Our recent assignment was to do a photo shoot in a new light. Looking at my inspiration file it became clear that the golden light of daylight and sunset was my preference so I decided to work with the blue light of very early morning. It’s not that I don’t like blue; in fact it’s probably one of my favorite colors, but it doesn’t show up often in my preferred images.
We were camped at a lovely lake on the Colorado River so I got up well before sunrise on Thursday morning to see what I could come up with. I walked around the lakefront for an hour or more freezing my fingers off but finding myself entranced with the silvery blue light. I tried using my camera’s low light setting and also adjusting the exposures to see what worked best. Some of the images were nice but too grainy for my taste. I came up with a few that I really liked.
During the photo session I found was really
interested in the early pre-dawn light with the silhouettes. At this point I was focusing more on
landscape images. Then as the sky brightened and things became more
recognizable I defaulted to my familiar macro mode.
I found that I was more interested than usual
in playing around with these images in my computer to make them have more
contrast and saturation and get away from such a monochromatic look. All of these images have been
adjusted--but they’re all still
very blue.
At the end of the time (before my fingers
became icicles) I was lucky enough to see a beautiful egret fly into the
reeds. This was a treat and I
tried to capture him without too much success, as I don’t have much of a
telephoto lens. But as he flew
away I was able to get this last image, which I’m pleased with too. It also has undertones of blue.
I actually like some of these photos better
than the ones I took when we first arrived in the afternoon. They have an entirely different
mood. This was an interesting
exercise working in a new light and I’m going to try to push myself into other areas
of unexplored light.
I'm sorry that I haven't been able to visit as many posts by other people in the class. My internet access has been spotty so it's been tough to to get to all of them. In time I'll do so and comment as I find this is an important element of the learning.
I'm sorry that I haven't been able to visit as many posts by other people in the class. My internet access has been spotty so it's been tough to to get to all of them. In time I'll do so and comment as I find this is an important element of the learning.
Hi Joanna, lovely blue pictures of nature. I really love that first one with the reflections as an added bonus. I know what you mean by your fingers turning to icicles. I had the same problem and de-thawed in front of a hot-air fan at home and then a cup of steaming herb tea!
ReplyDeleteYou have really managed to capture this blue light beautifully in nature. I did mine in town and was dreading an ugly result, but was surprised that even town photos can hold a certain kind of beauty.
I know how helpful it is to have people come and comment on our photo lessons and I really try not to miss anyone out.
Come and see my neighbourhood in blue tones... not as romantic and dreamy as yours, but quite fun in the end!
These new words to type in before publishing our comments are quite detestable, aren't they? I can hardly read them and often have to try different ones before they get through.
Hi Joanna, Good for you you getting out there so early in the cold! When I read Colorado River, my early morning brain thought you were in Colorado, until I noticed the trees in your lovely photo of the egret! How wonderful to be traveling! When I first looked at your photos I thought you had taken them in the evening. How great to find that wonderful blue light in the AM. I can almost feel how I would be lost in that peaceful and solitary place (and cold) and then a little anxious about being alone and cold and looking forward to getting warm.
ReplyDeleteLucky you, camping this time of year! I definitely get the feeling of early morning in these photos, your second photo with the moon is just lovely :)
ReplyDeleteThis was an enjoyable reading adventure you took us on, with these awesomely gorgeous pictures! I love the effects you captured with the shades of blues (sorry for your freezing fingers!). I imagine that every time you will look at these pictures, memories of your camping outing and your photo exercise will always bring a smile to your face, and warm your heart. How cool the egret made is presence just in time for a photo. Love the monotone colors of all these, such serenity! Sounds like you really enjoyed the experience!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous light! You are right, a very different feel comes with this type of light. It's fun to explore the different kinds of light available to us. It's always changing... if we learn to use what is available to us we will always be inspired. I personally love the light of early morning... you did a beautiful job capturing it.
ReplyDeleteHi Joanna,
ReplyDeleteLooks like you have a lovely camping spot, which you've taken good advantage of. This is quite a switch from your usual warm, sunlight images. You really captured some beauties here! My favorites are the second (love the oriental feel of this composition) and the third (wonderful light, color, and mood). The flattened form of the pre-dawn images is very appealing, but then again, I am a huge fan of Japanese wood block prints:) Great captures!
HI, Joanna,
ReplyDeleteThese are gorgeous! Enchanting is the perfect word to describe the mood and the feeling they leave me with. I didn't realize that macro is your preference - because the landscape and skyscape at the beginning of the series are truly amazing, amazing images. Just gorgeous! PS. I just love blue, too!!
Love the last shot of the egret in flight, and also the one with bamboo. Great job!
ReplyDeleteHi Joanna, What a wonderful experience. When I looked at each picture I imagined how it must feel to be out in nature, taking pictures, in the early morning. Each picture was beautiful but I especially like the next to last one. Thank you for sharing your camping trip and beautiful pictures with us. I learned quite a bit by looking at them and reading your post.
ReplyDeleteJoanna I love your blue pictures especially the first one I sound like you had a lot of fun shooting them despite the cold
ReplyDeleteI can't even pick out a favorite...they are all so beautiful...I am not a morning person but this is definitely an inspiration to pull myself out and give this a try. I love the light you captured. thanks. Gail
ReplyDeleteI think your photos are just beautiful. I too chose to shoot "the blue hour" and it was so nice to see your photos of the same subject. I took mine at night, you took yours in the morning. Just lovely lovely captures. The egret photo is stunning and the colors in the background wonderful. I feel that you enjoyed your photo shoot of the blue hour as much as I did mine. Kat's really stretching us and making us grow! :)
ReplyDeletewow Joanna i love so many of these images its hard to choose favorites!! you did an AMAZING job of capturing the blue light & you also got some lovely reflections too !
ReplyDelete