This is one of my personal favorite prints – so I guess I am not surprised that it is also among my best selling art photographs. This was captured at twilight, as the title implies, from the southern bank of the Indian River Inlet about a half mile inland from the Indian River Bridge, itself. It had been produced as prints in varying sizes, it has been ordered with a variety of frames and mats and also in an array of stretched canvas sizes. Indian River Bridge at Twilight Photo Print by Bill Swartwout Photography
Don’t worry – whatever you order does not have any watermark. I only do that with my online samples for a bit of internet security.
Order your very own framed print or canvas today. CLICK HERE.
Now to begin the learning curve to fly safely and legally – with my TRUST Certificate in hand.
So the package arrived mid afternoon on the day before a predicted few inches of snow. Of course, the batteries wouldn’t be charged fully until after dark. LOL
I opened it immediately, checked all the parts, looked at the (basically) useless papers that came with it. I’m glad I had already downloaded the .PDF User Manual file, which is very useful. And, of course, I’ve been watching some training/familiarization videos on Youtube.
Meanwhile – yesterday I did study the online course for Recreational Flyers and received my “TRUST” Certificate so I can fly legally (when it stops snowing).
And the info on the back of the certificate…
Transcription of the Certificate Information…
For Recreational Flyers operating under the exception for limited recreational operations of unmanned aircraft (Title 49 of the united States Code (49 U.S.C) S 44809), this document is evidence that the holder has passed the aeronautical knowledge and safety test as required by 49 U.S.C S 44809 (a)(7).
Register your drone if it weights more than 0.55 pounds.
Fly only for recreational purposes.
Operate in accordance with or within a Community-Based Organizations (CBO’s) safety guidelines
Always fly within visual line of sight.
Do not interfere and give way to any manned aircraft.
Obtain authorization before flying in controlled airspace.
Do not fly higher than 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace.
Recreational Flyers must make this certificate available to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or Law Enforcement officials upon request. For more information visit faa.gov/uas.
I studied for the TRUST Certificate with the free course at the Pilot Institute. It was easy to understand and was not difficult at all to pass and obtain the certificate.
PART 107 Certificate
Once I obtain my Part 107 Certificate, which permits the drone pilot certificate holder to use a drone for commercial purposes. I will then be able to use the Drone as a camera platform, enabling me to add a new perspective to my landscape and seascape photography.
Not really changes – let’s just call it a few adjustments for 2022. The main adjustment is the “rebranding” of my vanity domain name, USPictures.com. For the last few years I have simply pointed that domain to my Fine Art America/Pixels Premium Gallery at https://bill.pixels.com. I have decided to develop the U.S. Pictures domain as a unique website where my current and future art buyers will have more choices.
Now for the 2022 Art Challenge. Lofty goal but will it be reality?
The goal is to create and post a new article EVERY DAY for the entirety of 2022 on one of my photography related sites (blogs or what ever moniker you choose). I had participated in several create-a-new-piece-of-art-per day (for a given number of days) challenges in the Fine Art America Forum throughout 2021. I completed several and felt I was learning and growing with each one. Now, Abbie, the dear forum moderator, set up a major challenge of one new piece of art per day for all of 2022 (with the ability to “skip” 30 days).
I initially thought yeah, I can do that. Even with our hopeful set of road trips this year I should be able to shoot or edit a new photograph and upload it every day. Sure. Yup. Yes.
I realized, however, that if I could do that on my own sites, instead of FineArtAmerica/Pixels, that I would be adding SEO value to my own work and potentially attract more buyers to me and my own art – rather than to the main site(s) at FAA and the art of thousands of other artists. I believe if I focus on this practical solution – it provide more exposure for my photography. (Catch the intended puns there?)
The caveat is that I will allow myself to miss two days per week – but hope to accomplish 300+ new articles, with images, during the course of the year. Please wish me luck and please follow along if/when you get the chance.
Put MY photographs on YOUR walls. Thank you for supporting my art.
My art-photography related sites that will be growing this year are…
