Some of my photos

[mixedmedia]

These are film prints which have been scanned with a digital scanner so quality is a little off.
None of them have been photoshopped except for the one of the guy fishing which I grayscaled and then fooled around with the contrast a little. Oh, and the magic hour clouds one with the power lines. I tweaked the colors a little, but just a very little.
But, this is the sort of stuff I like.
Keep in mind.
I don't know what the hell I'm doing.
It just makes me feel good.
I'm posting these chronologically, from oldest to most recent.


Leu Gardens, Orlando, FL:






Behind my yoga studio, Longwood, FL:



In my first husband's backyard, Apopka, FL (yeah, we get along ):





Orange Ave. (aka, Antique Row), Orlando, FL:







I really like this photo, it is my daughter sketching, but it's too dark...is there anything I can do with this to brighten it up?

Downtown, Orlando, FL:


Big Tree at Loch Haven, Orlando, FL:


Naples, FL:
















Key West, FL:









Grrrr....and I just noticed that you can still see some of the white borders. Thought I trimmed all those off. Guess I need to invest the 5 bucks extra in putting the pics on discs. This is an expensive hobby as it is, though.

And, yes, just for the record. My daughter is over 18.

[Chimera]

You have a good eye for subject matter, in my opinion. Time to go digital Mixed...and keep the camera on you whenever you go out.

[Lucifer]

I really like your photos, Mixed. The interplay of light and shadow on the stair railing is especially interesting.

[AbigailAlfano]

Hi,
You have a nice eye for compostion. I agree, it is time for you to go digital. After you spend the money on the camera, then you don't have to pay for film, or developing, and you can do your tweaking in photoshop with ease. You don't waste shots because if you don't like them...delete. Easy as pie.
And...get a camera that you allows you to change the lenses. Point and shoots are fine, but with your eye I think you will want more versatility.
If you have time, check our our pbase site. (My husband and I are avid
shutterbugs). www.pbase.com/sam_and_abigail
Again, your photos are great. I hope you consider going digital.
Cheers!
Abigail

[Elphaba]

Very nice mm. I was also captivated with the stairwell shot for it's composition. The lighting and color of the seagulls on the beach is something I would frame and put on my wall. I can almost feel that late afternoon sun.

[Moskie]

wow, those are great, mixed.

I was going to list my favorites, but there's too many.


(I do keep going back to the one with the mannequin, though.... how much for a print? )

[Daoust]

Very nice! I like the one of the water/rain on the steps, and I also like the one of the girl in the convenience store... I think it's a little voyeuristic, and yet its a nice capture of an everyday thing... All the pics are great.

[mixedmedia]

Thank you everyone. I'm glad to get some feedback on the pictures. I'm terribly critical of everything I do and don't fully trust the opinions of people who love me, lol. Just kidding, but you know what I mean.

Chimera and Abigail - I would like to have a digital camera, but it's just not in the stars for me at the time. I have considered splurging on one when I get my tax return...but that would be pretty irresponsible of me, eh-heh.
I have a digital point and shoot which takes pretty good shots, but I do prefer the control of using my film slr camera and just the way it feels in my hands. Even though I haven't mastered it fully. Plus I have these dreams of one day taking a darkroom class and learning to develop my own stuff. So I don't think I'll ever give up film photography completely.
Do either of you know where I could get the best deal on a digital slr? Maybe even a used one? If I could find one cheap enough I might be able to work something out.

Lucifer - that's one of my favorites, too. Thanks!

Elphaba - that was a gorgeous sunset at the end of a wonderful day with someone very special.

Moskie - thanks so much, but I don't think I'm there yet. I'm glad you like it, though. She's a little creepy, yes?

Daoust - The water picture was actually an interesting water fountain and the girl in that picture was actually working in a little booth on Duval Street that sells margaritas. I thought she was very pretty and there was just something about her that made me want to take her picture. Could've been because I was a little tipsy on her margaritas, too, I suppose. Plus the colors and the lighting inside the booth made for an interesting shot. At least I hoped. I must admit, I do like sneaking pictures of people when they're not looking.

[Fly]

great shot mixed.....i've taken many shots of the tracks and tressel right here by my place........and i never get bored of it.

they just aren't worthy enough yet to display.


keep the good stuff comin' baby.

[AbigailAlfano]

Hi,
I bought my Canon Rebel XT at B&H online. You can just buy the camera body. The lens that comes with the kit isn't so great, so don't spend the extra on the kit. Splurge on the lens 70 - 200 2.8 Thats the lens that can handle most situations. I don't know the prices off of the top of my head, but shop around. We've had the best service from B&H photo. (Just don't let them talk you into any 'kits'. Just buy what you need.
Did you get a chance to check out our photos on pbase?
Abigail

[mixedmedia]

Thanks, fly. I'd love to see your photos whenever you're ready to share them.

Abigail,
I have heard of B&H Photo and I will check them out. Thanks!

And you and your husband's photos are gorgeous! Thanks for the link. Hopefully I'll be able to catch shots like that some day.

So you play the mandolin, eh?

[Fly]

Originally Posted by mixedmedia

Thanks, fly. I'd love to see your photos whenever you're ready to share them.


So you play the mandolin, eh?

i use paddyjoe as my critic.........he's stingy as all hell.

and he also cancelled his msn......(the bastard)

*maybe it was all the shitty pics i was sending him*

and that's why i haven't put any track pics up.

maybe one of these days.........




and as for mentioning the mandolin on Abigails site.........what a great instrument that is,we use it regularly.....

[shesus]

There are a lot of photos there and I don't want to comment on all of them...it's too late. However, for some critique from a person who is becoming a photographer against her will. *shakes her fist at JJ* I prefer to be in front of the camera not behind.

The photo taken behind your photo studio is very well composed. It is naturally broken into thirds with the buildings across the lake and the boat, then with the plants in the foreground.

I like the yellow flowers with the red centers. The edges are softened which gives a photo, that could be chaotic a nice touch.

I like the picture in the smoothie shop or where ever. It looks posed because of how she is centered between the to things in the foreground.

The last picture is a bit busy with the powerlines.

I prefer simplistic pictures and I like to divide the photo into thirds. Very rarely do I like things centered because it looks too much like a snapshot to me. I tend to find a focal point and put it to the left or right of the picture. But I'm just a point and shoot camera person. You definitely have an eye and with some more playing around and practice, you could have some very awesome photos. I'm curious to see you grow in this area.

[mixedmedia]

Originally Posted by Fly

and as for mentioning the mandolin on Abigails site.........what a great instrument that is,we use it regularly.....

I'm a big fan of bluegrass and traditional country. I agree.

Originally Posted by shesus

There are a lot of photos there and I don't want to comment on all of them...it's too late. However, for some critique from a person who is becoming a photographer against her will. *shakes her fist at JJ* I prefer to be in front of the camera not behind.

The photo taken behind your photo studio is very well composed. It is naturally broken into thirds with the buildings across the lake and the boat, then with the plants in the foreground.

I like the yellow flowers with the red centers. The edges are softened which gives a photo, that could be chaotic a nice touch.

I like the picture in the smoothie shop or where ever. It looks posed because of how she is centered between the to things in the foreground.

The last picture is a bit busy with the powerlines.

I prefer simplistic pictures and I like to divide the photo into thirds. Very rarely do I like things centered because it looks too much like a snapshot to me. I tend to find a focal point and put it to the left or right of the picture. But I'm just a point and shoot camera person. You definitely have an eye and with some more playing around and practice, you could have some very awesome photos. I'm curious to see you grow in this area.

Thank you for taking the time to give me feedback, shesus. I appreciate it very much.

I am familiar with the rule of thirds, but I find when I'm out taking pictures I'm rarely cognizant of it. I look through the viewfinder and when something looks right, I just take it. It's not until afterwards, when I get them back and am examining them that I realize how often I break that rule, lol. But generally it doesn't affect how I feel about the picture. Either I like the effect and mood that I got or I don't. In fact, some of my most "well-composed" photos leave me kind of...blah. They don't move me.

I'd love to see some of your photos if you ever feel like sharing!

[Mauser]

God, now I want to put some coins on those train tracks. Nice Pics!

[Daniel_]

try this edit...

It's a low res to get it to fit the 100K limit, but you can see what can be done.

[naef014050]

i'm a jerk

[Billy Ocean]

3, 5, 11, and 17 are my favorites. Love the B&W on 17.

[analog]

I know I sent it to you, but I figured I'd post it here as well, so others could see what i've done. If anyone is interested in the way I did it, I can put the instructions up.

[ngdawg]

Since you put them in chronological order, it's interesting seeing your progression in composition and subjects. Even though you don't think you're cognizant of the 'rule of thirds', you actually are-it's just instinctive now.
Keep up the good work!

[ARTelevision]

I appreciate the degree of abstraction present in this work.
Your excellent contribs here are much appreciated.
Thanks,
Art

[Esoteric]

Cool pictures, though for some reason that picture of the mannequin creeped me out. It's cool to see other areas of Orlando than just the theme parks up there, (that's all I ever go to Orlando for anyway since it's like an hour and a half drive for me.) Key West is beautiful as always. I haven't been there in a few years though, but like I've said before I would definitely like to go down there again.

[mixedmedia]

Thank you, everyone. I should be getting a digital camera within the next few weeks, at which time I will be sure to post photos more regularly. I appreciate everyone's encouragement. It has done a lot for my self confidence as I was feeling pretty dissatisfied with my photos before I posted them here. I still have a lot to learn, though.

And, Esoteric, I thought the mannequin was creepy, too. Which no doubt is why she appealed to me.

[hambone]

These are really nice. I love pictures of ordinary objects, well framed.

Keep em coming, you have a real eye for this.

[mixedmedia]

Thank you, hambone.