I Learned From That

The New Year is just around the corner!  As I do every new year I silently vow to do something different, or change something I should, but haven't.  So, this New Year I'll be consistent with the past and I'll make a change.

In my previous blogs, I usually talked about photography in general, but nothing too technical, or in depth. This year I will talk about mistakes I've made and learned from, hence the name "I Learned From That". Basically, because I am not an instructor of photography, I think I can better serve those up and coming photographers and remind those that are professionals by sharing my blunders.

Recently while shooting the Honolulu city skyline I was doing all the right stuff, I thought. I arrived about an hour and thirty minutes before dusk, so I could take advantage of the late afternoon sun; which shines perfect on the skyline. This particular day was cloudy, but as the sunset lower it dropped below the clouds and worked its' magic.

As I walked up and down the harbor channel looking for a good spot, I was taking hand held shots, and occasionally mounting the camera on my tripod. I was using my Canon 70-300mm IS taking care to switch off the image stabilizer when I mounted my camera on the tripod.

After carefully selecting what I felt was the right spot, I set up shop. Although it wasn't extremely windy, there was a cool gentle ocean breeze flowing and I hadn't taken this in to account. My camera was mounted on my tripod to provide stability for low light situations thus allowing me to get clean focused shots.

After taking several shots I would pause and wait for the sun to set a little further, and take a few more shots; continuing this until I was satisfied that I had taken several quality photographs. 

Because I always leave the strap attached to my camera the wind became a factor. It was blowing strong enough to make the strap vibrate the tripod and occasionally hit the tripod legs. Usually not a problem, except for low light situations.

When the shutter speed is much slower, and the shutter remains open longer, it is very critical to ensure that the tripod is steady and nothing interferes like vibration. Satisfied with what I had I was off to the races.  If you've read my previous blogs you might remember, that I usually don't review my shots until I download them.  I do this because I believe it makes you a better photographer. 

When I downloaded my pictures I immediately began viewing the night shots and was somewhat dismayed because the majority of the photos were blurred. I am fortunate that I live in the same place that I took my photographs.  Although I will never be able to duplicate the lighting I will be able able to get similar shots and that will be sufficient for me.

The lesson I learned was very valuable, because had I been on some far away assignment, I probably wouldn't be able to get back to the same location anytime soon.  Next time I shoot in a similar situation I will remove the strap from my camera.

If you have any tips or have experienced similar situations pleas add your comments so all can benefit from lessons learned.  As always thanks for visiting my blog and please visit my website at www.dannylbaker.com

Christmas Lights

  (Honolulu City Lights Display at Honolulu Hale)

Have you every taken pictures of city lights at night and the sky is totally black? once you download the pictures it just doesn't look too appealing to me.  I took these photographs recently while waiting to meet my wife. 

I took advantage of this time while she was shopping. My intentions were to capture the Honolulu City Lights display just before darkness totally set in.  I call this the sweet spot.  You can see that there is still some blueness to the sky. I think this gives the picture added color while still being able to see the Christmas lights and background relatively clear.  If you notice the train with the smoke cascading from its' smoke stack gives the appearance that the train is moving. This is because the shutter speed was slow.

Although I did capture Santa Claus waving the Shaka sign (Shaka Sign is a hand gesture usually used in Hawaii as a greeting or to acknowledge kindness someone has shown you but is not limited to these two examples).   during daylight hours.  As a photographer you take advantage of every situation while on a self assignment or on any other assignment for that matter.

Overall it was fun and very rewarding and I think that's what it's all about just have fun. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year or Mele Kalikimaka and Hau'oli Makahiki Hou! Happy photographing and please send any comments or suggestion you may have.