Still Life

I'm a member of the Modesto Camera Club (http://www.modestocameraclub.net) and after having the past couple of months off to enjoy the summer; it is time to get back to work taking photos.  The club has monthly competitions where specific types of photos are submitted for judging and where points are given.  Every month there are three categories.  Two categories always stay the same and one is new each month.  The categories are "Nature" where you photograph wildlife or something relating to nature.  No sign of any human hand can be in the photo... no building, no roads, and no telephone wires.  A second category is "Pictorial"... can be anything that makes up a great photo.  The other category is the "Challenge" category where specific themes are presented.  Some months it may be photojournalism, black and white, something old, architecture, seascapes, or travel, or as the next challenge date is on "Still life"...  This is just one of the many I could have chosen to submit (however it is not one of the two being submitted).  After the competition I'll submit the photos I entered for your review.   This one is called "The Gallo Plate"... (Meaning: the Rooster Plate).  The photo was taken at a distance of eight feet from the subject.  I used two side fluorescent photo lights and a bounce flash light for some back fill.  Focal length 53mm at F/13 (3 second exposure).  ISO 100.  Spot metering mode....  The subjects were placed on a draped black background with a crumpled tablecloth wrapped around the objects.  I did use a very little bit of Photoshop to highlight the color in the fruit in the front....  

 If you live in the Modesto area, you might just want to take a look at the Camera Club… it has been one of the best photography learning groups I’ve come across.  Each member brings his or her experience (the very experienced to the newbie) to the meeting and sharing the “how to” is the focus of the Club.  Each month they have one meeting that is for competition and a second meeting where guest speakers and professionals come and give presentations on photographic techniques and various editing programs.  From time to time we have outings and it’s just a great group to be around.  I find I learn something new at every meeting.   

 LIGHTS 

San Francisco Wharf Daybreak From The Bay

While returning through the Golden Gate on the very early morning of July 22, 2012 (returning from Alaska) I took this panoramic photo of the San Francisco Wharf from the top deck of the ship.  Time was 5:29 a.m., with a light fog surrounding the Golden Gate Bridge.  This is actually a composite of 12 photos stitched together to form this panoramic photo.  It was taken with a focal length of 39mm at F-7.1 and an exposure time of 1/100 second (ISO 200).  No exposure compensation. I took each photo in a portrait orientation to give the panoramic photo more height.  I've taken several photos of the Wharf area from the city side however this was my first opportunity to take photos from the Bay side.  Just my luck... there were wispy clouds with a very light fog to the right and the red glow of the sun coming from the east.  Could not have asked for much more as far as lighting.  Just click on the photo to see a larger version....

Just a reminder (in case you haven't check them out)...

I have some other web sites where I post photos.  Take a look at:
http://bmoore3photos.blogspot.com

and

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/Images%2Bby+William+Moore

and some video shorts of photos I've taken located on YouTube at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yInkr1soPVE

(just cut and past the http: address on your search.....  Thanks for stopping by.  

This is a photo I call "Alaska Background".  I think it speaks for itself. 
Most of the time while in Alaska it did not rain; however there were
clouds and heavy overcast.  Sometimes you just get lucky. 

In July of this year I was able to take a trip to Alaska.
The first of the photos is one I took near Haines, Alaska.
Photoshop layers allowed me to place this totem pole
next to a second photo I took of Chilkoot Lake.  The
actual location of the totem pole was about 3/4 of a mile
away (the view was not as good as the lake).  I try not to
relocate items from one location to another... however, in

this case... well, I just like it better in front of the lake.

 These spider shots were taken at F-13 (1/60 second) - focal length of 300mm . with flash.  The web was over four feet across between a fig tree and a fence.  It didn't seem to be concerned that I was there......

Recently I've been interested in photographing insects and because I have so many plants and flowers in my back yard, I have the opportunity daily to just step outside and take my pick of dozens of these strange (yet beautiful) creatures.  Above is a common Californian Garden Spider that has created an intricate (and large) web where it sits and waits for its meals.  Most spiders will scurry away when approached.  This little (less than 1/2 inch) spider doesn't seem to mind my daily approach or the fact that I stick my lens within inches or the flash I use to illuminate this creature in the night. 

This Praying Mantis has made its home in a large hydrangea bush.  It's been doing a great job of hiding because it is now over three inches long.  This is a female Mantis and she doesn't seem to have as much patience as the spider above.  She'll allow me to approach; however will only stay still for a few moments.  I have to use a fill flash because it stays in the darker parts of the hydrangea bush.  I took this photo at F-16 (1/125 second), and with a focal length of 158mm (using a flash).   It was on the move at the time so there wasn’t much set up time.   

One of Modesto California's most beautiful sites....  Driving into Modesto on Maze Blvd. you'll pass Saint Stanislaus Catholic Church.  With surrounding grape vineyards and open space, you'll get the feeling you are in the Tuscan area of Italy.  This is one photo I took and created dozens of moods for various effects.  Hope you enjoy the short video.