Two in One…….

March 31, 2016December 23, 2016 / Donna Robinson Photography / 5 Comments

It seems as though life in general has taken control over my “free time” causing the timing of my weekly blogs to be a little off this month. And, now that it’s the end of the month I’ve found myself in a little bit of a quandary…….which theme do I leave out to get me back on track? Then, it occurred to me what better way to accomplish everything I wanted to share than by combining two (2) themes into one (1) blog……..or, two in one!

So, here it goes……….I hope you enjoy both!

“THE MAGIC LANTERN – MULTI-EXPOSURE”

This month’s photo tip is multi-exposure photography. It’s not the kind that you do in post production, but in the camera. I stumbled on this when I was catching up on my DPS (Digital Photography School) weekly updates this weekend. Not all DSLR cameras have this function, so I was pleasantly surprised to discover that my Canon 6D does.

Multi-exposure is a fun way of composing two (2) photos into one (1). Basically, your first shot will be your background and your second shot will be your foreground or focal image. Here are a few shots I took last weekend:

Fire in Glass Vase

Chardonnay in Glass Vase

Yellow Daisy Floating in Bird Bath

The yellow daisy in the bird bath is my favorite.

This was a fun technique and one I plan to work with it more often. If you would like to learn more, here is the link to the Digital Photography School article: Digital Photography School – In Camera Double Exposure

“For the Love of Photography”

Spring is one of my favorite times of the year, and there certainly have been several signs that it has arrived:

Colorful flowers are in bloom……………………..

Birds are migrating South…………………….

Cedar Wax Wing feeding on Laquat Fruit

And, the number one sign that Spring is in the air………..POLLEN! Yes, that yellow, thin haze floating through the Atlanta skyline is pollen!

While I enjoy the warmer weather and how nature has come back to life, the pollen can be challenging at times. Oh well, I guess it’s the price you pay for living in such a beautiful area of the country!

Life in Black And White – “The 7 Mile Bridge”

March 23, 2016December 23, 2016 / Donna Robinson Photography / 2 Comments

I remember the first time my husband took me to the Florida Keys. It was in the middle of July 1996 just before the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta. We landed in West Palm Beach late in the evening, waking early the next morning to begin our drive to the Keys. It was our first “no map, no plans, no place to be” trip.

The Keys were everything I had expected and then some. I expected, beautiful waters. I expected a place of adventure. I expected palm trees and white sand. What I didn’t expect was getting sea sick the first time I went deep sea fishing (that’s a story in and of itself)!

But, for me one of the most amazing elements of the Keys was the 7 Mile Bridge. It’s a massive work of architecture which begins in Marathon, Florida (the middle) and ends in the lower keys at Little Duck Key. Architecturally curved to follow the earth’s surface and tall enough for vessels to pass through.

But, more impressive than the current bridge, are the remaining sections of the original bridge built by Henry Flagler as part of the Florida East Coast Railway (1909 – 1912).

Some sections are now used for running, walking and fishing. Others, are simply reminders of the early days of the industrial revolution. Days, when our country was young and the railroad was vital to connecting each corner together.

In many sections of the bridge, both old and new run parallel with each other. A constant reminder of the importance of the past and the present.

The original bridge was damaged by a hurricane on Labor Day in 1935. Eventually sold to the U.S. Government it was later transformed for automobile use. The remaining track rails were recycled and made into the guard rails. It’s also my understanding that some sections were “widened” to allow cars to pass each other. Although, from the stories I’ve heard it was a VERY narrow passage and not for the faint of heart.

If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend making the entire length of the drive through the Keys. Stretching 113 miles, spanning across 42 bridges and leap frogging from Key to Key, it’s and incredible journey which ends at the Southernmost point of the United States……..“90 miles to Cuba.”

Google Images — 90 Miles to Cuba

And, if you’re interested in learning more about the history of this beautiful area, check out my source links:

Friends of Old Seven – Bridge

7 Mile Bridge Run

Henry Flagler Museum

Thoughts – “Get in! Sit Down! Shut Up! Hold On!”

March 13, 2016December 23, 2016 / Donna Robinson Photography / 2 Comments

She was a basket case when we found her. A piece of gray fiberglass, loosely mounted on a car frame. Parts and pieces were stacked throughout the garage. We were assured by the seller (a retired airline mechanic) that everything was there……..as he handed us the plastic Rubbermaid container with mirrors, dials and other miscellaneous parts and pieces.

Her engine, came from a 1993 Ford Mustang donor car. All of the paperwork was there including the dusty instruction manual from the kit car manufacturer (who by the way was no longer in business).

But, my husband had a dream and a vision. A dream that was formed from the influence of his brother who would take him out to the drag strip every weekend. A vision formed from his dream car, a 1969 Camaro Z28, black with gold racing stripes down the middle. And so, as he loaded her into the car hauler another journey began.

It was a labor of love……….and patience. Looking back our expectation was that in a few months we would be zooming around town in our sporty convertible. We soon learned otherwise. Car restorers are artists and you don’t rush them. And so, the process began.

Three (3) years later we finally brought her home after winning a “Top 10 Best of Show.” We had a blast and enjoyed all of the looks we would get. It was amazing to watch kids hanging out of their car windows, snapping photos as we zoomed by. Once, we even had a woman stop us in the grocery store parking lot and ask if she could have her picture taken next to the car!

She was sleek and fast! Our motto (taken from a Toby Keith song) became “get in, sit down, shut up and hold on!”

We made some great memories with her and even managed to fulfill a dream of taking her on a road trip to SSI……a special celebration for my husband’s birthday.

But, as all good chapters in our journey of life must come to an end, we said “goodbye” to her last weekend. It was bittersweet watching my husband run through the car controls and settings with her new owner. But, he had fulfilled his dream, had his fun and was ready to move on.

And so, as he unlatched the hitch and the new owner backed his pick-up to the car hauler, we closed the chapter of “The Cobra.”

For the Love of Photography

March 1, 2016December 23, 2016 / Donna Robinson Photography / 2 Comments

I’ve been torn about this week’s blog theme. It was either going to be “Springtime” because we’ve had some incredibly beautiful weather this weekend in Atlanta. Or, “Island Time” because lately, my husband and I have found our conversations drifting off to the Caribbean and making plans to journey back to our favorite spot (and place where we spent our honeymoon), Peter Island, BVI.

As late as early this morning, I was still struggling. I spent several hours over the weekend pouring through photos, both of “Springtime” and “Island Time.” Then, in the middle of my morning work-out, Jimmy Buffet’s song “Tin Cup Chalice” came on………and at the beginning of the song he sings:

“I want to go back to the island, Where the shrimp boats tie up to the pilin’.
Give me oysters and beer for dinner every day of the year,
And I’ll feel fine.”

And so, as my heart and mind travel “back to the islands” here are a few memories from our Caribbean adventures………Enjoy!

Antigua

Peter Island, BVI

Virgin Gorda, BVI

Cancun – “Shipwrecked”

Peter Island, BVI

Postcard from St. Thomas

The Magic Lantern – “Zooming”

February 23, 2016December 23, 2016 / Donna Robinson Photography / 2 Comments

For this week’s “The Magic Lantern” theme, I thought I would share something I learned several years ago, called “zooming.” It’s a fun technique that transforms any image into a kaleidoscope by adjusting your shutter speed to just the right timing (somewhere between 1/2 second and 1/5 second) rapidly “zooming” your lens in/out on the subject as you click the “shutter release” button. The outcome can be pretty incredible creating a totally new work of art.

Here is one of my first images I took for a photography class. It’s a picture of an oil painting of Havana, Cuba which was given to me and my husband from one of his co-workers who had traveled back to Cuba to visit her family.

Havana, Cuba – Shutter Speed 1/5 second; f-stop 7.2; ISO 200

It’s been several years since I took the above photo, so I was a little apprehensive about writing this blog and how my photos would turn out. But, after a few failed attempts…hang on…….these are pretty bad:

American Flag – Zooming Fail

Darien Shrimp Boats – Zooming Fail

Bird Seed – Zooming Fail

St. Simons Lighthouse – Zooming Fail

I finally began to get the hang of things……and ended up with a few photos I like:

Bird Seed – Shutter Speed 1/5 second; f-stop f/22; ISO 200; Exposure Bias -3.7

Loquat Fruit – Shutter Speed 1/2 second; f-stop f/22; IS 200; Exposure Bias -3.7

Bird Seed – Shutter Speed 1/5 second; f-stop f/22; ISO 200; Exposure Bias -3.7

I took these photos in “TV Mode” and spent a lot of time messing with the “Exposure Bias.” You’ll see in the above captions that the “Exposure Bias” for each was in the negative zone making the colors dull and dark. Hopefully, once I open them up in the editing program I will be able to push the colors and saturation to make them pop.

If you’re going to try “zooming” I would definitely recommend that you go straight to “Manual Mode” so that you can adjust both “Shutter Speed” and “Aperture” without having to spend a lot of time reducing the “Exposure Bias.” Also, don’t get frustrated if you can’t get the hang of it right away…..just go with it and have some fun…..you will be surprised at the images you will create.

Life in Black And White – “Bursting at the Seams”

February 15, 2016December 23, 2016 / Donna Robinson Photography / Leave a comment

In our area of town, it seems as though someone blew a whistle and all of the building contractors set out on a race to swallow up every piece of empty land. We have roads being widened with mammoth sidewalks, bull dozers moving mounds of dirt and dump trucks lining up to haul it away. And then, there are the cranes……everywhere you turn!

The crux of the growth was the announcement of the Atlanta Braves Baseball Stadium moving from downtown Atlanta to just up the street to Cobb County. It’s still in the city of Atlanta so they don’t have to worry about dropping (or explaining) the name “The Atlanta Braves.” But, to say the move has been without controversy is an understatement (that’s a story for another day).

It was a surprise announcement in November, 2013 and with a little over 14 months left before opening day it seems as though the new stadium is rapidly taking shape.

Stairways and ramps to the grandstands are starting to show signs of life.

And, the giant frames that will eventually hold the jumbo-trons, scoreboards and lights are beginning to rise above the cranes.

Growing up, I never imagined the Braves Stadium would be within walking distance of my home. Why would it? The original Atlanta Fulton County Stadium was torn down to make room for “The Ted” which was built for the 1996 Olympics. So, it would seem that the Braves would forever remain downtown.

At times it can be frustrating to navigate through the road closures and extra traffic, but we’re beginning to get excited about the transformation to our “little town.” We’re getting excited because they’re building more than just a baseball stadium, they’re building a destination…….a place of year long events, shopping, concerts and much more.

So, welcome to Cobb County “Atlanta Braves”…..we’re glad to have you here!

Thoughts -“Whatever Happened to the Bicycle Bell?”

February 7, 2016December 23, 2016 / Donna Robinson Photography / Leave a comment

It seems that everytime we are out walking, all we hear is “ON YOUR LEFT! ON YOUR RIGHT!” being shouted at the top of a biker’s lungs like a marine drill sargent barking off orders. It’s terrifying……one moment you’re quietly walking down a path, taking in the sights when all of a sudden you’re hurled head first into the early stages of cardiac arrest by those three (3) words……”ON YOUR RIGHT!” I get it, you want us to know you’re coming and need to pass, but seriously……Whatever happened to the bicycle bell?

Whatever happened to that “brrrrrrng brrrrrrrng” of the bell? That gentle and friendly ring echoing softly as the rider approaches you. I know they still exist…….I’ve heard them a few times during our walks. I’ve heard the rider off in the distance giving their bell a few short taps, politely letting us know they are behind us……and……we wave “hello” because we still have our wits about us.

The bicycle bell has been around for over 100 years and has evolved just as the bicycle itself. So, it can’t be that much of an eyesore that it no longer has a place on the bike. We spend hundreds of dollars making sure we have the right clothes, the right shoes and the right helmet…….can’t we spend just a few more dollars for the enjoyment of the sound of the bell instead of yelling at the top of our lungs?

Besides, the bicycle bell can be a great way to add personality to your bike…….coming in all shapes, styles, colors and sizes.

Google Images

So, here’s to the bicycle bell……may it come back not only as a fashionable bike accessory, but a requirement for the safety of bikers (and all of us walkers).

google images

Post Script: While we’re talking about cycling, check out this new blogger Cycling Dutch Girl It’s a blog written by a woman traveling the world on a bicycle.

For the Love of Photography

January 31, 2016December 23, 2016 / Donna Robinson Photography / Leave a comment

So, here we are the last week and the last day of the month! I hope you are enjoying the weekly themes I’ve put together: “Thoughts,” “Life in Black and White,” “The Magic Lantern” and now this week’s theme, “For the Love of Photography.” For this topic, I will be sharing some of my favorite photos (both mine and others) and recommending links to other photography blogs. I’ll try to limit the words to a brief description, captions and camera settings so the photos can tell their stories!

This week’s “For the Love of Photography” theme is the Pacific Coast Highway. A few years ago my husband and I traveled the PCH between Christmas and New Years, starting in San Diego and ending in San Francisco. Our theme for the trip came from a Toby Keith song, “No map, no plans, no place to be.” Literally, the only reservations we had was the airline flight and rental car. Each day we would drive until late afternoon and stop at a local watering hole to ask the locals for recommendations on where to stay for the night. Most were awesome, others not so much………but that’s a story for another day.

“Malibu Sunrise” Settings: TV 1/2500 sec; AVf6.3; ISO 400; Exp. -0.7; Focal Length 24mm

“Somewhere on the PCH” Settings: TV 1/2000 sec; AV f/4; IS 400; Exp. +0.7; Focal Length 35mm

“Somewhere on the PCH” Settings: TV 1/6400 seco; AV f/4; ISO 400; Exp. 0; Focal Length 40mm

“Somewhere on the PCH” Settings: TV: 1/8000 sec; AV f/4; ISO 400; Exp. 0; Focal Lenght 24mm

“Contemplation” Settings: TV 1/6400 seco; AV: f/4; ISO 400; Exp.0; Focal Length 58mm

“Big Sur” Settings: TV: 1/1000 sec; AV f/16; ISO 400; Exp 0; Focal Length 47mm

“Taking Flight” Settings: TV 1/8000 sec; AV f/4.5; ISO 400;Exp. 0; Focal Length 100

“Pigeons Point Lighthouse” Settings: TV 1/3200 se; AV f/5.6; ISO 400; Exp. 0; Focal Length 360mm

If you’re interested in exploring places from around the world, I recommend checking out “Wallflower Wonderer” http://wallflowerwanderer.com Kirsten (the Wallflower Wonderer) is traveling around the world and visiting some amazing places. Check out her site/blog for wonderful stories and photos of her adventures.

Until next time!

Donna

The Magic Lantern – A Few Tips For Shooting in Manual Mode

January 24, 2016December 23, 2016 / Donna Robinson Photography / 4 Comments

I believe there is something magical about a camera. Whether it be the light it captures and how it frames the subject, or the way it translates what it sees to what is seen after the photo is taken……the camera in and of itself is magic.

A few months back, I challenged myself to 30 Days of Shooting in Manual Mode (TV and AV). There were a few days when I was in a hurry and only had time to shoot a lamp or some books on a coffee table……but, I did it! Some shots were similar from one day to the next, some I failed at and into the trash bin they went. But, others were different and magical because I took the time to stop and adjust my settings. Since then, I’ve been consumed with only shooting in manual mode. So what did I learn? A LOT! And, I continue to learn every time I pick the camera up.

Here are a few things I have/am learning by taking control of my camera (note, my settings for each photo are included in the captions):

1. Use That Tripod —- Photos will be sharper….especially when shooting early morning sunrises or night time city lights. In the photo on the left I was in a hurry and while I like what I captured with the settings, the city lights are not as crisp. While, in the photo on the right I used the tripod and the clouds and buildings are a little more crisp.

Buckhead, Atlanta Sunrise Settings: AV f/7.1; TV .6, ISO 250; Focal length 220mm

Buckhead, Atlanta Sunrise Settings: AV f/9; TV 1/1600 sec; ISO 400; Focal Length 102mm

2. Change your perspective — The same subject can have multiple personalities…….move around a little to see what it tells you. In these photos I played around with the exposure too! I took these photos of the Sidney Lanier Bridge (Golden Isles in Georgia) from different angles, but on the same side of the bank.

Sidney Lanier Bridge, Golden Isles Georgia Settings: AV f/29, TV 1/250 sec.; ISO 500; Focal length 170mm

SidneyLanier Bridge, Golden Isles Georgia Settings: AV f/22; TV 1/1000 ISO 500; 100mm

Sidney Lanier Bridge, Golden Isles Georgia Settings: AV f/20; TV 1/500sec; ISO 500, Focal400mm

3. Keep that camera with you — Ok, so your family and friends may get a little irritated with you always schlepping your camera around, but trust me it’s worth it when those unexpected moments occur. Plus, it’s a great way to practice shooting in Manual Mode. My husband and I were out on a jeep ride when he spotted this Georgia Brown Eagle sitting on a rooftop. If I didn’t have my camera (and the big lens) with me I wouldn’t have been able to catch this guy hunting and eventually eating his dinner.

Georgia Brown Eagle Setting: AV f/40; TV1/100sec; ISO 800; Focal length 400mm

Georgia Brown Eagle Settings: AVf/40; TV 1/100; ISO 800; 400mm

Georgia Brown Eagle Setting: AV f/29; TV 1/25 sec. ; ISO 1000; expo +.3

Georgia Brown Eagle Settings: AV f/40; TV 1/25; ISO 1000; Exposure +.3; Focal Length 400mm

4. Magic Lantern — Use your camera to get the look you want instead of waiting to edit in Lightroom or Photoshop. It’s truly amazing how you can control what your camera captures. With just a few adjustments up or down you can transform the visual completely. Both photos below are nice, but with the one on the right I slowed down the shutter speed and opened up the aperture just slightly to show more of the city lights (and, yes I used my tripod)!

Atlanta Skyline at Dusk Settings: AV f5.6; TV 1/8 sec; ISO 640 focal length 32mm

Atlanta Skyline at Dusk Settings: AV f/11; TV 10 sec.; ISO 640; focal length 55mm

When you’re ready to try your hand at Manual Mode here’s a great Photography Cheat Sheet I found over on Pinterest. It’s very easy to follow.

I’ll admit, shooting in Manual Mode can be daunting and it’s not something you want to try your hand with during a special event like weddings, birthday celebrations, etc. But, you will find (just as I have) that understanding “manual mode” will open up a whole new world of photography.

Life in Black And White

January 18, 2016December 23, 2016 / Donna Robinson Photography / Leave a comment

The country singer, Jamey Johnson has a song titled “In Color.” In the song he is talking with his Grandpa, asking him about photos that are obviously in black in white. As the song goes on his grandfather says “……And if it looks like we were scared to death
like a couple of kids just trying to save each other you should’ve seen it in color.”

I have always loved black and white photography because of the simplicity and timelessness of the photo. Black and white photos are magical in that they draw the viewer into photo, making a personal connection. A connection that let’s the viewer create the story.

I used to take a great deal of photos in black and white, especially landscapes and architecture, but it seems like the past few years I’ve only been “seeing life in color.” To help me spend more time taking black and white photos, I plan to call one of my weekly themes “Life in Black & White.” I haven’t decided whether or not there will be a specific subject for that week, or just a collection of photos…….so stay tuned as this evolves.

For this first entry, I pulled a few photos from my archives. I know the stories of these photos “in color,” but what story do they tell to you?