Shadows and Reflections Inside as Well as Outside

I have found some of the most interesting subjects are reflections and shadows. This image is different in that it is indoors but the main reflection is from outside. I believe 95 % of photography is looking and finding what most people never notice. Next time you look at a tree don't just think there's a tree. Look at the tree as if this is the first tree you have ever seen. Look at the lines, shapes, and color that make a tree.

Fall Colors in Hardin Valley Knoxville

Fall colors in black and white can make very interesting subjects. In this image I extracted the red channel to turn this brightly colored tree into white. This is the same as using a red filter with black and film.

Great Light in Knoxville Tennessee

I believe you can get meaningful images no matter the location. If you are waiting for that exotic location with the incredible light to really shine as a photographer you might want to rethink your plans. If you are looking for great image opportunities look where you live . In everyday life you find and capture those interesting things that most people just walk by. One of my favorite photographers Jay Maisel loves shooting in his home town of New York. Here is an audio of him talking about where to find great subjects.
These fall colors were in the middle of  the downtown Knoxville on Henley Street. Maybe you will want to spend the money for a European vacation on some camera equipment.

More Cades Cove in the Rain

The only way to get this kind of image is to be in the pouring rain. I used a large lens opening f 2.8 to create shallow depth of field. I was using a tripod and an umbrella. The tripod was used to make it easier to hold the umbrella that kept the camera dry. I positioned my camera to get the most color in the background. Bad weather can mean great photography. Get out there!!

Rain in Cades Cove

Saturday at Cades Cove was rain and more rain just ask any of my  brave students. It was a great opportunity to avoid the normal crowds of fall color seekers and capture very interesting subjects. The rain never stoped during the entire field trip so shooting under the protection of umbrellas and the occasional cabin porch was a necessity. This image of the rain drops hitting a small stream close to the Mill had to be taken with a fast exposure( 1/250) in order to capture the circular patterns in the water. My Photography classes are offered every semester at Pellissippi State in Knoxville.