Peeps are back!
I'm not really a fan of the sugary, marshmallow creatures, but since they make an appearance at our house every March, it seems we have a photographic tradition on our hands. I think the possible seizure-inducing color of these snacks is what makes them so interesting (unless sugar-flavored glue is making a comeback). Either way, we end up getting some images each year and I have to tell you it gets hard trying to come up with something interesting. I'm more in favor of using them for color and repetitive shapes in a shot, whereas my wife's ideas turn towards the "diorama" style where the Peeps are actually doing something. Please. I'm already self-conscious enough about photographing candy... don't make me play with it like they're my dolls. Besides, my real dolls would get jealous. I've only included a few shots here, but if you'd like to see the photo essay on JPG you can check it out here:
http://jpgmag.com/stories/19262
So it's getting close to the "Golden Hour" and I'm trying to finish a game of Monopoly with the family. Luckily, we all grew tired of it at the same time and I was able to get out for what would hopefully be a few decent shots of...something... at sunset. I hopped into the car and headed directly into the golden light for downtown Wilmington.
Despite the fact that I've walked the river and streets what seems like a thousand times, there's always something to find, especially when you have such a quaint historic town like we do that borders the Cape Fear river. Besides, the challenge of finding a new nugget and coming away with a good shot in a familiar area always puts me a great mood.
This is where I think many people might not appreciate the time it takes to find that keeper.
I hit the riverfront and scouted for something good, couldn't find it, drove on, parked and searched a different area and finally headed back towards the battleship USS North Carolina now that the sun was finally in silhouette.
While I've taken many shots, a good sunset can always open up new opportunities. I think it did with this one, and I hope you like how it turned out.
One of the promises I made to myself for 2013 was to be a bit more active when it comes to early morning shooting. The morning light at the coast is wonderful, so why wouldn't I take advantage of it? I did just that this weekend and went back for another visit to the Kure Beach pier in Kure Beach, NC.
The pier was closed for the winter and some repairs were being done farther out which included a crane. At first I was trying to angle my shots to minimize this equipment, but after some contemplation figured that it's not a sight seen too often so why not incorporate it in the shots? I think the B&w one especially worked with it.
One other item to note was that despite the 31 degree temperature in a mid North Carolina winter, there was still a good handful of people getting in their sunrise photography. My initial thoughts as I saw them filter in was, "Great, more competition for a good spot." But after a bit I changed my thinking. We're all there with the same love for the hobby. All skills seemed to be represented there from the more advanced to the point and shoot couples. No need to be uptight about it. Besides, it's a new year. And at least I didn't forget my ND filter this time.
Cheers and best wishes to all for 2013.
UPDATE: It pays to get up early. Selected for Popular Photography's recent B&W landscape theme!
http://www.popphoto.com/photos/2013/03/reader-gallery-44-powerful-black-and-white-landscapes
There is no escape right now. Radio...TV...online...
The calls don't stop. Polling questions, pre-recorded robo calls, "surveys".
This may be the election, but it's a bit closer to a time of collective insanity. Normally mild-mannered friends on Facebook now post and re-post political links as though their lives depended on it. As though one more article speaking about how the other side is personally driving the country towards the cliff of oblivion on the backs of the hounds of hell... you get the point.
A bit tiring, wouldn't you say?
This week's photo challenge on JPG Magazine was all about 'Election Time'. http://jpgmag.com/themes/397 Interpret it as you wish. Since everything comes down to money, here's my interpretation of the theme. Hang in there y'all. Only a few more weeks left.
I set out this morning and didn't find much inspiration downtown at the farmer's market and along the waterfront. I figured I'd try my luck over at Greenfield Lake and see if any interesting creatures or characters could be found. Lucky for me, one of the alligators was right near the lake edge by the walkway. With only a few people around and having finally brought my 70-300 lens I set to work on the 6-7 foot reptilian.
I ended up at one point laying down and holding my camera just above the water to try and snag some low POV shots. Well, apparently my machinations had a couple interested enough to start asking me about photography. Was I a professional? Enthusiast? Do Is sell my work? Have I been published or travel specifically for shots? These questions led me to tell of my minor successes and when I told the man I was in National Geographic he shook my hand and said he couldn't wait to look up that issue to see my shot.
I am so very grateful for friends and family who offer such kind words and support for my photography. As good as that is, there's something so very fulfilling about hearing interest and compliments from a stranger. Maybe they were just being nice, but I don't think so. It sounds a bit new age-y, but I thank them for the good vibes they gave me this morning.