Articles tagged ‘Cherry Blossoms’

UW Cherry Blossoms, Take Two

Written on March 15, 2010 Posted in Photography Locations


I was on call yesterday (Sunday) and it just so happened to be the first day of Daylight Saving.  I woke up extra early and looked out my bedroom window.  Noticing the nice quality of the developing light, I packed my gear and headed back to the University of Washington’s main campus.  I arrived just after sunrise and pretty much had the place all to myself.  The colors were excellent, and I snapped away happily.  By 45 minutes, I was satisfied with what I captured and headed to Children’s Hospital, refreshed and “eager” to start call.  That last part is probably stretching it a bit.

Anywho, here are a couple of shots from the outing.  If you look carefully at the first image, you can see the Space Needle in the distance.  I really love the pink hues on the blossoms.  I hope you do also.  Let me know what you think.

Panasonic GF-1, 14-45 f/3.5-5.6, 20mm (40mm equivalent), f/8, ISO 100, (1/15, 1/30, 1/60 second exposures)

Panasonic GF-1, Panasonic 45-200 f/4.5-5.6, 45mm (90mm equivalent), f/8, ISO 100, (1/8, 1/4, 1/2 second exposures)

Robert Livingston: Glad I am on your mailing list.

Katie: You are a magician. It's amazing to get to see what you see. It must be fascinating, and perhaps frustrating, for you to watch other people see your vision, and see how they interpret your vision. SO many times, when I've looked at many of your photographs, I've not just seen but also felt a moment in time. Captured but freely happening. Other senses are pulled in because the visual effect is so striking, real, imaginary, and perfectly arranged. I think I occasionally see some of those moments in time like I should, but I can't replay them for others by photographing, writing, speaking, showing, singing, or dancing (the singing and dancing could be particularly disturbing). So wonderful for you to be able to show your work to others, so they get a chance to see through your eyes. Please start making a book. You could even create a system in which people you trust can create an ibook by you, choosing their favorite masterpieces, the ones that speak to them. This would be an incredible treasture.

--> Mahesh: Bob, thanks for the comment. I'm glad you haven't asked to be taken off the list. :D

--> Mahesh: Katie, Wow! Just saying thank you seems woefully inadequate to the eloquent compliments you gave me. You have such a way with words. I read your response several times with a grin on my face that extended from ear to ear. I love your idea of an ibook. I'll have to see how feasible that is. If you belong to Smugmug, they have what's called a "collect" feature which allows one to grab favorite images from other Smugmug members (if those members allow it, that is) and sequester them in a virtual on-line album/gallery. That may be a good first step toward creating an ibook.

Nicole: I love that you have added the Google map to show the location of where you took your picture! It adds a new dimension to your photography and I love it! It seems like you've found a new outlet for your passion for photography; like a next chapter- that of teaching via your web site and offering additional information beyond just the image itself. I think that is really unique and interesting... Thank you for sharing all your hard work and talent with all of us! -It's very inspiring...

--> Mahesh: Nicole, my heart-felt thanks for your beautiful and thoughtful comments! You've figured me out completely. What good is keeping knowledge of such fantastic places and photography techniques to one's self? I want more people to enjoy the beauty all around us. As it has done for me, I'm hoping that some basic photography and photoshop skills will encourage other to get out there and explore!

Jeremiah: Excellent photos! Was the first taken from INSIDE the art building?

--> Mahesh: Jeremiah, thank you very much for the comment. Yes, the first shot was taken from inside the 3rd floor of the art building.

Cherry Blossoms at UW Main Campus

Written on March 14, 2010 Posted in Photography Locations


We had a little break in the weather this afternoon, so I decided to visit the Quad at UW main campus to photograph the cherry blossoms. If you’re thinking of visiting, the blossoms are at full bloom now. Tomorrow calls for an overcast day, which I think is perfect for photographing the blossoms. There won’t be any contrasty light to play havoc with your exposures. The gray skies will look dull, so I’d try to keep as much of it as possible out of my frame. Even if  there isn’t a lot of light, I would still utilized a polarizer. It helps to minimize glare from the surface of the pathways, blossoms and benches.

The blossoms this year are more white than pink, but still unbelievably beautiful! They have not bloomed everywhere on campus yet but are spectacular at the quad.

I had my little Panasonic GF-1 camera and the kit 14-45 lens with me. I’m amazed at the quality I’m getting out of that combo. I took 3 bracketed exposures, then combined them in Photoshop to get the “perfect” exposure. I played around with Channel Mixer to get the b&w tones looking a little contrasty.

Below is an image I made this afternoon, along with a Google Map of where I was standing when I took the shot. (The green arrow points to my exact spot.) I hope you enjoy the image.

Panasonic GF-1, Panasonic 14-45 f/3.5-5.6 lens, 25mm (50mm equivalent), f/8, (1/5, 1/8, 1/13 seconds), ISO 100


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