July 2011 | Page 3 of 4 | Just Shooting Memories!

From the monthly archives: "July 2011"

Classic Cars

By Justshootingmemories On July 11, 2011 · 2 Comments

For anyone who has read this post for the last several months or who has browsed the last several months worth of posts, I am a classic car fan. Not necessarily a nut on the classic cars themselves, but a nut about photographing them. Now, I think this is beginning to lead me into becoming a fan of the cars themselves. I am a huge 1970’s Chevelle Malibu SS fan, but I have yet to run across one at a local car show. As I sit here writing this, I am dreaming about my last car show and beginning to formulate plans for my next visit to some Classic Cars.

Over the last few shows, I have learned a few things:

1. Try to get a good feel for what is going to be at the show prior to going. The first show I decided to go to this year, I had other plans that day and was just going to stop for a few minutes on the way to complete other tasks. However, when I drove by, there were only a few cars and none of them looked like good subjects. When I came back by a couple of hours later, the entire selection changed. If you get there early, plan to stay long because sometimes it takes awhile to get the cars there.

2. Photograph the car closed up. At most of the shows I have been to, owners open the doors and hoods to show of their pride and joy. I don’t fault them one bit for that, I would too, but you don’t get a feel for the car and it’s lines with the doors open and hood up. I have yet to have an owner deny my request to photograph the car with it closed.

3. Pay attention to the crowd. Several show I have been to were quite crowded. It makes for a hard time getting good shots of just the cars, and sometimes, you just have to deal with it, but if you pay attention to where the majority of people are, you can go to another spot in the show for some clean picture taking.

4. Get close and drop the depth of field. When crowds are heavy and it is hard to take a photo of the whole car, take some shot of the details. I have yet to find a car at any show which was not a plethora of fine detail and a good subject for some close-up work. Shortening the depth of field gives a creative look to the close-ups. Shots of trim, lettering and engines make for good subjects.

5. Get low. I find that most cars photograph well from a low angle. This gives the car a larger than life feeling to me.

I know you are just after the photos, so I will stop writing and let you see…

Today’s Photo: The BelAir, a symbol of freedom

The Bench

By Justshootingmemories On July 10, 2011 · 2 Comments

Google +, a mini review:

I was fortunate to get an invite to Google+ a couple of days after Google made invites available. At the time and still, I think it is an amazing upgrade from Facebook, its closest rival. However, I believe it has some growing still to do. The number of people in the world with smart phones as compared to computers is huge and I believe the iPhone continues to hold a majority in that market. I have found little fault in the Google+ interface on traditional computer browsers. In fact, Google has put a lot of thought into giving people a different way of connecting with friend’s, family and acquaintances through circles. The only problem I have had is that it takes work on the front end to make sure you place everyone into the proper circle. It is time consuming to go back and re”circle” your friends.

My biggest problem with Google+ is the mobile interface. Now, I have an iPhone and currently there is no app, although, it is “coming soon” according to Google, so I can’t offer input as to the functionality on the Android app. For the iPhone, the streams work wonderfully and the ability to quickly check notifications is a plus. On the other hand, posting from the mobile web app is less than what I would hope for. I am frequently on the go and need to post links. Through the mobile web app, I have yet to find a way to do this. I am able to change from the mobile version to the desktop version to add a link, but then I am not able to add any comments to the posting of the link; just the link itself.

Another issue that I have heard of is that users who have created an account with a pseudonym or profile picture other than of a person, are being forced to change them. I am at a loss as to why Google would be forcing this issue. Anywhere else on the web you go, you can be known by whatever name you want to be. Also, me being a photographer, the user agreement is not that friendly for anyone wanting to retain all rights to their photos. I currently have my portfolio stored at Flickr and will keep it there until that changes. However, photos which I do not think I will have a need for exclusive rights may still end up on Google+.

All in all, I have had an enjoyable experience with Google+. I think the interface is outstanding and the concept behind the circles was genius. I will continue to use Google+ and hope that some of the initial bugs get worked out. I guess being an early adopter on the cutting edge has a tendency to come with it’s own issues.

Find me on Google+ as Daryl Clark or here for my Google+ profile.

Today’s Photo: The Bench

I was sitting on the porch at the house the other day when I noticed the clouds were beginning to look good for a few shots around the house. This place happens to intense me into a creative mood no matter how the day starts out. Not to mention, from spring to fall, there are constantly blooming flowers. Everyday here is a new adventure.

The Asian Art Hall

By Justshootingmemories On July 9, 2011 · Add Comment

I read a post on Photofocus the other day about becoming a better photographer. In it, Scott Bourne talks about using writing to become a better photographer by making the photographer focus on telling a story. That made me think and go back to some of my work from when I first started writing this blog. What I discovered opened my eyes. Maybe writing really does work to improve photography.

Today’s Photo: The Asian Art Hall

Today’s photo comes from the Asian History Museum in Washington D.C. It amazes me how the architecture is as much a part of the museums as the pieces on display. I was walking around this museum when I rounded the corner and saw these windows lined up and leading to a large metal bared door on the other end of the hallway. (I later learned that is where some of the more valuable pieces are as well as the stairway leading to the administrative offices in this building) I just thought the symmetry was perfect in the architecture.

Fireworks and Lightning

By Justshootingmemories On July 8, 2011 · Add Comment

For anyone who wants to, unless otherwise labeled, I offer all my photos on Flickr in their original size. Or at least as large as I can get them on Flickr. So jump over there and check them out or just go to Flickr and search for Just Shooting Memories.

Today’s Photo: Fireworks and Lightning

Okay, I was going to wait awhile before I posted another firework photo, but I was so impressed with the lightning in addition to the fireworks that I am putting another one up now. This was another on Lake Allatoona at the Allatoona Yacht Club. Conditions could not have been any more perfect. A storm in the background and fireworks up close. They shoot these from a barge in the lake and there are hundreds of boats lining the lake. This will be an annual event for me.

Modern Car

By Justshootingmemories On July 7, 2011 · 1 Comment

Well, this is my 100th post. I should have something witty to say, but I am at a loss for words. To be perfectly honest, I was doubtful that I would make it this far. My goal has been one post a day. Some days I don’t know if I will be able to keep it up and maintain a full time job. Anyone else out there in the same boat? (Made a commitment and trying to stand by it?)

Modern Car

This car was way before it’s time. The 1948 Tucker Sedan (on display at the National Museum of American History). Where else could you find a car with a safety chamber in the front passenger floorboard. I am sure the passenger would have time to see another car, recognize the threat it represented, react to the threat and position themselves into the safety chamber. But anyway, this was one cool car. The front middle headlight was attached to the steering so you could see the road better.

Umm…

By Justshootingmemories On July 6, 2011 · Add Comment

For Easter this year, I took a few photos when we got home. I am fortunate to live in a very good place for location photography. I am beginning to use it more and more for portrait type photos. I seem to find myself trying out new techniques more these days. I am of the opinion that if I don’t push my photography talent to the edge, I may not learn all that I think I need to.

I was taking photos of the kids when I got the questioning look from both of them. I think they may have seen me through the camera lens. What do you think? I think their thoughts were: “I see you” and “Do I look stupid to you. I see you behind the camera. You can’t hide from me.”

Fireworks

By Justshootingmemories On July 5, 2011 · Add Comment

Fortunately, I was able to find a firework show this year which was on Sunday, July 3. It was on Lake Allatoona at the Allatoona Yacht Club. I had almost decided to skip the event and just go to one Monday night. I am SO glad I decided to go. While sitting on the lake shore just on the other side of a small cove from where the Yacht Club is, I began seeing a large thunderhead moving near the lake. I set the camera up and captured some bolts of lightning. Not a good sign, maybe the rain was moving in. I also got a few shots of the hundreds of boats lining the lake.

At 9 PM, the show was supposed to start. 9:02 PM and still no show, but no rain either. And then, all the sudden, Fireworks. I began taking photos and rapidly as the fireworks were going off. I sat through about 30 minutes of beautiful fireworks. What a sight. The Alltoona Yacht Club really puts on a show.

I got finished packing up and literally ran back to the truck to beat some of the crowd. While we were waiting in traffic (My father was kind enough to put up with my photographic jaunt), I was reviewing some photos and noticed what I thought were additional fireworks (Lightning) in the background. This was confirmed when I opened them in Lightroom for a little post processing. This is one of those double features…

The Wall

By Justshootingmemories On July 4, 2011 · 3 Comments

I have struggled with posting this photo. I can not explain why I have had so much trouble, but it is still there none the less. Am I the only one who has trouble with posting certain photos?

After a long day in a training seminar, I was able to make it inside the district for a crash through several Smithsonian Museums which were still open past 5 O’Clock. After exhausting all the museums, and being kicked out of the American History Museum, I made it to the Vietnam Memorial. It had been raining, too cold for my southern bones and just plain miserable. I would not have even made it to the Wall if it had not been for the specific request of my brother. After taking this shot and processing it, I still don’t know what to think about it.

I usually release all the photos on this blog under a creative commons license, but not for this one. For licensing information contact daryl (at) justshootingmemories.com

Sadness

By Justshootingmemories On July 3, 2011 · 2 Comments

My wife told me several days ago that I should write several posts at a time. I failed to take her advice and here I am writing at some horrible hour. I just can’t imagine writing for several days post at one time. What do you guys do?

Sadness

The sad state of this classic old car breaks my heart. I pass by this frequently. Unfortunately, it is in a place with no other company but the sunset…and oh how beautiful it can be here sometimes. I just wish the owner would put a little tender loving care into it. And then retire it to this lovely sunset over look.

Clouds over the Barn

By Justshootingmemories On July 2, 2011 · 1 Comment

Have you made it on Google+ yet. If you are look me up Daryl Clark. Right now it is by invite only, but hopefully, it will be open soon. They have an amazing interface and the idea of having circles of friends is interesting. Occasionally invites are available. Leave a comment with your e-mail address and I will try to get the first ten in.

Clouds over the Barn

Fortunately, I live only about an hour north of Atlanta, Georgia. I think this gives me the best of both world, rural landscapes and big city urban areas. The wonderful thing is, I get to drive through some very picturesque areas. This happens to be one of them. My only problems is that the sky does not always cooperate. However, the cooperated this day. I just wish they would hang around more often.

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Classic Cars

Today’s Photo: The BelAir, a symbol of freedom