Hall County Court House, Grand Island, NE, Nikon D7000, Tokina 12-24 f/4 @ f/9, ISO 200, 1/250 sec
This past Friday and Saturday gave us a reminder that winter is nowhere nearly over, dropping some 26-28″ of the white stuff in the metro area. I should have been out shooting the resulting winter wonderland, but honestly, after digging out twice in one day and again on Saturday, I didn’t feel up to the challenge. Thus, I spent most of the weekend indoors, warm, dry and working on various projects that required staying warm, dry and indoors. As beautiful as snow can be, I’ve discovered the older I get the less I want to deal personally with it, choosing instead to admire photos by others of winter scenes.
Much of the time I used to sort through the photos from my previous week’s trip to Nebraska. As you recall, I complained about my techniques used in “Lazy Photography”. That post raised quite a few protests from those who choose not to use tripods and complements on the results of my “lazy photography”. I think I learned an important lesson and that’s to simply be more aware of pitfalls when making blanket statements. While I was out shooting I kept thinking of the tripod lying in the back seat of my car, and of my feeling that I was rushing myself to obtain photos. For example, I didn’t take the time to ensure that some of the shots had the entire subject in it, which just isn’t my usual style, since I tend to crop most of the time and normally leave a bit more room to work with. I think allowing myself to feel rushed probably was the root cause of the overall inaccurate title to my last post. In truth, there have been numerous outings in which I’ve decided to leave the tripod encased in it’s nylon cocoon. One other truth – when I use a tripod it forces me to be more deliberate in my compositions; had I used it on the trip, I may have overcome the rushed feeling and settled in to a more relaxed tempo.
The photo here is another from last week’s visit. I won’t say much about it now, but it’s serving to trigger yet another project idea. More later on this later.
Thanks for all the constructive and encouraging comments I’ve been receiving lately – I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate it!
Thanks for reading,
John
John, with all that snow I think I’d be inside as well. I don’t believe there’s a right or wrong concerning using a tripod, or not. I shoot more without one but there are times when I do use one and I enjoy it. I do agree it’s a more “deliberate” experience planning the photo with a tripod and there are probably times I’d get a better photo if I used one. We each have our own styles and methods — isn’t it wonderful we’re not all alike!
Indeed it is a good thing we each have our own styles. Just yesterday I rode the train home with a fellow photographer that had shot the same abandoned truck as me – and even though the subject was the same, the look was completely different.
Wow! 26+ inches of snow! Brrrrr. As for the tripod – What Earl said!
Yes – I had to dig out four times!
I can guarantee you that the snow you are getting would send me scurrying for the fireplace. Moreover, I identify with how age alters our perception of weather’s inherent threat to comfort. While I am not considering a move to Florida, it seems obvious to me why southern climes attract retirees. Weather that once was fascinating and beckoned me to explore, now conjures up excuses to focus on indoor projects.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels this way. I used to love winter weather, now I could do nicely without it. But I’d still rather live here than nearly any other place…
You’re having the winter we had last year. We haven’t had much snow at all this year and, frankly, I’m not missing it much.
I wish I could summon up more enthusiasm for using a tripod. Perhaps if I had something nicer than I have (mine is about 25 years old) I’d be more inclined to use it. I like the new carbon fiber ones. Still, I don’t think a tripod does much for you if you can use a relatively fast shutter speed and take your time with the composition. Or am I being lazy?
Here’s to indoor projects!
I think I’m going to do a no-tripod project! I have a nice tripod, but I’m still never enthusiastic about using it – they can be such a hassle. And I’ve seen enough of your work to no there’s no laziness there! Thanks!
I really like the strong composition, the building looks very majestic. And the strong shadows enhance the architectural features beautifully. Great work!!
Thanks Martina! I appreciate the comments!
Our winter hasn’t seen hardly any snow. I do like to take winter images. However, over two feet of snow is more than I would want. Lovely shot of this beautiful old architecture. Like the angle and view that captures the wonderful design and details!
Thanks for the comments, John! We usually get hit by one good storm a year – hopefully, this will be it for the season, though I doubt it. March is usually the heaviest around here. Plus we got hit pretty hard the week of Christmas.
Regarding tripods, here’s a post by Moose Peterson, a professional photographer, titled Just What is Sharp? in which he says, “Personally, the vast majority of my shooting is done handholding (I hate tripods), from 16mm to 600mm. And I’ll do this, without hesitation, at slow shutter speeds—down to 1/2 sec.”
Thanks Gary! Love that quote…I promise never to complain about not using a tripod again. Well, I’ll try, anyway.