Editorial: Portfolio

In no particular order is a collection of my best work from the spring semester. I hope you enjoy and check out my slide show on flickr for more images.

MT

http://www.flickr.com/photos/matthewsphotography/sets/72157617798905004/show/

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Creative Class 6: Landscapes

Landscape photography with my Canon 5D has opened up new doors. Primarily I have a true 17mm wide angld field of view. This came in handy when photographing the Rockies. Secondly, the resolution and low noise is great for those times when you don’t have your tripod ready. I always try and use a tripod, but its good to know you can crank up the ISO a little and still have a great file. I am consistently looking for new gear to better my abilities of capturing the best landscapes presented to me. Inevitably it boils down to the photographer and the lighting. That is why I am always trying to be out in the woods, more than I am already.

slideshow: http://www.flickr.com/photos/matthewsphotography/sets/72157617691856079/show/

 

MT

 

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Creative Photography 3: Great HDR material

Okay, so here are some more HDR images taken with the 5D. I am super excited because I feel that my growing knowledge and experience is leading to some awesome images. It doesn’t hurt to have some cool subject matter as well. This series was done for my Creative Photography class at UCM.

To really appreciate these, click on the image to see a bigger size.

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New Series in the Making

As I previously posted, there is a new area of photography I recently have explored. It is indoor HDR photography with my 5D and 17-40mm. I knew that  I would enjoy this idea, but until I truly indulged myself in it I did not realize just how much I enjoy it. Yesterday I went into a dilapidated gymnasium, and couldn’t be happier with the results. I do not know what else there is to say except that you should check out the images. One note involving the HDR process: I shot as many as ten exposures since the building had such extreme darks and a few bright windows. This contrast would be very difficult to rein in without HDR. I did use some special effects on the image to further evoke the feelings and emotions I felt, therefore these are not what I would call “realistic HDR” images. I hope you enjoy the sampling here, and go to my flickr account to see the rest I have posted.

Here is a link to my other gymnasium images. http://flickr.com/photos/matthewsphotography/tags/gymnasium/

Also, here is a link to a slideshow of my Nelson Atkins images. (I have posted a few more, and will continue to do so. This link will continue to give you the newest pics) http://flickr.com/photos/matthewsphotography/tags/nelsonatkinsartmuseum/show/

 

MT

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New Venue and New Images

I recently found two new places to photograph!!! I have uploaded some images to my flickr which deserve a looking at. On the right of this page yo ucan find my flickr site. I will upload a link to some slide shows of new images, most likely by Wed.

 

MT

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Black and White at the Nelson Atkins Art Musuem

Last night I managed to run a successful date and take some great images…with no tripod. Man I’m good!!! 🙂

I took these image at the Nelson Atkins Art Museum in Kansas City. I was in the mood for something a little different when I processed thes images, hence the black and white. The museum contains such intricate deatail that color can detract from. I wanted to capture the variety in tones as well as possible. These images were all taken with my Canon 5D and 17-40mm f/4L lens. Since I didn’t have a tripod with me I used benches, railings, and the floor as my rest. I did not want to sacrifice image quality by using a higher ISO and hand holding the camera. I am very pleased with the results. I hope you enjoy and take a look at my slideshow on flickr of more Nelson Atkins shots. http://flickr.com/photos/matthewsphotography/tags/nelsonatkinsartmuseum/show/

I will be adding more throughout the week so check back soon.

MT

 

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Peartle Springs: Sunset Landscapes

Going out with my trusty Canon 5D and L-series lenses, I was fortunate enough to snag some great landscape shots. I went to Peartle Springs, a park that is within a mile of my school. Immediately upon arriving I was bombarded by spectacular photo opportunities! I went to the lakes edge and began composing for the strongest compositions. Sometimes when I am presented with so many options simultaneously, I feel conflicted as to what subject matter I should photograph. I included a few of my favorites from the night. I am really trying to practice visualization as Ansel Adams was known for. I look at a scene and say to myself, what can I make this look like in a print.

Photographing the scene is only the beginning act. The most crucial step for me is to represent the image how I SAW IT. This inevitably means using tools in Photoshop as well other digital means to create my vision. Many will say that I am manipulating the image to something it was not. Not true. I am adjusting the image to what I imagined, saw, and felt. I can say that these High Dynamic Range images are a very close representation to what I witnessed. Much closer than what came straight from my camera. Another key point should be made. No one sees colors the exact same. Many lose this idea when viewing another persons images. Was the sky really that orange??? Well I dont know, what is considered orange to you? See, we must get out of the idea that we are all identical and that our images will reflect that notion. Our perceptions are different and therefore our art is different. Okay, now that I have that out of my system I will say good night.

 

Good night. 

MT

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Editorial 1: Landscapes

Photographing landscapes has become a part of my life. I never walk, drive, or fly somewhere without thinking of the photographic opportunites. I feel that landscapes should simply be depictions of beauty and actuality. I strive to keep my photos representative of how I envisioned the scene. I am not afraid to use digital post processing, but as long as it does not deter the image from my initial sensory perceptions. I have enclosed some of my landscapes that I feel depict my visions. I have included a link to a flickr slideshow that displays my landscapes.

 http://flickr.com/photos/matthewsphotography/sets/72157613300160860/show/

“Over the years I became increasingly aware of the importance of visualization. The ability to anticipate  – to see in the mind’s eye, so to speak – the final print while viewing the subject makes it possible to apply the numerous controls of the craft in precise ways that contribute to achieving the desired result.”  – Ansel Adams

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Getting the Right Angle

 

After numerous visits to the Nelson Atkins Art Museum, I strove for a more original angle. Due to the ice on what is usually a large reflection pool, I was able to walk out and take this image. Moments later I was ordered off the ice by an anonymous security guard over the speaker system. I promptly walked off the ice, but not until I made sure I had in deed gotten the shot I wanted. 🙂

MT

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Knob Knoster Sunrise Day 2

Going out a second time to Knob Knoster turned out to be productive once again. I went out yesterday morning and snagged this HDR image of the sunrise. I love taking photos of the sun shining through the tree tops. Something about the emotions it can evoke always has interested me. I was going to go out this morning but the weather was less than pleasing. I don’t mind cold and I don’t mind snow but when it is cold and there is no snow as well as no interesting sky, I seem to value sleep more. So I sip my Espresso blend coffee and enjoy the climate controlled environment.

Check out my new page I added last night. Click here to see what gear I use. Also, you should see my latest photos on flickr. I apologize, but many of the images are also seen here on naturallycomposed. This is done so that when you click on the image, you are sent in a separate window to flickr. If you experience any problems on my site, please notify me so I can fix them. Have a good day.

MT

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