The Light Lingers

Painted Fire :: NH

The light lingers, colors of fire and gold painting the hills, caressing the world in one final embrace.

Practice Makes Progress

Last weekend I spent some time reprocessing some older photos for a write-up on the Outbound.  As I looked through my older shots, I kept asking myself, “What the heck were you thinking??”

The shots themselves were solid compositions (in my opinion) but the edits were….well…not.  They were okay, but they didn’t reflect where I am as an artist today.

Art is funny that way, ya know?  Trends change.  The look that was popular a few years ago is most definitely not what we see now.  A few years ago, many of the landscapes you saw were run through HDR software, so they had very even tones across the board.  The highlights and deep shadows were pulled back, and the lack of dynamic light was over-shadowed by the fantastic colors.

The Vortex :: CT

Older version of the same image is significantly different based on both growing my editing skills and current trends.

Now, you’re seeing a trend for extremely dramatic light…lot of deep shadows during the magic hours.  Think Ryan Dyar or Marc Adamus.

Now, these shots are stunning.  But having watched the HDR revolution come and go, I can definitely see it’s a trend.  I have no idea how long it will last, before the next editing style gets its 15 minutes of fame.

Which brings up a good point, I think….  Your edits really can make or break an image.  It’s important to learn to use your camera in the field, but in today’s world, your edits can hold almost as much weight.  If you put together a well composed photo in good light, but the edit doesn’t highlight the strong points of the image, it will get overlooked in favor of an image with the more popular editing trends.

Now, if you make art for you…then you do what looks best to your eye!  But if you make art for a living…then you need to catch the buyers eye or you can’t put food on the table.

For me personally, I strive for a photo with dynamic, molded light.  I don’t often go so far as to create surreal images, but rather, I’ll try to enhance the light as it falls normally. Molded light is…well…my newest trend. 😉

The shot above was taken at Enders Falls in CT.

For more information about the edit and/or classes, contact me at seespotsphoto at yahoo dot com.

Also, if you’re an iPhone/iPad user, check out my newest article on seeing in Black and White in issue 9 of Light and Landscape magazine.

Your Best Shot!

The Space Between :: Ricketts Glen, PA

I’m sorting through this year’s shots, trying to come with a top 5 photos list.  It’s harder than I thought it would be.  I this photo because it reminds me of such and such.  I think this photo is good because the edit was hard and I learned something new.  I like… well, you get the point.

As I was working on this top 5 list, it also occurred to me that I would love to see YOUR favorite photo(s) of 2014!  Are you willing to share? 🙂  If so, post a link in the comments so everyone see them and show them some love.

The Crown Jewel

The Crown Jewel :: New Hampshire

With all of the controversy surrounding the Keystone pipeline, it’s easy to find articles both for and against.  Today, I read one such article that pretty much infuriated me.  For the sake of not poking the bear, I’ll gloss over the details of the balance between money and human rights, but I will say that it – in part – also had to do with the impact of industrial ventures on the environment, and by extension, the people and animals that live there.

It was a strong reminder to appreciate views like this sunset over Cherry Pond in New Hampshire.  The property is just stunning with one beautiful and tranquil view after another.  David and I spent a few hours there and saw only a handful of other people in the parking lot – none on the trails.  I’m so grateful that I live in a region of the country with so much green space, and specifically, I’m glad for the partnership between the Audubon, the state of New Hampshire and the US Fish/Wildlife Service that preserved the Pondicherry Refuge space.  We are already planning a return trip for next year….perhaps you’ll join us? 🙂

The Space Between

The Space Between :: Ricketts Glen, PA

The space between your heart and mine is the space we’ll fill with time. – DMB

I’m starting to think I have a love affair with waterfalls.  Each one is so different, has it’s own character, light, mood and challenges.  (And as you have probably come to realize by now, I do love me some challenges. haha)

This particular beauty is called Oneida Falls, one of three or four falls we stopped at that day.  For me, it was one of those moments where I instantly knew what I wanted my frame to be, and immediately loved the shot once I took it.  That doesn’t happen all of the time.  So often finding the shot is work…you try a composition, adjust, adjust again…  But those moments when my inner artist screams, “Yes!  Here!” I’m learning to listen.  Call it intuition, or more likely, the culmination of years of experience, but I firmly believe that if something catches your eye and tugs at your photo-curiosity, you should explore it.  (I mean, nothing illegal…but you know…other than that?  Thumbs up!)

This particular set of falls was a double win for us…first, we took a few moments to photograph the actual falls.  Then we worked on a surreal portrait series which involved me wading into the water up to my waist and ruining a dress.  Did I mention it was late October??  Brrrrr!  But hey, anything for the shot. lol

That surreal portrait series is currently in the lab over at David Pasillas Photography, getting fairy dust sprinkled on it.  When it’s ready, I’m sure you’ll hear more about it. 🙂  One of several top secret projects that we have in the works at the moment! (Life is so good!)
If you like the photo, please share! xo

Shannon

A Moment in Time

A Moment in Time

I’m not going to lie.  There is something pretty special about being able to wake up to this sort of magic outside your cottage door. This was sunrise on Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire a few weeks back. 🙂

 

If you like it, please share it!

Hint of Red (October)

Hint of Red (October)

 

heh heh… See what I did there? 😉

 

This is another image taken in the White Mountains in New Hampshire a few weeks back.  As far as photos go, this is a pretty standard waterfall image, but I did spend a little time in the editing process trying to mold the light….a lesson I learned from David Pasillas.  This image, along with several upcoming shots that you’ll see (once we edit them haha) will be part of our super secret project that hasn’t been announced yet.  But it will be.  (And we really hope you love it!)

 

In the meantime, thanks for your continued support.  If you like the shot, share it.

 

xo

Shannon

Over The Rainbow

Over The Rainbow :: New Hampshire

In May, I put together a post about the art of blur. I firmly believe that photography, just like any other artistic medium, is an outlet for our creativity and expression.  To that end, today, I give you Artsy Nature.  Or Fine Art Birches.  Or, Dang Get That Girl A Tripod Trees. 🙂

David Pasillas and I spent the weekend in NH working on a super secret project, practicing our photo skills, scouting the region for beautiful picture worthy stuff, and generally getting our creative on.  Because creativity is important to our lives, right?  There will be many more photos coming in the next few weeks of the foliage, the views, and eventually a big reveal on our super secret project!  (Intrigued?  You should be.)

In the meantime, enjoy the birches.  Thanks so much for checking out my site, if you enjoy the art, please share it! 🙂

 

xo

Shannon

Workin’ For the Weekend

Autumn Falls :: CT

Or in this case…working over the weekend.  But then, what entrepreneur and small business owner doesn’t? haha  I read something once that said most business owners aren’t willing to put in 40 hours to build someone else’s dream, but they’ll happily work 80 hrs a week to make their own goals. As the kids say these days, #truth.

 

At least this weekend will be fun work.  David Pasillas is coming to the east coast, and we’re going to go exploring, camera in hand!  My good friend Melissa sent me a great quote the other day… “Don’t compare yourself to others and get bitter.  Compare yourself to yourself and get better.”  That’s one of my goals for this creative retreat weekend.  I plan to put conscious effort into improving my skillz.  There is always new stuff to learn, knowledge to dust off and hone, and discoveries waiting to be made.

 

For those of you in New Hampshire (Lake Winnipesaukee / White Mountains area), if you want to meet up to shoot, give me a holler! :-D)

Leaf Peepin’ – Suggestions Needed!

Connecticut Colors

This week I’ve felt the chill of fall in the air.  I’m thinking scarves, sweater and hot cocoa are in my near future. It is, without a doubt, the best time of the year. 🙂

 

Today’s post is just a bit of catching up…I’m looking for suggestions on places to photo for two separate events.

 

First, I’m planning a photo walk on October 19th.  If you’re in the CT, RI area and want in, you’re invited!  My good friend David, a spectacular photographer from California, will be here visiting and wants to see the sights.  If you’re interested, drop me a line at: seespotsphoto at yahoo dot com

Stipulations for photo walk location are:

— eastern half of CT or into RI

–easily accessible for all fitness levels

–looking to do landscapes and macros so something nice to look at, please and thank you

–and the MOST important part…we are looking to do this at sunset, so the location needs to be open at least a little past that point

Suggestions??? Annnndd GO!

 

ALSO!!!!!!!!!

We are looking for your thoughts and experiences at a few other locations for an upcoming project that we will, hopefully, talk more about next year. 🙂

Have any of you been to…

–Adirondack Park in upstate NY

–White Mountains in NH

–Ricketts Glen in PA

–The coast of Lake Champlain, either state

If so, what are your thoughts on places within those areas that are photo-worthy and moderate to easily accessible?

 

I look forward to hearing your thoughts and suggestions!  Thanks in advance for your time!

xo
Shannon