Just a short post to share some recent photos while moving through everyday life...
First, a shot from the third floor of my apartment building, looking north. You see one of the few tall buildings in Munich, metallic and modern. It was a cloudy/stormy day, and I just like the clouds plus the contrast with the small white building in the foreground:
I was walking to meet a friend for dinner, and went by one of the old homes -- high steep roof, tiny windows, and short doors. Squished between two post-war buildings, I found it ironic that in front were parked two Minis!
Also on the way to meet my friend for dinner, I decided to cut through a cemetary. I like what bracketing + fusion/tonemapping in Photomatix does to the stones and flowers.
Then I found one site with a cross, and lined the setting sun into the center. Again Photomatix-ed.
I arrived a bit early, and clicked away at Frau U when she was walking down the sidewalk. She just looks happy!
While I was waiting, I wanted to try a technique that I read about. It is often discussed regarding photography of fast moving items...
A short shutter speed will "freeze" the action, like our photos of the Women's World Cup. However, sometimes you would like to give a sense of a subject's speed/motion. To achieve this, you want your target to be clear (obviously) and the background to be blurred. It is implemented by panning the camera while you shoot -- following the subject at the same rate.
It's funny because the first thing people are told NOT to do is shake the camera - it causes images to blur! In this case, you direct the blur to the background while trying to keep the main subject sharp. My first try is below - not so good, even though it is an older guy driving his Volvo!
This is tricky to do. I have even more respect for the pros now. If you're interested, check out this great article on car racing photography at a favorite photo Web site of mine (this is good too).
Yup. Still have LOTS to learn about photography...