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

Virgin Gorda, BVI

Postcard from St. Thomas

Peter Island, BVI

Cancun – “Shipwrecked”

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?

The Original 7 Mile Bridge, Key West FL

Antique Store, Blue RIdge, GA

Fort Frederica, St. Simons Island,GA

Darien Shrimp Boats

St. Simons Light House

Thoughts – Anything is Possible

January 10, 2016December 23, 2016 / Donna Robinson Photography / 1 Comment

Here we are! The first week of 2016 behind us. We’ve made our resolutions and set our path forward to making this year different and better than in the past! Yep……..it’s going to be a great year!

As I began laying out my plans for taking this blog (and my photography) to the next level I knew anything was possible, I had to set goals with realistic and achievable milestones. But, I also knew that in order to grow and be successful, I had to stretch and challenge myself. Kind of like the little dog in this photo:

Anything is possible

Several years ago, my husband and I were out walking on a local trail and came across this little Yorkie trying to pick up a stick that was about 5 or 6 feet long. Carefully, try after try, he kept working to find that right spot on the stick that would give him balance. The sweet spot that he could grab hold of and carry the stick with ease, following his owner down the path.

Like this little dog, I’m working to find that “sweet spot” to achieve my goals. For my blog, specifically, I have laid out a monthly plan with re-occurring weekly themes (yikes…..there’s that stretch and challenge). Each theme a little different…..some easier to write about……others challenging and stretching myself.

I chose “Thoughts” to be a monthly theme and for this particular post I wanted to share my thoughts on “Anything is Possible.” I know I can be a better photographer and writer, but it will take work, patience and persistence. It will take me pushing myself past the excuses for not getting a post written or publishing new photos.

So, what are your “Thoughts?” What do you see as possible for yourself in 2016?!?

2015 – That’s a Wrap!!

December 31, 2015December 23, 2016 / Donna Robinson Photography / Leave a comment

I’ve been giving a lot of thought, lately, about a topic for my last blog of 2015. While I don’t want to spend too much time looking backwards, it has been an incredibly wonderful year, so why not share a few thoughts about my blogging journey:

Blogging has opened up a whole new world for me. Literally! I started this blog as an outlet to combine two (2) of my passions (photography and writing). Little did I know I would also find and enjoy other blogs from around the world! I love hearing about far away places and seeing the world through other’s eyes!
I really like blogging. It’s fun and has turned out to be everything I expected….both easy and hard (most times I have to put a lot of thought into my topics) and extremely rewarding. Seeing and reading comments on my blogs is an awesome feeling!
I want to do more blogging in 2016! More to come on this in the new year, so stay tuned. But, if you have some ideas for topics you’d like to see me cover please let me know!

Lastly, as 2015 comes to a close I also wanted to leave you with a few highlights of my personal favorite photos/memories to say “Thank you” to everyone who inspired me to begin this journey, my followers for continuing to believe in me and fellow bloggers for sharing your words/photos with the world.

“Life is a journey, not a destination………you are the artist, paint what you will!”

Gould’s Inlet SSI

Hawk in Flight

The Nutcracker

Bike Ride at Sunset SSI

The Elegance of a Handwritten Note

Chasity Brooke Shrimp Boat

Sunset on SSI

Shrimp Boat Coming in for the day – The Pier at SSI

Vinings and the Atlanta skyline

Touched by a Rainbow

SSI Lighthouse at Sunrise

Dusk on St. Simons Island with Sidney Lanier Bridge in the background

Bird in Flight

Walk on the beach at low tide

Lovely Lane Chapel – located at Epworth by the Sea Methodist Center

Christ Church – St. Simons Island, GA

SSI Casa de Playa

Darien Shrimp Boats

(Featured photo credit: Dean Janik – lead graphic artist for “Live by Night” filmed in Brunswick, GA this year)

The Elegance of a Handwritten Note

November 6, 2015December 23, 2016 / Donna Robinson Photography / Leave a comment

This week, I’ve received two (2) handwritten notes. They weren’t Hallmark cards with pre-written messages, but real notes. Notes with personal thoughts of “welcome” and gratitude for a “home away from home.” The words for each note were few, but contained more meaning than any text, e-mail, facebook or twitter message could say. When someone takes the time to put their thoughts on paper, unable to be edited by the stroke of a backspace key….it becomes unique, special and personal to the receiver. The words, emotion and intent are never misinterpreted……..they are simple yet elegant.