banjon's Photos : Popular Photos : Day 270 - Sometimes We Need To Just Get Away.. Between long hours at work and not feeling well, trying to compose can become another pressure. So some time off was needed to regroup and last night the ideas started flowing again. :) I was munching on some cherries, when I thought hmm.. I wonder. After the first shot, I knew I had a new best friend. Cherries are awesome to work with. I like how the light follows their shapes and shows some texture as well. The color ranges of red are really appealing. They are definitely more camera friendly than grapes! :) Dec 13 2008

photo pages: < 1 2 3 4 5 6 > >>

< 17 of 1000 >

banjon > Day 364 - Glass

Trying a different bounce method. I really like what it did to the glass.

Apr 08 2009

banjon > Day 302 (1/2) - Ivory Gull

It is extremely rare to sight an Ivory Gull this far south of the Arctic. This one has been hanging around Sambro Harbor for about a week. He's alone and must have gotten caught in a storm or something. His presence has the birding community here in an absolute tizzy :).

I woke up early this morning hoping to sight the gull. This gull is about 2 yrs. old. He is not at all camera shy and came within 2 ft. of where I was to check me out. I was terrified to make a move in case I spooked him.

Thankfully the sunlight was slightly diffused this morning which made for excellent conditions to photograph. Unfortunately, the weather was a bone chilling -20 c (about -5 f). I was well dressed for the elements though and oh so lucky to have been able to get these shots. It's a once in a lifetime experience.

More photos of him in this gallery

I also added a nice sailboat photo of a Frosty Morning

Update: A 2nd Ivory Gull was spotted today. Wow. :)

Jan 27 2009

banjon > Day 76 - Trying to Blend In

Oops forgot to give a description. :)

Its a clear glass marble on top of green glass beads. The green from the glass is shining through the marble.

I used a 250w halogen - man them things are warm. I felt like I was in a sauna. :)

I found the sweet spot (where the marble turned green) by trying different angles. I liked this one the best. I did try other colors, blue looked neat, but didn't light up like the clear glass one did.

Thanks for all the comments. :)

May 02 2008

banjon > Day 273 - A Pair of Cherries

Trying some water and cherries experiments. :)

Dec 16 2008

banjon > Day 308 - Hoarfrost

First time ever seeing hoarfrost up close. Cool stuff.

Feb 02 2009

banjon > Day 117 - Hot Coffee Beans

I love the aroma of fresh coffee. I did not mind spending a few hours, trying different approaches.

This is the Jungle Blend Fair Trade Coffee - great stuff! 100% Arabica beans. :)

I used an LED to paint the scene and adding the simulated smoke using the LED.

A little more detailed explanation for those interested:
The LED I mention is a Flexible LED (Light Emitting Diode) Reading Flashlight - goes for about $13 at Chapters/Borders or other book stores. It shines a white light, that has a hint of blue - like those blue headlights, possible true color of light.

I used the foam board as my base and black backdrop way in the distance (about 6 feet away). The camera is about 2.5-3 feet from the cup. For 3 second exposures I use f/11, 6 f/16, 8 f/19. Try a few samples to see if there any hot spots from leaving the LED stationary for more than 2 seconds.

I start by planning the steps of the light painting by keeping track of the seconds in my head as I pace through dabbing light here and there. If you want an area brighter, keep the light stationary a bit longer, then move on to the next area.

This shot I start in the lower right about a foot above the cup - thats my focus, hold that for 2 seconds, then move onto the base. I spend about a second in each corner in the front, then 1/2 second in the back, then I pull upward which casts the light outward. Then I quickly zoom into the coffee, slightly turning the flashlight so only a smidgen of light is shown, and I move upward like smoke would. This causes the light trail or simulated smoke. Sort of like writing in the dark with the laser lights.
All this in 8 seconds. :)

It goes pretty quick once you get the feel of the flow - sort of like a conductor at a symphony, but with light.

Also, an almost dark room should be used. You really only want the LED to be the main source of light.

I've also added a shot of the coffee beans using the same technique - if interested:
http://banjon.smugmug.com/gallery/5078470_zjcXu#312486068_L5oVi

June 12 2008

Day 270 - Sometimes We Need To Just Get Away..

Between long hours at work and not feeling well, trying to compose can become another pressure. So some time off was needed to regroup and last night the ideas started flowing again. :)

I was munching on some cherries, when I thought hmm.. I wonder. After the first shot, I knew I had a new best friend. Cherries are awesome to work with. I like how the light follows their shapes and shows some texture as well. The color ranges of red are really appealing. They are definitely more camera friendly than grapes! :)

Dec 13 2008