Explore The Scene (Tips and News!)

Infinity :: California

When I find a place that intrigues me, I explore the location until I find a composition that really resonates with me.  After that, it’s a matter of waiting for the best possible conditions to get the most out of a scene.

The camera settings, the light, the weather, the sky, the water, small details you may have missed at first that can become an important foreground element…all of these things can change over the course of a day (or night). Those changes can have a drastic effect on your image.  The more time you have to spend creating your photos, the more options you will have to choose from when it comes time to edit.

I may ultimately edit only one or two images from a series, but in my opinion, it is never a bad thing to have similar (previously unpublished) comps in the archives for future use.

Explore the Scene

This image was taken in California last summer, while out exploring with David Pasillas. I’ve been holding on to this gem for quite some time and waited until today to publish it for two reasons.

First, I am tired of the deep freeze here on the east coast and wanted a taste of summer.

Second, and more importantly, David and I have been hinting at some big surprises this year and today, I’m spilling the beans!

We just sent our final draft of a full length ebook out to edit!!!! The book is loaded with photography tips like this one where I urge you to fully explore a location, as well as ridiculous adventures and mishaps. If all goes well, we will have a finished product ready for release within a few months.

I can’t even begin to explain how excited I am, and how tough it’s been to keep all of our various projects for this year under wraps. Lol (Yes, that means we have more in the works….these secrets are killing me!)

If you want to keep up to date on the all of the projects, the deals and what we can do for you, it’s so important that you sign up for the newsletter. That’s where the exclusive discounts will show up, when the time comes. 🙂 If you do it before March 1st, I will include a free copy of “Photography + Connecticut“!

Cheers to a year of big things!

Xoxo

Shann

Free Photo Giveaway!!

Do you like free stuff? Of course you do!

Do you like pretty stuff?? Check!!

So do yourself a favor and head on over to the Facebooks where you will:

– Like our photography page
– Comment on the contest photo (same one you see above, but it will be on Facebook), telling us which 8×10 print you want to win

So easy, even a caveman can do it! (Assuming cavemen had electricity.)

For a bonus entry…that’s right, TWO chances to win a free print…share the contest with your friends!

(Sharing is caring, afterall.)

So…what are we gonna do!!??
Like, comment and share.

When are we gonna do it??
Now! (Or sometime before Friday, November 29, because that’s when the winner will be announced!)

Go team!

XOXO
Thank you all for your continued support.  Happy Holidays, Friends!
Shannon

Warmer Weather

The Keyhole

…that’s a nice thought, huh?  I mean, seems like the weather in America is in overdrive right now.  This week’s national forecast called for 3-12 inches of snow in South Dakota, flooding in Chicago, fires in TX, tornadoes in Lousiana and 70 degree weather in Washington DC.  Wild!

When does the beach weather start?  I’m not wishing away my time, by any means…but I am looking forward to a few lazy summer days.

This photo was taken at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, California.  This is *the* famous Keyhole Rock, which, in February lines up perfectly with the sun during sunsets.  I bet that is cool to see.  I mean…I didn’t, because I missed it by a week…but I bet it’s very Stone Henge-esque…minus the accent and cultural history. haha

Happy Thursday, friends.  Where ever you are, stay safe.  For those of you in DC…enjoy some sunshine for me!

Kindness Matters

Pfeiffer Beach Sunset – Big Sur

The best portion of a good man’s life is his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love. – William Wordsworth

One of the very best things, I think, about photography is the photo community. You guys aren’t just peers and supporters, many of you are also friends.

Before I left for California, I was texting back and forth with Nick Mayo of Nick Exposed, photo-friend extraordinaire. He asked if I would mind taking a few beach photos for him to use in some of his graphic design work. The obvious answer to a friendly favor request is YES!

To me, photography is an emotional, soul-enriching experience. It’s just another way to bring a little more beauty to the world and in this case, into the life of a person I care about. It’s part of a bigger philosophy, an idea that creativity improves the quality of life for the entire community.

My gift to Nick was a little thing, but in the end, it will be the kindnesses, the joys and moments of laughter, the friendship and love I’ve experienced that will determine the quality of the life I’ve lived. We are just a sum of our experiences and I intend to make the most out of my time while I’m here.

I read an excellent excerpt/quote a few days ago that really resonated with me…this guy is a bit more articulate and succinct than I am, so I’ll let him say it for me.

“One of the most spiritual things you can do is embrace your humanity. Connect with those around you today. Say “i love you”, “i’m sorry”, “i appreciate you”, “i’m proud of you”…whatever you’re feeling. Send random texts, write a cute note, embrace your truth and share it…cause a smile today for someone else…and give plenty of hugs.” ― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

Make a positive impact on someone’s life today and remember to appreciate the small kindnesses given to you in return. (Ya hear that, David! This is me thanking you for your over-whelming kindness too! :-D)

XOXO
Shann

La Jolla Essentials

La Jolla Sunset

In my opinion, one of the elements that tends to enhance a seacape is a great rocky shore.  Not to say that sand and a nice sunset aren’t spectacular on their own…but add a nice interesting rocky foreground and I’m hooked.  (Let’s blame my Connecticut upbringing here…our beaches just don’t do “drama”.)

 

Things to keep in mind while shooting on or near awesome rocks in the middle of a deep ocean though.

1) Rocks + waves = ocean spray (and not the delicious cranberry juice kind).  Make sure you have a cleaning kit handy, and be prepared to cover your lens between shots or you’ll find they turn out a bit…um…misty.  Unless you really like practicing your clone stamping skills in photoshop. haha

 

2) Rocks + water = slippery. One big wave can spell disaster.  (Funny story about that…remind me to tell you later! haha)

 

3) Rocks + a vast, flat ocean = no wind breaks. Dress accordingly! If the weather is at all, possibly, maybe going to be uncomfortable, bring gloves and a weather/water resistant coat. If it’s going to be windy, also be prepared to secure your tripod. Last thing you want to do is fish your expensive camera out of the ocean.  Second to last thing you want to do is suffer through a tropical storm just to find out that every shot over 1/60 is blurry courtesy of the hurricane strength winds you endured to snag that beautiful sunset.

 

In this particular instance, we were perfectly safe (but very wet and chilly) – however, we all know as photogs we take risks.  I really did almost get swept into the ocean at one point, mostly due to my own stupidity, and I don’t advocate that.  Keep your common sense close and do your best to prepare for most scenarios you’re likely to encounter.  Safety first…no photo is worth your life.