Portraits of a grandson

Almost all the parents are proud of their own children and all the grandparents adore their grandchildren unconditionally. I was a business woman. Sewing, knitting and home crafts are just not my thing. I believe a traditional all-American grandmother would sit in front of fireplace knitting a five feet long blanket for a 20 inch grand child. Or, they would use their crafty hands fabricating the neatest Christmas ornaments. I don't make them, I buy them, the quick fix.

People seem to think it is more precious if a mother or grandmother uses their hands to make something 'special' (because it is made using her own hands, needle by needle). I don't quite agree to that.  I don't love my grandchild less just because I don't do home crafts.  I don't spend time writing beautiful cursive on fancy journal or diaries. I write my journal in my computer and I use my own photos as visual illustrations.

With each photo taken, I have opportunity to perceive fine details and retrieve the stories behind it. It is amazing how much you can get out of a photo which not only fills in what's overlooked and also portraits beyond the original intention of the shot.

It is an unusual week that I am putting aside my daily routine schedule because a second grandchild was born, and I am babysitting the first one.  Since I got more serious about photography, I don't leave home without a camera, and it is hard to resist not to shoot everything. Shooting own portraits has somehow increased my interest in doing more portrait.  Grandson is around. Why not taking his portraits?

Except that with an extremely active boy, still shots are hard to come around.  When we shoot joggers or runners, we can set up panning shots.  When the little boy is running everywhere without a predicable route, I just have to grab my camera and snap whenever I see an opportunity.

This is an artistic shot for me. It was taken inside the house with sunlight shining through the window.  Smooth light. Grandson's golden brown hair, chocolate shirt and taupe drapery backdrop are harmonious colors. But I did not discover this beautiful sepia color combination till I spotted the viewer.

I was determined to get this shot and I also hope to capture a calm emotion to echo the soft background.  However, my subject kept moving and I was getting blurry shots. How to keep him still for 5 seconds for me to snap the shot?  I handed him the Taxi that I just
got for him and was successfully to keep him still for a short while (the toy is new enough to keep him interested and he is attracted to the intricate parts of the car).

He was 'driving' the car back and forth on his bed, but the motion is not too extreme. I was able to take the shot with an ISO400.

Got him interested to try on different hats and let him look at the shots I took. He was amused by what he saw and became more willing to be my little model. Does little child also have self-awareness? I think so.  It is apparent that he is gaining interest in his outlook. Can you believe that he even posed for me?

I did not intend to take pictures under harsh sun, but I like what I see here.  Bright sunlight made him frown and the frowning portraited his tension and strong emotion. I just love the curved lines of his eyebrows and the lips.

He was outside the house in front of the window blind. I certainly like the subtle horizontal lines that balanced the strong facial expression.

Don't mess with me.

Morning was cold, but he insisted to go out and push his wheelbarrow. I wanted to assure that he was warm, so I pulled his hood up.  

Backyard is a mini playground. There are swings, slides, Tonka trucks, baseball bats, basketball hoop, bicycles, garden tools, you name it. 

He was walking around and around, and I was looking for a cleaner background. When he stopped in front of the fence, I knew then, here came the timing. I like the ambiance and the color tone created under morning magical light.  Unexpected, the black horizontal lines on his hoodie was showcased by the soft vertical fences lines.

I came unprepared to shoot these pictures and I actually had myself fully entertained.

I can do it.

Spring Colors

Since I dropped my illustrator for lady’s handbags, I have barely checked out the current fashion and trends. The day of strolling down the fashion alleys in Milan, Florence and New York is over. I have put away my business suits, dresses and high heals. Instead of shopping fashion stores, I am going to sports stores now.

This is a big change for me because I have been so dedicated to style and fashion, and I have always thinking sportswear is too masculine and too boring for my taste. When I was the product manage for Columbia branded leather goods, I went to their office regularly for product presentations and I often wondered then who would buy their stuff… now I know.

I cannot tell you since when I started to wear sports apparels and now I wear them 90% of the time. I fell in love with Columbia clothing because they are so versatile and comfortable. They are perfect for my in-home photography and photography outings. I wear them for hiking and biking or simply take a quick trip to the grocery stores. As I started to use them, I found out that sports apparels are not only engineered for technical benefit and wearing comfort, they are also designed with trendy colors, details and trim. I can be active and also remain stylish….

Spring is quietly walking into our life. Spring flowers are budding. I seemed not be able to wait till their full bloom. I am out and around the house scouting every bit of life and color.  Colors often remind me of fashion and trends. Now speaking of sportswear and spring colors, I was suddenly urged to check out spring 2013 colors.

colors: African Violet & Lemon Zest

Violet color is trendy this spring, so is the lemon color.   Purple and yellow are complimentary colors.  They are both bright, but they look nice together. Look at these lantern roses on the bush. They do look like lanterns, don’t they?

I met a German couple who immigrated to US more than 20 years ago. They originally brought in the best growers from Germany and England (later added Holland) and began to grow this Hellebore flowers in Northwest. 

The flowers come in great varieties and colors. The plant is not only beautiful, it is tough and versatile.

color: Emerald

Emerald is my all time favorite stone.  Other than jade, this is definitely one popular stone used by Asians to fabricate beautiful jewelry that often become family heirlooms among the women. This green color is so deep and so rich, it takes your breath away. 

I was walking down the street looking for flowers and colors, here came an array of plum trees with these delicate flowers (picture below). They are up there embracing the blue sky. The clear sky traces every fine details of the flower.  This is the first time I noticed that plum flowers have multiple color tones, pink, peach, yellow, and black trims in the end. They are charming and refined. I was stunned by what I saw and you know what next, I was snapping it away.

I like many colors with dusk tones. Dusk Blue is another trendy color.  It is between blue and purple and the dusk tone makes it casual. Maybe that’s why I like it.   

color: Dusk Blue

color: Strawberry

Hot Pink is always popular among school girls and teenagers. It was in spring 2012 palette, but I still see them everywhere. This flower is from a deciduous tree named Red-flowering Current. It is a native plant and supposed to be deer resistant, but deer chewed up all the leaves last year. Not too optimistic about its future, I was thrilled to see the new blossoms.  I was afraid that deer would come and take them alive again, so I instantly took the picture. If they cannot fight deer, I at least have this picture to moan afterwards.  Hot pink is not my color. I purchased an off-season sweater at Christmas sales and I began to like it because the bright color energized me and I feel good. 

Fashion colors is there to boost the big bucks in fashion industry. I want to be stylish, but I certainly don't chase after trends. I don't feel that I am dated just because fashion vendors want to press you to wear a different color 6 month after.  Everyone should have a style of her own and only follow the trends that will enhance your outlook and make you feel good about yourself.

Lines and Patterns

 

It is often recommended by photography experts not to take pictures on sunny days when the sunlight is straight up and cast deep shadows.  Under softer lights, everything looks more balanced and fine details show better.  However, I sometimes don’t just wait around for the right timing. When my shooting bug is disturbing me, I want to shoot regardless the conditions.

I am a big fan of our Creator’s divine design and I also truly believe that God created everything for a reason.  He orchestrated the process and fine tuned his work to perfection. Sunrise and sunset are two prime time to take pictures, but I am determined to explore in bright sunny days, too.

High contrast light is not good for fine details, but it is good for reflected lines and patterns which are also important elements for a good photograph.  I have walked down this street many times and even dined in the boutique restaurant inside, but I have never noticed these lines till I was a bit sweaty under the harsh sun. I was looking for my subject up and down the street. Businesses do not often change their signs and all these trees have been there for hundreds of years. I am sure these lines were there since the railing was built, but it is surely my new discovery.

The brick building above is an old building. I may have glanced at it once when I first came to this area. Today when I was out looking for photography target, I had my second glance and I found the exterior metal window cases and the cast shadows are interesting.  So I snapped the shots.  However, not until I downloaded the picture, I did not pay attention to the brick trim and its pattern on the building. A few twigs comes across the blue sky and symbolically holds on to the building. The brick is structured and the twigs added a natural touch.

We neglected the existence of many things around us until we had that inspirational moment. Once our heart and mind are open, we learned to be more receptive to new things and more observant to our surroundings.

Photography journey is inspiring. To me, it is not just about taking a nice photo, it is a self-discovery, education, observation and enlightenment working progress. I learned to appreciate more, enjoy more and perceive more through the pictures I took.

I am a church goer, but I have not taken any church pictures because most of the church buildings do not look like churches any more.  My ideal church building is in white color, has triangle reef lines, bell tower, and etched glass windows.  Just one day earlier, I drove by this old church in a small town.  This church resembles my ideal church, and is worth a shot.

Sun was not as harsh as the time when I took above two shots, but it was enough to create shadows. I don't mind the shadow here because it added the depth of the image. And, there are lines (roof's triangle lines, siding's horizontal lines) and patterns (the classic window case). I was able to frame the whole structure in with my wide angle lens. I did not use a wide angle lens in the past, but I love to play with it ever since I got it.

Whenever I am driving on the highway, I always enjoyed watching the translucent water lines sprouting from irrigation system. They create lines above vast green field. White water and green grass are contrasting nicely and the fan patterns are beautiful.

They are the combination of metal wheels and water pipes with spraying holes. No tires on the wheels. I guess that helps the stabilization when the water is spraying and the pressure is on. 

As I was plowing through the deserted farm, I found them resting under the scorched sun. The circular lines and criss cross rim patterns drew my attention. The heat in the air seemed to steam the trees behind and generated that hazy layer. The wheels cast shadows on the grass. If not for lines and patterns, I think this picture portraits a hot sunny day.

Too much sun or too much rain, no problem.  We are here for our exploration on earth and we can always find something out of ordinary if we are deemed to be on this photography adventure.

Antique car show

It was a sunny day. I could not just stay around the house and enjoy my flowers. I grabbed my camera and went on a drive to the countryside.

Willamette valley often reminds me of the green and wide open flat in Europe countryside. Except that Oregon farmhouse is casual and rugged while European farmhouse is more structured and sculptured. They can be aged but well-maintained. 

The Snubby

Years ago I took these pictures in Victoria, Canada in an antique car show. I love the one below because the passengers were dressed rightly and purely for the occasion, just for the fun sake.  They were serious about being authentic. I bet they enjoyed themselves and their sense of humor cheered other people, too.

Before I could finish my thought, I drove by an (almost) deserted farmland. I say, almost. Because I later found out that the owner just live across the street and more old equipments piled in their driveway...

There are old cars and trucks laid around, dated farming tools are all over the place. I am a city girl. I know nothing about farming, but I found these ‘antique’ cars interesting. Usually when we go to antique car shows, we see authentic collectible branded cars, the snobby stuff. In this country farm, I found these ‘treasures’ are just as fascinating as the fancy version.

Growing up in the old part of my hometown, I have seen enough old stuff, hundreds years old buildings, old furniture, old deco, old streets, old everything.  When I moved to America 27 years ago, I wanted everything contemporary. Least is the best. I bought contemporary furniture, neutral, solid, straight lines. No molding, no curving, no tapestry. I could not wait to get away from cultural and traditional stuff.  I wanted all the old stuff ‘be gone’. As far as the furniture and deco go, I want them to be simple with very subtle twist.   

But, I am changed after living here for almost three decades. I started to look at some older stuff, but still not as old as what I used to see. It may have something to do with my previous work creating fashion western style belts and Jody Coyote handbags, a mix of south western and contemporary style. Subconsciously I was gravitating towards designs with details. Besides,vintage trend was big and popular while I was working, and I have learned to appreciate aged look more.

Here are my antique car show, Oregon farm style. These cars are old, deserted, and rustic, but I just love the sculptured shape and details.  The coloration generated from tarnishing is amazing, isn't it?

Broken-Hearted Pinky

Rainbow Rumbler

Orton Effect

It was an awesome week.  Weather is fairly nice and Sun has stayed as much as he can. There is no doubt in my mind that I feel upbeat whenever sun is up there delivering his everlasting friendship to Earth. After a long and cold winter, I was optimistic to have some decent weather when we adjusted our clock one hour ahead for summer saving time. Thinking of spring and summer, I am instantly energized.

My Lantern Rose was barely surviving in the rain just one month ago is now gradually opening up. I wonder why God created this stunning flower and yet let them stand with faces down.  If I was not searching for deer-resistant flowers, I would not  discover this hidden jewel. I cannot photo this flower without turning their faces upwards, so I simply picked them from the stem and placed them on a plate full of water. For macro shots, I have to set myself a limit, otherwise, I can easily spend hours peeking into the stigma of the flowers. Through the stigma (center of the flower), I witnessed our Creator's design talent. The design is not only intricate and colorful, it coordinate so well that each flower is like a piece of artwork.

This picture shows the stigma of Lantern Rose. I took the shot and used Orton effect to create the second picture in Photoshop. It is satisfying to observe the details from the first photo, but the soft tone on the second photo adds enchanted, dreamy and artsy flare. I think we are here on earth to create something beyond what has been created in Nature. Nature is an infinitive resource for inspirations. We should utilize what we are given as a human being and expand it.

As I said earlier, this is my portrait month. I got lots of fun taking my own pictures and I discovered a lot of about myself that I have never noticed before. It will be nice if I can go out with my tripod, pose in front of a field of green or blooming colors, but I am too bashful to do that.  So, how do I get rid of my boring look… I thought about wearing a hat and I did.  I am simple and plain, posing or wearing hat for photos are usually not my thing. But what the heck, just do it. Nobody will care. I tend to think too much.

Out of many hat shots, I picked this one. There was a story behind it.  When I lived in Taiwan during my college days, there was a very popular TV talk show. Family, marriage and relationship are the theme subjects.

The host lady wore a hat, nothing special about wearing a hat, but her beautiful hat covered most of her face. The only thing we could see was her mouth and lips.  People watched her lips talking for months and months and nobody ever knew what she really looked like. She was supposed to be a marriage specialist and she did a good job on that particular subject. Some audience was so charmed by her mysterious look and her show that they grew desirous to see her face, so did I as far as I can remember. Probably about one year later, she was finally un-vailed herself and was brought to the public, without the hat.

Were people getting more excited after the secret was broken? I don’t think so. She still talked as usual but her mysterious appeal disappeared. Not long after that, there was a rumor which turned into the truth that she was divorced!

Human beings are born with curiosity.  This strong desire of knowing can sometimes drive us insane. Once the truth is unfolded, then, it is just like another day or another thing in life.  However, it is the curiosity that we are driven to be creative and it is the creativity that enhanced and improved our life.

I don’t intend to look like that lady. My purpose for this shot is to experiment my portrait in a completely dark room and rely flash as the single light source. In this case, I set my flash right in front of my camera and have a navy blue cloth with the edge of green wall shown just to add a bit of colors. I also tried to show Orton effect on a portrait picture. It softened the look and made it look more artistic.

As you have probably already seen that the hat is more like sitting on my head instead of me wearing it.  I have a big head and I cannot find a hat in regular hat stores. Even if I can find one, I usually lose it in one trip anyway.

Ortan effect can also be used on a landscape shots. I came across this old flour mill on one of my recent drives to the countryside.  The building is nothing dramatic, but I love its reflections on the pond.

The original shot is contrast, intense and more dramatic,  when the Orton effect is applied, it becomes soft, relaxed and peaceful.  

Photography records reality and modern technology provides know-how to tweak it to our likings and to suit our mood. Isn't that the coolest thing? I do want to say that I don't care for 'extreme make-over' on photograph. Particularly on HDR shots, some people can really go overboard and make some fake looking stuff.

Self-Discovery & Self Awareness

My focus is on portrait shots this week.  My grandson is usually my target but he lives in Seattle now. When I get to see him every once a while, it was brief and he was so active, I could barely have my camera ready and he was onto something else.  So I can only either photo myself or my husband….

I felt so uncomfortable when I first took my own picture last week. Once the debut was on board, it gets easier.  I used flash last week and I thought to try natural light this time.  There is considerable amount of light coming to our master bathroom through a large window.  The window is way up high above the large mirror panel, so the light is toned down from the distance and becomes soft. Convenient enough, there is the large mirror that I can take my own pictures.

It was a cloudy day and the filtered light was not completely ideal, but OK for some experiments. I posted myself in front of the mirror in various angles and used remote control to fire the shots. When I downloaded the first group of shots, I was surprised at what’s on my computer screen. I saw myself calm, content, and look pretty good. I did not necessarily smile in all shots, but I am happy with what I see. Where is that girl who was blamed by the grade school teacher because she did not smile and why my family so often reminded me to smile in front of camera? Well, I went back for many more shots, I made all kind of goofy looks, happy, mad, sad, you name it.  And, I am amused by myself. I feel free and I feel good about myself.

What? I don't believe it!

Had enough fun on my own expense, I made the proposal to take my husband’s portrait photos. He is so used to be in front of my camera because I carry the camera in the family, so an easy Yes.  I took some of his shots around the house (focused on facial expressions) and viewed them on computer screen.  I am looking at this guy every day, but I have never observed so thoroughly through the pictures. He is a super nice guy. When comes to pictures, he tends to look goofy. I have seen enough of them, so I wanted him to be a bit more serious and try different expressions and he did it well. We were both surprised to see his different look from the screen, more serious but not stern; shows more masculine characteristics but still  easy-going. I can tell that he seemed to suddenly be more aware of himself and his outlook.

My husband is very causal and laid-back.  He would go to any gatherings with the same couple of his favorite chamois shirts. If I want him to dress up a little, he would say, just pick one and I will wear it.  When I suggested that we go to the park for his portraits, he chose to wear dress shirt and sweater vest, the preppy look.  It was a sunny day but very cold.  Too bad that he had to add the jacket for the comfort. I selected a few locations with nice light condition and background, and I got quite a few shots that I really like and so does he.

Many people say they are not photogenic, so do I.  My younger daughter is very photogenic and I often wonder where she got that from... My photography work this week has taught me that we can all be photogenic if we want to. I learned that we will all look good if we just let our genuine inside and personality shown on our face. Either if it is a grin, a curled lip, a raised eyebrow, a fury stare or a piercing look. In my opinion, as long as the true emotion and feeling are honestly transmitted, it looks real and it looks natural from photography point of view.

A side note. I don’t like cheesy smiles and that short moment of artificial emotion. Cheesy smiles can be cute on little kids, but they can get into a habit to put out cheesy smiles if they grow up to cheese-smile in front of the family. And remember, such cheesy smiles will stretch the skin unnaturally and generate lines and wrinkles without us even know about it.