Random photo notes, Vol. 5

These are a few notes I have written about some of my favorite photos. They can range from social media posts to descriptions on my homepage, even handwritten notes made in the field. They are not in chronological order.

I’ve always found it helpful to put words to my images, whether in the form of scribbling exposure settings in a notebook or writing essays on the nuances of a composition.

If photography can be partly considered the organization of the visible chaos that surrounds us, then I believe writing can be somewhat about taming the invisible and internal.

Looking back on my notes has always helped me to reflect on my technical and creative progress, as well as on my journey through life.

Moon, 3/1/20

From my first social media post: I was stoked how well my first moon attempt turned out. It took about a dozen shots and way too many adjustments but I learned a lot that evening. This fella knows social distancing.

This whole setup gives me chuckles now but I really did start to understand how photography works with the moon as my first natural subject. COVID was starting to rage throughout the world, my employer sent everyone home to work, and I didn’t own a tripod or a good telephoto lens yet. I made the best of it with an outdoor table and extremely cheap, terrible quality lens that came free with my used Canon EOS 80D.

I was so proud of the whole thing. Even though I was in my backyard using yard furniture as a tripod, I started to feel like a “real photographer”. I couldn’t stop the wheels from turning in my mind, sometimes even at 2 or 3AM as I would get out of bed to jot ideas. I think what’s important is I was willing to try to learn anything with the camera. Everything was new and exciting, so this desire came naturally. I made TONS of terrible photos (I still do) but this marked the first time I manually worked a scene rather than take snapshots in Auto mode.

Another silent night downtown, 3/20/20

From my third social media post: The alley behind my office is usually bustling with customers from nearby bars, coffee shops and other businesses. One security guard who asked what I was up to and a homeless man were the only people out (and @thehcreative who just reminded me of a couple and some kids, as well, so it wasn’t completely Walking Dead). Should have stuck with the tripod for #4. Still a lot to learn but so far it’s been all about finding neato light in the dark.