I volunteered last weekend and shot some coverage of the Cincinnati Girls on The Run Fall 5k. It was a little chilly but turned out to be great weather for both a run and photography (a good combination).
Music to Program By
We all have our favorite music to listen too. For me, its 70 and 80s rock. It brings me back to my college days and I just love the beat. My go to band is Boston. Every song on their first album is very good. However, there are many rock bands that get me to air guitar by their 2nd song. As I got older and developed my photography workflow, I found it hard to merge my love of music with processing digital images. Picture listening to ACDC’s “Back In Black” while trying to process 1500 wedding images. It gets difficult as I’m trying to concentrate. I move images around changing their order (normally from 3-4 different cameras), setting keywords, trying to find the perfect white balance, doing some editing in photoshop from lightroom and all while listening to Steven Tyler scream in my ear.
Several years ago, I was listening to an interview between a Microsoft tech and a programmer. The programmer was also a musician and the interview centered around the music he listens to while doing work. His dilemma was similar to mine. Trying to concentrate while listening to certain music. The programmer told his interviewer that he composed the perfect music to program by. I immediately thought wow, just maybe. I quickly went to Spotify and typed in “Music to Code By” and found all kinds of stuff. Playlists and Artists that made the perfect companion to maneuver through my complexed workflow. I was in heaven. I spent a lot of Sunday mornings moving my mouse around my two monitors while listening to “Music to Code By”.
Spotify screen shot
Now, keep in mind, this isn’t the music I’d listen to while sharing a few beers with friends. They’d think I’d lost my mind. This is elevator stuff. But somehow the perfect blend (for me anyways) of music to process by. I’ve given the discovery to other photographers, but they didn’t share my enthusiasm. So, “Music to Code By” might not be for everyone that spends time in front of a computer. On the other hand, if you do spend a lot of time processing images and find it difficult to listen to your favorite choice of music, you might want to give it a try.
Nature's Hidden Gem
As you hike through a thick forest during autumn, you will be greeted by a breathtaking sight of nature’s beauty. The leaves of deciduous trees will have turned into a vibrant palette of colors ranging from bright yellows to deep reds and rich oranges. The forest floor will be covered with a carpet of leaves in various shades, creating a rustling sound as you walk. The air will be crisp and cool, and the sun’s rays will filter through the trees, casting a warm glow on everything around you. It’s an experience that is both calming and invigorating, and one that you won’t forget anytime soon. I spent a long weekend camping in the Daniel Boone National Forest. I Purposely choose a weekend and time of year where Mother Nature does some of her best work so I can capture her artistry.
A Week of Tennis
Every August, the City of Mason, Ohio, hosts the Western Southern Open, a 1000 ATP/WTA tennis tournament. Mason is just outside the City of Cincinnati. Another week of tennis has come and gone. One of the quickest weeks for me every year. It’s a fun week, mainly because I shoot with other photographers I consider friends. Some, I only see unless it’s tennis week.
The tournament was under new ownership and the talk of the week centered around the possibility of the tournament moving to North Carolina. If true, it would be sad for both the City of Mason and the State of Ohio. What happens to the tournament is out of my control, so I decided to just concentrate on my photography. I wanted to post of few of those images.
Melissa & Aaron's Wedding Day
A beautiful wedding day is a day filled with love, joy, and happiness. It is a day when two people who love each other come together to celebrate their love and commitment to each other. The bride is radiant in her beautiful dress, and the groom is handsome in his suit. The ceremony is filled with laughter and tears of joy as the couple exchange their vows and become one.
Click here to view the gallery. To download an image just click that image and click the small down arrow under the picture. Contact Melissa or Aaron for the password. Thank you to Melissa and Aaron for letting ET Photography be part of their wedding day.
Family Portrait
There are many reasons why you might want to get a family portrait. Capturing memories, bringing joy and comfort during hard times and making the perfect wall art for your home or office is just a few. Thank you to the Zeiser family for choosing me as their family portrait photographer.
2023 St James Graduation
Your graduation is a special moment in a your life. It marks the end of middle school and the beginning of high school. It’s a time to celebrate the memories made during middle school and look forward to the future
Click here to see your pictures. To download a full res of the image, just click on the image and then use the small down arrow.
A B&W Exploration of Dead Trees
The old, dead, trees of the Utah deserts make for excellent black and white photography art and during a recent trip to Utah I was able to take advantage. I went to Utah to experience he National Parks but quickly noticed the large number of lifeless trees that dotted the landscape. I’ve always appreciated black and white photography and adding a dead tree to the image helped with the creativity of the photograph. I learned there wasn’t enough water to feed the growing number of trees causing the weaker plants to perish. I wanted to add a few examples of my images to my blog. I hope you enjoy.
If you ever get the chance to visit the State of Utah, take advantage. It is a well worth trip and don’t forget your camera.
First Place
I enter online contest all the time on FineArt America’s website and win here and there. Over the last year I’ve won first place in a couple of those contests. I’ve won 2nd and 3rd place in a few more. The winner basically gets a pat on the back and nothing more. Sometimes, those contests have over 1000 pieces of art and/or photography images to compete against, so winning isn’t easy, no matter how good your work is. I’ll post the two winners.
A young whitetail deer. A combination of photography and digital art.
“A Place to Live”, digital art.
An Autumn Camping Trip
There are many factors that go into a successful camping trip. Weather, location and what food to bring are just a few. The time of year is another important factor and picking an autumn trip was one of my best decisions. The fall colors are breath taking at the Daniel Boone National Forest. Here are just a few of the images I was able to capture.
A winding gravel road snaking its way through a forest of color.
Finding creeks and small streams laced with color and large rocks can be a good find.
Large boulders are surrounded by colorful trees.
Evan Is a Senior
Senior pictures on a farm? Sure, why not. Really worked out and my first senior pictures using a farm tractor. Evan was the perfect model.
Melissa & Aaron
The fun couple at one of my favorite shooting locations, Spring Grove. Engagement shoots work no matter what the season, but it is easier on the eyes for one with the fall colors.
Western Southern Open Tennis Tournament
The Western Southern Open, part of the US Open tennis series, takes place during the month of August in Mason, Ohio. Mason is just north of Cincinnati. Play starts on the first Saturday of the tournament. However, for the photographer, Friday is when some of the athletes arrive to practice and pictures need to be taken. I was lucky enough to be one of the tournament photographers and I wanted to share some of my images.
Rafael Nadal practicing
Serena Williams warms up before going on the court
Serena Williams, probably the greatest of all time female tennis player, hits a few balls during practice.
Both the first Saturday and Sunday of the tournament are qualifying matches. These can be fun to photograph because lesser-known athletes are trying to play their way into the tournament. Athletes I’ve probably never photographed before. Watching their play (it helps to be a tennis fan) and learning their mannerisms has always been appealing to me.
Tereza Martincova wins her way into the Western Southern Open.
The grounds at the Western Southern Open is always busy with tennis fans that might not be currently watching a match. Games for kids, shopping, player autograph sessions, plenty of food and drinks are just a few of the activities that are offered. Tennis fans are an important part of the tournament and tennis organizers realize it. Just as many images are captured of the fans as are taken of the athletes.
Even though the grounds are busy with activity, the open is a tennis tournament after all, so most of my time is spent photographing tennis.
Catharine McNally returning a serve
John Isner winning his first round
Serena Williams probably played her last match at the Western Southern Open. Shortly before the tournament Serena announced she will be retiring at the end of the US Open. Needless to say, her play at the Western Southern Open was watched by millions of tennis fans. Center court was full of both fans and media. I’ve had the privilege of covering Serena for the last 6 years. It was sad taking pictures of her this year knowing I may never get the opportunity to photograph her play again.
Local favorite J J Wolf serving
Sloane Stephens on center court
Frances Tiafoe playing under the lights on center court
Stefanos Tsitsipas celebrates a winning match
The first several days of the tournament are packed full of tennis because all 11 courts have matches going all day and night. Once the pictures are taken, a brisk walk back to the download room is required so the tournament’s media and marketing department can use the images.
The Home of The Bearcats
I'm not Australian, but I decided to do a little walkabout exploring the University of Cincinnati's campus. The campus is in the center of Clifton, a Cincinnati suburb. I choose an early morning Sunday exploration so I could search (and photograph) the campus without people wondering about. The lack of people made my experience a little more peaceful and I felt closer to the surroundings. The first building I came across is the historic McMicken Hall.
McMicken Hall
The university, known for its college of engineering, is decorated with both the modern and old buildings. The architecture can be breathtaking. Not knowing what was around each corner certainly made the walkabout more interesting.
If you're into college sports, then UC can be a place for you. Located in the center of campus are the college's sports complexes. Nippert Stadium is the home of the Bearcat football team. The field and complex is always open to the students and visitors. When I entered to take a look I was lucky enough to see the football team in a practice.
The time I spent on my walkabout was well worth it and I encourage anyone close enough to take the time for a visit. I added many of my images I took to my Cincinnati collection on my Fine Art website.
F8 Is Great
My father recently passed away. Thinking about his death and the impact he made in my life, distance memories surfaced. Memories of the things dad said to me over the years. Years before I went into photography I was watching dad going through some of his own junk and he came across an old view camera. He picked it up and turned it over a few times as he examined it. Has he took his final look he said, “F8 is great”. My father wasn't a photographer and at the time either was I. I did not know what he meant by his comment or even what F8 was. However, for some reason, that simple quote stuck. “F8 is great.”
When I finally got into photography and after learning the ropes, what dad said to me years earlier finally started to make sense. Without getting into the purpose behind a camera's aperture, F8 is in the center of the aperture scale. While teaching photography to my students (or anyone willing to listen) I have always told them that when in doubt, set the camera to F8. It is harder to go wrong with F8. Personally, I try and shoot wide open and don't set my aperture to F8 often (depending on what I'm shooting of course) but F8 is kind of an easy way to get a good capture of the subject you're photographing. Back in the old view camera days, it was harder to get a sharper focus and obviously the film being used wasn't as sensitive as later higher speed films. Therefore, using the center aperture of the scale was more desirable. That center can be as helpful when using today's cameras as well.
Years back I gave my daughter one of my first DSLRs I was no longer using. Has I handed it over to her I said in passing, “F8 is great”. She didn't ask and I didn't explain what I meant. She rarely uses that camera anymore and instead snaps pictures with her IPhone. I wonder if she'll remember that quote when I'm gone. F8 IS pretty great. Thanks dad.
Kierra & Willie
Choosing to get married outside can be stressful as you always have to rely on the weather. However, Kierra and Willie must have had a deal with Mother Nature because their outside wedding day was perfect. The fact it took place at the Manor House in Mason, Ohio certainly helped.
Thank You to the men and women
Its a good thing top see. On social media people still reminding everyone what Memorial Day in the United States is about. Its not just grilling out and having a few cold ones because there is a 3 day weekend. Its about remembering the men and women who died defending this country of ours. Arlington Cemetery here in Cincinnati always displays a sea of flags this time of year. I’ve driven by many times always wanting to stop and grab a few pictures. This year I finally did.
Eyes Are Important
Eyes are the most important part of any portrait; or at least in 99.5% of the time. What do they always say when it comes to sales? Make eye contact. Most of us do that anyway, we meet someone and make eye contact as we introduce ourselves. It is no different when we first look at a portrait, you make eye contact with the subject of the image. The eyes are the first clue when it comes to learning the mood of your portrait. Are they happy, sad, mad, confused, etc? Looking into the eyes starts the process for the viewer to figure that out.
A portrait can be taken of subjects from the animal kingdom as well. Pets portraits are popular with people and when you capture your own or other's pets keep the eyes in mind.
When shooting a portrait there are only a few things to keep in mind to make your photograph pop and stand out. First, the eyes MUST be in focus, sharp. Point your camera's focus spot right on that eye. Second, light the eyes. In doors or out, light must be part of your portrait and the eyes need the most attention. Either off camera lighting or a reflector should be used to throw some light into the eye socket. We've all seen it, zombie or raccoon yes. Zombie eyes are portraits when the eye's iris and pupil blend together and you can't tell the point the pupil begins. This is almost always caused with the lack of light. Some animals in the wild kingdom have very large pupils making it difficult to see the iris area. Zombie eyes might be hard to avoid with these animals. Raccoon eyes are when the eyes are cast in so much shadow it is difficult to even see them. This is caused by the lack of light in the eye socket. The subect's brow casts a shadow. Normally this happens in strong light, for example, a very sunny day.
Like with most photography, practice makes perfect. Find a willing model and practice your portrait skills.
Texture Art
Texture art is defined as art that affects the sense of touch. Or at least, something close to that. In the digital world, you are unable to use the sense of touch in that you can't reach out and feel the actual texture. When it comes to digital, the eyes (and I guess your brain) convinces you the image has texture You can actually see the texture you added to the image. Over the last year I started adding these textures to some of my images. I either create, purchase or just find royal free textures on the internet and apply them to the image. Using photoshop, these textures are layered on top of or below the image and then different blend modes are used to the textured layer. Masks and other photoshop work in usually done and, if you're skilled enough, magic happens.
Most of my textured images are done with my wild kingdom collection. However, recently, I've started using the process on landscapes and other photographs I've taken over the years. I'm really enjoying the results. Obviously, these images are available for sale on prints, T-shirts, mugs and other items I offer. Yet, I'm also posting them in various social media groups so other like minded artists and photographers can see the results. I've learned so much from these groups and often apply what I've learned to my own images.
Sometimes the textures added to the image are obvious in that it is easy to see. Mostly, however, the textures are more subtle and harder to notice leaving a more pleasant textured feel. Mother nature is beautiful and you're able to see this through photography. However, applying a little help with textures can really add to that beauty. You can find those images here Ed Taylor - Official Website (pixels.com)
Shooting in the Autumn
Being a wedding photographer, I get to discover beautiful locations in Cincinnati brides wish to be photographed. Spring Grove, Riverside Drive and Devou Park just to name a few. Certainly, shooting in these locations at various times of the year can only add to their beauty. Devou Park with the fall colors decorating the landscape is just one example. I always believed the Cincinnati Skyline doesn't really need help in that it is one of the most breath taking in the nation, in my opinion, but visiting during autumn changed my mind. I snapped a few images and then added them to my collection on Fine Art America. Ed Taylor Cincinnati Wall Art (pixels.com)
