Art Exhibit

The compilation art exhibit in Rocky's gallery was quite interesting. When I walked in and saw the paintings of the dancers and dress I knew it was going to be cool. I enjoyed the theme of the Flamenco dancers and how it related back to the artist. I also liked the real dress that was placed in the corner to add to the exhibit. I'm not sure if the paintings are something that I would put on my wall because I prefer photos or more subtle colors. But they were quite good.
The next exhibit with the fashion reminded me of the leg lamp off of "A Christmas Story". I chuckled and quite enjoyed it. It is quite fun drawing fashion things so I could relate in that way.
And the final exhibit of 99 pills was really interesting. I had no idea that Cassie had rheumatoid arthritis so it was interesting to take in what someone with that kind of thing has. It was a great visual display expressing the pains that go into the condition. It was very moving. I did like the various pictures and the entire set up it was very creative.

Five Favorite Photos from presentation

The above image was taken at Zimmerman Park. It is one of my favorite images because the tree was nicely silhouetted and you could also see the outline of the mountains, not to mention the amazing colors in the sky. It was taken on a tripod with f-stop of 14 and a shutter speed around 1/30.

The moon shot was taking also at Zimmerman park. It was a faster shutter speed and I think the f-stop was around 8. I enjoyed this picture for the rule of thirds as well as the detail that was found in the moons face. I have always wanted to take a picture of the moon and be able to see the face clearly and thankfully I was able to do so with this shot. The clouds that the moon is rising above also add to the scene and make it more than just a black sky.


The meadow shot was taken in Yellowstone National Park. It was during the day and partly cloudy so the shutter speed was a bit faster. I loved the colors and the contrast between all of the elements of the photo. I especially loved the shadows of the clouds and the red hills working together to make a good composition.


My bird nest picture was taken at Phipps park. I enjoy silhouetted trees and various aspects that help spice them up. the nest was a really cool element that added to the shot. I also loved that the rims were lit behind and the colors of the sky were subtle yet glorious. It's a shot that makes me feel warm inside every time I see it.


The final shot of the steaming pools at Yellowstone National Park is one of my favorites for many reasons. It is an image that is slightly calming and zen for me. The steps that shine because of the glass water provide the perfect area for reflections and they add to the contrasting elements of the photo. Another reason why I love this shot is because people that I show it to have come up to me days later and said, I still can't get that image out of my head. That to me is what photography is all about. We see so many images in a day but it is the images that people can't get out of their heads that counts the most!

CPC and other photography things in Chicago

Chicago Photography Center is an organization in Chicago that creates many opportunities for photographers of all skill levels. It is a non-profit school of types. They have many outreach events to supply cameras to those who would have never had the chance to use a camera otherwise.
In a way this organization reminds me of the girl from Yes Man who leads the running photography group. Many of their events involve community members meeting together. The organization supplies the cameras. Then the entire group goes to various places around Chicago and takes pictures.
This is quite an interesting organization and something to consider when I head back home. They also offer various classes and volunteer opportunities. The classes are around $500 each and go over things like beginning photography, lighting, advanced photography, portraiture, etc.
I was happy to see that there are some passionate photographers that have dedicated their skills to spreading photography to those who may not have had opportunity otherwise.
http://www.chicagophoto.org/classes/lighting/

The next website that I found while searching was the need for photographers on Craig's list. There was a specific post that made me chuckle. It was asking for photographers (or non photographers) that would want to take photos at Chicago's hot spots for tourists. What made me laugh was the fact that the people that were going to do this job were going to be paid $8.25 an hour. And there was no need for photography background. It just goes to show that the people that are taking pictures at the tourist hot spots in any area don't get paid much and sell their photos for ridiculous prices. It's almost more beneficial to know how to take the shot yourself. :)