I always ask: What is it that I love about this scene?......The Marsh..

Capture: Nikon D4, Lens 24-70  f-16 1/30 sec at 35mm ISO 100
Processing: Nik Sliver Efex Pro 2, PS CC

When I go out shooting and when I get to my location, and unpack my gear, I stand still. I ask myself what do I love in this scene? Then I turn around 360, walk around with out my camera and then I begin to see. I went hoping for a beautiful sunset over the marsh and arrived early enough to really enjoy the edge of bay and shore. After a long hard winter last years marsh grasses were laid down in beautiful patterns and textures reflecting the movement of the water, wind and snow that fell and compressed the reeds. The small new growth shoots were just beginning to show. I also loved the curves of the foot path along the shoreline. The late afternoon light was illuminating the grasses and so I went to work drilling down to what I loved about the scene. I did not go out with the intent to capture the grasses, but they did speak to me. I loved the way nature created the textures and patterns.
Since the scene was monochromatic for the most part, I converted the images to Black and White using Nik Silver Efex Pro 2.The sun did set without any spectacular colors and clouds and I used the marsh grasses to add interest.

Impressions of Spring: Multiple Exposures ~ Swipes

The tulip beds in South Bethany, De. are in full bloom and they gave me an opportunity to make some hand held multiple exposure shots. I enjoy the multiple exposure shooting option in the D4 and especially love the continuous series feature which lets you keep shooting in multiple exposure mode.
Initially I stopped to shoot some beach houses with my iPhone but wandered over to the flower beds with the tulips. As always its windy at the beach and tack sharp tripod assisted macro shots are often hard to achieve so while the wind was blowing it was fine for creating these images. I started using my iPhone and the app Average Camera Pro to create multiple exposures on the iPhone and I was seeing some fun results so I said..."Self, get your big camera out!" So often lately, I am shooting with the iPhone on the run and kick myself later for NOT getting the big camera out for a little higher quality image!
So note to self, if it's an iPhone shot, its a shot! So get the big camera out more often! I am looking forward to shooting with a group of "Big Camera" Photographers at Sherwood Gardens this Sunday, where I will be demonstrating these shooting techniques,  macro and general shooting options, on my workshop sponsored by Capital Photography Center. I have a few spots open if you want to come out on Sunday and do some flower shooting! Click here for the link to more info and registration. Sunday looks perfect for shooting these beauties, lightly overcast and 65 degrees.

 And..... while I was at it, I made a few selective swipes!

In camera "swipe".

In camera "swipe".

Fells Point and the Privateer Festival

Drum and fife corp from Fort McHenry

The workshop group had good fun in Fells Point this morning. The Privateer Festival is happening. In the early morning we made the usual water reflection and harbor shots but as the morning wore on the costumed Privateers started arriving. I helped the group find shots and work with their camera settings. Everyone enjoyed capturing images of the people, even when a few said they didn't photograph people...the Privateers changed everything. The Festival runs through Sunday so if you can get down there, I suggest you check it out! The harsh sun was difficult to work with but we grab some shots anyway. I decided to process all the images here with Nik Silver Efex Pro 2 using the Antique Plate II filter, then in OnOne perfect effects I added the faux emulsion borders. All images were captured with the Nikon D4 fitted with a 28-300mm lens.

A little beach walk in Black and White...Nik Sliver Efex Pro 2 for conversion

Last Sunday my friend Annette and her husband Steve day tripped to the beach. We met in the afternoon for a couple hours and did some shooting in the brilliantly blue sky, wispey cloud afternoon. Not the best time but we had fun and whenever the light is so bright I always think monochrome conversion. The shadow play on the sand is fabulous with strong lighting. When processing images with Nik Sliver Efex Pro 2, I enjoy using the color filter options like in old film days choosing a red filter to create a dark sky. Catching folks doing what they do interacting with the beach and each other is fun too. Then there is the occasional beach creature like the horse shoe crab which makes a cool subject to play with at the waters edge. So don't run away from the sun, work with it!