In Rhythm (2008)
Near the very beginning of my start in Digital Photography. I had just purchased my first DSLR. I didn't know what all the buttons and knobs were for. I di...
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Near the very beginning of my start in Digital Photography. I had just purchased my first DSLR. I didn't know what all the buttons and knobs were for. I didn't know how to shoot in RAW. Everything on AUTO. But when I saw a line of pelicans flying my direction while at the beach one morning... I knew I had to get into position. I had no idea the half moon would also make it into the shot. I could never recapture this type of moment since. So, it's stayed in my collection for almost eight years.
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Feb, 2016Views
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Awards
Fall Award 2020
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
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Outstanding Creativity
Peer Award
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Behind The Lens
Location
This scene was captured in my Hometown of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.Time
I remember waking up before sunrise and heading to the beach. I had purchased my first DSLR about two weeks prior and wanted to capture some beautiful scenes in a place where I could test my skills.Lighting
It was a pretty clear day. Any clouds around were closer to the horizon. It turned out to be perfect for how this scene looks.Equipment
The first DSLR I ever purchased was the Canon Rebel XT. Standard Lens. I did not own a nice tripod, which forced me to practice becoming good at hand-held shots or using unconventional objects to mount the camera.Inspiration
I was inspired by fine art paintings and sculptures I'd seen in local Galleries and wanted to capture something similar in Style. I am not a great painter, but I wondered if my camera could become my paintbrush.Editing
I was a novice in the Art of Photography and did not know how to shoot in RAW. I had little idea of what all the buttons and camera features were for. Needless to say, my camera was on AUTO, which captures a scene correctly based on the camera's judgment. Meaning I did not have to Edit the scene at all. As I spotted the line of pelicans in the distance approaching me, my only concern was to get the Composition right. I hurried to a spot where the tree branches would not interfere; I had no idea the half moon would also be captured in the shot. However, because the camera was set to AUTO, I could only capture a JPEG file. It still bothers me to this day.In my camera bag
Today, I use a Canon 5D Mark II with the standard 24-105mm Lens. I have a trusty Vanguard Tripod along with an X-Rite Mini Color Checker, and a Polarizer, UV, and Neutral Density filter. Please do not forget your Wireless Remote Shutter Release. Brilliant Invention.Feedback
Moments like this happen around the world every single day. The key is, you have to be there. In the right spot, at the right time, and prepared to take the shot exactly when that moment arrives because it comes and goes in a blink. Over the years, people have asked me: "Did you use PhotoShop to add more pelicans or add the half moon?" No. I got out of my bed before the crack of dawn and went searching for moments like this. It's been over ten years since I captured this scene. I'm a much better photographer now (I definitely know how to shoot in RAW). "In Rhythm" is still the most perfect moment I've ever captured. Some things you can't duplicate, so do not take today for granted.
