Saturday, December 24, 2011

Ryan and Gayle

















Thursday afternoon I ventured out of my normal photo comfort zone with a portrait project. Ryan (our fourth son) and Gayle are getting married this coming May. The save-the-date cards are to go out in early January and a photo of the couple is needed for that. So off to the local university campus for some pictures. I took the opportunity to experiment with some different looks and pug-ins for this project considering I'm shooting the wedding also. Yes, I took some "straight" shots, but I felt this was about conveying a sense of emotion, so I was leaning toward a warm interpretation. Here are some other images from the shoot:



Thursday, December 22, 2011

Dark and Dank


iPhone 4s BBRUD-611, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

No, this is not the bathroom set as promised in the last post. I was sidetracked today onto a project for Gayle and Ryan's save the date wedding announcement. It has to go out the first of the year and a photo of the happy couple is required. More on that latter.

Today's image is an HDR capture at the silk mill from my last visit. I've had one of these shots on my list since the my second visit back in the summer. There is so much to photograph there that two visits came and went without getting this shot. So this last trip I was determined to get this one early on in the shoot least I forget again.

It was very overcast when this was shot and I choose to process it dark as the scene appeared to me. The water on the floor is from the leaky roof.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Gold Pipes


Camera Roll-434, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

Continuing with images from the recent trip to the old mill. The roof continues to deteriorate over the old mill building, leading to fears that without outside funding soon the salvagers may be brought in to dismantle the structure.

Heating in the old factory was accomplished two ways: Radiators (I don't know if they were hot water or steam) and forced air. The radiators are located in the bathrooms while the large air ducts hang from the ceiling over the work floor. Hmmm...speaking of ducts, there is a subject for another trip! This tangle of pipes are located just outside the woman's restroom on the upper floor.

These pipes were on my list to shoot this visit. A fellow photographer, Shaun Moss, discovered these on a prior visit and I had wished to capture my own version since. In areas were the roof is failing and leaking badly, the owner has tried to minimize water damage with tarps and buckets to collect rain water from seeping to lower levels. These pipes were hidden behind tarps in one such area. Beyond this point is the women's bathroom, the subject of the next blog post.

After the first visit, which every photographer who has gone will confirm is overwhelming, I have settled into a pattern on return visits of seeking a balance of capuring new subjects, reshooting a subject from a previous visit or borrowing inspiration from the work of others. This image is a case of the later.

This image was captured and processed on my new iPhone 4s. The image quality is a quantum leap over the 4. I also have Nikon files that are in the cue for Photoshop. Alas, the day job does make for delays on that front.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Return to Lonaconing


Camera Roll-433, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

Last weekend I made a fourth trip to the silk mill. This time Donna went with me and we made a weekend of it, shooting both Saturday and Sunday. We meet up with a great group of photographers including Tony Sweet, John Barclay and Karen Messick. It was great to see old friends there, Tom and Richard, as well as make new ones also.

The weather was below freezing both days and it snowed on the second day. Several layers of clothes were the order of the day followed by a soak in the hot tub each evening. With the gray skys light inside the old building was quite low. Keeping close to windows, looonng exposures or light painting were the options this time around.

I have never returned to the same location to photograph so many times. You might think one would run out of interesting things to shoot here but that is not the case. We even found a room we had not been in on prior visits. The quality of the light changes with the seasons presenting different opportunities each visit. Over the coming days, I'll be sharing a number of new images as I have time to process them.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Cape May Sunrise BW


_DSC9730_DxO pre nx se 72dpi, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.
An alternative view of the drain structures before sunrise. Converted in Silver EfexPro2. The color version is shown below:

Monday, December 5, 2011

The Other End of the Pond


_DSC9279_DxO A nx 72dpi, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

The trees are surely looking drab around here now. So missing the color, I processed this file from this past fall for a little pick-me- up.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Froze Rose


Camera Roll-386, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

Winter officially arrived this week with a frosty vengeance after a string of warm days. Just when I thought outdoor photography was finished for the season I was treated with this yesterday morning.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Cape May Drain


_DSC0113_DxO topaz nx nik 72dpi, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

These structures secure the storm drains from the town. They are spaced along beach and provide an interesting element for water to interact with during long exposures. I was taking 30 second exposures using a Vari-ND filter. While the clouds were not as exciting as the ones at Ocean City, I was drawn to the color reflections in the sand.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

A Little Artsy at the Pier

Still working through my backlog of images. I thought I was finished with this pier and was working on other images from the Cape May trip when I became sidetracked with this shot last night. I had tried a series of swipes of this subject. None of them quite worked as intended, but I thought this one might be a good candidate to try out Alien Skins' Snap Art 3. My mentor, Tony Sweet, has been after me to give this a try for years. After having fun with textures in the iPhone, I gave it try with this DSLR image. Topaz Adjust 5 tint, Alien Skin Snap Art Impasto.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

The Sun Is Up


_DSC0046_DxO topaz nx 73dpi, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

Sunrise happens every morning and on this morning it was a quick scramble on the rock wall to get positioned for the grand moment. The red sky quickly gave way to blue clouds. It was a great morning and almost time to head to the pancake house.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Changing Light


_DSC0039_DxO topaz nx 72dpi, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

The colors changed rapidly as the sun transited the horizon. For a brief time, the sky turned a brilliant orange.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Almost Up


_DSC0037_DxO topaz nx 72dpi, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

The sun was nearing the horizon and the colors were changing quickly.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Back to the Right


_DSC0033_DxO topaz nx 72dpi, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.
As the sky began to brighten, I moved over to the right side of the pier.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

5 Minutes to the Left


_DSC0030_DxO topaz nx 72dpi, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

I arrived with the John Barclay's group a good 45 minutes before sunrise. Most of the group went to the right side of the pier, I went to the left side and found Shaun there. It's that left-handed thing. This was my first shot of the day. It was really dark. so dark that I didn't know if my manual focus was good or not. Took a lucky guess at a 5 minute exposure. I'm always amazed at the color those photo sites will soak up in a loooonnng exposure like this, since to the eye it was a black scene. I'm just starting to play with the new Topaz Adjust 5 and so far I'm liking it. Finished it off with some NIK brushed in here and there.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Grass Abstract


Camera Roll-273, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

My sister has this ornamental grass planted where our yards meet. Coming back from the bus stop last week one morning I noticed the surprising color. The overcast sky and light rain helped bring out the color.
SlowShutter: VintageScene: BadCamera: SketchHD: AutoPainter: a few trips to Blender: SnapSeed: Impression

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Ruffin's Pond


_DSC9269_DxO topaz nx 72dpi, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

Finally getting back to some DSLR images that I have captured in the past month or so. Since fall is our busy time on the farm, I can never get away to the mountains for fall color. This year we had the best leaf color in years right here at home and I headed to the pond next door a few days before and after work.
Processed with the new Topaz Adjust 5 and some NIK filters.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Red Sky at Night, Sailer's Delight


iPhone 9-328, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

Donna and I went out for dinner after the workshop ended and saw this beautiful scene. The sky was red as shown for a brief couple of moments just as the sun set. The docks are lined by buildings so the water kept the blue tones.
Hipstamatic:SnapSeed

Hang in there- the Nikon pics are coming after chores around the house are done.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Mirror, mirror on the...porch?


Camera Roll-246, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

One of the assignments from the Cape May workshop involved the Victorian section of town. This mirror hung on a front porch between shutters caught my eye.
Cam+:SnapSeed:perfPhoto:AutoPainter:Blender

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Fire Truck


Camera Roll-236, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

Cape May has an antique fire truck. We only had 20 minutes or so to work the scene. I could have stayed there all day! The truck is housed in it's own fire house with tons of memorabilia. It would worth the trip for the truck alone. This shot was my first one while I waited my turn to go in. My computer is crunching on the RAW files as I write.
6x6:SnapSeed:Scratch Cam:Dramatic BW:Blender

Via Flickr:
Cape May fire truck

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Through the Lamp


Through the Lamp, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

In the old Victorian section of Cape May, the streets are illuminated with these old gas lamps. I wondered how it would look if I could shoot through the lamp? So I positioned my camera up high and close with a fisheye lens. It took a few trys...
Camera+:SnapSeed:Big Lens

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

59th Street Pier


Camera Roll-213, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

This past weekend I had the pleasure to shoot at Cape May with friend John Barclay on his workshop. Another fellow shooter I'm aquainted with, George Brown, was assisting. I have long admired photos by JB and mentor Tony Sweet from this location. The weekend began with cold, blustery weather. On Sunday morning the alarm rung at 3:30am and the clouds sliding accros the moon looked promising. So with bleary eyes and high hopes we headed north to Ocean City, NJ. Little did we know the glorious gift we would receive shortly after setting up our tripods. Now that I'm back home at work, I'm anxious to process my RAW Nikon files. In the mean time I wanted to share the experience captured on my iPhone: A three exposure HDR result.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

X Files?


iPhone 8-139, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

The question of we respond to an image is an interesting one. When I shared this photo with some friends the immediate response was that brought to mind the TV show based on the mysterious paranormal. Something I never would have thought of, even though I was a fan of the show.
Hipsta:SuperRetro:SnapSeed

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Idaho Homestead


Camera Roll-194, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

This image began as a rather bland photo. I've been thinking about our beach trip this weekend and imagining possible processing ideas. This is the result of toying with some ideas I might try on the trip.
PhotoFX:SuperRetro:Blender:Iris:Filterstorm:SnapSeed

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Sunflower Macro


IMG_0087, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

The first frost this year came late- the very end of October. We decorate with late sunflowers and I had hoped to get some frosty sunflower photos. The light was too hot for that so I changed gears and decided to go with some macro shots. This image is of the center of a newly opened flower.
Olloclip macro:6x6:SnapSeed:SuperRetro

Monday, November 7, 2011

Last of the Fall Color


Camera Roll-149, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

My job does not allow me to travel to areas with vibrant fall foliage, so I was grateful to have some color right here at home this fall. Seems like it has been a few years since we had some colorful foliage here. I slipped over to the pond three days in a row at sunrise before work and at sunset after work. This shot was taken at sunset on the last visit. After capturing a pile of reflection pics, I found this spot with the plants in the foreground to give some depth to the composition. While I did take some with the Nikon, which I have not processed yet (still wrapping up the harvest and planting wheat this week), this one is with the iPhone. BracketMode:TrueHDR:SnapSeed

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Rappahannock River


Camera Roll-147, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

A painterly interpretation of the river that borders our farm. Taken on a foggy morning. I have really enjoyed exploring some new painterly apps recently. PhotoCopier and SuperRetro in particular. We just wrapped our fall harvest season today and I'm looking forward to having some time to shoot with my Nikon again. Heading to the ocean this weekend for some R&R and photography.
iPhone4:ClassicPan:SuperRetro:Iris:SnapSeed apps.

Foxtail Dew


IMG_0099, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

Snagged this one on the way to the office a while back. We had a heavy dew overnight and some warm backlight at sunrise. A great recipe for a macro shot.
iPhone4:Olloclip macro:SnapSeed:PhotoCopier

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Spring Sunrise


IMG_0110, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

With the time-change tonight I'm reminded that the seasons move on. This picture was taken last spring when we were glad to see winter behind us. Does not seem that long ago. And now winter is once again upon us.

Processed in Photo Copier and Iris.

Friday, November 4, 2011

McCormic Deering Combine


IMG_0090, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

Still working to wrap up the fall harvest season so I have some more iPhone shots to share before the dust settles and I have time get back to the big boy camera.

This image was made with the Cool Photo app.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Tractor Cab


IMG_5888, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

Cought the sunrise streaming through the tinted glass recently. Heavy dew on the window made the shot. Capture with Hipstamatic camera on my iPhone4. Part of the fun with Hipsta is that you make the "edit" choice before capture instead of after as in most other apps.

September Sunset


IMG_0080, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

We've had some crazy weather last 2 or 3 months and that makes for some interesting clouds.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

First Fall Frost


IMG_6043, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

Once again this year, the first frost came at the end of October. A heavy, killing frost too. We've had frost the last few nights since. Typically, the first frost is expected closer to the middle of the month. Then again, the weather does not seem to be "typical" of late.

Old Tractor at the Barn


IMG_5964, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

An HDR iPhone capture last month at sunrise. Couldn't pass up that warm light! Wide angle Olloclip lens:BracketMode:TrueHDR:SnapSeed:ScratchCam, as best I recall. Oh, also Retouch to clone out an electric pole and wires in front of the barn.

Monday, October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween


IMG_6056, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

Been busy the past couple of months on the farm with harvest season. Most of my photography has been with the iPhone. A quick grab shot here and there.

This one started out as an attempt to capture the first frost of the fall. I was in a hurry to get to work and failed at the frost on the pumpkin. So instead I went for a painterly look. Ended up with a number of versions. I liked the warm tones of this one. It was my first attempt with the PhotoCopier app.

Brkt Mode: SnapSeed: ShockMyPic: iResize (SMP does not save full rez): Blender: ArtistaOil: PhotoCopier

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Hole in the Wall

Graffiti Underground. Extended tripod to maximum height and used live view to compose and focus. Topaz an NIK filters used.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Cabin Window


3189-95 topaz nx b 72dpi, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

View through the window at one of the cabins in Cade's Cove, TN.

HDR with Topaz and NIK filters.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

New Lens


IMG_0053, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.
My new lens arrived last week- the olloclip. Yep, it is for the iPhone. An ingenious gadget, it is three lenses in one- fisheye, macro and wide angle. This image was made using the macro lens.

Apps used: PhotoToaster, SnapSeed, PrefectPhoto, ShockMyPic and Impression.

Wheel Fence


_DSC6756_DxO_7_DxO_8_DxOHDRI tonemapped topaz nx 72dpi, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

A farmer in the Palouse region collected years ago hundreds if not thousands of steel wheels from old farm equipment and made this fence around his barn. One of my original attractions to the region were pictures I had seen of these wheels.  Less than a quarter of the fence is shown here. Rain clouds were rolling in as I shot this scene.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Palouse Abstract


Palouse Abstract, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

I was supposed to be working on marketing copy and employee training manual revisions last night but I was coming up blank. So I turned to my folder of "crazy apps" looking for some creative inspiration on the iPad and came up with this. Like the picture- it started as a landscape from my Palouse trip last year- and did get some copy inspiration in the end.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Swipe Serendipity


_DSC8716_DxO nx 72dpi, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

Serendipity- the "...phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for..." Merriam-Webster dictionary. Intentionally moving the camera during a longer exposure, otherwise known as a "swipe", is usually done with a landscape subject to create an abstract. This image was actually a bit of accidental combination of the two. I had begun a 13 second exposure and realized I had made a mistake on one of the camera settings. Out of frustration I released the ball head and moved the camera while the exposure finished. I moved on to the next shot and forgot about it until I processing the files. Nothing ventured, nothing gained the old saying goes. Thought this was perhaps "cool" and certainly different. Hope you like it.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

iPhone goes to the Silk Mill


IMG_3671, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.
A few from the Mill with my phone- processed with various apps in the phone.