holiday sweets

Posted on by Tim McMurdo

Candlelight Desert

 

Good morning folks. I hope your holiday preparations are winding down and that you have plans for a relaxing time with family and friends. Our shopping is done and we are putting the finishing touches on wrapping. So, I think we are in pretty good shape for Sunday's main event.

I'll be travelling over the next week and posting might get a little spotty as I am driving from Ohio to Georgia and back. I'll make posts along the way and let you know what I am up to. However, they might not be daily and they might not be first thing in the morning as usual.

Have a fantastic holiday.

 

 

The stare down

Posted on by Tim McMurdo

The Stare Down

 

Michelle doesn't like to have her picture taken. I can respect that. However, she lets me and I appreciate that.

 

Candle Lit Eyes

 

When somebody who doesn't like having their picture taken allows me to do it, I feel as though I have a special obligation to get it right. I also tend to show them the image in camera so that they can see what they will look like. If you find yourself in a similar situation, take the time to let them know that you appreciate them allowing you to shoot and that you very much appreciate their patience.

 

pig pile

Posted on by Tim McMurdo

Pig Pile

 

One of my fascinations is the origin of different phrases. This one is pretty straight forward. However, I wonder how many people use the phrase "Pig Pile" everyday and have no idea where it came from or have never actually seen one.

And so, for those of you that have never seen a Pig Pile, now you have. Have a great Wednesday everybody.

 

 

testing prime

Posted on by Tim McMurdo

Sheep Barn 2

 

Sunday, I began using the new 50mm f1.8 prime lens. What better test than to find someplace dark & in which I could never shoot hand held in the past? Sounds like the bottom of the barn to me.

 

Sheep Barn 1

 

In the winter, the sheep and young pigs are moved to the barn so that they can stay warm. This is a dark area and in the past, I've always needed a slow shutter speed and a tripod due to my Len's wide open aperture of only 3.5.

 

Sheep Barn 2

 

With the new lens and its aperture of 1.8, I could shoot hand held with shutter speeds fast enough to get nice crisp images. It's amazing what an extra couple of stops can do for you in low light situations.

 

 

dirty window

Posted on by Tim McMurdo

Dirty Window

 

Yesterday, I was in the botton of the barn at Carrige Hill and looked through a small dirty window and noticed just how dirty it was.

 

Through the Dirty Window

 

When focusing through the dirt to the farm yard beyond, the effect was to soften the image. It felt as though I was seeing through the haze of a dream. Who would have thought that dirt would be such an interesting filter.

Have a woderful week folks.

 

launch

Posted on by Tim McMurdo

Launch

 

I always really enjoy the beginning of a new project. There is a level of excitement and anticipation that is full of promise. Soon the work begins and routine sets in. Then, as the project nears its conclusion, the excitement returns as the results begin to show themselves.

This image is the first in a new project and I wouldn't normally show it to you, but I am very pleased with the results. In this case, my excitement comes from the subtle tones and shadow of motion that came from a little experimentation and dozens of shots before I got what I want. I think my parents were right when they taught me that hard work always results in the joy of a job well done.

The project? Hold your horses, more on that later.

 

tree lines

Posted on by Tim McMurdo

Tree Lines

 

Mid December and the late fall cold has arrived. The wind has stripped the branches of the last of thier colorful leaves. Leaving nothing but bare, dark lines in the sky. This is not outside weather. Instead, we light a fire in the house and stay warm. The season of long naps, on the couch, under soft comforters, has arrived. The season of grey skies and creeping cold. Snow and ice can not be far away.

 

 

candle power

Posted on by Tim McMurdo

Candle

 

There is a lot of power in a candle. It can be a source of energy, heating cup of water, spinning a pinwheel, or starting a fire. A candle can set a mood by providing the perfect atmosphere for scary stories or romantic dinners. You can use it to light a room. If a candle is sceneted, maybe its only purpose is to smell good.  Maybe you use your candle to make a wish during a birthday celebration. Put a candle in a window and it can guide somebody home or welcome them to your home.

Perhaps my favorite use for a candle is to use it as a beacon of hope. To ignite dreams and drive darkness away. 

How do you use candles?