Back in the Saddle (Blog Notes)

I should be getting back later today. Had a very nice Thanksgiving in Providence with my brother and his family. I got to visit his office for the first time (he's a psychotherapist). A beautiful peaceful room downtown in what used to be an enormous mansion. I took some pictures I'm very eager to look at on the computer.

I'm in Albany today; I would really like to do a photo project in Albany. It's a very picturesque city, and has an unusual flavor I can't quite out my finger on. I've never been good at urban photography, though, nor am I good at street photography. There's no reason for a stop in Albany except I love to stay at the recently restored Renaissance Hotel; a total indulgence on my part. The dogs stay locally in Albany when I travel east. They're going to get the spa treatment this morning—more important now because my new house doesn't have a bathtub and I have yet to experiment with trying to bathe them in the shower. I don't imagine that going very well.

The Hotel used to be known as the DeWitt Clinton Hotel. Lots of history here, and worth a visit. (Google it.)

Tonight I host my writing group at my house. It's a very small group, so far, but I'm nervous all the same.

Something to think about for tomorrow—because I'll be writing about it—how much do you tend to "work" a scene, place, or idea? I have two tendencies when I encounter a "photo opportunity" (don't like that term, but at least it communicates the idea). Both tendencies are bad, more or less, and I've had to work to overcome them. More mañana. Checkout is in 20 minutes and I've got to get packed and outta here pronto.

Mike

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(To see all the comments, click on the "Comments" link below.)
Featured Comments from:

David Raboin: "How much urban photography have you done in your life? You might be better at it than you think. I never fancied myself as an urban photographer.  For years, all I cared about was nature, landscape, and my aerial work. Then, after I had kids, I suddenly didn't have time for serious nature photography anymore. I took up street photography simply because it was there. Outside my hotel room, no matter the weather, photo possibilities lurked.

"At first, I was terrible, timid, and had no ideas. However, I soon discovered that many of my nature photo skills translated to the urban environment. I'm no Bruce Gilden, I'm still shy of strangers, but I'm getting more bold and less awkward every outing. The biggest surprise is I love doing street photography now, and I never pictured myself as that type of person. Now days, I enjoy taking a photo  of an interesting person in the city as much as stalking  up on a bull elk in Yellowstone.

"You should stop categorizing yourself and give 'urban photography' a try. Do what you know, take your camera out when the light is nice and see what happens. Understand that your first few outings will yield terrible pics. Growth hurts only a little. Learn from your mistakes and sooner than you think you'll be coming home with great results."

Comments

[John W]

Re: bathing dogs. I replaced my stock showerhead with one that is on the end of a short (~6 ft) length of hose. As I recall, there were several varieties to choose from at the Home Depot. Simple to install. Its the best solution I've found for wetting-down and rinsing-off my canines. Much easier and faster than using a bucket or trying to get them to stand under the tap or showerhead.

[Jim in Denver]

Shoot. Shoot now. Then shoot some more. Spray 'n pray for all that it matters...

The longer you spend in/around a place the more you get used to the visuals, and will not pick up the camera.

Seeing a place with your eyes and seeing through your images are two very different things. Shoot now, see what works, see what doesn't, and then revisit the things you find compelling.

[Eolake]

Writing group?? Kool. Maybe I'd like to do that. How did you do it?

[Stephen Scharf]

I tend to "work a scene" pretty extensively. I generally have more success when I have a plan, and what I want to do before arriving.

PS: My website up once again-finally!

[Geoffrey Heard]

Bicycle saddle, one hopes! LOL.

Cheers, Geoff

[c.d.embrey]

... when I encounter a "photo opportunity" Huh?

Many photographers consider themselves artists. How many painters have you seen wandering aimlessly around town, with their easel, canvas and paintbox, looking for a painting opportunity? I've seen a few on scouting missions, with a sketch book, looking for subjects to paint. Sorta like a photographer with an iPhone, taking photo-notes. i.e. a great shot of the country church, if only the sun was behind the steeple. I'll figure-out when the sun will be at the best position, (there's an app for that). And come back later to get the perfect-shot that I have in my minds eye.

For me, photography isn't about blind-luck. It's all about meticulous planning. Your milage may vary.

[Richard]

it is all about getting one of those hand shower things and giving them lots of treats. You would start by clicking and rewarding them just for being near the shower and then you can start rewarding them for just standing in the shower when it's not on; increasing the duration. Then maybe you want sprinkle them with water just from your hand, more clicking and treats and so on. Before you know it they'll be joining you every morning for a scrub.

[David Raboin]

About working a scene... I milk a scene for all it's worth. I first take the obvious picture, then experiment, shoot facing different directions, and ask myself what gives the scene its feel. Many times the light bulb doesn't turn on until I've hung around for 30 or 40 minutes.

An example: Once on a drizzly winter night in Seattle I found myself down by the much photographed public market. First I took the postcard pic of the big neon sign, then I tried to work some people into the shots. I shot from all four corners of the main intersection out front of the market. Of course I was a little nervous photographing strangers but what I soon realized was no one was paying attention to me. I relaxed and started to ask myself what is the essence of this place, where does this compelling energy come from? After chimping my images I decided the most important elements were the people who moved with purpose through the weather and the neon light reflecting from wet cobblestone. That's when I came up with the winning idea, walk through the intersection with a big group of pedestrians, shoot wide angle at ankle level without looking through the viewfinder, and try to get the iconic sign in the background. It took several tries and about 50 failed photos, but I eventually got my shot. http://www.photos4u2c.net/2015/01/12/wet-neon-nights-seattle/

Another example of working the scene are the hills above my neighborhood. I'm fortunate to live in a valley surrounded by beautiful public lands. I hike and jog the hills all the time. I know all the overlooks and hidden forest glens. However the problem with nature photography in California is we rarely have a cloud in the sky. Most days the sky is a solid blue dome. I leave my camera at home those days, but when the winter storms start to roll through I'm ready with 10 or 20 photo ideas. I have spots that are easy to get to with the kids and other places that are good for dog photos. People ask me how I get such great photos of my kids in landscapes and the answer is planning.