here, have some pictures.

[echo]

these are some of my best pictures. they can usually make me feel better just by looking at them - hope you enjoy them as well.


http://jenny.swerved.net/best/memwknd_surnise000.jpg


http://jenny.swerved.net/best/paperwhites_bloom0.jpg


http://jenny.swerved.net/best/lakesimcoe_feet.jpg


http://jenny.swerved.net/best/501_stream_coming.jpg

[echo]

http://jenny.swerved.net/best/y2kfortress_sunset.jpg


http://jenny.swerved.net/best/may23_bigrun_leaning.jpg


http://jenny.swerved.net/best/may23_spruceknob_view.jpg


http://jenny.swerved.net/best/may23_spruceknob_trees.jpg

[mgb]

The barn one is great. I prefer landscape photographs too, but I am not an expert photographer by any means.

[mgb]

This is probably my best picture (I feel like Napoleon Dynamite saying that). Its from Maui. It would be pretty hard to take a bad picture there.

[echo]

that's a beautiful picture.
*adds maui to list of places to visit

i'm still quite the amateur myself - these were all taken with a crappy 2 mpx sony cybershot... but all of them except one were taken in west virginia, and like maui, it's a hard place to take a bad picture.

[mgb]

that's a beautiful picture.
*adds maui to list of places to visit

i'm still quite the amateur myself - these were all taken with a crappy 2 mpx sony cybershot... but all of them except one were taken in west virginia, and like maui, it's a hard place to take a bad picture.

It's too bad everyday isn't like the day when you take pictures like those...

[xavierd]

It's amazing how beautiful nature can be.

[indie]

The first one is beautiful and would be perfect and could transcend generations of beauty, were it not for the power lines in the background. :) The best one, however, is the barn . . . there's something about it that words cannot say.

[mgb]

I noticed that if you crop the top picture a bit (using my browser) I could get rid of the power lines and still end up with a great picture.

As for the barn, I could say lots about it, and may, not out of spite from what Indiejade said but because I think its a really interesting picture.

Pardon me for saying but it seems to almost be a quintessential american picture. I mean that in a good way. I have been on a couple road trips through states like Montana and once you get off the main highways you end up seeing a lot of scenes like this.

Its almost as if the tree spent most of its life being protected by the barn and now the roles are reversed and the tree in holding up the barn/farmhouse. I wonder if the tree was planted to mark some sort of occasion like the birth of a child or something? The road seems like it is still travelled on so I also wonder if the relatives of the barn/farmhouse owners live nearby. I think a lot of times people tend to stick close to home (not leave the county) unless they migrate to a big to live the American dream. Its almost like this is where the American dream starts...in the kitchen of the farmhouse (it has a lot more windows and doors than you would expect for a barn).

I don't know, that's just me. I also don't know why I find the photographs so much more moving than other types of art.

[echo]

the "barn" picture was taken on a road trip one sunday in june 2003, only about 45 minutess away from my parents' farm. (incidentally, pictures 1, 2, and 4 were taken in hardy county, wv, and the last four pictures were all taken in pendleton county, wv - it's a beautiful area, should any of you ever find yourselves nearby).
as far as the picture itself, it was one of those things where i was just driving by, on a tiny road through the mountains, and looked out my window and slammed on the brakes because it just needed to have a picture taken.
the structure is actually an old farmhouse, and not a barn - it's easier to tell in person, though, especially since it's aged so much. i was thinking about going inside to have a look around, but there was a locked gate on the dirt "road" leading up to the house, and i didn't want to trespass on someone's old homestead on the off chance that it did belong to someone nearby who might not appreciate it.
this particular area is very isolated and community-oriented. everyone knows their neighbors, and even though i was from the next county and not some tourist from out of state, i still didn't feel that it would be appropriate to go nosing around.
i hope to get back there this summer and get some more shots.

[echo]

also, you both are right - i'm going to try to edit out the power lines in the river photo in photoshop sometime today. we'll see if i have any success.

[mgb]

also, you both are right - i'm going to try to edit out the power lines in the river photo in photoshop sometime today. we'll see if i have any success.

In some ways I almost wouldn't. It gives a slight modernity vs. nature tinge to the picture. I mean, as much as you don't want those power lines in the picture they are part of the landscape. Without them you are given the impression of a time long ago (which is kind of nice too).

[echo]

didn't turn out too bad. you have a good point, though. i'm going to keep two versions - one with and one without.

http://jenny.swerved.net/best/memwknd_sunrise_edited.jpg

i'm also working on a few other things that should be finished soon.

[indie]

That barn was in my dream last night! I'd totally forgotten my dream, but that pic reminded me. There was something kind of eerie about it . . . (the dream and the barn) all I can remember is that it was night, inside the barn. Quite the opposite of Mgdr's perception. Looking at it now, of course it doesn't look eerie. Strange.

[mgb]

That barn was in my dream last night! I'd totally forgotten my dream, but that pic reminded me. There was something kind of eerie about it . . . (the dream and the barn) all I can remember is that it was night, inside the barn. Quite the opposite of Mgdr's perception. Looking at it now, of course it doesn't look eerie. Strange.

Did you watch Texas Chainsaw Massacre before you went to bed???

[echo]

indiejade - i thought it would look better in black and white, but i just realized that without the color it's 10 times creepier. at least, for me it is.

http://jenny.swerved.net/best/house_leaning_bw.jpg

[Avengardh]

Awsome.

[Clara]

echo, I'm homesick, suddenly... and I've never been to WV :)
(except for in stories)

Thanks.

[echo]

heh, they make me homesick too. ;)
where's home, clara?

[Clara]

Funny, here - southern Quebec.

Evocative photos, for sure, to be able to express a place so well. :)

[Shai Gar]

i only loved 2, the sprucetrees and the river one (without your feet)
the rest were okay but i fell in love with the river one. it is now my background. i am going to buy a camera today and take a few photos

[EdwinJefferson]

deviantART is a great place to show off pictures.. I've got an account there.

as for the photos.. all impressive bar the feet (I think any photo which has things like that is personal and only has the attraction to the person who took it)

[Clara]

Don't listen to them, echo, the feet picture is my favorite... so far (hoping for more photos... eventually) :ph34r: they probably never walk in bare feet on pebbles

[PsiKik]

Great pictures!


deviantART is a great place to show off pictures.. I've got an account there.
as for the photos.. all impressive bar the feet (I think any photo which has things like that is personal and only has the attraction to the person who took it)

I disagree, that one(standing in the river) is one of my favorites.(with feet and all).

[matthew0028]

The first one is very pretty. I think it'd make a good 1000+ piece puzzle... :)

[echo]

puzzles are a great idea! i'll have to look into that. they'd make nice gifts.
psikik - i like it because it reminds me of summer and wading in lakes. in the winter time, that's a very welcome memory. :)

i forgot this one when i made this thread originally and posted it elsewhere instead, but on second thought i think it belongs here.

http://jenny.swerved.net/best/sunrise3.jpg

[synchronous]

Echo, your photos are very appealing, very beautiful. These were taken with a 2mpx Cybershot? Have you considered entering some of these in photo contests?

[echo]

well... i considered it once, i don't remember why i didn't go through with it. know of any good ones to enter?

[echo]

and yes, taken with a 2mpx cybershot. sometimes i'm thrilled with the picture quality i get from it, because i expect worse.

[PsiKik]

and yes, taken with a 2mpx cybershot. sometimes i'm thrilled with the picture quality i get from it, because i expect worse.

Echo, you have inspired me to post some of my pictures that i will do in another thread in 'the atelier'.
Love your pics, had to download them for later viewing.

[synchronous]

well... i considered it once, i don't remember why i didn't go through with it. know of any good ones to enter?

I don't know about the best ones to enter. There are all sorts. Keep your eye out for photo contests around your area. Some organizations promote photos contests that offer money prizes etc. If you are interested in contests via the internet, do a google search for photogallery or photoblog type websites, or type photo contests. Check out Yahoo groups (Digital Photography Canada or some other American equivalent) for forums to share your pics and obtain feedback.

Check out the following for examples:

www.fotofile.org

www.betterphoto.com

These sites also have forums that provide the opportunity to discuss techniques, equipment, etc. I think it's worth you while if you'd like to advance your skills.

[echo]

that's awesome. can't wait to see your work! :)

[Geoff]

I hope you will not mind me doing so, but some positive constructive criticism for you.

The first photo is a lovely shot (the river one). But the centrally placed horizon could be moved to turn a good picture into a great one if the horizon were at 1/3 or 2/3. Just my humble opinion, and I know the rule of thirds is just a rule (and therefore it is good to creatively break it). Just a small pointer as you work on the photo stuff that the rule of thirds can 'professionalise' the look of your images sometimes! You might know all of this of course, and I apologise if so.

Don't get me wrong, you have the INTP photography eye for these things but, again, the hut photo would benefit from the object not being the very centre of the image. I like the overblown colours from this particular digicam, however. They work well for this sort of webposting.

What I do like are your photo of the black cat balancing. The distorted close up is a neat look. :) That's my favourite of the lot, its awesome.

When I get a mo I'll post a couple of mine to add to the fun :-)

-Geoff

[echo]

no, not at all. :)
of course, the reason it's centered is because i wanted to draw just as much attention to the river and the reflections, as the rest of it - but i see what you mean - it does make it seem a little too balanced. this made me realize that a lot of my photos tend to have the same central focus, so i'm glad you brought it up.
i don't really know anything about professional photography at all, i'm just an amateur with an unhealthy love for sunrises.

[Geoff]

I like sunrises too!

I struggled out of bed at 5:30am for this one in May in Nova Scotia. Hope this isnt too unhealthy for you :devil:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v243/geoffdhill/NS_Sunrise.jpg

-Geoff

[echo]

beautiful! it's interesting how the sunlight is only extending on part of the sky.
hehe, i think one more won't cause too much harm (i hope).

[Zero Angel]

Those are some amazing pictures...

[QrioCT]

there's my new desktop background!

[Geoff]

Which one did you go for?

I never mind posting some of my pictures at a bigger size somewhere for people who want desktop backgrounds of a higher quality.

-Geoff

[Clara]

Where in Nova Scotia, Geoff?

[Geoff]

White point beach lodge, its a resort on the south shore, just east and south of Bridgewater.

Its a beautiful place, we had a room that overlooked the sea and slept to the sound of the waves crashing over the rocks. I walked out of the room and on to the beach to that sunrise at the crack of dawn. The early morning sight and smell is one I love on a beach like that. It will stick long in my memory.

I also that morning caught some interesting sun dog pictures, where the sun was refracting across the crowds in a miniature rainbow parallel to the sun.

-Geoff

[int]

The first photo is a lovely shot (the river one). But the centrally placed horizon could be moved to turn a good picture into a great one if the horizon were at 1/3 or 2/3. Just my humble opinion, and I know the rule of thirds is just a rule (and therefore it is good to creatively break it). Just a small pointer as you work on the photo stuff that the rule of thirds can 'professionalise' the look of your images sometimes! You might know all of this of course, and I apologise if so.



-Geoff



Here are some decent links on the "rule." :)

http://www.silverlight.co.uk/tutorials/compose_expose/thirds.html
http://arstechnica.com/wankerdesk/01q3/photo/photoart-1.html

[Hawkon]

Just my contribution to the folks who likes snowy tops :)

(west view where I live, early summer 2004)

http://www.hawkon.net/hawkon/pics/misc/west.jpg

[Geoff]

I'm jealous.. I have to travel long distances to look at snowy mountains!

-Geoff

[Clara]

That's beautiful, Hawkon.

It looks like farms (... what kinds)?

[Clara]

Thanks, Hawkon - for the photos & the short story :)

I'm looking forward to seeing more (I've never met a sheep, except for lambs at petting zoos).

Edit : Geoff, do you find, as I do, that you can almost smell the air, and hear the sounds, in the pictures posted by the photographers here ?

[Geoff]

Clara, yes I do.. particularly in the ones i have taken (joke). Seriously, sight is the most powerful sense to memory (well at least mine) and the mind seems able to conjure up the others like you suggest.

It is for that reason that I love good photography. My current favourite is the work of Basil Pao (he is the photographer for the hardback versions of Michael Palins various travels. If you get the chance look at, for example, Sahara. Just makes me want to get on a plane tomorrow).

Anyone else seen his stuff?

-Geoff

[CreativeChaos]

Wow! I just stumbled across this and have been stairing at your pictures for a whilel, echo. The fifth one of the "purple mountains" is by far my favorite. I can't for the life of me figure out why. It just is. All are really very beautiful!

[Clara]

... current favourite is the work of Basil Pao (he is the photographer for the hardback versions of Michael Palin's various travels. If you get the chance look at, for example, Sahara. Just makes me want to get on a plane tomorrow).
Anyone else seen his stuff?
-Geoff
Well, for the others of us who hadn't seen that, and wanted to, here's a link (courtesy of Geoff, who found it, and sent it to me) :
http://www.palinstravels.co.uk


echo, I have to tell you, I've enjoyed all the photos, taken by everyone, very much... :smooch: None more than yours, though I can't explain why. (I do think they're *great* pictures, already - very eloquent.)

[Eileen]

PRETTY! :)

[Clara]

Heh. I just discovered ( a minute ago :rolleyes: ) that there are more of echo's photos on her homepage. :)

[echo]

whew! just got back online at home, had a rather inconvenient Hard Drive Failure...

creative chaos: that one, i really like because it always reminds me of the good time i had that day. back in 1998-1999, some guy from out of state bought a handful of land back in the mountains of wv (at least 20 minutes off the main road and accessible only by a barely graveled, twisty dirt road) for the sole purpose of building a Y2K shelter (remember that? lol). he really believed that the world was going to collapse into chaos and decided to be prepared - he had a large house and an even bigger storage building built on the land and had everything equipped with solar panels, should electricty be interrupted. anyway, shortly after Y2K came and went harmlessly, this guy passed away and the property was purchased by someone that my dad got to know through work. so when the current owner decided to have am impromptu music festival of sorts, our entire family got invited. it was awesome to tour the house and see all of the things that the original owner had implemented for doomsday. :) we spent all afternoon/evening listening to some great music, eating barbecue, and relaxing. they even set off fireworks, since there weren't any neighbors for miles.
anyway, i took that picture standing right off the front lawn at sunset. it truly was beautiful out there, and i hope he holds another musicfest this year!