A Different View

Rays of Hope

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:41 -0500

This evening up on Chimney Peak, I saw the most amazing sight. Beams of light pierced through the ominous thunderhead, illuminating areas which would have otherwise been shrouded in darkness. In a way, reminded me of how we should live our lives.

Red Panda

Sun, 16 May 2010 16:48 -0500

Out of all the animals I saw at Zoo Atlanta, the Red Panda was one of my favorites. The Kori Bustard was up there too, but that's simply because I love the name! This photo also proves why prime lenses simply can't be beat when it comes to sharpness and clarity.

Mountaintop Mist

Mon, 03 May 2010 20:52 -0500

I don't think anything on earth can surpass the beauty of nature. It's simply awe-inspiring to see and experience, and like all amazing things, it reflects the handiwork of an amazing Creator.

Pastel Colors at Twilight

Sun, 04 Apr 2010 13:40 -0500

Using a similar technique as Dusk's Fading Light, in this photograph, I zoomed out during the 15 second exposure to create light trails. This photo in particular seems to have a very peaceful, calming effect. Do you feel the same thing, or do you get a different feeling?

Mediterranean Sea

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 16:05 -0500

Looking west, from Netanya, Israel. The cool sea breeze and white sand beaches were a welcome sight, after spending so much time in the hustle and bustle of Jerusalem. What a great place to spend our last day in Israel.

Red Planet

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 07:13 -0500

I love it when you see a photo on the back of the camera LCD, and you know instantly that it is a keeper. I didn't expect to do much post processing on this shot, as it looked quite good out of the box, but boy was I in for a little surprise.

You can read the full writeup on the post processing for this shot, over on the Addendum blog.

Flare

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:27 -0500

There is no denying the sun is impressive. When it is setting, I don't know if it's possible to take an ugly photo. Take for example this backlit portrait, the colors simply pop out of the screen. I think it's safe to say, I'm currently hooked on sunsets.

Golden

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 08:09 -0500

On a brisk Thursday afternoon, at the golden hour, I decided to take a short trip in my car, too look for some potential photographs. As soon as I came across this section of road, I knew it was a photographic opportunity. I doubled back, parked the car by the side of the road, and got out my camera.

This high contrast scene gave the camera some issues, I ended up switching to manual mode in order to help control the brightness. After I took a handful of shots, I packed up, and headed home, happy knowing that I had gotten what I set out to accomplish.

Snowscape

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 10:46 -0500

There is simply no denying that snow is gorgeous, but here in Alabama, we don't get to see it very often. However, two days ago, we received three inches of snow, causing the once bleak landscape to be instantly transformed into a winter wonderland. The snow only lasted two days, but it was definitely worth it.

By Dusk's Fading Light

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:03 -0500

This photo is the result of an accident, but it's the kind of accident you don't mind having. Last night, at dusk, I took some of my cousins up to Chimney Peak for the first time. It was cold, but the view made up for it.

As you can imagine, I brought along my tripod and camera, in hopes of getting a few long-exposures of the city. After firing off a few shots, I was about to move the camera, when I accidentally pressed the remote, starting another 15 second exposure. And since I really didn't care about the photo, I decided to try zooming out during the exposure, and when I saw the resulting photo on the LCD, I was quite pleased.

I ended up shooting three additional photos using this technique, and I think the last one turned out the best. Feel free to let me know what you think about this effect.

Supports

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 08:22 -0500

While in Fort McClellan, the sky was overcast, the daylight was waning, and the temperature was dropping. I knew I didn't have much time left, but I didn't want to leave without a visit to the train tracks.

The repetition of the worn concrete supports instantly captured my eye. I ended up photographing it from a few different angles, but I think this one turned out the best.

Again, this was shot with my trusty Leica IIIf, on Kodak T-MAX 400 film.

Tagged

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 23:59 -0500

While exploring some of the old condemned remains at a nearby closed military base, I came across a door with a white baggage tag affixed with an old rusty thumb tack. I have no clue as to the meaning of the tag, but I do love the stark contrast it presents.

The photo was taken with my trusty Leica IIIf, and Kodak T-MAX 400 film, which I processed myself. And to top it off, I added a color tint in Lightroom.

The Great Blue Heron

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 08:29 -0500

Near the end of October, I had the privilege of going on a photography expedition with fellow photographer, Jim Davenport. On the trip, we decided to stop by a lake in hopes of finding some photographic specimens. That's when I saw the Great Blue Heron. He was out in the middle of the lake, sitting on an old fallen tree. I rushed to get my 400mm lens and tripod. After a few test exposures, I knew I had a keeper.

The only downside was the time of day. As noonday sun is hardly the best time for photography. But thanks to some development work in Lightroom, I was able to bring the contrast back into the otherwise contrast-less photograph.

Hot Blast Stoves

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 23:48 -0500

Today I was able to visit one of my favorite locations, Sloss Furnaces in Birmingham, Alabama. At Sloss, there are so many things you can photograph, it simply boggles the mind.

Pictured are two of the six hot blast stoves. When this plant was operational, these stoves were used to heat the air to 1400ºF, which in tern was used to melt the iron in the blast furnace. Impressive to say the least.

I've posted some more photos from Sloss on Flickr.

Serene Path

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 10:34 -0500

There is one good thing about bleak winters, and that's the fact that you have time to process the photos you took when it was beautiful outside. Take for example this lovely path leading to Little River. You just can't beat the vibrant colors of fall.

Windows Are Portals

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 07:18 -0500

Windows are portals to the outside world. Whether it is the void of outer space, the ocean deep, or someone's back yard, they are there, working tirelessly to keep the outside world out, while at the same time, letting us view it.

Never under appreciate windows.

Bokeh at Sunset

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:33 -0500

The golden hour is my favorite time of the day. With light like this, I don't think it's possible to take an ugly photo.

Remnants

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 14:32 -0500

For this weeks photo, lets take a 6,500 mile jump over to to nation of Israel. Two months ago, I had the privilege of spending two weeks in Israel during the Feast of Sukkot. During that time my dad and I traveled around the country and met all sorts of wonderful people. I ended up taking around 2,000 photos.

Today's photo was taken near Masada, inside the remains of the ancient Biblical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. When you walk around inside these ancient cites, you can still find round sulfur balls embedded in the ash. It's amazing to see in person.

If you'd like to more photos from the trip, be sure to view the Israel 2009 set on Flickr.

Cheaha State Park, in Fall Array

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 23:10 -0500

Seeing this photo I took a few weeks ago makes me long for the fall colors again. Fall is my favorite season, but its vibrance only lasts for a short time, so you've better take advantage of it before its too late.

Sunrise in the Smokys

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:45 -0500

A thick fog had enveloped the entire mountainside, yet through it all, you could still see the sun coming up over the horizon.

Fallout

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:51 -0500

Fall is almost out, which is unfortunate, but I definitely enjoyed it while it was here. The fall colors were cut a bit short due to recent rainstorms, brought on by Hurricane Ida. Almost all that is left is to start the count till next year.

The Little River

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:03 -0500

As soon as the sun had set, the cool blue colors of twilight filled the sky. That was the perfect time to open up the lens for a long exposure.

400 Photos

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 21:17 -0500

It's been a little over 4 years since A Different View, the photoblog, launched. And today marks the 400th entry. Thinking back, it's amazing how much has changed since I first started the photoblog. My photography kit has grown quite extensively, but my original 20D camera body, which I purchased when I stared this blog, is still working and hasn't let me down yet. So here's to another 4 years of A Different View!

The Stillness

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:24 -0500

Late in the evening, just before I left Cades Cove, I took this photo. Only a small amount of light remained. So little in fact, that I had to setup a tripod and use a 5 second exposure to capture it. But I believe the resulting photo was definitely worth the trouble, as it helps show just how amazing the Smoky Mountains are.

Fence Line

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:35 -0500

Open green pastures, abundant wildlife, and mountains surrounding you on all sides, this my friends is Cades Cove.