firesign24-7

Finally, got my new filter in the mail today, can't wait to work with it. It's an IR filter (Hoya R72), the only problem, I have to learn how to adjust my camera enough for the shots to come out correctly. NOT an easy task considering I just recently figured out how to control the exposure to get more light into my shots. Soooo much technical information out there, english version please? Exasperating...

I've seen the effects that can come out of this filter and hope to catch something interesting...

So if anyone has any tips....greatly appreciate it

How do your own opinions, perceptions, and ideas come to be? It's the classic nature versus nurture question, but in a different aspect. How far can you trace where an idea started? If we are raised in a specific environment that shapes who we are, are we not a product of society's own version of what is considered pleasing and not pleasing? A culture. It's impossible to know how we might have turned out or how differently our opinions would be if only one moment had occured in a different way. Had you not met that 'one person' on that 'one day' that happened to be your best friend for many years. Is it all based on timing, our entire perception of how we view life?

Perception is nothing but a translation, an interpretation of fact, but what factors play into How we perceive? One event can be interpreted in an infinite number of ways, depending on the person, emotional state, past experiences, all these play a role in just one instant, one breath. How would you interpret a pause in a conversation and how would your interpretation differ from that of someone just observing? The subtlety of it is almost astounding, makes a person question their own values, explore other cultures, walk in another's shoes, and experience life from a different angle. Change their perception.

I think I started out with a point, but it was lost somewhere in thought, the questions linger…

Desire. Driving force. Motivation.
Over the years, I have found (almost) nothing more enjoyable than the desire to create something. Have tried different mediums, always to not be quite satisified with the outcome.  Gone from drawing with charcoal, oils, acrylics, watercolor, to even making jewelry, all at the same time trying to self-teach myself, which is Probably the reason it didn't go too far. The hardest thing I came across was trying to put on paper, what I had envisioned, which I'm sure Everyone does when creating Anything But apparently, my hands lack the skill (and patience) it takes to ink it down, I guess trying too many things at once doesn't help either. But when I put a camera in my hand, everything seems to come together, being able to capture on film what you have right in front of you, and also convey the mood your looking for-it had me. Like an addiction, I'm constantly looking for the best shot, the right angle, the best lighting, the right mood, always trying to capture a moment in time. Even when driving to whatever destination I need to be, sometimes the most unexpected and breath-taking images splash across the horizon, challenging me to practically throw my camera out the window to catch the shot. Chasing the sunset.

I only wish that I had a camera with me years ago when my family and I would travel, I remember thinking back then, "If only I could capture this moment...", but time goes by and life goes on. I'm just writing to say what a gift it is to be able to express through light and shadow the subtleties of everyday things and how nice it is to be able to create what I envision.

Also want to thank those who took the time to comment on my work, I know I sometimes go off on a tangent whether it be in photos or writing, but can't help myself One day, I'll get it right, but for now it's just a learning process, six months and still going...

First off, I just want to say that all the photos I have on my page are my own taken by my camera, it's nice to be able to use your minds eye as your paintbrush. For me (since I can't really draw well), this helps capture what I wish I could put on paper. Only started taking pictures about 2 months ago and lovin it Chicago has some beautiful places and once I get the hang of these crazy streets, maybe I'll get some better shots, I hate touristy areas, they're so full of.....tourists. Anyways, feel free to add any criticisms, suggestions, or whatever you like, I like to get feedback, how else can you learn, right?