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Can you add me to your wonderful list?

Hi,

 

I came across your resource page http://cmthayer.blogspot.com/2018/02/thanks-and-new-suggestion-for-your.html and wanted to give you a quick pitch for inclusion.

 

I noticed that the content your linking is related to mine. I have spent almost a week in researching and writing a detailed beginner guide on digital photography. It is well over 3000+ words.

 

You can check it out here: Digital Photography for Beginner.

 

What do you think about adding me to your list?

 

Have a great day!

Steve McRae

hi

 

https://goo.gl/kLgLj1

 

 

 

 

Thanks!

Thanks and New Suggestion for your "Cynthia M. Thayer" Page

Hi Cynthia,

First off, I wanted to say thank you for putting together the "Cynthia M. Thayer" page on your site (http://cmthayer.blogspot.com/). There are some really useful links/resources on there. Just so you know, the http://www.timgrey.com/blog/ link doesn't seem to be working. I figured you might want to take it down when you have a spare minute.

Also, ReviewLab has an in-depth guide called the "Digital Photography Resource Guide" (http://www.reviewlab.com/digital-photography-guide/) that I thought your visitors would also find helpful. Perhaps it would be worth adding it to your list of resources? Let me know what you think.

In any case, hopefully I'm not bothering you. Have a great day!

Best,
Lucile

facebook Check out C. M. Thayer Photography You shared your email with C. M. Thayer Photography and they've suggested you like their page on Facebook Sign up for a Facebook account if you want to like C. M. Thayer Photography and connect with other friends. Or you can simply view the Page. C. M. Thayer Photography If you are interested in any of the images you see on this page, please go to my website at http://cmthayerphotography.zenfolio.com/. My prices are very affordable. 72 likes · 26 talking about this Sign Up for Facebook View This Page I don't knowC. M. Thayer Photography This message was sent to cynmat1.mailtoblog@blogger.com. If you don't want to receive these emails from Facebook in the future, please unsubscribe. Facebook, Inc., Attention: Department 415, PO Box 10005, Palo Alto, CA 94303

My Favorite Type of Light

My absolute favorite time to go outside and shoot, is on overcast days.  The light is diffused.  I love how this lighting brings out such awesome textures, colors, etc.  I am looking forward to the fall/winter.

I took this shot in my backyard on Sunday.  It was completely overcast, light drizzles.  So amazing how you can obtain such even, saturated colors with this lighting.  It's definitely my favorite  light source when shooting outside.

No More Blinders...

In a "Quandary", a state of perplexity or doubt.

I have been in a sort of quandary as of late.  For those who really know me, you're probably shaking your head and saying, "what else is new"?  Ha, Ha, Ha. 

Seriously though, I need to get this off my chest.

What am I in a quandary about?  Here is my question.  Why would a professional (who is intelligent, resourceful, and knowledgeable) NOT do everything in their power to be competitive? 

I have had this conversation many times, with different people, and have come to the conclusion, that there are many different types of people.  The two I am referring to are these. Those who "do" (backup their words with experience) and those who "talk" (who freely give out advise but don't speak from experience).

As an artist, a photographer, I study a lot of different approaches to photography and art as a whole.  But I don't get into discussions and or debates over technicalities, of which there are many.  ie:  HDR (High Dynamic Range), digital vs. analog cameras, color vs. black and white films, the use of Photoshop, what is art and what is not.  Geez, the list goes on and on.  There are many people who have opinions on all these things, and they don't have a problem sharing. Some even have the best of intentions. The internet provides such a expansive platform for such folks to have these discussions.  I choose not to expend my energy in that fashion.

But what I can't get over is the number of people who don't practice what they preach.

I have encountered both types of people, the ones who give freely to others but don't bother taking their own advise. And the ones who give of themselves, based on their experiences and knowledge. Now you ask, why should this bother me? It really shouldn't, but in a naive way, it does. I feel as though I am finally taking the blinders off, and seeing people for who they really are.  I owe a lot of my artistic growth to artists who back up their words with experience and knowledge.  Those are the ones I will take away the most knowledge and respect from. These are the people I will continue to surround myself with.  Interestingly, these people thrive on giving to others.  How cool is that.

The talkers, the one's I listened to while wearing blinders, I will leave behind. They had their place, and their purpose.

I WILL keep learning.  I WILL continue to share my knowledge and experience with others.  NO MORE BLINDERS.

A Little Introspection

Sitting in a cancer infusion ward for hours on end tends to make one think a little deeper, about what is important, and what is not. These are very brave people, coming and going.  Some are sicker than others, some are young, some not so young.  Cancer does not discriminate.

What is really important to me, are my family and friends.  Without them, I would not have the drive to pursue my dreams.  I am very clear about that.

With all that said, I feel it is very important to find what inspires you.  I frequently tell people that I shoot things that I am passionate about.  I remember how I used to go in phases, airplanes, flowers, etc. etc.  Now, I'd like to think of myself as more seasoned, more refined, but by no means have I changed my philosophy on shooting what I'm passionate about.  These days, I am very passionate about capturing beautiful light.  However that shows up.  I think what sets a lot of photographers apart is their ability to "see light" and capture it in ways that enhance, rather than ruin an image.

I take the same point of view when I am processing my images on the computer.  For me, it's about enhancing my vision.  My camera will capture the light, but I am the only one who can make that vision a reality.  Having the ability and means to capture and manipulate light is what is important to me.  I am not satisfied with mediocrity. I strive to be better and better every day.

Self Critique

There comes a time in every photographer's life when they become very critical of their own work. I loved this shot, but after I finished putting the final touches on it, I decided there was something that didn't sit right with me.  And if it was visible to me, it would be visible to others.  It wasn't the subject, because it is cute as a button.  It's sharp, and the background is clean. Had I gotten down to the bird's level, the viewer would be pulled in more and captivated by the cuteness of this little guy.  Using a shallow depth of field, rendering the background out of focus would have drawn the eye straight to the chick.  Next time, I will remind myself, to get down low.

Sometimes you meet someone and just immediately bond.  You understand one another, you like one another, you care about one another.  Sometime, you just know that you are "friends", even though you have never met face to face.  Yes, I do believe it is possible. 

I want to dedicate this image to someone who has made such a difference for me lately.  Even though we have only been talking for a relatively short period of time, the time we have talked has been priceless.  He has such a compassionate soul, yet he keeps it under cover.  He is very intelligent, and proud of his successes, as well he should be :)  He has many stories to tell, all of which I love hearing.   I am proud to call him a friend.  Thank you Mr. Steve Korevek. 

Sometimes, when life offers you lemons, you make lemonade :)  The lighting on this little guy was coming from the back, leaving his face in shadow.  I got a little creative (used a filter from NIK Software, called Viveza 2) in my post processing to bring out the detail in his face, without introducing too much noise.  I think it turned out okay, but not something I'd write home about, sort of speak.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.  Stay safe those of you on the "other coast".

Goodbye to Flickr

Where it used to be fun, it is no more. Where it used to be engaging, it is no more. Where it used to feel like family, sadly, it is no more. Where it used to be a place of sharing, caring and giving, it is no more, for me.

I'll soon be saying goodbye to the place I call Flickr.  Call me silly, but it meant something to me.  Call me sentimental, but the people I became close with, we no longer are. 

I carry forward memories, tons of personal growth, experiences, both good and bad.  I found mentors, Steve, Kevan, Cyrus.  Wow, you guys were awesome.  I found true friends, thank you, *Lea*, Ziggy, Joe, Tim and Garrey.  I am forever grateful.

But what will always stay with me, are the many opportunities I had to give to others, thru support, friendship, critique and many gift Pro accounts.  I loved that part. :)

Thank you all, for letting me contribute and be a part of your lives.  You have impacted me more than you will ever know. 

Cynthia

To Be Different

I don't want to be like all the other wildlife photographers in the world.  I want to be different.  I want to be unique.  I want to have the "Wow" factor.  And I will never stop trying.  Have a great evening everyone.

Tell Me What You Think of my new Format

What do you all think of the new format?  Is it me?

Self Expression

Self expression. What's it mean to you?  A new haircut? A new outfit? Voicing your opinion in a public forum? Whatever it means to you, know it and own it. Don't be afraid to speak out, to speak your opinions, your feelings, or to just be who you are.

I have spent most of my life hiding behind this wall of "fear". Fear of what others will say or think about what I have to say, what I do, how I live my life or more to the point, what others might think about my artistic expressions. Oh, if only I knew then what I know now.

 

What I've realized is that I have something very special to offer, to share, to express. When I create an image, it's not just a physical representation of what I saw thru the lens.  It's much, much more. I can't even begin to describe it for you, because you wouldn't understand. It's me. It's who I am, in every image.

Do I still feel the fear? I won't lie. Yes, I do. Does it stop me like it did before? NO, it doesn't and it won't ever again. Because, as an artist and a person, hiding does not serve me nor does it serve others.

So, I say to you all, take a good look at yourself. Are you hiding?

 

Learn to Grow

Ever been in a "slump"?  You know, a time where you just don't know what you want to photograph.  A time when you just don't feel motivated to go out and shoot.  Possibly a time when you don't like anything you are producing.  Well, I have, many more times than I would like to admit.  However, I don't feel that is a bad thing.  I choose to look at it in a positive light as a period for growth and exploration.  Usually, when I am in a "slump", it's because I'm bored or unchallenged.  Yes, I need to be challenged, both artisticly and intellectually.

For me, I take advantage of this time, and try to learn new techniques or approaches, both while behind the camera and computer. There are endless resources for learning, both on the web and thru traditional resources, like magazine articles, books, and even lectures or workshops, all of which I am fond of.  Sometimes, just reading about a new technique in Photoshop is enough to get the juices flowing again.  Sometimes, it's learning about a function that I wasn't aware my camera was capable of

performing. 

An example, in my case, would be this.  The last three weeks my camera has been at Nikon being repaired.  So, during this down time, I chose to learn some new techniques in Photoshop.  Inspired by Denise Ippolito's (www.deniseippolito.com) work, I began playing with a filter I had bought some time ago, but never really took the time to learn and play with, Fractalius, by Redfield Plugins (www.redfieldplugins.com).  So far, I've produced about 27 images I'm pretty happy with.  It's been fun, playing, and learning, and now I can say I've spent some quality time getting to know what this filter does and how I can use it in my workflow.  Something I couldn't say before.

One does not have to let a slow time impead your journey.  Take advantage of it, and be with it.  Learn something new, and then have fun with it.  You'll soon be back out there with renewed enthusiasm and creativity. 

Gull with Fractalius Filter

Gull with Fractalius Filter, a photo by Cynmat1 on Flickr.

I love taking close ups of birds. Gulls, in particular, are fun to watch, and study their behavior.

Do I Have a Style??

I hear a lot of talk on bulletin boards and online social websites about a Photographer's "style".  What is that? What does it mean? Is it how you take your pictures? Is it how you process your pictures? Does it pertain to the subject you choose to photograph that defines your "style?". Well, personally, I think it's just another term people like to throw around just to confuse us all. After all, aren't you constantly changing the way you take pictures? Aren't you constantly changing the subjects you photograph? And most importantly, aren't you constantly growing and changing the way you process your images? I know I am, and therefore, I do not have a "style", and I say that proudly.

I would hate to be labeled as someone who only does things a predefined way, never changing or growing as an artist.

I recently came upon an artist who inspires me to think outside the box. She is very talented, and diverse in her vision.

I purchased and downloaded a couple of her e-books and began reading. I don't often come across an artist whom I feel so comfortable about promoting, but Denise Ippolito is very different. She has worked closely with one of the top bird photographers in the world, Art Morris. But she isn't defined by that experience. Her talents are diverse and deep, and she is her own artist. Her techniques are very well described in her e-books, and the results are breathtaking. If you want to expand your horizons as an artist, and think outside the box, then Denise is one to follow.

Her website is: www.deniseippolito.com. I know you won't be disappointed. I haven't been.

Snowy Egret

Beat to your own drum.

Shoot For Yourself - A Lesson Learned

It is very easy to get caught up in what others think about you, your art, your gear, your style. So easy to get caught up in what is not important. For me, what is important, is being authentic in my dealings with people. I do what I say I'm going to do. I say what I think, and I'm not afraid to express my feelings.

In my life, I strive to be the best I can be.  I admit my faults and/or shortcomings, if not publicly, then to myself. I thrive on learning and improving. Equally so, I feel blessed when I have the opportunity to assist or offer advise to a friend.  A day without some form of exploration or discovery is a bad day, in my book.

When I started this blog, I had no idea just how therapeutic it was going to be for me, not that there was anything wrong, but I had so much to say, so much that had been squelched.  In one of my previous posts, I mentioned how I am sometimes intimidated by those who are much more fluent in the art of self expression. As a result of that, my tendency has been to hold back. I believe it has impacted me as an artist, certainly as a person.

To some, it can certainly be perceived as a lack of self confidence. To a large extent, I would have to agree with that. And, it has taken me down a different road, one of losing sight of my personal goals and a clear definition and/or understanding of who or what I am shooting for. When I was young, I wanted my parents to acknowledge my passion and talent for photography. As an adult, sadly, I am still trying to gain the approval of others. 

Well, God willing, that chapter is coming to a close.  What is important now is how I feel about my art, and not what my family, my friends, my colleagues, and the people I have met on social media sites, where I have spent so much time trying to gain approval and acceptance of others, think. 

In taking back my creative soul, my wish is to remain open and caring, sharing and giving. I love my family, Jenna and Rebekah, you are my rock. I cherish my friends, and I am grateful for all the wonderfully talented artists I have met online, some of which have become dear friends.  

It is for you that I write this blog.

Photoshop is NOT a Four Letter Word

I can remember growing up always having a camera in my hands, always taking pictures.  In fact, once, when my camera broke, I thought I was going to die, while waiting for it to be repaired.  I still get that way when I have to send my D300 in for repairs. Thank goodness for my backup camera body.

I started out shooting film and then slides.  With film, I was never happy or satisfied being at the mercy of someone else (or more often than not, some machine’s) interpretation of how my shot should look.  With slides, what you shot is what you got.  I loved that because I could get a realistic representation of what my camera and I saw thru the lens, good or bad.  The only negative (sorry, no pun intended) aspect of slides was that if I really liked an image and wanted to get a print made from it, I had to send it to a lab for someone else to interpret.  That defeated the purpose of shooting slides!  I grew increasingly frustrated by prints that did not convey what I wanted to show the world.  So I sought out a professional lab here in the area, one that “all the pros” used.  Still not happy with the outcome, as my prints never matched up to my vision when I took the image.. 

Finally the dawn of the digital age came to photography.  I entered, reluctantly, dragging my heels the entire way, swearing “I’ll never give up my trusty film camera”.  I was even guilty of being one of those folks who proudly claimed that film was superior to digital.  This was before I had really even tried digital, much less knew anything about Photoshop.  I remember my mother telling me, “You really should learn how to use Photoshop”.  I also remember thinking to myself, “Now why on earth would I want to do that?  Are you crazy?  Don’t you understand I shoot film?”.  I laugh when I think back about that.

My first digital camera was the Nikon D70.  I loved that camera.  There was so much to learn about digital photography.  I have not picked up a film camera since, although I did pick up a used Hasselblad, but the desire to shoot film just isn’t there for me anymore.  I don’t have the patience to wait for film to be developed before I can see what I shot.  I know, I know, you’re probably thinking, well, you used to do it, so what’s changed?  I’ll tell you what’s changed.  I started using Adobe Photoshop. 

Now, I’m not a graphic artist, but a photographer.  I strongly believe in getting it right in the camera.  I don’t use Photoshop as a replacement for what my camera did not capture.  I use it as those with the knowledge and expertise to manipulate exposures and finally, the prints, in a darkroom did and still do.  In fact, for me, Photoshop IS my darkroom.  I now have the knowledge and ability to visualize, create, manipulate and display my art, from start to finish. Yes, I am a photographer in the digital age, and I proudly say to anyone that I use Photoshop, and I actually own my own license, and have paid for every single one I have ever used. (since Photoshop version 5 was released, May 1998).  I am also a proud member of the National Association of Photoshop Users.

When Adobe came out with Camera RAW, I was initially intimidated at the thought of having complete control over the settings of my image capture.  I had no idea about different file types, ie: JPEG, TIFF, PSD, GIF, PDD, PDF, BMP, nor did I know that before RAW files, the camera manipulated the image.  When shooting in RAW, the camera does not manipulate the data, just like when shooting slides.   Ohhh, I like that concept.  So, when Camera RAW came onto the scene, that’s the file format I shot at, and is still my file type preference, simply because I want to have the say in how my image is created.  For my purposes, shooting in Jpeg is out of the question.

The last thing I want to say is this.  I strongly believe that knowledge in one’s equipment is key for success, among other things.  That also includes one’s post processing tools.  If you are going to shoot in RAW, you need to know how to manipulate the data your camera captures.  And for me, Photoshop is just the tool.