Today was the perfect day to mark the mid-point of my 365 project. I was invited to a glass blowing party in the old Fourth Ward in Atlanta (near the MLK Center on Auburn Avenue). I'm "from" the ATL, so going back to any part of the city is a great adventure for me.
Today's lessons involved knowing when to turn something or pull something or when to touch or not (color codes were included...for example, "black is bad" because the darker the point on a long rod, the hotter it is). I made two glass pieces today--one flower and one blown piece (a witch's orb--wards off evil--I plan on putting it in my camera bag or wearing it around my neck when I take photos I want to succeed--lol).
I liked the time here today because it reminded me of what it was like to handle my camera for the first time--I was awkward--I took the "auto" route more often than not, and I just wanted someone to "tell me what to do" to get a good shot. I have learned in these 6 months that I can make tons of mistakes and all of them mean something good, and fortunately, I can delete most. I am not afraid to try something beyond "auto;" in fact, I rarely use it unless in a pinch or need a quick read of a situation that says "time is not on your side."
I've also learned that processing matters--I know I'm not in a dark room with chemicals cooking up the final product, but I did it light years ago in high school. Working with LR5 now, I'm learning new high-tech skills there too. This photo reflects it. I've narrowed down what I want the visitor to this site to see--of course I did the initial capture and fiddled with my "controls," but the processing helped make those things more evident--even with a bit of an angle.
So today, I celebrate 6 months. I've been put in the fire, and I've come out a little "blown," but I'm excited to keep plugging along on this journey. Let's hope I've included some pretty color pieces to make the products sparkle.
I wow! That sounds like so much FUN blowing the glass! I saw glass blowers do this in New Mexico when I was very young. It was so loud in the place, that I cried and had to go sit in the waiting room or some place quiet. The man came out and gave me a yellow rose on green stem (glass.) I guess one day years later, it must have gotten broken. I don't recall. But I still like yellow roses to this day.
This photo has a dark. lustrous quality...and some mystery to it. I love it and it is a fav!
Congratulations on your 6 month anniversary with 365! This is a stunningly beautiful photo and a fitting symbol of the event. Dark, mysterious, and fiery. Lovely. I know what you mean about graduating from always using "auto". So far that's been the most exciting and satisfying aspect for me. Now using "auto" is a rarity!
I have to say I am a bit jealous! That sounds like so much fun! We used to watch them make blown glass in Hersheypark every year (and the blacksmith as well), but sadly they did away with both to put in more rides. Love this shot..especially the textures!
@jo13 Thanks so much Jo. You have always inspired me, so I really appreciate your encouragement and advice these past six months. You've been a very good 365 friend! :)
@princessleia Thanks so much Leia--I do see the difference now. The best part is feeling the difference--I'm not afraid to do something that I don't understand!
@rvwalker Thanks Ross! I remember thinking that I probably wouldn't make it past a month. Now, I'm in for the entire year--hoping my motivation continues! Having friends on here really is great! Thanks!
@nana2r You will. Don't worry if it doesn't look good at all. I look back on my first fully auto photo, and hey, it just wasn't that bad! Auto is always there. Once you figure out some cool things, you'll wonder why auto is even there -- truly, you will!
@andyn this one is not with the macro lens, but I got as close as I could without burning my eyebrows! lol! And you CAN do this! I love your shots. It's fun having friends across the world! Thanks so much!
@mothervic I love the hand too. I had to work on the processing somebecause the black areas in the background were pink pants and such, so I wanted the focus on the hand and the tool and the glass. Thanks for such lovely comments!
@kaarina365 Wow, thanks so much for your lovely comments. Yes, graduating from auto is like getting my real driver's license with no parents telling me what to do! :) Glad we are in this together!
@luvmynynix It was a great time--that's too bad that rides replaced the demonstrations. :(. Do a google search in your area to see if there are classes--it's amazing what you'll find.
@shunter Thanks Mom! I wish you came with us--it was great to see Trudi too! She was a pro! What an interesting complex down there. I'm so out of touch, but love the progress in the area.
This is a stunning image. I love the blacks and the interesting objects. I really appreciate your reflections on the project. You have expressed so well how I and I am sure many others feel. You have such a way with words, lady!
@pflaume Awww, thanks. I really pulled out the black in processing--not sure it is ETSOOI, but it's close. This is a dual project for me(photography and writing), so I really appreciate your comments--words are everything to me. :)
Fav first and then "Wow!" next. This is gorgeous Caz. It has an almost abstract feel however the inclusion of the hand rally makes the picture spring to life for me.
@andyn Hey Andy! I don't have a real lens--I'm using a macro converter (it's really easy and clips on to the lens on your camera--no screwing things in or anything--very convenient). This clip is called a "Raynox DCR 250 Converter" Here is the link on AMazon US site: http://www.amazon.com/Raynox-DCR-250-Super-Macro-Snap-On/dp/B000A1SZ2Y--but I know @jo13 got hers in the UK. It was about $75 US dollars. Also, I have used it on my regular lens 18-55 and on my zoom up to 80 mm. I met up with @tara11 the other day and she had some very inexpensive macro filters (about 7 US dollars I think) too. I don't have the money for a "real" lens, but I'm super happy with the Raynox Macro converter (don't forget to get the 250 if you order it--worth it!). Does this help?
This photo has a dark. lustrous quality...and some mystery to it. I love it and it is a fav!
Congrats on your halfway mark today!