Project 64: Wild Strawberry Sunset 1.8.12

Lately, I have been working on challenging myself in what I choose to photograph. I have done indoor shooting, custom bokeh, food photography and portraits. At the same time though, I cannot stop shooting what I love - landscapes, nature, macro and especially sunrise and sunsets. I am drawn to them. Today for example, I was doing some cooking and little bit of food photography and taking pictures of my dog niece Cece. I looked outside and saw that the sun was setting. There was no guarantee that it would be a brilliantly colored sunset, but I had to try. We jumped in the car and headed to a ridge a couple miles from my house. And oh my was it worth it! 

I spent about 20 minutes photographing the changing sky and Mount Rainier. I decided to head home and as I was turning around on the dead end street I noticed the sky was a bright pink. It had changed drastically in the space of 5 minutes. As I driving by I decided to stop again and was rewarded with the shot below. My goal was to capture the brilliancy of the colors and the awe it inspired in me. I left the shot SOOC as it was spot on when it came to showing what I saw. I also thought that within the clouds the color for Project 64 this week, Wild Strawberry, was beautifully intermixed with the orange, red, pink and purple. I am so glad I followed my impulse and that I have yet to tire of shooting sunsets. I love that every one is a different experience and a chance to capture something so simply beautiful. I hope you are not tired of seeing sunset photos here, I have a feeling more are in the future :o).

Settings: ISO 400, 50mm, ss1/125, f/9.0 (full manual, daylight wb)

"Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world." - John Milton

Linking up with the link ups below. Find some awe by looking at the photos linked up!

    

Sunset on Indian Beach Wrap Up 1.1.12

I'm wrapping up this week with a few last photos from my New Year's Day Indian Beach photo shoot. My goal was not only to capture the beautiful colors, but also the special feeling of peace and awe that only going to the ocean can give me. They are all SOOC and show the progression of the sunset.  I hope you can find a little bit of peace and awe in your coming week. Thank you for visiting!

Settings: ISO 200, 50mm, ss1/400, f/22 (full manual, sunlight wb)

Settings: ISO 200, 50mm, f/10, ss1/1600 (full manual, sunlight wb)

Settings: ISO 200, 116mm, ss1/1600, f/7.1 (full manual, cloudy wb)

Settings: ISO 200, 50mm, ss1/500, f/7.1 (full manual, cloudy wb)

Settings: ISO 200, 50mm, ss1/30, f/8.0 (full manual, cloudy wb)

"Peace is when time doesn't matter as it passes by." - Maria Schell

Linking up to SOOC Saturday, check out the other SOOC shots! Also linking up with The Simple Things and Scenic Sunday. Be sure to take a look at the beautiful photos there as well!

  

Favorite Photo of the Week: Starting Off the New Year 1.1.12

I had an amazingly difficult time choosing a favorite photo for this week. On New Year's Day, my mom and I headed to Indian Beach in Cannon Beach, Oregon. The sunset was not a typical sunset, but exquisite nonetheless. I took an overwhelming amount of pictures, tried out my new lens and began to work toward my new goals. The results of an amazing setting and a fabulous photography experience were many photos that I liked for a variety of reasons, hence the aforementioned problem. In an effort to wrap up this post and to make a choice that seems to be taking an exorbitant amount of time, I have decided to post my 3 favorites and ask you what you think. I hope you don't mind :o). Which photo catches your eye?

Settings: ISO 200, 50mm, ss1/80, f.2.8 (full manual, cloudy wb, on tripod, remote)

A picture of my mom and I, an attempt to become more comfortable with getting myself in the picture and a result I think I just might like :o). This is one of my goals for 2012 and I plan to work hard to reach it. Oh, it also has one of my favorite people in it so how can it not be a favorite?

 

Lewis and Clark Bridge connecting Oregon and Washington

with the Lights of Longview, WA

Settings: ISO 400, 50mm, ss13.0sec, f/22 (full manual, tripod)

I had a vision for this photo and I was able to make it happen by using what I have been learning about photography. I love when that happens! The starbursts and the hint of the bridge that I drive over often are just what I was going for. 

  

Settings: ISO 200, 50mm, ss1/1250, f/7.1 (full manual, sunlight wb)

And finally my favorite subject, my favorite time of day and my favorite kind of light all combine in this photo taken with my new lens. It is also SOOC, which feels like a big accomplishment to me. 

    

"You only get one sunrise and one sunset a day, and you only get so many days on the planet. A good photographer does the math and doesn't waste either". - Galen Rowell

Texture on the Beach 1.1.12

With the new year, I have committed to new goals and I am joining some new link ups. One of my goals is to take more self-portraits. I was given a wireless remote for my camera for Christmas and I already have a tripod so I gave it a shot on my New Years Day trip to the beach. My mom joined me on the adventure so I roped her into being in the picture with me :o). I feel like I was able to capture the joy we both have at going to the beach and how lucky I feel to have her in my life. This is only the second post I have ever done with people in it, so I would love some feedback. Thank you!

The second picture is taken sitting on that same log looking out at the setting sun, the vast ocean and the stream flowing across the beach. I love the varied textures in the photo - the pillowy nature of the sky, the softness of the mist off the waves and rough rocks in the sandy stream. I thought it was a good photo for my first link up with Texture Thursday. My goal was the capture what I was seeing during after my 10 minute time out, another one of my goals. 

I love hearing your thoughts and feedback! Thank you for stopping by!

Settings: ISO 200, 50mm, ss1/80, f.2.8 (full manual, cloudy wb, on tripod, remote)

Processing: Clean edit of basic settings and black and white conversion in Lightroom

Settings: ISO 200, 50mm, ss1/400, f/7.1 (full manual, cloudy wb)

Processing: Clean edit of basic settings in Lightroom

"It is only in adventure that some people succeed in knowing themselves - in finding themselves." - André Gide

Linking up a little of this and that with a warm embrace to the link ups below. Be sure to check out the other texture filled and amazing photos!

 

New Years Day Sunset 1.1.12

I'm going to really try to minimize my words on Wednesday this year. I don't think I will ever be able to go wordless, but I can sure try to let me pictures do more of the talking :o). These are from my New Years Day trip to the Oregon Coast with my mom. What an amazing way to start 2012! Clean edits, a few crops and now on with my journey...

Indian Beach Sunset - I love the bird sitting on the rock

Settings: ISO 200, 123mm, ss1/640, f/7.1 (full manual, sunlight wb)

Tillamook Head Lighthouse - a Columbarium (a place to store urns)

Settings: ISO 200, 208mm, ss1/500, f7.1 (full manual, cloudy wb)

Amazing post sunset sky at Ecola State Park - it really was that pink!

Settings: ISO 400, 45mm, ss1/40, f/5.0 (full manual, on tripod, cloudy wb)

Lewis and Clark Bridge connecting Oregon and Washington

with the Lights of Longview, WA

Settings: ISO 400, 50mm, ss13.0sec, f/22 (full manual, tripod)

"Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements." - Napoleon Hill

Linking up with the link ups below! Take a look at the other amazing photos!

      

Tones on Tuesday #16 1.3.11

The first Tones on Tuesday link up of 2012! How exciting! I can't wait to see what you have to share. But first, let's look back at last week (and last year :o) with a few showcases...

Evie and Beth at EB Photo Journal

The vibrancy in these tones is stunning and the colors work so well together. I am so glad that you decided to link up Evie and Beth!

Nancy at A Rural Journal

The detail in this photo is stunning! I love the tight framing and the texture that softens the overall photo. Thank you for linking up your lovely photo Nancy!

Jeanne from Butterfly Tales

Jeanne blows me away with her editing skills. I love the texture she added to an amazing original picture with wonderful light. Thank you for linking up 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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nb2adXWvuDU/Tp0bdkcJBlI/AAAAAAAAAM8/34ueiklmgZc/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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oheKkR_BFoQ/ToqWTprynwI/AAAAAAAAAJE/eQ5mj0lgqx4/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.

As I mentioned on Sunday, I got a new lens for Christmas and I took it out shooting New Years Day. My mom and I took our first of many trips in 2012 to Ecola State Park and Indian Beach near the town of Cannon Beach, Oregon. If you follow my blog you know I love sunsets, silhouettes and the beach. This picture has all 3! And the new lens performed really well and allowed me to capture my favorite thing to shoot. It really is true what I have read on countless blogs, a new lens can make a world of difference in your photos. I cannot wait for the numerous visits to the beach that I know are in my future and a chance to use my lens more. My goal with the photo was to capture the stunning color in the sky and the mist coming off the waves as they rolled in. I metered off the pink in the sky as that was the color that stood out to me. For the edit, I converted it to black and white in Lightroom. I increased the contrast, brightness and clarity. I added a touch of fill light and decreased the blacks. I really like the end result, but love that I have the color version as well.

SOOC Shot

Settings: ISO 200, 50mm, ss1/1000, f/7.1 (full manual, sunlight wb)

Black and White Edit 

With Lightroom

"To myself I am only a child playing on the beach, while vast oceans of truth lie undiscovered before me." - Isaac Newton

Joining the link ups below. Be sure to check out the beautiful shots and join the Tones on Tuesday link up found further down!

    

Good to Wow SOOC: Best of 2011 1.2.11

I have learned so much from the Good to Wow Challenge about shooting and editing. The one thing that sticks with me the most and that I will carry into 2012 is the quest to get a shot right straight out of camera. There is no greater thrill for me than capturing what I am seeing in my camera. Don't get me wrong, I love the power of editing. But I find that there is something so rewarding in taking a photograph that matches the scene, opening it up on my computer and seeing that nothing needs to be done to it. I love that feeling! The Good to Wow Challenge has taught me to strive for that and that it can be done. Jill has been an amazing teacher and cheerleader, sharing her skills, knowledge and feedback. Ashley has inspired me to enjoy editing and see the possibilities. The other participants have lifted me up with their comments and stunning photography. Thank you all! I am grateful to have participated, even if it was for a short time.  

SOOC Photos Collage

Made with Big Huge Labs Mosaic Maker

Click to Enlarge

My (2) Favorite SOOC Shot(s) - I couldn't choose just one :o)

Settings: ISO 200, 42mm, ss1/100, f/22 (full manual)

Settings: ISO 400, 74mm, ss3.2, f/6.3 (full manual on tripod)

"Once photography enters your bloodstream, it is like a disease." - Anonymous

Linking up with Good to Wow for the last time! Head over and check out the other SOOC photos.

Photography Goals 1.1.12

I absolutely loved Courtney from Click it Up a Notch's idea of writing photography goals for 2012. I love the idea of concrete things to accomplish this year when it comes to my photography. Here are my goals for the coming year. 2012 is going to be amazing!

1. Take photography class/workshop - I would love to take a Clickin Moms class or another workshop be it online or in person to expand my photography skills and learn and grow from other photographers.

2. Learn more about my new lens - I recieved a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 Lens from my mom for Christmas and I got to play with it today during a sunset at Indian Beach in Ecola State Park, Cannon Beach, Oregon. The shot below is SOOC and if it is any indication, I think I am going to love this lens!


Settings: ISO 200, 50mm, ss1/1250, f/7.1 (full manual, sunlight wb)

3. Read at least one photography book - Also for Christmas I was given 3 photography books. You can see which ones by clicking on the "Camera Bag" tab at the top. My goal is to read at least one, hopefully more than, and put what I learn directly into practice.

4. Complete a Project 365 using my iPhone and my Facebook page and post a blog entry a day - I have seen so many wonderful Project 365s on countless photography blogs, but with my work schedule I cannot committ to taking a photo a day with my DSLR. However, I carry my iPhone everywhere and it has a camera, which means a iPhone 365 is doable! (Thank you Photojojo for the idea! If you don't get there newsletter sign up right away!). I will be showcasing it on my Facebook page. I would love if you followed my 365 journey by clicking on the "Like" button in the side bar to the right. I will continue to aim for a blog post a day on this blog using mostly photos from the previous weekend photo shoot.

5. Start an online photography shop - I have been toying with the idea of selling prints of my photos for a while now and I want to go for it this year. I am not sure if I want to do an Etsy Shop or go through a company like SmugMug. It looks like research on this topic is in my future!

6. Self portraits - I want to become comfortable taking a self-portrait. Hopefully this will lead to photographing other people. Who better to learn on than myself?

7. Learn how to use backlighting - Backlighting is the one skill that I have really wanted to learn that I have not been able to teach myself through online reasearch and trial and error...yet. I am going to learn this year for sure!

8. Print my photos monthly - Thank you for the idea Courtney! What better way to rescue my photos from a life of sitting on a hard drive? I have already starting printing a few on Canvases, but I like the idea of printing them and putting them on a board. Economical and fun!

9. Share what I have been learning about photography on my blog - I have learned SO MUCH from reading the blogs of other photographers. I want to give back and share a tiny bit of what I have been learning as well.

10. Save up for a macro lens and a Tamron all-in-one lens - I had read countless pieces of advice that say to go with new lenses before going with a new camera. I think this sounds smart and much more affordable :o).

11. Make a list of the places I want to photograph and go to at least 5 of them - I have so many places I want to go to experience and take photos. I would like to have them listed so I can check them off. I love checking off a list!

12. Take a 10 minute time-out during every photo shoot - I have a tendency to get so caught up with that next shot that I don't live in the moment and soak up the amazing places I go to photograph. I am hoping that taking a short time-out will help me stay in the moment and be open to finding new things to photograph. I tried it on my photo shoot today and this was one of the photos after my time out. I usually like to wait until all the people are out of the shot on the beach, but there is just something about this that worked for me. (Side note - tons of surfers on this beach, the surfing/beach scene in the first Twilight movie was filmed here.)

Settings: ISO 200, 50mm, ss1/200, f/8.0 (full manual, cloudy wb)
Processing: Clean edit of basic settings in Lightroom

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." - C.S. Lewis


Linking up with the link ups below. I hope you'll spend a moment or two checking out the amazing photographs of those participating!