Category Archives: Canon 7D

Barn Yard Bicycle

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My search for interesting bikes has continued, and this time brought me to a rather interesting placement of this fully painted purple cruiser, complete with multiple wicker baskets!

I always love when multiple interests collide in front of my lens. Obviously, I’ve developed a mild obsession with photographing bikes, but have always had an interest in them, since I was first able to ride with training wheels and all. Another interest Ive mentioned in posts before is the beauty of barns, red ones specifically. So imagine my delight when I came across this scene, with two passions converging into one, slightly chaotic yet beautiful, display. Personally I could have done without the overgrowing vegetation, but wasnt about to start ripping someones plants out for the sake of a shot (doesn’t mean it didnt cross my mind however ;) )

On a side note: Earlier today I was sitting, quietly pondering on my obsession (and I mean OBSESSION) with photography. Its incredible that it has already been 7 months of shooting, yet Im still as (if not more) excited about learning and applying as I was the day I picked up the cam for the first time! As I look back on all the places my various forms of cameras have taken me over the last 7 months, I cant help but smile, knowing this is only the beginning of something truly remarkable that is still unraveling as I continue to trek forward in this great adventure.

Everything from the wonderful Nick Exposed community, the monthly community projects (Which by the way if you missed the announcement of this months project its not to late to get in on the fun!! Check it out HERE), the exciting photo gigs and creative shoots Ive been landing lately, the incredible friendships and network within the community, and everything else that I cant think of in my insanely tired state right now (Played some very intense games of Beach Volleyball today, in some very intense sun and heat).

Thank you to all who have been following and supporting the process of both my own photographic growth, as well as the growth of this awesome photog creative community!! You Guys Rock!!

Oh btw, if you havent checked out the Nick Exposed Facebook Page just yet, you may want to do so and start following soon! Word on the street is theres going to be a pretty kick ass giveaway coming up in the next week or so :D

 

Stacked

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Its incredible how life tends to intertwine and overlap itself!

At church tonight, we were going over perspective, and how just a simple shift can make all the difference in our lives and in our faith. Well, on the way home I decided to take a bit of a scenic route, being I had the cam with me. I had always seen these rocks stacked in the yard of a house down this particular way home, and Ive been telling myself I need to get out here to shoot them for the blog. I had driven by them many times in the past, and never noticed the wagon wheels that surrounded this rock garden until today. Continue reading →

Against the Wall

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Im still alive!! haha

It feels so good to be back posting shots again!! Ive been shooting a lot lately, but most of my digital work has been client projects and shoots leaving little to be shared with you guys due to privacy contracts and all that jazz. I did however do a shoot with a father & daughter illusionist team last week for their new autograph material. I will be finishing up final edits this week and will be able to share images when thats finished. Other than that most of my personal photo workflow has been on film. If you’ve been watching the Nick Exposed Facebook Page, you probably seen that I recently got my hands on an old Canonet QL17 rangefinder that has been a blast to shoot with. Once I get the 10+ rolls of film I have lying around developed Ill have plenty to share with you guys :)

Today, however, I went out shooting digital downtown, surprisingly in a section I had yet to explore. Theres not to many areas downtown I haven’t trekked through with camera in hand, but its always fun to run across something Ive missed in the past. As I ventured through the alley ways behind a string of shops, delis and rundown warehouses I came across this parking area containing this scooter. Although I did love the sleek clean red lines of this scooter juxtaposed against the grungy multi-textured wall, I think the piece that got me was the single vibrant yellow line dead center of the scene. Unfortunately there was no blue to be had in this one, otherwise I would have had another addition to my ongoing primary color series, but Im happy with it either way.

 

The Performing Spirit

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“Another Rising Star”

This little series speaks for itself with more shots of the local busking performers. But what I will say is, How cute is the kid above?!?!?! He was sporting his own little electric guitar during last Wednesdays Blues on the Mall performance, and I just had to get around to posting this pic. No rules saying I couldn’t do two rising star pics for the collab haha :)

“Colorful Beats”

“One Drum”

Transporting Character

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“The Elegant 3speed”

I’ve been thinking a lot lately, on the possibility of putting together a coffee table book of my bike shots eventually. Naturally when thinking about this you start gravitating towards more and more bike scenes to be able to choose from when that day comes.

With gas prices where they are these days, biking has become a very comfortable solution for so many traveling around town (not to mention the free parking as well!!). This gives photographers like myself plenty to choose from when looking for a good subject… I try to find bikes with character. Bikes that have a story to tell, or an adventure that is obviously worth living.

Unfortunately so many bikes are lifeless, missing the sense of elegance, mystery and pizzazz that others contain between their two wheels. In a way they are much like humans, some are out there living life, encountering adventure after adventure. While others are simply spinning their wheels going through the motions. This could be why I’m drawn to bikes so much, they are relate-able. They all have the potential to go to the same places, yet only a few do. Some acquire punctured tires, broken sprockets, bent handle bars on the exciting journeys they live out. Others let their chain rust, tires weather and gears go untouched as they sit in the comfort of their shelter.

Let me be like the adventure driven cycle!! If a path isnt available, ill risk a tire or two to make one appear!

“Basket Case”

“Silver Surfer Freshness”

“Sweet Patriotism”

Roadside Chevy

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ISO200 50mm f/1.8 1/800sec

Seen this old beaut, on the side of the road downtown and of course being the motor head I am I had to go to town with shooting it. However, in this particular case All my shots were from various parts of my photo walk. I would grab a shot or two on this passing and then another couple from the next walk by. In fact all 3 of these shots were taken at separate passings.

Im pretty comfortable with my editing process and typically know which steps Ill be taking as I capture the scene, but in some occasions, when I get the pics up on screen I realize the shots call for a different direction. This was one of those times. The front end pic below was one of the first captures for the day, and is nearly unedited straight from camera (just a subtle vignette to keep attention where I want it). I loved the 50′s sunburnt, crazy flare, look that was going on, which was starkly different from the well contrasting top and bottom images. In looking the images over I decided the sun glare and low contrast really helped in telling the story of the car and its story, so I went to town editing the other two shots to bring in the same feeling. (Before and after pics may get posted in the behind the scenes album on the Nick Exposed Facebook page.. wink wink)

I love shots like the one above! First of all whats this kid doing downtown, in only socks?! Second his shirt goes great with the car, and third he has no clue Im shooting him so everything is completely natural. Everybody was walking by taking shots of the car, and Im sure it appeared like I was doing the exact same thing, giving me perfect cover to bring him into the unscripted story of timelessness. He has no shoes, so you know he is in no hurry to go anywhere. Sitting on the side of the road with the same colors as the car… He and the car are practically one in the same. hahaha

Well if anything, it made for a sweet street shot :D

ISO200 50mm f/2.8 1/400 sec

ISO200 50mm f/2.8 1/250sec

The Hopeless Romantic

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ISO200 50mm f/2.8 1/160sec

Today was an EXTREMELY EXCITING day for me as I received my long awaited Canon 7D in the mail!! Perfect timing with the “Blues on the Mall” celebration downtown and this month Collab project coming to a close this weekend!

One thing I absolutely love about downtown Grand Rapids, is the street performers that scatter the streets and alley ways as you make your way around the corridors of brick paved roads. Everything from break dancing competitions, classic sax players, to the everyday musician out in search for a buck or a lovely lady to woo.

This guy definitely fits into the later of the bunch, out trying to show his charm with a rose in mouth, as he serenades the beautiful women who pass by… in hopes a connection may be made.

Either that or the act may just bring in extra cash hahaha. Either way I love the live performances around every street corner!