Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

I usually like the B&W versions best, but I think the color in this is exceptional and helps to tell the story.

Strubbles

well, i like them both... would depend upon which competition i would be entering... monochrome or color.

i think the monochrome is more exciting and impressive, though. so, i guess i would say i like the mono better.

Yooper Loc: U.P. Michigan

Thank you for your comments. I've had a hard time deciding myself, but lean toward the B&W.

gessman Loc: Colorado

I like what you're doing. You've got some quality images to share and that can only make all of us better. Welcome.

Strubbles

u r welcome

Yooper Loc: U.P. Michigan

Thank you. I'm still getting used to this forum, but like what I see so far. I enjoy the discussions with other photographers.

dda53 Loc: Greenfield, Indiana

Outstanding pics. You certainly have the "eye" and the "touch" for photography. But as fantastic as your techniques are, your subject matter is equally outstanding!

Yooper Loc: U.P. Michigan

Thank you for the encouragement. I find that there is a lot of natural beauty to choose from here in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

dda53 Loc: Greenfield, Indiana

Yooper,
As I mentioned I love the shots you have posted and they are exactly the type of pics I would like to be able to produce, but I'm not there yet. I just started taking serious pics about a year ago with a birthday gift camera ( Canon SX30 IS) which is a "bridge camera". Not a true DSLR but not a 'point & shoot' either. It comes with a fixed telephoto lens 35x optical and 14.2M pixels. It has helped me learn a alot about digital pics. You mentioned that you were using a Canon HDR and that this type camera allows you to take these superb photos. Can you tell me a little more about your camera please?

Yooper Loc: U.P. Michigan

Thank you again for the compliments. I'm afraid I may have somehow confused you a little. I did post an HDR (High Dynamic Range) image, but it was processed with Nik Software's HDR Efex Pro from 3 images that I captured with my camera, each with a different exposure. I use a Canon 5D MkII for most of my photography now, but also have a 40D that I use occasionally. There are some cameras that have HDR processing built in, but not made by Canon.

I just looked up your camera on B&H Photo's website, and that is quite impressive and definitely not a point and shoot. With practice, you should be able to capture images that are pretty close to these. While the camera does help, the images I submitted are in large part due to a combination of practice, techniques I've learned, and being in the right place at the right time. I've done a significant amount of self-study since I got my first DSLR in 2005, taken a couple on-line classes, and captured many images, and many bad ones at that. My 40D is up to about 19,000 images, my 5D MkII is over 6500, and I had a rebel XT and XTi before these, each with thousands of images, many of which I am not proud of, but ones I learned from. My point is, use the camera that you have until you outgrow it (unless you are independently weathy) and then upgrade. If you don't have a tripod, get a decent one (I would recommend spending at least $100) and learn how to use it. Take pictures, take lots of pictures, then take more pictures. Submit your work here and learn from the critiques. Read photography magazines, etc. Before you know it, you won't believe what comes out of your camera. This may be more than you asked for, but a camera is a tool, and knowing how to use it is more important than how good your tool is.

Kathy1632 Loc: Virginia

I am also new here (just jointed today) and am having a wonderful time seeing such inspiring work - am living on the computer these days in this rain when I can't be out doing what I love, taking pictures. Everything is outstanding here and leaves me speechless. What talent and creativeness! This is such great fun and a learning experience.

I love all your work!

LittleRedFish Loc: Naw'lens (New Orleans)

Great shots!!Like them just the way they are. Rachel

jonsund Loc: Currently: Florida, USA

HDR is High Dynamic Range and refers to the range of light that exists within an image. Since our eyes see at least three times the range of light and dark that our camera can it is necessary to combine multiple images to replicate what the eye sees. In most cases there are three images combined using software. The images are usually 2 stops apart. One image at the correct setting, one two stops below this setting, and one two stops above the optimal setting.

Hope this helps explain HDR.

Yooper Loc: U.P. Michigan

Thank you, Rachel, and Welcome!

Yooper Loc: U.P. Michigan

Thank you, and Welcome!