I was playing around with my 28-105 and some matches. Using a foam core sheet as a background, I lit the matches, and moved my hand out of the frame as quickly as possible. It was a little difficult to get the exposure correct without burning the highlights too much…
Sandwiched between the huge arched glass windows at either end of Grand Central Terminal in NYC is a walkway for Metro North and GCT employees. The view from the walkway down into the main hall must be breathtaking, but there is no way to get in if you don’t work there. I stood around for quite some time capturing the few people that passed through. The shot below is my favorite of the lot…
Crossing the Walkway, Grand Central Terminal, NYC Date: July 27, 2007
Nikon D200 Lens:50mm f/1.8 Exposure: 1/80th sec @f/3.5
I am a big fan of photography classes. Even if you know how to work your camera, and you are happy with your skills, there is always something new to learn from others. The classes I take tend to have photographers of varying skill levels, and backgrounds. Usually there is an assignment each week, and the following class will get to review and discuss everyone’s work. By looking at so many different photographic styles, you can gain ideas and inspiration for your own work. Here are a few shots from a class I took in 2004 at the New York Open Center for an assignment called “Mood” :
Trumpet Player at the South Street Seaport, NYC
Neon Sign, Downtown NYC
Another thing that you can gain by taking a class is a project to focus on. Even a vague assignment such as “mood” will force you to go out and shoot with a goal in mind. If you are lacking motivation, or ideas… take a class!