Not back home, just back photographically…I hope. There are some great photographers on this trip, and that is pushing me, but it’s Scott and his buddy Mimo who are really the drivers here.
A perfect example of how Scott pushed me yesterday helped me get my best photo of the trip…so far. His instruction to us before we left the hotel was “bring everything.” That meant our tripods, our platypods, our filters, any extra lenses we had brought, rain covers for our cameras, and a bunch more. So I did. At the very first stop, I learned that I hate tripods. I mean, I really hate them. By the end of the first shoot, I had put mine away and said to heck with it. Maybe if I had practiced with it more? Just getting it set up is a royal pain in the ass. I like shooting handheld and adding exposure later in post-processing (Photoshop and Camera RAW). So pretty much all but the first shots in the slideshow below are handheld.
Then last night we shot a bunch of stuff, and again, I was carrying the tripod (because that was what we were supposed to do). When we got to our final stop, everyone was setting up with their ND filters (you have to use a tripod to shoot with a filter on… the exposure is too long not to), and I wasn’t. Scott came up to me and asked if I had a filter. I did, and he said I would regret it like crazy if I didn’t use it. I was reluctant because it meant at least 10 minutes getting set up for the shot. I am not that kind of photographer. I'm the kind of guy who says, “I love this photo, but I will love the next one more.” I just want to keep shooting. But I set up the tripod, and with Mimo’s help, I got the shot I am most proud of so far. It’s the one at the top of this post.
It is Wednesday morning at 3:45 am. I have to be ready to go in the lobby at 5:00 when we take a train to Ghent. But that’s tomorrow’s story.
Today is about yesterday, our first day of shooting. Our daily schedule looked like this:
- Meet in the hotel lobby at 6:00.
- Walk to our first shoot (about a mile).
- Shoot for 20 minutes, walk to the next shoot.
- Back to the hotel at 9:00 for breakfast.
- Classroom work and processing from 9:45 to 2:00.
- Nap or play time until 6:30.
- Back out to shoot again until 9:00, and then back to the hotel to sleep.
Tired yet? I’m not. Yesterday morning was good; last night was WONDERFUL! So, how about some photos? I won't add captions, since I want to get them on tonight before I go to bed. We have to meet in the lobby at 5:00 am tomorrow, and we won't be back until 9:30 at night. We are headed to Brussels and Antwerp.
You can look at them photographically or because you want to see more of Bruges, but either way, if you click the first shot, you can scroll through using your arrow keys or by swiping. And PLEASE... don't look at these photographs on a phone. Please...
“The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it.” — Ansel Adams
I think I would never run make that kind of schedule! Enjoy!
The pictures are amazing. The use of light, wow. I had to research 2 of the equipment items, e.g., platypods, ND filters. I have been using cameras since 1973 and had never heard of platypods or ND filters. Did you bring your own tripod to Europe or did they let you use one of theirs?
I had to buy a travel tripod. And I have had the platypod forever but never used it.
You got some great ones Jim! I know you love the lighting in night shots. I’m with you about carrying a tripod, but for some shots you have to.
How about the church shots ??
I want the downspout cover!!!!!! But seriously, all of the photos are gorgeous/ beautiful/ fantastic . . . . ps ‘we’ are viewing them on DH’s laptop while we are traveling the east coast
Great set of pics, Jim! My faves are the reflection shots and the ones inside the church with the chairs
Well it sure looks like and sounds like it’s a great experience. NIce shots.
You have some nice captures. I especially like the one at the top. You know, there are tripods that are light(er) weight and easy to set up and attach a camera to. When we wolf watch, I can set up the tripod, put the scope on (same mount as my camera) and spot the wolves within a minute.
I purchased a really nice travel tripod, but I use a Black Rapid strap that is attached to the camera via the tripod mounting screw hole (not sure what else to call it), and first, I have to take that off. Then I extend the tripod legs and struggle to attach the camera to the head. It just isn’t my kind of photography. But I got some shots I truly like. I am just not sure that it is worth it to set up the tripod to make water look smoother.
Loved your photos! The lighting makes many of these shots really special! You’e always been a good photographer, but this class is honing your talent! Thanks so much for sharing. Enjoy! Looking forward to more!!!