The Magic Lantern – “Faithful Picture Style Setting”

March 12, 2017 / Donna Robinson Photography / 5 Comments

I stumbled on a new and fun camera setting today while taking photos of the daffodils that line the driveway of our condo. When I say “stumbled” I really mean “stumbled.” It’s a wet, damp and overcast day and while I thought it would help soften the bright yellow color of the blooms, I was struggling with getting just the right sharpness, light, color and contrast. I tweaked everything from the shutter speed to the aperture and the ISO to the exposure. I even tried multiple settings with the flash thinking that a little fill light would help. But, I just couldn’t get it right!

The flower details aren’t too bad, but overall it’s too dark. White Balance – Cloudy; TV 1/800; AV 6.3; ISO 500

With Flash -2 2/3;White Balance – Cloudy; TV 1/800; AV 6.3; ISO 500

With Flash -2 2/3;White Balance – Cloudy; TV 1/160 AV 8; ISO 400

So, I started digging into the other settings like white balance and picture style (bouncing back and forth between standard and landscape) and that’s when I found the “Faithful” setting. As I dug into it I realized that I could adjust the “sharpness,” “contrast,” “saturation” and “color tone.” Wow! I could actually adjust all four (4) in the camera instead of waiting to download and adjust in Photoshop!

Faithful- default settings; White Balance Auto; TV 1/200; AV 6.3; ISO 400

Faithful- sharpness 5; contrast 4; saturation -4; color tone -3; White Balance Auto; TV 1/200; AV 7.1; ISO 250

You can see with the photo on the right I took down the saturation and bumped up the contrast. The yellow wasn’t quite as vibrant as it was on the left, but there is a little more distinction between the pine straw and the green plant behind the blooms.

As I was wrapping up and heading back in I noticed a few tulips pushing up through the ground…….look at the details of the rain droplets I created by using the “Faithful” setting!

Faithful Settings: Sharpness 5; Contrast 2; Saturation 2; Color Tone -1; TV 1/200; AV 5.0; ISO 250; Auto White Balance

I guess you could argue that to be really precise it would be easier to do everything in Photoshop or LightRoom. But, how “magical” it is to be in control of the settings and the final piece of art while you’re experiencing the beauty you’re capturing?

Thoughts: “When Cardinals Appear”

March 5, 2017 / Donna Robinson Photography / Leave a comment

We haven’t had much of a winter here in Atlanta. Some weeks the weather did manage to dip down into some very cold temps, but they were soon followed by mild, warm days. I think I only pulled out my heavy coat once. We even packed away the heavy comforter weeks ago as the cold winter nights have pretty much been non existent this year…….. and I’m ok with that!

But, somehow despite the warmer temps, Mother Nature still seems to own the timing for the emergence of Spring. It just doesn’t happen until she says it’s time. But, what she will do is give us little signs……a little bit of greenery on a brittle tree limb and tiny hints of color……..and then there are the birds!

As I peered around the corner the corner of our balcony towards the east side of the cemetery I spotted my favorite bird singing, calling to his mate. It was the Cardinal. I love this little guy…..he’s somewhat shy and tends to fly away just about the time I’m able to get my camera set up. But, today, he just sat there off in the distance, balancing himself on a thin, narrow branch…..singing to his heart’s content.

They say that when a Cardinal appears a loved one who has passed is visiting…..an angel watching over us. Perhaps, this is why he didn’t move and just sat there as I snapped away……finding comfort and peace in his cheerful, loving song.

“May you come to find comfort in and remember cardinals appear when angels are near.

So go now, sit outside and drink your tea.

Keep a look out for the little red bird — It is there, your loved one will be.” –Victoria McGovern (credit Our Wander Life )

Life In Black & White – “Back to the Sea”

February 26, 2017 / Donna Robinson Photography / 2 Comments

“We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch – we are going back from whence we came.” John F. Kennedy

I love this quote because it pretty much sums up my thoughts as we sat by the ocean the other day watching the windsurfers, SUP surfers, birds gliding above and children giggling in the churning waves. Each trying to make their way “back to the sea” in an effort to find strength or conquer their fears.

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For me, it was about finding peace and solace in being “back with the sea.”

Pic of the Week – February 19, 2017

February 19, 2017 / Donna Robinson Photography / 2 Comments

I was really struggling with finding the right topic or inspiration, today. We started out for a jeep ride and of course I had my camera in tow. There were plenty of sights, but none that were speaking to me.

When we came back in, I decided to switch gears and reverted back to working on another entry for my “Steeples I Have Chased” themes. As I found myself knee deep into photos and research, Michael signaled to me and pointed to the six string guitar we have hanging in the condo.

As the afternoon sun sets in the West, it tends to light up the condo from many angles, highlighting various objects. Some days we even have rainbows plastered across our walls.

I call this “Movement & Reflections.” At the right movement of the sun dropping in the West, it catches the strings of the guitar, reflecting off the wall. It’s simple, but unique as the setting sun that brought the highlights together.