Unique Photo Images
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Scanning Old Negatives
Scanning a 4X5 negative from Canyon de Celly from April 1994 contains beautiful natural rock formations with a little snow on some of the rocks. I like the contrast and details that I was able to obtain in the Photoshop rendering. ¶ 12:05 PM 0 comments
Scanning a 4X5 negative from Canyon de Celly from April 1994 contains beautiful natural rock formations with a little snow on some of the rocks. I like the contrast and details that I was able to obtain in the Photoshop rendering. ¶ 12:05 PM 0 comments
Monday, October 30, 2006
Fall in the Backyard
More help from Gorden Bowie. Combining leaves from the back yard to the scanner (no camera) to Photoshop. ¶ 11:35 AM 0 comments
More help from Gorden Bowie. Combining leaves from the back yard to the scanner (no camera) to Photoshop. ¶ 11:35 AM 0 comments
My Giant Camera - The Flat-bed Scanner
The Burning Bushes in our back yard are finally showing their colors. The giant camera worked very well holding on the the original colors.
I was thinking that leaves also make good 4X6 postcards. Gorden Bowie gave me this idea. He calls it his 11X14 camera. Lots more to do and try. More play time needed. ¶ 7:11 AM 0 comments
The Burning Bushes in our back yard are finally showing their colors. The giant camera worked very well holding on the the original colors.
I was thinking that leaves also make good 4X6 postcards. Gorden Bowie gave me this idea. He calls it his 11X14 camera. Lots more to do and try. More play time needed. ¶ 7:11 AM 0 comments
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Heron Pond - Southern Illinois (2 versions)
After three visits to Heron Pond, I am still amazed at the Giant Cypress Trees right here in Illinois. Both color and infrared images are possible.
¶ 12:10 PM 0 comments
After three visits to Heron Pond, I am still amazed at the Giant Cypress Trees right here in Illinois. Both color and infrared images are possible.
¶ 12:10 PM 0 comments
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Inter-passage of Alaska
Carol and I did the Inter Passage Cruise in 2005 along with photographer and friend Mark Southard. Mark's brother Engle passed away yesterday. I ponder the quite beauty of the this Alasakan scene and think of Engle, a great man, an artist and lover of life. Give strength to the Southard family. ¶ 6:27 PM 0 comments
Carol and I did the Inter Passage Cruise in 2005 along with photographer and friend Mark Southard. Mark's brother Engle passed away yesterday. I ponder the quite beauty of the this Alasakan scene and think of Engle, a great man, an artist and lover of life. Give strength to the Southard family. ¶ 6:27 PM 0 comments
Friday, October 27, 2006
A "softer version" of Tuscany Fog
I made different versions of "Tuscany Fog" and today's image reflects a feeling of softness that I like. There is less definition but more of a feeling represented. ¶ 1:25 PM 0 comments
I made different versions of "Tuscany Fog" and today's image reflects a feeling of softness that I like. There is less definition but more of a feeling represented. ¶ 1:25 PM 0 comments
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Morning Fog in Tuscany
One of the real advantages of getting up early in the morning is seeing the tranquility of a morning fog scene. By using the focal length of a 300mm telephoto lens, I was able to isolate the details in the image. The composition of the sweeping lines breaking through the dawn mist is what I was attempting to capture. Jerry ¶ 5:58 PM 0 comments
One of the real advantages of getting up early in the morning is seeing the tranquility of a morning fog scene. By using the focal length of a 300mm telephoto lens, I was able to isolate the details in the image. The composition of the sweeping lines breaking through the dawn mist is what I was attempting to capture. Jerry ¶ 5:58 PM 0 comments
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Back into Photography
And all the slow down of the body and mind to heal and re-charge after surgery. Thanks to my wonderful Doctors Hsi, Norris and Cox, I am now on the road to healing and recovery. Today is the first day that I have felt like doing anything besides sleeping and slowly walking around the house with a pillow held over my 24 staples in the belly.
Here is a winter photo that I never worked on and I knew that it had some elements that attracted me to aim and push the shutter. This was a scene at Cave Point Park in Door County, WI. The original image was in color and converted into black and white. Winter is always a time for photography ¶ 12:17 PM 0 comments
And all the slow down of the body and mind to heal and re-charge after surgery. Thanks to my wonderful Doctors Hsi, Norris and Cox, I am now on the road to healing and recovery. Today is the first day that I have felt like doing anything besides sleeping and slowly walking around the house with a pillow held over my 24 staples in the belly.
Here is a winter photo that I never worked on and I knew that it had some elements that attracted me to aim and push the shutter. This was a scene at Cave Point Park in Door County, WI. The original image was in color and converted into black and white. Winter is always a time for photography ¶ 12:17 PM 0 comments
Friday, October 20, 2006
Taking a Short Break for Repairs
This Photo Blog will take a short break while I am in for medical repairs. I will be back in about a week or so. To all my family and friends, I thank you for the phone calls, cards and e-mails. Your positive push and prayers have been a wonderful arm of support. God Bless. Jerry
¶ 8:32 AM 0 comments
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Dennis's Adding Snap to Photos
In Photoshop: make a copy of the background, Go Filter---Sharpen---Unsharp Mask. Put the settings as follows: Amount 25, Radius 75 to 90, Threshold 0 and the Blend mode of the Layer to Luminosity. This is to add local contrast. You can control the contrast with masking and changing the opacity of the layer. ¶ 4:16 PM 1 comments
In Photoshop: make a copy of the background, Go Filter---Sharpen---Unsharp Mask. Put the settings as follows: Amount 25, Radius 75 to 90, Threshold 0 and the Blend mode of the Layer to Luminosity. This is to add local contrast. You can control the contrast with masking and changing the opacity of the layer. ¶ 4:16 PM 1 comments
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Daniel & Grandpa Hug in the Backyard
Having fun together are precious moments. Play time is important for everyone, young and old. This playtime was grandpa's choice, but gandson also had fun.
¶ 6:58 PM 0 comments
Monday, October 16, 2006
Favorite Chicago Park
The Circular Garden found in Chicago's Humboldt Park was designed by the late Jens Jensen and still one of the most beautiful city parks in the USA. This photograph was submitted as part of the Liberty Banks for Savings 2007 Photo Calendar. These calendars will be available at all five branches of the Liberty Banks around Thanksgiving time. See Liberty Banks at www.libertybank.com ¶ 4:04 PM 0 comments
The Circular Garden found in Chicago's Humboldt Park was designed by the late Jens Jensen and still one of the most beautiful city parks in the USA. This photograph was submitted as part of the Liberty Banks for Savings 2007 Photo Calendar. These calendars will be available at all five branches of the Liberty Banks around Thanksgiving time. See Liberty Banks at www.libertybank.com ¶ 4:04 PM 0 comments
More Parks that I like to Photograph
Anderson Gardens is located in Rockford, IL and is another Park that I like to photograph in all four seasons. ¶ 3:57 PM 0 comments
Anderson Gardens is located in Rockford, IL and is another Park that I like to photograph in all four seasons. ¶ 3:57 PM 0 comments
More Parks in Northern Illinois
Again at my favorite spot at Prairie Lakes Park in Des Plaines, IL. Urban landscapes can be found right out your front door. ¶ 3:49 PM 0 comments
Again at my favorite spot at Prairie Lakes Park in Des Plaines, IL. Urban landscapes can be found right out your front door. ¶ 3:49 PM 0 comments
Favorite Parks in Northern Illinois
My favorite spot again in the Prarie Lakes Park in Des Plaines, IL. This image was taken in the bright Fall sunlight with a converted Canon Rebel XT camera.
¶ 2:50 PM 0 comments
Sunday, October 15, 2006
More Decisions? Color or Black & White
West Coast of Ireland in Black & White
West Coast of Ireland in Color
¶ 11:43 AM 0 comments
West Coast of Ireland in Black & White
West Coast of Ireland in Color
Click the shutter, then the big decisions?
Pampas Grass Plumes have always fasinated me. So I took one inside and away from the wind and played with light, shape and form and lines. This is the original image right out of the camera.
A few little changes to the original image.
Here is another varitaion on the theme. Where do you stop?
¶ 9:30 AM 0 comments
Pampas Grass Plumes have always fasinated me. So I took one inside and away from the wind and played with light, shape and form and lines. This is the original image right out of the camera.
A few little changes to the original image.
Here is another varitaion on the theme. Where do you stop?
Friday, October 13, 2006
Poppies & Paint & Creativity
This painting took a few hours to complete, but I had a lot of fun and excitement in the process. To me having fun and lasting enjoyment is what it is all about. And then the chance to share with others your works.
Here was the photograph that I shot on a hillside in Italy, worked on in Photogshop and then painted. This was a neat find on our tour lead by Dan Anderson and guide Ursula. What was also neat that we had the freedom to change the schedule and work this poppy field for about three hours. I like the image, but want more of a dream like memory so I used the impressionist tool and the above painting was the result.
Notes on creativity: from Julieanne Kost. This is from here book "Window Seat - The Art of Digital photography and Creative Thinking"
1. Master your Tools
2. Listen to what your life is trying to tell you.
3. Be open to whatever comes your way.
4. Share what you know and learn from others.
5. Collaborate with other creative people. Especially the quiet ones.
6. Be flexible. Learn to negotiate
7. Fix whatever you complain about the most.
8. View every challenge as a possible discovery.
9. Take 15 minutes for yourself every day.
10. Figure out what you need to do to reach your "zero point."
11. Integrate work and art; both will benefit.
12. Take up an interest in something you know nothing about.
13. Look at new stuff--and at what you already know--with a fresh perspective.
14. Keep a journal.
15. Visualize first, Photoshop second.
16. Replace your thoughts with intuition.
17. Play! Play! Play!
18. Know when your done. ¶ 7:52 PM 0 comments
This painting took a few hours to complete, but I had a lot of fun and excitement in the process. To me having fun and lasting enjoyment is what it is all about. And then the chance to share with others your works.
Here was the photograph that I shot on a hillside in Italy, worked on in Photogshop and then painted. This was a neat find on our tour lead by Dan Anderson and guide Ursula. What was also neat that we had the freedom to change the schedule and work this poppy field for about three hours. I like the image, but want more of a dream like memory so I used the impressionist tool and the above painting was the result.
Notes on creativity: from Julieanne Kost. This is from here book "Window Seat - The Art of Digital photography and Creative Thinking"
1. Master your Tools
2. Listen to what your life is trying to tell you.
3. Be open to whatever comes your way.
4. Share what you know and learn from others.
5. Collaborate with other creative people. Especially the quiet ones.
6. Be flexible. Learn to negotiate
7. Fix whatever you complain about the most.
8. View every challenge as a possible discovery.
9. Take 15 minutes for yourself every day.
10. Figure out what you need to do to reach your "zero point."
11. Integrate work and art; both will benefit.
12. Take up an interest in something you know nothing about.
13. Look at new stuff--and at what you already know--with a fresh perspective.
14. Keep a journal.
15. Visualize first, Photoshop second.
16. Replace your thoughts with intuition.
17. Play! Play! Play!
18. Know when your done. ¶ 7:52 PM 0 comments
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Look Up, Everyone, Look Up
The sky comes right down to the rolling hills of the Tuscan region in Italy. To me the clouds make this photo stand out with a full panoramic delight.
"On a Hill Far Away" is also a the first line of words to a song. This image like the first is made exceptional because of the beautiful sky. Many photographers have take this or a similar image and I like my infrared photograph better than the color version ¶ 11:34 AM 0 comments
The sky comes right down to the rolling hills of the Tuscan region in Italy. To me the clouds make this photo stand out with a full panoramic delight.
"On a Hill Far Away" is also a the first line of words to a song. This image like the first is made exceptional because of the beautiful sky. Many photographers have take this or a similar image and I like my infrared photograph better than the color version ¶ 11:34 AM 0 comments
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Friends in Photography
Looking back over the past 16 years of my life, most of my best friends have come form the world of photography. This includes, my teachers, my mentors, and close friends. In the past few weeks I really have re-thought all that everyone has done to help keep me upbeat and positive while going through some of the medical mysteries that I have been experiencing. As I continue on this medical "fix it up" and rehab for the next few months, I fine that this journey has been so much easier because of friends.
The phone calls, the e-mails, the cards and just knowing that others do really care has been a wonderful uplifting force. So many have stepped in and taken over things that I could not do at this time. John Wiet and members of the Creative Digital Imagers for helping with my responsibilities at CACCA, Mark Southard taking over my classes at the Frisbie Senior Center and Ernie Stolle who we have shared photography, trips, and darkrooms for almost 16 years. Ernie continues to be an inspiration for photography, art, and music. Thanks for so much Ernie.
My image to day is a remake of the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge (Old Bridge) in Florence, Italy. The first bridge was built in 1333 and was destroyed by a flood. It was re-designed by Taddeo Gaddi and re-built in 1345. Butchers controlled the bridge from 1442 to 1593. The rulers of the time made a change of merchants and the gold merchants have controlled the shops on the bridge ever since.
While in Florence in May 2006, I took many photographs of the bridge and from every angle and lighting condition. I decided to render this particular view more like a painting instead of a photograph using Adobe Photoshop CS2 and Coral Painter IX.5 ¶ 9:39 AM 0 comments
Looking back over the past 16 years of my life, most of my best friends have come form the world of photography. This includes, my teachers, my mentors, and close friends. In the past few weeks I really have re-thought all that everyone has done to help keep me upbeat and positive while going through some of the medical mysteries that I have been experiencing. As I continue on this medical "fix it up" and rehab for the next few months, I fine that this journey has been so much easier because of friends.
The phone calls, the e-mails, the cards and just knowing that others do really care has been a wonderful uplifting force. So many have stepped in and taken over things that I could not do at this time. John Wiet and members of the Creative Digital Imagers for helping with my responsibilities at CACCA, Mark Southard taking over my classes at the Frisbie Senior Center and Ernie Stolle who we have shared photography, trips, and darkrooms for almost 16 years. Ernie continues to be an inspiration for photography, art, and music. Thanks for so much Ernie.
My image to day is a remake of the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge (Old Bridge) in Florence, Italy. The first bridge was built in 1333 and was destroyed by a flood. It was re-designed by Taddeo Gaddi and re-built in 1345. Butchers controlled the bridge from 1442 to 1593. The rulers of the time made a change of merchants and the gold merchants have controlled the shops on the bridge ever since.
While in Florence in May 2006, I took many photographs of the bridge and from every angle and lighting condition. I decided to render this particular view more like a painting instead of a photograph using Adobe Photoshop CS2 and Coral Painter IX.5 ¶ 9:39 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
From Start to Finish
This is the photograph that I took at the back of the Medici Castle in Florence, Italy. Notice how the top left side of the pix is way lighter then the bottom and right side of the photograph. (Ansel Adams said "there is no perfect negative". And likewise there is not perfect digital image).
Photographer and friend Gorden Bowie or Boise,ID gave me some great instructions over the phone on how to better use the gradient tool more effectively. Notice how I was able to balance the light in this second image compared to the original photograph right out of the camera. I also rendered the color more like what my eye perceived when looking through the camera.
Here is the final image from a part of the Medici Castle photograph that I really like. This cropped area is what attracted me to take the photograph in the first place. ¶ 12:11 PM 0 comments
This is the photograph that I took at the back of the Medici Castle in Florence, Italy. Notice how the top left side of the pix is way lighter then the bottom and right side of the photograph. (Ansel Adams said "there is no perfect negative". And likewise there is not perfect digital image).
Photographer and friend Gorden Bowie or Boise,ID gave me some great instructions over the phone on how to better use the gradient tool more effectively. Notice how I was able to balance the light in this second image compared to the original photograph right out of the camera. I also rendered the color more like what my eye perceived when looking through the camera.
Here is the final image from a part of the Medici Castle photograph that I really like. This cropped area is what attracted me to take the photograph in the first place. ¶ 12:11 PM 0 comments
Monday, October 09, 2006
Sunday, October 08, 2006
More Painting on Photos
Painting with simulated oils on top of cloned photographs can change the mood and effect of the photograph.
Artist, Robert Stanley, stated "not so much what I'm seeing, but how what I see and me make meaning together". Bob's art and comments can be found at robertstanleyart.com
This old church was found behind an old abandoned Castle in Tuscany. ¶ 4:54 PM 0 comments
Painting with simulated oils on top of cloned photographs can change the mood and effect of the photograph.
Artist, Robert Stanley, stated "not so much what I'm seeing, but how what I see and me make meaning together". Bob's art and comments can be found at robertstanleyart.com
This old church was found behind an old abandoned Castle in Tuscany. ¶ 4:54 PM 0 comments
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Painting with a Photograph
The street scene was from a small village in Tuscany and I liked the photograph so much that I visualized it as a paintinig. Using Painter IX.5 software, I rendered the photograph as close to an actual painting as possible. This was a fun day. One - painting a photograph and two having our daughter and her husband and their eleven children visit. Grandchildren can always lift the spirits of grandparents. Eleven at one time was a great visit. ¶ 7:28 PM 0 comments
The street scene was from a small village in Tuscany and I liked the photograph so much that I visualized it as a paintinig. Using Painter IX.5 software, I rendered the photograph as close to an actual painting as possible. This was a fun day. One - painting a photograph and two having our daughter and her husband and their eleven children visit. Grandchildren can always lift the spirits of grandparents. Eleven at one time was a great visit. ¶ 7:28 PM 0 comments
Friday, October 06, 2006
Painting with Light - "The Bat"
Walking the streets of Florence, Italy early in the morning before sunrise, I setup the camera and tripod and planned a time exposure of this "Bat" carved on the wall along the sidewalk. No one was around to bother me or the setup execpt the street sweapers. Without enough light on parts of the wing and head, I took out a pocket flashlight and painted with light where I thought is was needed. This is all in an effort to same time later in Photoshop. After two attempts and then checking the cameras LCD, I got what a wanted for the image. ¶ 7:41 AM 0 comments
Walking the streets of Florence, Italy early in the morning before sunrise, I setup the camera and tripod and planned a time exposure of this "Bat" carved on the wall along the sidewalk. No one was around to bother me or the setup execpt the street sweapers. Without enough light on parts of the wing and head, I took out a pocket flashlight and painted with light where I thought is was needed. This is all in an effort to same time later in Photoshop. After two attempts and then checking the cameras LCD, I got what a wanted for the image. ¶ 7:41 AM 0 comments
Thursday, October 05, 2006
The Beauty of Fog
Fog changes the visualization of any scene. Here at Prairie Lakes Park in Des Plaines the fog and reflections make a new view for a few passing moments. ¶ 9:29 AM 0 comments
Fog changes the visualization of any scene. Here at Prairie Lakes Park in Des Plaines the fog and reflections make a new view for a few passing moments. ¶ 9:29 AM 0 comments
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Fun with Motion - Don't hold the camera still!
This image and the next two following photographs were made by Grandson Daniel. I gave him a digital to use and told him to move the camera while pushing the shutter. He took many photographs and these three were some of his favorites. The first image became a beautiful texture study of grass.
This moving fence and house has a ghost like quality.
This is a record shot of a fish boil (Door County Style).
This ghost like figure was from the same fire at the Fish Boil only I let the camera go out of focus and moved the camera. Sometines these images are more fun than just record shots.
¶ 9:59 AM 0 comments
This image and the next two following photographs were made by Grandson Daniel. I gave him a digital to use and told him to move the camera while pushing the shutter. He took many photographs and these three were some of his favorites. The first image became a beautiful texture study of grass.
This moving fence and house has a ghost like quality.
This mushroom stem and ground cover took on a color that only the camera could see.
The following "fire" shots show photographs without and with motion. Everything was recorded with a small pocket digital camera.
This is a record shot of a fish boil (Door County Style).
This ghost like figure was from the same fire at the Fish Boil only I let the camera go out of focus and moved the camera. Sometines these images are more fun than just record shots.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Fountains of Tuscany and Art
I found Art everywhere in Florence and Tuscany. It was like a living art history course. The aged colors and stains made this road side fountain interesting. I added a few touches with Painter XI and Photoshop CS2 to further give a little "Snap, Carckle and Pop" (thanks to Tom Icklan).
The more I play around and have fun with photography, the better I am able to accomplish my artistic cravings. Just yesterday I re-read some of Artist, Robert Stanley's journals and found that I have been there with some of the same feelings. I need also to reread the ideas of creative actions found on this blog in September.
Robert Stanley, outstanding teacher (retired Oakton Community College professor of Art) and artist, has a great site and journal at: robertstanleyart.com ¶ 8:56 AM 0 comments
I found Art everywhere in Florence and Tuscany. It was like a living art history course. The aged colors and stains made this road side fountain interesting. I added a few touches with Painter XI and Photoshop CS2 to further give a little "Snap, Carckle and Pop" (thanks to Tom Icklan).
The more I play around and have fun with photography, the better I am able to accomplish my artistic cravings. Just yesterday I re-read some of Artist, Robert Stanley's journals and found that I have been there with some of the same feelings. I need also to reread the ideas of creative actions found on this blog in September.
Robert Stanley, outstanding teacher (retired Oakton Community College professor of Art) and artist, has a great site and journal at: robertstanleyart.com ¶ 8:56 AM 0 comments
Monday, October 02, 2006
Doors & Walkways in Tuscany
A visit to a vinery also provided good photo ops. along with good wine.
While walking by this old 1100 AD Castle out in the country side, I found the door open and no one around. Yes, I had to take a few photographs before leaving.
Walkways with visual interest can be found everywhere in Italy.
Old doors have history and have lasted the test of time.
This Church's back door in San Gimignano opens on to the town square.
We all go through doors in our lives. This was reminded to me at a recent outstanding photo exhibition by Laura Matzen at Governers State University.
¶ 9:21 AM 0 comments
A visit to a vinery also provided good photo ops. along with good wine.
While walking by this old 1100 AD Castle out in the country side, I found the door open and no one around. Yes, I had to take a few photographs before leaving.
Walkways with visual interest can be found everywhere in Italy.
Old doors have history and have lasted the test of time.
This Church's back door in San Gimignano opens on to the town square.
We all go through doors in our lives. This was reminded to me at a recent outstanding photo exhibition by Laura Matzen at Governers State University.
