What’s Your Most Memorable Photo Moment in 2008
December 23, 2008
What’s your most memorable photo experience in 2008? For me, it has to be my trip to Alaska and the Katmai Coast to photograph Coastal Brown Bears. It was the trip of a lifetime, and while I’m lucky in that I get to take many such trips, this one was particularly special for me.
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Scott, what are you using to cover your camera? I love to shoot in the rain, but have yet to find a camera cover I like (though I haven’t tried many).
Scott, what are you using to cover your camera? I love to shoot in the rain, but have yet to find a camera cover I like (though I haven’t tried many).
Great question, and a hard one. This is the third year of my kickstart to photography, and the first year that I feel I’m getting the hang of it. In order to improve my photography, I’ve switched to full manual at all times, am shooting exclusively in RAW, and have graduated from iPhoto to Lightroom for processing. My trusty (if aging) Nikon D50 and 50mm1.8f and I had a lot of great fun in ’08, but if I had to pick a single shot, I’d say it was a cropped headshot of my wife, her hair whipping around in the late October wind, while at the changing of the guards at the Horse Guards in London. A personal choice, I know, but I am happy to say she uses it herself as her profile picture on all those social networks!
Great question, and a hard one. This is the third year of my kickstart to photography, and the first year that I feel I’m getting the hang of it. In order to improve my photography, I’ve switched to full manual at all times, am shooting exclusively in RAW, and have graduated from iPhoto to Lightroom for processing. My trusty (if aging) Nikon D50 and 50mm1.8f and I had a lot of great fun in ’08, but if I had to pick a single shot, I’d say it was a cropped headshot of my wife, her hair whipping around in the late October wind, while at the changing of the guards at the Horse Guards in London. A personal choice, I know, but I am happy to say she uses it herself as her profile picture on all those social networks!
Mine too was in Alaska – In September, camping at Wonder Lake near the foot of Mt. McKinley the stars were out that night, so my wife and I got up early and started shooting the sunrise on the mountain: it was terrific. Then, a moose wandered across the vista. I grabbed my wife’s camera and took off to frome the moose and the mountain, while she continued with the sunrise shots on the tripod. I lost him in the brush for a while and got cut to ribbons trying to find him, but when I did he was about 75 feet away on a knoll with the mountains behind. I don’t have (can’t afford) a D3 so the shot is a little noisy (ISO 1600 to get 1/60th) but it was my most memorable of 2008.
Mine too was in Alaska – In September, camping at Wonder Lake near the foot of Mt. McKinley the stars were out that night, so my wife and I got up early and started shooting the sunrise on the mountain: it was terrific. Then, a moose wandered across the vista. I grabbed my wife’s camera and took off to frome the moose and the mountain, while she continued with the sunrise shots on the tripod. I lost him in the brush for a while and got cut to ribbons trying to find him, but when I did he was about 75 feet away on a knoll with the mountains behind. I don’t have (can’t afford) a D3 so the shot is a little noisy (ISO 1600 to get 1/60th) but it was my most memorable of 2008.
My moment would definitely be the “exploding” garbage truck … (ok ok, just the tires exploded but it was loud!). It got my adrenaline pumping, for sure!
http://flickr.com/photos/nicolesy/3100807103/
My moment would definitely be the “exploding” garbage truck … (ok ok, just the tires exploded but it was loud!). It got my adrenaline pumping, for sure!
http://flickr.com/photos/nicolesy/3100807103/
For me it was our trip to Greece and Italy in February. We went with my step-daughter on an educational trip, and it was amazing. I got to shoot in some really magical places. Changed my life at as a shooter. Our trip’s Web site is http://www.testify2008.com if you’re interested. We traveled through the NEC educational program, and ‘testify’ was our safety word for pickpockets, which turned into, of course with teenagers, a wildly running gag :D
For me it was our trip to Greece and Italy in February. We went with my step-daughter on an educational trip, and it was amazing. I got to shoot in some really magical places. Changed my life at as a shooter. Our trip’s Web site is http://www.testify2008.com if you’re interested. We traveled through the NEC educational program, and ‘testify’ was our safety word for pickpockets, which turned into, of course with teenagers, a wildly running gag :D
For me it was not photo that I took but one with special meaning that I have dealt with after very long time.
I got negative scanner this year to scan my photos made prior to the digital revolution. By shear coincidence the first set I grabbed from disorganized bunch turned out to be the first film I shot with Photography in mind, way back in the 7th grade (to digress for those with children – I got my first “my own” camera in second grade and have considered that move of my parents to be a pure genius. So it took about 5 yrs. to go from snapshots to self-expressed artistic interest.). That day I decided to make some beautiful images and purposefully set a trip by myself to the Zoo. The very first image I took came by just outside our apartment building. I saw a cat on a nearby tree and decided it would make a great silhouette. (Well, it didn’t, but who cares, I tried). Later I developed the film and made the print but life went on and I don’t know if I ever saw it again until this year as a first frame I scanned on my new scanner… Very pleasant surprise.
Though of no general photographic consequence, here it is:
http://maletic.org/catsilhouette.jpg
For me it was not photo that I took but one with special meaning that I have dealt with after very long time.
I got negative scanner this year to scan my photos made prior to the digital revolution. By shear coincidence the first set I grabbed from disorganized bunch turned out to be the first film I shot with Photography in mind, way back in the 7th grade (to digress for those with children – I got my first “my own” camera in second grade and have considered that move of my parents to be a pure genius. So it took about 5 yrs. to go from snapshots to self-expressed artistic interest.). That day I decided to make some beautiful images and purposefully set a trip by myself to the Zoo. The very first image I took came by just outside our apartment building. I saw a cat on a nearby tree and decided it would make a great silhouette. (Well, it didn’t, but who cares, I tried). Later I developed the film and made the print but life went on and I don’t know if I ever saw it again until this year as a first frame I scanned on my new scanner… Very pleasant surprise.
Though of no general photographic consequence, here it is:
http://maletic.org/catsilhouette.jpg
Not a specific trip, but I’ve started taking my 12 yr old daughter with me when I do photo shots (children’s outdoor portraits) and esp. when I do contest entry photo shoots. She helps carry my gear, watches what I do, and then sees things she wants to try shooting. I’m having the joy of seeing the next generation develop an eye for photography as well as developing (no pun intended) memories in her mind that she’ll cherish the rest of her life.
Not a specific trip, but I’ve started taking my 12 yr old daughter with me when I do photo shots (children’s outdoor portraits) and esp. when I do contest entry photo shoots. She helps carry my gear, watches what I do, and then sees things she wants to try shooting. I’m having the joy of seeing the next generation develop an eye for photography as well as developing (no pun intended) memories in her mind that she’ll cherish the rest of her life.
I would have to say my labor day trip to Big Bear, CA. That was a great outing with friends and I took perhaps my favorite bird photo to date; the morning we were leaving we stopped at Rocky Bay to do some family pictures. By the water a group of children were feeding some mallards bread. I took some random pics of them standing in the water and flapping their wings. One particular shot was right on and when we got home and I looked at it I knew it was my favorite. Scott you’ve mentioned something about picking one shot from a set or outing and in this case, I have my singular achievement. This photo is named “Flapper Girl” on our website, if anyone cares to look.
Thanks for the share scot, yours is a bit more suspenseful than mine!!
I would have to say my labor day trip to Big Bear, CA. That was a great outing with friends and I took perhaps my favorite bird photo to date; the morning we were leaving we stopped at Rocky Bay to do some family pictures. By the water a group of children were feeding some mallards bread. I took some random pics of them standing in the water and flapping their wings. One particular shot was right on and when we got home and I looked at it I knew it was my favorite. Scott you’ve mentioned something about picking one shot from a set or outing and in this case, I have my singular achievement. This photo is named “Flapper Girl” on our website, if anyone cares to look.
Thanks for the share scot, yours is a bit more suspenseful than mine!!
For me the most memorable shooting experience this year would have to be getting a press pass to help out my good friend and Portland Freelance photographer for the Oregon State vs Cal game. It was my first time shooting a NCAA Div 1 game on the field and I was fortunate enough to get some shots I was quite happy with!
http://gallery.me.com/nick.nieto#100035&view=mosaic&bgcolor=black&sel=14
For me the most memorable shooting experience this year would have to be getting a press pass to help out my good friend and Portland Freelance photographer for the Oregon State vs Cal game. It was my first time shooting a NCAA Div 1 game on the field and I was fortunate enough to get some shots I was quite happy with!
http://gallery.me.com/nick.nieto#100035&view=mosaic&bgcolor=black&sel=14
@Forrest it’s a rain cover from ThinkTank. http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_HydroPhb.php
@Forrest it’s a rain cover from ThinkTank. http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_HydroPhb.php
My most memorable moment was the entirety of filming a television series for Bravo, where a couple cameramen followed myself and my team of photographers trespassing through some of Europe’s most spectacular abandoned buildings. If you’d like to see the show’s promo video, here ya go: http://www.vimeo.com/1845956
My most memorable moment this year was my week long photo safari in South Africa. My wife and I saved up for almost 2 years to go on the trip and it was worth every penny! I really hope to go back and explore some other areas of Africa in the future.
My most memorable moment this year was my week long photo safari in South Africa. My wife and I saved up for almost 2 years to go on the trip and it was worth every penny! I really hope to go back and explore some other areas of Africa in the future.
Scott: I would have thought that nailing a shot you’ve been waiting 20+ years for would have qualified, too. Then again, this year seems to have been a good year for you, so…
For me, it was a moment where nothing was working. I was taking pictures of a teen against a night sky. I tried painting him in with a flashlight, but it just wasn’t working.
At the same time, I was running a wide game at camp. That’s where you get two teams and have them run around like maniacs after dark trying to do something or other. In this case, they had glow sticks and were playing a version of capture the flag. The game ended, and I called the group over. “Stand behind him and wave your glowsticks” I said.
After a couple false starts, I got this…http://www.flickr.com/photos/i4detail/2747905384/
Scott: I would have thought that nailing a shot you’ve been waiting 20+ years for would have qualified, too. Then again, this year seems to have been a good year for you, so…
For me, it was a moment where nothing was working. I was taking pictures of a teen against a night sky. I tried painting him in with a flashlight, but it just wasn’t working.
At the same time, I was running a wide game at camp. That’s where you get two teams and have them run around like maniacs after dark trying to do something or other. In this case, they had glow sticks and were playing a version of capture the flag. The game ended, and I called the group over. “Stand behind him and wave your glowsticks” I said.
After a couple false starts, I got this…http://www.flickr.com/photos/i4detail/2747905384/
My most memorable photo was my trip to Alaska also… 7 day cruise to the inside passage! It was a life changing experience! Maybe next time it will be Bears :)
My most memorable photo was my trip to Alaska also… 7 day cruise to the inside passage! It was a life changing experience! Maybe next time it will be Bears :)
@Trent I wanted to find a way to memorialize both the Cranes shot and the bear trip so tomorrow’s post is related to “photograph” of the year whereas this post is “photo moment” or “experience.” Not much distinction I know but it gives me a chance to talk about both :)
@Trent I wanted to find a way to memorialize both the Cranes shot and the bear trip so tomorrow’s post is related to “photograph” of the year whereas this post is “photo moment” or “experience.” Not much distinction I know but it gives me a chance to talk about both :)
My favorite photo moment of the year would have to be right after i purchased my first SLR (canon rebel XTi) with my christmas money and was then able to go with my high school on a trip to Washington DC for the “right to life march”. The conditions were absolutely disgusting, rain, clouds etc…but it was a ton of fun and a great experience as well!!! i did manage to get a few decent shots even though i was just learn ing still!!
My favorite photo moment of the year would have to be right after i purchased my first SLR (canon rebel XTi) with my christmas money and was then able to go with my high school on a trip to Washington DC for the “right to life march”. The conditions were absolutely disgusting, rain, clouds etc…but it was a ton of fun and a great experience as well!!! i did manage to get a few decent shots even though i was just learn ing still!!
For me it would have to be my trip to Singapore. I was there to shoot the Singapore Airshow. Just a great experience overall. The people, The Culture, and the great Photo Opportunities.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21799418@N06/2345282095/
For me it would have to be my trip to Singapore. I was there to shoot the Singapore Airshow. Just a great experience overall. The people, The Culture, and the great Photo Opportunities.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21799418@N06/2345282095/
For me, it was tramping around the Abel Tasman National Park region in New Zealand, camera in hand, and Twip in ear. ;)
For me, it was tramping around the Abel Tasman National Park region in New Zealand, camera in hand, and Twip in ear. ;)
I found this in my back yard. it screamed if you poured water on it.
http://flickr.com/photos/trumcgowan/2661148811/
I found this in my back yard. it screamed if you poured water on it.
http://flickr.com/photos/trumcgowan/2661148811/
My favorite photography experience was my second paid photography session. My first was a family reunion that went well and the clients were happy, but I made a lot of mistakes that required extra work in post. These mistakes were simple things that should have been caught through the view finder rather than the monitor.
My second session was for a high school senior. I was able to stay focused and calm and was able to get it right the first time. These pictures came out great with little to no extra work in post. It was a very satisfying experience for me, and my clients were very happy with the results. Its not very glamorous, but to feel like a photographer rather than just a guy with a camera was great.
My favorite photography experience was my second paid photography session. My first was a family reunion that went well and the clients were happy, but I made a lot of mistakes that required extra work in post. These mistakes were simple things that should have been caught through the view finder rather than the monitor.
My second session was for a high school senior. I was able to stay focused and calm and was able to get it right the first time. These pictures came out great with little to no extra work in post. It was a very satisfying experience for me, and my clients were very happy with the results. Its not very glamorous, but to feel like a photographer rather than just a guy with a camera was great.
I think my most memorable experience this year was just simply buying my first dslr. I probably never have been happier in my life it was such a great feeling to finally feel like a photographer.
my most memorable photo moment was definatly when i was on the field at spruce meadows this september :D
About two weeks ago we had the full moon passing over at it’s closest to the Earth for a long time. The clouds cleared around midnight and I went out to take a few pics up here in the Black Forest in Southern Germany. I think the Earth and Moon were deeply in love that night, such a beautiful experience -still, deep blue, and magical.
James
Freiburg, Germany
About two weeks ago we had the full moon passing over at it’s closest to the Earth for a long time. The clouds cleared around midnight and I went out to take a few pics up here in the Black Forest in Southern Germany. I think the Earth and Moon were deeply in love that night, such a beautiful experience -still, deep blue, and magical.
James
Freiburg, Germany
This is an interesting idea.
Usually the most memorable moment comes with the most memorable shot. I find that for me it’s not quite the same either.
My most memorable “moment” was a period of a 2 hours setting up and getting a shot of two high-profile financial execs against a the downtown skyline to be run in a particular magazine founded by a motorcycle rider named Malcom. :)
Deadline was VERY tight – less than 24 hours.
The two execs were fantastic to work with. Just “regular guys” who happen to run a multi-billion dollar business. VERY smart and on the ball. I only had 10 minutes with them but the whole shoot went great and the marketing VP on site was also fantastic to work with. All around my most positive commercial experience yet even though the pressure was tremendous. They were also happy with the shots which helps.
My most memorable shot of the year is something else entirely. :)
This is an interesting idea.
Usually the most memorable moment comes with the most memorable shot. I find that for me it’s not quite the same either.
My most memorable “moment” was a period of a 2 hours setting up and getting a shot of two high-profile financial execs against a the downtown skyline to be run in a particular magazine founded by a motorcycle rider named Malcom. :)
Deadline was VERY tight – less than 24 hours.
The two execs were fantastic to work with. Just “regular guys” who happen to run a multi-billion dollar business. VERY smart and on the ball. I only had 10 minutes with them but the whole shoot went great and the marketing VP on site was also fantastic to work with. All around my most positive commercial experience yet even though the pressure was tremendous. They were also happy with the shots which helps.
My most memorable shot of the year is something else entirely. :)
My moment was taking pictures of my youngest son finally qualifing for the state tennis tournament after four years of coming so close. It gets very hard to take those shots, be a proud and extremely nervous father all at the same time. I did get some great shots of him even with all the anxiety.
Walking around Gettysburg listening to a park ranger talk about Pickett’s Charge. That was the moment the place stopped being a bunch of memorials in a field and became a place that I had a personal connection too. It changed the way I looked at the pictures I took that day.
Walking around Gettysburg listening to a park ranger talk about Pickett’s Charge. That was the moment the place stopped being a bunch of memorials in a field and became a place that I had a personal connection too. It changed the way I looked at the pictures I took that day.
My favorite photography moment was getting to follow some members of a Star Wars costuming group around the streets of Portland, Oregon with 4 other local photographers. We got some great shots that day. Watching peoples reactions to a group of Stormtroopers, Darth Vader and Princess Leia wander around downtown was almost as fun as shooting it. It was a lot of fun trying to think, compose and shoot in the rain while watching traffic and paying attention to backgrounds. It was a great lesson, and just a ton of fun. I hope to do it again this next year.
These are some of my shots:http://flickr.com/photos/viewsfromtwo/sets/72157608794162539/detail/
My favorite photography moment was getting to follow some members of a Star Wars costuming group around the streets of Portland, Oregon with 4 other local photographers. We got some great shots that day. Watching peoples reactions to a group of Stormtroopers, Darth Vader and Princess Leia wander around downtown was almost as fun as shooting it. It was a lot of fun trying to think, compose and shoot in the rain while watching traffic and paying attention to backgrounds. It was a great lesson, and just a ton of fun. I hope to do it again this next year.
These are some of my shots:http://flickr.com/photos/viewsfromtwo/sets/72157608794162539/detail/
My most memorable moment was sitting on top of a peak 600 feet above Island Lake photographing the sunset. Never mind that it was 40 degrees with the wind gusting 30mph.
My most memorable moment was sitting on top of a peak 600 feet above Island Lake photographing the sunset. Never mind that it was 40 degrees with the wind gusting 30mph.
Great question. Mine was walking tripod in hand, in the dark, looking for the coyottes baying nearby, walking back from Cottonwood Cove in South Coyotte Buttes area in Arizona. Completely alone in the desert night, walking on a prehistoric sandy beach.
My most memorable “moment” was a DLWS workshop in Moab, UT, in March. I got to meet and shoot with Moose Peterson ( I know, I know), Laurie Excel, Kevin Dobler, and Joe McNally. Joe was the highlight of the week. He is a master of his craft and a legend but the most easygoing, down-to-earth guy you’d ever want to meet. I will always remember his warmth and enthusiasm.
My most memorable “moment” was a DLWS workshop in Moab, UT, in March. I got to meet and shoot with Moose Peterson ( I know, I know), Laurie Excel, Kevin Dobler, and Joe McNally. Joe was the highlight of the week. He is a master of his craft and a legend but the most easygoing, down-to-earth guy you’d ever want to meet. I will always remember his warmth and enthusiasm.
A few weeks ago, while shooting a Palestinian protest in Miami, I checked my iphone and saw an email that TIME Magazine wanted to use a photo I took at one of the attendance-record shattering events at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, FL. This was may immediate thought for an obvious response to this question. However, I think that I would have to say that just being there (and somehow getting a press pass [it's a long, but funny, story], and getting to photograph such a historic event . . . hell, just to be there for such a historic event . . . that would have to be my most memorable moment (or photographic afternoon) in 2008. (I’ll leave out the part about how my 70-200′s AF system crapped out about halfway through :)
Here is the gallery from that event: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsrcyclist/sets/72157605223435667/
This is the photo that was in the TIME Person of the Year issue (small, but with credit — and yes, Scott & Steve, I know I should’ve insisted on pay [I did try], but at the end of the day, for me, it wasn’t really about the money, or even the photo-credit . . . it was about knowing that I was in some way involved with a major blip on the historic radar :)
Cheers,
JR
A few weeks ago, while shooting a Palestinian protest in Miami, I checked my iphone and saw an email that TIME Magazine wanted to use a photo I took at one of the attendance-record shattering events at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, FL. This was may immediate thought for an obvious response to this question. However, I think that I would have to say that just being there (and somehow getting a press pass [it's a long, but funny, story], and getting to photograph such a historic event . . . hell, just to be there for such a historic event . . . that would have to be my most memorable moment (or photographic afternoon) in 2008. (I’ll leave out the part about how my 70-200′s AF system crapped out about halfway through :)
Here is the gallery from that event: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsrcyclist/sets/72157605223435667/
This is the photo that was in the TIME Person of the Year issue (small, but with credit — and yes, Scott & Steve, I know I should’ve insisted on pay [I did try], but at the end of the day, for me, it wasn’t really about the money, or even the photo-credit . . . it was about knowing that I was in some way involved with a major blip on the historic radar :)
Cheers,
JR
My most memorable was the opportunity to shoot in an operating room in Liberia, West Africa with a hospital ship. I was nervous going into it, but once I started shooting I was so excited with the shots I was capturing. It was a joy to see how these people’s lives were changed as a result of these free surgeries.
My most memorable was the opportunity to shoot in an operating room in Liberia, West Africa with a hospital ship. I was nervous going into it, but once I started shooting I was so excited with the shots I was capturing. It was a joy to see how these people’s lives were changed as a result of these free surgeries.
My first experience with a long lens. A kind acquaintance lent me his Canon 100-400 IS zoom for an eco-cruise on New Jersey’s Hackensack and Passaic Rivers. We experienced a beguiling mix of natural beauty and urban infrastructure: Sunrise over the meadows with a backlit Manhattan skyline, crumbling old bridges, hundreds of marsh birds, floating trash, downtown Newark seen from the river, jets and trains, and fishermen.
My eyes and arms were exhausted after 4 hours of shooting. I had a great time and some of my shots were decent. http://www.flickr.com/photos/valann/sets/72157608091318341/detail/
My first experience with a long lens. A kind acquaintance lent me his Canon 100-400 IS zoom for an eco-cruise on New Jersey’s Hackensack and Passaic Rivers. We experienced a beguiling mix of natural beauty and urban infrastructure: Sunrise over the meadows with a backlit Manhattan skyline, crumbling old bridges, hundreds of marsh birds, floating trash, downtown Newark seen from the river, jets and trains, and fishermen.
My eyes and arms were exhausted after 4 hours of shooting. I had a great time and some of my shots were decent. http://www.flickr.com/photos/valann/sets/72157608091318341/detail/
My most memorable photo experience for me this year was my spring trip to the Smoky Mountains for the wildflower pilgrimage. An incredible trip where I totally fell in the love with the Smokies and that helped me really start focusing my photography.
The best moment of the trip was sunrise on April 22. I photographed it from the parking lot at Clingman’s Dome. Here is the photo of the sunrise.
My most memorable photo experience for me this year was my spring trip to the Smoky Mountains for the wildflower pilgrimage. An incredible trip where I totally fell in the love with the Smokies and that helped me really start focusing my photography.
The best moment of the trip was sunrise on April 22. I photographed it from the parking lot at Clingman’s Dome. Here is the photo of the sunrise.
Scott: Without a doubt the most memorable for 2008 was a week long workshop in Moab, UT.
Happy Holidays,
Jim Gilliland
Scott: Without a doubt the most memorable for 2008 was a week long workshop in Moab, UT.
Happy Holidays,
Jim Gilliland
It’s got to be my first shoot with a professional model…..
William
It’s got to be my first shoot with a professional model…..
William
My favorite photography moment this year didn’t have me with a camera. I live on South Beach and have shot all over the place and I feel that some of them are not the typical Miami Beach fare. While walking on Lincoln Road I noticed a professional fashion photographer trying to take a shot that I had done almost a year ago. http://www.flickr.com/photos/sobemurray/1187903690/ I happened to have the shot that he was taking uploaded to my iPhone. After he finished his shot, I showed him my shot. Being an amateur/enthusiast, I was so happy that a shot that I had done had also captured a professional’s eye. It gave me a bit of affirmation that I have a pretty good eye for a good photograph. Call it a live critique forum.
Mine is my first day out with my first dSLR. Mt Mee State Forest Queensland. Not that great for photos, was a bit green, I was green, but some turned out okay. Well one I put in the decay assignment. Maybe is was a memorable trip with some good photos and a great learning experience. Just a day out and a new camera that I had dreamed about for so long, in the bush, my lovely wife, what more could one hope for.
Mine is my first day out with my first dSLR. Mt Mee State Forest Queensland. Not that great for photos, was a bit green, I was green, but some turned out okay. Well one I put in the decay assignment. Maybe is was a memorable trip with some good photos and a great learning experience. Just a day out and a new camera that I had dreamed about for so long, in the bush, my lovely wife, what more could one hope for.
hi scott – i discovered my passion for photography this year. it was augmented by my wonderful, wonderful girlfriend buying me a canon 40D which i love to death. just a few days ago, on her birthday, i took her to her first hockey game at the “x” in st. paul to watch the mn wild. she loved it, i got some great pictures, and i learned that i have an incredibly supportive woman in my life.
thanks for the podcast, blog, and all the helpful advice. have a great christmas scott and TWiP people!
hi scott – i discovered my passion for photography this year. it was augmented by my wonderful, wonderful girlfriend buying me a canon 40D which i love to death. just a few days ago, on her birthday, i took her to her first hockey game at the “x” in st. paul to watch the mn wild. she loved it, i got some great pictures, and i learned that i have an incredibly supportive woman in my life.
thanks for the podcast, blog, and all the helpful advice. have a great christmas scott and TWiP people!
Got my first DSLR in April and shot my first wedding in August. I was trembling that August 30th day!! However, as I swirled around the altar taking shot after shot, it hit me that I was actually doing this and that it wasn’t going to be a total disaster. Trust me, that is not bragging as I have a lot to learn, but nonetheless it was a memorable moment. I’m now doing Portraits out of my home on a part time basis. Here’s a link if you are curious about theWedding Pics.
Got my first DSLR in April and shot my first wedding in August. I was trembling that August 30th day!! However, as I swirled around the altar taking shot after shot, it hit me that I was actually doing this and that it wasn’t going to be a total disaster. Trust me, that is not bragging as I have a lot to learn, but nonetheless it was a memorable moment. I’m now doing Portraits out of my home on a part time basis. Here’s a link if you are curious about theWedding Pics.
My most memorable moment would be winning the Aperture Nature Photography Workshop. I was able to meet so many amazing people, like Scott! I learned to shoot RAW, which has changed my photography. I was able to see Jackson Hole, Wyoming for the first time, which is breathtaking. I learned Aperture, and now my editing abilities are much, much better than before.
My most memorable moment would be winning the Aperture Nature Photography Workshop. I was able to meet so many amazing people, like Scott! I learned to shoot RAW, which has changed my photography. I was able to see Jackson Hole, Wyoming for the first time, which is breathtaking. I learned Aperture, and now my editing abilities are much, much better than before.
My most memorable photography was in China traking photos of my brothers wedding.
Some background: My brother moved to the middle of China a few years ago, following a Chinese girl back to her home town (of 4 million people) after meeting her travelling a few years before.
The Wedding: So this year my family were in China for my brother’s wedding (he finally made an honest woman of his Chinese sweetheart). The traditional wedding involved her travelling through the town from her parents to my brother’s home in a carriage, which was part of soemthing on the scale of a parade of sherpas carrying the carriage, musicians, family and friends.
The Photos: I was walking threw the crazy Chinese traffic trying to get photos of my brother playing up the situation (being the showman that he is) and his bride trying to hide in the carriage. And did I have to move! I pulled my camera from the bag before the parade through town and didn’t pay enough attention to the lens on it – 50mm f1.4, so I had to move myself considrably to get the range of shots from portrait to the whole experience of the carriage, sherpas, musicians and family and friends.
My most memorable photography was in China traking photos of my brothers wedding.
Some background: My brother moved to the middle of China a few years ago, following a Chinese girl back to her home town (of 4 million people) after meeting her travelling a few years before.
The Wedding: So this year my family were in China for my brother’s wedding (he finally made an honest woman of his Chinese sweetheart). The traditional wedding involved her travelling through the town from her parents to my brother’s home in a carriage, which was part of soemthing on the scale of a parade of sherpas carrying the carriage, musicians, family and friends.
The Photos: I was walking threw the crazy Chinese traffic trying to get photos of my brother playing up the situation (being the showman that he is) and his bride trying to hide in the carriage. And did I have to move! I pulled my camera from the bag before the parade through town and didn’t pay enough attention to the lens on it – 50mm f1.4, so I had to move myself considrably to get the range of shots from portrait to the whole experience of the carriage, sherpas, musicians and family and friends.
During the Fall I was trying to ramp up the learning curve with the camera. I set up a project to take pictures on seven consecutive days and put together a set of the best from each day. On the last day, I had some really golden light in the afternoon and was on a bridge over a local river. I was shooting south, but then turned north and saw a fisherman in the river, working his way toward the bridge and caught between strong light and shade. I reset the tripod and starting taking a few pictures. One is located here. http://www.flickr.com/photos/fpdarr/2947612145/ I made a print for the courtroom I am assigned to as a juvenile court magistrate. One of the staff that works for the juvenile drug court gave the print a title: “Serenity.” It still seems right. About a month later, the court had seven teenagers successfully complete treatment, and I gave copies of the picture to them as a graduation present.
During the Fall I was trying to ramp up the learning curve with the camera. I set up a project to take pictures on seven consecutive days and put together a set of the best from each day. On the last day, I had some really golden light in the afternoon and was on a bridge over a local river. I was shooting south, but then turned north and saw a fisherman in the river, working his way toward the bridge and caught between strong light and shade. I reset the tripod and starting taking a few pictures. One is located here. http://www.flickr.com/photos/fpdarr/2947612145/ I made a print for the courtroom I am assigned to as a juvenile court magistrate. One of the staff that works for the juvenile drug court gave the print a title: “Serenity.” It still seems right. About a month later, the court had seven teenagers successfully complete treatment, and I gave copies of the picture to them as a graduation present.
My most memorable experience was the progress of just ‘taking photos’ transformed into ‘making images’. I cannot pinpoint the exact moment in which this occurred, though I think it was three or four months ago or so – and other photographers I respect have been trying to tell me that was what I needed to do for *years*, and I never got it and really just shrugged it off as ‘artist BS’. Of course, I was completely wrong :P
While I’m just a serious amateur, I finally feel like I am taking the images I’ve wanted to take for a long time. Not something palpable, but a complete change in the mindset I have when going out shooting.
Good topic, thanks for posting it!
My most memorable experience was the progress of just ‘taking photos’ transformed into ‘making images’. I cannot pinpoint the exact moment in which this occurred, though I think it was three or four months ago or so – and other photographers I respect have been trying to tell me that was what I needed to do for *years*, and I never got it and really just shrugged it off as ‘artist BS’. Of course, I was completely wrong :P
While I’m just a serious amateur, I finally feel like I am taking the images I’ve wanted to take for a long time. Not something palpable, but a complete change in the mindset I have when going out shooting.
Good topic, thanks for posting it!
It will probably be shooting on set with TLC…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/moorealx/sets/72157611379908338/
—Alex
My daughter was born this year. So, I’d have to say my favorite moment is constantly changing as it’s each moment I photograph her.
My daughter was born this year. So, I’d have to say my favorite moment is constantly changing as it’s each moment I photograph her.
Back in September we had a family reunion around a Race for the Cure in Portland OR. We spent a couple of days in the Mt Hood area. Three of us were there primarily for the photo opportunities of the spectacular northwest. The best moment was when we were up before sunrise at Trillium Lake south of Mt Hood presenting a perfectly glass smooth refection of a majestic moment. Can you say pano!
Two moments stand out. One early and one late in the year. The first was my photo entry for the TWIP contest (topic: signs). I had a shot in my head from the top of Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles. I’d seen a lone 30mph street sign that had been blasted with a shotgun, and thought it would make a good subject, because the notion that anyone would actually drive 30mph on the road was a joke. The buckshot further drove the point home. I thought I could juxtapose the sign with a long exposure, getting a good light streak as the cars flew by. I had a 10mm fisheye that would allow me to pull all of this together. I took the shot, and thought I’d nailed it. The sign was too dark. So a few days later I went back with a strobe in my arsenal. I took a few shots then got the inspiration to gel the speedlight with CTO. Funny thing was, I didn’t even connect the strobe. I just popped it manually during the long exposure… it worked! The shot won the contest.
The second shoot was on the set of Katy Perry’s music video. I’d been snapping celebrity shots all year long, and had gotten decent stills throughout the year, each shot teaching me something new. We were out at Disney’s studio ranch, a great environment, but I could see the light starting to really work to my favor. I rarely get light this good– so I looked for my moments. The shoot yielded three of the best shots I’ve ever taken, and one of which portrait I will be hard pressed to top. Three keepers! That NEVER happens!
Not all of ’08 has been good. Unfortunately– late this year– I’ve lost my technique for on-camera strobes. I’d been so consistent for so long, I’ve almost taken my on-camera strobe work for granted. But in the last month, I’ve blown shots that should have been easy, and I haven’t figured out what I’ve changed in my setup and approach. I don’t know exactly why, but the camera jumps down to 1/30 of a second shutter speed– and I’m certain it’s a setting I’ve changed somewhere. Things to correct in ’09.
Two moments stand out. One early and one late in the year. The first was my photo entry for the TWIP contest (topic: signs). I had a shot in my head from the top of Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles. I’d seen a lone 30mph street sign that had been blasted with a shotgun, and thought it would make a good subject, because the notion that anyone would actually drive 30mph on the road was a joke. The buckshot further drove the point home. I thought I could juxtapose the sign with a long exposure, getting a good light streak as the cars flew by. I had a 10mm fisheye that would allow me to pull all of this together. I took the shot, and thought I’d nailed it. The sign was too dark. So a few days later I went back with a strobe in my arsenal. I took a few shots then got the inspiration to gel the speedlight with CTO. Funny thing was, I didn’t even connect the strobe. I just popped it manually during the long exposure… it worked! The shot won the contest.
The second shoot was on the set of Katy Perry’s music video. I’d been snapping celebrity shots all year long, and had gotten decent stills throughout the year, each shot teaching me something new. We were out at Disney’s studio ranch, a great environment, but I could see the light starting to really work to my favor. I rarely get light this good– so I looked for my moments. The shoot yielded three of the best shots I’ve ever taken, and one of which portrait I will be hard pressed to top. Three keepers! That NEVER happens!
Not all of ’08 has been good. Unfortunately– late this year– I’ve lost my technique for on-camera strobes. I’d been so consistent for so long, I’ve almost taken my on-camera strobe work for granted. But in the last month, I’ve blown shots that should have been easy, and I haven’t figured out what I’ve changed in my setup and approach. I don’t know exactly why, but the camera jumps down to 1/30 of a second shutter speed– and I’m certain it’s a setting I’ve changed somewhere. Things to correct in ’09.
Really getting to know of the true power of RAW and HDR processing with ACR CS3 and ACDSee’s “Light EQ” feature. Absolutely amazing.
For me, almost as much of a quantum leap in creative photographic control as going from film to digital itself.
Really getting to know of the true power of RAW and HDR processing with ACR CS3 and ACDSee’s “Light EQ” feature. Absolutely amazing.
For me, almost as much of a quantum leap in creative photographic control as going from film to digital itself.
I was shooting in Prague early in the morning and took a lot of shots in great light as the sun came up.
Just after that a fog came down making it great to shoot the Charles Bridge in the mist, so I had Prague in the morning in both sun and fog all in a few hours.
I was shooting in Prague early in the morning and took a lot of shots in great light as the sun came up.
Just after that a fog came down making it great to shoot the Charles Bridge in the mist, so I had Prague in the morning in both sun and fog all in a few hours.
Getting to spend an afternoon with Pro photographer Ross Hoddinott, learning all about Macro wildlife photography and having some of the resultant pictures published in Digital SLR photography magazine. Some of the results can be seen here.. http://www.flickr.com/photos/russoliver/sets/72157606033121647/
Getting to spend an afternoon with Pro photographer Ross Hoddinott, learning all about Macro wildlife photography and having some of the resultant pictures published in Digital SLR photography magazine. Some of the results can be seen here.. http://www.flickr.com/photos/russoliver/sets/72157606033121647/
My Most Memorable moment was definitely the arrival of my 450D. My first DSLR has given me so much more pleasure than I expected/intended when I got it, I think I have become truly addicted to this craft :) And I get alot of joy from what I create :)
My Most Memorable moment was definitely the arrival of my 450D. My first DSLR has given me so much more pleasure than I expected/intended when I got it, I think I have become truly addicted to this craft :) And I get alot of joy from what I create :)
I could say that I had a lot of memorable moments this year. I really just got into photography this year and have purchased a Canon 40D, Canon 24-70mm F2.8L, Canon 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM, 580EX II Speedlite, and MANY other things. The thing I would say is most memorable this year though was having someone actually pay me to take their portraits, and the best part was that they LOVED how they turned out and have bought many prints.
I could say that I had a lot of memorable moments this year. I really just got into photography this year and have purchased a Canon 40D, Canon 24-70mm F2.8L, Canon 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM, 580EX II Speedlite, and MANY other things. The thing I would say is most memorable this year though was having someone actually pay me to take their portraits, and the best part was that they LOVED how they turned out and have bought many prints.
I think my most significant moment of 2008 was when I decided to purchase a digital camera and get back into photography. I hadn’t done much for a few years and this seemed like a good time to move to digital.
My most memorable photographic experience was the Lunar Festivar at Alvord Desert. I went with some friends to eastern Oregon for the weekend and got many “best of” pics. The culmination was our celebration of the Chinese Lunar Festival at the Alvord Desert, sipping tea, eating Mooncakes, and watching the full moon rise. I got a couple nice pictures of the moon.
Mine is without a doubt when I got stuck at Rohn Alaska at -40 degrees. A Beaver taking off after dropping us off clipped a tree and was unable to pick us up. We were finally ferried out 4 days later to Puntilla Lake(also on the Iditarod trail) with a Super Cub. While getting off the plane I spotted a fox walking towards us. I quickly took my camera out and snapped a few photos before he decided we were not delivering dog food for the Iditarod. I was so tired and chilled to the bone, I almost didn’t get the camera out. Sure glad I did.
Mine is without a doubt when I got stuck at Rohn Alaska at -40 degrees. A Beaver taking off after dropping us off clipped a tree and was unable to pick us up. We were finally ferried out 4 days later to Puntilla Lake(also on the Iditarod trail) with a Super Cub. While getting off the plane I spotted a fox walking towards us. I quickly took my camera out and snapped a few photos before he decided we were not delivering dog food for the Iditarod. I was so tired and chilled to the bone, I almost didn’t get the camera out. Sure glad I did.
Our trip to Ecuador was my most memorable photo experience. We hiked deep into the Andes, and we went off the beaten path to explore places many don’t get to see.
Our trip to Ecuador was my most memorable photo experience. We hiked deep into the Andes, and we went off the beaten path to explore places many don’t get to see.
Mine was easily going to Millenium Mills in Docklands, London, and poking around there. Fantastic building. It was beautifully moody, and has really ignited a passion for industrial landscapes, for me.
I live near Baltimore, MD. Not too far from the water. I really enjoy photographing water fowl. About a month ago I stopped by a park just before sunset to see if the Ducks and Geese were still around. The lighting was very interesting, and I was able to get a few shots that I liked. Not too many of them turned out how I wanted, but days like that keep me going out and working on capturing better images.
I live near Baltimore, MD. Not too far from the water. I really enjoy photographing water fowl. About a month ago I stopped by a park just before sunset to see if the Ducks and Geese were still around. The lighting was very interesting, and I was able to get a few shots that I liked. Not too many of them turned out how I wanted, but days like that keep me going out and working on capturing better images.
A very good friend of mine had a home birth. I was given the privilege of being the official photographer. I used 3 cameras each with a different type of film. One was infrared b/w, one with slide film and one that was cross processed and pushed. All very arty but a wonderful experience.
A very good friend of mine had a home birth. I was given the privilege of being the official photographer. I used 3 cameras each with a different type of film. One was infrared b/w, one with slide film and one that was cross processed and pushed. All very arty but a wonderful experience.
I had a kinky Chinese girl who was into being photographed in all types of compromising positions. Good memories. Very good.
I had a kinky Chinese girl who was into being photographed in all types of compromising positions. Good memories. Very good.
My trip to Sicily in September and the first morning there when I got up at 4 am and went to the coast to take pics of the sea. Waiting for the first light of dawn on the rocky beach and listening to the sounds of the sea, boy, it felt great!
My trip to Sicily in September and the first morning there when I got up at 4 am and went to the coast to take pics of the sea. Waiting for the first light of dawn on the rocky beach and listening to the sounds of the sea, boy, it felt great!
My favorite one in the last 5 years definitely was ‘shooting a show’ with frame grabs from an HV20. Favorite because it took some thinking on how to do it right and also because it’s a very odd thing to do. The reasons were a mix of having a really bad still cam on hand that couldn’t find anything to focus (robots, meh!) and having no assistant that time.
Either I had to focus on getting that damn still cam to work and miss the performance or capture the performance and get the stills from there. Since I had some prior experience with scaling HD up to 2K for filmout I picked the latter.
Full store here: http://jpgmag.com/stories/6120
My favorite one in the last 5 years definitely was ‘shooting a show’ with frame grabs from an HV20. Favorite because it took some thinking on how to do it right and also because it’s a very odd thing to do. The reasons were a mix of having a really bad still cam on hand that couldn’t find anything to focus (robots, meh!) and having no assistant that time.
Either I had to focus on getting that damn still cam to work and miss the performance or capture the performance and get the stills from there. Since I had some prior experience with scaling HD up to 2K for filmout I picked the latter.
Full store here: http://jpgmag.com/stories/6120
My most memorable photo moment this year would have to be my trip to Europe this fall with my friends. Being surrounded by history, it was almost overwhelming at times just to take a photo. It was a dream come true for me to not only be able to do some night photography in Paris but also visit a couple of photography galleries as well.
My most memorable photo moment this year would have to be my trip to Europe this fall with my friends. Being surrounded by history, it was almost overwhelming at times just to take a photo. It was a dream come true for me to not only be able to do some night photography in Paris but also visit a couple of photography galleries as well.
Out of so many great moments this year I think my favorite was a doors-off helicopter flight around Maui. It was an adrenaline rush and such a great photo opportunity. I saw lava flows, beaches, volcanos, rain forests, waterfalls, sugar cane fields, you name it.
You can see some of my Maui pictures here:
http://flickr.com/photos/alexsuarez/sets/72157606903467218/
Out of so many great moments this year I think my favorite was a doors-off helicopter flight around Maui. It was an adrenaline rush and such a great photo opportunity. I saw lava flows, beaches, volcanos, rain forests, waterfalls, sugar cane fields, you name it.
You can see some of my Maui pictures here:
http://flickr.com/photos/alexsuarez/sets/72157606903467218/
I suppose I have humbler memories of 2008. Back in May I was hospitalized after receiving a cardiac cath and a having a stent placed. When I got home I found that the dSLR I ordered, a Canon XSi, had been delivered. Shortly after I received the green light from my Dr. I planned an easy hike to do some late spring nature photography. I was delighted when my 16 year-old daughter asked to come along. She brought her point and shoot with her and we had a nice afternoon, walking, talking, and making pictures. Not surprisingly some of her shots were better composed than mine, and I think I saw a budding interest in her own ability to capture pieces of time and learning the concepts of painting with light. I will always have memories of that day. Not just this year, but for many more to come.
I suppose I have humbler memories of 2008. Back in May I was hospitalized after receiving a cardiac cath and a having a stent placed. When I got home I found that the dSLR I ordered, a Canon XSi, had been delivered. Shortly after I received the green light from my Dr. I planned an easy hike to do some late spring nature photography. I was delighted when my 16 year-old daughter asked to come along. She brought her point and shoot with her and we had a nice afternoon, walking, talking, and making pictures. Not surprisingly some of her shots were better composed than mine, and I think I saw a budding interest in her own ability to capture pieces of time and learning the concepts of painting with light. I will always have memories of that day. Not just this year, but for many more to come.