Litli Geysir in Iceland - and a little tip for shooting fireworks tomorrow

Litli Geysir in Iceland - and a little tip for shooting fireworks tomorrow, originally uploaded by Photomike07 / MDSimages.com.

Well, here we are.....the end of the week (alright, its actually Saturday) and the end of my HDR free post series. I end it, of course, with an HDR!

Funny, when I was stumbling around to get this shot, I kinda took a little double take at the spelling, till I remembered where I was. Nothing like traversing the countryside of Iceland whilst looking at a map with towns and roads with names like Vorsabaejarhjaleiga, Gegnisholapartur, and Ragnheioarstaoir. You think I'm kidding, check out this roadsign I had to figure out..... www.flickr.com/photos/mdsimages/4428835990/in/set-7215761...

So tomorrow, some of you in the states might be heading out with the rig in hopes of capturing that incredible fireworks image you always wanted to get. Well, as taken from Scott Kelbys post, here are a few tips:

1. Use a tripod - kind of given there, but just in case you were wondering.

2. A couple of lenses might be nice. A wide angle for establishing the location and a 200mm for some close up details.

3. Click it on over to manual. Trust me on this one.

4. Shutter speed to about 4 seconds.

5. Aperture to about f11.

6. Use a cable release.

This should give you nice sharpness with the aperture and a nice bit of light trail with the shutter speed. Try a few shots and if its over exposed, try speeding up the shutter speed to about 3 seconds.

Bracket a few, be safe, and enjoy your 4th!

Iceland - another lone church

Iceland - another lone church, originally uploaded by Photomike07 / MDSimages.com.

The process.....login, upload, post an insightful bit of wordage, log off, crash for the evening. Tonights process? Login, post an image, ....... uuhhhh, writers block.....plan B (ramble on about nothing), log off, crash for the evening!

New changes to the site coming soon. I feel it might be an organic process though......we'll see how it goes! I will say this though, the images are going to be ALOT BIGGER :)

Iceland - lone church on the hill

Iceland - lone church on the hill, originally uploaded by Photomike07 / MDSimages.com.

Having taken an HDR break here this week, I guess I'm gonna have to come out of the gate with a good one after this reprieve!

I tend to do this a bit while out on the hunt for images as well. Somedays, the focus is all about finding subjects with fine detail, lighting contrast, and colorful range to capture. The real magic to unfold much later in the digital darkroom. Other times, like in this image, its all about capturing the light with one frame. Of course, I say that now.....but I'm not really sure that it was one frame! I processed it a while ago. Hmmm, lets just pretend that it is :)

One more thing by the way.....naming images.....sometimes a challenge, as well demonstrated by this lame attempt.

Happy Friday everyone....and have a safe 4th of July weekend!

Icelandic Landscape

Icelandic Landscape, originally uploaded by Photomike07 / MDSimages.com.

Continuing my journey this evening on a short break from the HDR routine, I present these few shots. Iceland is well known amongst the privileged few photographers that visit its splendor as a place of unique lighting. It can change on a dime thought so it helps to have a flexible attitude. On this overcast afternoon, the soft even light helped me paint the scene with a kind of lonely blue tone.

Iceland - a calm in the evening

Iceland - a calm in the evening, originally uploaded by Photomike07 / MDSimages.com.

A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. ~Lao Tzu

In what I am going to call a little break from HDR and that intense desire to push back color, light, and detail into most every image I post, you will find me posting a few calm ones this week from my Iceland file - the forgotten few.

After last nights post, (see the blog for the video link), I read up a bit from the blog of Tim Ferriss (the author of the book called the Four Hour Work Week). It really kinda hit a cord with me. Vagabonding, wanderlust, directionless travel, bumbling about the planet, nomadic pursuit......whatever you like to call it.....there is a side of me that lives for that. I used to travel every summer in the off season just like that. Just get out and go! For anyone who has popped into this blog from time to time knows that and also knows that I get a bit stir crazy around this time of year. Its hot here in South Florida and the world is calling me, begging me to come out and play LOL!

Montmarte' in Paris - a walk amongst the artists

Montmarte' in Paris - a walk amongst the artists, originally uploaded by Photomike07 / MDSimages.com.

Having spent a bit of time in Paris over the years during a few various trips there, I didn't really take the time to wander this remote area called Montmarte' till last summer. Set up on the hill near the Sacre Couer that overlooks this city of light, its certainly worth trecking up there for an evening if you can. A great night usually begins with a bottle of wine and some local cheese while enjoying an incredible sunset from the steps of this cathedral. The tableaux vivant of street performers, travelers, and the like are a great theatrical feast while the Parisain skyline serves as its scenic backdrop. After this "living french" experience, the procession then continues to any one of the various street cafes or quant restaurants just a few enjoyable steps away. While it can feel a bit touristy, the trick is to wander away from the crowds and immerse yourself in ths wonderful area, like the famous artists Salvador Dalí, Amedeo Modigliani, Claude Monet, and Pablo Picasso must have done.

Found this on a hike - Zermatt in Switzerland

Found this on a hike - Zermatt in Switzerland, originally uploaded by Photomike07 / MDSimages.com.

There's usually a moment within the window of time that I give myself to explore the art....a point at which I have to ask myself "Is this a keeper, or am I creating a piece of serious garbage!"

I had a few challenges with this one, I must admit, but when I decided to let go, paint in a few textures, and just enjoy the process....it started to come together. Now, mind you, it could still be judged as a rubbish, but thats ok.....

And for all you Fathers out there....I hope you enjoyed your special day!

Matterhorn on a misty mountain afternoon

Matterhorn on a misty mountain afternoon, originally uploaded by Photomike07 / MDSimages.com.

"The only Zen you can find on the tops of mountains is the Zen you bring up there." -
Robert M. Pirsig

There is something very settling and familiar when exploring about an area like Zermatt. Seems like no matter where you are, one of the most majestic of all mountains called the Matterhorn always seems to be looming off in the distance - like an old friend there to comfort you, ya know. (my gosh, where in the world is all this going?!) Nowhere I guess.......now what?

Hmmm, how about a little about the image?

I had to do a bit of work on this one. The light was kinda flat and even, so I played with painting a bit of contrast in here in there to create more of a sense of depth and texture. There always, at least when I was there, seems to be a mess of clouds around the peak (like the time-lapse I took when I was there). I'll link to it on the blog if you want to check it out. In this case, the sense of mystery helps a bit (I think). Hope ya like :)

Late night reflections in Paris

Late night reflections in Paris, originally uploaded by Photomike07 / MDSimages.com.

Dance is the only art in which we ourselves are the stuff of which it is made. - Ted Shawn

My little reflection this evening is about art and the need to express yourself. Too often, modern society tends to place little importance on the arts. Not always of course, but the older I get, the more I see how that basic need to express yourself tends to get put way back on the burner for pursuits of money. Art being beaten out of the student to make way for skills to earn a living. Make more money to drive the economy, to buy more stuff, to keep the cycle going. Kind of maddening at times don't ya think? Guess I'm going off on a bit of a tangent here aren't I?

I guess my point is, keep it all in check. Balance it out. You know, its funny. We all pick up the crayons and express ourselves as kids, but somehow those artistic qualities that we are ALL born with become suppressed in that mad pursuit called life. I guess its easy to see why the enrollment in the art clubs, photography workshops, and dance classes is heavily populated by the over 40 crowd. Kind of a calling to get back to something of heartfelt meaning.

After seeing the look in the eyes of my little one this evening.....expressing herself in dance in her very first show....I am reminded of something that is so important. Support the pursuit of passion, for its not all about having the eyes on the prize, its about savoring the journey.....and expressing yourself along the way.

Oh, by the way, thats exactly what drew me into the streets of Paris here from the late hours of the evening and into the wee hours of the morning. Don't be afraid to explore your art and passion along your journey!

A wet evening stroll in Buenne, France

A wet evening stroll in Buenne, France, originally uploaded by Photomike07 / MDSimages.com.

I had a lot of strange looks as I explored the wet streets of Buenne on this particular evening. Rain, and lots of it, so of course I thought "reflections!" None the less, I still had a lot of "what in the hell is this guy doing out in the rain" looks.

The hardest part about my wet outing in the cute little French village was how to keep the constant spray of that bulbous 14-24mm Nikon lense. Have ya seen that thing?! That things like a magnet for water!

I decided not to fight the color temperature of the city's architectural lighting as I processed this one. Like a post from a couple of days ago, I also used a bit of texture to bring about a little interest to the sky and some of the architecture. I kinda like it :)

In the wine caves

In the wine caves, originally uploaded by Photomike07 / MDSimages.com.

To get away from one's working environment is, in a sense, to get away from one's self; and this is often the chief advantage of travel and change. ~Charles Horton Cooley

I've been quite fortunate to have traveled this great world for both pleasure and for work. Although tonight's post is from one of those carefree explorations of Europe that I love so much, my focus now is gearing up for a pretty cool trip up ahead. I must say, its always rewarding when a client decides to trek our team out of the country, and although the Bahamas is a quick 1 hour hop across the Atlantic pond, its still kinda cool!

Tomorrow will be a bit of a packing, gathering, and a last minute collection of clothes, camera gear, and computer gear for a 1 week destination wedding that we are lighting in the Caribbean. As I did on the last event, I will try to blog a bit as we progress thru the setup and complete the events. I am sure we are in for a few challenges on this one, but thats what we look forward to. Check back soon for more fun :)

A bit of tasting in the Wine Celler - Beunne, France

A bit of tasting in the Wine Celler - Beunne, France, originally uploaded by Photomike07 / MDSimages.com.

I must admit, I'm one of those types that absolutely loves a great glass of wine, but has no real interest in the research that one might take to really understand the art of the product. I just don't have the time. So although I have no idea what I am tasting, that surely should not stop me from exploring the great cellars in France, right? This place in a town called Beunne was really sweet. Barrels placed throughout the various rooms in this dark and cavernous cellar had bottles placed atop with candles to add a bit of ambience. Very cool indeed! The result? As there were not too many tourists there at the time, I received a fantastic lesson and kind of a private sampling of a few "special" wines. And yes, all this before lunch LOL!

An evening in Montmarte, Paris

An evening in Montmarte, Paris, originally uploaded by Photomike07 / MDSimages.com.

There are many places that just seem to have that "I'm in the center of it all" feeling. You know, like you are at the point in which all around seem to gravitate to. This is one of those places. Montmarte' in Paris. This place has long been the hangout of artists and musicians, and although it can feel a bit touristy at times, its still a great place to explore.

And, for the musical journey.......

From the Patio at the Oasis in Austin

From the Patio at the Oasis in Austin, originally uploaded by Photomike07 / MDSimages.com.

Wow, could it actually be? It seems like I have been blogging for over 2 years now. Yes, over 2 years of random thoughts and verbal diarrhea. What on earth have I rambled on about for the better part of 25 months!

I must say though, my usual blog time (between 11PM and 2AM) has yet to find me in the sharpest of cerebral moments. A million times a day, I find myself saying to myself "oh, thats a brilliant perspective...I should blog about that". These moments of course seem to get flushed out of the mind a couple of hours before I find myself in from of the keyboard attempting to recall a morsel of anything entertaining......and well, this is what ya get. LOL....just me, and rambling on about nothing.......

The image? Taken and processed during a workshop in Texas with the one and only...Trey Ratcliff from Stuck in Customs. I loved those cool shadows raking themselves across the deck...very cool :) .... ya like?

Hope you all are enjoying this wonderful weekend!

And of course, the video link below has not an ounce of reason to be here....other than this band rocks. If there is one performer I could see touring with, Jamie Cullum would have to be up in the top 5 for sure. This clip was from the North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam. Three days of some of the worlds best music. Enjoy!

End of the day in the Cote' D'Azur

End of the day in the Cote' D'Azur, originally uploaded by Photomike07 / MDSimages.com.

I absolutely love train travel! For me, some of the best tracks around are the ones that trace the coast of the Mediterranean. Here in the South of France or specifically....the Cote D'Azure, there are endless little pockets of goodness to explore about. Yummy! Pick a train, pick a random stop, and go!

And on a totally unrelated note....I got chickens...lotsa chickens! I paid a little surprise visit to one of my newly acquired rental properties today and took a peak around back at one of the units and .... well...there was this cage, with what appeared to be about 5 or 6 chickens. Actually, looked like mix of roosters and hens, very strange non the less.

So, now that were rambling here a bit, here's something even more unrelated.....

Just a quick clip of a pretty cool "fire effect" we created for an event this evening. Worked out pretty cool actually. As always, my rock star crew helped make it all possible.. Thanks everyone!

Now, what to do about those chickens........hmmmm......

(more on all this later.....)

Village hopping around the lake - Lake Como

Village hopping around the lake - Lake Como, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover” – Mark Twain

An evening on the Seine in Paris - and a really cool project from Pat Metheny

An evening on the Seine in Paris, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

I've always been fascinated with artistic pioneers. Those who plunge forward with a vision of their art, reguardless of the critiques, naysayers, and acceptence of the masses. When in Paris, of course, its hard not to feel and embrace the the presence of the early masters of impressionism.

Similarly, a musician I have followed for sometime now and a pioneer in his own right was my inspiration as I worked on this image tonight. Check out his new creation below!

A hike in the Swiss Alps - Zermatt

A hike in the Swiss Alps - Zermatt, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

I've been searching for "themes" of sorts to tie in my blog posts for the week, or at the very minimum....nuggets of wisdom. Not sure if any of that makes sense in the slightest, but yet I plunge forward....

Music is powerful. It is quite often the catalyst for setting the mood when I head out for capturing the feel of the location and......(good grief, this is going absolutely nowhere....)

aaaanyway, hope you like what I created in post. I applied a bit of a painterly look with Topaz and of course, photoshop. And as far as the music that drove the mood? (I guess thats the theme of the week....The music that drove the mood!)

Iceland - Landscapes forever!

Iceland - Landscapes forever!, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

My evening scan of images has me a bit in a reflective state. I guess the usual punch of color and screaming detail I usually present via HDR can take a back seat for a night or 2.

Iceland, wow...

I was chatting a bit with a long time client and friend today about our awesome opportunity to make it over there last year. For me, anytime I get a chance to actually leave the country is in essence, a license to unplug from any real responsibility. I guess I have a bit of a split personality. Although I am an entrepreneur and need to be running my own ship for most of the time, it sure is nice to jump of the gang plank and abandon ship. I can remember bumbling about Europe a few years ago during one of my first trips over there. Just before leaving, I let Carl (the guy I left in charge) know that I would check in often. Well, 3 weeks later, I finally got around to checking in. I kinda miss those days without internet and cel phone. Kinda hard to REALLY escape these days. There's must be some place thats virtually unreachable on this planet. Guess I gotta do a little more work finding that place perhaps....LOL!

Ah yes, the feeling of wanderlust....

The images below were from just one of those kinda trips. Unplugged, exploring, and loving it in Iceland!

Just before the sky's opened up over Reykjavik

Just before the sky's opened up over Reykjavik, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

About 2 seconds after the image here was captured, like outta no where.....instant waterage. (My gosh Mike, what kinda sentence is that, yikes!)

Actually, I'm sure that it wasn't really "outta no where - am I spelling that wrong?." There's no real telling where my head is whilst in hot pursuit of a cool HDR setup.

On a completely different note, I was lucky to have one of my images chosen for a travel book showcasing the Palm Beach County area. Front Page of the book! Kinda cool. I saw a mock up and it looks awesome! They may use an image on the back of the book as well.

On a completely different unrelated other note (there he goes again!)....

I get alot of email about how I finish off my images. First off, I welcome those. I know when I was learning, there were alot of people I looked up to, learned from, and cherished the mentoring that I received. With that in mind, I hope to ramp up my site soon with a new look and a little bit of a tutorial section, perhaps with videos as well. Can't promise when as I have a few irons in the fire, but stay tuned for that.

More on all of this later :)