In looking at the blog’s of other photographers, I’ve come to the realization that the majority of them have some form of deeper message. This leads me to wonder… do I need to have some deeper message for my readers, or just plod along and see if anyone learns anything from my ramblings. I guess I’ll let you be the judge…
“Art is a calling. Artists do not just paint for themselves, and they don’t simply paint for an audience. Every creation reveals something more about the universe and about the artist.”
–from “Art & Soul Notes on Creating”
On this day I decided to do something a little different, yet familiar. I voyaged over to Centennial Lakes Park in Edina, Minnesota to walk through the Edina Farmer’s Market. I’ve photographed in this area before, but the addition of the farmer’s market brought in some new subject matter.
There either was an air of melancholy about me when I was there that day, or while I processed my chosen images, as most of them seem to have a slightly sad feeling to them. (Or maybe it’s just me that is melancholy?)
I arrived just after the market opened and was impressed by the number and variety of vendors. And I was surprised by the number of people in the area at 3:00 pm on a Thursday buying products from the vendors, strolling around the park and enjoying the offered amenities (paddle-boats, mini-golf, lawn bowling).
I can’t say it was an easy shooting day for me, as I was having difficulties with my camera overexposing images. Last month during a club outing I had similar difficulties to the opposite extreme, (the camera underexposed a bunch of shots by a stop or two) and thought perhaps my camera was showing signs of needing repair. Anyone who has dealt with sending in your camera to its manufacturer will understand my reluctance. As my camera is out of warranty, it’s a couple hundred dollars for service and two weeks of not having my camera in my hands.
Equipment Carried: Nikon D300, 105mm macro, 18-70mm, 70-200mm, polarizer, SB800 flash.
Equipment Used: Nikon D300, 105mm macro, 18-70mm.
I really should have brought my tripod along, but decided not to due to the numbers of people wandering about and … well… cause I didn’t want to carry it. Not having a tripod made taking multi-shot HDRs significantly more difficult, but good hand-holding techniques, “burst” (continuous high) shooting mode and knowing that my HDR software of choice, Photomatix is good at handling alignment issues, helped me through it.
As Centennial Lakes Park is crossed by several bridges and surrounded by office buildings, stores, and senior apartments, it’s a great place to explore architecture.
When I’m oot & aboot (out and about) shooting, I always try to take some time to explore textures and motion within the environment. This day was no different.
Textures and motion are also a way for me to break through a creative block. If I’m not seeing anything through my lens that inspires me, I play with the environment to try to create a mood that wasn’t there before.
But, if in doubt – there are always flowers to photograph!
And then there is the Farmer’s Market itself:
So, that was the day. Did I discover anything for myself? Yes! There are always opportunities if you open yourself up to them. Did I learn anything? Yes! Always check your camera settings before going out on a photo shoot. My problem with my camera overexposing images … it was because the switch that changes my metering system had gotten bumped to something I’m not used to using! Gah!
Some advice if you go:
Buy stuff from the vendors whose booths you shoot at. Don’t carry a lot of gear as it can get crowded. Get there early if you wish to photograph the flower vendors. And the Gingerbread cookies from the bread booth on the south side of the Centrium Building are simply wonderful!
— Holly Kuchera
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