Deb's Memories Photography

Different ISO Speeds

2009-01-12T04:59:00.001-08:00

If you are interested in experimenting with the different ISO speeds of your camera, Let me briefly explain that the higher ISO the faster the action you can catch.

This photograph of water falling has been taken in two different ISO Speeds. The first photograph is taken with the ISO speed set at 850. This setting catches the water falling and freezes the action.

For a smoother motion, I have taken the same photograph with the ISO Setting on 80. AS you can see the second photo has a blurred look to the water as it is falling.

The only precaution I see with using a high ISO Speed is that the lighting needs to be just right. With a faster ISO Speed, the shutter is faster too, so if the shutter closes too quickly in a poorly lit area, the result with be a photograph with a lot of noise. I will explain more about that another day.

Photographing Pets

2008-12-10T07:46:00.001-08:00

OK, so if you just read the article about the rule of thirds, your thinking, boy, practice what you teach! Well, to be honest, I did this on purpose. I was not planning on using this photo for anything else but to crop and edit with a digital photo software.

Since I did just talk about the rule of thirds, lets refresh that placing the subject in the middle can make your subject not as interesting as it could be. However, I did this so that I could be close enough to keep this dog's interest and catch the sun's reflection on his healthy shiny coat. I knew I was going to crop this, so I did not worry about the distracting stick or the shadows in the picture. After saying all that, take a look at the edited version to get a better idea of what I am talking about.

I have used this photograph to put on apparel and posters for those animal lovers.

View these products on Cafepress

I think it is important to catch pets and animals in natural lighting and in their natural temperament. Keep your camera close and watch for the perfect chance to catch your pet in their daily lives. Besides, that's how you will remember them right?

Here is an action photo I took when I knew that my children were going to be playing with bubbles outside. My Black Labrador loves to catch bubbles, so I went out with my camera to catch this action. This photo is not professional, the lighting is wrong, and the background is distracting. However, It captured a memory. To me, that's just as important as professionalism.

Rule of Thirds

2008-12-10T06:38:00.001-08:00

One of the first things that you may have learned about photography is the rule of thirds. Incase you have not heard of this "rule", I would like to explain it for you. You see for a long time, I enjoyed taking pictures but I have never heard of this rule. Once it was explained to me my pictures were much more interesting and well balanced.

When you look thru your camera's viewing lens, picture a grid in the window or screen. This grid may actually be a option that is on your camera. I use the Canon Powershot SD850 digital camera for most of my photography right now. The grid feature is on this camera. Take a look at your manual if you have this camera and would like to enable this feature.

The grid should divide your camera into 9 parts. like this example. If you do not have a grid feature, or do not want to use it, simply imagine this grid on the photograph you are about to take.

When you are taking the picture, it is best to place the subject of your photograph on one of the intersections of the lines. It is more natural for the eye and draws your eye into the picture.

Placing a landscaping image off to one side also allows for more of the surrounding landscape to be seen.

Another thing to keep in mind as you are thinking about the rule of thirds is that you also have grid lines that run horizontally. Sometimes I use this grid line to make sure that I am holding my camera straight. this prevents me from having a tilted horizon. However, The horizontal grid lines are just as important in the rule of thirds. You may take a photo that is, lets say a sailboat on the water. If you place the horizon directly in the middle, and the sailboat on one of the thirds, you will have a good photo, but if you placed the horizon on one of the third lines, the photo becomes more pleasing to the eye and well balanced.

Eastham Windmill

2008-12-06T08:19:00.001-08:00

These are photographs of the Eastham Windmill. I think this historic landmark is very picturesque with the water pump in the foreground and the gazebo in the back. Different seasons of the year give this windmill a different look. In the spring time the Lilacs as a delicate touch to the picture. The summer time greens, the autumn colors and the winter snow fall. All these seasons create a different backdrop for this windmill.

If you are photographing landmarks in your area, try taking pictures in all different seasons. You will be surprised at the difference in each one.

The Eastham Windmill is the oldest windmill on Cape Cod Massachusetts. As you can see by the photograph, this windmill was built in Plymouth during 1680 by Tomas Paine. This windmill was moved three separate times, until it finally settled in 1808 at the location that is in now. It has been in this location for 200 years.

Windmills on Cape Cod & the Islands

Sandwich Gristmill

2008-12-02T12:06:00.001-08:00

I was fully enjoying photographing this gristmill that was built in 1634. It's hard to imagine, but this gristmill still grinds corn daily. Sandwich is a historical town in Cape Cod Massachusetts. In fact sandwich is the oldest town on Cape Cod.

This photograph is one of my favorites because of the sunlight shining thru the trees and giving the photo a sort of dreamy look. I have framed the picture with tree branches to give some depth to the picture. it's like your looking back in history to the time gristmills were common and all working efficiently.

Here is another angle of this same gristmill. As you can see, the water pump is still used.

If you like my Cape Cod, photography, check out www.debsmemories.com for unique gifts and one of a kind prints.

Evening Sky Photography

2008-12-01T15:58:00.001-08:00

Tonight was one of those nights that I wished I had a high powered camera. Night Photography is difficult because of the lighting. If you try to photograph the stars or the moon, you must have a steady flat surface that you can rest your camera on. because of the lack of sufficient light, the shutter stays open longer. Any movement (even breathing) will make it look like your photographing two moons or a moving white line.

The reason I wanted to photograph the night sky was actually a historic event. Last night there were two planets lined up right below the crescent moon. The moon was very bright, and if you looked carefully, you could see the entire moon's surface in the shadow. The two planets that are below the moon are Venus and Jupiter.

For more information I found this web page helpful.

http://www.earthsky.org/skywatching/

This web page will give you dates of other events that happen in the night sky. If you are interested

in catching these on film, this web page would be a good place to help you plan for that evening.

Technorati Tags: sky,heavens,firmament,stars,photgraphy,photographing,moon,venus,Jupiter

Weather

2008-11-26T09:38:00.001-08:00

Again, I am looking thru the eyes of the camera...

As we think about the weather, and photography, we generally say that sunny days are the best day to take photographs. Well, today I was enjoying the not-so sunny weather. We had a mixture of sun, then rain, sun, and hail/sleet.

I was noticing the beauty of the sky when the clouds were allowing the sun's rays to poke thru with those beautiful rays of light. Then as the heavy rains came, I retreated inside. Soon I found myself running back outside as a beautiful rainbow appeared.

As I stood outside in the rain with the sun beginning to shine again, I noticed how the bare trees and branches around me glistened in the sunshine. The raindrops suspended from the edges of the branches were beautiful. All too soon, I found a hail storm was happening, and I had to take a few close up shots of the round balls of ice that were contrasted nicely in the dark green grass.

The beauty of nature around us is amazing. The difficult thing is capturing these events on camera. Pay attention to the lighting, that is probably the most important thing when your taking these kinds of photographs. Wait for the perfect moment when the sun peeks out for just a few seconds. Then sit back and enjoy the beauty of the moment.

The Joy of Photography

2008-11-15T13:13:00.000-08:00

I have begun to see the world in a different way... Thru the eyes of a camera.

It is amazing, suddenly the sunset looks more brilliant The little things that we often overlook in our everyday life suddenly become more fascinating, than before.

Take for example the beautiful and extremely fragile design that frost creates on the window. It is only there for a short time. As the sun shines on the frost, it glistens in the light. All too soon, the frost and it's design is forever gone. The sun's rays have melted that delicate design that was so beautifully glistening in the light.

wonderful opportunity

2008-11-14T07:27:00.001-08:00

The other day I had a wonderful opportunity to photograph a beautiful white tailed deer in his natural habitat.

It was in the fall, the Black Walnuts had fallen from the tree. Black Walnuts are one of deer's favorite treats.

I was just walking up the road when I saw him. A handsome 8 point buck. He was watching me closely, but not willing to leave the walnuts. Since I never go anywhere with out my camera, I took full advantage of this scene. He was under the tree, with a layer of thicket between us. Since I know that Bucks tend to be very timid and run away quickly, I was amazed that I was able to get this close.

I began to step slowly and carefully toward this beautiful buck. As I worked my way into the thicket, he would look straight at me as if he was posing for my camera.

This was an experience that I will never forget. Since I do not have a camera with a high powered lens, I am grateful for the wonderful shots I received.

I will not forget one of the comments I received recently during a craft fair. A man stopped and looked at the photograph of the deer. He looked at me and asked me if I took that photograph. I said "Yes, I did." He then asked me if the deer was alive or if it was my husband's hunting trophy. I had to chuckle at that remark. The photograph was so clear and so close, that his man obviously thought the deer was dead or fake in order for me to get that close.

Nobska Light, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

2008-09-02T06:20:00.000-07:00

Nobska Light is located in the Woods Hole area. Woods Hole is a quaint bustling town with the Oceanographic Institute and many other local attractions. Nobska Light is easily seen from the road. As you are traveling down Church street, the view is beautiful With the beach and vineyard sound to your right and the lighthouse on a hill overlooking the sound on the right side of the road. There is a place to pull over and look around at the lighthouse, but I think it is a very dangerous area. The parking lot is located on a sharp turn and the crest of the hill. if you park there to look around, proceed with caution.

The First lighthouse was built in 1828. The kind of lighthouse that was originally constructed is different from the style we see today. The style however was common during the time it was built. The original lighthouse was simply a light on the roof of a residence's house. The heavy lantern caused damage to the house and the roof started to leak.

In 1876, they replaced the lighthouse with a 42 foot cast iron shell lined with brick. In 1907 a second keeper's house was built. In 1939 the Coast Guard maintained control of this lighthouse. The light was automated in 1985. The light is shining red from the east and the rest is shining white.

Chatham Light, Chatham, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

2008-08-22T09:41:00.000-07:00

The main lighthouse in Chatham is easily viewed. Therefore it has become rather common for photography. The beach across the way has breath taking views of the ocean and the continuously changing sand bars. each year the sand bars change with the winter storms.

This lighthouse has more information about it's history. Did you know that it was originally twins? That's right. Chatham was known for the "twin lights" and later I will talk about the "Three sisters" of Eastham. These two lighthouses history mix together.

The reason Chatham had twin lights was so that it would be easy for the ships to know where on the long arm of the Cape they were located.

The twin lights were built in 1808. In just 30 years they were described as to dangerous to ascend in windy weather. so two brick towers were built and completed in the summer of 1841. The house still had such a poor foundation that rats had infested the cellar. and a storm in October of 1841 broke 17 panes of glass in the lanterns. In 1857 the Chatham lights received fourth-order Fresnel lenses, each with white lights and fueled by lard oil.

In 1870 the lights were 228 feet from the edge of a 50-foot bluff. A tremendous storm hit Cape Cod in November 1870 which sped up the erosion situation. By 1877, the lighthouses were only 48 feet from the edge of the bluff. In 1877 two 48 foot conical cast-iron towers were erected to replace the ones threatened by erosion. On December 15, 1879 one of the lighthouses fell down the bluff to the beach below. 15 months later the house and second lighthouse fell.

In 1923 (after 115) the "Twin lights" came to an end. The north light was moved up the coast to Eastham to replace the "Three Sisters". The foundation of the North light currently is a memorial for seven members of the crew of the Monomoy Life Saving Station who died attempting to save the crew of a distressed ship in 1902.

The single lighthouse was automated in 1982. Today the Coast Guard in control of the navigational aid. In 1991 Hurricane Bob part of the overlook and parking lot in front of the Chatham lighthouse were washed away. Also the fierce storm created a break in the beach to the east of the Chatham light.

Stage Harbor Light, Chatham, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

2008-08-14T08:01:00.001-07:00

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After a mile long hike about 30 minutes along a sandy road lined with sea grass, wild roses, and sand dunes. We approached Stage harbor Light. This light is the youngest of the Cape Cod lighthouses. It was built in 1880 and it was decommissioned in 1933. In 1933 the automated light on a skeleton tower replaced Stage harbor Light. The government removed the lantern and capped the tower. The land and lighthouse became private property when Henry Sears Hoyt purchased it. The Hoyts still own this property today. There is no electricity or plumbing except one small pump.

I think this one is my favorite lighthouse to photograph because of the pristine landscape that surrounds it. The wild life and bird sanctuary that is in the area brings a very peaceful feeling to this lighthouse.

I sell items at my store that feature this special lighthouse on different items like magnets, greeting cards tote bags and more. Very unique gifts.

learning experinces

2008-08-05T07:38:00.000-07:00

I decided to start my business "Deb's Memories" in the spring of 2008. It has really been a learning experience for me as I am trying different aspects of this business.

First I decided to try my photography with local craft shows in the area. I have attended one so far this season, and I have one more scheduled in September at the Bourne Scallop festival September 19-21.

The one I have already attended was a learning experience for me. I was surprised by the number of people that attended. It seemed considerably less than I was told. I think allot of that has to do with the economy and the fact that less and less people are traveling for vacations.

Since that craft fair, I have decided to focus on e-commerce. I have opened a shop with cafepress. www.cafepress.com/debsmemories. and I have also posted my photography online at http://www.debsmemories.com/. These are both experiments to see what the customers purchasing habits are.

Cafe Press

2008-08-05T06:34:00.000-07:00

Cafe Press has a lot of different products that you can choose from. Above is a small selection of some of the items that I have. Calendars, mugs, hats & caps, prints, magnets, clothing and apparel, coasters, mousepads, and more.

Cafe Press also allows you to upload and customise your own product.

2008-08-05T06:06:00.000-07:00

For a larger selection of photos, visit my picasa web albums page at http://picasaweb.google.com/debsmemories1,
Deb's Memories Home page at http://www.debsmemories.com/, or my store at www.cafepress.com/debsmemories.

2008-08-05T01:32:00.000-07:00

Take a close look around you and notice the amazing breath-taking beauty that surrounds you every day. Be amazed at what you see. It is a gift a precious gift. God gave us the most beautiful things to enjoy.

I love to take photographs of these amazing gifts. From the close up objects, to the breath-taking views of a distant sunset.

I have always enjoyed the beauty of nature around me. Today, with the technology that we have, I am able to enjoy this beauty and share it with you. I hope that you enjoy some of the photography that I have taken.

I thank God that he has created such a beautiful world that we can enjoy. He is the reason I am alive. God is a wonderful loving and caring God. How else can you explain the reason that he would send his son to die so we could be reconciled with him?

I know that sometimes we have a difficult time thinking that we have made any mistakes in our lives, or that we need someone's help. The truth is yes, we do. We can not make it to heaven on our own.

We need to understand that. Jesus is the only way, the truth and the light. I have asked Jesus to be my savior and Lord. Let me tell you that I have no doubt where I will be when my life is over. You see, I have seen too many miracles in my life to think that God is not real.

My story is unique only to me. Jesus has done so much for me and I know he would do just as much for you. He loves you just as much as he loves me.

Here are just a few examples of his love to me.

His salvation.
He is my best friend and he is always with me.
He rescued me from suicide.
Jesus mended my marriage that was falling apart.
Jesus has healed me of physical ailments.

If you do not know Jesus like this, you can. All you need to do is pray. Sounds simple I know, but Jesus is just waiting to hear you call out his name and ask for his help. Trust me, he is just waiting.

Do you know where you be if you died today?

If you don't visit this link to read more. We can not make it to heaven on our own.