Outside the Mixing Bowl

If you stay long enough, even the asylum begins to feel normal.

This must be a coping mechanism. That's my only explanation. How else could you rationalize our ability to deal with angry drivers, rude service personnel, ladder climbing coworkers, and people who are more than a few cards short of a full deck? 

We do it because we have to. 

The problem is, when you leave the mix for a period of time, coming back isn't quite so easy. Most of us experience this phenomenon when we return from vacation. 

I think the first day back at work is a profoundly sobering experience. I don't know if this has happened to you, but I've literally stood there, watched, then slowly backed away from the door.

I'm not sure if this is an argument for, or against, extended vacations. The argument for is quite simple: you find your sense of well being.  The argument against is... well there really isn't one, is there?

So once a year, we regain our vision before sliding back into the mixing bowl.  The beaters begin to spin. But with battered eyes we look ahead...

To the next two weeks of sanity on the books.

-Derrick

Postcard Photography

Personally, I think postcards get a bad rap from serious photographers.

if you're new to a destination, visit the local souvenir shop and browse the postcard rack. In just a few minutes, you'll see all of the iconic views of the area. You could use this information as starting points for your own work. (Plus, you might want to purchase a few extra to send to Mom who never really understood your artsy images.) 

Once you find the spot where a postcard picture was captured, start out by recording your own version. They're excellent for reference, title slides, and for those who appreciate less adventuresome artwork. 

i don't know if you've ever had this happen to you. But I've presented a series of my favorite shots from a location with one or two postcard types thrown in, only to have the viewer remark, "Ooh, that one's nice!" 

Sigh. 

Despite these minor setbacks, don't stop shooting once you've captured the obvious. Push forward and make that scene your own.

Do it, even if you're the only one who will appreciate an alternative view of an iconic subject. 

Consider it your own personal postcard.

-Derrick

Long Exposures

One of the most interesting techniques in photography is to leave the shutter open and see what happens.

Generally speaking, this is not a midday activity, which is part of the reason why I like it. Long exposures work better when the sun has long passed its zenith, or has disappeared all together. Early morning, twilight, moonlight, overcast, indoors... these are great long exposure situations. 

I've been using a feature on my Olympus OM-D called Live Time for for these situations. I place the camera on a tripod and use my iPhone to control it. This is easy because the OM-D E-M10 has built-in WiFi that talks to the iOS app, Olympus Image Share.  

I line up the composition, activate the shutter release with the iPhone, then watch the image slowly come to life on the iPhone screen. When it looks the way I want, I tap the button again to close the shutter.  And the image is captured.

This is the closest thing I've experienced in digital photography to watching a photograph come to life in a tray of developer. I don't miss the chemical darkroom. But I do miss that moment of magic.

This sensation is amplified with the effect produced by the long exposure. Water becomes a foggy blanket draped across glistening rocks. Moving people dissolve from hard, edgy creatures to translucent ghosts. The world becomes a softer place when framed by long exposures. 

It's not that I despise the harsh light of reality. 

But sometimes I need a break from it. 

-Derrick

Yes, Cuba

On Jan. 17, I fly into Miami in preparation for a second flight to Havana.

Yes, Cuba.

I'm the Photo Guide for an 8-day field trip that includes Havana, Cienfuegos, and Trinidad. We'll be photographing Old Havana’s baroque and neoclassical architecture, its artists and businessmen, and the nightlife made famous by the Buena Vista Social Club.

I'm mentioning this now in case you've ever had designs on visiting Cuba. This field trip is organized by the same folks who I have worked with on many trips all over the world, including my recent photo shoot in Europe.

We'll have a professional bilingual Cuban guide; two tour managers, and myself. The overall group is limited to 26 participants. Once we land in Miami, transportation, housing, and meals are covered. They also arrange for our Cuban visa and health insurance.

If you're interested, you can find out more here.

It's going to be quite an adventure.

-DS

Board Shorts

Packing for Hawaii is the easiest job in the world.

I've had some complicated trips lately. My upcoming adventure to Maui won't be one of them. 

Three pairs of board shorts, 6 T-shirts, 2 button-up colorful Hawaiian shirts, 1 pair of long pants for the obligatory night out at a real restaurant, sun block, aloe, cap, shades, flippers, mask, and snorkel. It the only destination I know of where underwear is optional. (Seriously, who wears boxers in Hawaii?)

Even my technical gear is easier. No laptop. iPad mini, underwater compact camera, mirrorless camera, iPhone, headphones, and lots of music. 

I'll probably spend more time in the pool this year than the ocean. I'm looking forward to further mending my dislocated shoulder. Water seems like the perfect solution.

While in Maui, I'll be posting pictures and sharing anecdotes. But there won't be many travel tips this time around. In fact, there's only one travel tip I can think of: Whatever you do...

Don't miss the plane.

-Derrick