Keukenhof Gardens

Lisse, Netherlands

Keukenhof Gardens is a 79 acre botanical flower garden that is only open 2 months of the year.  See Wikipedia for background information.  The day we visited, it was in the low 50's and rained the entire day.  For comfort, it was miserable...for photography, it was perfect!

Sony A7 IV @ f6.3 1/125 20mm ISO 320

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Sony A7 IV @ f6.3 1/125 20mm  ISO 400

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Sony A7 IV @ f8 1/125 70mm  ISO 1000

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Sony A7 IV @ f6.3 1/125 49mm  ISO 500

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Sony A7 IV @ f4 1/125 49mm  ISO 100

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Sony A7 IV @ f6.3 1/125 20mm  ISO 320

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Sony A7 IV @ f6.3 1/125 70mm  ISO 500

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Sony A7 IV @ f6.3 1/125 26mm  ISO 1600

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Sony A7 IV @ f5 1/125 20mm  ISO 160

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Sony A7 IV @ f8 1/125 20mm  ISO 2000

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

All Photographed 5/9/23

67-69 CE

52Frames - Week 22 - Religion

Although not religious, I wear this Masada coin every day as a reminder of my two amazing trips to Israel. 

Sony A7 IV @ f5.6 1/125 50mm ISO 6400

Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro

Photographed 6/2/23

Manneken-Pis

52 Assignments BW - #43 - Building Detail

Perhaps the most famous statue in Brussels, Belgium

Sony A7 IV @ f5 1/320 70mm ISO 100 Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 5/2/23

Heartened

52Frames - Week 21 - Low Key

On occasion, pieces of our artwork are the subject in a photo challenge. In this instance, sunlight streaking across the wall highlights a portion of an abstract painting.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f2.8 1/5 40mm equiv ISO 500

Photographed 5/23/23

Cinema Nova

Brussels, Belgium

Featuring the Tin Tin guys.

Sony A7 IV @ f4 1/125 22mm ISO 125

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Sony A7 IV @ f4 1/125 20mm  ISO 200

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

All Photographed 5/3/23

Mondrian

Elevation Study 1

Brussels, Belgium

Sony A7 IV @ f6.3 1/320 20mm ISO 100

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 5/3/23

2023_CLondon52_May: Abstract

From the C.London website: "As a photographer, I often find myself drawn to images that leave interpretation open, and this prompt encourages just that. Whether it's using color, texture, or form, abstract photography challenges you to experiment with different elements and create images that are open to interpretation. It's an opportunity to let your creativity run wild and see where it takes you. I can't wait to see what kind of abstract images we can come up with!"

With this month's theme being "Abstract", I attempted abstraction through either composition or processing for this series of images.

1.  Movement

I have never seen so many bicycles as in Amsterdam.  Pedestrians be damned...bicycles rule.

Bicycles Rule

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f16 1/30  71mm equiv ISO 5000

Photographed 5/7/23

2.  Light & Shadow

River cruising through Belgium & Netherlands provided interesting bridge photo opportunities for light & shadow...during the few times the sun was out.

Span

Sony A7 IV @ f5.6 1/1250  145mm  ISO 100

Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A071

Photographed 5/13/23

3.  Human Emotion

Middelburg, NL

Amidst the rain and haze, love was in the air.

Beginnings

Apple iPhone 12 Pro @ f2.0 1/100  6mm (135mm equiv) ISO 64

Photographed 5/12/23

4.  Patterns & Texture

Glass vault over the main concourse of the Amsterdam Centraal train station.

Iconic

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f7.1 1/60  71mm equiv ISO 6400

Photographed 5/7/23

Along the Singel

52Frames - Week 20 - High Key

EC: SOOC

Walking along a narrow sidewalk by a canal in Amsterdam's "9 Streets" district, this colored section caught my eye in contrast with my wife's white shoes and black slacks. Due to crowds, I didn't have a lot of time to play with settings. On the 3rd exposure compensation attempt, I struck a balance between the rich color on the bricks and a blown out version.

Not the greatest of high key shots, but the intent was there and it keeps the streak alive.

Sony A7 IV @ f7.1 1/125 55mm ISO 100

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 5/16/23

Skyline

Riverfront

Ghent, Belgium

Sony A7 IV @ f7.1 1/640 45mm ISO 100

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 5/11/23

Veins

52Frames - Week 19 - Details

Keukenhof Gardens

The Netherlands

Was hard to choose from this 79 acre display of the most incredible flowers.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f7.1 1/50 40mm equiv ISO 1250

Photographed 5/9/23

Lunch Break

Antwerp, Belgium

Seen while walking city streets before the rain came.

Sony A7 IV @ f7.1 1/125 70mm ISO 100 Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 5/10/23

The Real Deal

52Frames - Week 18 - Food Photography

Brussels, Belgium

Was hard to choose from this vast display.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f3.5 1/160 40mm equiv ISO 125

Photographed 5/3/23

Bank Left!

52 Assignments BW - #6 - Feel The Tension

The drone...water landing or land landing?

DJI Mavic Mini @ f2.8 1/5 4.5mm (24mm equiv) ISO 800

Photographed 4/18/23

Negative

52Frames - Week 17 - One Light Source

Was happy with this result!

Sony A7 IV @ f4.5 1/125 29mm ISO 320

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 4/29/23

Happy Face

Chicago, IL

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f3.5 1/2500 40mm equiv ISO 8000

Photographed 4/27/23

Apocalypse?

Long Beach, CA

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f16 1/4000 40mm equiv ISO 8000

Photographed 4/23/23

Adirondacks

Despite the snowflakes, spring weather is around the corner.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f8 1/200 40mm equiv ISO 100

Photographed 4/17/23

Angles

Pickwick Theatre

Park Ridge, IL

Sony A7 IV @ f4 1/1000 59mm ISO 100

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 4/13/23

4-Square

52Frames - Week 16 - Blue Hour

From my drone 19 minutes after sunset.

DJI Mavic Mini @ f2.8 1/4  4.5mm (24mm equiv) ISO 800

Photographed 4/18/23

2023_CLondon52_April: Color

 From the C.London website: "Anyone who’s been around in the past knows that color theory is one of my main focuses and passions. As such, you are all subject to my obsession, and April is all about color! If you need a starting off point on Color Theory, I have a blog post, Color Theory for Photographers: An Introduction. I will also be hosting a totally free color theory workshop this month on the challenge’s Discord. Stay tuned for the exact day and time. In the meanwhile, have a colorful month!"

1.  Color Blocking

How better to illustrate color blocking than with colored blocks?

Peek-a-Boo

Apple iPhone 12 Pro @ f1.6 1/30  4.2mm (26mm equiv) ISO 640

Photographed 4/2/23

2.  Color Temperature

Photographing reflections on the shady side of the street largely kept color temperature on the cool side and enhanced the depth via contrast between shadows and sun.

Twins

Sony A7 IV @ f4.5 1/200  70mm  ISO 100

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 4/13/23

3.  Color Symbolism

Orange depicts arrival of road construction season in Chicago.  It's everywhere.

Tis the Season

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f8 1/400  40mm equiv ISO 100

Photographed 4/18/23

4.  Desaturated

Sometimes color detracts from the strength of the image.

New Kicks

Apple iPhone 12 Pro @ f1.6 1/40  4.2mm (26mm equiv) ISO 500

Photographed 4/1/23

Space Invader

Park Ridge, IL

Photographed as part of 52 Assignments BW11 - Get Cornered

She was actually pressing the crosswalk button while I was composing a photo. Shadow makes it appear that my pocket was being picked.

Sony A7 IV @ f8 1/640 20mm ISO 100

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 4/13/23

Galactic

52Frames - Week 15 - Dreamscape

From my kitchen.

Sony A7 IV @ f4 1/125 50mm ISO 800

Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro

Photographed 4/11/23

Hugs

52Frames - Week 14 - Fill the Frame

My granddaughter.

Sony A7 IV @ f1.4 1/125 85mm ISO 640

Rokinon AF 85mm F1.4 FE

Photographed 4/5/23

7.1 On Your Radio Dial

52 Assignments BW - #25 - Time Stands Still

North Shore Classics

Mundelein, IL

1946 Ford

Sony A7 IV @ f9.0 1/30 95mm ISO 12800

Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A071

Photographed 1/18/23 (meant to post sooner - oversight)

Virtual Medicine

52 Assignments BW - #08 - Honoring Henri (Cartier-Bresson)

Decisive moment.

Apple iPhone 12 Pro @ f1.6 1/60 4.2mm (26mm equiv) ISO 125

Photographed 3/28/23

Look Up!

52Frames - Week 13 - Get Low (Alternate)

Union Station

Chicago, IL

Sony A7 IV @ f4.5 1/125 20mm ISO 1600

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 3/28/23

No Thanks; I'll Fly

52Frames - Week 13 - Get Low

Union Station

Chicago, IL

Sony A7 IV @ f4.5 1/125 70mm ISO 1250

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 3/28/23

Take the Stairs!

52Frames - Week 13 - Get Low (Alternate)

EC: 4+ Leading Lines

Union Station

Chicago, IL

Sony A7 IV @ f4 1/125 20mm ISO 640

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 3/28/23

Journey

52 Assignments BW - #23 - Work The Angles

Evanston, IL

Sony A7IV @ f8 1/80 20mm ISO 12800

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 3/22/23

Where Is Everyone?

Don't recall ever seeing a Starbucks this empty on a weekday afternoon.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f8 1/250 40mm equiv ISO 200

Photographed 3/23/23

Sushi Girl

Kilauea, Kauai, HI

Prepping for the next day.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f2.8 1/160 40mm equiv ISO 640

Photographed 3/6/23

Sweet Sounds

52Frames - Week 12 - Music

Although not a performance venue, Bill Hoffmann graced me with some sweet sounds from a violin at his music shop of 25+ years. I’ve passed this shop hundreds of times over the years and never knew it existed. 

Hoffmann Strings Ltd.

Dealer, Restorer & Maker of Violins, Violas, Cellos & Basses 

https://hoffmannstringsltd.com/

Sony A7 IV @ f4 1/125 67mm ISO 3200

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 3/23/23

2023_CLondon52_March: Community

From the C.London website: "A big part of this challenge is the community we’re building together. This month we’re focusing on that in attempts to really strengthen it. Some of us are still strangers, so let’s take the time to change that. We’ll have weekly voice chats on the discord and various times that hopefully are suitable for most, and I’m going to ask you to reach out to other members of the community for help with this month’s prompts."

"1.  Feedback to and from a peer.  Giving and receiving feedback is a valuable skill for any creative. For this challenge, we’re asking that you engage with another participant of the challenge to both ask for and give feedback. The photo you create should be made with feedback you received in mind. When giving feedback, remember to make it constructive and with actionable things which can be done. The way you see an image is different than how your partner saw it while making it, so your eye and thoughts are valuable."

I received feedback from my friend @photofinishsid as follows:

1. This is my kind of photo. I love it.

2. I like the crop ratio that you have chosen. Most people would have chosen to include much more of the railroad cars. I like that you have decided to include just the couplers.

3. I like the rust, teal and orange colors in the photo.

4. I wonder if you could have blurred the background at all?

5. I also would have liked to see you differentiate the coupler from the track with a filter of some kind. Not sure if that would have been possible or not.  Great photo.

In response to Sid's comments, I made adjustments to the background (#4) and the pipe beneath the coupler (#5).  When making this image, I also was cognizant of the complementary colors of orange/blue on the train cars and red/green on the coupler & background.

Hitched

Sony A7 IV @ f2.8 1/125 28mm  ISO 100

Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A071

Photographed 3/7/23

"2.  Re-creation of a peer’s photo.  Choose a photo from a peer that you find interesting and inspiring and use that as a launching off point for your photo for this week. It doesn’t necessarily have to be an exact replica, but more inspired by. You can look at other participants’ submissions on the discord, reddit, flickr, and facebook. It’s encouraged to reach out to the original creator to show them what you’ve made."

Prime oceanfront property abandoned along the Boardwalk in Kapa'a, Kauai, HI.

Inspired by @baddog.

Abandoned

Sony A7 IV @ f8 1/200  20mm  ISO 100

Tamron E 20mm F2.8 F050

Photographed 3/4/23

"3.  Your community outside photography.  We’re spending this month really solidifying the community within the challenge, and one way to do that is to bring what you value in a community to the group. For this prompt, focus on another community you are a part of - what makes it valuable to you? What do you give it and what do you take from it? Share that through your photography with this community."

12 Step Community.  You get out what you put in...and more.

From Darkness to Light

Sony A7 IV @ f8 1/125  31mm  ISO 100

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 3/22/23

"4.  Your neighborhood.  Step outside your home and walk no more than a half mile (800m to the non-imperial unit users) documenting your surroundings. These are things you see every day, so I’m asking you to look at the familiar with new eyes. Put yourself in the shoes of someone from a completely different background. What may the find interesting? Don’t be afraid to over shoot during this exercise. The culling will be part of the exorcise. We’re looking for one final image that you feel best represents your neighborhood."

A difficult task representing my neighborhood in a single photo.  Within 800m is residential, offices, retail, restaurants and a county forest preserve.  Pretty great!

Welcome to the Neighborhood

Sony A7 IV @ f8 1/160  20mm  ISO 100

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 3/22/23