Sunday, October 30, 2011
Photo 16 of 30: Long Exposure
Long Exposure... a really unique and effective tool in photography and for me one that you can have some fun with. You can actually make light dance. For the purpose of my 30 photos project and timing with Halloween, I decided to highlight long exposure after my kids and I carved the pumpkins for the beloved candied fright fest. For those unfamiliar with long exposure, it is when the camera's shutter is held open for a long period. The result can vary depending upon what you are shooting, but if you have ever seen a shot of traffic at night and the lights streak across the page or if you see an image of a waterfall and the water pouring down appears soft (lacking the sharp detail) than you are looking a long exposure shot. I picked the images below to manipulate the fun that we had carving our pumpkins and as I had mentioned, you can make light dance. Enjoy!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Photo 15 of 30: Silhouette
15|30
So I am half way there and this silhouette I happened to catch by mistake. That is an interesting word "mistake," because in the world of photography and art, it is this mistake that can be one of your most breathtaking pieces of work. It could be that one shot that tells a story to so many and transcends to another level. So this mistake was because I was tinkering with my camera, adjusting the aperature and shutter speed. This is one area that I am still learning with a very generous curve. As I was outside sitting on my patio, a lovely bird that happened to join me by perching on my tree. So I decided to snatch a quick pic. Well, when I looked at the preview, I was intially angry because of two things: I didn't master the settings and the bird flew away before I could grab another shot. However things, changed once I downloaded the image onto my computer, I was thrilled. I touched it up a hair by adding some texture to it and included with my other fine art prints that I have in my online gallery (http://simonehester.com/). Below is the original image untouched.
So I am half way there and this silhouette I happened to catch by mistake. That is an interesting word "mistake," because in the world of photography and art, it is this mistake that can be one of your most breathtaking pieces of work. It could be that one shot that tells a story to so many and transcends to another level. So this mistake was because I was tinkering with my camera, adjusting the aperature and shutter speed. This is one area that I am still learning with a very generous curve. As I was outside sitting on my patio, a lovely bird that happened to join me by perching on my tree. So I decided to snatch a quick pic. Well, when I looked at the preview, I was intially angry because of two things: I didn't master the settings and the bird flew away before I could grab another shot. However things, changed once I downloaded the image onto my computer, I was thrilled. I touched it up a hair by adding some texture to it and included with my other fine art prints that I have in my online gallery (http://simonehester.com/). Below is the original image untouched.
"fifteenofthirty"
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Photo 14 of 30: Eyes
14|30
Below you will see my eyes.... which my mom always tells me are my best feature. I have always received compliments on them because of how dark they are, but to me they are just eyes. Seeing them in this light has actually given me a different perspective, because looking at just some one's eyes can actually tell you a great deal about a person. "Eyes are the windows to the soul." Today my eyes have a glow, genuine happiness; and indeed I am very happy today, had a good art day getting into two exhibits. So you can see that in the little sparkle that's there. So I pose a question to you, take a good look at your eyes, what story do they tell?
Below you will see my eyes.... which my mom always tells me are my best feature. I have always received compliments on them because of how dark they are, but to me they are just eyes. Seeing them in this light has actually given me a different perspective, because looking at just some one's eyes can actually tell you a great deal about a person. "Eyes are the windows to the soul." Today my eyes have a glow, genuine happiness; and indeed I am very happy today, had a good art day getting into two exhibits. So you can see that in the little sparkle that's there. So I pose a question to you, take a good look at your eyes, what story do they tell?
"fourteenofthirty"
Monday, October 17, 2011
Photo 13 of 30: Yourself With Thirteen Things
13|30
This was an easy task... one of my favorite things is nail polish. My mom was a manicurist and she would always give me the newest colors for the season. This has been going on for more than half of my life, since the lovely days of high school. Throughout the years there have been numerous trends, similar to that in photography (HDR, bokeh, Gritty which has moved from your classic or more typical shots). Today, pretty much anything goes, from bright colors, dark colors, gritty colors. Below is a selection of new colors and some of my favorites.
This was an easy task... one of my favorite things is nail polish. My mom was a manicurist and she would always give me the newest colors for the season. This has been going on for more than half of my life, since the lovely days of high school. Throughout the years there have been numerous trends, similar to that in photography (HDR, bokeh, Gritty which has moved from your classic or more typical shots). Today, pretty much anything goes, from bright colors, dark colors, gritty colors. Below is a selection of new colors and some of my favorites.
"thirteenofthirty"
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Photo 12 of 30: Sunset
12|30
Today's assignment was very simple and probably one of the most magical moments that anyone could capture.... a sunset. I had to cheat though, today the weather in Chicago is downright dreadful and groggy. If I was truly thinking ahead I would have grabbed a shot of the sun setting in my backyard during the month of May. The sun was peeking through a flowering tree and created the perfect lens flare.
Today's assignment was very simple and probably one of the most magical moments that anyone could capture.... a sunset. I had to cheat though, today the weather in Chicago is downright dreadful and groggy. If I was truly thinking ahead I would have grabbed a shot of the sun setting in my backyard during the month of May. The sun was peeking through a flowering tree and created the perfect lens flare.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Photo 11 of 30: Something Blue
11|30
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue..... a timeless expression of good luck for every bride as she prepares to walk down the aisle. My something blue was also something old, my grandmother's cross. It is a 70 year old beautiful piece of jewelry that I was honored to carry with me when I married my husband and I am gladly sharing this sentimental piece with my best friend next week as she exchanges vows with her soon to be hubby. The cross means so much to me, as it did to my mother, and hopefully my daughter when I pass it down to her. It is a classic and unyielding symbol of a mother's love to her child. It was given to my mother when my grandmother passed (my mother was a very small child) and when she felt I was ready she gave it to me. So I share this with you....
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue..... a timeless expression of good luck for every bride as she prepares to walk down the aisle. My something blue was also something old, my grandmother's cross. It is a 70 year old beautiful piece of jewelry that I was honored to carry with me when I married my husband and I am gladly sharing this sentimental piece with my best friend next week as she exchanges vows with her soon to be hubby. The cross means so much to me, as it did to my mother, and hopefully my daughter when I pass it down to her. It is a classic and unyielding symbol of a mother's love to her child. It was given to my mother when my grandmother passed (my mother was a very small child) and when she felt I was ready she gave it to me. So I share this with you....
"elevenofthirty"
Monday, October 10, 2011
Photo 10 of 30: A Childhood Memory
10|30
This was something that I originally thought would be quite difficult. But then it came to me... one of the earliest memories that I have from my childhood was my beloved Tiger. I was adopted as a baby and the item that I attached to initially was a giant stuffed Tiger that my dad had. It is one of those memories that I can still remember the feel and the smell of it. That tiger brought me lots of happiness. It was a part of my childhood until the ripe age of 3 or 4. I would sit on it and pretend that I was traveling in the pages of Jungle Book and he was my great protector. My picture also shows my dad and my beloved first dog ever, Butch. Happy times, a happy life.
This was something that I originally thought would be quite difficult. But then it came to me... one of the earliest memories that I have from my childhood was my beloved Tiger. I was adopted as a baby and the item that I attached to initially was a giant stuffed Tiger that my dad had. It is one of those memories that I can still remember the feel and the smell of it. That tiger brought me lots of happiness. It was a part of my childhood until the ripe age of 3 or 4. I would sit on it and pretend that I was traveling in the pages of Jungle Book and he was my great protector. My picture also shows my dad and my beloved first dog ever, Butch. Happy times, a happy life.
"tenofthirty"
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Photo 9 of 30: Someone You Love
9|30
Okay, so this was not a difficult task, but I can not go with "someone you love" it would have to be someones.... how can I choose? I am a wife and a mother and will never draw a line or play favorites and despite this challenge, I refuse to single out one love in my life. Romantically, hands down, of course it is my husband, but my family is the true winner. I love everything about being a wife and a mother, and love absolutely everything about my family. So the someone becomes someones or something for those of you who follow rhetoric literally. What made the task difficult, trying to get all three of them to pose, husband down for the count with a cold, and the kids are at the age where it is difficult to get them to show love for one another and patience simply runs out of steam. So below is the next best thing (and an opportunity for those of you to catch a glimpse of my platinum blond days... had this color for just 6 weeks).
Okay, so this was not a difficult task, but I can not go with "someone you love" it would have to be someones.... how can I choose? I am a wife and a mother and will never draw a line or play favorites and despite this challenge, I refuse to single out one love in my life. Romantically, hands down, of course it is my husband, but my family is the true winner. I love everything about being a wife and a mother, and love absolutely everything about my family. So the someone becomes someones or something for those of you who follow rhetoric literally. What made the task difficult, trying to get all three of them to pose, husband down for the count with a cold, and the kids are at the age where it is difficult to get them to show love for one another and patience simply runs out of steam. So below is the next best thing (and an opportunity for those of you to catch a glimpse of my platinum blond days... had this color for just 6 weeks).
"Family Fotos"
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Photo 8 of 30: A Bad Habit
8|30
So I have to pick a bad habit? How humbling... then to photograph it, even more humbling. It is admitting a fault and being the perfectionist that I am, I despise admitting faults. So here goes.... my bad habit is eating cookies. It was between that and running late. I eat cookies more than I run late, so I figured it wins, hands down. For some of you, you might think this is lame, not a true bad habit, but in all honesty where does eating cookies on a daily basis lead you? An unhealthy life, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity; several things that I do not want to face in my life. I try to set good examples for my kids but I still sneak (all the time). I have tried substituting with fruit, which I really love, but nothing truly feels and tastes as good as my beloved Oreo cookie. I have tried to set limits for myself. Only having a sweet treat on Sundays. Doesn't work, I still swipe one almost everyday. So I am diligent about exercising daily, to ensure that I am in good health. So here, it is....
So I have to pick a bad habit? How humbling... then to photograph it, even more humbling. It is admitting a fault and being the perfectionist that I am, I despise admitting faults. So here goes.... my bad habit is eating cookies. It was between that and running late. I eat cookies more than I run late, so I figured it wins, hands down. For some of you, you might think this is lame, not a true bad habit, but in all honesty where does eating cookies on a daily basis lead you? An unhealthy life, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity; several things that I do not want to face in my life. I try to set good examples for my kids but I still sneak (all the time). I have tried substituting with fruit, which I really love, but nothing truly feels and tastes as good as my beloved Oreo cookie. I have tried to set limits for myself. Only having a sweet treat on Sundays. Doesn't work, I still swipe one almost everyday. So I am diligent about exercising daily, to ensure that I am in good health. So here, it is....
"eightofthirty"
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Photo 7 of 30: Fruit
7|30
So today's challenge.... Fruit. This was an easy one for me, because I have fruit in my home year round. Summertime is the best, because the offerings are so plentiful and fresh. My absolute favorite is a tie between watermelon and nectarines. However, as the summer season ends, the pickings of my favorite fruits are slimmer and it becomes a little more expensive. With the close of summer and it being October, I pay homage to my favorite winter time snack... the apple. There is no other fruit next to pumpkin that screams Autumn than the beloved apple. Ironically, it was no where on my list of favorite fruity eats until about seven years ago. As a kid, I couldn't stand them (unless they were in an apple pie). My parents always bought Red Delicious or Granny Smith. I was not in love. When my daughter was in preschool, she had a field trip to an apple orchard. There I learned about the numerous varieties of apples, and we picked a handful of Gala apples. We got home and I sliced it for her. She was thrilled and told me how good it was. So I had a slice, and I was hooked. I never knew that an apple could be so flavorful and sweet in each bite. I have tried other varieties to see if my taste buds would react in the same manner as my love affair with Gala, but no. It is a treat that I give to myself everyday.... so here's to the love of apples!
So today's challenge.... Fruit. This was an easy one for me, because I have fruit in my home year round. Summertime is the best, because the offerings are so plentiful and fresh. My absolute favorite is a tie between watermelon and nectarines. However, as the summer season ends, the pickings of my favorite fruits are slimmer and it becomes a little more expensive. With the close of summer and it being October, I pay homage to my favorite winter time snack... the apple. There is no other fruit next to pumpkin that screams Autumn than the beloved apple. Ironically, it was no where on my list of favorite fruity eats until about seven years ago. As a kid, I couldn't stand them (unless they were in an apple pie). My parents always bought Red Delicious or Granny Smith. I was not in love. When my daughter was in preschool, she had a field trip to an apple orchard. There I learned about the numerous varieties of apples, and we picked a handful of Gala apples. We got home and I sliced it for her. She was thrilled and told me how good it was. So I had a slice, and I was hooked. I never knew that an apple could be so flavorful and sweet in each bite. I have tried other varieties to see if my taste buds would react in the same manner as my love affair with Gala, but no. It is a treat that I give to myself everyday.... so here's to the love of apples!
"sevenofthirty"
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Photo 6 of 30: From A Low Angle
6|30
So today's image is the exact opposite of yesterdays.... the opposite direction. Since yesterday's image was taken from the John Hancock building, I thought it would be cool to use an image that was taken of the John Hancock building, from the lowest angle, on the street. Since architecture is my favorite subject to shoot, I decided to put my signature touch on the image and edit it. This image will be available for sale via my two sites, http://simonehester.com (for a signed & framed print) or http://simone-hester.artistwebsites.com (a friendlier price point and variety of sizes and finishes).
So today's image is the exact opposite of yesterdays.... the opposite direction. Since yesterday's image was taken from the John Hancock building, I thought it would be cool to use an image that was taken of the John Hancock building, from the lowest angle, on the street. Since architecture is my favorite subject to shoot, I decided to put my signature touch on the image and edit it. This image will be available for sale via my two sites, http://simonehester.com (for a signed & framed print) or http://simone-hester.artistwebsites.com (a friendlier price point and variety of sizes and finishes).
"sixofthirty"
Monday, October 3, 2011
Photo 5 of 30: From A High Angle
5|30
Since I won't be able to get to a really high spot without delaying this project any further, I had to grab this image from one of my archives. A previous shot that was taken from the John Hancock Building in Chicago. That is the highest angle that I have taken a shot from to date. If I get the courage and can overcome my true fear of heights than I will attempt to go to the Willis Tower and shoot there. They have these special glass enclosures that provides a unique opportunity to get a full view of downtown Chicago. Unfortunately my anxiety tends to kick in when I look down and seeing that the floor is made of glass the full view might just be a bit much. Shooting via the window is the viable option at this moment, but working to get to the key shot.... shooting via the special glass box.
The shot that I captured here was facing the lovely Lake Michigan and grabs the details of the street, Lake Shore Drive, a baseball field, and just ordinary life in busy Chicago. I played around with this image adding grains and other effects to create an unique image. I am pretty happy with the end result and will post this fine art print on my websites.
Since I won't be able to get to a really high spot without delaying this project any further, I had to grab this image from one of my archives. A previous shot that was taken from the John Hancock Building in Chicago. That is the highest angle that I have taken a shot from to date. If I get the courage and can overcome my true fear of heights than I will attempt to go to the Willis Tower and shoot there. They have these special glass enclosures that provides a unique opportunity to get a full view of downtown Chicago. Unfortunately my anxiety tends to kick in when I look down and seeing that the floor is made of glass the full view might just be a bit much. Shooting via the window is the viable option at this moment, but working to get to the key shot.... shooting via the special glass box.
The shot that I captured here was facing the lovely Lake Michigan and grabs the details of the street, Lake Shore Drive, a baseball field, and just ordinary life in busy Chicago. I played around with this image adding grains and other effects to create an unique image. I am pretty happy with the end result and will post this fine art print on my websites.
"fiveofthirty"
If you like this image, then please visit my website at http://simonehester.com or if you would like to purchase then visit here http://simone-hester.artistwebsites.com a variety of sizes are available.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Photo 4 of 30: Something Green
4|30
Today's photo is "Something Green" and with autumn's approach, the most obvious choice was to shoot something natural. So here's my image:
I was able to capture both sides of nature, the lush plants that I placed in my garden this spring and of course the weeds that grew in due to being lazy (yes I admit it!). I began to think, the beauty of nature is everywhere that we are, and things that we don't see as nature's gift, others do. Take for instance the thistle on the right. In certain countries it is seen as a beautiful flower that eventually blooms a beautiful purple bud. Quite similar to that of a cactus. Personally, I still think it is a pain, if you have ever stepped on one, than you know what I mean. In a nutshell, I want you to take away from this image, that true beauty lies in the eye of the beholder.
Today's photo is "Something Green" and with autumn's approach, the most obvious choice was to shoot something natural. So here's my image:
"fourofthirty"
I was able to capture both sides of nature, the lush plants that I placed in my garden this spring and of course the weeds that grew in due to being lazy (yes I admit it!). I began to think, the beauty of nature is everywhere that we are, and things that we don't see as nature's gift, others do. Take for instance the thistle on the right. In certain countries it is seen as a beautiful flower that eventually blooms a beautiful purple bud. Quite similar to that of a cactus. Personally, I still think it is a pain, if you have ever stepped on one, than you know what I mean. In a nutshell, I want you to take away from this image, that true beauty lies in the eye of the beholder.
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