Edwards FreeLance Photography

2012 Trail of Tears – Remembrance Ride

Every year on the third Saturday of September, thousands of avid motorcycle riders ascend of the city of Chattanooga Tennessee for the annual ride to pay respects to the Indian nation.

Excerpt from the official TOT website:

"This ride is not about which trail we ride, or the remembrance of one particular group of people that traveled the Trail of Tears. It is about the remembrance of the plight of the Native American people ripped from their homes, their lands and forced to endure the terrible hardship placed upon them when forced to a new land, forced to a land full of uncertainty, unknowing, and a feeling that their aggressors may again change their mind and force another removal, or worse annihilation."

The ride starts off in downtown Chattanooga Tennessee, follows the trail taken by the Native Americans, around Lookout Mountain to Monteagle, TN. The route transverses some of the most scenic routes in Tennessee, as it meanders throughout the area before a the convoy takes a short break in Fayetteville,  then heads off towards Florence, AL where for most, the rides wraps up. For others, it's an overnight stay before pulling out for Wewoka, Ok

Mustang Sally

The Trail of Tears Kickoff Party was held the Friday night at Thunder Creek Harley Davidson on Lee Highway, where the riders from across the region were entertained several bands highlighted by Mustang Sally out of Nashville.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For many, the Trail of Tears Remembrance Ride is an annual event, where they can share, renew and form new relationships with their fellow riders.

Thunder Creek Harley Davidson Event

 



Preparing to Bless the Riders



Trial of Tears Remembrance Ride

Slide show of the Chattanooga Events: 

 

Mark your calendar for next year's event.

Bad Time for Photography

Gotcha didn’t I – Betcha you thought this was going to be a post about the hard times in the wonderful world of photography. Nope, it’s about when are the best times during the day to grab your camera, head outdoors and capture those wonderful images that can take your breath away.

I can’t tell you the number of times while traveling across the area visiting National or State Parks that I’ll see folks lined up at high noon just snapping away. Well that’s just fine it you simply want to take some pictures, but not it if you plan to turn that image into a print worth hanging on your wall.

I’ve stated before and will state again – in most cases taking photographs between the hours of 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM will for the most part, create images with washed out colors, poor shadow effects, and in general not really good photographs. Let’s be clear, we are talking about nature and landscapes – if you are taking news worthy images or covering an event, it is what it is; you’ve got to get the shot. Just make sure the exposure is correct.

There are a few other exceptions; I enjoy shooting when storms are forming or when the skies are overcast. You can get some exciting and dramatic effects shooting under these situations.

For the most part, the best time to capture those impressive shots are – now this is based on your dedication to getting “The Shot” – shortly after sunrise, so you must have scoped out your shot, gotten to the location set up and be ready to go before the sun ever begins to creep into the eastern sky.

Now don’t fret, if you are not an early bird and just can’t seem to bring yourself to roll out of bed and the break of dawn, wait for the early evening light. Just realize that the lighting and shadow effects will be quite different taking the same shot at the exact same location. Plan for that, it might not be what you were hoping or expected.

I suggest you use a tripod when taking these shots, hand holding will cause shake, in fact if your camera permits, lock the mirror up. Most people will tend to use a high ISO (400+) setting, fight the urge; this will create an image with more noise than one shot at a lower ISO, for landscapes I very seldom use an ISO higher than 240.  If you don’t have a remote trigger, set the shutter timer on your camera to a couple of seconds once again this will reduce camera movement.

For you brave souls, take the camera off automatic and experiment with shutter speeds and aperture settings. You may be surprised at what YOU can create instead of letting the camera make all the decisions for you.

Remember photography is a frame of mind – visualize the end results before you ever take the shot!

Have fun out there.

Murray

Photography IPAD Applications

As someone that travels a extensively, I'm always looking for ways to lighten the load and to streamline my workflow while on the road. Along with all my camera gear, I normally carry along a laptop so that I can edit images and transfer them to a client. That was before I made the decision to purchase a IPAD a few months back.

The first challenge, was finding the applications that can make the IPAD a viable part of my workflow. After experimenting with a handful applications over the last little while, I've actually come across a handful of need to have and a few nice to applications that have accomplished just about everything that I was striving.

For file access -

The first must have, a way to connect to the home-based system. Logmein serves the purpose nicely, giving you the ability to access applications and files from anywhere you have communications. Second on the list, Dropbox. With Dropbox you can upload your files and then pull them down to any computer you wish.

Image Editing -

I've played around with numerous applications along this line and have only found one thus far that allows me do what needs to be done as a traveling photographer, Filterstorm Pro. From a functionally standpoint, Filterstorm Pro allows you to edit the image, and metadata. It permits you to add keywords and titles, has a noise reduction function and if you want be a little creative, numerous filters to further enhance the image. Once finished, you can share the image or use then FTP feature like I do to send the images to client or directly into my archive service PhotoShelter. I would almost compare FP as a lite version of Adobe's Lightroom. It should be noted that when exporting a image the maximum file size on a IPAD2 is 22MP and the IPAD1 is 7.5MP.

Now, if all you want to do is share images with your family and friends on Facebook or Flickr then take a look at NIK's Snapseed. It is a image editing app only, has some very creative filters, but that's about all.

Other must haves -

Easy Release - Model release from ApplicationGap. If you plan to use you images for commercial purposes, then releases are a necessity. This application allows to obtain those releases right on your IPAD. You can edit the forms to meet your terms, model or property, insert a copy of the image, then have the release signed all from the IPAD. Afterwards, you can email the release to whomever.

When it come to outdoor photography lighting is everything. The Photographers Ephemeris (TPE) helps you plan out the track of the sun at any location on any day and at anytime during the day. Why is this important? Say you are planning a photography road trip for a specific geographic area that you've never been. By knowing when the sun rises and sets, the track of the sun you can determine where you should be positioned in order to get the proper shot. TPE allows to play around with your target and and places locators for you evaluate in order to determine where you should position yourself for the best opportunity to obtain the best shot possible. The application takes some time to get accustomed to, but can save you some time and potential frustration.

Some nice to have -

Golden Hour is a simple application to let you know when the sun is going rise and set and provides a map showing when it will hit your area.

If you are a photography newby or just need a little help in determining the best exposure you should using under various situations then take a look at Essence Computing's Exposure Calculator. It provides you with a chart on nearly everything situation you can imagine then shows you the proper exposure you should use. In addition, they have a Depth of Field application that does just that,

So there you have a few applications that you can use on your IPAD to make it a productive tool in the wonderful world of photography. By the way, sorry none of these applications are free and I know that there are applications coming out nearly everyday for the IPAD so there may be some new applications out there that I have not checked into.

As always, have fun and be careful out there.

Murray

Time to Pack -a Week on the Road

Well, it's time to stop procrastinating and get packed for week. First what's to take in the camera bag. Here's the list of equipment that I normally carry along on most road trips.

2 Nikon D300 camera bodies.
3 lenses a Nikon 60mm F1:2.8, Sigma 28mm F1.8 in the bag and a Nikon VR80-400mm packed in it's carrying case, just on the premise that I'm going to need to get up close and personal with something along the way.
A 1.5 multiplier
8 Memory modules varying in size from 2GB to 8GB.
4 Nikon Batteries.
Various filters for the each lens.
Cleaning kit.
Battery charger.
A wireless shutter release.
And a few other little odds and ends.

There's a Manfrotto lightweight tripod along with a monopod with interchangeable heads packed in the back of my 2 1/2 year old H3 with 112,000 miles. Along with a DC to AC inverter. A small tent in case I want decide to rough it a little, a pair of binoculars along so I can scope out the area and of course cooler full of water and snacks to carry me over from each destination.

Normally, I would be carrying along a laptop for file transfers, but since this a self assignment, there's no urgent need to send the images to a client so that's one less item to lug around. I do carry, what has quickly become one of favorites items, a IPAD.

The IPAD allows me do a quick review of the images and is loaded down with applications that allow me to hook up to my system back at home base, transfer images up into the Cloud for backup and my favorite, a mobile property and model release application. I no longer have the need to carry paper pocket releases and folks seems to think it's cool to sign their names on the IPAD.

It's been rather hot and humid down here in the south, so I'll be packing plenty of comfortable cool clothes, a couple of hats, hiking boots and hiking tennis shoes. Rain gear is always a must, especially since I do, on occasion like to chase a few storms.

So there you have it, we're packed up and ready to head out. This road trip will cover some 1600 miles, with several planned stops along the way, not including any unexpected side trips.

Stock Artist Alliance Shuts Down

Such a shame that a voice for the photographers working in the business of providing stock images is closing.Sadly as a former member, the differenting opinions and the dramatic change in the business over the years has finally taken it's toll. The SAA attempted to be a voice to address the concerns faced by those of us who attempt to make a living providing stock images.

 

From the Bristish Journal of Photography:

In an open letter to the photographic community, five of  Stock Artist Alliance's former directors state that "the last few years have seen dramatic and wrenching changes in the stock photography industry. Photographers' and agencies' traditional business models are under tremendous competitive pressures."

To read the complete article:

 

Kuwait Bans DSLR Cameras

I came across this article where the country of Kuwait has decided to ban DSLR cameras. Is this a sign that other countries will begin to tell their citizens who and where can use cameras. Let's hope not.

From the Kuwait Times:

KUWAIT: After the ban three ministries placed on photography, most Kuwaiti youth are a bit confused about what to do with their cameras if they can't use them in public and why such laws were implemented in the first place. The Ministry of Information, Ministry of Social Affairs and Ministry of Finance recently came to the conclusion that photography should be used for journalism purposes only. This has resulted in the ban of Digital Single Lens Reflex Cameras (DSLRs) in public, on the streets and in malls
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What most Kuwaiti photographers have come to wonder is how such a decision could be reached by authorities, especially considering that digital cameras and cell phone cameras have the same abilities. What most people think of photography as a hobby has become a bit misguided due to the fact that the country has so little exposure to art. While using a DSLR, passersby may wonder if the camera is being used for the wrong reasons.

Mohammed Al-Eisa, who picked up photography as a hobby more than 10 years ago, said that he has decided to take photos of animals or still life due to the fact that these subjects don't mind having their picture taken and don't make a scene. "I started facing problems the very first day I bought my camera," Mohammed added.

What often happens is that a big black camera tends to worry people. Taking a picture of a stranger would seem like much less of an issue if you were using a more discreet camera or even a cell phone. Mariam Al-Fodiry said that she has faced similar problems with her hobby and that being a girl doesn't help at all. She said that in some cases it makes the problem even worse. "Switching to abstract and landscape photography was one the options I considered after getting into enough trouble," Mariam said.

Majed Al-Saqer said that sometimes people stop him while he is in his car with his camera, as if he were planning to kill someone with it. He said that he isn't sure what the real problem is, whether it is people taking photos of each other or the size of the camera.

The Jobs and Justice Rally - Montgomery, Alabama

Shades of the sixties were present as buses filled with protesters began to arrive at the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery, Alabama. What these marchers protesting about? Lost jobs caused by the actions of Alabama Governor Bob Riley and his task force against illegal gambling.

It is also felt that the voters of the counties who voted to permit these facilities have had their rights violated. Thousands of jobs have been lost by the closure of gaming facilities located in Macon, Greene, Lowndes and Houston County.

In response to these lost jobs, a rally was held in Montgomery, Alabama on Saturday August 28^th. Politicians from across the state attended and spoke to a crowd of some 2000 avid sign waving demonstrators.

In the shadow of the Alabama State Capitol, a stage was erected and emcee Val Gibson, quickly asked the crowd to lower their political signs, “We don’t want to make this a political statement for any one person” she commented, however it was obvious that most were in support of Democratic Candidate for Governor Ron Sparks.

Representative John Rodgers got the crowd going quickly by shouting “Jobs, Jobs, Jobs, Vote, Vote, Vote!”

Banter between the speakers and the crowd began in earnest:

“What do we want?” “JOBS!!” screamed the crowd

“What do we deserve?” “JUSTICE!!” cried the onlookers.

Rep. Johnny Ford called for President Obama to have US Attorney General Eric Holder investigate both Governor Riley and the Alabama Supreme Court who had ruled in favor of several of his appeals to close the venues.

After all was said, country music star John Anderson who has a vested interest in Houston County’s closed gaming facility and the Tuskegee based Commodores provided the crowd with a little entertainment.

For more images of the Jobs and Justice Rally

The End of an Era - Goodbye Kodachrome

Such a shame, the end of an era. Goodbye old friend, I knew ye well. All of us old-timers will miss you.

PARSONS, Kan. (AP) _ A photojournalist has developed the last roll of Kodachrome film developed by Eastman Kodak at a laboratory in Parsons.

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Photographer Steve McCurry developed 36 slides on Monday at Dwayne's Photo Service, which is the only photo lab left in the world that can process Kodachrome.

Kodak announced last year that it would retire Kodachrome, a color reversal film it has manufactured since 1935. Two executives with National Geographic joined McCurry in Parsons because the organization is following the journey of the final Kodachrome roll.

The Parsons Sun reports that McCurry used the last roll to shoot scenes around New York, but the last three frames were shot in Parsons.

Dwayne's vice president Grant Steinle says the company will end its processing of Kodachrome on Dec. 10.

Oil on the Alabama Gulf Coast

Yes Virginia, there is oil coming ashore along the Alabama Gulf Coast. Despite what is being told by the officials, oily seaweed and tar balls have started to wash up along the shores of Dauphin Island and Gulf Shores, Alabama.

My first stop was Dauphin Island, as I approached a barricade I was informed I could go no further, only residents allowed was the message from the official. I displayed my credentials and asked again – an emphatic no was the response. Needless to say, this just spurned my curiosity - turned the truck around drove about a mile or so, pulled off the road and decided to hike back up to this "No go zone".

I crossed over the dunes and to my amazement; there were no crews on the beach, as far as the eye could see, basically no-one, other than a few residents walking on this normally crowded beach. Where is this supposed massive cleanup crew? The other observation, where are the booms, none to be seen and yes there are tar balls on this once pristine white beach. I continued on my little trek and to my surprise, I found a few members of this so-called cleanup crew, not on the beach, but standing around along the backside of a condo parking lot. School buses full of blue tee-shirted seated people, others mulling around the parking lot and what looked to be some form of vacuum truck. Naturally, my first thought - Why aren't these folks out cleaning up?

As I continued down the beach, off in the distance a four-wheeler appeared and yep, it looked as though it was headed my way. Figured I might as well keep going after all, this is public beach, what's the worse they could do? As the two young men pulled along aside me - I was quickly informed that all the beaches in the area were closed and I was to leave, okay I said – Where are the crews? I questioned. "No comment" was his response – Where are the booms to keep the oil off the beach? He responded again "No comment". It was becoming obvious these gentlemen were not going to allow me to advance any further nor were they going to answer any questions. The younger of these two and a rather healthy young man I might add, stepped from the 4-wheeler and stated it was time to go. My truck is about 3 miles that-a-way as I pointed - his only comment - "Guess we've got a nice walk ahead of us". The other person turned the four-wheeler around a headed in the opposite direction.

There are things going here that we are not being told, both BP Oil and the Government are providing misleading statements. Here are a few notes from someone who was finally willing to make a few comments – off the record.

Where are the booms? Most are off the Louisiana coastline, and many of the few booms put in place along this area, were not anchored properly and were simply floating freely around the bay.

Where are the crews? Scattered around, one group is here just to pick up "Trash". Others are in staging and are awaiting orders as to where to go. Basically they wait for the oil to come ashore somewhere, pile in a bus and head to target zone.

There does not seem to be any skimmers in the area, where are they? At the docks waiting to be deployed.

How much oil is expected in the area? The sheen is a few miles off shore. However, there are oil plumes deeper than expected in the area. Though there will be problems along the Alabama and Florida coast, it's not expected to be as disastrous as what has occurred along the Louisiana coast and wetlands. Of course if the winds continue to come in from the Southwest, then more oil will be pushed ashore. Currently the Mississippi Gulf coast is not being affected, only because the winds have not shifted to come out of the south.

What would happen should a tropical storm or hurricane occur? His thought, everything in the area would be covered in oil - yard, car, house, and pool – might as well burn everything and start over.

For more images.

 

Photography a Frame of Mind

A few weeks back on one on my road trips down in Central Florida, I met up with one of my compatriots' at one of our favorite hole in the wall restaurants. As we sat around discussing the world's problems and how we could solve them all if we were in charge for a few days, this veteran of some 20 odd years unloaded a bombshell. After much consideration, he was hanging it up,

Needless to say, I was just little shocked by this announcement and as I gulped down the remaining half cup of coffee I'd been sipping on for the last few minutes, I asked why?

Contemplating for a minute or two and after one long deep breathe, he simply said "I've lost the desire". The look in his eyes also told the story; you could tell that the passion was gone.

He went on to say, "The good old days are gone". Everyone claims to be a photographer now, there's nothing special in what we do anymore.

I understand how he feels, in this day and age where anyone who carries a phone around has a camera. Where for just a hundred dollars, anyone who wants - can snap a few shots and be happy selling them for pennies on the dollar.

Professional photography is for many of us – a lifestyle. To get up at the break of dawn to catch the sun just right or putting yourself in a situation where most folks wouldn't dare. It's capturing that facial expression of someone who has just lost everything after a natural disaster or the joy of children simply drawing on the sidewalk. It's a passion to tell a story with the simple click of the shutter.

What do you see when you look through the lens?

Sure there are plenty of times when a person just takes a picture for the sake of just taking a picture. Everyone has done that, including myself – but would you travel for hours then not take the shot if the conditions weren't right. Therein lays the difference between being a photographer with the passion to get it right whether than just snapping pictures.

When you lose the passion, what can be done? It can be hard to get it back, some never do. Do you take some time off, store the camera away for awhile, struggle through it or do you simply call it quits and go get a real job? Don't really have an answer for that. Each person has to deal with that issue in their own way. Over the last few years, I know several of my fellow photographers have not been able to get "IT" back and the world loses yet another talented individual.

But for everyone who finally gives up the ghost, there is someone waiting in the wings to try and fill the gap. Are you that type of photographer? Think about what you're about to shoot, remember the old saying "He can't see the forest for the trees!" I can't tell you how many times I've been asked while setting up - what are you shooting? Or someone says I don't see anything? It's your vision; it's your insight that will set you apart from everyone else.

Get it right the first time and don't count on the myriad of software programs out there used to try and make a bad snapshot into a good photograph.

Remember – Photography is a Frame of Mind, be in the right frame of mind when photographing.

 

Murray