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asnow
01-19-2014, 06:20 PM
I've come to the conclusion that I am stagnating in my photography. I may be getting better technically, but have definitely lost some inspiration and creativity. Had a look at some pics from few years ago and they are definitely more creative than anything I am dong today. In a podcast they had a photographer from Scotland that has a body of work called "Dark Edinburgh" See link

Dark Images of Edinburgh (http://www.darkedinburgh.co.uk/)

I kind of liked this concept and thought I'd give myself a little project to give this a try. It will at least give my photography a little direction, and hopefully it will inspire me to be a bit more creative. I gave it a little test run last night. Maybe not the best choice. It was -8C with a cold wind so I was only out there for maybe 2 hours. Anyway here are my first set of images. I know I have a long way to go for some dynamite images, but it at least gives me a goal for something to achieve.

asnow
01-19-2014, 06:21 PM
A couple more

Barefoot
01-19-2014, 06:32 PM
Five Guys is a real winner. Sure as heck didn't know they were that far north.

You're on the right track, asnow. Even in street it going to help if you have an idea to work with. Walking around with a camera and no imaginative plan to go with it gets you about as far as…walking around with a camera and no imaginative plan. You just don't come back with much that hasn't been done a thousand times before. I've got a little something going on with the idea of "The Bible Belt" behind it. You can't swing a dead cat around here without hitting a church and I don't mean ones as big and nice as St. Peter's Cathedral, either. I hope it works out for both of us, my friend.

Marko
01-20-2014, 01:43 PM
I like where you are headed with this asnow - nothing like a 'project' to re juice the spirit!

asnow
01-20-2014, 11:06 PM
Thanks Barefoot, Marko for the encouragement. I needed something to focus on. Now I just need the weather to cooperate. We are back in the polar vortex again. May have to wait a couple of weeks to continue.

Runmonty
01-20-2014, 11:57 PM
Great idea asnow. Having just finished my project I can recommend it as a way to get some focus. As you progress with it I am sure your approach to it will evolve and you will find opportunities you cant imagine at the moment. One of the benefits of my simple windows project was the spin off shots I got , and the approach to my weekly photography outing.

Great start so far. Really like # 2 & #4 and also the juxtaposition of the last shot. I would love to see the on going results if you feel so inclined to share.

I am giving consideration to another project myself, but not the same type of approach as the last one.

mbrager
01-21-2014, 01:37 AM
Shooting at night is a great idea, great challenge. Shooting with gloves on: makes you learn your camera for sure. My favorite in this set is the wide angle shot, first in the second post. Very sharp photo with an interesting midground thing, maybe an ice patch or something. Makes an interesting highlight.

Jim Scrimger
01-21-2014, 04:42 PM
My favorite is also the first wide angle shot. Keep shooting.

Hillbillygirl
01-24-2014, 07:57 PM
I agree in that looking like you found some inspiration here, and are running with it very well ASnow.
Likin' #3, but the more I sit and look at #1 the more it just draws you right into the depths of the alley. Really like the feeling that you are "right there", and not looking at a pic. Well done.

QuietOne
01-25-2014, 03:02 AM
I have to agree with HBG. This isn't my style, but the photo draws me in, so I'd have to say it works. I'd also say that as ling as things remain cold, don't be afraid to hop back into the car, or into a warm building, or even call it a night. I'd hate to see you end up ill or hurt.

asnow
01-26-2014, 05:57 PM
Thanks guys. Iching to get back out, but this bitter cold weather is keeping me inside. If the weather gets even up to near freezing I'm out again. Remember I'm taking pictures at night so it is a bit colder.

Runmonty - I will keep you posted
mragger - Shooting with gloves is just too hard. (Maybe I have the wrong gloves). So I kept taking them off to setup and shoot. Remember, us Torontians are a bit bit soft and not as hardy as those from the west.
Jim - For those that don't know ... that wide angle shot is of Yonge-Dundas Square. This was the first shots taken with my Bower 8mm fisheye I bought before Christmas.
HBG - For some reason that alley with the truck with it lights on in the distance drew me in as well. Also, I tried for about 15 minutes to get a picture with the doors open to Five Guys to show the inside better, but the doors would close before the people entering or leaving got out of the way.
Q1- I realize that this style is not for everyone, but it is something I will work on for a while to see how it goes. Besides I don't intend on giving up on other styles just because I'm doing this. Hopping back in the car is not that easy when you are downtown and you are parked many blocks away. As far as a warm building ... yes I should have done that. Don't worry I won't end up ill or hurt. It's not that bad (it was only about -8C to -10C. It I get too cold I'll just pack it in like I did that night or won't go at all.

asnow
02-24-2014, 10:27 PM
Finally a break in the weather and got out to get some more pics.

asnow
02-24-2014, 10:31 PM
A few more

asnow
02-24-2014, 10:32 PM
One more