Experimenting with steel-wool in photography – plus a Jeep Wrangler.

Last weekend I went with a mate to San Luis Pass, Galveston, Texas to experiment with molten steel as an element/feature in photo’s, and ended up combining formed steel in the image too 🙂

We had a blast experimenting with this – thanks to Jeremy Caton for his self-sacrificing work “spinning the fire” (his hands are all torn up from the rotating cable – there will be gloves next time). NOTE: The use of this steel-wool technique requires locations that will not be conducive to ignition and subsequent fire!

As this was the first time either of us had tried this technique I have included the initial “practice” images – practice for Jeremy with the steel-wool, and practice for me as I figured the required metering for this molten steel. The final image is the result of the shoot.

 

Steel-wool experiments 2AM-116079_7D

Steel-wool experiments 2AM-116079
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 5 seconds at ISO 100.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Steel-wool experiments 2AM-116083_7D

Steel-wool experiments 2AM-116083
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 13 seconds at ISO 100.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Steel-wool experiments 2AM-116091_7D

Steel-wool experiments 2AM-116091
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f8 for 30 seconds at ISO 400.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

 

Jeep-Wrangler-and-Steel-wool-2AM-116085-1106087_stacked

Jeep-Wrangler-and-Steel-wool-2AM-116085-1106087
Three image stack.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. ISO 400.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

 

 

Same scene, different interpretation – Garner State Park, TX.

I recently traveled to the beautiful Garner State Park, Texas to photograph night shots which were to include light-painting.

 

This blog contains two images; though they were the exact same composition, and both taken after twilight, these are two very different images.

The first image is your “standard” light-painting and was taken after humanly visible light had vanished:

Garner State Park 2AM-115918

Garner State Park 2AM-115918
A single capture with light-painting.
Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f5.6 for 40 seconds at ISO 1600.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

The second image also includes light-painting, and the process of capturing this image was started about 10 minutes after the photo above.  However, this second image is a “stacked” image – I took 61 photographs, the first of which was the light-painting on the trees and “Old Baldy” then a further 60 images were taken without any light-painting (the last image is a “blank” which helps reduce the digital noise). Total exposure time equates to a little over 40 minutes. Each image had the exact settings of the first photo posted (above) and I compiled them using software that is dedicated to stacking images.

Garner-State-Park-2AM-115920-115980_stackedImage2

Garner-State-Park-2AM-115920-115980_stackedImage2
61 image stack for a total exposure time of ~40 minutes.
Each frame/picture had the following settings:
Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f5.6 for 40 seconds at ISO 1600.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

I could have (and should have) taken a single, 40 minute long-exposure image as this would also have a slightly different interpretation of the scene. That longer exposure would have had more digital noise but smoother star-trails.

 

So from the same scene and the same composition we can get multiple interpretations/photographs by using different photographic techniques.

Hope you enjoyed these images 🙂

 

I have previously posted blogs showing this location (Garner State Park, Texas) in Fall color:

https://2amphotography.wordpress.com/2011/11/09/a-wet-and-colorful-weekend-near-utopia-tx/

https://2amphotography.wordpress.com/2011/11/28/fall-rotation-thanksgiving-2011-garner-state-park-tx/

 

 

A very brief trip to the Texas panhandle – Palo Duro Canyon, Cadillac Ranch, and Wind Turbines.

The Texas panhandle is a fascinating region and I spend too little time there unfortunately. Recently I fit in a very quick trip to recharge. Here are a few images from that trip.

Prints of my images are available  if you click on the Licensing/Purchasing images tab on this blog or click this link: https://2amphotography.wordpress.com/licensingpurchasing-images/

All images Copyright Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography.

 

Wind Turbine 2AM-114791_7D_blog

Wind Turbine 2AM-114791
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f5.6 for 1/5 second at ISO 1600.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Cadillac Ranch 2AM-114850_7D_blog

Cadillac Ranch 2AM-114850
Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f22 for 1/2 second at ISO 400.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Hoodoo at Capital Peak - Palo Duro Canyon 2AM-114814_7D_blog

Hoodoo at Capital Peak – Palo Duro Canyon 2AM-114814
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/800 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Capital Peak - Palo Duro Canyon 2AM-114896_7D_blog

Capital Peak – Palo Duro Canyon 2AM-114896
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 1/13 second at ISO 100.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Capital Peak - Palo Duro Canyon 2AM-114897_7D_blog

Capital Peak – Palo Duro Canyon 2AM-114897
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 1/13 second at ISO 100.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Golden-fronted Woodpecker 2AM-30656_30D_blog

Golden-fronted Woodpecker 2AM-30656
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens and Tamron 1.4x teleconverter. f5.6 for 1/320 second at ISO 1000.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

White-winged Dove 2AM-30604_30D_blog

White-winged Dove 2AM-30604
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens and Tamron 1.4x teleconverter. f5.6 for 1/160 second at ISO 1000.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

The Lighthouse - Palo Duro Canyon 2AM-114886_7D_blog

The Lighthouse – Palo Duro Canyon 2AM-114886
Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f22 for 1/250 second at ISO 400.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Hoodoo at Capital Peak - Palo Duro Canyon 2AM-114844_7D_blog

Hoodoo at Capital Peak – Palo Duro Canyon 2AM-114844
A light-painting.
Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f8 for 30 seconds at ISO 1600.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

That is the end of this little adventure. Thanks for visiting!

 

 

 

A little bit of Grand ‘ole Texas – a photo-tour.

Recently we had two friends from overseas visit with us at our home in Texas. Unfortunately their time in this great state was very limited  so we were unable to show them much of Texas. To compensate, we instead created a ‘photo-journey’ through some of the diversity and grandeur contained within this state.

From the Gulf of Mexico and coastal marshes,  to the Hill Country and on through to the mountains of West Texas…

1_Kemp's ridley sea turtle_Andrew McInnes-2AM-28367_small

Kemp’s ridley sea turtle.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

2_Dawn Fishing_Andrew McInnes-2AM-24908_small

Dawn Fishing.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

3_Trawler_Andrew McInnes-2AM-109703_small

Trawler.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

4_Green Heron_Andrew McInnes-2AM-7848_small

Green Heron.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

5_Great Egret Family_Andrew McInnes-2AM-7177_small

Great Egret family.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

4_Caddo Lake State Park_Andrew McInnes-2AM-114548_small

Bald Cypress – a light-painting.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

8_Pied-billed Grebe_Andrew McInnes-2AM-13193_small

Pied-billed Grebe.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

9_Bluebonnet Highway_Andrew McInnes-2AM-28665_small

Bluebonnet highway.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

10_Claret-cup Cactus_Andrew McInnes-2AM-28736_30D_small

Claret-cup cactus.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

11_Sabinal River_Andrew McInnes-2AM-106270_small

Sabinal River dusk.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

12_Poppies and fence_Andrew McInnes-2AM-110209_small

Poppies and fence.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

13_Wildflowers and Fence_Andrew McInnes-2AM-110506_small

Wildflowers.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

14_Sunflower and Ladybird Beetle_Andrew McInnes-2AM-110488_small

Sunflower and Ladybird Beetle.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

15_Locust and Thistle_Andrew McInnes-2AM-110423_small

Locust and thistle.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

17_Garner State Park_Andrew McInnes-2AM-27737_small

Fall and the Frio River.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

18_Stockyards_Andrew McInnes-2AM-110286_small

Stockyards – a light-painting.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

19_Wild Oats_Andrew McInnes-2AM-110425_small

Wild oats at dawn.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

20_Coyote_Andrew McInnes-2AM-14844_small

Coyote.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

21_Independence Creek_Andrew McInnes-2AM-106000_small

Independence Creek – an oasis in the desert.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

22_Salt Flat_Andrew McInnes-2AM-0010_small

Salt flat – Permian Basin.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

23_Davis Mountains State Park_Andrew McInnes-2AM-114647_small

Davis Mountains – a light-painting.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

I hope you enjoyed this partial look at wondrous Texas. So much to experience, too little time.

35 images over 35 hours – in the heart o’ Texas

Thirty five hours driving and photographing around Eden (and Brady, Pontontoc, Castell, and Menard), Texas with Ken Zoller.

Although my total trip time was 35 hours, the images in this blog essentially follow the progression of actual shooting time from 11 pm on June 1st through 1 am on June 3rd, though the order of images may not necessarily be strictly as shot.

 

Pontotoc Ruins 2AM-110394
Illuminated entirely by waxing gibbous moon (2 days before full moon).
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens.f5.6 for 46 seconds at ISO 400.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Pontotoc Ruins 2AM-110400
Illuminated entirely by waxing gibbous moon (2 days before full moon).
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f5.6 for 46 seconds at ISO 400.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Pontotoc Ruins 2AM-110391
Illuminated entirely by waxing gibbous moon (2 days before full moon).
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f4 for 30 seconds at ISO 400.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Pontotoc Ruins 2AM-110390
Illuminated entirely by waxing gibbous moon (2 days before full moon).
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f5.6 for 30 seconds at ISO 400.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Rural Dawn 2AM-110403
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 1.6 seconds at ISO 400.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Hay Bales 2AM-110412
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 0.8 seconds at ISO 200.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Wild Oats 2AM-110425
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f8 for 1/125 seconds at ISO 100, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Wild Oats 2AM-110432
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f8 for 1/200 seconds at ISO 100, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Locust and Thistle 2AM-110423
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f8 for 1/40 second at ISO 500, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Coreopsis 2AM-110452
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/20 second at ISO 100, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Sunflower and Ladybird Beetle 2AM-110488
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f8 for 1/640 second at ISO 500, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Sunflower and Ladybird Beetle 2AM-110490.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f8 for 1/800 second at ISO 500, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Thistle and Coreopsis 2AM-110455
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/15 second at ISO 100, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Thistle and Sunflower 2AM-110468
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 1/25 second at ISO 500, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Ranch and Wildflowers and Old Implement 2AM-110546
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/125 second at ISO 200, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Ranch and Wildflowers and Old Implement 2AM-110547
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/125 second at ISO 200, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Ranch and Wildflowers and Old Implement 2AM-110556
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/125 second at ISO 200, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Wildflowers and Wire 2AM-110495
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 1/13 second at ISO 100, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Wildflowers and Lake 2AM-110499
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f20 for 1/15 second at ISO 100, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Wildflowers and Sky 2AM-110541
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/200 second at ISO 200, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Wildflowers and Fence 2AM-110506
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/60 second at ISO 100, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Wildflowers and Fence 2AM-110507
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/50 second at ISO 100, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Wildflowers and Fence 2AM-110508
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/50 second at ISO 100, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Wildflowers and Yucca 2AM-110503
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f20 for 1/40 second at ISO 400, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Wildflowers and Yucca 2AM-110505
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/60 second at ISO 100, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Ranch Wildflowers and Trees 2AM-110522
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/40 second at ISO 100, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Ranch Wildflowers and Fence 2AM-110532
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/25 second at ISO 100, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Ranch Wildflowers and Trees panorama
Two-image stitch. Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/30 second at ISO 100, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Pontotoc Shed 2AM-110573
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/60 second at ISO 100.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Pontotoc Shed 2AM-110588
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 1/13 second at ISO 100.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Pontotoc Ruins 2AM-110605
Light direction by Andrew McInnes (exterior light painting by Andrew McInnes, interior light painting by Ken Zoller).
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f5.6 for 20 seconds at ISO 100.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Presidio de San Saba 2AM-110607
Illuminated entirely by waxing gibbous moon (2 days before full moon).
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f5.6 for 30 seconds at ISO 200.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Presidio de San Saba 2AM-110622
Light direction by Andrew McInnes – interior light painting by Andrew McInnes, exterior walls light painting by Ken Zoller.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f5.6 for 8 seconds at ISO 640.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Presidio de San Saba 2AM-110624
Light by Andrew McInnes and waxing gibbous moon (2 days before full moon).
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f5.6 for 8 seconds at ISO 640.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Presidio de San Saba 2AM-110625
Waxing gibbous moon.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f5.6 for 8 seconds at ISO 640.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

 

Thanks for taking this photo journey with me!

My images are available through my website:
http://andrew-mcinnes.artistwebsites.com/

Two days, two nights, and 942 miles in Central Texas.

‘Tis wildflower season in Texas! I was fortunate to have a few days and nights to spend traipsing around the Llano area. Truly beautiful, especially after the brutal drought of 2011. Thanks to Ken Zoller for his scouting and company during parts of this shoot.
Enjoy.

“Good Morning”
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f22 for 1/100 second, hand-held. ISO 400.
Copyright Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography – all rights reserved.

 

“Spiderwort”
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 lens. f8 for 1/20 second and Kinko extension tubes, Manfrotto tripod and ball-head. ISO 400.
Copyright Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography – all rights reserved.

 

“Claret-cup cactus”
Canon 30D and Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 lens and Kenko extension tubes. f11 for 1/4 seconds, Manfrotto tripod and ball-head. ISO 400.
Copyright Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography – all rights reserved.

 

“Bluebonnet Highway”
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 lens. f8 for 1/400 second on Manfrotto tripod and ball-head. ISO 200.
Copyright Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography – all rights reserved.

 

“Rural Road”
Canon 7D with Canon 17-40mm f4 lens. f13 for 1/125 seconds, hand-held. ISO 200.
Copyright Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography – all rights reserved.

 

“Rusty Barn”
Canon 7D with Canon 17-40mm f/4 lens. f16 for 1/50 second, hand-held. ISO 100.
Copyright Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography – all rights reserved.

 

“Cactus and Bluebonnets”
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 lens and Manfrotto tripod and ball-head. f11 for 1/8 second. ISO 200.
Copyright Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography – all rights reserved.

 

“Stone fence and Poppies”
Canon 7D and Canon 17-40mm f4 lens. f13 for 1/125 seconds, hand held. ISO 200.
Copyright Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography – all rights reserved.

 

“White Poppy”
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f4-5.6 lens and Kenko extension tubes. f11 for 1/200 second, Manfrotto tripod and ball-head. ISO 200.
Copyright Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography – all rights reserved.

 

“Hay Baby, nice rack!”
Texas Longhorn cattle.
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f4-5.6 lens. f7.1 for 1/100 second, Manfrotto tripod and ball-head. ISO 500.
Copyright Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography – all rights reserved.

 

“Unexpected Interaction”
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 lens. f11 for 1/320 second, hand-held. ISO 400.
Copyright Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography – all rights reserved.

 

“Poppies and Fence”
Canon 7D with Canon 17-40mm f4 lens. f14 for 1/160 second, hand-held. ISO 100.
Copyright Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography – all rights reserved.

 

“Sandy Creek”
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 lens. f7.1 for 1/40 second, hand-held. ISO 800.
Copyright Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography – all rights reserved.

 

“Stockyards” – a light-painting.
Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f3.5-4.5 lens. f4.5 for 51 seconds and Manfrotto tripod and ball-head. ISO 400.
Copyright Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography – all rights reserved.

 

 

Hope you liked the journey. My images are available through my website:
http://andrew-mcinnes.artistwebsites.com/

 

 

 

 

Some images from March, 2012

I haven’t been able to get out and about as much as I would like to lately. However, here is a (rather eclectic) assortment of images taken during March, 2012.

Texas Bluebonnets heralding Spring.
Canon 7D with Canon EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens. f18 at 1/25 second - hand-held. ISO 400.

 

Ranch-road bridge after the storm, near Chappell Hill, Texas.
Canon 30D with Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens. f11 at 1/25 second. ISO 400.

 

Two Curves - near Chappell Hill, Texas.
Canon 7D with Canon EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens. f11 at 1/40 second. ISO 250.

 

Bradford Pear trees and barn. Great Smoky Mountains foothills - Tennessee.
Canon 7D with Canon EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens. f11 at 1/320 second. ISO 200.

 

More Bradford Pear trees. Great Smoky Mountains foothills - Tennessee.
Canon 30D with Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens. f11 at 1/100 second. ISO 640.

 

Barn signage. Great Smoky Mountains foothills - Tennessee.
Canon 30D with Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens. f11 at 1/160 second. ISO 640.

 

Barn. Great Smoky Mountains foothills - Tennessee.
Canon 7D with Canon EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens. f11 at 1/200 second. ISO 200.

 

Back in Texas - between Anahuac and High Island.
Canon 30D with Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens. f14 at 1/500 second - hand-held. ISO 250.

 

Red-winged Blackbird on papyrus plant in our yard (I am a bird lover after all).
Canon 7D with Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens. f5.6 at 1/250 second. ISO 400.

 

Red-winged Blackbird on golden dewdrop plant in our yard.
Canon 30D with Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens. f5.6 at 1/80 second. ISO 500.

 

Let’s finish with a series of “baby” images:

What's not to like about babies and their little feet and toes?
Canon 30D with Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens. f6.3 at 1/4000 second - don't ask me why ( I had just gone from indoors to outdoors and hadn't adjusted camera settings yet). ISO 800, hand-held. This image has had the background cloned to black for effect - extremely rare that I would alter an image other than standard image processing.

 

Daddy's big toe = baby's foot.
Canon 30D with Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens. f8 at 1/320 second - handheld, ISO 1000 .

 

Mother's hand and baby's foot.
Canon 7D with Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens. f5 at 1/320 second - handheld. ISO 1600.

A reminder that my images are available for sale through my website:

http://andrew-mcinnes.artistwebsites.com/

 

Recent shots from surrounding area.

Per a previous “encouragement” by my photography mentor – Wyman Meinzer – to see the beauty where I am, I have been trying to shoot several times each week, regardless of the weather, wind, and anthropomorphic elements cluttering the scene. I figure I better just run with what there is to capture. Here is an assortment which I hope you enjoy.

I reckon you weren't expecting this though! Perhaps Deere & Company would like this one for their advertising? Wishful thinking.

 

More tractors heading out from the Port of Galveston.

 

Wetlands proximal to our neighborhood (same area in previous blog: "blessed-rain...").

 

Same area as above but this time I was going for the "African Serengeti" feel (ignore the modern looking "huts").

 

Serengeti 'ish. (Smith Point, Galveston Bay).

 

The view from our back deck/porch - it seems it hasn't been calm for months. The glow on the clouds is a result of Texas City petrochemical plants - thankfully we are located upwind of this.

 

These lovely White Pelicans are only in the area while they overwinter.

 

White Pelican preening.

 

Nearby Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge (BNWR). This area was, until very recently, dry enough to run a tractor and plow through. However, the Houston area has received in excess of 11 inches of rain for the first 8 weeks or so of 2012.

 

BNWR again.

 

Endangered Kemp's Ridley sea turtle in rehabilitation at Texas A&M University at Galveston's Sea Life Facility.

 

Kemp's Ridley sea turtle (same individual as above).

 

Cold and foggy morning at Texas A&M University at Galveston campus.

 

Definitely NOT the Serengeti. This is the same shrimp boat featured in a previous blog ("Texas City Dusk..."). I was limited on time and the clouds were starting to look wonderful so chose to re-shoot the trawler.

 

Simple but interesting to me.

 

Sunrise and an offshore rig in Galveston Ship Channel.

 

Atmospheric clouds - as opposed to the cloud of swarming mosquitos as the missus' and I tried to enjoy a cold beverage watching these clouds and the dusk.

 

I took this picture on Valentine's Day of two red-eared slider's "smooching" (please indulge my foray into anthropomorphism) - must be a real "toe-curler" of a kiss (check out the right-rear foot of the big one on the right).

 

 

 

“Creative Context” images.

This post contains the 27 Creative Context images we have created. Creative Context images are a form of photographic expression that combines nature photography and artistic renderings of background objects to provide creative context. These unique prints are a combination of the photographic works of Andrew McInnes, and the creative drawings of Ken Skinner.

All images Copyright Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography.

Please visit the following website if you wish to purchase prints:
http://andrew-mcinnes.artistwebsites.com/art/all/mixed+mediums+-+pencil+sketch+and+photo/all

We hope you see the beauty of the natural world that surrounds us in this new form of photographic and artistic expression.

 

Rainbow Lorikeet 2AM-18278

 

Great Egret 2AM-6394

 

Northern Jacana 2AM-9481

 

Carolina Chickadee 2AM-7966

 

White Ibis 2AM-5771

 

Australian King Parrot 2AM-18978

 

Mourning Dove 2AM-7053

 

Keel-billed Toucan 2AM-9787

 

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck 2AM-7821

 

Great Egret 2AM-6751

 

Eastern Spinebill 2AM-19024

 

Scarlet Tanager 2AM-6930

 

Ruby-throated-Hummingbird-2AM-104192_FINAL

Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2AM-104192

 

Tricolored-Heron-2AM-6839_FINAL

Tricolored Heron 2AM-6839

 

White-bellied-Emerald-2AM-9400_FINAL

White-bellied Emerald 2AM-9400

 

Yellow-crowned-Night-Heron-2AM-7818_FINAL

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron 2AM-7818

 

Black-crowned-Night-Heron-2AM-3870_FINAL

Black-crowned Night-Heron 2AM-3870

 

Bridled-Honeyeater-2AM-19465_FINAL

Bridled Honeyeater 2AM-19465

 

Brown-Pelican-2AM-6821_FINAL

Brown Pelican 2AM-6821

 

Common-Moorhen-2AM-4234_FINAL

Common Moorhen 2AM-4234

 

Crested-Caracara-2AM-7115_FINAL

Crested Caracara 2AM-7115

 

Eastern-Rosella-2AM-9396_FINAL

Eastern Rosella 2AM-9396

 

Green-Heron-2AM-7848_FINAL

Green Heron 2AM-7848

 

Northern-Cardinal-2AM-10073_FINAL

Northern Cardinal 2AM-10073

 

Northern-Mockingbird-2AM-5645_FINAL

Northern Mockingbird 2AM-5645

 

Pied-billed-Grebe-2AM-13179_FINAL

Pied-billed Grebe 2AM-13179

 

Red-tailed-Hawk-2AM-7746_FINAL

Red-tailed Hawk 2AM-7746

 

 

To purchase prints:
http://andrew-mcinnes.artistwebsites.com/art/all/mixed+mediums+-+pencil+sketch+and+photo/all

 

 

 

 

Fall Rotation – Thanksgiving 2011, Garner State Park, TX.

Had a wonderful several days at Garner State Park, Texas, where we reflected in nature on the immense blessing in our lives. The season provided a splendid variety of light, a foggy morn’, color on the Cypress trees, a dazzlingly clear calm evening for a North Star and rotation shot, and all-around pleasing to the eyes experience. Highly recommend Garner State Park (especially November).

“Cypress Stars.”
Light painting: Canon EOS 7D with Canon EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f4.5 for 72 seconds at ISO 2000.

 

“Reflecting on Thanksgiving.”
Light Panting: Canon EOS 7D with Canon EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f4.5 for 208 seconds at ISO 400.

 

“Garner Rocks.”
Light Panting: Canon EOS 7D with Canon EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f4.5 for 46 seconds at ISO 1000.

 

“Partial Pinwheel.”
Canon EOS 7D with Canon EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f4.5 for 1298 seconds at ISO 400.

 

“Foggy Fall Foliage.”
Canon EOS 30D with Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens. f/14 for 1/13 second at ISO 200.

 

“Foggy Frio #1.”
Canon EOS 30D with Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens. f/14 for 1/25 second at ISO 200.

 

“Foggy Frio #2.”
Canon EOS 30D with Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens. f/14 for 1/13 second at ISO 200.

 

“Foggy Frio #3.”
Canon EOS 30D with Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens. f/14 for 1/25 second at ISO 200.

 

“Foggy Frio #4.”
Canon EOS 7D with Canon EF 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f/10 for 1/30 second at ISO 100.

 

“Foggy Frio #5.”
Canon EOS 7D with Canon EF 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f/10 for 1/60 second at ISO 100.

 

“Foggy Frio #6.”
Canon EOS 7D with Canon EF 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f/10 for 1/50 second at ISO 100.

 

“Fall on the Frio.”
Canon EOS 7D with Canon EF 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f/11 for 1/50 second at ISO 100.

 

“Fall on the Frio #2.”
Canon EOS 7D with Canon EF 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f/11 for 1/30 second at ISO 100.

 

“Stormy mornin’.”
Canon EOS 7D with Canon EF 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f/11 for 1/8 second at ISO 250.