Ahhhh....The Zone System!

Just when I was beginning to wonder 'when did photography become so darned technical?', along comes an article to remind me that it has ALWAYS been that technical.  Only recently with the advent of digital cameras and PhotoShop have we been led to believe that photography is relatively easy...the camera and the software do it all, right?

Nay, nay!  Photography has ALWAYS been about light...understanding light, reading light, and transferring it through the lens, onto film--or a sensor--and then to the print.  Enter The Zone System!! Created by Ansel Adams as a system to understand how to read light, how to expose for the image your mind sees, and how to process the film--or the file--properly, and then transfer that image onto a print so that the end result is exactly what your mind visualized.  That was what Ansel was all about--pre-visualization--the ability to look at a scene and know in his mind, with careful planning and execution, what he wanted the end result to look like. 

 The Zone System...VERY technical stuff here, I warn you.  But if you really want to understand 'photo' (a light) 'graphy' (a process of writing, recording or representing), then you must understand The Zone System. I'm not an expert by any means--(photography also means 'try, try again!'), but I have a good enough working knowledge of it to know that it is essential to my craft to always strive to utilize it and to improve my understanding of it.

So I encourage you to read the article, research other articles on The Zone System, study images of  'The Masters' (Adams, Weston, Cunningham, etc.) and then get out there and get in the zone by practicing and applying what you have learned.

Good Luck!  Feel free to email me with questions or comments!

Dougherty County Saddle Club...finally!

A horse is a horse, right?  Not quite, as I learned this past Saturday at the Dougherty County Saddle Club monthly show. Horses are not exactly the most cooperative subjects...they never seem to stand still, and certainly don't understand it when you say 'hold that pose!'  They also definitely have minds of their own, and if they decide they don't want to jump a hurdle...well, they just stop!

I had a great morning at the show and thank my friend, Niki Lowery (bottom left), for the reminders of the Club's show dates.  After many months of being just Facebook friends, I finally got to meet Niki, her horse, Lacey, and even Niki's rescued squirrel, Wheezie.

The best part of the day was watching the youngsters compete with their horses...they were just darling.  Thanks to everyone who graciously allowed me to photograph them!

Heading out.....

Heading out to the Dougherty County Saddle Club for their monthly show.  Maybe catch some pretty magnolia blossoms while I am out.  Radium Springs this afternoon.  Who knows what in between?

Onward and Upward!

I have decided to put the festival circuit on hold for a while...I think I've gotten quite a few great shots and met some wonderful people as well as quite a bit of material for the book.  The next and last festival for a while will be the Watermelon Fest in Cordele...but that's in June.

In the meantime this weekend, I intend to get to the Dougherty County Saddle Club Show on Saturday morning...then maybe watch some adorable baby calves getting bottle fed on Saturday afternoon. 

Thomasville Rose Festival

Under the threat of rain, lightning and tornadoes I kept my resolve to drive the 65-plus miles to Thomasville, GA for their Rose Festival.  Since I left very early (7am), I hoped that by the time I reached my destination the worst part of the weather would have passed.  I decided to drive a bit further south of Thomasville to Pebble Hill Plantation to catch the early morning light on the beautiful grounds there.  I was 30 minutes early for the opening at 10am and, unfortunately, it was still raining.  Undaunted, I paid my admission, parked my car and walked the grounds--camera AND umbrella in hand. 

By 11:30 the weather was finally clearing. I had gotten lost walking around (the place IS ginormous--3,000 acres in total, of which only 77 are open to the public), I had most of the shots I wanted, took a few more for good measure, then headed back to the car. I realized I was famished so enjoyed my brown bag lunch a bit early, and proceeded to my original destination of downtown Thomasville.

If I had to choose to live in Southwest Georgia again, I would most definitely choose to live in Thomasville.  There is an air of elegance and sophistication there that I have not experienced elsewhere in this region. The area was originally chock full of plantation homes similar to Pebble Hill and the affluence--though not quite as grand--is still very apparent.  From the fabulous downtown shops and cafes, to the charming details in the street lamps, clocks and benches that line the streets, it is like a little oasis of cosmopolitan in the middle of corn fields and pecan groves.  As I told the owner of Gecko Gardens Nursery, Thomasville 'has got it goin on!'  He asked me not to tell my northern friends about their well-kept secret!

One of two must-have photographs for my book was of the Lapham Patterson House (above, upper right).  The circa 1885 Queen Anne style home is one of the first winter cottages built in Thomasville, this one by Chicago shoe manufacturer, Charles W. Lapham.  Although no longer open for tours, the 19-room home was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1975 because of the numerous unique qualities such as hot and cold running water, gas lighting and built-in closets. 

Ask anybody in Thomasville to direct you to 'the big tree' and they will know exactly what you are looking for and exactly where it is.  At first I thought I would not be able to capture its enormity in the widest setting on my lens, but there was enough area behind the tree to allow me to fit it all in. I got my second must-have photograph, and the sign by the tree says it all...almost.   If you do the calculations, 329 years prior to this tree being dedicated by The National Arborist Association means the little sapling was around well before the signing of the Constitution!  Pretty amazing, I think!

At this point in the day it was after 3pm, more storms were threatening and I was exhausted after walking miles and miles around Pebble Hill and Thomasville, so I decided to pack it in and head home.  A great trip and a great day!

Chehaw Native American Festival

All I can say about this year's festival is WOW!!  Much larger than the one I attended two years ago, the weather was beautiful and the photo opps were everywhere.

I'm trying something new with this blog.  Since the software seems to not let me position the photos exactly where I want them, I created composites.  Hopefully this will work better and I won't have to move my blog to another site.

The Native American Festival is held annually at the famed Chehaw Park and Zoo.  The Zoo was designed by former Wild Kingdom host, Jim Fowler, who is also a resident of Albany.

It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words, so I'm going to save the better part of  a thousand words and just post the pictures here.  There are even more on my website Alfie & Company Photography

The most colorful and exciting event, for me at least, is the Aztec Dancers:

I was surprised and delighted to see Okefenokee Joe at the festival this year. Known across the world as an expert in field herpetology and a fascinating wildlife interpreter, I met Joe several years ago at the Sierra Club Annual Meeting in St. Simon, GA.  Joe is also a singer/song writer and at that meeting he played a song, 'Just a Tree, which has stuck with me all these years. The song tells a simple story about the complex environmental impact of just one tree.  As luck would have it, Joe had copies of the CD with that song with him, so naturally I purchased it and he was kind enough to autograph my copy.

There were numerous demonstrations and exhibits about pioneer living, and the children seemed to be fascinated by it all.

Of course, handmade crafts were everywhere--some of the prettiest jewelry, musical instruments, children's toys and home decor I've seen anywhere.  My second reason for going to the Festival, aside from material for my book, was to hopefully encounter a handcrafted bath soap vendor who was there two years ago.  Sure enough, I was again delighted when I found him and came away with the most wonderful Lemongrass Patchouli soap anywhere on earth!

I had hoped to start my Christmas shopping at the Festival.  Unfortunately, Uncle Sam was NOT cooperating this year or I probably would have spent a small fortune!  Maybe next year! 

Cheehaw Native American Festival

I've been looking forward to the Native American Festival  at Cheehaw Park since attending two years ago.  Somehow I know that I had a previous life as an American Indian...I am so drawn to their culture.  This is a great event with Aztec Dancers, Native American Crafts, Jewelry and Music, Primitive Skills Demonstrations and Native American Food. And it's close to home so I can attend both days...maybe.

National Grits Festival, Warwick, GA

I think that in all my time in Southwest Georgia, I've never had so much fun talking to people as I did yesterday at the Grits Festival.  Even IF Warwick is known as 'the speed trap of SOWEGA', the people sure are nice!!

The Marine Corps Marching Band from the Logistics Base in Albany GA made an impressive addition to the parade!

As usual, food and crafts were everywhere--from boiled peanuts and grilled turkey legs to the more wholesome stand of citrus fruits with free samples which I genuinely enjoyed and appreciated.

And speaking of free samples, Grandma and Grandpa Grits were on hand to dole out samples from the event sponsor, The Quaker Oats Company. 

 Aside from the friendly folks of Warwick, the most enjoyable part of the day was discovering a band that is way too talented to be on the Festival circuit.

Please visit their website, Grafted By Grace, check out their schedule, and try to get to one of their shows.  Hopefully, you will agree!

Finally, the piece de resistance of the day was The Quaker Grits Pits, complete with rules and regulations as to exactly how you may enter, sit in and exit the world's largest bowl of grits!  Some of the Festival Queens seemed to be okay with it...and some, not so much!

All in all a great and fun day and I'm really glad I went!

National Grits Festival, Warwick GA

Another weekend, another Festival!  This weekend it's the National Grits Festival in Warwick, GA (speed trap of the SOWEGA area).    Photo opps include the award-winning 'Daddy's Pride Cloggers' and the Quaker Grits Pit, and then some relaxation while listening to great gospel music by PICKIN' & GRINNIN'---heck, even Elvis will be there!!  Check out the link and maybe see YOU there!

Tifton GA Arts In Black Festival

I arrived at Fulwood Park in Tifton a bit early for the Arts In Black Festival, so I took my cue from a historic landmark sign and headed north to see the Jefferson Davis Memorial. 

Little did I know I'd be driving all the way back to Fitzgerald, where I was last weekend, but as I said--I was early.  I had to wait for an Easter Egg Hunt to get under way to document this landmark for my book and then I headed back down to Tifton and the festival which, by this time, was already under way.

The Festival was absolutely surprisingly delightful.  There was, of course, lots of food and several charming booths of crafts by African-American artisans...I found the ones by Nairobi Gifts to be the prettiest and again, was tempted to take some of them home with me.

 

Two very delightful surprises were the renowned artist Gilbert Young whose print entitled 'He Ain't Heavy' has become his trademark and one which he considers to be his statement on social responsibility.  Mr. Young was kind enough to allow me to photograph him and THEN he autographed a copy of his 'He Ain't Heavy' print and gave it to me!  I will cherish it forever!  Thank you again, Mr. Young!

Unfortunately, I was not able to stay until 4PM to see and hear Heather Hayes, daughter of Isaac Hayes, but I did stay long enough to experience my second surprise.  The Soweto Street Beat is the only professional South African dance troupe in the United States and their primary mission is to teach audiences of all ages and cultural backgrounds, especially at risk youth, about the cultural arts and history of South Africa.  They were awesome and I'm so glad I got to see them.

All in all, it was a delightful affair and I congratulate the organizers,  Plight, Inc., for putting on such a wonderful event---I'm glad I drove the distance to be there, but had to say good-bye and head back home. 

Tifton GA Arts In Black Festival

It was a great day, and I am still editing photos...posting soon!

Tifton GA Arts In Black Festival

Heading out this weekend to the Arts In Black Festival  in Tifton GA and hoping to get some great shots of the Gospel Choir and maybe some of the dance.  Then maybe I'll head to Georgia Agrirama  while I'm in the neighborhood.  Should be a fun Saturday---if my energy holds up, that is!

Fitzgerald, GA Wild Chicken Festival

When I parked in downtown Fitzgerald and opened my car door, I was greeted by three separate and distinct sounds:  the church bells tolling, the loud whistle of a cargo train roaring through town and, lastly, the call of chickens (but they sounded like roosters) coming from every possible direction.  In Fitzgerald, chickens ARE everywhere!  As I walked around I asked some of the locals how they felt about these little critters and the response was mixed:  "If you have them in your garden, you will hate them.  I had one build a nest in my flower pot!" was one response.  Two other ladies I met said they 'loooved' the chickens, and offered to let me take a photograph of the 'chicken lovers'...I politely declined. 

According to the official Festival website, the story is this: 

Back in the 1960's, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources stocked Burmese chickens all over the state as an additional game bird to be hunted like pheasant or quail.  Flocks of chicks were released several miles from Fitzgerald at the Ocmulgee River. Populations of the bird never took hold in other areas of the state, but for some reason, they left the river site and made their way to downtown Fitzgerald, where they have propagated and prospered ever since!

Initially forgetting that I had set out to attend the festival, I followed the chicken sounds until I found one to photograph.  These Wild Burmese Chickens are bold and shy at the same time--bold enough to run across the main street of downtown--yet so shy that they ran for the nearest shrub when they heard me approaching.  Getting one to 'pose' for a photograph was a challenge, indeed.   I was determined and finally got a few good shots and then headed for the festival. 

The festival was a bit disappointing after the hour and one-half drive--and in fairness, apparently there were activities the night before and early Saturday morning that I missed completely, but the street festival was rather small--only two or three blocks--but cram packed with the usual festival fare.   Funnel cakes with assorted toppings seemed to be the most popular, but corn dogs and cotton candy certainly held their own.

A few of the crafts were interesting and colorful--handmade baskets and homemade pickles and jams were the most tempting. I've learned though that in order to save my bank account, when I see something I like, I just take a photograph and I can easily tote it home with me.

Before leaving the festival , I learned that the folks in Fitzgerald feel they have found the answer to an age-old question:  "Why did the chicken cross the road?  To get to the Fitzgerald Chicken Festival, of course!" 

Fitzgerald, GA Wild Chicken Festival

Been there, photos taken, done that. Uploading and editing photos tonite and tomorrow...uploading soon!  Stay tuned!

Fitzgerald, GA Wild Chicken Festival

Heading out this weekend to the Fitzgerald Wild Chicken Festival to get material and photos for my book. Stay tuned for details of the trip and the event!

 For more information, or to join in on the fun, go here:  Wild Chicken Festival

Apalachicola, FL - March 6, 2010

True, Apalachicola on the 'forgotten coast' of Florida is a very kewl place to visit.  Great shops, fabulous restaurants with fresh seafood (Apalachicola IS famous for their shrimp and oysters, after all), a working marina and lots of great photo opps almost everywhere you look.

But Apalachicola is more than just a great place to eat and shop. Named in 2008 as one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Dozen Distinctive Destinations, the original town plan, developed in the 1830's, remains intact. And the buildings that initially appear to be no more than the containers for quaint shops and restaurants all have their own rich history and unique story to tell.
 
The Sponge Exchange, for instance, was built in 1840 and was one of two warehouses used to store sea sponges--employing between 80 and 120 men in the sponge trade.  The Dixie Theatre, built in 1912, was the entertainment center of Franklin County hosting live theatre. The Orman House was built in 1838 by Thomas Orman; the wood for this fabulous two-story house was actually cut to measure in New York, and then shipped by sailing vessel around the Florida Keys.  The house was then assembled on the bluff overlooking the Apalachicola River. There are over 900 such historic homes and buildings in Apalachicola, about 30 of them can easily be viewed via a Walking Tour offered by The Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce

So when you visit, plan to spend the weekend or more at one of several B&B's in town; not only shopping and dining, but taking the time to look a bit deeper into the historic past of this quaint little village.

 

 

Great offer from Topaz!

A great offer from Topaz was in my mailbox today, and I just had to share it with all of you!  Their new software, Topaz Adjust 4 is offered for just $49.99.  Recommended by several pros that I admire, this will take your images to a whole new level!  PLUS, save 20% off the list price with the code:  NEWADJUST.

To download a free, 30-day trial, go to: http://www.topazlabs.com/adjust/  and if you decide to purchase, and I strongly recommend you do, just use the code NEWADJUST to receive your discount.  But, there's a catch (isn't there always?)....the discount offer ends March 15, so hurry!

Have fun!

Archi-Types are finally here!

What are Archi-Types®? They are better seen than explained, but in a nutshell, they are images of architectural details and common objects that form letters. Put them together to create a word or a name...your own framed photo art! 

Frames are available from two- to seven-openings to accommodate almost every name imaginable. They make great home décor or a unique and memorable gift…for new arrivals, weddings, birthdays, almost any occasion…just get creative and use your imagination! 

Accompanying frames are in the Custom Products Gallery and new images will be uploaded frequently, so check back often for fun new additions!

 

http://www.alfieandcompany.com/p776402645 

The World Wide Photography Gala Awards

Great information sent to me by Rocky Mountain School of Photography  (which is also a great school, by the way) about a photo contest which  is open to amateurs, semi-pro's and pro's a like, and there are some great prizes and perks for the winners. I encourage you to seriously think about entering, regardless of your skill level.

www.thegalaawards.com

At Last!!

After struggling with a couple of blog sites, I've settled on this one.  User friendly, not very complicated, and doesn't take a rocket-scientist to understand.  Leaves me more free time to do what I love...photography!