Category Archives: black and white

Neighbors’ Barns

Posted by Mike on

What a weekend! Left the house Friday morning to bring my daughter back to school. She is going to SUNY Binghamton for Biology. Just a little over 2 hours to get her there, haul everything to her room, take her to lunch and then head out to my Dad’s house. Three hours later I reached Bemus Point and although I had nothing but blue skies for 95% of the trip it is overcast and grey. So much for any exploring with the camera.

Saturday was nothing but snow and wind. The family event I was attending was interesting to say the least but only on account of the weather. Finally made it back to my Dad’s house and settled in to wait for the storm to pass. My only concern then was which path home on Sunday and that would depend on the weather. Mother Nature was nice to me. Clear skies and no snow for the whole trip back home.

But enough about my scenic tour of NY State. This week’s theme was all about barns. I knew I would have some great chances around my Dad’s house but those plans went out the window. I managed to get out around my house Sunday afternoon and tried to be a little more creative. I only took the 55-200mm lens with me. Two reasons really… one was to get some detail images of my next door neighbors barn and secondly, the other barn in view from my house is over a half mile away.

Here is was I came up with…

Front Door Nikon D5100, Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6, 1/200s, 120mm, f/8, ISO 200

Front Door
Nikon D5100, Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6, 1/200s, 120mm, f/8, ISO 200

Barn Door Nikon D5100, Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6, 1/250s, 165mm, f/8, ISO 200

Barn Door
Nikon D5100, Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6, 1/250s, 165mm, f/8, ISO 200

In The Distance Nikon D5100, Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6, 1/320s, 200mm, f/8, ISO 200

In The Distance
Nikon D5100, Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6, 1/320s, 200mm, f/8, ISO 200

Dominos

Posted by Mike on

I sat at my desk during lunch the other day creating a list of photography projects for this winter. I was focusing on indoor projects since the weather and lack of light after work has hindered my exploring with the camera. Surprisingly I was able to create a fairly long list which I hope will keep me occupied as we head into the snowy, cold part of winter.

This is what I am going to call my Game Pieces project. I have seen numerous variations on Google+ and the strongest influence would be Steve Johnson’s Black and White Games gallery. I read Steve’s book The Minimalist Photographer last year and have been following his blog ever since. My goal is to explore monochrome images with the effect of light and shadows. I will also be playing with depth of field so I can more quickly select the right aperture when I am out with the camera.

Game Pieces – GP1

Dominos Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 8s, 70mm, f/8, ISO 200

Dominos
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 8s, 70mm, f/8, ISO 200

Is It Safe To Come Out?

Posted by Mike on

Monochrome Winter

I went for a quick walk around the house and neighborhood this morning after shoveling the driveway. I hadn’t been out with the camera in quite a few days and the new snow was very inviting. Sitting here writing this post and I notice the sun is trying to make an appearance. If it can push through the clouds I am going to hop in the car and find some more winter wonderlands to capture.

The image below is of my neighbor’s horse Sonata, who I have featured before on this blog. She is always curious when I get close to her pasture but I think the cold kept her close to the barn and a little hesitant to venture outside. I thought this would make a nice addition to my Monochrome Winter series…

Is it Safe to Come Out? Nikon D5100, Nikkor 35mm f/1.8, 1/400s, f/8, ISO 200

Is It Safe To Come Out?
Nikon D5100, Nikkor 35mm f/1.8, 1/400s, f/8, ISO 200