I think this is the first time since beginning this blog I’ve broken from my Photo of the Month tradition. Its not really for lack of wanting. The truth is, I have had trouble deciding on just one image.
Instead I’ve decided to share a few new images that I’ve been working on, all with a common theme: long exposure. In the right situation, a long exposure provides extra time for either the camera to move, or elements within the frame to move (like clouds or water), adding unique drama to a scene.
First, I recently purchased an 8-stop neutral density filter. I’ve wanted one for quite a while, after seeing some great long exposure work from other photographers. Mac Danzig has a great tutorial/informational blog post on them here. I waited for a stormy morning with dramatic skies to try it out at a local beach, with some great rock formations. The rock in the second image reminds me of a molar from a Pleistocene-epoch carnivore…
Stormy morning, November 2011
The sea's jaws, November 2011
In addition to letting the scene move, interesting effects can also be achieved by moving the camera while the shutter is open. Zoom blurs have become more popular over the last few years, but I added another element. In addition to zooming the lens during the exposure, I also rotated the camera. The subject I chose to try this out on is California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum foliolosum); I have always loved the fall color palette of this plant, but haven’t been able to make an image of I like. Finally, with this technique–although it won’t appeal to everyone–I feel like I’ve gotten the colors to blend in a way that’s appealing to me.
Hallucination I, October 2011
Hallucination II, October 2011
Looking out my window, I think autumn may have finally come to southern California! I hope you have a great November; in the U.S. its a time we give thanks for many things–what are you thankful for this month?
Nice post and nice images too, Greg. I like that along with the more traditional use of NDs, you are experimenting with camera movement as well. The Hallucinations are really creative and fun. A bit too familiar to someone who experienced the 60’s I’m afraid though. 🙂 I think you will be pleasantly surprised that they will appeal to many.
Haha…thanks Steve! You have me laughing. I figured that when I named these “Hallucination” someone would be having flashback to the 60s…
Cool stuff Greg. The hallucinations are a great experiment in movement and abstraction — especially the first one — but those black and whites, man, they’re mouthwatering good…
Thanks, PJ! I appreciate it…I had a feeling you’d dig these, being in monochrome, I thought you’d appreciate them, especially.
Wild Greg – as you know, I ama fan of long exposures too… I find you r zooming rotations very artistic and quite inspiring.
Thanks, Ali–I know you’re a huge fan of long exposures, and have inspired me for quite some time. I’m glad I can return the favor! 🙂
The first two are really beautiful with the first being my favorite. Your shutter speed is perfect – I like the texture in the water.
Sharon
Thanks, Sharon! Coming from you, that means a lot. I’ve got a lot to learn from you about photographing the ocean!
That first image is magnificent. I like the water texture, like our water expert Sharon, and I like the clouds and the mood they create.
Thanks David, I appreciate it!
The hallucinations are interesting too, especially the first one.
Like the other commenters, I find both of your pictures here successful. About ten years ago I experimented with zooming and simultaneously rotating the camera, but it was with pictures of people. Maybe I should give it a try with nature, too, now that that’s mostly what I photograph.
Thanks, Steve! I have only recently started this technique, but really enjoy it. I haven’t had a lot of chances to use it yet, but it definitely was successful for the buckwheat.
Hmmm…trying it on people…now that’s interesting!