Working The Scene

Hi Folks,

I hope a happy Christmas was had by all.
I have a car that I am showing today and I have taken these sequence of photos in Fremantle, Western Australia.
The car is a Chevrolet Chevelle and it is from around 1971(the car).
I like the lines of this car as it is curvy and sleek.

Red Chevelle

The first shot above is a overall look of the car. I had to get down low as there were distractions all over the place. I think it also emphasises the car as well. The photo itself is a 3 image hand held hdr shot which explains some of the richness.

With the second shot I moved in a bit closer for a lightly different point of view and to also fill the frame.

A Bit Closer

In hindsight it looks a little to tight but I am just trying to work the scene with different angles and views. The second shot is not an hdr as aren't the others to follow.
I guess I like the simplicity of this car.

The third photo I went right up close and decided the front light looked good with the indicator and the little clip to keep the bonnet in place.

Nice Lines

As you see I really filled the frame and it does not give you room for eye movement. It is all about a different point of view. Is it a good photo? Maybe not but it is all about working the scene. I did not want the normal car shot which is standing height.

The last photo is the back tail lights showcasing the chrome and circular red  stop lights.
Plenty of chrome really makes a car and this one had lovely chrome bumpers.

Love The Chrome

I would have to say that out of the four photos this one is my second favourite with my first being the favourite.
My main thing is to always walk around a subject and keep shooting until you find a scene that really stands out. This day I would have taken about fifteen shots and it has been known for people to take up to sixty photos.

These are My Photographic Observations for now.

Vedran

Searching For The Light

Hi Folks,

One of the things I am learning in my quest to be a photographer is the importance of light.
Light is one of those things that goes to your minds eye. It points out the subject.
In the first photo I took a street photograph of a lady. No idea who the lady is but I love the scene because it is back lit and the light shining through the outline of her golden hair.

Just Love The Hair

She has a strange expression to be sure but like I said I wanted to catch the light which really made her hair shine.
She did not mind that I took her photo and she told me later that she thought she had seen a friend and was squinting she was a bit short sighted.

The second photo I was in Fremantle and I came across this nice golden light on St Patricks Basilica. I liked the golden soft light and I liked the golden arches as well.

The Golden Arches

I framed with the arches mainly in the viewfinder and exposed to get the correct colour of the late afternoon glow. I did do a series on St Patricks Basilica in a previous blog post but this is mainly about the light.
I am finding that I tend to underexpose an image slightly so that I can mainly accentuate the light.

My third photo is a stairway in Kings Park in Perth. I was down the bottom of the path and I came across this sight.

Where Do The Stairs Lead?

There is nothing special about the image as such but you find your eye going to the brightest part of the photo and you cant help but go up the stairs.
Unfortunately there was nobody coming down or going up which would have been more interesting as the person or dog even would have been illuminated.
I am always searching for the light in order to have really interesting photos.
Thank you for passing by and these are My Photographic Observation's .

Vedran

Street Life

Hi Folks,

Welcome to My Photographic Observations where I post a few photos and say a little about them.
My theme for this week is Street photography. I have converted all images to black and white just to change everything up a bit.
Street Photography is rather hard because you never know what type of reactions you are going to get. It is a lot of fun and I enjoy it and am still learning as I go along.
All the photos were taken in Split Croatia while I was there earlier this year.

The first photo is self explanatory in that he was checking out some books to buy on the Split Riva. Split Riva is an area right next to the ocean and has plenty of coffee shops about.

Sale Sale Sale

You can see the ocean in the background so I thought somebody doing with that nice ocean view.
The second photo was to my left as I was walking. A man sitting on a bench and this lady who seemed to be giving her point of view quite stringently.

And another thing

He seemed to be uncomfortable and then all of a sudden he seemed to relax with that ahh so moment. She was always hunched over but I thought it was great.
The third photo was just a shot of passers by. I looked at the photo subsequently and have thought is it or isn't it. I just feel she has a slight resemblance to Cameron Diaz but more than likely not her.

Cameron maybe?

The resemblance is close but who's to know as I did not ask for an autograph lol.

The fourth photo is of these two Asian gentlemen sitting and doing a bit of reading. I just wanted to show some of the people/tourists that come to Split.

You read Ill think

Split is a place that is very cheap although as anything it depends where you go.
Why black and white you might ask? The answer is sometimes colour tends to confuse things a bit where as black and white there is only shades of black and white so to me gives a photo more impact. I have not mastered it yet but as I said before I am still learning.

These are My Photographic Observations and I thank you for taking the time to read and observe.

Vedran

Sunsets

Hi Folks,

Welcome to My Photographic Observations.
Today I have two photos of sunsets that I took earlier this year. Not in any exotic location but a little down the road close to the beach where I am situated. The second was on an Island.
Sunsets are always nice to take but what I enjoyed about this photo was the weeds and plants that were silouetted against the bright orange of the sun going down.
I was going to expose for the plants by adding a little flash and although it was nice this shot seemed to work. I used apature priority and under exposed to increase the saturation of the orange and yellow of the sunset.
Interesting is that the subject matter could be boring but taken like this I think it seems to give it a bit of a wow factor.

Weedy Sunset

It gives me a surreal kind of feeling and I think makes for a warm interesting photo. This shot was taken in February this year.

The second photo is also a sunset. Hey we all like sunsets right?
This time I used a tree for framing so the person could look at the line that leads to the sun. The line being the glow of the reflection that is below the tree. I also underexposed and I shot in appature priority again.

Tree Frame Sunset

The tree also makes a nice contrast against the colours of the horizon.
This photo was taken in Supetar on the Island of Brac in Croatia.

These are My Photographic Observations. I hope you enjoy.

Vedran

St Patricks Basilica

Hi Folks,

Sometimes when you walk around your house there are things you have that you see but you don't take notice. Here is the same for me, in the sense that this place has always been here but never bothered to look at the architecture much.
It is a lovely old building built around 1850.

Built 1850

A few years ago it went through a restoration and it is really quite stunning. Walking around one late afternoon just before sunset, I noticed the late afternoon sun on the top half of the Basilica.
It truly was lovely and I thought I must capture this.

Relaxed Angle

The light and the patterns really are appealing and have a look of their own. The arches and the circles and everything is just marvellous. It was hard trying to get the angles that I needed because I wold have been with a stiff neck if in front as it was just to tall.

The Arches And The Light

I was partially successful and have a nice arch in the photo. I said earlier in the post that you don't always notice and I am so glad that I have taken up photography because it really makes you observe what is around you.

St Patricks Basilica Fremantle

The final photo is an overview of the whole Basilica. It was this scene that caught my eye in the first place. I plan of taking photos inside one day for a seperate blog post but for now,
These are My Photographic Observations for now...

Vedran

Graffiti Or Art

Hi Folks,

In Fremantle which is in Western Australia there is an old place that was built to store wool many years ago. On one side of this massive building there had been renovations done and on the other side it is still old.
The building will not fall down because of it's solid build. The sad thing is there is plenty of graffiti and I have three items of graffiti to show.
I have previously said graffiti if done properly can be tasteful or interesting.

The first example I like the blue of the Mermaid and all round it shows some skill.

Wandering Tentacles

The Octopus with its Tentacles all over the place and you get the impression that the Mermaid is not happy.

The next example is two females and I just like the artwork. It is very well done and against the old brickwork is quite effective. I put a little bit of extra vibrance in tho post processing to give it a bit of punch.

Nice Contrast

I think the gypsy lady looks quite interesting and then the classy demure lady next to her with a smiley face.

The last photo is what this old building looked like originally although in graffiti form.

Old Wool Building

I think overall these couple of examples are quite colourful and interesting. It begs the question is this graffiti or art? Would I take credit for the photographs? Well yeah I took them altho it is somebodies art/graffiti I still took the photos because they are part of My Photographic Observations for this week.



Vedran

Observing Contrast

Hi Folks,

Is it not funny that when you walk or drive around anywhere that there is always something that might catch your eye. A lot of the times this seems to happen to me. I think anything that has a little bit of contrast tends to stand out.
My first example here is something that is not unusual I mean to say it is a grapevine growing with a white wall behind it.

Interesting Contrast

We have a classic case of to opposing colours being the white of the wall and the darker green and mild yellow of the grapevine. So subsequently you tend to notice.

The second example is not as stand outish as the first but it is more texture related. I just happened to see this rusted piece of iron and thought the texture here would be a nice interesting image.

Nice Texture

I mean to say that roughness and the colour really does something which just draws me in all the time.
There is not a whole lot of contrast there but the fact that it looks rough gives it a nice feel.

This next photo was the same piece of metal but I noticed a pastel purplish kind of leaf sitting there.
The contrast was not strong but very subtle. It is enough of a contrast to make you notice.

Patel Purple?

I mean to say if we look around hard enough there is always something interesting and different.

My last example is contrast on steroids meaning the colours were nice but I thought I would make it a bit more arty although the pattern itself looks nice.

Contrast On Steroids

I would say this last photo to be my favourite because of the textured blue background and the two leaves that are soft in colour but stand out against the rough.

These are My Photographic Observations and I hope the examples were an interesting subject matter.

Vedran

56 Cadillac...

Hi Folks,

It has been a while since my last post in October. I have sorted through thousands of photos and I am now starting to edit. I hope to be blogging about twice a week but will see.

My Photographic Observation for today is an old 1956 Cadillac that I happened to see in Fremantle one afternoon. It was beautifully restored as you see and it was also white.

Headlight View

I wanted to shoot this car a little bit different so my first shot was basically a teasing view.
I call it a teasing view because you don't get to see much of the car but you get the idea of the basic shape. I kind of like the way cars were styled back in the old days.

The second Shot I have opened up a bit more to give a bit more of a teasing view.

More Revealed

The nice body contours really give this car a feeling of " I want to go for a ride" and boy did this catch my eye. In Fremantle there always seem to be a classic car of some sort and this just caught my eye.

The third photo is the whole side on view and not the teaser anymore.

The 56 Cadillac

Yes definitely something. It was blazing hot the day I took the photos, around 35deg Celsius. Not great conditions to shoot but I am learning not to let a chance go by.

The fourth photo I thought of a rear side view would be nice just to get a different point of view.

Side View

I think it is amazing that a lot of these classic cars are around and to see them is truly a pleasure. Of course they don't have the luxury of the new cars of today but you cant have everything right.

The fifth and final pic is the rear of the car.

Elvis 56

I am assuming that the owner was an Elvis Fan and I think the 56 Cadillac is what he had bought at the time. Not that this is Elvis's car.

This was My Photographic Observation for today.
Hope to be here again very shortly.

Vedran

A Little Abstract

Hi Folks,

I have decided to write about something a little different today. I am getting into different types of photography and one of them is close up and abstract.
I find that it is a challenge to look for different things I look for patterns and lines.
My first photo below was a subject that if you looked at you would think nothing of it. Basically it is a rusted pipe but I looked closer and noticed the rust and the white made an interesting pattern.

Two People

It kind of gives an impression of 2 people sitting one behind the other. Also there is nice texture.

The second photo is a close up of a close up. I walked in closer and zoomed in as far as my lens on my camera would allow me to go. I did not have a tripod which was a challenge but overall it turned out OK I think

Germs

It to me looks like something you would see looking in a microscope you know germs etc. I also like both photos because of the texture in each.

The 3rd photo is an abstract which I kind of like. I mean it is a shot where I didn't hold steady but I got some ghosting which at times can look quite interesting.

Abstract or Style

I am always looking to improve my photography so I am practiceing different styles which I will post here.
The styles I am trying are Architecthure, Landscape, Macro, Street, Abstract, Lightpainting and Night shooting. I am certainly trying to keep everything interesting.
For now these are My Photographic Observations until next time...


Vedran

Street Scenes

Hi Folks,

I would just like to include a few pics of the street scenes around Split.
I find it quite interesting and looking around for expressions or people being unaware candid moment is quite interesting.
I was wondering around Veli Varos in the old part of Split just underneath Marjan Hill. I liked the streets and just happened to notice this lady eating an ice cream so I composed the shot but was looking not at her but a lamp further up the street. She was of course included.

Ice Cream In Veli Varos

I am thinking it makes an interesting pic as she is enjoying her ice cream in relative solitude.

A bit further up the road I came across these 2 lady's having a heated debate. I have no idea what they were talking about but it made for an interesting photo as they kind of settled down and were collecting they're thoughts.

Simmering

I don't know if this was prying and it was none of my business but I am always looking for someone with any sort of gestures etc and those folded arms didn't seem to agree either lol.

I had moved around and was heading back to the Split Riva When I happened to notice this blonde lady having a look out of her window at whatever was happening on the street below. She seemed very happy in her own way and just seeming to enjoy what she was observing.

Enjoying The View

I find this style of photography interesting but hard work as you are always looking around. It is a bit different than taking landscapes or architecture  or portraits.
Later in the evening I stopped of in the square or piazza in Split and decided to take a shot at night for a change. Just practising my camera holding skills as I did not use a flash and had to bump up the ISO.

Night Shot In The Piazza

Generally when you shoot at night it is always recommended to carry a tripod. They are cumbersome and a pain to carry but they stabilise a camera which is the purpose. I try carrying a tripod when I can but this night I was trying something new.

My last street shot is an abstract just doing something different again.

Abstract, Monet Or Fine Art 

These are My Photographic Observations for now. Delving into Street Photography has been interesting and will share as I go along. I hope You all enjoy.
PS Don't forget to leave any comments below if you have any good bad or other.

Vedran

Taking Risks

Hi Folks,

I have a new photographic observation today and it is about taking risks. I know we can take risks when we cross the road or go out on a possibly rainy day with no umbrella or even climb a mountain with no safety harness and rope. Are you getting the picture that i am planting in your mind?
Well can you imagine having a brand new Mercedes Benz and parking it in a area that is riddled with urban art (graffiti or vandalism so take your pick).

I for one would not do that but that's me I guess. I wonder if the owner knew that the previous couple of days there was no imaging on the wall. The mind boggles as where people park sometimes altho there is nothing wrong where he parked as it was in very close proximity to the Split Riva.

It is just a shame that everything seems to get vandalised some how. Don't get me wrong there are some great artists out there but the majority are just crap. Useless tags or some kind of status symbol saying Look at Me, Look at Me I am really smart because I know hot to press the nozzle on a spray can.
Just a shame society is going that way but anyway....

Nice Car Shameful Wall

I must say that the car looks kind of wonderful being sleek two door and black. It is kind of a contrast to the wall which is well you make up your own mind. Me thinks it makes a good image and I am always looking for a contrast in the photo's that I take.

This is My Photographic Observation and stay tuned for more soon.

Vedran

The Fishing Routine

Hi Folks

I like to see what people do around Split and one thing that is consistent is that the people love to get in a boat and go fishing. No rod and reel and casting out but get in a boat and drop a net.
I think it is a quick way to fish because I guess more fish would be caught. I am the sort who likes to be on Terra Firma with a 12 foot rod and reel.

The Floats Attached To the Net

Of course the tools that are required are the boat (goes without saying) netting and the floats.
Petrol to get you where in the Adriatic sea you want to cast or even oars in some cases.
It is a lively hood for some altho most tend to do it for recreation.

The Fishing Net

Of course after all the catching is done you need to do some net repair (which is an art form to itself) if needed to be prepared for the next time out. I would find this tedious but then that's me.

Repairing The Net 

This is My Photographic Observation for now so take care all.

Vedran

Spy Cam Or Rotor Cam

Hi Folks

It has certainly been a little while since my last post but I am up and running again after finally doing some sorting and editing.
My Photographic Observations today is all about this contraption that was flying around the Riva in Split.
It had 4 little rotor blades and had on it what appeared to be some sort of camera.

Out Of The Blue

It was obviously a remote or a drone but it certainly had a lot of peoples attention.
I cant see any reason as to why there would be any Spy camera's in use around here but maybe it is on trial for crowd control purposes.

Closer View

I would hate to think that they would use this type of thing. This is only an opinion that I have but it could also possibly be somebodies toy.
Hate to think what would have happened if it conked out as there were plenty of people on the Riva that day and it was roughly about 100 feet in the air.

Swirly Wirly

Certainly an interesting piece of machinery and certainly was fun to look at.

I am hoping to post more regularly now as i had a huge backlog of photos (which I Still Have) so maybe in a week at the latest.

Vedran

Band On The Riva

Hi Folks,

It has been a while since my last post to this blog but have finally got around to doing one.
I was on the Split Riva one night when I noticed a stage and some roadies setting up for a band to play.
I decided to hang around and have a listen and my word I was pleasantly surprised.
The band was a 4 piece consisting of a drummer,bass,guitar and lead singer.
It consisted of 2 Guys and 2 Gals.

Lead Guitar Player

The drummer and singer were the females. They played a wide variety of music ranging from Roxette to Metallica which was very interesting. All the players were very good and very tight as in in beat and I would even go to the extent of saying that they were probably the best I have ever seen on the Riva.

Lead Singer Great Voice

The octave range of the lead singer was stunning as she could belt out a tune but also be very mellow where required. I did not catch the name of the band which was disappointing from my side.
The night gave me a chance of practising some in the dark concert photography.
I did not use any flash so I had to get my exposures spot on.

Lead Guitarist Trilling Along

The lead guitarist was also very good and he also had great stage presence. The bass player was marvellous and also could slip into funky time when required. Could not get any pics of the drummer because very difficult to get an in focus photo so I did not include any here.
The 2 guys would run around stage and really make things exciting.

Excitable Boys

To finish the night the band played the Roxette song " It could have been love" with some really nice lighting effects and thus the night ended on such a nice sweet high. Maybe the band had told the crowd who they were but me being me, I guess did not catch it as I was chimping (looking at the Images, 283 of them) and so my observations were true to form lol.

It Could Have Been Love

This is my photographic observation for now. I will hopefully post very soon as am getting more editing done and have more to share.


Vedran

Roman Architecture

Hi Folks,


It has been a bit awkward trying to post on the blog lately but none the less here is the contribution for this post.
Split or Spalato as it was formerly known was formerly the Roman Emperor Diocletian's holiday residence.
It was basically an army fortress and the walls were thick and high.
Inside near the area called Peristille was where he used to be his final resting place.
The Romans were influenced by the Greeks and the Egyptians in the way they built buildings etc.

The Greek Influenced Architecture

 Columns being one of the things they liked to support they're structures. Marble was the stone of choice as well so definitely very strong. What is my observation here? Well apart from the fact that it is 1700 years old I just like the lines and the late afternoon sun. The old bell tower is at the back (Sveti Duje's Camponel) which was built a long time later after the fall of the Roman Empire.


The next part of the architecture is the placement of the little Sphinx supposedly to guard the Emperor's resting place.

The Little Sphinx

It is also quite old but that is where the Egyptian influence is.
I made this photo a black and white because it was mainly dark and light contrast so ideal for black and white.

Those are my photographic observations, feel free to make any comments whether they are good or bad.


Vedran















j