Here to Create

We are here to create not merely survive.

Friday Photo: Flower from Tutorial

Original tutorial photo

Yesterday I wrote a tutorial on some simple photo editing techniques, using this photo as an example. The original photo is shown to the right, and the result is below.

I enjoyed many elements of the original photo, like the way the grass partially frames the flower and the juxtaposition of the vivid flower against the bland rocks. The composition, however, is uninspired. The central position of the flower and the straightforward angle from which the photo was shot lead the viewer’s eye away from the flower itself and toward the distractions of the background.

I felt that the most interesting aspect of this photo was the way the deepening color of the heart of the flower draws the eye inward. I chose a plain black background to enhance this effect and make the vivid yellow even more compelling. If you’re interested in how I removed the background, please see yesterday’s tutorial.

I’m always working on developing my skills and welcome your input. Please leave your feedback in the comments.

Photo from GIMP tutorial

To use this photo as a desktop wallpaper, download the standard (1600 x 1200) resolution or the widescreen (1900 x 1200) resolution.

2 Comments »

Seize the Day

Flaming sunrise

This was the view out my back door from 7:00 this morning to 7:05.

I was working on the computer when I saw a strange glow out of the corner of my eye. It was the sunrise reflecting off the buildings to the west. That’s interesting, I thought to myself, and got up to have a look. When I turned around, I saw this out the kitchen window. I grabbed my camera, ran outside, and started taking photos.

But my camera isn’t the greatest, my hands aren’t the steadiest, and the light, while beautiful, wasn’t that strong. I raced back upstairs for the tripod, set it up, and took one photo. Then my batteries died. The color was leaking from the sky, the clouds passing on their way, the sun piercing the trees. All I could do was watch, and laugh.

Yesterday was dark and gloomy. If things had gone against me like this yesterday, I probably would have sat down and cried. But today, the experience itself was almost enough. Even if I didn’t have any photos to show for it, I would still be happy.

Lesson: Make your own internal weather. And buy more rechargeable batteries.

2 Comments »