Was good seeing some of you guys out at Coffee's Cliff in Chattanooga this morning !
I ran around a lot over the weekend. Learning a new camera -- finally in the SLR world -- and exploring some places I hadn't been before. CSX from Tullahoma down to Stevenson, AL. West along the NS Memphis District to Decatur and then north along CSX back to Nashville.
I wouldn't say I got anything spectacular but here are a few. It's funny how sometimes your best shot isn't in any fancy location.
http://picasaweb.google.com/ssmith1627/Recent#
I still have a LOT to learn.
Steve
Wow your pics are getting better and better, ;)
Hey thanks. I appreciate that. It's still a random thing. I take a ton and a few look almost intentional. haha
Lighting seems to be everything. Some locations just don't seem worth it. I drove down to Stevenson AL over the weekend. Beautiful depot and old hotel. But the tracks are on the north side. So to take pics with the depot a the backdrop you're on the shady side of the train. Seems like a great spot but really isn't.
I'll keep exploring. Definitely addicted to the hobby. But a lot left to learn.
Steve
Lighting is the key to getting good shots. Some places do seem like they would make a good shot until you see that the light isn't right. Sometimes you can hit a time of day when the light is at least somewhat serviceable. Don't rule those spots out totally because you can play with the angles on am East/West line and get them to cooperate some times. You might not be able to get a broad on shot but a head on shot will work if things are right. It just takes practice and a little bit of knowledge of how the sun moves in the sky. Keep it up I can definitely see improvement in your shots!
I enjoy astronomy as well. So have learned quite a bit about how things move in the sky. It's a lot to think about. Sun / time of day. Location. What's the "backdrop" in the shot -- something worth shooting or not really ? I'm learning how to use the camera enough to get a focused shot. But shot composition is an art form. I find some good ones more by accident than on purpose. At least I'm learning what I don't like. Clutter bothers me -- powerlines and all that. But I like the elevation shots -- seems more dramatic. Learning the photo editing software is another challenge.
I still say I'm more of a picture taker than a photographer. But this is a great hobby and certainly takes one's mind off work and stress !
Appreciate the feedback.
Steve