iPhone SketchI use my iPhone to sketch ideas. Sometimes the iPhone photo is enough to find my voice, sometimes I return with my Nikon gear.

The luxury of time while a visiting artist at our National Parks allows me to experiment with photographic techniques.  Experimentation is key.  While here at Acadia National Park, I have created images to add to my portfolio; I love working with reflections and with water. 

Techniques of the week

• iPhoneography, using the iPhone as a sketching tool
• Slow Shutter Speeds, capturing the surf and boulders along the coast of Maine
• Reflections: Inspired by the Impressionists.

I like to intrigue the viewer by not including a horizon line, and to give the impression of the moment. I'm inspired by painters, like Monet.

Hamilton Pond Reflection-Mount Desert IslandSeduced to stop at a local fishing spot. I was initially influenced by the setting sun. But spied the sky reflected in the pond.

Playing with Shutter Speed at the Coast of Maine, led me to photograph an incoming tide, just after sunset.  Photographed after the sunset,the exposure was f22@30 seconds. It's very helpful that the exposure metadata is recorded, as I can learn from the information.  This image is developed in Lightroom.  I photograph RAW files and enjoy post-production, as it allows me to be sure the image is interpreted properly, as I felt it.  

Slow Shutter Speed-Incoming Tide

In the example below, I used a camera setting of 1/6 of a second at f22.  The shutter speed records the movement of the water with less "smoke".  I enjoy the sky reflected in the water and on the foreground boulders.  

The Colors of the Cost