Learning Shutter Speed

I started off my recent endeavor into digital SLR photography with a lot of effort. I studied. It's been a crappy winter and I'm a bit of a wuss, so in lieu of shooting much outdoors, I've turned to the internet, books, and Violet :) for information and learning. I learned all about my new camera, what all the buttons do, how to work it, etc. I read a couple books on Photoshop, and got an awesome lesson from Violet. I learned all these concepts about the "rule of thirds" and what is suggested to be proper composition, etc.
Then when I actually go out with the camera, all of that information and knowledge flies out of my brain and I totally lose myself in the moment. I just hone in on what I'm looking at through the lens and click away, making changes here and there but mostly just enjoying where I am at and nature at it's fullest. It's almost like going into a hypnotic trance. It's good that I took the time to learn how to work the camera, but really it's just a tool to capture the moment in which I am living. Or to capture an expression, a feeling, an idea....
Yesterday it was 22 degrees outside, overcast, and the sky was spitting down the occasional random snowflake. So what do I do? Put on my trusty Columbias and head over to Wing Street Park in Elgin. I quickly learned how to use my camera with gloves on! The creek was very swollen from all the rain the past few days, and it was really moving quickly. The sound of rushing water was exhilarating, not to mention almost falling in as I slid down an incline to get closer to the action.
I found this neat little waterfall along one bank - and decided it was time to try to put to use some of the information I've been reading all winter. The shutter speed thing has been a challenge to understand - but I think today, I finally figured out the theory of it. Basically, the faster the shutter speed, the faster the camera "clicks" and the pictures of running water will come out crisp and sharp. But what if I slow down the shutter speed? It took a lot of trial and error, but I realized that the slower I set the shutter speed, the longer the camera "clicks" while taking the photo. This is really tough - if you don't hold totally still, you're going to have a blurry photo! If you manage to get it right, set the shutter speed slow enough, hold still, and click....you can get a picture of running water "slowed down" to look feathery and soft.
I put two pics up to show the difference and put the different shutter speeds. I think if you right click on the photo it will give you the shooting info, but if that doesn't work....the first photo is the "Blurred water" version (ISO 200, f/8, 1/13 sec shutter speed) and the second photo is the "Sharp" version (ISO 400, f/4.8, 1/60th sec shutter speed).
What do you think?

I am an Elk Stalker

So this winter, I've discovered a little niche that I enjoy - Elk watching. Yep. There is a small herd consisting of 4-5 males and maybe 6 females that live in a large enclosed portion of Busse

Woods and are cared for by the Forest Preserve. They are located off of Arlington Heights Road, right near I-90. In this busy suburban city area, there are Elk!

They have a fan club. I have stopped by several times this winter now, camera in tow, to check in on them. There are always cars there, with people inside watching them eat hay (yes, the Forest Preserve feeds them). Soccer moms in minivans with kids, businessmen in suits, and many others. I haven't run across another photographer yet but I'm sure I will eventually. Many times I see people at the fence staring in wonderment at these beautiful creatures. The only downside is that they are so tame....they will come over to the fence, begging for a treat (which all the signs say not to give them) and often the males will let you pet their noses, scratch their foreheads, and seem to love a good base of the antler scratch. The smaller females tend to be a little more skittish, but the big boss female will often let you scratch her butt.

But I digress. This story did start out having a point.

The other day I arrived after work to see a small crowd, a mom with a few kids, all watching the Elk. I pulled out the camera and ended up standing with them (good vantage point) and watched as two of the males started to clash. Now these Elk are usually really boring and quiet. From what I know of horses, I could tell that these two were really not putting much effort into it, and actually, seemed to be scratching each other's antlers and just playing around. The mom and kids started freaking out - I had to laugh. I told them not to worry I thought they were just playing, and we all got to watch two beautiful creatures play as the sunset. It was pretty cool!

My Camera and I

So anyone that has seen me lately knows that pretty much where ever I go, so goes my camera. If not carried on me, it's usually in the car, just in case. I just thought I'd post a quick follow-up to my long ago blog when I was going back and forth, trying to figure out the best camera for my buck and that would fit my needs. I have to say, I am really happy with my Nikon D60. Sure, as soon as I bought it, Nikon pushed out a 12mp model (vs. my 10mp) but hey, oh well. I don't really need that many MP anyway.My first DSLR has been a learning experience, that's for sure. My girlfriend Violet (visit her at www.fireandearthphoto.com - she rocks) had been a huge source of guidance and advice. I am so excited to have seen how my photography has grown, not just because of the camera but my understanding of exposure, timing, composure...the camera helps, but it's just a tool for the artist's eye :)My collection has grown as well....gear bag, memory cards, books, filters, a flash - there sure is a lot out there! My camera came with the standard 18-55mm AF-VR Nikon lens, and I have also purchased the 55-200mm AF-VR as well.Along with the photography comes Photoshop, of course - I have Photoshop Elements 7.0 and although I've read through 3 different books now, I don't feel I have even scratched the surface in the depth of possibilities that this program can do.I'm going to keep working on my skills, learning and trying to improve - so don't be shy if you catch yourself in front of my camera in the near future! Stay tuned, I'll try to start posting some photos and Photoshop experiments in the near future for everyone to check out.

These Boots are Made for...Everything?

So I was out shooting photos @ Tyler Creek Forest Preserve when I looked down and saw….my boots. It was then that I realized how much I love them! I had been tromping in the snow all afternoon and my feet were toasty warm and dry. So in gratitude I snapped a pic. I realize now what an integral part these boots have become in my life.They came to be mine in the most innocuous of ways – Jeff and I were camping, and hiking (camera in my hand, of course). Camping amateurs that we are (our first time out, actually) I left the dog’s food I had bagged up at home on the picnic table the first night. Yep, you guessed it – the raccoons ate very well that night. Jeff and I set out on a quest to find a Petsmart (which as we later discovered, is not something they have in that area) and ended up at a Farm n Fleet. I browsed the boots – and found these. Later that day I decided to risk it and “break them in” on the trails. I lucked out – comfortable from the time they came out of the box! They wear almost like sneakers and not boots.They have now traveled to Arizona as well as many adventures in forest preserves here near home. They have kept my feet clean and dry all winter from the snow and slush. I even wear them to the barn and to ride in – and they hardly look worn! I’m looking forward to many more adventures wearing my trusty faithful boots.