Tag Archives: Michael E. Frye

June 22, 2011

Apply Point and Shoot to Your Walls

By Michael Frye

IMG_0088Sm Father’s Day it rained. It rained a lot. As evening approached the weather man said that the storm would began breaking apart producing scattered showers. That was my queue to get out and shoot.

There is an area of Utah that I have come to love for its beautiful scenery and with the storm beginning to wane I decided to revisit this area. Off I went with The Traveler. He carries me everywhere I want to go to find and make the photographs I want to.

Morgan, Utah was our destination. At least the area around Morgan. The weather man did not disappoint in his prediction of what the storm was going to do and the sky was perfect for the photographic venture I had in mind.

Evening light, shadows, and clouds can make for some very dramatic imagery especially after a storm clears the air of smog and “juck”. This was what I found when I arrived. Clear air and mountain views as far as your eyes could see.

I intentionally took only my Canon SD1400 IS (Digital ELPH point and shoot) and left my Digital SLR at home. I wanted to get in some practice with the little camera I carry on my hip everyday. I also wanted to see if I could make high quality images with it.

Composition played a major role in using the camera. Second to that was finding the right lighting. I waited at several stops for long minutes to allow the clouds and sun to move into the correct position for the shots I envisioned.

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In the end I came away with some wonderful photographs proving something to me that I really had known all along. It is good to have the right equipment to do the right job. That equipment does not necessarily need cost thousands of dollars.

In my case the only equipment I needed for this venture cost less than $300 and is smaller than most smart phones. Still it did what I asked it to do and I found that my brain was the real tool in making the imagery I did. Knowing the rules for great image making was a real asset.

Some have said that “it is the photographer that makes the photograph and not the equipment”. I am inclined to agree with that most of the time. In the case of the Morgan, Utah area and me, as “photographer”, it applied fully I believe.

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There is application in this for you too. It does not take an expensive camera or oodles of photographic equipment to make great images to put on your walls. It is you taking the time to learn how that inexpensive camera works and striving to understand how images are best made from those who have made them the best.

Why not get out and shoot when that next storm comes your way. Wait for it to subside and then utilize the morning or evening light. Allow the clouds to paint shadows on the scenery before you.

Shoot away at what you see no matter the camera you have in your hand. When finished, take your very best and hang it on your wall, so that others can see it and you can remember the thrill of being there in that time and place. Who knows? It just might turn out to be some of the most dramatic scenery you have ever captured.

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2 comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Photo Travels

June 10, 2011

City of Rocks, Idaho

By Michael Frye

City of Rocks, Idaho is one of the most impressive places experienced by this individual. Granite edifices dotted over the landscape jut toward the sky creating what appears to be a literal city of rocks. The power that forced the creation of such a place is incomprehensible.

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Now a National Reserve, named by James F. Wilkins in 1849, once served as a resting place for the pioneers who sought opportunity in California. Aside from the prominent granite edifices so prominent, are the names and dates of those who traveled here long ago. Found, is a registry of sorts. Their names and the dates of arrival to this “silent city” can be found in multiple locations through out the Reserve.

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The nature sculpted beauty of the area is incredible. There are many features and attractions unique to this area located in southwestern corner of Idaho. Here are just a few.

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TWIN SISTERS

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At south exit to the Reserve stands two huge granite features known as Twin Sisters. They are an impressive pair. They reside about a half mile from Pinnacle Pass where those on the California Trail departed the City of Rocks headed West.

The history found in the place is a seeker of the past’s paradise. A portion of the California Trail can be explored, as well as a section of the Boise-Kelton Stage Route. If you make your destination here, plan on spending several days just exploring its abundant trails rich in scenery and history.

ELEPHANT ROCK

One of the major attractions to the area is rock climbing. There are other things one can do here, but the primary activity is climbing and repelling the large structures scattered throughout the Reserve. Twin Sisters, above, is climbed and explored, but the main attraction for the climber is Elephant Rock.

To call this a “rock” requires one to appreciate just how much understatements in fact thrive in our sometimes sarcastic culture. It is gigantic. It is clear to even the casual observer why this “little” piece of the area might be attractive to the climber. However, do not believe for a moment that this area is for the amateur.

Climbs featuring edifices named Rabbit Rock, Morning Glory Spire, and Bread Loaves attract climbers from all over the world. Highly technical climbs to less technical exist and according to the National Park Service boast climbs that rival those in Yosemite National Park. So, if you are a rock climber, especially one interested in a piece of historical United States of America, then this place is absolutely for you.

PHOTOGRAPHY

 

There is room for the photographer as well. If you love dynamic landscapes and have a desire to make a few photographs to add to your portfolio this is certainly a place to do it. At your disposal are long sweeping vistas that provide layer after layer of differing foliage back dropped by impressive granite rock and pine covered mountains.

For those who seek a unique natural subject for their portfolio there are trees and foliage of various kinds that have made their way through the cracks and crevices of stone. They simply sit and wait for the image maker to pass their way. They scream, “LOOK AT ME! LOOK AT ME!” as one passes by.

And of course, there are the climbers. They are a built in feature for those photographers seeking to display a little danger in action. They need no direction as models, because their poses are always perfect. You may have to wait just a little while to catch them at just the right moment though.

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City of Rocks National Reserve in Idaho is a place that would be well worth your time to visit. Whether you are looking for adventure, history, a unique experience in a unique place, or to simply make some photographs, the investment in travel time and expense would not be wasted. Consider it and then expect to be thoroughly impressed by what surrounds you when you arrive.

(Note: Information on City of Rocks National Reserve was collected from information provided by the National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. You can find more information on City of Rocks National Reserve at http://www.nps.gov/ciro.)

 

2 comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Photo Travels

June 8, 2011

Sometimes a Priority, Never a Minority

By Michael Frye

Recently I noticed something about the time I spend in photography. I have been overly focused on it. To be perfectly honest, I never thought I would ever become so fully absorbed by it. None-the-less, I have. When I say, “absorbed”, I refer to the time required to prepare for a photographic trip, project, special request, and the photography itself.

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Two weeks ago my wife, Rhonda, said, “Let’s go some place.” She suggested Bear Lake, Utah. I thought it was a wonderful idea.

My initial thought and response was, “Great! It will give me a chance to do some spur of the moment photography there.” My response was not met with the enthusiasm I expected. Here is why.

Although my wife loves to travel with me, she is not a proponent of the hours, and sometimes HOURS OF, stop and go travel when on a “photo-adventure” with her husband. There is much of that when my purpose is to capture the areas I encounter. There can be long periods of quiet in the cab of The Traveler as I seek that particular spot to stop and set up.

Further, there is that long period of waiting after setting up. Why? Because, I want to make the photographs I gather worth the time that I invested in that single spot.

As you can imagine this type of thing does not make for a great trip for those who may not have the kind of interest you do in photography. This is the case with my wife. She loves seeing the country we travel through. She loves spending time with me (and that is reciprocated).

She loves seeing the end product of the images made while we traveled. However, from her perspective something is lost in the time that we spend together when I am so focused (absorbed) in “the shot”.

In regard to our trip to Bear Lake, I took my camera, but it never came out of my bag. Why, because there just was not time for it. The priority in making the trip was to spend some time focused on her; on us.

Did I take a few photographs? Yes, but I used my point and shoot and phone to take them. The focus was on her and not the scenery. Although, I consider my wife some of the best “scenery” around.

We had a wonderful time and we came away with some photographs that will serve to help remind us of the time we spent together that day. The point is this. Know your purpose in traveling as a photographer and then consider the feelings and purpose of those who might be with you. Better than this, consider it before you ever leave the house.

Certainly there will be times when traveling where the trip might be a once in a lifetime experience. In those cases it is hoped that understanding and compromise can be established, so that everyone’s needs can be met. Remember, where your relationships are concerned and travel required there are priorities that must never be determined a minority in the greater scheme of things.

Be absorbed, but know the absorption must be directed correctly based on the circumstances you find yourself in. This requires photography to “take a backseat” sometimes, provided your truck has one. If not, put it in the cooler, so that when it is time to picnic you can capture some great personal moments. The smiling images you may capture will be those you will remember for a lifetime.

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1 comment   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , | posted in Photo Travels

March 24, 2011

Critique, The Essence of Progression

By Michael Frye

That is a pretty fancy title. Isn’t it? It is fancy in the sense that what I am going to talk about boils down to one word. That word is “learn”.

Learning in photography takes many forms. There as many things to learn in photography as there are methods, styles, and formats found in it. There is one thing that will help you grow as a photographer and that is to allow an honest critique of your work. To be critiqued is to learn and learn well.

I recently submitted some photographs to We Are Photographers for a critique from their Gauntlet. Gary Fong was gracious in his appraisal of them and brutally honest in his description of what could have been done better. This was an experience that has absolutely inspired me.

At the heart of their mission is a statement and it is proving to be true to their efforts. “WeArePhotographers.com has been designed by photographers for photographers to help “Elevate Your Talent”.” I looked at my photographic skills and abilities in a new way after “Running the Gauntlet”. I was missing something in them and with an honest critiquing of my photographs I was presented with what was missing.

Yes, the experience was nerve racking and harsh, but a greater understanding in technicalities and composition in the photographs I make was bolstered. I will be doing it again with future photographs I make. I see it as a MUST to truly grow.

The greatest lesson that I came away with in this experience was not to be afraid of what others might think or say. When you find the right person to critique your work they must be someone that you can trust. This trust is not the “mamby pamby” kind where one can rely on a positive, and only a positive, comment or critique. It is the kind that is open and honest where both parties face the truth together in a matter coming away fortified in the experience.

At We Are Photographers you will find that kind of trust. The response to your work may be harsh. It may even be brutal, but it will always be honest. If you have the stomach for it and are willing to have an honest accounting of your work provided to you, then check out We Are Photographers.

Take a chance and really learn from what you may be doing right and wrong. It is absolutely worth it.

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March 8, 2011

Moodiness as Necessary to Photography

By Michael Frye

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Mood is necessary in the photographs you capture. It can lend feeling to the story that you are trying to tell. It will portray reason and meaning behind the image you make.

A lone darkened doorway can communicate the simplest of stories. A cold brick wall surrounding it enhances feeling. Shadows of hooks cast on the wall establishes emotion and completes it.

When composing the story you are attempting to tell some decisions have to made. The time of day the photograph will be made is an important one. Determining the format such as color or black and white is also an important consideration. Composition is an absolute. The “why” behind the image is a must as well, so that the viewer can interpret its meaning.

Mood can make or break what you intend to demonstrate. In the photograph above the mood is an eerie one. It should leave the viewer with a few questions in mind. “Would I go through the darkened door?” or “Should I venture beyond the safety of the light?” and “There is light on the other side. Maybe it is safe?”

The decisions surrounding this photograph produces an outcome for the viewer. It is based in mood. It was captured at night when the light in confined spaces can be harsh and shadowy. The main character is the doorway, but there are two that have a supporting role in the story and appear as indirect to the door.

Shadows can play an important role in your photography. They are rarely the star in the story that you tell. They are a must if you are attempting to demonstrate mood however.

Referring back to the photograph above. The shadows of hanging hooks cast on the wall enhance the story about the door. The darkened doorway could by itself capture the mood sought, but the shadows cast on the wall serve to refine the viewers interpretation in what they see.

This is mood. The subject properly composed. Light and darkness. Shadow and brightness. Contrast and color, or lack there of. Of course it helps tremendously to have a subject worth their weight in moodiness as well.

Mood is necessary to your photography no matter the subject or scene, so seek it out in your image making. It is not always eerie you know? There are moods for every emotion that make up a human being. Know the mood you want to portray and then determine to illicit it from those who see your photograph.

2 comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Photo Tutorials

March 5, 2011

Another Change: So Long RedBubble

By Michael Frye



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Originally uploaded by fryeme100

It seems that change is in the air. The changes thus far have been positive as I have narrowed focus and my goals to just a few for this year. Unfortunately, it also means that some things have to go.

This morning I did something that I am very happy about. I closed my account with RedBubble. There are a few reasons why I made this decision.

First, there have been very few sales in using their service. The more I use the Internet to sell my photography, the more I realize that very few sales can be made through the Internet. It appears the old standard of direct selling wins out every time.

Second, it became just one more site on the Internet to maintain. I simply do not have the time to maintain multiple websites that feature my photographic work. I have used their service for almost three years and dedicated a lot of time to maintaining the items I had posted there.

Third, my focus has changed. There several projects I am working toward completing this year, and again, it is a matter of managing my time. I am also making a move to learn all that I can about Photojournalism.

It really comes down to this. RedBubble has become a distraction. There has been little to no return on the time investment I have made with them, so by process of elimination they are the ones to go.

Sorry RedBubble, but it really is for the best. I am moving on and I believe it to be a good thing.

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