Hello again

As promised I am writing again soon, I have a number of photos that I would like to share and discuss a little.

I encourage everyone to offer suggestions and thoughts and even constructive criticism, so please feel free to share your thoughts, and not just on the photos, please consider this an open forum for discussion!

On to the photos!

The first one is from of a series of photos I took of some delicious cupcakes and strawberries – among other things.

 

I purchased some colored cardboard sheets and set up my studio lights.

Mostly I tried to separate the subject from this make-shift background, using a light between the two, and varying between having two other lights from the front-left and right.

I also changed some of the backgrounds from time to time, trying to match up the colors that just jump! The white balance may be a little off, but these colors were really interesting to work with, I hope you like the results.

I may have shared these Johnnie Walker photos, but I thought I would re-post some.

Once again these were done with the studio lights, and a very similar setup to the food. The biggest challenge with these photos was trying to subdue the harsh glare and reflection off the glass. I finally decided that the glare gave some reality to the photo and left them as is.

These are purely experimental shots and I am sure the owners of the brand would prefer that these images do not infringe on copy-right laws.

The Macaw is one of my favorite photos, it was really an accident, but hey!

In other news;

I recently attempted my first maternity shoot.

This set up was quite tricky as I needed space to manoeuvre. Needless to say I moved the lights around a lot, trying to achieve different results.

I am hoping to do a shoot soon – this time of the little girl!

While on my mission in the garden I spotted this stick-insect/praying mantis making a break for safety. The light was horrible, and I was really too lazy to set up lights, so these were the best shots I could get. Macro really poses its obstacles!

I also happened across this dragonfly as it buzzed around. Fortunately it settled long enough for me to capture some photographs! The light was great that afternoon.

 

What do you think, any thoughts on macro photography? Or the photos?

These are a few shots of the birds that frequent my garden. I love watching them!

They don’t always present at the most convenient times though, so sometimes the light is just too harsh and the shadows all wrong. But it’s great to practice!

And finally. . . 

I have some self-portraits that I did a few days ago. 

I really tried to get the lighting just right, and I will keep trying as I am not quiet happy with the results. 

Once again, please share your thoughts, comments and criticisms. 

On another note, the main news today is that Barack Obama is serving a second term in the US presidency. 

I'm not sure if this is a good or bad thing, however I have to admit that Obama is a worthy opponent, and has not steered the country wrong. And there is some talk that it is the presidents who stand for a second term have more chance at following through on their original goals. 

Here is hoping that Obama will prove worthy of his many supporters. 

This last photo is a random shot that I took at a party a few weeks ago, just thought it was a little different and so I would share it.

Hope everyone is faring well.

Chin up

Ciao for now