Reverse 365: April 2013 Wrap-Up

Number of Photos: 30
Locations: Illwaco, WA / Pacific Science Center / Seattle, WA / Commencement Bay, Tacoma, WA / Point Defiance Gardens / Oregon Coast / Sunset Lake / The Cove Normandy Park, WA / Wenatchee, WA / Lake Chelan, WA / Vancouver, WA / Washington Coast / Puyallup Fair / Louisa Boren Park, Seattle, WA / Issaquah, WA
Editing Techniques Used: Lightroom Tips
Tutorials Used: 10 Quick and Easy Lightroom Tricks

What I Learned: Lightroom is even more amazing than I knew it was! The tutorial I used above was filled with a bunch of tricks with features I hadn't used in Lightroom before. My favorites were stacking brushes and the luminance sliders. It opened my eyes to the potential that exists in the program. I can't wait to learn more uses for it as the year continues. I also discovered this month the power of RAW I was not taping into. I have shot RAW for a long time, but when I open them in Lightroom I usually leave the default settings the program puts on the photo. This month I started "zeroing" out the photos and it has allowed me so much more flexibility with my photos. I have been able to save some that I thought were not savable. It has really helped me in my present day editing as well.

Reverse 365: February 2013 Wrap-Up

Another month, another wrap up of my Reverse 365 Project for February 2013. I am still amazed that I am keeping up with and enjoying this process so much. I am looking forward to Month #3. 

Number of photos: 28
Locations: Tolmie State Park near Olympia, WA / Around my house / Semiahmoo, WA / Birch Bay, WA / Lincoln City, OR / Siletz Bay, Lincoln City, OR
Editing Techniques Focus: Gradient Tool in Lightroom and HDR Process in Photoshop
Tutorials Used: HDR Process for Photoshop and Creating a Collage Template in Lightroom 

What I Learned: There will always be people who don't like your work or who don't see your photographs the way that you do. And that is ok! I am beginning to discover through this process that photography is truly an art form. Especially when it comes to the editing process. I know there are people out there who don't believe that but art is expression of vision and that is what I try to do with my photography. Express what I see. I have also learned this month that editing is a valuable part of the process. I love getting it right straight out of camera and I always will, but I am starting to value editing more and more and not see it as a scary thing that might "ruin" what I trying to express. Instead it can and does often enhance and better portray my vision. 

Reverse 365: January 2013 Wrap-Up

I cannot believe that I did it, I posted a photo a day for a month! I am doing a Reverse 365 where I edit a photo from last year that I have not edited or posted previously. Each month, I plan to reflect on my progress and showcase the month of photos in a collage. So here goes January 2013...

Number of photos: 31
Locations: Around my house / Tokeland, WA / Long Beach, WA / Siletz Bay, OR / Beverly Beach, OR / Alki, WA / Kirkland, WA / Clark Lake Park, Kent, WA / Seattle Ferry Terminal, Seattle, WA / Seattle - Bremerton Ferry, WA / Bremerton - Seattle Ferry, WA / Mount Vernon, WA / Chuckanut Drive, Mount Vernon, WA
Editing Techniques Focus: Adjustment Brush in Lightroom and Soft Glow in Photoshop
Tutorials Used: Soft Glow in Photoshop and Creating a Collage Template in Lightroom (though I did the text in Photoshop as I could not make it work with the Slideshow mode)

What I Learned: The biggest thing that I learned during this process is that I find many more photos I "like" when I give it a little time. Initially after a shoot I often look at the photos and feel disappointed that I didn't get more "good" ones. I think that is because my goal is to get my shots to be the best they can SOOC (straight out of camera). With this process the goal is to edit photos so they don't necessarily have to be the best SOOC. That coupled with some time away from the images has made this whole thing a truly enjoyable process. I can't wait to see what the next month brings!

*I also learned a lot about the adjustment brush and the soft glow that I will be sharing in a future tips and tricks post.*

I am looking for more Project 365, Reverse Project 365 and Project 52s to follow. If you have one and would be willing to share let me know in the comments or on the Facebook page.

Reverse 365: Wind - Day 11/365 1.11.13

Another attempt at the soft glow technique (also a bit of the adjustment brush as well) I am trying this month based on this tutorial. I have never been sailing, but it looks very enjoyable. 

Settings: ISO 200, 55mm, 1/2500, f/8.0

Date: March 3rd, 2012

Location: Kirkland Marina in Kirkland, WA

11/365 - January 11th, 2012

"A sailor is an artist whose medium is the wind." - Webb Chiles

Reverse 365: Sit Awhile - 10/365 1.10.13

I am truly enjoying the Reverse 365 process. I like looking back at moments and experiences from the past and remembering. In terms of editing, I have decided to focus on two tools for the month and see how it goes. I find that I am enjoying the editing process immensely, but in order to further my skills I need to practice a technique a few times. For the month of January I am working on using the adjustment brush in Lightroom and on adding a soft glow using Photoshop. This is my first successful attempt at the soft glow. I would love to know what you think, constructive criticism is always welcome!

If you want to give the soft glow a try, here is the tutorial I used. I found that I had to adjust the values to get the look I was going for, but I followed all the same steps. 

Settings: ISO 200, 23mm, ss1/1250, f/8.0

Date: March 3rd, 2012

Location: Kirkland Marina in Kirkland, WA

10/365 - January 10th, 2013

"Never be afraid to sit awhile and think." - Lorraine Hansberry

Fourth of July 2012!

My favorite holiday just happens to be Fourth of July. I connect with the sense of patriotism and the ideals of freedom, sacrifice and bravery. And then there are the fireworks! There is just something about a fireworks display that makes me happy. The color, the sense of wonder and the sheer beauty is such a wonderful way to celebrate this country that I live in and those who have made and continue to make it possible for me to live free.

For this Fourth of July I am visiting my dad who lives in Astoria, Oregon where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. They have a fireworks display over the Columbia that is done from the East Mooring Basin. I had never been, but was excited to experience a new fireworks display with my dad. We got there a couple of hours before the fireworks were set to start which was perfect timing because we were able to park right across from where the fireworks were going to be set off before the parking lot got full. While we waited I spent some time scoping out the area and photographing the sunset.

Settings: ISO 100, 55mm, ss1/320, f/22 (sunlight wb)

Settings: ISO 100, 18mm, ss1/30, f/22 (sunlight wb)

Finally, the sun dipped below the horizon and that meant the second amazing show of the night was going to begin. I wasn't sure where would be the best vantage point to see the display, so I just found where the tripods and photographers were lining up :o). Last year I got a few good firework shots using auto mode. This year I was determined to shoot in manual and be more intentional about my shots. Prior to heading out I read a couple tutorials, one from The Organic Bloom and one from Digital Photography School. 

For my set up I used my tripod, my 18-55mm lens and my remote control. I set the ISO to 100 to prevent grainy images, my aperture to f/11 to get a wide depth of field, manual focused so that the whole scene was in focus and set my shutter speed to bulb (which leaves the shutter open from when you press the remote button until you press the it again). I had never tried this type of set up before so I really didn't know how it would work out, but once the fireworks started I got into a rhythm. With my remote and the timer on my camera I had two seconds before the shutter opened and then I left it open between 3-12 seconds depending on how many fireworks were going off and how many I wanted in the shot. After a while I found that the best timing was to hit the remote right when I heard the boom and to leave the shutter open until the firework(s) began to fizzle out. 

I LOVE the results. They are so different from what I captured last year and I feel like the preparation really paid off. The 3 shots below are from the beginning, middle and the finale of the show. I really like the trails of the firework reaching the sky, the colors and the framing around the fireworks. For editing I did basic settings in Lightroom on all and for the second shot a removal of distractions and the Fresh and Colorful action by Pioneer Woman in Photoshop. I think the first one is my favorite, but that could be due to the sunset :o). What do you think? 

I hope you had an amazing, safe and fun fourth!

Settings: ISO 100, 18mm, ss12secs, f/11 (on tripod, shutter on bulb)

Settings: ISO 100, 18mm, ss7secs, f/11 (on tripod, shutter on bulb)

Settings: ISO 100, 18mm, ss7secs, f/11 (on tripod, shutter on bulb)

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." -  The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776

    

Also linking up for the Firework Challenge at Kent Weakley's Blog

Good to Wow SOOC: Lighting Up the Holiday 12.13.11

On almost every photo blog I frequent there is at least one picture of Christmas light bokeh. I have been so inspired by the beautiful shapes and lights created and I had to try it. The Good to Wow prompt this week is "Bokeh Lights," which gave me a great excuse to make my first attempt at intentional bokeh. I found the tutorial Jill posted to be extremely helpful. I had to work with the lens I had though, which meant that I couldn't open my aperture up as wide as I should have. Despite this fact and some frustration in setting up the shot, I am extremely pleased with the results. I set a table up in front the tree, put a mirrored plate down for some nice reflection and then placed a lit candle on top in blue to match the tree light colors. It is SOOC, except that I straightened it a tad bit as my tripod and I had some difficulty working together.

Settings: ISO 800, 44mm, ss1/10, f/5.0 (full manual, tripod, tungsten wb)

Linking up with Good to Wow and the other link ups below! Head over and check out the other SOOC and other shots.

    

I also played around photographing the outside lights with a tutorial that Courtney at Click it Up a Notch posted about how to get beams of Christmas lights. It is so fun! You should give it a try :o). I will be trying out some more bokeh and light related shots in the coming days. I enjoyed learning and trying out new techniques and appreciating the lights of the holiday in a different way!

Settings: ISO 100, 96mm, ss4.0 sec, f/5.0 (full manual, tripod, tungsten wb)

"Christmas is not in tinsel and lights and outward show. The secret lies in an inner glow. It's lighting a fire inside the heart. Good will and joy a vital part. It's higher thought and a greater plan. It's glorious dream in the soul of man." - Wilfred A. Peterson

   

Tones on Tuesday #9 11.15.11

I am very behind in my posting this week. I am going to try and do some catch up soon, but I wanted to be sure to get Tones on Tuesday up for those who want to link up. I remain inspired and awed by your photos and am so happy to get the opportunity to see and learn from you. Here are my 3 showcases this week, followed by my own picture and the link up. I can't wait to see your alterations :o)!

Nadege at Moments in Time

I really like what the black and white does for the mood of this photo. Nadege titled this post "Come, Sit, Relax." That is exactly what this photo makes me want to do :o). Thank you for linking up Nadege!

Gillian from Building Bumps

I love the complete innocent of this moment captured. The soft tones and the natural frame of the crib are just lovely. Thank you for linking up Gillian. 

Jeanne from Butterfly Tales

Each week Jeanne manages to produce a work of art with the way she edits the tones in her photo. I love the vintage feel of this barn, you can just imagine that it has been standing for years and will be for years to come. Thank you for sharing Jeanne!

Be sure to grab your this button if you were showcased! (button for linking up can be found after the guidelines)

<br /> <a href="http://scatteredhorizons.blogspot.com" target="_self"><img border="0" alt="Scattered Horizons" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5X0qE3kcJQKFCeiup5RF462UP1KBtya6qEad3jhNwEnSmWe0PKglTwDqqTQCWeoyyyzO1a2hDPjgJcKPftHD2pnvTIZ0nuZRcaCxHwalC-z5H1zdBSgXf0WQOH-X73kTvQ6wO3_lyzA/s1600/showcasedtt.jpg"></a> <br />

Now it's your turn to share your photo with altered tones. Here is the guidelines for Tones on Tuesday:

• The basic idea is to share one photo where you have altered the tones. Such as a black and white, sepia toned, selective coloring or colored photo. Feel free to share the original and edit, or just the edit.
• Please share a photo that you have taken and edited yourself.
• If you have more than one photo in your post please indicate which one if for Tones on Tuesday.
• Please link up with your permalink and not your blog address.
• Attach the Tones on Tuesday button to your post
• Leave comments for the other participants, share the love :o)!
• Have fun!

<br /> <a href="http://scatteredhorizons.blogspot.com" target="_self"><img border="0" alt="Scattered Horizons" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH_U2oqLh1UmXZMxfX_WPVaPVWJYh_HuiqvmOJi2frJOmTvsFe8rQPCPuzZfqD9Rm5Lz1E9ijR7i5_09GjPNDZeIcGNOwpU1VlkboGqGPGHxc0q-s28fzb99utdKzU6TvONWyodJtseQ/s1600/tonesontuesday2.jpg"></a> <br />

Disclaimer - By participating you give Scattered Horizons permission to share your photo on this blog. Photographers will be given credit for their work.

My photo for this week is a simple black and white conversion of a foggy scene I took on a visit to Tolt McDonald Park in the rain with my brother's girlfriend who has become a good friend of mine and a great photography buddy. I took this photo with my telephoto and my goal was to capture the fog while staying under an awning in order to prevent my camera from getting soaked. For the black and white I followed a simple video tutorial that Courtney from Click it Up a Notch created for use with Lightroom. Easy to follow, yet allows for me to put my own stamp on each photo.

SOOC Shot
Settings: ISO 400, 250mm, ss1/320, f/5.6 (full manual, cloudy wb)

Edited Shot

Joining the link ups below. Be sure to check out the beautiful shots!

   

Good to Wow Edit: Fallen Leaves 10.22.11

Despite the exhaustion of this week that feels like it should have ended days ago, I was excited to check out the guest tutorial Michelle wrote for the Good to Wow Edit challenge. You can check out the amazing tutorial here. Basically she showed us how to have a photo displayed through words. I downloaded a trial of Photoshop Elements to try it out and I loved how simple Michelle's tutorial was. It produced such an amazing result. Thank you Michelle! I edited my other SOOC shots for the challenge using Lightroom Presets from Preset Heaven which had a post called "28 Free Presets from Chris." I wanted to make the photos look a bit aged. I also used the preset that comes with Lightroom for rounded corners. You can see the SOOC shots and read more about my memories here. 


Now on with the edits!

"A few days ago I walked along the edge of the lake and was treated to the crunch and rustle of leaves with each step I made. The acoustics of this season are different and all sounds, no matter how hushed, are as crisp as autumn air." - Eric Sloane

Linking up with Good to Wow: Edit. Check out the amazing before and afters! 

Favorite Photo of the Week: Clark Lake Sunset 09.30.11

This is the first week where my favorite photo of the week is one that I did not post during the week, but it is from the same shoot as the others I posted. I had a ton of pictures from my Clark Lake Park photo shoot and this one has been sitting waiting to be editing. I had a hard time editing it as there was something off. At first I thought it was the amount of black on the lower left corner, but when I removed it the natural frame was lost. After staring at the photo for a while and taking a break and coming back I realized that the line of the far shore of the lake was not straight. I found a quick tutorial about straightening a photo with Photoshop and applied what I had learned. It did exactly what I wanted it to and was so simple! Thank you Adobe TV!

My goal with this photo was to use the natural frame of the trees and the shore and to capture the beautiful colors of the sunset sky. If you follow along you know I have an addiction to sunsets :o). The color, the light and the mood are just so powerful. I have been learning more and more about capturing sunsets in manual mode and have found it to be more complex than I ever understood. At the same time, it is truly capturing a moment in time that can never be repeated in the same way again. I always feel a great sense of accomplishment when I get the shot I am after. This photo was exactly the shot I was after, with some editing help from Lightroom and Photoshop of course :o). 

Thank you for stopping by, I would love to know what you think!

Settings: ISO 200, 18mm, ss1/100, f/14 (full manual)

"A great photograph is a full expression of what one feels about what is being photographed in the deepest sense and is, thereby, a true expression of what one feels about life in its entirety." - Ansel Adams


Linking up with these fabulous Friday link ups! Please spend a moment or two visiting the amazing photos of those who also participate!