“On the bright side, I am no longer calling this shelter-in-place. I am now an artist-in-residence.” That is what someone posted on Facebook a few weeks ago. Although I laughed when I read it, I decided that it was a good way to see the situation. I am fortunate that I can work from home and am healthy, but the restriction of how much we can go outside has been tough at times. I decided to find ways to get creative inside my home, as well as when I go out for my walks.
Taken inside my lightbox.
Although I am primarily a natural light photographer, I decided to buy a portable light box so I could capture images of flowers regardless of weather. I had to learn how to get the lighting and exposure right to not blow out the highlights. I continue to play with this and consider it a good option when I am stuck at home. I also enjoyed buying flowers and having them around.
An image using the lightpad.
Then after watching a video that Kathleen Clemons did on shooting flowers on a lightpad, I added one to the mix. Again, I found myself having to learn about exposure and light. Not all flowers worked, but I am still experimenting. Fortunately, there are many videos on You Tube with ideas on how to create interesting images.
But then on April 21st, Lensbaby announced a new lens - the Velvet 28! I was beyond excited. My first Lensbaby was a Velvet 56 that I use to capture flowers as well as take portraits and landscapes. I added the Velvet 85 some years ago and it has been my favorite Velvet until now. Although I have many different Lensbabies, this new lens is not going to be leaving my camera for some time. I can take an image just two inches away from a subject and since it is a wide-angle lens, I can also take landscape images! Shooting wide open creates a beautiful glow on the photo, but yet it can be stopped down to f22 for tack sharp images. It is perfect for walking around my neighborhood. The first morning out with the lens convinced me that this was a keeper. Take a look at some of my images below.
My first flower shot with the Velvet28.
Taken just two inches from the tulip.
Taken wide open producing the glow.
Seattle skyline taken with f5.6.
A side street taken wide open.
Wonderful clouds over Elliott Bay taken at f5.6.
My creative juices have been flowing since experimenting with my new tools. I like learning and growing my skills, so the lightbox, lightpad, and definitely the Velvet28 are helping me along. I love hearing from you, so comment below, post on my Facebook page, or send me an email at carol(at)carolvipperman.com.
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