Urban Abstracts

A quick day trip to Cindy's old college town, Greensboro, NC brought back some old memories. Lunch at Yum Yum's (best hot dogs in the world!) and supper at Bill's pizza. Both resturants were hangouts so many years ago, and have barely changed. The downtown district has really revitalized, with lots of new shops in the old buildings, and a few new, modernistic buildings. We took a little time to tour a few blocks with our cameras. When we got home and looked at the shots, we realized that not one photo was a "wide" scenic shot. Even though we pretty much have our own styles, and often split up on separate directions, this time we both focused on the graphic nature of the architecture. Lots of lines, curves, reflections, and textures made the day. A couple of quick portraits to break up the monotony. A long blog today since we have two contributors!

---Sam

One Man's Junk...

Is of course another man's treasure. Sort of a double themed blog today. I just purchased a new Sigma 24 - 70 zoom lens and just had to try it out. Even though it is the "pro" grade of the Sigma line, some photogs would never be seen with it on their camera (as it is a third party product). For them, it's the name brand or nothing. I take a more practical approach. I figure that if I can get a lens for $1000.00 less than the name brand "pro" glass, and still get "pro" sharpness, color, and contrast...well...duh!

The second "junk" theme are the photos. I discovered a cool "mini" junk yard right in downtown Newton. It had about six or seven old junkers, mostly Chevys. A gold mine of color, textures, lines, and rust. And one stray cat that scared the %^&$ out of me when I disturbed its nap in the sun. A few other shots of small details in the alleys and buildings, and I'm convinced that I should not be shamed with the Sigma on the camera.

---Sam

Aroma of Art Silent Auction

Cindy and I have the privilege of donating a few of our photographs for a very worthy cause. Aroma of Art Silent Auction is a month long silent auction sponsored by Taste Full Beans Coffeehouse (TFB) in Hickory, NC. Proceeds benefit three nonprofits, ALFA, Humane Society of Catawba County, and Women's Resource Center. The auction has a blog (here). Please visit to see regular updates and other artists that are participating.

The auction is hosted and sponsored by Taste Full Beans Coffeehouse, a great place for a light lunch, awesome coffees, and a great relaxing atmosphere. Visit their website (here).

Two of the great abstracts from Cindy:

And one landscape and one nature abstract of mine.

If you are in the Hickory, North Carolina area, please stop by and visit the coffeehouse. Get a number, and BID. Your donations go to a great group of causes!

---Sam

Wandering

I really don't have a "themed" blog today. Work and winter has taken it's toll on creativity and photographic opportunity. Spring is coming, and hopefully some more portrait sessons. In the meantime...

----Sam

Shooting from the Hip

This was a busy Saturday, so not much time for photography. Bella and I went out for a quick walk and a few quick shots. A good chance to practice a "quick draw" technique. Many times you don't have time to think out compositions, exposures and details. Good photographers can "shoot from the hip" sucessfully. Practice, practice, practice...

---Sam

A Walk in the Village

While Cindy did some shopping in Birkdale Village, I got a little exercise. I challenged myself to use only one lens, look carefully at little details as well as the larger picture. I picked my 70mm - 200mm zoom (of course, the thing hasn't been off the camera since I got it), since it produces sharp details, and gives me some creative controls with the depth of focus. I also composed with post-processing in mind, to add another dimension. I thoroughly enjoyed the exercise!

---Sam