Photographing the Seasons - Fall At Walney Park

"Fall at Walney Park"
(C) Allen Pearson, All Rights Reserved

One of my first experiences of shooting out of the box and throwing all of the rules out the window.  I had a photography teacher at a local camera store go over all the rules to follow when creating an image, rules of thirds, balance, and so on.  At the end of his discussion, he said, "Ok- FORGET everything I just taught you- just kidding- but don't be afraid to do just that and see what happens. You can always delete the image." That was about 20 or so years ago and I still keep that idea in mind when shooting.  To me, photography isn't always about following the set of rules or guidelines.

Fall at Walney Park is one of several favorite images taken there.  One of my favorite places to walk around.  With the addition of Noah, my dog, to the family, we share many walks through several areas of the park.

Friday's Foto - Photographing the Seasons - Red and Gray

"Red and Gray"
Credit: Allen Pearson, All Rights Reserved

Sometimes, the most beautiful photograph, is the most simplest in composition, design and color.  I was walking through a park when I saw the leaf laying on the gray sand by the path.  The red caught my eye, Red and Gray, simple beauty of falls colors.

How to Choose the Right Camera

License: Creative Commons image source

With the holidays right around the corner, there has never been a better time than now to find that camera you have been wanting or that gift you've wanted to snag for quite some time now. Prices greatly reduce around the holidays in order to get people in to local shops, so you may just be able to find something pretty great for a very affordable price. But, if you've yet to purchase a camera then you may need a little help along the way. Here are some of our tips to get you started on your journey in the right direction.

What the Camera Will Be Used for Matters

License: Creative Commons image source

Before you can find the perfect camera to meet your needs, you need to take some time to think about what you are going to use it for. There is no need to purchase something expensive with features you'll never use. Are you going to take only photos or would you like to be able to take videos as well? Do you want the option of HD or maybe 3D? These seemingly 'little' variations can definitely have a pretty large impact of the price range of the cameras you are looking at.

Another thing to think about is whether or not you plan to get a new phone soon. These days a lot of phones come with high quality cameras and that may be all you need. Why have two devices and spend additional cash when you can have everything you want in one fail swoop?

Know Your Price Range

License: Creative Commons image source

It's always a good idea to have a price range in mind whenever you are shopping. This way, you will only be looking at things you can afford and are much less likely to get talked into purchasing something that you can't really afford at the moment.

Digital vs. Analog

License: Creative Commons image source 

While many people tend to think analog and digital are completely different; they are actually the exact same thing with a few exception. Basically, digital photos are captured differently than analog. On top of that, digital cameras are going to have many more features available such as anti-shake. So, your photos are going to be much easier for you to capture, taking little to no true experience in order to get amazing shots. Of course, prices vary so take that into consideration when choosing because many times, two cameras are very similar but one is overpriced.

Check Out Customer Reviews

License: Creative Commons image source 

One of the best things you can do whenever you are searching for anything new is check out what other customers have been saying about the items that you are considering buying. This is going to be one of the smartest things you can do. While talking directly to the company is great, they are naturally going to be a bit biased. Reading reviews and checking out ratings is going to be the simplest way to determine whether or not that camera you have your eyes on is worth it.

Today's featured writer, Robert Grunt, works for Arctic Fox Optics, a leading wholesale hunting equipment importer and distributor. He has a keen interest in photography and often enjoys giving useful tips to his readers on purchasing camera and its accessories via his articles.

Thanksgiving Blessings-

Blessings at Thanksgiving to you and yours.  Thank you for joining us on our journey in photography and writing this year.

May God be with you and bless you this Thanksgiving season!

"Noah and I at Great Falls National Park, Virginia"
(C) Allen Pearson's Photos

Photographing the Seasons- Red Leaves of Falls

"Red Leaves of Fall"
(C) Allen Pearson, All Rights Reserved

Though my favorite seasons are spring and summer, as a photographer and with a friends insight and encouragement, I began seeing the beauty of fall too.

"Red Leaves of Fall" was captured at a park in Falls Church, VA.  I like the dark lines of the tree against the red leaves.

Photographing the Seasons - Mornings Quiet

"Morning's Quiet"
(C) Allen Pearson

My favorite time of the day is in the early morning before the day gets started or anyone is stirring- sometimes I think the birds are still sleep.  I enjoy getting up early to work on my photography and listen to classical music by Bach, Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven and others.

Morning's Quiet was captured on a foggy morning around 8 a.m. at Mason Neck State Park, Virginia.

Sunday's Thought

There's been a thought that's constantly found its way back into my mind. That thought? How much is enough?

When will enough be enough for me? Will the next raise make me happy with my job? Will the next toy make my life any better?

Looking at those thoughts, I know the answer. It's going to be a resounding NO.

The things we gather in our lives are not going to ever be enough. We're always going to desire more.

More gadgets. More activity. More space in our homes.

This desire for more drives us to do insane things. We overwork. We over-study. We neglect important people and things.

Step back today from your desires of more. Stop longing for the next thing that MAY, but most likely won't, bring you happiness.

Instead, rest today in the arms of the One who knows your needs and fulfills them.

This is a guest post by Joseph Lalonde. He is a youth leader at Oak Crest Church of God and leadership blogger at JMLalonde.com. Joseph shares leadership tools and encourages you to become a better leader. He's recently released his first eBook, Leadership Is Dangerous that you can get for free by going here. Connect with him on Twitter or at his blog.

Sunday's Thought

Are you thankful? Truly thankful for the many blessings in your life? With Thanksgiving and Christmas coming, I see more and more commercials about stuff that would make great Christmas presents. Maybe they would, but do you really need them?

Instead of buying the next greatest thing or updating your current stuff to the next stuff, have you thought about keeping what you have, being content and using the money to help others? Those who may be less fortunate or are dealing with disasters in their lives?

There are many ways to help others.  You can donate money through your church or through the charities of your choice, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, to name a few.

An organization that has impressed me is the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief. Why?  The money I donate goes directly to help whoever I designate it to do. So, if I want to help those affected my Typhoon Haiyan which struck the Philippines causing thousands to loose their life and others to be hurt and loose their homes and businesses, my donation goes directly there- not a penny goes to administrative costs or someones salary.  All of the teams are volunteers who give to help others because them want to do it. Most of the time, their teams are at the disaster location before anyone else, assists other organizations and stays longer than others.

During this season of Thanksgiving, let's be thankful for what we have and consider how we can help others and put it into action.

Friday's Foto

"Come On, Kiss Me!!!"
(C) Allen Pearson, 2013

At one of the events I photographed for Operation Paws for Homes, they had a kissing booth- kind of cool- you pay $1 to kiss the dog or let it kiss you or both.

I thought this was priceless!

Managing a Photography Business

I operate a photography business in Northern Virginia, not far from Washington D.C..  My business is photographing, blogging, and writing about dogs, cats and gardens. Also, I photograph for several area animal rescues and a shelter.  Further, I am the Director of Photography leading a team of twenty-three photographers at my church.

"Joseph Lalonde
Blogger, Leadership Skills"
Used by Permission

Not too long ago, I came across a leadership blog I thoroughly enjoy reading each day.  Though it is titled as written for a younger audience, I'm 50, the topics are really timeless and useful for anyone.

I enjoy reading the blog as it gives me thoughtful insight to leading my team at church as well as being prepared, or educated, for when my business grows and I have staff to lead in further growth.

The blog is Joseph Lalonde-Empowering Young Leaders with the Tools to Survive in a Hectic World.  He has written a book, titled "Leadership is Dangerous- Avoiding 4 Traps" which is available free on his blog. You can get your copy on the right side of his blog. 

Whether you are graduating college considering your future, a new manager or leader in your workplace, starting your own business or just need a refresher on leadership skills, the book and blog are a great place to start learning skills to help you grow!  I read a bit of the book and am anxious to finish it-

(C) Joseph Lalonde, Used by Permission

Wednesday's Words

"Flowers and Stones"
(C) Allen Pearson

"God's love does not keep us from trials,

but sees us through them." 

-Unknown

Sunday's Thought

"Bee on Snow Cap Salvia"
(C) Allen Pearson

PRAYER

Pray honestly

Pray sincerely

Pray from the heart

God wants to hear our cries, not our lies

(C) Kim Kirby, 2013

Sunday's Thought

For more information, please visit My Hope With Billy Graham.