PERSONAL

Grabbing The Bull By The Horns

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I've been away for a bit, I know. Life has a way of twisting and turning sometimes. But whenever you want to get back to something, you have to force yourself sometimes to “grab the bull by the proverbial horns” and do it. After a hard week at work, my workmates told me about an open day at a local military base as part of the annual outreach from the Tradewinds military exercise. Named after the most prominent winds blowing across our region, Tradewinds is a United States Southern Command-sponsored, and Caribbean-focused operation held annually. I sometimes heard the American Black Hawk helicopters as they passed over my area on evenings. While the public is not invited to participate in the training events, they are allowed to visit the closed base for one day. I figured I would take this opportunity to visit since it has been ages since I last visited Paragon. 

So, I grabbed my camera and two lenses and made my way to the base, after a quick pitstop to deal with a faulty tire. Don't worry, all is fine. There is nothing like living a stone's throw away from a handy tire repair shop. Saturday morning drives are always relaxing…I can drive at my own pace without worrying about getting to the office on time. So, it was a quick trip with a cool soundtrack of 80s soft rock (my favourite, if I'm honest). I arrived just a few minutes later than the start time of 10:00 A.M., and I was directed to the Policy Training School to use the "park and ride" system in place. I quickly realised that the sun would not be our friend that day and it was turning out to be a scorcher.

My favourite things about Open Day are quite a few. First, I got to meet up with a few photographers from my club and some friends I hadn't seen in a while, totally unplanned but it was fun nonetheless. Shout out to Glyne, Bradley, Yvette, Sherlock, and Charles for keeping the day interesting. Second, I made lemonade with the lemons I brought. What do I mean? Well, I only had my 50 mm f2.8 and my 85 mm f2.8 prime lenses, which are great for crowd shots, but I was not in the mood for the crowds. I managed however to have a chat with one of the young men who is visiting the island for the first time. His name is Specialist Lucas and shout out to him for being a good sport when I asked him for a quick portrait. We had a wonderful chat about the Black Hawk helicopter, his career in the military so far, and his post-military plans. A very cool dude and if he ever comes across this blog, I wish him well in training and hope he gets a chance to return here as a tourist.

Specialist Lucas: Yes, I asked him politely for his photo and he kindly obliged.

The goal was not about getting "bangers" as Peter McKinnon would call his bucket list shots. I would not say my pictures were perfect. My lens choices were not the best for the day and some of the restrictions on where I could stand, exacerbated the issue. That is just a fact, not an excuse. I’ll know better next year. Today was about beginning to "see" again and getting outside. The first tool in any photographer's kit is his/her creative eye. And sometimes, one needs to retrain that eye after a dry spell. If I have one lesson from this for my photographer readers, from beginner to professional, it would be this: You can just shoot for fun, not everything has to be serious and you can turn a fail into a win if you learn from it.

More importantly, "all work and no play, makes Jill a very dull girl"...or something like that, right?

Camera and equipment details:

Camera: Nikon D7200

Lenses: Nikon 50mm F1.8 G Auto Focus-S , Nikon 85mm F1.8 G Auto Focus-S, Samsung A21S

Lighting: Natural Light

Software: Adobe Photoshop 2019

Until next time...carpe diem.



Mobile Photography Part 1: Return to Innocence

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Recently I've been wondering which projects I should take up in 2022. I don't know if I am the only one but I've found it a bit difficult to get started in photography this year. What does one do when there is the will but a lack of opportunity? Or vice versa? What should one do when you feel like you have hit a creative block? I've certainly felt "stuck in a rut" recently. It happens to all of us every once in a while, but the recent mix of the pandemic and general downturn of 2021 has left some of us with very little creative energy. My approach to photographer's block has usually one of the following:

  1. Change direction by buying new gear - while a fun idea, it is not always feasible or fiscally responsible;

  2. Set yourself a mini project or try something completely new from a tutorial ;

  3. Go back to basics

In this case, I decided to combine options #2 and #3. In the past, I've always considered mobile photography to be frivolous at best. I'm old fashioned so my phone was mostly for making calls. The substandard camera was solely for taking photos in case of an accident or getting a number on a billboard when I didn't have a pen. But much like DSLR cameras, mobile phone capabilities have moved beyond the grainy 0.35 megapixel images. There exists a number of lenses and lighting equipment available specifically for mobile phones. This brings a powerful tool into the hands of more amateurs without a need for much "technical know how" or jargon. So where does that leave the old fashioned enthusiasts and professionals? I don't think that the mobile phone is ready to replace the creative flexibility of its DSLR/mirrorless counterparts. But I do think both seasoned professionals and amateurs alike can find a lot of worth in improving their skills in mobile photography.

For some of us who started shooting digitally, we might have started on a point and shoot camera. Technically less complicated and mostly unassuming, that camera fueled our personal curiosity into the image making process. I know most purists will consider using mobile phone to be a step down from "real photography". I definitely do not agree. The real art in photography is not necessarily the priciest tools, but rather thoughtful composition and crafty storytelling. Technical ability is also key. I would rate those well above gear any and every day.

Going back to my project, what rules did I set for myself during my project? It was simple. First, shoot only on mobile phone (which is the point of this entire article). Second, edit only on the same device using a free photo app like Snapseed. Unofficially and lastly, edit within an hour of taking the shot. What happened, you asked? Well, I honestly had fun with it, way more than I expected to. Most importantly, I have changed my mind on mobile photography now. One of my favourite photography quotes says "the best camera is the one that's with you”.

I'll let you judge the results. Feel free to share your own tips and photos with me. More to come...

Photo and Video Project: Meet Zeus

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A lot has been going on recently, so I thought that I should make an update here. 2020 was tough for many reasons. I lost my father unexpectedly and then had to go into lockdown due to the pandemic. Not an easy situation, from the outset. The middle of the year gave us some protests on Black Lives Matter, a debate that shouldn't even be happening in this day and age. And then I lost my beloved dog of 13 years in June. But as much loss as I have suffered this year, I still managed to find a few moments of joy and creativity.

In March, I got a new puppy. You would have already met him if you've been following this blog. I named him Zeus, because I've always been a big fan of Greek mythology since childhood. And I knew he was going to be big and gregarious in nature. Turns out, I was right. This little puppy barreled his way into my heart as he rambled around my backyard. Zeus turned one year recently and I can't believe how fast he's grown up already. It's kind of funny that most of his lifespan has been during a pandemic. But he is so full of joy and love that sometimes I managed to forget we were under lockdown restrictions.

In the midst of all of the uncertainty, the most interesting thing happened. I decided to start making lemonade with my "lemons". So I got my camera out a few evenings, followed him around and captured some stills and some video clips. I've decided to make this into an ongoing project, documenting his time. It's fun for me and hopefully it helps to build some new skills. I think that I've gotten better at camera movement and editing.

Making The Photos

Zeus might be a big boy but he's still a puppy at heart and very active. He loves exploring the yard and watching out for the lizards. So I usually let him burn off some steam before I take out the camera. Using a long lens also helps, because he is a very affectionate boy and the closer he is to me, the more he thinks it's cuddle time (not that I am complaining). He doesn't stay still but the best strategy I've found is to simply pre-focus and wait until he comes into the focus area. Or just wait until he gets engrossed in something.

Camera and equipment details:

Camera: Nikon D7200

Lenses: Nikon 70-200mm F2.8 VR DX AF-S

Lighting: Natural Light

Software: Adobe Photoshop Elements



Making the Video

The video was much easier in my opinion. I didn't have a concept in mind when I started. I just started recording random clips of Zeus running around on some evenings when I would be outside with him. Luckily he and I have a routine on evenings so it was easy to figure I had written his name on the sidewalk at one point and decided to use that as the introductory shot and title card. I generally chose a frame rate of 24 fps for that old fashioned movie look and a warm colour grade (my editing software is pretty basic for now).


Camera and equipment details:

Camera: Nikon D5200

Lenses: Nikon 50mm F1.8 G Auto Focus-S

Lighting: Natural Light

Software: Adobe Premiere Elements 11

Music: You Tube Creators Studio

Until next time.... be creative and be passionate. And hang in there, it gets better.

How I Got The Shot - Adventure In Welchman Hall

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One of my favourite bits of photography wisdom is "the best camera is the one you have with you". After all, the world won't wait until you go home to grab your Canon, Nikon or Sony, etc. to have that perfect shot. Personally  I'm not an avid mobile phone photographer. I'm more inclined to grab my phone to snap a notice or a sign that has information I might need later. But even the most faithful purists must admit that mobile phone cameras are improving at an intensely rapid pace. 

As much as I love my DSLR, I must admit that it pays to step out of your comfort zone. This realisation brings me to the story of this shot. Back in November 2019, my dear friend Sid came all the way from Edinburgh (Scotland)  to spend some time with me and my mum. Sid is the person who started me on this journey and even went with me to go and buy my very first DSLR. One of our photography outings was in the gardens of Falkland Palace (you can see a few of those images in my very first blog post). So I knew one of the first places that I wanted to take her was to Welchman Hall Gully.  Why? It's the perfect walk in nature with tons of plants and sometimes the wildlife comes by to pay a visit. It’s also next door to the famous Harrison’s Cave which is another spectacular attraction.

Every epic vacation needs an epic photo in an epic location. The gully has an abundance of trees, including towering bamboo, nutmeg, and prickly palms, as well as cave-like limestone formations. Wherever there is a healthy canopy, you can always expect some beautiful shafts of light if you look hard enough or happen to be in the right place at the right time. While on the designated footpath, we came to a side path that had fallen into disrepair. At Sid's suggestion, we stepped off the main path to go and explore a collapsed cave. And the light was amazing. So I grabbed her phone and the rest is as they say, history. 

In case you're interested in getting into mobile phone photography, here is the link to an article that I found with some great tips and examples to help you get started.

https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/good-pictures-phone-tips 

Camera and equipment details:
Camera: iPhone
Lighting: Natural Light

Until next time.... 

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Revisiting

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I don't often revisit a previous theme. I am the kind of person who loves short term projects usually. But when I've found a passion, I can pursue and explore it exhaustively. Such is my recent discovery of PEG Farms Nature Reserve (see last post). Since the initial visit in June, I've made a point to return as often as I can. Fresh air, beautiful surroundings and fresh produce are very inspirational.

It's important to note that sometimes long term projects can lag and lose steam. Your original vision/views can shift or you can lose focus or passion altogether. Therefore it's often good to revisit an idea or a place. Seeing old work through fresh eyes can bring new perspective. If you have realised that this is happening, I've found these 8 steps from Trello to be useful in jumpstarting that creative spark again:

https://blog.trello.com/8-ways-to-apply-a-new-perspective-to-a-dragging-project 

Camera and equipment details:
Camera: Nikon D5200

Lenses:  Nikon 18-55mm G VR DX AF-S Zoom,  Nikon 55-300mm VR DX AF-S, Nikon 85mm F1.8 G Auto Focus-S 

Lighting: Natural Light

Until next time.... 


Down On The Farm

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If you have read my bio on this website, you would recall that I am a member of the Barbados Photographic Society (BPS)  and a contributor to the BPS website.  This non-profit club organizes a number of field trips every year around the island. I decided to attend the trip to PEG Farms which is a working biodynamic farm and nature reserve located in the parish of Saint Joseph (the north eastern part of the island). This was my first visit and I was curious to see what it offered. 

It was a very fun morning being out with friends, hiking in nature and enjoying the camaraderie. In fact, some of my favourite field trips of all time have been outdoors in nature. This one did not disappoint in terms of beautiful breathtaking views of the eastern coast of the island. Exercise and fresh air are always restorative for body, mind, spirit and the creative eye.  And if you have friends who are natural comedians, the time passes even better. And the best thing about going to the farm? Well, your $25 entrance fee is redeemable in fresh organic produce. Farm to table indeed. Check out their operation here: https://www.pegbarbados.com/

This place easily deserves a revisit, in my opinion. The best times might be in the morning, just after opening around 8:00 AM. Just make sure you avoid the chickens at feeding time.  

Camera and equipment details:
Camera: Nikon D7200
Lenses:  Nikon 18-55mm G VR DX AF-S Zoom,  Nikon 55-300mm VR DX AF-S, Nikon 85mm F1.8 G Auto Focus-S
Lighting: Natural Light

Until next time....keep it light. 

 

Facing Fears: A Cinco De Mayo Adventure

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All of my friends know that I love to travel. But while I love seeing new places and countries, I don't feel the same way about flying....or rather the act of flying. And the smaller the plane, the more I tend to get that sinking feeling. My friend Bruce has been a bit of an aviation buff for many years. He can easily tell you the names and paths of just about every type of plane landing at the airport. So when a mutual acquaintance of ours made a suggestion to take a short flight around the island (for his pilot's license requirements), he was ready to jump at the chance. I will admit that I was lukewarm to the idea but their enthusiasm was infectious. 

Maybe it was time to try something new. So, even with the initial misgivings, I decided to jump in. The first flight got cancelled due to the weather but the second one looked good. So on May 5 2018 (Cinco de Mayo), I decided to bite the bullet and packed up my camera to take in a side of Barbados not seen by many. I've been on a plane to and from Barbados before, but never circling the island at around 2,000 ft. And what an experience it was. For the aviation buffs reading this, our plane was a reliable Cessna 172 Skyhawk courtesy of the local aviation club. It's a four seat, single engine aircraft and surprisingly easy to push (easier than a car). Total flying time was exactly 30 minutes to complete a rough figure 8 shape. 

I came away from this experience with a greater appreciation for my beautiful island and a few aerial photography pointers:

  1. Figure out your flight plan, ask questions and do your preparation. How long is the flight? Do you take or require medication?

  2. Take a good zoom lens.

  3. Follow your flight safety rules and listen to your pilot. 

  4. Be patient.

  5. Fast shutter speeds above 1/500s. 

  6. Remember the glass (assuming that you are in an enclosed aircraft) and the location of the sun. 

Special thanks to our fabulous pilot, Mr. Ade Alleyne who kept us entertained while pointing out some famous landmarks. And finally thanks to the Barbados Light Airplane Club for hosting our group as visitors for the afternoon. 

Please enjoy the short video that I put together and the images in the gallery below. I might do this again, never say never.

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytgEu8GE_8E&feature=youtu.be

Camera and equipment details:
Camera: Nikon D7200

Lenses:  Nikon 18-55mm G VR DX AF-S Zoom

Lighting: Natural Light

Video: Lenovo TAB 2 A10-70L

Video Editing Software: Adobe Premiere Elements

Until next time...do what scares you. 

 

Horsin' Around: Easter Monday Jaunt With Some Horses

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I have been trying to get back out to shoot again. I've always found one of the best ways to cure a creative drought is to find a personal project. A personal project may be a short term assignment or a longer term exploration of a particular theme. This may be easier said than done, as with most creative endeavours. For me, the idea of having a long term goal tends to allow the creative mind to periodically reset. For the longest time, I have observed some horses tethered on a pasture on my usual route to work on most mornings. I have wanted to be able to photograph them in early light. So when I finally saw an opportunity on Easter Monday, I grabbed it with both hands. Rising early with camera in hand, I packed up the car and headed out to my location. Luckily the main attraction in this area is the beach. The other people who were around at this time, were on the other side of the road enjoying a dip in the cool seawater.

 

Why did I choose horses? Well, why not? Horses are such powerful, dynamic and enigmatic subjects, in my opinion, with any number of meanings in classical and contemporary artwork. And in this regard, I felt it worthwhile to do something a bit different in the post production and convert this series into black and white and monochromatic images (generally speaking). Also I made sure to choose one lens for my minimal gear as I had a short time frame to work within.

 

After my short time outside, I feel that I've barely touched the surface of this theme. Thus it bears revisiting in the near future and I'm excited about that prospect. Don't be surprised if you see more of these popping up in future blog posts....

 

Camera and equipment details:
Camera: Nikon D7200
Lenses:  Nikon 70-200mm F2.8 VR DX AF-S
Lighting: Natural Light

Until next time...

 

New Start

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I've had a hard time in 2017, as I'm sure that quite a few other people may have also experienced. I've felt like I was struggling with personal direction, loss of a relative and general creative blocks. Sometimes I will admit it was quite overwhelming. But I suppose that we've all been there at one point or another. 

Still it helps to be optimistic for the remainder of 2018. Although the year has started, the remaining months are a blank slate. So why not start over with the positive things that happened in the past year. No matter how small they may be. Maybe you met a new friend. Maybe you got a promotion. Maybe you completed a course or tried a recipe that turned out to be a hit. Maybe you fell in love or out of love, and not necessarily with a person.  Anything positive is source of strength. Amidst my tumultuous times in 2017, I realised that I still have quite a few things to be thankful for, including the following:

  1. I attended my first protest for a social cause which I consider to be highly important. See the Life In Leggings Women's Solidarity March post for photos. 
  2. I attended my first dog show. And it's no secret how much I love dogs! Please see my post Must Love Dogs: Barbados Kennel Club 2017 Dog Show. 
  3. I attended my first vintage car show. A small trip out with a friend turned out to be a fun Sunday afternoon. I am certainly no car enthusiast and I had never photographed cars before. But I embraced something new. I'm inclined to try it again this year, given the chance. 
  4. I was contacted by a regional magazine and sold some work. Published! Small steps and small victories can add up. Check out the teaser pages from Caribbean Insight magazine: https://view.joomag.com/the-caribbean-insight-issue-2/0536250001504020549
  5. I completed an introductory 7 week course in video production. I'm rather happy about the new knowledge and skills.
  6. Been working on my website here and there. This may not seem like a positive but I am really enjoying the creative process of making content. While I didn't have a great volume of content, I am proud of what I managed to accomplish. 

There's a lesson here that I learned from 2017. There's good in everything, even "failure". And to the creative types, never see a slow period as a negative. They are sometimes necessary to reset and focus the mind. I hope that this helps anyone who may be struggling creatively today. 

Until next time...

Welcome to my website and welcome to my world!

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Welcome and I'm happy to make your acquaintance. When I first started photography, I was pursuing a Masters Degree at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland. Since it was some rather analytical stuff , I decided that I needed an outlet to relax. TV? I didn't have one available and the license fee wasn't worth it. But I happened to be living in one of the most picturesque cities in Europe and I spent my free time outdoors with my friends so why not get out and take some photos? This was a great plan until the unthinkable happened. My old point and shoot camera decided to "cease and desist" (rest in peace, old chum). A dear friend suggested getting a DSLR, rather than another "point and shoot". And she even made the trip into town on a weekend with me to have a look at our choices. It turned out to be a rather wise decision since that camera traveled with me to many other cities across the UK and Europe before returning home to Barbados.

Restarting your life is always turbulent. There will be hits and misses along the way. Once again, I decided to use photography to occupy my free time and to keep active. When I initially bought my DSLR, I had been using the AUTO mode which was fine. But I became intrigued by the other settings on the dial. What did Aperture mean? Shutter speed, I can guess at. What's an f-stop? And ISO what??? It was time to demystify that fancy black box in my hands. I joined Flickr and then enrolled in a few short photography courses to learn the fundamentals of photography and photo editing. The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn and I continue to feel that way today. Still striving and still learning...

I'll leave you with a few happy memories from that first trip out with my very first DSLR, SOOC. 

 

Until next time...