Sometimes I find myself taking my photography too seriously and need to remind myself to take time to just ‘play’. Last year I attended a National Geographic Seminar in Philly called, ‘Putting the WOW! In Your Nature Photography’. The presenters were Michael Melford and Eddie Soloway. Eddie encouraged the idea of play, suggesting we ‘wander’ and take a look at what’s happening at what he called the ‘back of the stage’. (I interpreted this to mean, be on the lookout for the less obvious.) He spoke of a child’s curiosity and ‘sense of wonder’. Truth be told, I often go out shooting to a specific location with a preconceived idea of the type of image I want. This adds unnecessary pressure to the outing and can often result in disappointment when the conditions are not in alignment. When I open myself up to play, I have more fun and sometimes come away with new ideas. The photo below is merely play or perhaps a study, and not something that will end up in my online gallery. Reflections are always fun and this image reminded me to ‘play’!
This abstract photo of some bog ice and tree shadows has me wanting to explore ice as a subject. It was a warm day and the ice was getting soft. I am not sure what created the holes — maybe twigs or pine needles. The original photo was almost monochrome so I converted it to B&W.
I was very happy to learn that my photo ‘Jefferson at Dawn’ received a top award medal in the New Jersey Federation of Camera Club’s recent print competition, group A. Entries included members of camera clubs throughout the state. While at a photo workshop last April my friend Wendy and I, along with a couple we had met on a previous workshop, CK and Lori, decided to go it on our own. We got up in the pre dawn hours and took a cab to the Jefferson Memorial. As we arrived a tour bus pulled up — we couldn’t believe it. It was still dark! We hurried to the spot we had scouted the day before while in the workshop, got out our flashlights, quickly mounted our cameras to our tripods and started shooting, before the tourists made their way into the scene. I am happy I decided to go for it as this is my favorite shot from the trip. This image will now be entered in a ‘Tops in NJ’ competition which can be any previous NJFCC winning photo.
When up in Maine this past Fall a fellow photog gave me the idea to freeze leaves in water then photograph them. When I got home I did just that. I collected some leaves, put them in various shallow containers filled with water and placed them in the freezer. Once frozen, I set up my light box near a window for natural light and put bubble wrap on top of it to cut down on some of the back light. I put my frozen specimen on top of the bubble wrap and used a macro lens to get in close, capturing the detail in the ice.
Here is another photo taken on the same morning as the orchard shot below. This barn is usually very ordinary looking and the snow added something that was needed. It is at the Red Lion Circle, behind the old donut shop. The original photo contained very little color so I decided to go all the way and make it B&W.
I pass this barn everyday on my way to work. It's located at the Red Lion Circle.
We in South Jersey awoke to a beautiful snow scene on Tuesday the 4th. The thought of having to go into work was killing me. I managed to get out the door a little early and made a few stops with my camera along the way. This is my favorite — an old orchard I pass everyday — twice a day.
This is a story I wrote for the South Jersey Camera Cub Newsletter about a trip some of us took up to my friends’ resort in the Catskills. The club version included photos by some of my fellow travelers.
On January 23rd through the 25th several South Jersey Camera Club members (Ralph Berglund, Denise Bush, Linda Hollinger, Mike Pillows, Florence Robin, Skip & Carla Vandegrift, Elaine Walsh) met in the Catskills for a fun Photographer’s Weekend. Joining them were members from the Cranberry Digital Photography Club, the Maple Shade-Moorestown Camera Club, Crestwood Camera Club, Flushing Camera Club and the Millburn/Cranford Camera Club. Participants of this Photo Weekend stayed at the Glen Falls House Resort in Round Top, New York, situated on the northern border of the Catskill region. The very affordable package included dinner Friday, three meals on Saturday, a brunch on Sunday and a two-night stay. The grounds are home to two waterfalls and a stream. On Saturday morning and afternoon photo tours were lead by two area photographers. The morning tour was lead by Ron Chiminelli, an energetic guy who took participants to several spots. In the afternoon Francis Driscoll took participants to a very out-of-the-way valley and waterfall called Diamond Knotch Falls. It was a short hike from the cars. There was snow on the ground and the areas were very picturesque. There was a Karaoke party at the resort’s bar Saturday night but details cannot be disclosed! On Sunday morning the temperature was 1 degree. After brunch just a few went to Ice Box Falls. It was a short hike behind the Glen Falls House and what looked like bobcat tracks were spotted along the way! The falls were surrounded by ice, creating unique photo opportunities. The weekend was a great chance to get away and see some different scenery without having to drive too far.
The Glen Falls Resort, owned and operated by my friend, Rich Rosado and wife, Maria.The Rip Van Winkle Bridge spans the Hudson River. The Catskills are in the background.I isolated these 'twin trees' using a telephoto lens. The Catskills are in the background.I like the way the 'winter shadows' create an abstract pattern on the snow.
I was especially interested in the ice forming in the swift and very cold streams.
Denise Bush's Photo Blog 