A Frame Within a Frame Leading to a Path

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This will be the last of my mission shots. The title says it all. I probably should have lightened up the ceiling a bit, but other than that, I wouldn't change it much.

I'm a bit uncertain how I want to continue this photo blog for now: I've tried just highlighting my trips with one or two shots, I've covered one location in depth with multiple shots, I've blogged only when I felt like it, and right now I'm on a semi-daily shtick. I know this inconsistency isn't the greatest thing, but it's evolving as my photography is evolving.

I have been quite impressed with how often some hobby photographers are shooting and would like to increase my number of outings as well. Don't worry, I won't become a landscape photographer (especially, considering that I left one of my tripods in the Philippines, along with my studio equipment).

I'll probably think about it for a day or two. Stay tuned. :)

Leading Lines at the Mission

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This shot is another from the San Juan Capistrano Mission. The trellis gave wonderful leading lines and the archway just framed it beautifully.

Anyway, today, after having seen some fun snow shots from a few other photographers over the weekend on G+, I went out to Angeles National Forest today in the hopes of catching some snow shots as well. Alas, most of it had melted already (I had waited two days from when they took theirs) and I was mostly left with pictures of Mt. Wilson's antennas and views of Downtown Los Angeles. At least, I was able to update my banner on my profile page on G+. :)

Fountain, Google+, Taxes

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Man, there are so many of these San Juan Capistrano Mission photos that I can't remember if I've actually uploaded this already. I think it's probably just because I'm tired at the moment.

Anyway, since I can't really say much about this shot (other than I had wished the fountain was on), I'd just like to take the opportunity to formally announce that I'm on Google+ (aka G+). Just search for my blog's name "Wandering Shutterbug" (or click here)and follow/circle my G+ page there. I had put up the Google+ widget here on this blog a while back, but never actually mentioned it. I can't tell how many have found me via that link. But, either way, I hope you follow me on G+.

I will start posting new things both here and there probably when these San Juan Capistrano Mission photos are complete. My travel plans are so up in the air right now, but I should have new stuff starting next week after I wrap up my taxes. Yeah, I know, I know, such the procrastinator, I know.

Palm Silhouettes

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Here's one of my typical shots: shot straight up from where I'm standing. I actually had my finger in the bottom left corner of the photograph, but thanks to the magic of cropping, it's gone! Seriously, though, I actually like the diagonal of the mission next to the palm trees. It seems to give the otherwise still trees some life. I'm pretty happy with the detail in the mission too, considering that I exposed for the sky to obtain the silhouette.

The Corridor

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Here's quick exercise in leading lines and repetition. I've done this shot a million times. What was cool about this photograph though is that the ceiling was entirely black when I first got this in post production. I so was delighted when I lightened it up and saw the rafters/detail. I actually preferred it darker (I was in a dark mood that day, heh) but I figured most people would want it this way. That electrical plug or light socket or whatever kills it though.

And Even More Candles + The Virgin Mary!

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I think this'll be my last candle shot for a while. This was taken with a free hand (aka: no tripod) inside a dimly lit church. I cranked up my ISO pretty high to get away with it (unfortunately, my ghetto camera doesn't handle anything over ISO 400 very well). I saw other photographers using their tripods for HDR and long exposure shots. I'm so not into either. If only I had a nicer camera...

Framing the Bells

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This is just another exercise in framing. Moments like these that I really wish I had had blue skies the day I shot this; but this isn't too bad either. I absolutely loved this location within the mission in particular, and shot it from many angles. Too bad the fountain wasn't running.

Arch of Arches

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This is just a quick exercise in framing. I cropped this from a much larger hideously-composed image. I'm glad I was able to salvage this. I probably should've had the aperture closed down even more, but I was focusing on something else when I photographed this.

More Candles

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Happy Easter!

I don't know what to say about this shot other than it's about candles and you'll see more in the coming days (it's the red color I was so attracted to, I swear!). I shot this WITHOUT a tripod inside a church (had to use the pews as a stand). I'm sure the kneeling/praying ladies next to me at that moment loved that. Anyway, thank God for fast lenses.

Mission Basilica

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This is actually the side of the Mission Basilica in San Juan Capistrano. I was pretty much forced to shoot it at this angle because all the other photographers on the photo walk hogged up all the space around it with their tripods and whatnot. J/K. I took a few of the front, but I didn't get to see the nice orange dome in the back. In my opinion, it's what makes it so distinctive. I think I went a little overboard in post but I love the perspective so I'm keeping it. :P

Rows of Red Candles

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I wish I could say something profound about this shot, but I've shot things like this before (like this one). It was pretty much routine and expected for me. Maybe I should just shoot everything in this manner (angle, DOF, perspective, etc.). Haha. J/K.

Those Darn Bells

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I must have photographed these two bells from every angle, while I walked in circles around them. I just couldn't figure out what I wanted from them. In the end, I settled on this edit/composition which I think is so off.  I can't recall leaving a strong line right smack dab in the center (vertically) of a photo and having the DOF be on a closer, darker subject. It just feels weird. But it was well received, so, who knows? Maybe the cross in the background was enough to balance the weight of the bells? No, it's gotta be the lightness. Yup. That's it, right there.

Mission San Juan Capistrano

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I did a photo walk at Mission San Juan Capistrano with a few folks early Saturday morning. That was probably the earliest I had ever woken up for photography before (even counting when I took photography classes). It was a little misty that day, but, luckily, I had my lens cloth with me (I really MUST buy a lens hood). I did wish I had stayed longer and gotten to know the other people that did the walk, but I had fun. So, maybe next time -- and with a tripod! :)