Potential
Jul, 2015Views
129
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Awards
People's Choice in Words, Letters and Numbers Photo Challenge
Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
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Behind The Lens
Location
This shot was actually taken in an antique store. I was there looking for a small toy or figurine to use in a photo story that's brewing in my mind, and I stumbled across this wonderful antique typewriter.Time
It was taken in the early afternoon, but the store didn't have windows or skylights in the section this typewriter was stored so all I had to work with was the fluorescent lighting from high above. The store itself is actually an old metal building that's been added onto a couple of times.Lighting
Although I couldn't control the lighting on this shot, and I didn't have any additional equipment to work with - I liked the effect the ambient light gave. The typewriter is well used, and the lights and shadows helped enhance the effect.Equipment
I consider this a bonus shot. All that I had with me at the time was the camera on my Moto X phone.Inspiration
I love finding interest and beauty in forgotten or overlooked items. This old typewriter, however, pretty much shouted at me as I was walking by, demanding to be seen. If it had legs, I think it would have tripped me just to get my attention.Editing
I did some very basic post-processing to enhance contrast and sharpen the image. I also cropped the image to focus on the play of light and shadow on the keys. The original image didn't have the right "feel" - my attention wasn't drawn to the right area of the picture.In my camera bag
At this point, I seldom have a "bag" with me. I still consider myself an amateur of amateurs, so I haven't invested a lot of time or money in equipment (though I expect that will change). I currently use my Nikon D80 base with a Sigma 28-300 mm lens. I also have a Nikkor 18-135 mm kit lens that I've been pleased with for vacation shots, and a Nikkor 50 mm lens that I tried when my youngest daughter was in every sport possible and I wanted better indoor action shots. I do use the Nikon SB-600 Speedlight for a fill flash when I do any outdoor portrait work. And right now, that's about it.Feedback
Look around you - what is interesting about what you see? Try to make it stand out. I take lots of shots at lots of angles and perspectives (that's the beauty of digital photography). For this image, I took five or six shots - from above, the side, slightly below, more to the left, more to the right - you get the idea. Then, don't be afraid to play with post-processing. You can always save the original and come back to it if you don't like what you've done.
