Monday, December 31, 2018

Journal December 31, 2018 - Killing time, waiting for spring


Seeing as there is not much gardening to do this time of year it gives me a great excuse to get outdoors and do some photography.  

Recent surgery on both eyes has returned my vision to where it was when I was in my twenties, so it is like a whole new world and I intend to take advantage of it. 

I have been itching to try my new Nikon DSLR to get familiar with the different settings and lenses but my images were out of focus, so here are some examples of what it can do now that my vision has been corrected. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Journal December 11, 2018 - Follow-up to pervious post

I thought I would post examples of a photo that had been modified with the Nik Collection plugin HDR Efex Pro 2.

The photo above is the original photo as taken on September 30, 2018.

Below is the photo modified in Efex Pro 2 using the landscape vignette selection. 

It might be interesting to print a modified photo on a matte surface stock just for fun.
 

Sunday, December 9, 2018

Journal December 9, 2018 - Great Plugin

I would like to digress from gardening to do a post about something I found and would like to share with fellow photographers.

Recently I read something about a plugin called the Nik Collection being available for free some time ago.  I like free, so I thought I would like to try the free version and searched for it online.   It did not take long to find a site that still allowed users to download the free version.  There is a new version, but not being a professional I was happy to get the free version even though it does not have all the new bells and whistles.

https://nikcollection.dxo.com/nik-collection-2012/


The plugin was used to modify a mundane photo of the Martin Dunham reservoir in Grafton, New York.  I took an extreme approach and with a few clicks really modified the photo, to the point that it now looks like a painting from the Hudson River School Of Artists.

Of course, you don't have to be so radical when using the plugin, but it was interesting to try the different features to get a feel on how they work.


Friday, December 7, 2018

Journal December 7, 2018 - Dispel the winter gloom, grow a flower.


Winter has descended on upstate New York with a vengence!  The National Weather Service said the winter would be warmer than normal, and I say: Bring it on, soon!



Just to have a single flower this winter I am growing a Thumblina Zinnia to dispel the winter gloom.   The plant is being grown hydroponically in a recycled container.


I just love fooling Mother Nature.