Fishing at Pier 7

Black And White Photography, Photography

Nikon D7100, 18-200 mm f/3.5-5.6 lens @ 48mm, 1/320sec @ f/6.3, ISO 400

The morning after my sunset photo shoot in San Francisco, I was up bright and early to spend the day exploring the city on foot. I began at Pier 1 on the Embarcadero, meandered through the area around Fisherman’s Wharf to Ghirardelli Square (where I enjoyed a salted caramel sundae thankyouverymuch), and ended up an hour before sunset on the Municipal Pier at Aquatic Park with its sweeping views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. I don’t know how far I walked, but the stars were shining when I finally made my way back on my last legs to the Wharf in search of a taxi. To the driver who rescued me, I am forever grateful. To this fisherman at Pier 7, thanks for the great photo op!

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Stairways

Black And White Photography, Photography

Newseum, Washington, D.C.

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Photo Shoots

Black And White Photography, Photography

Those of you who are familiar with Visual Venturing may recognize this photo from a while back. Being on the road this week, I thought it would be okay to revisit one of my favorites. I took this in Central Park while on a trip to New York City in September 2012.

I would like to say I planned every aspect of this shot, but I have to be honest: I was focused on capturing the young men silhouetted against the fountain and I had to fire off a quick burst of photos before they walked out of the frame. I was definitely surprised (and delighted) when I opened the file on my computer to find what else I had managed to capture. Had I tried to purposefully frame this shot, I doubt I would have been as successful. Have fun discovering the “extras”!

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Old Faithful

Black And White Photography, Photography

Nikon D90, 18-200 mm f/3.5-5.6 lens at 42mm, 1/500sec @ f/5.6, ISO 160

Old Faithful Geyser is the most popular attraction in Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park. Traveling through the park this summer, my husband and I did our part to contribute to that statistic.

Pulling into the parking lot by the visitor center, we were astounded that we could actually see the geyser. Well, by that, I mean we could see the viewing area. A boardwalk with benches sits 300 feet from the geyser, and as the time approaches for the next eruption, the benches quickly fill. In the visitor center, we learned we had about an hour to spare, so we grabbed some lunch and then decided to find a place further back on the porch where I could more easily capture the eruption in all its glory.

This photo, one of many I took, is Old Faithful as it reached its highest point. The deep blue sky provided a beautiful backdrop for the white of the spouting water, but the multitude of colored t-shirts detracted from the beauty of this natural wonder. To my eye, black and white was the better choice.

Old Faithful erupts every 35 to 120 minutes for 1 1/2 to 5 minutes.
Its maximum height ranges from 90 to 184 feet.

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A Night at the Movies

Black And White Photography, Photography

Nikon D7000, 35mm f/1.8 lens, 1/250sec @ f/1.8, ISO 200

Still test driving my friend’s Nikon D7000, I couldn’t resist putting the camera through its paces when I walked by my local movie theater late one weekday evening. I was drawn to the nearly deserted lobby, and of course, all the lines, curves, and shadows and the brightly lit signs. I loved the possibilities this scene held for a black and white conversion. The result? More love for the D7000!

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Capitol Reader

Black And White Photography, Photography

Walking by the U.S. Capitol, I spied this woman enjoying the beautiful weather in Washington, DC. Absorbed in her reading, the woman never noticed me while I carefully framed and pressed my shutter. If only all street shots were this easy.

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Love in Paris

Black And White Photography, Photography

This photo, in color, was among the first photos I posted to VisualVenturing.com. I thought I would revisit it with my “B&W eyes.”

While approaching the tip of Île Saint Louis in Paris with my husband and daughter, we spied this bride and groom posing for photographs. The wedding dress just took my breath away, and with the backdrop of the Seine, I just had to take a photo.

Now, four years later, I realize this was my first attempt at street photography, before I was even aware there was such a thing. I remember very quickly raising my camera to my eye, snapping the picture, and just as quickly walking away. I thought for certain someone was going to come up behind me and grab my camera out of my hands, yelling at me in French that I had done something illegal. But of course, they were paying no attention to me, only to each other. And though, in my nervous haste, I missed capturing their faces, if I had I to do it all over again, I probably would take the same shot — it really was all about that exquisite dress!

Pages

Black And White Photography, Photography

Looking at an open book from the right-hand side bottom corner.

Nikon D7000, 35mm f/1.8 lens, 30 sec @ f/22, ISO 640

I have a wonderful friend who has graciously let me play with her Nikon D7000. When rain ruined my outdoor shooting plans, there was no way I was going to let that stop me from using the camera. In the spirit of the saying “necessity is the mother of invention,” I just paired it with my tripod and went on a photo safari around my house. This was one of my favorite shots from the day.

Thanks, Beth, I just love it! I guess I should probably get it back to you about now. Withdrawal is looming … big time.

For a look at how I post-processed a similar shot in color, visit VisualVenturing.com. I’d be interested to hear which photo you like better.

(Wo)Man’s Best Friend

Black And White Photography, Photography

She’s mostly deaf, losing more of her sight weekly, turning grayer each month. But this soon-to-be 15-year-old miniature pinscher is still my loyal companion. And I love watching her as she curls up and naps in the little spots of light and warmth that she finds around the house. Love you, Brandy, old girl…