Monthly Archives: December 2011

Photographer’s Choice – Wendy Painter

Calm Simplicity Tells A Complete Story

Taos Pueblo-San Geronimo Chapel Courtyard Entrance

Taos Pueblo-San Geronimo Chapel Courtyard Entrance

Wendy traveled to Sante Fe and Taos in early November of this year after an absence of 20 years. Late in the afternoon on a cold, clear day she captured this image of the entrance to the courtyard of San Geronimo Chapel. It’s remarkable that a photo consisting of so few elements can tell such a complete story and with a definite artistic touch. The adobe wall, the desert mountains in the background, the cross and blue sky are all clear evidence of exactly where we are. The scalloped wall is complemented by the mountain shape moving in the opposite direction and the carefully placed cross against the clear blue sky all come together to provide a feeling of peace in the wide Continue reading

Photographer’s Choice – Don Kimmer

As Far South As You Can Go in the Continental US

Don Kimmer - Key West, Florida

Don Kimmer - Key West, Florida

If you’re looking for a great example of leading, converging lines and repeating patterns and colors in an image, look no further than this shot of Sunset Pier in Key West. A popular gathering spot for tourists and locals to gather for boat watching, sunsets and casual dining, the pier is decorated with all the trappings one associates with south Florida. This scene was captured at the end of April, 2007 at about 6:30 in the afternoon. It must be quite unusual to be so deserted at this time of day, with only a single person at the end of the pier where one’s eye inevitably lands.
This photograph is an example of why post processing is such an important part of any photographer’s life. The original shot was partially blocked in the upper right and left corners by dark overhanging umbrellas and the horizon was noticeably tilted. Also the color of the original had a slight green/yellow bias. But the scene was worth the time it took to correct these flaws to produce the final image above.
Don’s camera was a Nikon D80 with an 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 lens zoomed to it’s widest focal length. Exposure was 1/160 sec at f/9.0 with an ISO of 200.