30 Days of Creativity - Day 4: Manual focus lenses on DSLRs

Last night we decided to go for a stroll around Hamlin Park and took our Olympus e510 with an old Olympus OM 50mm f1.8 (the "Made in Japan" one, which is supposedly the sharpest version of this lens). Focusing with a manual focus lens on a modern DSLR can be quite a challenge, especially if, like us, you can only afford the entry level model. Because of the digital sensor size, the mirror on this cameras is smaller and therefore what you see through the viewfinder is smaller. Using a magnifying finder helps a lot.

We love Hamlin Park during the summer and the fact that is so close to where we live. It's fun to see lots of little kids learning how to play baseball with their parents. This park is one of our favorite after work walk destinations.

We've also been taking more pictures with our old cameras, right now there is a roll of film in both our Olympus OM-10 and our Kiev 6C (in this case it's one that is really expired). We also always carry the DSRL with us. You can't beat the instant gratification that digital provides, especially when with film you have to wait at least a couple days to get film developed, and then spend the time scanning it.

Anyways we have a couple of projects going on for this weekend, we want to decorate some vinyl toys, an airplane and maybe we'll brew some dunkelweizen beer, so stay tuned!

mishmash

Mishmash: A confused collection or mixture; hotchpotch

Double exposures are kind of my thing. Ever since I first laid hands on the Holga, I was absolutely enchanted with the possibility of exposing two images on the same negative. If I had to stick to one "body of work", well, double exposures would be it. Couple that with expired film and I've got myself a unique niche - don't you think?

I really like how this particular photo turned out. On first blush it's hard to tell what it is and where it's from. Once to look closer and turn the image around from side to side it gets easier. (I promise!). Personally what I like best about this photo is that I do not remember turning the camera the other way for the second overlapping image. I *really like this effect though.

I am anxious to take the holga out again this summer during one of our (while still unplanned) camping trips. The holga is one of the most utilitarian cameras we own. It can withstand water, steam, overheating, spills, drops... you name it... and it still works wonders. I really want to go to the Sleepy Bear Dunes in Michigan. A place that was always on our "to-do" list when we lived there and just never got done. Can anyone else relate to the "to-do" list items that never happen. I am going to strive to start making them happen. Proud to say this blog is one of them, and I think we are doing pretty gosh darn well so far this year.

Anyway, I feel as though I need to apologize for the past week of posts. My mind, like the title of this post, has been mishmash lately. This photo seems to say better than words. I find my searching for answers when not all the pieces and details are yet in place.

On a side "Beer" note: We tried the Sam Adams new IPA - Latitute 48 - this weekend and it was good. I am anxious to brew again, but just haven't had the energy to bottle up our white tea ale. It will happen this week, because that is going to be a fabulous summer beer to drink around the campfire.

Shadows

It is a lovely day outside today - the sun finally decided to peak out from beneath the clouds.

One of the things that I like most about sunny days is the reflections and shadows it brings. I enjoy being able to capture a tourist moment of shadows rather than smiles sometimes. This photo just happens to be one that I really love - waiting for the train and playing with our shadows.

I think the combination between being overexposed (we used expired film) coupled with the reflecting light from the rails gives this photo some added character. I will admit: I have been happier with past results we have gotten from the Vivitar using expired film. I guess what I most like about this picture is remembering how close we all had to stand together to be in this photo. (If you look at the very top of the image, you'll notice how you almost don't see four pairs of legs.)

Sometimes the story behind a photo is better than the photo itself. Just like sometimes the reaction to a piece of artwork is better than the actual artwork. I had a long conversation last night about the perceived "value" and "beauty" of visual artwork. Turns out the conclusion we reached is ... It is all in the eye of the beholder. Just like one man's junk is another man's treasure.

Anyway, I can't wait to start seeing blooms and blossoms. Happy sunny day!