Dream Camera

I created a new blog through blogger, My Audience Is Owls.  I will use that space to write about photography, literature, poetry, travel, music, and style.  I feel like I’ve outgrown Tumblr, which does not fit the kind of substantive blogging I want to do.  I may continue to post some photos here - not sure - but feel free to join me at my new blog.  

My simplest advice for beginners who want to take more interesting photos is to stop shooting in auto mode.  Take control of the process.  A camera on auto will bump up all settings for brightness, often resulting in an uninspiring picture devoid of atmosphere.  

Here is the same photo shot two different ways.  There was a weak, late evening light coming through the window, causing the flowers to stand out dramatically against the deep colors. The first photo, on auto, is just another boring digital shot.  The second photo, on manual, has some promise, maintaining the feel and look of reality that prompted me to pull out my camera in the first place.

Auto:

Manual:

I took these two photos with my Panasonic Lumix LX-5, basically a point-and-shoot, but with manual options.  This is my only digital camera and I’m determined to play with it more to discover its merits and save some money on film.

I have found the most beautiful light and it is in Chicago’s Art Institute.  Some of the lobbies and stairwells, but most especially the indoor sculpture courtyard.

First photo, painting by Georgia O’Keefe.  Last photo of me, taken by my friend Trisha.

{Nikon F100 and Kodak Ektar 100}

We arrived at Dalwhinnie Distillery in the evening, too late to tour but just on time to catch the setting sun in the cloudy sky.

{Nikon FM2 and Kodak Ektar 100}

Natural window light is the most precious resource to create my favorite kinds of photographs.  A real nice directional window light brings out a richness, softness, and depth that I covet - almost a painterly quality.  I want to start purposefully searching for and using such light more.  To that end, I am keeping a list of places in Chicago with beautiful light.  

Here is one such place: a small seating area on the second floor of the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.

While walking through the museum, I came upon this area and had to stop for a couple of shots.  Lucky for me, when the opportunity arose, my lovely friend Trisha was happy to oblige me.  :)

{Nikon F100 and Kodak Ektar 100}