Title: “Old Town Living”
Upper levels of old factories and warehouses have been turned into lofts throughout Old Town, Wichita, KS.
Camera Info: Camera Nikon D700; ISO 200; Aperture f/11; Shutter 1/100 sec; Lensbaby double optic 50mm.
Ref: KS135195D7.
Like a lot of US cities, downtowns are being improved with upper scale lofts replacing the abandoned buildings. The benefits are improved safety, return of basic services like restaurants, art outlets and galleries, boutiques, and the list keeps going. All within walking distance.
The contrast between the balcony and the wood fence caught my attention for this image. Editing included using Elements Guided program’s “Lomo” effect after my basic work.
Your question and comments are welcome.
Title: “Sense of Scale”
Photo test using Lensbaby optic from a high angle of view reveals a “miniature” effect of subjects in the foreground.
Camera Info: Camera Nikon D700; ISO 200; Aperture f/16; Shutter 1/400 sec; Lensbaby Double Optic 50mm.
Ref: KS135166D7. Image Not For Sale.
After several conversations about an optical effect of “shift/tilt” lenses and similar comments about Lensbaby optics, I decided to try an experiment with my Lensbaby double optic. I was standing in the stairway of the parking garage next to the Warren Theater on 2nd St. in Wichita, KS. The view is to the southeast across the plaza.
Lensbaby lenses are designed to allow the elements to be pivoted so the “in focus” portion can be located anywhere on the camera sensor. The aperture plate controls the size of the in focus portion as well as the depth of field. With my D700 in a vertical position, I rotated the lens downward to bring the in focus area to the benches and fire hydrant.
With the camera set to Manual mode, I focused the lens and adjusted the shutter for the f/11 plate I had installed into the lens.
Results: I believe that this image shows the desired effect discussed. While I probably will not use this technique very often, I will keep it in my back pocket for the perfect chance.
Questions and comments are welcome.
Title: “Lighted Drive”
Morning sun shines into light fog on our driveway in western Butler County, KS.
Camera Info: Camera Nikon D200; ISO 200; Aperture f/8; Shutter 1/60 sec; Lens 135mm (35mm equiv).
Ref: KS137140D2.
This morning I had my D200 with a zoom lens installed because we had been seeing an adult bobcat around. I didn’t see the cat this time but the sun shining through the fog certainly grabbed my attention. I zoomed to 135 mm for the picture.
Editing: Aside from my normal process, I added a “multiply” layer to boost the contrast between the light beams and background. I dropped the opacity down so the effect would still remain “real” looking. I also used Elements for the black and white conversion, slightly increasing the contrast for better black saturation.
Your comments and questions are welcome.
Title: “The Horizon”
A sea of grasses after a recent heavy rain provides an interesting horizon line with the sky.
Camera Info: Camera Nikon P7000; ISO 100; Aperture f/8; Shutter 1/35 sec; Lens 200mm (35mm equiv).
Ref: KS136052P7P7.
This berm alongside Diamond Road was built to separate rock quarry activity from the road. I call the berm “Mount Lassmann” because it is the view from the end of our driveway. The grasses were flattened into interesting patterns after a heavy rain. I liked the textures and flowing design of the grasses. To increase the visibility of the textures, I added a slight amount of “diffuse glow” from Photoshop Elements. I also looked at a black and white conversion, but the color version was better.
Your comments and questions are always welcome.
Title: “Garvey Bldg Entrance”
The 10 story Garvey Building at 300 W. Douglas in Wichita, KS has been a part of downtown Wichita since 1965. This business center is part of the Garvey Center Plaza that shares the adjacent space.
Camera Info: Camera Nikon D700; ISO 200; Aperture f/4; Shutter 1/320 sec; Lens 35mm
Ref: KS135101D7.
Additional picture info:
Wandering around downtown Wichita after the River Festival, I noticed the beautiful flower beds around the entrance to the 10 story R. H. Garvey Building. Selecting a low camera angle to make sure the name on the entry was in the background, I focused on the flowers. I set the camera at f/4 to place the background out of focus which forced a shutter speed of 1/320 second for a proper exposure.
I created additional PSD files at +/- 2EV from the original RAW image in order to use Photomatix HDR to handle the contrast range. I then softened the image using surface blur and Gaussian blur. Finally, I added 2 layers of vignette to darken the image edges.
Your comments and questions are welcome.
Title: “Roses Are”
Overcast and after a rain shower create a soft lighting that cannot be ignored. I attached a Lens Baby double optic lens on my D700 and made a few exposures. I under exposed the scene by a couple of stops in order to drive the background and flower dark. This increased the contrast and allows the flower to “radiate”.
Camera Info: Camera Nikon D700; ISO 200; Aperture f/11; Shutter 1/160 sec; Lens 50mm
Ref: KS135061D7.
Your comments and questions are welcome.
NEW RELEASE
Title: “From the River”
This stairway leads from the east bank of the Arkansas River to Douglas street above. The location is Wichita, KS.
Camera Info: Camera Nikon D700; ISO 200; Aperture f/8; Shutter 1/30 sec; Lens 110mm.
Ref: KS135138D7.
My thoughts: Vertical, horizontal and diagonal lines – all come together to give this scene a strong sense of direction. That’s what caught my attention. The sun is coming in at an angle to place the risers in shadow while brightly illuminating the treads. The cement is light enough to provide a nice fill effect into the otherwise dark shadows.
Then I started noticing other features. The curved wall on the left is accentuated by the curved banister. That’s the only curved surface in the scene. All of the other lines lead up the stairs.
The black and white conversion was done using Photoshop Elements. Finally, I added a subtle vignette to finish the picture. I used the “rule of thirds” to guide the composition.
Your questions and comments are welcome.
Art Room 114
Title: “Despair”
The place is Pinkies in the Stockyard area of Fort Worth. Body parts and horns mixed together make strange companions in the scene.
Camera Info: Camera Nikon P7000; ISO 100; Aperture f/5.6; Shutter 1/17 sec; Lens 28mm (35mm equiv).
Ref: TX122431P7.
This limited edition image is offered 13x19 inches with the white signature border. The edition size is 21 pieces and available as print alone, matted and framed or (as shown) mounted and laminated using the L’image process for permanence.
This picture is then framed in a Larson-Juhl picture frame for final wall display.
Note: Other formats may be available in addition to this limited edition release.
This is the 5th picture of 5 currently on display and for sale at the Art Room 114, El Dorado, KS. You may contact the gallery at 316-321-3223.
Art Room 114
Title: “The Elements”
The morning breaking clouds, the Keeper of the Plains facing the sun and the “sacred hoop” representing the elements of Earth, Fire, Water, and Air all combine to make visits spiritual. This beautiful plaza stands as a tribute to the long heritage of Wichita.
Camera Info: Camera Nikon D700; ISO 200; Aperture f/8; Shutter 1/4000 sec.; Lens Lensbaby Double Glass Optic 50 mm.
Ref: KS123319D7
Size: 13x19
L’image 3/8 inch Mount, black edge
This is the 4th picture of 5 currently on display and for sale at the Art Room 114, El Dorado, KS. You may contact the gallery at 316-321-3223.
