HDR Spotting!

Yeah! I received an invitation code to HDR Spotting! I uploaded my first two contributions today and I'm hoping to see them approved and on the site here soon!

I'm so excited about this new HDR effect. I've been using it on one exposure photos which is really hard to get a smooth look with. So, my first experiments with HDR effects are going to be urban dirty versions with grit and grain.

Here are some true urban dirty portraits!

Lewis and Clark Tigers Football '09

LC Tiger Football player Kyle and his mom Tammy

Shae and Erin just before their wedding vows!

Just a monkey with an attitude!

HDR Effects

Playing around with HDR Effects in Photoshop!

I was cleaning out my 500GB HD so I could back it up to another 500GB HD and really started looking at the collection of photos from the beginning of my photography career. I am embarrassed that I actually showed some of these. Well, I am truly humbled and though I am proud of my new experimental works of art, in a few years I will probably feel the same way: "What was I thinking?" ha ha, well, it's not always about being perfect but the learning curve is way too much fun to ignore. Sharing the process is even more rewarding because then our art improves with feedback and critiques.

So, here are some of the "new" works of art. Enjoy!

Seattle Skyline from Ferry

Spokane River

Riverfront Fountain in Spokane

Dark Fountain

Fort Casey, Washington

By the time you read this, the renovation project may be finished. Fort Casey is located on Whidbey Island near the Washington State Ferry Terminal. This fort has great history and you can read more about it here: http://fortwiki.com/Fort_Casey

Activated in 1900, this fort was acquired by Washington state in 1956. Thousands of visitors come to see the old fort each year and explore dark passageways, old canons, and empty rooms.

As of the taking of this photo, restoration has been commenced to repaint the entire fort in army fatigue green. Personally, I love the weathered and worn look to the fort but the need to preserve such history is necessary.

Feel free to plan a trip to visit this historic site and bring a picnic, warm gear (the wind can be quite chilly here) and a good flashlight or two.