Fritillary Butterfly, Elsah, IL

        This is an edit of a photo I previously posted (see the original below). There was too much competition between the subject and the background. Isolating the butterfly makes the subject more interesting - keeping it's vibrancy while subduing the rest. I adjusted the basic levels and got nowhere. So I decided to take a different approach. I hand selected the butterfly, inverted that selection - only the background was selected- then brought down the saturation. As a result: the background lost some color and the bug is bright. 

        Notice the fuzzy places around the edges of the butterfly? That is me trying to compensate for a not-so-good selection by using the smudge tool. I even had to use the stamp tool above his right wing. 

        In the end I achieved the affect I wanted. It's a much stronger image now. There are limitless ways you can approach a problem like this. How would you solve it? Have a go at it. Feel free to download the original image below and alter to your hearts content. If you do please make a comment with a link to the image you came up with. Yes, I am giving you the right to copy this image, but please use it only for the purpose just stated. Thanks. 

Statue depicting "Art" at the Boston Public Library

        It was a rainy morning in Boston. A friend and I were to meet up for a movie that day. Last we spoke the Copley Square Library entrance was the meet up point, but we lost communication on the subway. I found myself waiting at the steps of the Boston Public Library admiring the ethereal quality of the overcast cityscape. I have always appreciated the two statues flanking the steps leading up to the Library entrance, but with the rain and the diffused light they stood out to me even more.

Anyone who has shot in the rain knows that keeping your photography gear dry while shooting is not a simple task. Imagine me fumbling with a large umbrella while crouching down with my camera in both hands and all the while the rain sneaking in. As awkward as the process can be the results are well worth the effort.  Most people hide there cameras from the rain and don't put up with clumsy scenarios like mine. The brave few have an opportunity to capture images that convey a wonderful sense of atmosphere and mood. Next time you are thinking about shooting pick the rainiest day you can, grab your umbrella, and explore a whole new world that most of unwittingly miss.

Keep in mind that in these overcast conditions your subject is not as bright as you perceive. You will need to adjust your camera settings to get a shot that is not blurry from a too long exposure and camera shake, or better yet use a tripod. The photo above was the best of about 30 shots and I spent some time developing the final image in my editor. 

Chestnut Hill Reservoir Effluent Gate House

Three Rivers Community Farm Flowers

        I had the opportunity and the privilege to work on Three River Community Farm in Elsah, IL the summer after graduating from Principia College. One of the greatest things about working on a farm is that you get to take home the freshest vegetables you will ever eat, and sometimes flowers come along with the deal. This is an image of an arrangement I made from flowers I took home from the farm. The houses in Elsah village are quaint and old. The subject is on a window ledge inside one of those historic homes. 

        The range of value is what appeals to me. It has the darkest darks, the bright whites, and a full range in between, not to mention the vibrant hues. This is expressed in the environment and also in the subject itself, creating a complete harmony. 

        There is a lovely relationship between the darkest part of the subject and the bright light on the window sill. As much as I like that bright red flower on the left I may crop most of it out to focus on that silhouette. It seems logical to either make the focus of an image be the relationship of hue or the relationship of value (I have never considered that before). Both are very much prominent in this image. So what I may do is bring down the saturation and play with the value to emphasize the gently diffused light and the shadow on the flowers. Onward and upward.