A Moment of Reflection
Ron and Cindy, one of the couples in our group, take a moment to admire the vista. (Taken with my little Canon G9).
During the trip, I tried to keep my eye out for shots I could submit for the week's Daily Shoot challenges, (this was feature a central point of interest ( http://dailyshoot.com/assignments/511 ) .) I didn't necessarily accomplish each challenge on the day it was posted, but I did get all of the shots within the same week. After all, your choices are limited on the back of a moving motorcycle ;-)
To enjoy the musical version of this set ( http://dibytes.ca/?p=4929 ) , visit my photoblog.MomentReflection5628212612Smokey Mountainsmotorcyclespring3653652011ds511
Fence
(Note: I decided that since I was on the back of a moving motorcycle, I'd just go for motion blur, shooting with the smallest aperture, and therefore slowest shutter speed, I could get with my little Canon G9. I hoped to be able to create a set of 'impressions'.)
During the trip, I tried to keep my eye out for shots I could submit for the week's Daily Shoot challenges, (this was feature a grid of some sort ( http://dailyshoot.com/assignments/509 ) .) I didn't necessarily accomplish each challenge on the day it was posted, but I did get all of the shots within the same week. After all, your choices are limited on the back of a moving motorcycle ;-)
To enjoy the musical version of this set ( http://dibytes.ca/?p=4929 ) , visit my photoblog.Fence5627628313Smokey Mountainsmotorcyclespring3653652011motion blurds509
Guard Rail
(Note: I decided that since I was on the back of a moving motorcycle, I'd just go for motion blur, shooting with the smallest aperture, and therefore slowest shutter speed, I could get with my little Canon G9. I hoped to be able to create a set of 'impressions'.)
During the trip, I tried to keep my eye out for shots I could submit for the week's Daily Shoot challenges, (this was feature a subject made of wood ( http://dailyshoot.com/assignments/512 ) .) I didn't necessarily accomplish each challenge on the day it was posted, but I did get all of the shots within the same week. After all, your choices are limited on the back of a moving motorcycle ;-)
To enjoy the musical version of this set ( http://dibytes.ca/?p=4929 ) , visit my photoblog.GuardRail5627627931Smokey Mountainsmotorcyclespring3653652011motion blurds512
Smokey Mountains
These mountains are aptly named! (Taken with my little Canon G9)
To enjoy the musical version of this set ( http://dibytes.ca/?p=4929 ) , visit my photoblog.SmokeyMountains5627627653Smokey Mountainsmotorcyclespring3653652011
Reaching
The trees appear to be reaching for the wispy clouds overhead. We were very fortunate with the weather on this trip. We only had two scary storm days to sit out during the whole week.
During the trip, I tried to keep my eye out for shots I could submit for the week's Daily Shoot challenges, (this was feature a high-contrast photograph ( http://dailyshoot.com/assignments/514 ) .) I didn't necessarily accomplish each challenge on the day it was posted, but I did get all of the shots within the same week. After all, your choices are limited on the back of a moving motorcycle ;-)
To enjoy the musical version of this set ( http://dibytes.ca/?p=4929 ) , visit my photoblog.Reaching5628210600Smokey Mountainsmotorcyclespring3653652011ds514
Canvas of the Journey
(Note: I decided that since I was on the back of a moving motorcycle, I'd just go for motion blur, shooting with the smallest aperture, and therefore slowest shutter speed, I could get with my little Canon G9. I hoped to be able to create a set of 'impressions'.)
This is my personal favourite motion blur from my Smokey Mountains set. I guess I'm an abstract gal at heart!
To enjoy the musical version of this set ( http://dibytes.ca/?p=4929 ) , visit my photoblog.CanvastheJourney5628209846Smokey Mountainsmotorcyclespring3653652011motion blur
Into a Painting
(Note: I decided that since I was on the back of a moving motorcycle, I'd just go for motion blur, shooting with the smallest aperture, and therefore slowest shutter speed, I could get with my little Canon G9. I hoped to be able to create a set of 'impressions'.)
I love the abstract nature of motion blur! I think if I were a painter, this would be my style ;-)
To enjoy the musical version of this set ( http://dibytes.ca/?p=4929 ) , visit my photoblog.IntoPainting5627625475Smokey Mountainsmotorcyclespring3653652011motion blur
Keep Your Eye on the Road!
The speed limit through the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Tail of the Dragon ranges from 15-45 mph. There's no way you'd even consider going faster! Fortunately, during the whole week we only had one idiot driver and one deer dart out in front of us! (Taken with my little Canon G9).
To enjoy the musical version of this set ( http://dibytes.ca/?p=4929 ) , visit my photoblog.KeepYourEyetheRoad5627624913Smokey Mountainsmotorcyclespring3653652011motion blur
Taking a Break from the Road
My husband Bob taking a break and enjoying the view. The clouds seemed low enough to grab! (Taken with my little Canon G9).
To enjoy the musical version of this set ( http://dibytes.ca/?p=4929 ) , visit my photoblog.TakingBreakfromtheRoad5627624593Smokey Mountainsmotorcyclespring3653652011
Into Infinity
You feel part of the landscape riding on a motorcycle. I love this peaceful vista!
To enjoy the musical version of this set ( http://dibytes.ca/?p=4929 ) , visit my photoblog.IntoInfinity5627623713Smokey Mountainsmotorcyclespring3653652011
Smokey Mountains
Yes, we did get off the motorcycles from time to time ;-). I love these gentle ridges that simply fade into infinity! (Taken with my little Canon G9).
To enjoy the musical version of this set ( http://dibytes.ca/?p=4929 ) , visit my photoblog.SmokeyMountains5628206864Smokey Mountainsmotorcyclespring3653652011
Photographer at Work ;-)
It's a bit tricky to stay still as a passenger, keep your eye on the road so you can lean into the curves, and shoot the passing scenery! My little Canon G9 was around my neck for the whole trip!
During the trip, I tried to keep my eye out for shots I could submit for the week's Daily Shoot challenges, (this was feature a repeating pattern ( http://dailyshoot.com/assignments/515 ) .) I didn't necessarily accomplish each challenge on the day it was posted, but I did get all of the shots within the same week. After all, your choices are limited on the back of a moving motorcycle ;-)
To enjoy the musical version of this set ( http://dibytes.ca/?p=4929 ) , visit my photoblog.PhotographerWork5627622145Smokey Mountainsmotorcyclespring3653652011motion blurds515
Greening Forest
(Note: I decided that since I was on the back of a moving motorcycle, I'd just go for motion blur, shooting with the smallest aperture, and therefore slowest shutter speed, I could get with my little Canon G9. I hoped to be able to create a set of 'impressions'. )
I like the abstract nature of this shot with its splashes of green and ghost-like birches.
To enjoy the musical version of this set ( http://dibytes.ca/?p=4929 ) , visit my photoblog.GreeningForest5627621793Smokey Mountainsmotorcyclespring3653652011motion blur
Rushing Mountain Streams
(Note: I decided that since I was on the back of a moving motorcycle, I'd just go for motion blur, shooting with the smallest aperture, and therefore slowest shutter speed, I could get with my little Canon G9. I hoped to be able to create a set of 'impressions'.)
The motion blur adds to the energy of the rapidly-flowing mountain stream that paralleled the road in many places. The vivid Spring green that was just appearing was a sight for these colour-starved Canadian eyes!
To enjoy the musical version of this set ( http://dibytes.ca/?p=4929 ) , visit my photoblog.RushingMountainStreams5628205544Smokey Mountainsmotorcyclespring3653652011motion blur
Curves, Curves and More Curves!
This is why the guys love riding in the Smokey Mountains so much - beautiful scenery and roads that challenge! I'm starting to get into the swing of things here - watching the road so I can lean into the curves and trying to grab shots with my little Canon G9 along the way!
To enjoy the musical version of this set ( http://dibytes.ca/?p=4929 ) , visit my photoblog.CurvesandMore5628205104Smokey Mountainsmotorcyclespring3653652011motion blur
Off to the Blue Ridge Parkway
This time last year we had to keep changing our route as there were rock slides that closed parts of the Blue Ridge. We had no such problems this year and were able to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Tail of the Dragon!
To enjoy the musical version of this set ( http://dibytes.ca/?p=4929 ) , visit my photoblog.OfftheBlueRidgeParkway5628204620Smokey Mountainsmotorcyclespring3653652011motion blur
OK, So Where Are We Headed?
Once the weather map has been consulted, we're ready to check out the road map!
To enjoy the musical version of this set ( http://dibytes.ca/?p=4929 ) , visit my photoblog.WhereAreHeaded5628204176Smokey Mountainsmotorcyclespring3653652011
Packing Up
Getting ready to hit the road in Charlotte, N.C. If it doesn't fit in the trunk of the bike, it doesn't go!
To enjoy the musical version of this set ( http://dibytes.ca/?p=4929 ) , visit my photoblog.
Ready to Hit the Road!
2011 - Day 97. Apr. 7, 2011.
I'm getting ready to fly south where the guys have trailered the motorcycles, to meet my husband. See you in a week!
This pic is very experimental. I suspect it falls in the love/hate category ;-). I photographed my motorcycle helmet, 'overlayed' a texture, and then blended the two together. It doesn't really matter whether it's effective or not. It was a valuable exercise in learning about textures.ReadyHittheRoad55986336273652011365AprilCollingwoodabstractmotorcycle helmettextures
Below the Surface - Abstract
2011 - Day 96. Apr. 6, 2011.
This is the same subject as my entry for today's Daily Shoot challenge ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/dibytes/5595249017/ ) . It is a macro shot of soap bubbles on the surface of a jar of water. This shot was taken wide open at f/2.8 giving it a much more abstract feel than the other. I converted it to black and white and added a split toning effect. My personal preference goes to this one as it has an abstract, painterly quality.BelowtheSurfaceabstract55957972813652011AprilCollingwoodbubblesjarmacrosoap
Below the Surface
Daily Shoot - Make a photograph of something shiny today ( http://dailyshoot.com/assignments/507 ) .
This is a macro shot of soap bubbles on the surface of a jar of water. In contrast to the shot I used for today's 365 pic ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/dibytes/5595797281/ ) , this photo was taken at f/11 giving it a much deeper DoF than the other. I converted it to black and white and added a split toning effect. My personal preference goes to the other one ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/dibytes/5595797281/ ) as it has an abstract, painterly quality. This one, however satisfies today's challenge better.BelowtheSurface55952490173652011AprilCollingwoodabstractbubblesdailyshootjarmacrosoapds507
For Tom and Susan: Over the Edge
2011 - Day 95. Apr. 5, 2011.
Daily Shoot - Focus on an edge today and make a photograph ( http://dailyshoot.com/assignments/506 ) .
OK my friends, we've done it! We've been clinging to this edge for quite some time, but now that we've taken the leap to retire YES I Can! Science ( http://www.yesican-science.ca/ ) , look how beautiful things look! I know you two feel the lightness as I do and look at all the pathways and little rainbows there are to explore!
(Macro shot wide open, of soap bubbles overflowing a glass.)ForTomandSusanOvertheEdge55921821353652011AprilCollingwoodabstractbubblesdailyshootds506glassmacrosoap
April Showers
2011 - Day 94. Apr. 4, 2011.
Daily Shoot - Make a photograph from an unusual point of view ( http://dailyshoot.com/assignments/505 ) .
I was watching Frank Ferragine do the weather forecast on City TV while thinking over today's challenge, when I caught the reflected TV image on my window. I decided to go abstract, trying to blend together the view out my window, rain on the window and the weather forecast. In post processing I bumped up contrast, clarity and vibrance. Et voilà - a weather forecast turned into an abstract piece of art!AprilShowers55883371873652011Breakfast TelevisionCity TVCollingwoodFrank Ferragineabstractdailyshootrainreflectiontelevisionweatherwindow
On Patrol
Daily Shoot - Illustrate symmetry in a photograph today ( http://dailyshoot.com/assignments/504 ) .
Clyde came out and toured the yard with me this morning. The first time around he had to show off his all-business tough swagger for any of the birds, squirrels, bunnies or other critters who had forgotten whose territory this was.Patrol5586177285AprilClydeCollingwoodcatdailyshootds504yardSpring
Rejected
2011 - Day 91. Apr. 1, 2011.
Daily Shoot - Illustrate attraction in a photograph today ( http://www.dailyshoot.com/assignments/502 ) .
Attraction and the other side of the coin, rejection! Every morning Clyde hops up on the arm of my husband's chair and waits for him to move the paper or laptop off his lap. This morning Bob wanted to finish his crossword puzzle first. Feeling rejected, Clyde exhibits a classic cat-snub pose.Rejected5583687344AprilClydeCollingwoodcatchairmonochrome3652011365dailyshootds502
With This Ring
Daily Shoot - Make a photograph of a symbol today ( http://www.dailyshoot.com/assignments/503 ) .
My grandmother's wedding ring, given in a simple ceremony 85 years ago. I love its patina!WithThisRing5583692170AprilCollingwooddailyshootgold bandmacrowedding ring
Going With the Flow
2011 - Day 92. Apr. 2, 2011.
I spotted this feather gently floating along Black Ash Creek. There's a lesson to be learned here.GoingWiththeFlow55831021133652011AprilBlack Ash CreekCollingwoodfeather
Beetle on Leaf
Daily Shoot - Make a photograph dominated by the color orange today ( http://dailyshoot.com/assignments/501 ) .
It doesn't take long after the snow melts for insects to reappear.
The Paper is Tamed
2011 - Day 90. Mar. 31, 2011
I truly hate paper! It gets piled and moved until something forces me to deal with it. This pile has finally been tamed :-). This is my alternate shot for today's Daily Shoot challenge ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/dibytes/5577507997/ ) .ThePaperTamed55781275383652011365CollingwoodMarchshredded paper
Hello! It's Good to See You!
2011 - Day 89. Mar. 30, 2011.
Daily Shoot - Make a photograph that features metal or a metallic surface today ( http://dailyshoot.com/assignments/500 ) .
I've photographed this 'kitty' before ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/dibytes/3159508183/ ) . He lives in my garden all year round, which gives him a colourful patina. I haven't seen him since last December, but we got reacquainted today.
To bring out the grungy look of the kitty I duplicated the photo layer, applied the Topaz spicify filter to the original bottom layer, applied a layer mask to the duplicated top layer, and then 'painted' in just the body of the kitty. It gave a bit of punch to the kitty without changing the rest of the photo.HelloIt'sGoodSeeYou55741508793652011CollingwoodMarchcatdailyshootgardenmetalornamentspring
Walk This Way
2011 - Day 88. Mar. 29, 2011.
I followed this goose along the path for quite some time. It did seem like it was out for a walk. I chose to go black and white as the scene was pretty beige. Green won't happen for a while yet.WalkThisWay55724391483652011Canada Goose365CollingwoodHarbourview ParkMarchNottawasaga Bay
Downtown
Daily Shoot - Make a photograph that illustrates being inside today ( http://dailyshoot.com/assignments/499 ) .
I couldn't find anything interesting for this challenge around here, so I took my camera downtown with me to drop off my tax stuff. This scene caught my eye on the way out of the accountant's office.downtown5572390844CollingwoodMarchdailyshootsidewalkstreetwindow
Follow Me
2011 - Day 87. Mar. 28, 2011.
Daily Shoot - Make a black and white photograph and go monochrome today ( http://dailyshoot.com/assignments/498 ) .
I didn't get out with my camera until late afternoon today. There was pretty high contrast light on the bay, lending itself to a dramatic black and white treatment. The swan keep circling around, watching me. I think it wanted me to follow.Follow55698754943652011365CollingwoodHarbourview ParkMarchNottawasaga Bayds498dailyshootmonochromaticswan
Taking in the View
2011 - Day 86. Mar. 27, 2011
Daily Shoot - The horizon can be a strong composition element. Make a photograph that emphasizes the horizon today ( http://dailyshoot.com/assignments/497 ) .
It was my intent when I went up to Blue Mountain this morning to 'emphasize' the horizon. Although sunny today, it is bitterly cold and the air was heavy with ice crystals, lending a haze to the scene below. I used my circular polarizing filter but I think all I accomplished was to 'muddy' the haze. I don't have an ND filter but I'm wondering if that would have been a better tool. Or better yet, maybe I should have concentrated on capturing what was before me rather than trying to meet the challenge.
In any event there is a horizon today which puts me ahead of the last few times this challenge has come up ;-). You can see the ice has blown in to shore and there is open water out in the bay.TakingtheView55652282183652011365Blue MountainGrey CountyMarchNottawasaga Baydailyshootds497skiers
Happiness is... Pursuing a Passion
Daily Shoot - Today, let's illustrate the emotion of being happy. ( http://dailyshoot.com/assignments/496 )
While skiing isn't my cup of tea, there are a lot of people around here who are passionate about it. I'm happy to just take their pictures.HappinessPursuingPassion5563537690Blue MountainGrey CountyMarchdailyshootskier
Earth Hour
2011 - Day 85. Mar. 26, 2011.
Did you celebrate Earth Hour? This is a photo of one of my candles. I added a beautiful texture created by Duncan Johnston ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncanjohnston ) .EarthHour55635463463652011365CollingwoodMarchcandlenighttexture
Gladys...We're Walking on Water!!!
2011 - Day 84. Mar. 25, 2011
What was open water a couple of days ago is now covered in a thin sheet of ice. The geese seemed confused...it looked like water. I used my circular polarizing filter to cut down on glare and bring out the richness of the blues.GladysWe'reWalkingWater55603461183652011Canada GeeseCollingwoodHarbourview ParkMarchNottawasaga Bayice
Spring Skiing
2011- Day 83. Mar. 24, 2011.
Ski conditions continue to be good at Blue Mountain with a base of 70 cm still remaining.SpringSkiing55577561903652011Blue MountainGrey CountyMarchskier
Caution
Daily Shoot - Make a photograph featuring a path, road, or trail that leads the eye through the photograph ( http://dailyshoot.com/assignments/494 ) .
Normally I'm a stickler for straight horizons but I think this off-kilter one adds energy.Caution5556951059Blue MountainGrey CountyMarchcurvedailyshootroadshuttersaltw11
Layers of Lunch
Dailyshoot - Make a photograph today that uses layers as a compositional tool. ( http://dailyshoot.com/assignments/493 ) .
Turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread. I only had the mayo to add a layer to the composition ;-).LayersLunch5553976748CollingwoodMarchdailyshootds493macrosandwich
Get Out the Layers - Winter's Not Done Yet!
2011 - Day 82. Mar. 23, 2011.
I had 'deconstructed' my coat for Spring but had to zip it back together today - outer shell for dryness, inner layer for warmth, topped off with warm scarf.
This is my alternate for today's Daily Shoot challenge ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/dibytes/5553976748/ ) .GetOuttheLayersWinter'sNotDoneYet55539892003652011365CollingwoodMarchcoatscarf
Do You Eat the Red One Last?
2011 - Day 81. Mar. 22, 2011
Believe it or not, there are still some Smarties left. I used the polar coordinates filter to wrap a red one around the others. Ok, that's enough playing with these...it's time to finish them off!YouEattheRedOneLast55515961223652011365CollingwoodMarchabstractcandiesglobesmarties
Smarties
2011 - Day 80. Mar. 21, 2011.
I was really craving colour today and these jumped out at me at the grocery store ;-).
Revery
Daily Shoot - Illustrate the rule of thirds in a photograph today ( http://dailyshoot.com/assignments/492 ) .
I wanted to play some more with making textures today. I decided to see if I could create some kind of note paper and then integrate a real leaf with sketches. I'm not ecstatic about the result, but it was a learning experience.Revery55505765173652011CollingwoodMarchabstractdrawingleavesplantshamrocktexturedailyshootds492
Take Your Shoes Off and Relax
Daily Shoot - What reminds you of home? Make a photograph of it today ( http://dailyshoot.com/assignments/491 ) .
While 'Take your shoes off!' meant don't get the house dirty when we were kids, it now has the added meaning of 'Ah, we're home...time to relax'!TakeYourshoesOffandRelax5548398834CollingwoodMarchdailyshootds491
Happy Spring!
2011 - Day 79. Mar. 20, 2011.
Daily Shoot - Make a photograph that incorporates a circle ( http://dailyshoot.com/assignments/490 ) .
I saw these paper flowers in the grocery store this morning and thought they'd be a fun approach to the first day of Spring. I shot them against my dining room wall, (no, it doesn't have flowers stenciled on it!), so I'd have a clean backdrop for applying a texture. Then I went to Photoshop to create a texture:
-On a yellowy-green background, I used the shape brush to create overlapping flowers and leaves.
-I used a combination of several different filters to get a sketched look.
-I added the texture on its own layer to my photo and adjusted the opacity.
-I added a layer mask to the texture layer and 'painted out' the texture from the petals of the paper flowers.
-I flattened and saved the image.
Kind of fun!Happyspring55445916603652011365CollingwoodMarchdailyshootflowerspapertexture
Perigree Moon
2011 - Day 78. Mar. 19, 2011.
I tried to shoot the moon lower on the horizon with some trees in the foreground to give context to the size, but I totally screwed up those shots :-(. By the time I got my act together and switched to manual, the moon was much higher in the sky. I'll see what I can capture early tomorrow morning as the moon sets.
Watch Your Step!
Daily Shoot - Go somewhere you've not been to in a while and make a photograph of something that grabs your interest ( http://dailyshoot.com/assignments/489 ) .
Back in December I told you how I fell through a snowdrift that had completely buried large boulders along the waterfront. The snow has now receded and I'm reminded how lucky I was that I didn't break any bones!WatchYourStep5541120840CollingwoodMarchMillennium ParkNottawasaga Baydailyshootrocks