Location is Everything

1. Saddle Creek Park

• Description: A 750-acre park with water, trails, and fishing options.
• Opportunities: Nature photography, wildlife, and landscapes.
• Costs: Free admission.
• Access Issues: Open daylight hours; trails may be muddy after rain.
• Best Times: Early morning or late afternoon for wildlife.
• Hours: Everyday 8 AM – 6:30 PM

2. Bok Tower Gardens

• Description: A 250-acre garden and bird sanctuary.
• Opportunities: Floral, landscape, and architectural photography.
• Costs: Adults $20, children $10, dogs $10.
• Access Issues: Open daily; hours vary seasonally.
• Best Times: Early morning for light and fewer crowds.
• Hours: Everyday 8 AM - 6 PM

3. Hollis Garden

• Description: A 1.2-acre formal garden with over 10,000 plants.
• Opportunities: Flower, macro, and landscape photography.
• Costs: Free admission.
• Access Issues: Open during park hours, which vary by season.
• Best Times: Morning for fresh, well-lit flowers.
• Hours: September–May: Sun-Thurs 10 AM - 6 PM, Fri-Sat 10 AM - 4 PM, closed Mondays; June–August: Sun-Sat 10 AM - 6 PM, closed Mondays

4. Polk Museum of Art

• Description: Located in Downtown Lakeland, across from Lake Morton.
• Opportunities: Architectural and exhibit photography.
• Costs: Free admission.
• Access Issues: Photography allowed in select galleries.
• Best Times: Weekdays for fewer crowds.
• Hours: Tue-Sat 10 AM - 4 PM, Sun 1 PM - 5 PM, closed Sundays (June-Labor Day) and Mondays.

5. Circle B Bar Reserve

• Description: A 1,267-acre reserve featuring diverse ecosystems.
• Opportunities: Wildlife, landscape, and bird photography.
• Costs: Free admission.
• Access Issues: Trails may be muddy post-rain.
• Best Times: Early morning or late afternoon for wildlife activity.
• Hours: Everyday 5:30 AM - 8 PM

Until next time,

Phil

Specialty Photography - Two

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My second choice of specialty is Still-Life/General Photography, which is the second most common type of photography that I take.

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Still-Life/General Photography

Description: Still-life photography involves capturing inanimate objects in a controlled environment. This genre allows photographers to arrange objects creatively and experiment with lighting, textures, and colors. Common still-life subjects include flowers, food, household items, and art supplies. Still-life photography requires attention to detail, as every element in the frame contributes to the final composition.

Typical Equipment and Settings:

• 50mm or 85mm Lens
• Aperture: f/4 - f/11
• Shutter Speed: 1/60 - 1/200
• ISO: 100 - 400

Optional/Special Equipment:

• Reflectors
• Diffusers
• Macro lens
• LED or studio lighting
• Tripod
• Backdrops

Tips & Best Practices:

• Use natural light or controlled artificial light to achieve desired effects.
• Adjust lighting for shadows and highlights that accentuate the subject’s details.
• Arrange objects thoughtfully and consider themes or storytelling elements.
• Use props or backgrounds to enhance the setting or create context.
• Experiment with different textures and materials to add depth.
• Try various angles and perspectives to find the most compelling shot.
• Incorporate contrasting colors or patterns for visual interest.
• Incorporate the rule of thirds, negative space, leading lines, and symmetry.
• Post-process images to enhance details, colors, and textures for the final touch.

Until next time,

Phil

Specialty Photography - One

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My first choice of specialty is Landscape Photography. This and wildlife are the most common types of photography that I take.

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Landscape Photography

Description: Capturing nature's grand vistas requires patience and perfect timing. Serious landscape photographers wake before dawn and stay out after sunset to catch the "golden hours," when light paints the earth in magical hues. Essential equipment includes wide-angle lenses, sturdy tripods, and neutral-density filters. Success depends on understanding weather patterns, seasonal changes, and composition techniques like leading lines and the rule of thirds.

Typical Equipment and Settings:

• 35mm Lens
• Aperture: f/8 - f/16
• Shutter Speed: 1/30-1/250
• ISO: 100-250

Optional/Special Equipment:

• Tripod
• Wide-angle lens
• Graduated neutral density filters
• Polarizing filter

Tips & Best Practices:

• Scout locations in advance.
• Pay attention to the sky and cloud formations.
• Use the golden hours for optimal lighting.
• Incorporate lines, leading lines, triangles, symmetry, asymmetry, negative space, contrast, rule of thirds, framing, patterns, repetition, and depth for composition.
• Use a tripod for sharp images.
• Experiment with different perspectives.
• Use filters to manage reflections and enhance colors.
• Be patient and wait for the right moment.
• Post-process for optimal results.

Until next time,

Phil

Exploring Texture – Option 2

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Exploring Texture - Take a series of photographs where you are exploring texture. Post your favorite to your blog and submit the link.

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Texture plays a vital role in how we perceive and interact with art and everyday objects.

The surface of the vase is adorned with leaf patterns that are visually engaging. The raised elements of the leaves create depth, allowing light to play across their surfaces and casting delicate shadows that add dimension.

This vase is on my to-do list to hand-paint after I decide on a proper color scheme.

Until next time,

Phil

Digital Photography Design Blog Post 4

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This month we were introduced to Digital Photography and Lightroom Classic.

Understanding the basics, from camera settings to learning composition techniques, can transform how you capture images, post-process them, and express creativity.

These core concepts provide a strong foundation for any graphic designer.

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Here are some of the notes I took:

Camera Structure

The camera is built with various components essential for capturing images effectively.

Key parts include:

• Lens: Affects focus, zoom, and image clarity.
• Mode Dial: Controls different shooting modes, such as Auto, Manual, and Priority Modes.
• Viewfinder & LCD Screen: Enables composing shots and viewing settings.

Focal Length

Focal length is the distance between the lens and the image sensor, determining the field of view and magnification:

• Super Telephoto: Ideal for capturing distant subjects like wildlife.
• Wide Angle: Suitable for landscapes and large group shots.
• Normal: Best for everyday shots with a balanced field of view.

Depth of Field (DoF)

Depth of field defines the area in focus within a shot. Three factors influence it:

• Aperture Setting: A wider aperture (e.g., f/2.8) creates a shallow DoF, ideal for portraits, while a narrower aperture (e.g., f/16) enhances focus throughout the scene.
• Distance to Subject: Closer subjects result in a shallower depth of field.
• Lens Focal Length: Longer focal lengths naturally reduce depth of field.

Aperture Settings

Aperture controls light entering the lens and the depth of field. Basic aperture ranges include:

• f/1.4 - f/2.8: Excellent for low-light conditions, creating strong background blur.
• f/5.6 - f/8: Great for portraits and medium DoF.
• f/11 - f/16: Provides a deep DoF, often used in landscape photography.

Shutter Speed

Shutter speed controls exposure time and affects image sharpness:

• Fast Shutter Speeds (1/1000 or faster): Freeze motion, ideal for sports.
• Medium Speeds (1/125 - 1/500): Good for general photography.
• Slow Shutter Speeds (1/60 or slower): Capture motion blur and long exposures.

ISO Sensitivity

ISO settings adjust your camera’s sensitivity to light. Higher ISO values (e.g., 1600) brighten photos in low light but may introduce noise, while lower values (e.g., 100) are ideal for daylight and result in clearer images.

Exposure Triangle

The Exposure Triangle combines three elements — aperture, shutter speed, and ISO — to control exposure.

Adjusting one setting requires changes to others to maintain proper exposure:

Example: Increasing the aperture by one stop requires decreasing shutter speed or ISO to keep exposure balanced.

Histogram

A histogram visually represents brightness in an image:

• Left Side: Represents shadows and dark areas.
• Right Side: Represents highlights and bright areas.
• Balanced Histogram: Shows a well-exposed image with good detail across shadows and highlights.

Composition Basics

Composition guides the visual arrangement within a photo or is incorporated in post-processing:

• Rule of Thirds: Place subjects along imaginary lines dividing the frame into thirds for a balanced look.
• Leading Lines: Draw the viewer's eye through the photo using natural lines like paths or roads.
• Negative Space: Use empty space around subjects to focus attention and add simplicity.
• Symmetry and Patterns: Can create a sense of harmony and balance in your photos.
• Framing: Involves using elements within your scene to frame the main subject of your photo. This can be anything from a doorway to tree branches.
• Background De-Cluttering: Simplifying the background or choosing one that contrasts nicely with your subject can significantly affect how the viewer perceives your photo.
• Depth: Using layers within your frame, overlapping elements, or incorporating foreground, middle ground, and background can add depth and richness to your images.
• Contrast: Refers to the difference between light and dark areas in an image.
• Golden Ratio: A mathematical concept (ratio of 1:1.618) used in art and design for centuries.

Types of Photography

• Abstract Photography: Focusing on shapes, colors, and forms, often without a clear subject.
• Aerial Photography: Capturing images from an elevated perspective, often using drones or aircraft.
• Architectural Photography: Photographing buildings and structures to showcase their design and aesthetics.
• Astrophotography: The practice of capturing the night sky and celestial events.
• Black and White Photography: Creating images in grayscale, emphasizing contrast and texture.
• Documentary Photography: Capturing real-life events and situations to tell a story or provide insight.
• Event Photography: Documenting events such as weddings, parties, or corporate gatherings.
• Fashion Photography: Highlighting clothing and accessories, often in artistic or stylized settings.
• Food Photography: Capturing appetizing images of food, often for advertisements or cookbooks.
• Landscape Photography: Focusing on natural scenery, such as mountains, forests, and oceans.
• Macro Photography: Taking extreme close-up shots of small subjects, revealing intricate details.
• Night Photography: Capturing images in low light, often utilizing long exposures.
• Portrait Photography: Photographing individuals or groups to capture their personality and essence.
• Sports Photography: Capturing dynamic moments in sports events, focusing on action and emotion.
• Street Photography: Documenting candid moments in public spaces, often focusing on human interactions.
• Travel Photography: Capturing images that represent the essence of places, cultures, and experiences.
• Underwater Photography: Photographing subjects underwater, requiring special equipment and techniques.
• Wildlife Photography: Capturing animals in their natural habitats, emphasizing behavior and environment.

Until next time,

Phil

Digital Photography Creativity Blog Post 4

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I found this exercise at 17 Creative Photography Exercises to Boost Your Inspiration

15. Tell a Story Through a Photo Essay

A photo essay is often used by documentary photographers to tell a story.

Photo essays are made up of multiple images that summarize an event or describe a person’s life.

You can approach this exercise in many different ways, depending on your interests.

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My October 2024 Photo Essay

Until next time,

Phil

Digital Photography Design Blog Post 3

Types of Photography

There are numerous types of photography. Here is a partial list:

Abstract Photography

Finding art in unexpected places, abstract photographers transform ordinary subjects into extraordinary images. This genre emphasizes form, color, and texture over literal representation. Success requires seeing familiar subjects in new ways and understanding fundamental design principles.

Aerial Photography

Whether using drones or aircraft, aerial photographers capture unique perspectives of our world from above. This genre requires understanding aviation regulations, weather conditions, and specialized equipment. Aerial images can reveal patterns and compositions invisible from ground level.

Architectural Photography

Showcasing buildings and interior spaces demands technical precision and artistic vision. Architectural photographers use specialized lenses to control perspective, work with available light and artificial lighting, and understand how to compose geometric shapes and lines effectively.

Astrophotography

Photographing the cosmos requires specialized equipment, technical expertise, and precise planning. Astrophotographers use tracking mounts, telescope integrations, and long exposures to capture celestial objects like stars, planets, and nebulae. Success depends on understanding astronomical events, weather patterns, and dark sky locations.

Black and White Photography

Stripping away color forces photographers to focus on form, texture, and tonal relationships. Black and white photography can add drama to any genre, from portraits to landscapes. Success requires understanding how colors translate to grayscale and using contrast effectively.

Documentary Photography

Telling true stories through images, documentary photographers combine journalistic integrity with artistic vision. This genre requires research, relationship building, and capturing authentic moments while maintaining ethical standards. Documentary work often involves long-term projects and in-depth storytelling.

Event Photography

Event photographers must capture key moments from weddings to corporate conferences while remaining unobtrusive. Success requires anticipating action, working in challenging lighting conditions, and managing client expectations. Event photographers need reliable backup equipment and excellent people skills.

Fashion Photography

Blending artistry with commerce, fashion photography requires a keen eye for style, lighting, and composition. Fashion photographers direct models, work with styling teams, and create images that tell compelling stories while showcasing clothing and accessories. This genre demands both technical excellence and creative vision.

Food Photography

Making dishes look appetizing requires more than just pointing and shooting. Food photographers understand lighting, styling, and composition techniques that make viewers' mouths water. This genre often involves collaboration with food stylists and requires attention to detail in prop selection and arrangement.

Landscape Photography

Capturing nature's grand vistas requires patience and perfect timing. Serious landscape photographers wake before dawn and stay out after sunset to catch the "golden hours," when light paints the earth in magical hues. Essential equipment includes wide-angle lenses, sturdy tripods, and neutral-density filters. Success depends on understanding weather patterns, seasonal changes, and composition techniques like leading lines and the rule of thirds.

Macro Photography

Enter the miniature world through macro photography, where tiny subjects become larger than life. This technically demanding genre requires specialized lenses and precise control over depth of field. Macro photographers reveal the intricate details of flowers, insects, and everyday objects that normally go unnoticed by the naked eye.

Night Photography

From cityscapes to star trails, night photography reveals what happens after dark. This genre requires understanding long exposures, managing digital noise, and working with limited light. Night photographers often experiment with light painting and creative techniques to add drama to their images.

Portrait Photography

Portrait photography is the art of capturing personality in pixels. It is about more than just pointing a camera at someone's face. Great portrait photographers excel at making subjects comfortable, directing poses, and using lighting to flatter facial features. Whether shooting in a controlled studio environment or with natural light outdoors, the key is connecting with the subject to reveal their authentic self.

Sports Photography

Fast action, split-second decisions, and rapidly changing conditions characterize sports photography. Success requires fast lenses, high-speed cameras, and intimate knowledge of the sport being photographed. Sports photographers must anticipate peak action moments and capture them with technical precision.

Street Photography

Raw, unscripted, and authentic street photography captures life unfolding in public spaces. Street photographers need quick reflexes, discretion, and the ability to anticipate decisive moments. This genre documents human behavior, social interactions, and urban life with a keen eye for composition and timing.

Travel Photography

Travel photography combines elements of multiple genres to tell stories of places and cultures. Success requires cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and the ability to work in unpredictable conditions. Travel photographers must capture iconic locations and intimate moments that reveal local life.

Underwater Photography

Underwater photography is characterized by challenging conditions and specialized equipment. Photographers must master buoyancy control, understand marine life behavior, and work with limited light. Specialized housings protect cameras while allowing creative control in an aquatic environment.

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife photographers combine the patience of hunters with the eye of artists. This challenging genre requires long lenses, lightning-fast reflexes, and deep knowledge of animal behavior. Success often means spending hours in uncomfortable hides or blinds, waiting for the perfect moment when an animal displays interesting behavior in good light.

Until next time,

Phil

Digital Photography Creativity Blog Post 3

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I found this exercise at 25 Practical Photography Projects

2. Create a Collection

As you study your old work, you may notice patterns in all those photos. Perhaps you will see enough of a pattern to create a collection of photos. As you sort through your old photos, try to create collections based on subjects, themes, people, or locations.

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Create Collage Photoshop

I have a lot of collections in my photos – family, pets, items of interest, locations, vehicles, etc.

Instead of posting a few photos of my collections, I wanted to learn how to create a collage of images using Photoshop.

Steps to Create a Collage in Photoshop:

• Create a New Document: Open Photoshop and create a new document by pressing Ctrl + N (Windows) or Command + N (Mac). Set the desired canvas size and resolution for your collage.
• Bring in the Images: Drag and drop the photos you want to use into your Photoshop document. Arrange them as you like. You can also use the File > Place Embedded option to add images.
• Convert Images to Smart Objects: Right-click on each photo layer and choose Convert to Smart Object. This step allows for non-destructive editing and better flexibility.
• Resize and Reposition: Use the Free Transform tool (Ctrl + T or Command + T) to resize and reposition the images within your canvas. Hold Shift while dragging to maintain proportions.
• Add Borders or Strokes: To create a border effect around each photo, select the photo layer and go to Layer > Layer Style > Stroke. Adjust the stroke size, color, and position as desired.
• Blend and Mask: Use layer masks to blend the images seamlessly. For example:
  • Create a layer mask for an image and use the Gradient Tool to blend it with the background.
  • Overlay textures or patterns (like vintage maps) using blending modes (e.g., Overlay or Multiply).
  • Use brushes to hide texture from areas where you do not want it (like faces).
  • Experiment with color gradients to enhance the overall look.
• Add Text: Select the Type Tool and add text to your collage. Choose a font and color that complements your composition. Apply layer styles to the text, such as a subtle drop shadow or gradient overlay.
• Fine-Tune and Save: Adjust opacity, blending modes, and other settings until you are satisfied with the collage. Save your work in the desired format (e.g., JPEG or PNG).

Experiment with different effects, textures, and arrangements.

Until next time,

Phil

Exploring Color – Option 1

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Color adds interest and emotion to your image. Take a series of photographs, 20 minimum, focusing on contrast and color. Print and mount a piece where color creates a vital emotional component of the overall image.

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This image creates a sense of nostalgia for me. The colored pencils remind me of childhood, school, drawing, coloring and Art class.

How does color add to the emotion of the piece?

• Warm Colors: Colors like red, orange, and yellow are often associated with warmth, energy, and happiness.
• Cool Colors: Colors such as blue, green, and purple are associated with calmness, tranquility, and sadness.
• Complementary Colors: Colors opposite each other on the color wheel can pique interest and create excitement.
• Analogous Colors: Colors next to each other on the color wheel can create a sense of harmony and balance, resulting in a sense of comfort and unity.
• Different cultures associate various meanings with colors. White symbolizes purity and innocence, while black can represent gloom or mourning. Red can be intense, symbolizing love, heat, energy, or danger.

How important is contrast, or the lack thereof, to the overall feeling of the image?

• Contrast helps to define and separate different elements within an image. For example, a bright full moon against a dark background naturally guides the viewer's focus to the moon.
• When light and shadow are used correctly, you can create a three-dimensional feel, adding depth to the image.
• High contrast between colors can create drama and intensity.
• Low contrast, where colors are softer and more muted, can produce a gentle and soothing effect.

What happens if we make the image monochromatic?

• Reducing Distractions: Eliminating color variety draws the viewer's attention to the image's shapes, lines, and textures.
• Highlighting Textures: Monochromatic images can enhance texture perception, as variations in light and shadow become more pronounced without the distraction of color.
• Monochromatic images can have a timeless quality reminiscent of classic black-and-white photography.

What happens if we make the image Duotone?

• The choice of two colors can help create specific emotions. Warm colors like orange and yellow can create feelings of warmth and happiness, while cool colors like blue and teal might instill calmness or sorrow.
• Reducing the color palette to two tones minimizes distractions, making it easier to guide the viewer’s focus.
• Many brands use duotone images to create a recognizable visual identity. The consistent use of specific color pairs reinforces brand messaging and appeal.

Only certain areas in color?

• By retaining color in specific areas while converting the rest of the image to black and white (or desaturated tones), the colored elements stand out prominently.
• Selective color can create focal points that guide the viewer's eye directly to the image's most important elements.
• The contrast between colored and non-colored areas enhances visual interest.
• Limiting color to certain areas makes the overall composition less cluttered.

Until next time,

Phil

Tell a Story Blog Post

Tell a Story

I took these pictures about a month apart in different locations in the community I live in.

It struck me as a very creative way to manage a lawn care business, although service can only be provided within the community.

I would caption these photos as “Working hard”.

This photo was taken by my cousin who lives just north of Tampa.

I don’t believe it needs a caption or any explanation.

Until next time,

Phil

Elements of Design Blog Post

Seeing the Elements of Design

Format: Shape of the image

The building known as the Pentagon is actually a misnomer; a Pentagon is five-sided with no volume. The Pentagon building has five sides, five floors above ground, and two basement levels, making it a pentagonal prism, but that name does not really roll off the tongue. The Pentagon's distinctive five-sided shape is immediately recognizable and symmetrical. This symmetrical format creates a sense of balance and stability, and the surrounding green areas and parking lots create negative space that highlights the Pentagon's format.

Line: Leading Lines

The structure of the prison hallway creates strong leading lines that direct the viewer's eye toward the silhouette of the prisoner. The combination of vertical and horizontal lines enhances the sense of depth, making the hallway appear longer.

Shape: Framing or frame within a frame

This image of a surfer engulfed in a large wave highlights the design element known as shape, particularly the concept of framing. The most prominent shape is the wave itself, which forms a natural frame around the surfer. The wave's circular motion creates an effect that draws attention to the surfer in the center.

Value: Difference between lights and darks

There is a high contrast between the full moon's bright illumination and the cemetery's surrounding darkness. The moonlight creates bright areas on top of the gravestones and grass, while the rest of the image is shrouded in long shadows.

Texture: Difference in skin

This image shows the stark contrast between the soft, smooth skin of the baby’s hand and the rough, wrinkled texture of the elderly woman’s hand, creating a powerful visual regarding the passage of time.

Color: Unique resin clock

This clock features a diverse color palette, including swirling shades of blue, green, red, yellow, orange, purple, and black. The warm colors convey warmth, joy, and enthusiasm, while the cooler tones suggest tranquility and introspection.

Key Lessons

Here is a summary of the key lessons I learned focusing on the elements of design to create compelling images:

• Lines/Leading Lines: Lines should lead the viewer’s eye to the intended point of focus, increasing visual communication.
• Shape: Using shapes to create recognizable forms and frame subjects.
• Color: Learning how color can set the mood, create harmony, or introduce contrast in an image.
• Texture: Understanding the importance of texture in adding depth and contrast to an image.
• Value: Learning that the difference between light and dark can enhance depth, and that high contrast can emphasize key elements while low contrast can create subtlety and calm.
• Framing: Creating natural frames within the image can direct focus.

Until next time,

Phil