Docks
Color. When I was a developing young photographer (I’m still developing, just not so young anymore!), color was not an option. I carried only black and white film with me. I saw things in black and white. I thought that color only complicated matters. I was a simple photographer, therefore I simply shot black and white. Don’t get me wrong, I still love to work in black and white, but I have started to really enjoy working in color as well lately.
Color adds a whole new dimension to photographs. If not careful, it can destroy the impact of a photograph by getting in the way of the composition. It can complicate matters significantly if not used simply. On the other hand, if used correctly color can add power to an image. Photographs where color is the subject excite me! They are powerful.
I think that learning to see in black and white early on in my career has helped my color photography in the latter years. By seeing and photographing tones as opposed to hues, the image already has a strong visual foundation and adding in color then oftentimes will strengthen an already strong image. Working the other way around, seeing hue first, sometimes the image will lack in strength of tonality. At least that is how it is for me.
A great self assignment that can help in color vision is to make photographs where color is the subject. Take out the color and the image loses all impact and meaning. This can be difficult, but is a good exercise to do occasionally. I have given this assignment to one of my photo classes and am excited to see their resulting photographs in the coming days. I am hoping to be inspired to push my vision of color even farther!
by tmoffett | Dec 7, 2010 | Color, Landscape, Ramblings, Uncategorized
Winter Morning, Payette Lake
Photographing in the winter can be a wonderful experience. It can also be miserable if not prepared. I learned this fact many years ago. The cold of a frozen tripod goes right through the wrong type of glove. Viewfinders fog up if your breath is not directed away from them. Focusing and changing camera settings is nearly impossible with bulky gloves or mittens. However, with clothing that is warm and allows for easy finger movement, photographing in the coldest of temperatures can be quite rewarding.
One cold December morning found us at Shore Lodge in McCall, Idaho. It was a beautiful, but cold morning. It had snowed the night before and all was quiet and calm. We were the first to stamp our footprints in the newly fallen snow as we walked the shoreline behind the resort at sunrise. The light fog lifting from the surface of the lake revealed snow capped rocks rising from the frigid waters. We captured image after image in this winter wonderland for about an hour following sunrise, then headed off to find a hot breakfast and enjoy a relaxing day around town. This was the perfect beginning to a wonderful holiday season!
by tmoffett | Dec 6, 2010 | Color, Landscape, Photographic Philosophy
Snowed In
The other day I was spending some time out at the lake after a snowstorm had passed. It was a beautiful sight. The lake was starting to freeze over and the terrain was covered in a blanket of snow. It was quiet and calm. A perfect day to spend thinking and pondering… and photographing.
While many times I go photographing with others, this day I was alone. Just me and my camera, and the lake. Normally I work quite slow. I see something, I think about it and then photograph it, after I have determined what it is that has drawn me to the subject. When I am alone I work even slower. I really like to soak up the environment and feel my surroundings. Then I attempt to photograph my feelings. On this day, in the bitter cold there was still a warmth in the environment. I love the fresh fallen snow and could feel the warmth exuding from its depths. As I walked the shore of the lake I was drawn to individual, isolated brush and leaves protruding from the depths of the snow along my path. It was this that I chose to photograph. The warm, yellow brush extending beyond the surface of the cool blue of the snow showed a clear visual of exactly what I was feeling. Even though the color in this image is very subtle, it is necessary.
by tmoffett | Dec 4, 2010 | Color, Landscape, Ramblings
McGowan Peak
When I don’t have a lot of time and need to get away, Stanley Lake is my favorite place to go. This small mountain lake nestled at the base of the rugged Sawtooth Mountains is the perfect, quiet getaway, and a great place to make photographs! I don’t think I will ever tire of visiting this mountain retreat.
On a recent stop at the lake, Christeena and I photographed until dark and then decided to cast our fishing lines for a few minutes. Before long we had a couple of fish on. We headed back to camp, fried up dinner and watched the stars until we fell asleep. It really doesn’t get much better than that. Before sunup the next morning we were up and headed toward Stanley. We stopped and photographed Valley Creek then on to Little Redfish Lake. There is so much in this area that a person could spend a lifetime exploring and never see it all.
by tmoffett | Dec 3, 2010 | Landscape
Stumps, Lake Cascade
I’m at a loss for words today (doesn’t happen very often!), so I thought I would just post an image and hope you enjoy.
Have a great weekend!
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