by successfulbob | Lumix GX7, Lumix Lounge, musician photography, photography, photography gear
The carved metal sign vibrated with the color I was chasing. Add the blues music accompanied by this signage and it was the start of a great evening. Able to photograph blues musicians while not on assignment allowed me to try some new techniques and experiment with different settings.
I included the hanging light in the foreground as a semi-complimentary
color to set off the blue of the light on the sign.
Host RJ Howson with Guest Sidney Wingfield on-stage at the Blue Rooster on 4th Street in Sarasota
Blues piano & Sidney Wingfield frame blues guitarist RJ Howson live at the Blue Rooster.
GX7 camera preset Sepia tone of RJ making blues with his guitar.
Sidney Wingfield keyboard player with personality!!! Wonderful vocals too!
Most photos in this post were captured with the 35-100 f2.8 Vario lens. A few done with the 12-35 f2.8 Vario lens. All with the Lumix GX7 camera.
Since this blog is for photographers I want to address a thought about camera formats.
I have been shooting with larger formats than the micro 4/3rds for a long time and when I talk to photographers about my preference for the smaller system I often get the question, “Aren’t you afraid your customers won’t think of you as a professional because you have smaller cameras and lenses??” The answer is unequivocally “NO!”
What I find is that people respond to the way I work, my body language and the way I approach capturing an image vs how big my gear is. I choose the proper tool for the job and am respected as a pro for for my finished work and that the files or prints I give to my clients meet all their needs.
Share your thoughts and comments here….
by successfulbob | Lumix GX7, Lumix Lounge, photography, photography education
Been chasing color and realized I meant bright, saturated color. All things have color. Some are just more subtle than others. Just as when you learn and use a language of light you begin to see things differently, changing the thought of the TYPE of color I am looking for is changing the type of images I am trying to capture during my self assigned photography project during my new busman’s holiday. (to see the description of busman’s holiday if you don’t already know)
As I poke through the images from today it looks like blue has started to creep into my images as a target, sometime subtle sometimes in your face…
This bit of blue worked its way into the background of this photo featuring red making the red stand out all the more.
Neon can be difficult to capture… Went into into post-production to bring back some of the image highlights. That’s one great reason to shoot RAW. There was detail there to bring back. The Lumix GX7 had lot’s of detail though the bright range of pixels I thought would be gone.
Will end up at the Blue Rooster listening to some of my favorite music… The Blues!
by successfulbob | Lumix GX7, Lumix Lounge, panorama, photography
People teaming through the streets. Babies being strolled. Dogs walked. And wares presented by vendors as varied as the crayons in a the big box of Crayolas. Saturday at the Sarasota, Florida Farmers Market great supplier of subject fodder in my quest for panorama photographs and color… All images captured with the Lumix GX7 and the 35-100 f2.8 Vario lens
Big field of variegated green with a splash of the surprise contained inside…
Tangerine dream…
Red Peppers pop from the basket…
I’m getting hungry… See you later!
by successfulbob | black & white, Lumix GH3, Lumix GX7, Lumix Lounge, photography, photography - art quote, photography education, photography gear, success education
COLOR!! Seems to be the theme for me this week.
Just after I decided to make color the target for my shooting while traveling in Sarasota I came across the quote for today’s conversation by Pete Turner.
“I am steadily surprised that there are so many photographers that reject manipulating reality, as if that was wrong. Change reality! If you don’t find it, invent it!” – Pete Turner
From Pete’s web site – A pioneer of color photography, Pete Turner’s career began during the infancy of color photography, at a time when color was used almost exclusively for commercial purposes. Unlike many contemporaries, Turner embraced color, seizing opportunities that allowed him to master the process and to create the imagery he felt compelled to make. Unconcerned with the labels of “art” or “commercial,” I invite you to take a peek at Pete’s photos before reading more…
Many photographers upon first starting out say things like, “I would never put a filter in front of my lens, that would be cheating!” Or, “You use Photoshop that’s not really a photograph.” They then trot out the example of Ansel Adams as the master of reality and they are trying to emulate him. What these photographers don’t realize is that Ansel Adams was one of the original manipulators of all photographic materials to show the scene the way he wanted people to see it. Think about the Zone System and his altering of exposure and development to get different details into different areas of the negative, not mention dodging and burning in the darkroom that sometimes took days to pull one print he was happy with..
In Ansel Adams An autobiography from 1984 Adams said, “I will always embrace a credo of excellence in craft and vision; both are difficult to maintain. Photographers are composers in a sense, and the negatives are their scores. In the electronic age, I am sure that scanning techniques will be able to achieve prints of extraordinary subtlety from the original negative scores. If I could return in 20 years or so I would hope to see astounding interpretations of my most expressive images. It is true no one could print my negatives as I did, but they might well get more out of them by electronic means. Image quality is not the product of a machine, but of the person who directs the machine, and there are no limits to imagination and expression.” – Link to full article ‘Inspired by Ansel’ on black and white imaging.
Please remember that the camera does not see as the eye sees. Your pupil expands and contracts imperceptibly allowing you to see detail in the darkest shadows and brightest highlights in a wide dynamic scene
So I offer these thoughts to you. Learn as much as you can to understand what is possible in our medium. Practice what you learn so you have it available to use when you need it. Have a vision and work to achieve that vision no matter what tools it takes to create the final image.
We now have cameras that can help fine-tune our images straight out of the camera. I was never one for using camera pre-sets but the technology has come a long way baby! Now you can tweak the settings from many of the in camera art type settings and make them your own. The Lumix GH3 has some wonderful black and white settings. The Lumix GX7 can do all that plus you can now set curves in-camera. It’s a great time to be a creative pushing the envelope with all the new tools at our disposal!!
And, isn’t it interesting that an article that started out about intense color and vision in photography ends with black and white??
Turner uses ‘in your face’ color and Adams uses the complete tonal ranges in black and white to tell their stories. How will use your camera to tell your stories in your images??
by successfulbob | Lumix GX7, Lumix Lounge, panorama, photography, photography education, photography gear
Color excites me… A smorgasbord with a new palette of color awaits me this next two weeks as I am playing in Sarasota, Florida. Such a change from the orange/red and ochre tones of the desert southwest. It’s a riot and what I’ll be concentrating on while shooting while I’m here… and of course I’ll be playing with the panorama views I can create with the Lumix GX7.
Why do I set expectations for what I am looking for during the trip? I’ve found that if you concentrate on one or two things as targets the quality of images captured goes up. Are panoramas and color the only things I will shoot? Heck no! But When a focus is defined when you go out to capture images there is a tendency to see more. Not quite sure why this works… But it does.
Color combos with greenery in the foreground from St. Armands Circle. Vertical panorama.
New Pass Grill – Orange, black and grey.
The red surrounded by the greens grabbed my attention…
not to mention she has an uncanny resemblance to one of my neighbors!
I really enjoy the portability of the GX7 for street shooting. I’ll be heading to the Farmers Market later today. Can’t wait!
by successfulbob | photography, photography education
Her head was thrown back and with a big smile on her face she said, “Gobble! Gooble! Gooble!! To you too!’ in response to my wishing her a happy Thanksgiving. The fact that she was collecting money in a toll booth on the Florida turnpike this turkey day not fazing her one little bit.
How do you handle situations like having to work on holidays? With a smile and making the best of it? Or, are you one of those that always see the glass half full and try to drag everyone down with you? Next time you are in a less than exemplary personal situation think how you might make life better for those around you. Making people smile is a lot like throwing a pebble in the middle of a still pond. The ripples spread. Making people laugh is like chucking a big ‘ole rock in the middle of the same pond and those waves can help change the world.
One thing that can change your photography world (financially) is learning to share your stories in a way that immediately suck people into your stories and keep them until you can share your message in your blogs or sales materials. I want you to meet Jenika who is teaching me this skill via her course called Irresistible Words. You can get in on the good words too. Save fifty bucks if you order Irresistible Words between now through Cyber Monday. Or, if you want to get the Irresistible Website, normally $159, it will be $109 Save fifty bucks there also.
Or you can go for ‘The Business Library Pack, which includes both for $299 – Save OVER one hundred bucks off regular retail price for both items!
The cool part about Jenika’s deals is this… You get 30 days to check out the material.
Why? Because sometimes it’s hard to decide what education to invest in, because you can’t be sure beforehand whether the education will help in the way it says it will help. Jenika is insanely dedicated to making sure that this information helps as many people as possible, so try it risk-free. Check out her web site to see how she will happily refund your money. Psychology for Photographers and Other Creatives.
by successfulbob | photography education, success education
I was asked to post on a forum the things I am thankful for and I thought I’d share them here… How about you? What are you thankful for??
I am constantly aware of how thankful I am for being one of the luckiest people on the face of the planet earth.
My wife Holly who supports what I do in so many ways.
Fellow photographers over the centuries and years who share their knowledge through books, seminars, workshops and allow me to stand upon their shoulders to create images that have been impossible in the past.
That I can say no to jobs that I don’t feel are right for me.
For all the educational opportunities available to expand my knowledge.
For the genes passed by my parents which have given me the talent, patience, work ethic and good looks
; )> to allow me to succeed in business and personal relationships.
Being able to travel outside the borders of the US receiving a world view to realize how truly wonderful we have it here under the American flag.
For those who have gone above and beyond in service to our country.
That I have all my senses intact, to see, to hear and feel with intensity.
For the general good health that is mine… and for the occasional health problems that remind me of how good I really feel.
For friends and fellow photographers who I can support in their projects with ideas and who support and cheer me on in my endeavors.
That I am able to share my knowledge with other photographers through giving programs which in turn becomes a platform for me to learn even more.
For the new micro 4/3rds format cameras which have given me a new excitement in photography because of the fact I can now have my camera in my hot little hands all the time.
My relationship with Panasonic as a sponsor for photography education programs.
The fact that I am able to give back to, and support, my community through photography.
I’m thankful that I get to deliver Meals on Wheels and share a small part of my week with those who need a little help in my dad’s honor. This selfishly allows me to spend some spiritual time with my father who passed away over five years ago. At that time he was still delivering MOW to, as he said, “the old folks” at age 86. I had promised to pick up a route when I said goodbye…
Music and musicians!
Good food. And, the occasional bad meal which makes me appreciate good food all the more!
Good wine.
Beauty.
Did I mention my wife Holly? She’s the best!
by successfulbob | black & white, commercial photography, Lumix GX7, Lumix Lounge, musician photography, photography, photography education, success education
He was wailing on the guitar.
Strangely enough it was in front of the stucco wall in back of my house. Light reflected from the red rock gravel underfoot. I kept cheering him on and on!! A crowd of one exciting the performer in him until I knew we had the intense performance look we wanted for the back of his latest guitar CD cover…
Robin Miller with his new CD Electric Atmosphere a collection of guitar music. He signed the insert with the same image, “Bob, Thank you for your awesome talent.” Robin Miller – Here’s a link to check out his music. Very cool!
But wait. This job was secured because I now have a camera that accompanies me almost all the time… I ran into Robin at work playing his music at Tlaquepaque Village (yeah it took me a long time to learn how to say that name too) In an offhand way he asked if I was available to create a musician portrait photo for his next CD. I quickly changed some settings on my Lumix GX7 camera… SQUARE CROP. ILLUSTRATIVE ART SETTING. ADJUST TO BLACK & WHITE. Fired off a few frames. Showed Robin the look I had in mind for him. A smile spread across his face from ear to ear and we agreed to shoot the final image back at my place. The rest as they say is history…
How many times have you been without a camera because it was too much of a PIA to carry around? Mine is my new constant companion because of the small size and quality of the file and glass… WAHOOOO!
Oh, and I just happened to have my camera with me to catch this shot of Robin with the finished CD…
by successfulbob | fine art photography, photography, photography education, success education
Poking around in other genres of art helps me find clarification for my art thoughts. This week it’s writing and John Steinbeck is the author of today’s Photo/Art quote… “In art the subject upon which you concentrate is unimportant; it is the quality of your concentration that counts.”
Think about it. What makes you go ‘WOW!’ when you see an image? Often it doesn’t even matter what the subject is. But the lighting or angle or treatment that makes us see the it in a new way. This was brought to light when I was speaking in Grand Rapids to a photo group and threw myself a challenge… Take a found object and turn it into a piece of art. I found a paper clip and informed the class of my objective and received looks that ranged from “He’s out of his mind!’ to “There ain’t no frickin’ way!”
About a third of the way into the exercise I was getting ready to believe the nay-sayers and give up. Perseverance won the day and the paper clip turned into what you see here in this link.
My challenge to you today is to take something simple, whether it be a scene, an object or a person and through your skills concentrate and work it until you have an image that makes people either see it in a new way or go “WOW!!” Good luck.
by successfulbob | photography, photography education, success education
The stallion’s ebony mane flew like feathers in the breeze created by the speed of his flight across the desert plain. It’s the quintessential image of freedom. Witness to the energy of one ‘horsepower’ moving with grace I felt a charge welling up inside… And I was moved. Almost lost the shot I was so entwined in the moment. But, I didn’t. Slowly I squeezed the shutter and captured the moment to share with you in the hope you get a taste and feel what I feel when viewing this power.
Horse galloping in a Monument Valley box canyon.
I’ve always had an interest in the power of equine movement. Now, I’m starting to learn how to share the experience through the written word, as well as the visual, so others can understand my emotion in the moment. You can learn to share in an engaging way too.
If you want to make money in your business you need to entertain your customers. Writing in an emotional and visual manner will move people to sales because they read your message and understand.
Here’s some help for you. I ran into Jenika via her blog ‘Psychology for Photographers and Other Creatives’. I bought her ‘Irresistible Words’ class & I feel my writing is now encouraging my guests to hang around and really understand what I am trying to share.
You can get in on the good words too. Save fifty bucks if you order Irresistible Words between late Thanksgiving evening through Cyber Monday.
Or if you want to get the Irresistible Website, normally $159, it will be $109 Save fifty bucks
Or you can go for ‘The Business Library Pack, which includes both for $299 – Save OVER one hundred bucks off regular retail price for both items!
The cool part about Jenika’s deals is this… You get 30 days to check out the material.
Why? Because sometimes it’s hard to decide what education to invest in, because you can’t be sure beforehand whether the education will help in the way it says it will help. Jenika is insanely dedicated to making sure that this information helps as many people as possible, so try it risk-free. Check out her web site to see how she will happily refund your money.
