Paul Swortz Photography:Light, Glass, and Pixels

"I Trust the Look of You"

2011-06-04T10:06:00.000-07:00

I was in 60-Minute Photo getting my first bulk-rolled 35mm canisters developed (success!), and the old gentleman ahead of me had some family pictures to be printed.

Trouble is, his negatives were an old format (126 maybe) and the lab couldn't do them.

"We COULD cut them to the same size as 35mm and print from that ..."

No. You. Can't.

So I offered to scan them on my flatbed, which is able to scan 4x5 and so should be able to do these as well.

"You CAN'T cut these negatives ... they're precious! Let me -- I'll do it for cheap -- or even free."

I don't have time for this.

I lost my job a week ago and should be hunting for a new one...

I have a storage unit to empty out before they repo my stuff ...

I have hundreds of digital shots from France, Spain, Greece, and Turkey to process myself...

I have boxes full of dark room equipment to organize so I can begin processing my own b/w film ...
"I'll do it for $25."

He looked me over.

"I understand if you don't want to entrust me with your negatives. They're priceless."

He smiled.

"I trust the look of you. Take care of them."

Here are a few. I had to resist the temptation to spend *any* time editing them ... he needed the prints the same day and I only had a couple of hours to get the negatives and CD back to the lab.

The Genius of Photography, Episode 1

2011-05-05T10:26:00.001-07:00

I'm watching the BBC series "The Genius of Photography" and am blown away by the first 35 minutes.

So far, from Episode 1:
- I want to make a Camera Obscura
- I NEED to find a way to make a Daguerreotype with my Crown Graphic 4x5
- Great quotes from Chuck Close:

"Here's the dilemma and the strength of photography: It's the easiest medium in which to be competent, but it's the hardest medium in which to have personal vision that is readily identifiable."

"There are no accidental masterpieces of painting. But there ARE accidental masterpieces of photography."

Photosynthing Istanbul

2010-05-29T20:42:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to have a business trip to Istanbul last week, and was able to spend a couple of days seeing the AMAZING sights of this ancient and wonderful city.

The Sultanahment Mosque:

Hagia Sofia:

The Basilica Cistern:

A New Tradition: Christmas Coffee

2009-12-25T08:03:00.001-08:00

I woke up without my daughters for the first Christmas in 16 years on Dec. 25, 2008. I was missing their company -- and their delight at the day and the season.

There had been (unusually) snow that week, and I was setting out on the 90-minute drive to get them from their mother's home.

Stopping at Starbucks on the way, I ordered my usual, and was told by the barista there was no charge.

A previous customer, it turned out, had bought a gift card, handed it back to the barista, and told her to buy coffee for everyone until it was used up.

I was inexplicably moved. I took my coffee and sat outside the store for a few minutes, watching light snow fall, sipping my coffee, and silently thanking the stranger who had just turned a tough Christmas morning into a tender and special one.

Before leaving, I went back inside, pulled out a much-needed $20 bill, bought a gift card, and asked the barista to use it up on the next few customers.

As I get ready to drive north for my daughters this year, I am ridiculously excited about the $20 in my wallet, set aside to buy coffee for strangers, and feel -- however briefly -- like an excited young father once more, anticipating the delight of a Christmas morning surprise.

Round 52 - Arts at Fremont Abbey

2009-09-19T09:52:00.000-07:00

September 16, 2009 -- an amazing gathering of musicians, a poet, and couple of painters for a night of collective arts.

View static version here.

Photography Phunny: Making a Baby

2009-09-14T10:55:00.000-07:00

A friend at work shared this with me and I LMAO! Has the feel of an old Internet joke, but what the heck:
----
The Smiths were unable to conceive children and decided to use a surrogate father to start their family. On the day the proxy father was to arrive, Mr. Smith kissed his wife goodbye and said, "Well, I'm off now. The man should be here soon."

Half an hour later, just by chance, a door-to-door baby photographer happened to ring the doorbell, hoping to make a sale. "Good morning, Ma'am", he said, "I've come to..."

"Oh, no need to explain," Mrs. Smith cut in, embarrassed, "I've been expecting you."

"Have you really?" said the photographer. "Well, that's good. Did you know babies are my specialty?"

"Well that's what my husband and I had hoped. Please come in and have a seat".

After a moment she asked, blushing, "Well, where do we start?"

"Leave everything to me. I usually try two in the bathtub, one on the couch, and perhaps a couple on the bed. And sometimes the living room floor is fun. You can really spread out there."

"Bathtub, living room floor? No wonder it didn't work out for Harry and me!"

"Well, Ma'am, none of us can guarantee a good one every time. But if we try several different positions and I shoot from six or seven angles, I'm sure you'll be pleased with the results."

"My, that's a lot!", gasped Mrs. Smith.

"Ma'am, in my line of work a man has to take his time. I'd love to be In and out in five minutes, but I'm sure you'd be disappointed with that."

"Don't I know it," said Mrs. Smith quietly.

The photographer opened his briefcase and pulled out a portfolio of his baby pictures. "This was done on the top of a bus," he said.

"Oh, my word!" Mrs. Smith exclaimed, grasping at her throat.

"And these twins turned out exceptionally well - when you consider their mother was so difficult to work with."

"She was difficult?" asked Mrs. Smith.

"Yes, I'm afraid so. I finally had to take her to the park to get the job done right. People were crowding around four and five deep to get a good look"

"Four and five deep?" said Mrs. Smith, her eyes wide with amazement.

"Yes", the photographer replied. "And for more than three hours, too. The mother was constantly squealing and yelling - I could hardly concentrate, and when darkness approached I had to rush my shots. Finally, when the squirrels began nibbling on my equipment, I just had to pack it all in."

Mrs. Smith leaned forward. "Do you mean they actually chewed on your, uh...equipment?"

"It's true, Ma'am, yes.. Well, if you're ready, I'll set-up my tripod and we can get to work right away."

"Tripod?"

"Oh yes, Ma'am. I need to use a tripod to rest my Canon on. It's much too big to be held in the hand very long."

Mrs. Smith fainted.

Hey Marseilles - Capitol Hill Block Party 2009 - Day 2

2009-07-31T16:45:00.000-07:00

View static version here.

Seattle - View from a Ferry Deck

2009-06-15T09:56:00.000-07:00

Larry and I rode the ferry back to Seattle via Bremerton. Here's a view of the city from the deck of the boat. I need to ride the ferries more often -- such a great way to see the state!

View static version here.

Larry on Mt. Walker

2009-06-15T09:51:00.001-07:00

My friend Larry and I jumped on our motorcycles and spent Saturday riding around the peninsula, enjoying two wheels and the fine spring we've been having.

Stitch of Larry at the Mt. Walker viewpoint, Kitsap Peninsula, Washington state.

You can also view the static version of the image here

Hong Kong's Fantastic Star Ferries

2009-05-29T10:09:00.001-07:00

Hong Kong is connected to Kowloon by a number of bridges and tunnels, but the most fun and efficient way to cross is via the Star Ferry System.

I never waited more than five minutes to cross, and these old boats have incredible character. No better way to get across.

You can also view the static version of the image here

Hong Kong Waterfront Construction

2009-05-29T10:02:00.000-07:00

Hong Kong is already a huge city of more than 7 million. The waterfront on the Hong Kong Island side is undergoing massive construction now, with a major new motorway just approved as well.

You can also view the static version of the image here

Hong Kong Harbor from Kowloon

2009-05-28T13:26:00.001-07:00

I was in Hong Kong last week on business and while I had limited opportunities to shoot, I was able to grab this quick 360-degree-view of Hong Kong Harbor with my amazing little Canon G10.

Concept to reality in about four months

2008-05-19T07:28:00.000-07:00

PART 1:

After my first visit in December 2007 to the grounds of the old Northern State Hospital near Sedro-Woolley, Washington, I was struck by how amazing the contrast would in a series of shots with a pretty, young woman in this decaying, abused, and dying setting.

Initial selections from the shoot

A series of fateful coincidences occurred to make the shoot -- done on Sunday, 18 May -- a reality. We finished late on Sunday, and it's going to take me a few days to go through the shots (599 frames initially short-listed to 207 ...).

The People
First -- I made the acquaintance of a fellow photographer -- Jan Klier -- at the location during my second scouting trip. This time, I invited shooters from my photo club at work and from my amazing Seattle Flickr Meetup group on Flickr.

It was clear from the outset that Jan saw the potential of the place, and he and I stayed late, trying different lighting setups all over the grounds of the abandoned dairy (here's my favorite - a shot of me taken by Jan). He also had the technical lighting skills I am only now starting to acquire, and has been generous sharing his learning with me.

Second -- I learned that one of my favorite baristas, Kymi Jo, -- pretty, clever, with a great sense of humor -- had experience as a child model. I mentioned the asylum concept to her, and she was immediately eager to pose.

That was in February.

Developing the Concept
The more I thought about the shoot, I began to realize it needed to be a little more edgy. I thought about the dirt and the graffiti and the litter, and considered what else could enhance Kymi's natural freshness and beauty ...

A wedding dress.

Pure, white, delicate and clean ... the opposite of these old structures.

Talked over the idea with Jan and started searching Flickr and other sites for images of wedding dresses ... found a reference to a site called "Trash the Dress" that had some similar bridal shots in contrasting environments.

The Dress
So, inspired by the location and by Kymi, I needed to find a dress. A size 2. That would fit within my meager budget.

Started scouring Craigslist and posting around. I stopped in every thrift store between Mount Vernon and Bellevue almost weekly.

Even asked my Flickr friends about a dress ... ( and now a group are heading to the asylum soon to do a group event ... I am certain to be humbled, as always, by their results).

I found lots of dresses -- but in the size 12 -14 size range -- rarely anything smaller (not sure what to make of that observation, but there's a photo story in there I think).

Then, a week ago, as I was giving up hope and considering a Plan B (hospital scrubs maybe?) I found THE DRESS. A beautiful satin skirted, lace sleeve and neck ... and Kymi's size.

More later ... out of time!

First Image Captured with the D300

2008-05-11T19:52:00.001-07:00

First Image Captured with the D300
Originally uploaded by HonuPhoto

New member of the family today.

Super fast, and not noisy at all.

Acquired in preparation for a long-planned shoot coming soon.

Utterly speechless.

Shooter at Work

2008-04-25T09:50:00.001-07:00

Shooter at Work
Originally uploaded by HonuPhoto

Thanks to my new Mount Vernon-based photo buddy Peter Verschoor, http://pixelpainter.smugmug.com/ -- I have a few interesting shots of myself doing whatever it takes to get the shot!

I did plan ahead a bit and had a cap (good) and gloves AND a cheap plastic blue tarp, to help keep the mud off me and my gear.

Peter's an amazing shooter -- I do hope you check out his work.

He lately returned from a trip to China with his teen-age son, and I can't wait to see those shots.

Spring Snow

2008-04-21T05:15:00.001-07:00

Tulip Festival 2008 (28 of 30)
Originally uploaded by HonuPhoto

I lived the beautiful Skagit Valley of Washington State for nearly 20 years, but last year (2007) was the first time I ever tried to capture tulips.

This year, with the help of my D80, I was hoping to do even more, but the weather and my schedule is against me.

I had one more day to try for some tulip shots this year, and as we were heading to the fields ... it started snowing.

And snowing.

And SNOWING.

On April 20. And no, I do not live in Alaska.

Spring in the Pacific Northwest can be a little unusual, and as odd as it can be, you wait 10 minutes, and it changes.

So, we scouted some fields, and waited for the snow to stop.

It didn't, but snowed more.

After 20 minutes, some of the group headed for the fields. 10 minutes later, I joined them, and the snow started to diminish.

It snowed off and on -- with breaks of bright sunshine -- until about 1000, when the snow stopped for the day.

Later, as I looked at the shots on my PC, I was pleased -- no, THRILLED, with a few of the shots I captured.

Thanks to my friend John, and the amazing people in the Seattle Flickr Meetups group and the photography club at Microsoft, who have inspired me, and been so generous with their expertise and advice.

And Now for Something a Little Different

2008-04-07T13:31:00.000-07:00

With apologies to the late genius Israel Kamakawiwo'ole and music fans everywhere, I have decided to subject the world to my attempt at music.

I have loved "Bruddah Iz's" music for years, and in November picked up a used ukelele from a co-worker.

Never having played a string instrument (except for the piano), it was (is) tough, but I've gotten this song to the point where I am OK sharing. Just wish I was singing in tune!

Getting Back to Work

2008-03-30T17:46:00.000-07:00

As you may have gathered from:

The somber tone of my previous posts, and

The long gap between posts

I am in the midst of a significant transition in my life.

My wife has wanted a divorce for a long time, but hasn't been willing to take the step -- probably because of the financial challenge. Neither of us has been happy for a several years now, but it got to the point where I was avoiding time at home -- with my incredible daughters -- to avoid being around their mother.

After wrestling with the decision for 6 months, I finally mustered up the resolve to take action.

So, I moved out. And have spent the past couple of months in a myasma of self-pity, regret, lonliness, and depression.

Done with that. Get busy living, or get busy dying -- and I'm not ready for death yet.

Day 35 of 366: The End of the Beginning

2008-02-03T16:07:00.001-08:00

Day 35 of 366: The End of the Beginning
Originally uploaded by Honu Photo

Feb 3 35/366
The worst day of my life. The hardest thing I've ever done. As I knew it would be. So as painful as it is, the ache and anguish are seasoned with a pinch of relief.

I have imagined the events a thousand times before today, and every time, they were worse -- far worse -- than the actuality.

Still, the actuality is still so bad, I feel physical pain. My intellect is telling me to get up and go, and set this aside for a while, but my spirit wants to wallow in self-pity a bit longer.

The brain is going to win, and I'm off to watch the Super Bowl with my brothers, and see if New England can overcome the Giants for a perfect 19-0 season.

But who really gives a shit?

De-Animated

2008-01-27T18:23:00.001-08:00

Day 20 of 366: De-Animated
Originally uploaded by Honu Photo

I was going to write about this last week, but got so busy, it fell on the floor.

The intended outcome was NOT the image at right -- I spent a few hours setting up, executing, and processing the shot (stay tuned), without thinking things through far enough to realize I wouldn't be able to post the image in the format I needed (animated -- was hoping to PNG but ended up with GIF).

Flashing at Sunset

2008-01-23T22:13:00.001-08:00

Day 22 of 366: Sunset Flasher
Originally uploaded by Honu Photo

My trip to the asylum with my Flickr and friends and photo enthusiasts from work gave some additional knowledge and inspiration to get my flash out more often.

Since I'm working half days now (6 a.m.-6 p.m.) -- I rarely shoot during the daylight, so there's lots of time to practice, not that I have committed to a photo a day for the year.

This was one of more than 50 shots I took -- the sky started out colorful, but considerable lighter). Problem was I needed my tripod for the camera, and I had only my GorllaPod (LOVE THIS) to mount the flash onto. Just couldn't get it high enough. There is a light stand in my near future.

So I held the flash in my left hand, and varied intesity, with/without the diffuser, etc. It kept getting darker and darker, but near the end, it looked like I had a series of good shots.

Alas, I wasn't in focus. I was getting cold, and didn't zoom ein enough on my preview screen to discern the fuzziness.

Composing myself and getting into focus is the most maddening part of this entire 366-Day project ... but I wager I'll have it figured out before the year is up.

Expedition at the Asylum

2008-01-21T04:09:00.001-08:00

Paul Swortz - Photo by Jan Klier
Originally uploaded by janklier

I'm scouting locations for some future shoots, and invited some friends (I'd never met -- but that's what makes the inter nets so cool!) to come along.

One of them, Jan Klier brought his lighting gear along, and after we'd walked the grounds a while, we hauled them up the hill to one of the old barns.

I learned more about my flash, metering, and light in the 60 minutes or so we worked together than in the three months since I started using external lighting -- Jan was so generous with his time, expertise, and equipment.

You can see my work from the event here (I got a few I like), but my favorite of the day was the black and white version Jan got of me.

A Million Little Pictures

2008-01-11T16:36:00.000-08:00

This little art cooperative in Atlanta had a great idea: give a bunch of people identical disposable cameras and a theme, then see what happens.

I loved the idea, but since there is no instant feedback (gosh, I love digital), I don't know what the shots will look like, if they were in focus, or precisely how the composition turned out.

But that's part of the fun.

So 227 people couged up $16 bucks for the cameras, and shot the theme "Adventure."

I don't know if I'll get to know in advance whether my shots get used in the gallery)... the exhibition is from noon-9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 15. Trouble is, it's in San Francisco, so I am unlikely to make it. I hope they'll have something online.

http://www.amillionlittlepictures.com/

My celebrity look-alikes?

2008-01-05T09:11:00.001-08:00

I personally don't see it ...

Multiple Exposure

2008-01-02T21:28:00.001-08:00

Day 3 of 366
Originally uploaded by Honu Photo

I was trying to think of something interesting to do when this idea occurred to me ... trouble is, I hadn't my flash nor my tripod, and didn't want to draw TOO much attention to myself at the office.

I balanced the camera on a neighboring desk, and took a couple of test shots. It was clear I needed to do something about my face -- the overhead fluorescent lights left my eyes in shadow and made me look even more sinister and fat than I am.

I grabbed a small desk lamp, and held it in my left hand while firing off a bunch of shots quickly with my remote.

I want to do this again -- but with my off camera flash and some time to clean off the desktop and do something about the cables beneath the desk.

A Year in the Life: Day One

2007-12-31T18:54:00.001-08:00

Day 1: 31 December 2007
Originally uploaded by Honu Photo

It's the eve of a new year ... the coming year is pregnant with possibility, and I wonder how it will show on my face, my body, my surroundings.

So, for the next 366 days, I will post a photo of myself -- or at least part of myself -- an image taken by me (helpers may assist with lights, etc., but may not operate the camera at all).

I've always been more comfortable on the dark side of a camera, something I'll need to overcome if this project is to be mildly interesting.

So, check it out here, and chide me if I start posting quick and dirty shots from my camera phone too often.

Holiday Season: Visual Dictionary Event

2007-12-09T12:24:00.001-08:00

Twinkly in Westlake 01
Originally uploaded by Honu Photo

So, the most recent "Subjective Matter" event was the Sunday after Thanksgiving, and the Seattle Flickr team got together in the heart of the downtown shopping ecosystem to see what we could find.

There results are pretty fun to look at.

Here are the words we used this time around:
Impish
Twinkly
Magical
Jolly
Festive
Spirited
Grouchy
Pushy
Tacky
Sulky

Gimmee, gimmee shelter ...

2007-11-14T09:26:00.001-08:00

A new stock photography site went live on Nov. 12 ... with any luck, editors and designers the world over will demonstrate their excellent taste and license my work.

The PhotoShelter Collection aims to be different than other stock sites (I haven't any experience as a buyer or a seller, so I haven't any baseline).

All photos have to pass muster by editors, which means the prices are higher than some other stock sites, but the quality of images, keywording, etc., should be better as well.

My page is located at http://my.photoshelter.com/honuphoto

Shooting the President ... With a Camera!

2007-11-08T04:43:00.001-08:00

Bill Clinton Listening
Originally uploaded by Honu Photo

This was my favorite, but the other three I've posted are OK too.

Bill Clinton was in Seattle for a recent conference by U.S> mayors on global warming. He's also promoting a new book on charitable donations called "Giving," and his visit coincided with the end of my company's annual Giving campaign.

Side note about my amazing company:
Microsoft matches employee contributions up to $12,000 per employee , per year. In addition (and I really love this) when I donate my time as a volunteer or board member for a non-profit, they "match" my time contribution at the rate of $17/hour. Amazing. This year's total (employee donations + matches): $72 Million (USD).

Anyway ... I got to the location where President Clinton was going to be speaking about 2 hours early, and secured a front-row seat (to his right) for the event.

No bags were allowed, so I had to decide early which lens to bring. I grabbed my 18-135, thinking I'd be close enough. I chose poorly, and was wishing for my 70-300.

Getting its first real test was my SB-800 speedlight. The ceiling was rather high, but it looked like I was getting better shots when I used the diffuser and bounced.

After the event, I was wishing I had used more direct flash, as I was about 20 feet away.

See more shots:

Mount Baker near Dusk

2007-10-30T04:23:00.001-07:00

Mount Baker near Dusk
Originally uploaded by Honu Photo

I can't believe how smoggy the air here is!

Which CAN make for good sunsets, but when I stopped the other day at this great park in Mount Vernon, the view from above was atrocious.

A couple of things I did learn:

- A descendant of photographer Clyde Banks saw it and commented on it. What an amazing artist Banks was. I've just spent some time poking around the Web reading about him Read more about Clyde Banks.

- The family member's Web site had a swell link on valuing your images for inquirers: http://photographersindex.com/stockprice.htm I've been approached a few times now, and need to get smarter.

Your Optics are Showing

2007-10-23T04:00:00.001-07:00

Padilla Bay Sunset: Your Optics are Showing
Originally uploaded by Honu Photo

Interesting effect here ...

Captured while shooting the sunset at one of my favorite locations. I'd attached my polarizing filter to capture some of the water/sky that can be so interesting in the light at that time of day.

Didn't expect much out of these shots at the sun, but I find the concentric rings appealing somehow.

I don't know if these are the result of my polarizer, or of the glass I was using (pretty sure it was the kit lens I got with the body, a swell 18-135 that I really like).

Credit where it's due!

2007-10-07T06:54:00.001-07:00

Published Again ... Sort Of
Originally uploaded by Honu Photo

It's flattering to have a photo selected for editorial use ... I just prefer a proper credit (though SOME credit is better than none).

Example: Gizmodo, a Web site full of leaks and breaking news for techies (I prefer their competition, Engadget) in August did a piece about a spate of upcoming technology products coming from Verizon (headline: "Verizon Readying a 15 Phone Barrage for the Rest of '07").

They cleverly overlaid the Verizon logo on the barrel of one of the guns at Fort Casey -- an image I shot about the same time.

My gripe is the lousy credit: "Image via Flickr."

Flickr? I took the freakin' picture. Image by Paul Swortz via Flickr.

At least they point back to my original and provided SOME credit, which is more than many do today ...

Their post.

Visual Dictionary: Subject[ive] Matter

2007-10-03T20:50:00.001-07:00

Sharp in Marymoor Park
Originally uploaded by Honu Photo

One of the best things about my new fascination has been the great people and community of shooters out there.

I participate in a Flickr Group that schedules two meetups each month, (but usually more).

I've had a lot of fun the past two months working on a "visual dictionary" project, where the participants have one hour to shoot photos of the same 10 objects.

The first shoot was in Seattle's urban SoDo district. The second was at a suburban park (where it POURED rain).

This photo was my definition of "sharp."

Click below to see some more "definitions."

Gritty
Rude
Brilliant
Timeless
Perfect
Sharp
Powerful
Strange
Surprising
Juicy

Hog Heaven: Oyster Run 2007

2007-09-24T11:52:00.001-07:00

Homeward Bound: Oyster Run 2007
Originally uploaded by Honu Photo

Every year I look forward to the arrival of Fall.

While I love the warm days and crisp nights and mornings, the annual Oyster Run motorcycle rally has become one of my annual highlights.

This year, I brought my cameras, but as in years past, I frequently was so enthralled by the bikes -- old and new -- and the incredible diversity of people -- that I often forgot to take the shot.

And this year, I was able to make it over in time to see the AMAZING Seattle Cossacks -- a motorcycle stunt team that's been amazing crowds for some 70 years. Incredible.

Check out some more pictures on my Flickr site.

Cheers -- and ride safe.

Flickr Handle Changed

2007-09-21T04:15:00.001-07:00

Featured on Explore!
Originally uploaded by Honu Photo

Had to finally do it and change my Flickr name -- which I've had for a long time -- to Honu Photo. Have to be consistent or I confuse folks.

The Glass is Always Greener ...

2007-09-18T10:28:00.001-07:00

The Glass is Always Greener ... 01
Originally uploaded by Malama na Honu

Saw this on my way to meet friends for breakfast and couldn't resist a few shots.

This is inside the Bellevue Way entrance to an office building called Lincoln Square in Bellevue, Washington, USA.

The fountain includes a large glass pane with water streaming down -- that's what's behind sculptures.

Not sure of the artist or the title, but I think it's an interesting shot.

I also like the bit of red from a refracted automobile taillight --waiting for a traffic signal to change.

Windows Live Photo Gallery

2007-09-12T13:36:00.001-07:00

Microsoft lately released a beta version of its new Live Photo Gallery. This is definitely getting Microsoft closer to competing with Google's Picasa2 product; the final product will have to get a lot better performance-wise, but it definitely shows promise.

It's going to look very familiar to anyone running Windows Vista, from which the UI was borrowed. But it includes some great features -- such as panorama/stitching, better color/saturation and exposure tools (including histogram) -- and more I haven't yet tinkered with.

A lot of people seem to really like the automated connection to Live Spaces as well. I have a Spaces site, but I do my publishing today on Flickr.

Subject[ive] Matter: A Flickr Visual Dictionary

2007-09-07T07:02:00.001-07:00

Sharp in Seattle
Originally uploaded by Malama na Honu

One of the folks in the Seattle Flickr Meetup group had this great idea to hit the streets in Seattle's booming SoDo neighborhood and capture images to describe 12 words.

We had one hour (!!) to visually define:

Gritty
Rude
Brilliant
Timeless
Perfect
Sharp
Powerful
Strange
Surprising
Juicy
Fresh
Compelling

This was a tough challenge to do in an hour, especially since most of us are accustomed to as much time as we need for our captures. Really helped me realize how tough it must be for photojournalists.

We're going to do it again -- same 12 words, but at the vast Marymoor Park in suburban Redmond, Washington.

Will be interesting to compare "Gritty" in Seattle's SoDo with "Gritty" in the park.

Next: Challenging other groups in other parts of the world to shoot the same terms. Stay tuned for the results!

Art is all around

2007-09-05T08:06:00.001-07:00

Skyviewing Sculpture 02
Originally uploaded by Paul Swortz

The campus of Western Washington University is an amazing place ... for the architecture, the natural beauty surrounding it, and the sculpture there.

This is my favorite piece there; an amazing piece that doesn't feel as dated as some of the others, many of which were acquired in the 1960s-1970s.

Making a choice

2007-09-04T10:10:00.001-07:00

Twisp River Barn HDR 02
Originally uploaded by Malama na Honu

One of the greatest challenges I've been facing since taking up this hobby is paring down the selection to the "best" image.

I realize this is one of those "eye of the beholder things," but I presume some set of criteria can be used on just about any image to assess quality.

I'm pretty good at the obvious ones (WAY under/over exposed, out of focus, etc.), but what qualities make sense?

In the example set below, I probably shot 75-90 images, and was able to whittle down to the top 12 or so, which I uploaded to Flickr. From there, it's a lot harder, so I've been e-mailing friends and others I know who have good photographic eyes and design sense, and getting their thoughts as well.

What do you think? Have a look, and let me know ...

I got "published?"

2007-09-02T08:44:00.001-07:00

"Jurassic Park" trees
Originally uploaded by Malama na Honu

So, this company that produces a series of online travel guides approached me a couple of weeks ago about including this image in their guide to Kauai -- in the Botanical Gardens section.

I learned yesterday it's included in their third edition. Since I'm not being paid, and they're not paying, this is strictly a promotional thing for me, so we'll see how it turns out.

www.schmap.com/kauai/tours_tour4/p=263983/i=263983_7.jpg

Sunrise reflection on Possession Sound

2007-08-30T21:48:00.001-07:00

Possession Sound Sunrise 02
Originally uploaded by Malama na Honu

Driving through Everett this morning, and noticed the amazing colors on the water. Managed to catch a few frames before having to get going.

Lots of Hot Air

2007-08-28T13:37:00.001-07:00

Balloon
Originally uploaded by Malama na Honu

I've been meaning to try and shoot these balloons, launched near Woodinville, Washington.

Saw one in the air on the way to work this morning, and chased it for about an hour, managing to get a few shots.

Made the mistake of trying to use bracketing to maybe build an HDR, but since the balloon was moving, and since I don't really know how to use this camera yet, they were awful.

I love digital photography -- easy to try, review, and trash the bad stuff.

More balloon pictures.

Lunar Eclipse: Ambient Light

2007-08-28T13:25:00.001-07:00

Lunar Eclipse: Ambient Light
Originally uploaded by Malama na Honu

My oldest daughter woke me earlier than usual today to go out and try to capture the lunar eclipse. It was one of those rare times when:

1) An interesting celestial event is clearly visible from my region and

2) It wasn't overcast.

Still adjusting to the camera, so while I shot a lot, I didn't get much worth keeping. This was kind of fun though.

One other lesson: When shooting outside in the pre-dawn cool, you have to check your lens frequently for condensation.

More pictures from the eclipse.