When I decided to start a blog, I knew I needed to learn more about photos. After all, I need photos to show you what I’ve been up to.
The only problem? I know nothing about taking photos.
So this weekend, I headed off to a free Photo Scenic weekend at Cumberland Falls in southeastern Kentucky. The event is sponsored by Canon, The Courier-Journal, Murphy’s Camera and Outdoor Photo Gear in Louisville, KY.
When I bought my camera, I emailed a former photographer for the CJ, who told me about the weekend. So I booked a hotel room, packed up my camera and headed out.
The first day’s sessions focused on camera basics. Mary Mannix, a Canon expert, was there to guide the photographers along and answer questions. I was late so unfortunately I missed that session. Friday night included a critique and judging of photo entries from workshop attendees.
Day 2 focused on shooting. We were sent out to explore Cumberland Falls with our cameras. The assignment: Water. Well, that was easy enough. Yeah, right.
I headed out with my pal Bill Luster and his wife to see the falls that morning. Amazing.
And we even got a nice rainbow as a bonus.
The rainbow got even better from the botton of the falls.
This was my favorite shot of the falls, even though it is cropped tightly. I loved the various angles and lines that were in the composition.
I liked the lines in this little trough too.
After the falls, we headed back to the hotel. I ended up taking a few more shots that afternoon.
Of the river.
Of a dirty pool.
Of a flower.
Then I took a nap and missed a deadline. You see, we could enter our photos into a contest and critique for that night. But I thought I’d leave that to the pros. I was just there to learn and enjoy and be inspired. All three things were accomplished.
One of the highlights of the weekend was Saturday night’s talk by Sam Abell, former photographer for National Geographic. (I can tell this photo was taken on my iPhone instead of the Nikon.) His photos are amazing (seriously, go Google him.) But I really loved hearing the back stories of how he got the photos.
“Compose, and wait.” Make your composition and then see what drama happens in the frame. The way he layers shots reminds me of my days in painting classes and learning to work from background to foreground. But what I will remember the most is the passion he has for telling stories through photos and the influences of his family.
I woke up Sunday to take a few more photos and wound up getting frustrated by my lack of technical knowledge to get the beautiful pinks in the sky before the sun peeked over the ridge.
I guess I’ll have to save those for next time.
And yes, I’ll be back. I’ve always loved to learn new things. Now I have one more to tackle.
To get on the mailing list for next year’s Photo Scenic weekend, email luster@insightbb.com.
