Tag: camera

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The Making of a Classic Bridge Photograph

Charles W. Cullen Bridge over the Indian River Inlet at Sunset

Once in a while I get asked, “How long did it take for you get that picture?” My usual answer is, “less than a second, but…there’s more.” Yes, “but” – because there is a lot more involved than snapping that shutter at 1/125th of a second or thereabouts.

Indian River Inlet Bridge at Sunset Printed on Canvas
Sunset under the Indian River Inlet Bridge printed on artist-quality canvas.

Imagine planning to create a pleasing sunset photograph of a popular and photogenic bridge – such as the Charles W. Cullen Bridge over the Indian River Inlet at the Delaware Seashore State Park. Here’s a sequence to think about: 1) Packing the camera gear, 2) don’t forget the tripod), 3) driving to the location, 4) setting up the gear and tripod, 5) calling on years of experience to frame the shot from the right angle (or several angles because one is not enough), 6) repacking the gear and trekking back home, and finally 7) editing the image captured from the outing to create just the “right” couple of images for display and to offer for sale. The 1/125th of a second to get “that” picture was actually several hours of time on “that” day and, really, might have been several years in the making. Also, figure in the complexities of the weather – to have the clouds and the sun cooperate in just the right way.

Camera Screen with a Scene of the Indian River Bridge at Sunset
Trusty ol’ Nikon on a tripod on the north jetty at the Indian River Inlet.

Not only did I have prep and driving and time on site, I also had a slight bit of danger involved. (Cue the ominous music here.) I had to walk out on the rock jetty with no handholds and water-sprayed rocks (slippery?) while carrying my camera bag, a tripod – and me. But the result was well worth it. Shots from this particular photo shoot have proven to be quite popular photograph over the years, having been purchased by several art buyers to decorate their homes and offices. Another photograph from this location has appeared in a popular Indian River Bridge Calendar.

Indian River Bridge at Sunset Wall Art in Room Setting

Where would you hang this in your home?

Click the links below to see the actual image in a larger size and to browse or shop the different substrates for wall art and/or a variety of home décor items.

Link: Indian River Inlet, Bay and Bridge Wall Art

Link to: Bill’s Gallery at Fine art America

But, please don’t get me wrong. I am in no way complaining. I love doing my photography – as I have for the last half century. It gets me outdoors and it provides exercise. It is mentally stimulating and fulfilling – to know that, in my own way, I am contributing some art to the world.

There can be more…

Oh, yes, once the image has been rendered as it was envisioned then some creative editing may be applied. Here is a simulated watercolor version of the above photograph. This version is popular for t-shirts and other apparel items.

sunset under the Indian River Bridge Watercolor
Simulated watercolor of the sun setting under the Indian River Inlet Bridge at the Delaware Seashore State Park.
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My Mini and the Moon

Attempting a drone range test with my DJI Mini SE…

Well, not really, I was flying to catch a sunrise over Little Assawoman Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

More seriously, I was flying the drone at sunrise in our back yard – to catch early morning sky colors – and looked up to see a waning gibbous moon. I moved the drone a bit south and east (at 200 ft.) to catch this silhouette.

dji mini se silhouette with moon
DJI Mini SE silhouetted against a waning gibbous moon.

Well, I didn’t catch it at first because all I had for a camera was my cell phone. While the best camera to have is “the one you have with you” – I also realized I need a bit more reach with a telephoto lens than what my iPhone 12 could provide. It was an interesting enough image (to me) that I thought it might make a cool photograph. In this particular case the “best camera to have” was in my office upstairs in our house.

I landed the drone so I could go inside to grab my Olympus E-M10 Mark IV and mounted my Olympus 75-300 f/4.8-6.7 zoom lens. Techies might be interested in the EXIF data: 228mm focal length; 1/200 sec; f/22; ISO 1600; Aperture priority; center-weighted metering.

Oh, yes, here is the morning sunrise that prompted the silhouette image of My Mini and the Moon. Yes, the contrast and colors have been “boosted” a little – to make the morning flight on Saturday, September 17 a bit more worthwhile.

sunrise over little assawoman bay and the atlantic ocean
Sunrise over Little Assawoman Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and Fenwick Island

I’m sure I will be asked about maintaining VLOS (Visual Line of Sight) which is, by law, defined as normal vision without the use of any extra optics like binoculars or a spotting scope. A long, long time ago I learned (and got used to) peering through the viewfinder of a camera while keeping both eyes open. Yup – believe it or not!

Don’t believe that works? Try a Google Search and you might find something like this: “Most photographers close one eye when looking through the viewfinder, but keeping the other open allows you to remain aware of your surroundings. It means you can see things coming into your frame, keeping you ready to press the shutter at exactly the right moment.“

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What did the camera say to his digital son?

You can never be negative.

Sorry – just saw that, and being a photographer since the old film and flashbulb days, I just had to pass it along. Just chalk it up to my “Dad Joke” style of humor.

While it is true I saw thousands of negative in my earlier days I was never negative about photography. I cannot think of anything really negative about the endeavor.

photographer office at the beach
My Office at the Beach in Ocean City, Maryland.

What’s not to like? My “office” or studio can be anywhere I choose for it to be. While the above setting was on the beach in Ocean City, Maryland, it could be on a beach anywhere. It has. I get to visit beaches along the east coast of the United States, Canada and Mexico as well as the beaches of about 20 different Caribbean, Central American and South American nations. My “office” could even be on a mountaintop capturing scenic vistas of more rugged and (also) picturesque areas.

office studio at the indian river inlet bridge
My office/studio at the Indian River Inlet Bridge near Bethany Beach, Delaware.

Many years ago I used photography to help work my way through college. I shot weddings, did aerial photography (also learned to fly a plane) and worked in a small town camera shop. I “learned the trade” so to speak and even helped teach some of what I learned to other people. I still love to share what I capture through the lens and even earn a few bucks by offering some of that through one of my online stores/galleries.

photographing on drifwood beach, jekyll island, georgia
Here I am photographing one of the most fascinating of places – Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia.

I am fortunate with my photography in that I am able to shoot is some truly fascinating places. I love bridge architecture and I love Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island and on and on. I am now adding another element to my photography exploits – drone photography. This will allow me to add an additional perspective to scenes that I shoot. It is also fun.

What’s that old saying? Oh yeah: Do what you love and love what you do. I do, I did and will keep on doing as long as I am able.

Link to: Visit my online Gallery

Link to: My Photography Blog