Point of Conception was a project that took a couple of months from conjuring up an ideal to completed print. The swimmers are actually the little spoons that come with Cosco Creme Brulee, individually ground to the general likeness of a sperm. The background is an opaque light table, backlit with a rectangular softbox and red gel on the flash. I made numerous attempts on the top lighting before settling on a localized flash through a snoot with grid. Even at minimal setting on the flash the light was too bright and harsh. I ended up choking down the light with a black cardstock washer and some cotton filter material. The final challenge was cooking the perfect egg. My camera settings were: ISO 320, f/7.1, 1/160th second, and 32mm. Canon 5d, Mk IV camera and 24-105mm lens.
Open Category
First Place
Mystical Sunset Cynthia Briseno
Mystical was shot at Tule Lake with my Canon 5d mark IV along with my 100-400 lens. I shot it in the sunset as it caught my eye as we were driving out. I stacked 3 photos and the colors came out!
“This photo was taken in late April in the Alabama Hills Recreation Area of the eastern Sierras near Lone Pine, California. I really enjoy photographing this area, as not only is Mt. Whitney the backdrop, but the location is famous for it’s rugged rocky scenery. I was fortunate enough to be there when wildflowers were in bloom”.
The image was shot with a Canon 5D Mark IV, with a Canon 24-70 mm. Lens at f11, shutter speed 500, 200 ISO. I was formerly a member of Caveman Camera Club for several years, and recently rejoined to commiserate with friends.
Rocky Pools Ross Steensland
This photo was taken near Avila Beach CA in late December. After an unsuccessful search for some sea caves, I noticed these scenic pools overlooking Shell Beach in the background. I used a 10 stop ND filter to take several minutes of exposure, then a bracketed photo with a polarizer filter for the rocks and sky.
Canon 6D mkii
Canon 24-70mm f2.8
B+W polarizer filter & 10 stop ND
I was inspired to do a “light paintings” image of me holding my great grandfather’s Winchester 1894, octagon barreled rifle. This rifle was purchase by my great grandfather in about 1895. My great grandfather used it; his son, my grandfather; then my father; and I have used it for years. I wanted to show a rather sleepy old cowboy standing guard — this cowboy was sitting and asleep on duty. Light was painted on the subject as if it came in a window rather from the model’s right side in a totally dark room. I acted as the “Old Cowboy.” My wife, Lisa, did the light painting in total darkness at 10 PM on March 1st of 2020 — all with a small flashlight.
Camera setting details: 48 mm; 10 sec. exposure; f16; and ISO of 100 with a Nikon 750 camera and 28-300 Nikkor lens.
Our next competition meeting is coming up fast. The Assigned Category is Faceless Portraits. You can get some really good ideas on the web about this category. There is plenty of room for creativity. Get your images to Dave Church by MARCH 1st, midnight and we’ll see you soon! Prints will be accepted up to ten minutes before the meeting.
This image was shot with a Nikon D810, 500mm lens, 1/800 shutter @ f5.6 and ISO 1600. Taken at the pond at Reinhart Volunteer Park (also known as All Sports Park) in the spring when the baby geese are present.
