Winter Wonderland – 11.29.06

Winter has finally come and a little of the white stuff is on the ground. A neighbor got caught out in the cold, at least their hot tub. With the near zero temps, the overflow has created an amazing ice tower that’s nearly 12′ tall. I couldn’t resist going out and making a couple of snaps.

Photo captured by D200, 28f1.4 on Lexar digital film

D200 Settings – 11.11.06

Coming really late to the party, I now have a D200 and truly enjoy shooting with this camera. I’m literally never without it. I’ve had LOTS of requests for a D200 Settings page. While I think the settings are pretty straight forward, click on the link and you’ll see what I use the majority of the time. These settings are based on the 2.0 Firmware.

In regards to info on how I’m incorporating the D200 into my personal photography, because it ain’t how you might think, you’ll have to pick up the upcoming issue of the BT Journal to find out.

Photo captured by D200, 70-180macro 2 – SB-800 on Lexar digital film

And when you get home – 11.09.06

After 7 weeks on the road, I’m finally back home, what do I do when I get back home? I smell the roses!

Photo captured by D2X, 105VR with 3 SB-800 on Lexar digital film

Thanks NYC! – 11.02.06

WOW…want a turn out of Moose Fans at PhotoPlus today. Lexar hosted me at their booth where I did four presentations. From opening to closing, a whole lot of you came to shake hands, introduce yourself and tell me about your photographic passions. Even had good friends like Jay Maisel, Joe McNally, Howard Schatz, Bruce Dale & Bill Neill come by, too cool! I sure appreciate each and everyone of you taking the time to stop by and saying hello. Thanks also to Lexar for bringing me in for a great event! Thanks Jeff!

Photo captured by Sharon Peterson with D200, 28f1.4 on Lexar digital film

NYC – 11.01.06

Ran into a good friend last night at a meeting, she said, “Moose in the city, you lost?” I like wildlife in all forms and NYC is as wild life as you’re going to find. I really like exploring the city in B&W, this is one of my favorites from the week.

Photo captured by D200, 28f1.4 on Lexar digital film

What is a Rut? – 11.01.06

The weather is bad, the camera is old, I don’t have the right lens, my computer is acting up, the light sucks, when I hear excuses like this for continually not shooting, it’s a sure sign the photographer is in a rut. What is a rut? In photographic terms, it’s when the creative juices aren’t flowing any more, the passion is on the verge of slipping away. Burn out in layman terms. It’s not a good thing.

Can this happen to anyone? You bet! I’ve seen it happen all to often to photographers who had lots of potential but for many reasons, were never able to live up to it. The books are full of images from great photographers who, in general terms, hit a rut and were never to dig themselves back out again. Do you exhibit the warning signs? Do you use any of the phrases, or a whole lot more, to justify why you’re not out shooting more than you should be? More importantly, how can you avoid getting in a rut?

I’ve personally never gotten into a rut, but pretty darn close a couple of occasions. The way I avoided the whole thing was to go out and buy a new lens. I than marry myself to that new lens, shoot everything with it until I knew it inside and out. I shot everything from my big toe to road kill, whatever got in front of the new lens was a target. No, great images didn’t come from the exercise, but opening my eyes & heart to new possibilities did come from the exercise. Avoiding getting in a rut was the most important aspect of the exercise.

Avoiding getting in a rut, or pulling yourself out of one I think is as simple as being totally silly with your camera and chase subjects you would never, ever regularly chase. Depending on how deep of a rut you might be in, you might have to play a little longer. Or, you might find the new fun is something to delve into with even greater zealous now you’re out of the rut. Does this work? There is only one person I’ve suggested this to over the years that it didn’t work for. Regrettably, that person is no longer a shooter, works as a chef.

Keeping the creative juices a live is very important, especially now that winter is fast approaching. The normal subjects aren’t as obvious or plentiful. It’s the time to explore new techniques, revisit old ones and master and combine them so when spring rolls around, you’re ready to go. Photography is a grand pursuit and one that takes all of your heart & soul. At all costs, you need to avoid getting in a rut and burning out.

What is a rut? A rut is a grave with its ends knocked out.