A significant day. 31st March 2020 and the end to a month that started out as fairly normal and now is completely different; a new landscape, a new norm. 31 is the last day of the Otago Polytechnic that I have been an employee of for the past 20 years. Soon to become Otago Polytechnic Limited, however, as chorused by many staff in the Bubbles Online Virtual party held today at 4:30 pm the organisation should be covertly referred to as Otago Polytechnic Unlimited. Long may this reference last.
Walking my local area, while Molly was tethered to my camera bag I scoured the street letterboxes between my meetings today for the number 31. I am sure Kotupai has better 31 letterboxes with character, but I was in a rush today so these were the best I came up with. Many streets never made the grade falling short in the number 31. I don't think Molly was impressed by my navigational change in directions constantly searching for the holy grail of 31? The 31st is nearly over and tomorrow is 1 April. How ironic it is Aprils Fools Day which dates its history back to the early 1500s. I hope you wake up to a glorious day, remember don't be a fool, and seek better ways you can help others in whatever you choose to do.
Any whoo... none the less I snapped the camera as I walked. As a photographer, today I was under pressure. I had little time to clear the head after many online
meetings and had little time to pursue my project today. That is life and often the case, and so you do your best. More importantly, the most important ingredient; the light, was flat and dull. This is why I reverted to Monochrome and a heavy vignette for the resulting images.
Cover Image
Panasonic, G9, f/3.5, 1/250sec, 25mm = 56mm = 112mm, ISO-100
My cover image is my pick of the day. It was what I was looking for, something with character. I will have to look for more letterboxes with character in the coming weeks.
Panasonic, G9, f/1.4, 1/1250sec, 56mm = 112mm, ISO-100
I originally shot this image on my walk and it was super boring. So after catching my other images, I backtracked to shoot it again. Although the actual letterbox is standing upright tilting the camera gives this image an artistic feel. I like the two flowers. The choice of the lens allows for a nice blurred background effect.
Panasonic, G9, f/1.7, 1/2000sec, 25mm = 50mm, ISO-200
Straight fence geometry and a stock standard letterbox no one would look twice at. The challenge is how to make a nice image and so I made the subject far right. In reflection, I should have shot two images either way so I had more choice in the final result.
Andy`s Photography Tip: 'Monochromes'
98% of our eyes see black n white, 2% see colour. No wonder monochrome makes sense to us when we see an image. If you have images that look bland and just do not cut the mustard try turning them into monochrome. Often you can turn average images into fantastic ones. Remember do not revert to this strategy all the time. If you want to shoot black and white photographs, shoot with this in mind. Look for high contrasting scenes and compose appropriately.
Please put a comment or emoji below. If you have any questions pop them in the comments box below or send me a video with your questions via Facebook - keep taking photos and get out there!
Andy Thompson