Friday, March 06, 2009

Viewing the World in Black & White

Yes, I am going from being all colorful and Springy to black & white. You see, the "We Picture This" Mamarazzi blog really has me trying to up my game. I mean seriously, friends. Have you seen some of the amazing photographers over there?!? Some are even professionals... and although I am a complete "Mamarazzi" and wannabe photographer, I have SO much to learn!

This month's theme is Black & White. Because I love b/w architectural photos, I knew I wanted to pull a photo from our trip to Paris last year, but I couldn't decide which one. I am typically so critical of my own photos, but I have never been more pleased with the outcome than I was last year on our trip. I think it must have had more to do with the gorgeous scenery, breathtaking skies and amazing architechure than my photography. LOL

I was determined to get a good Eiffel Tower picture, so I shot it from so many different angles, at different times of day, sometimes with my large tripod, sometimes with a rickedy old mini-tripod and sometimes handheld. So, I'm just going to post my winning picks and my "runner up" choices. If you want to see some of them in color, go here.

My first attempt at Manual Exposure:

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Mia & Penelope shot in Monochrome.

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The Eiffel Tower with the lamp post

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I used the "cloning" tool to remove the lamp post. Ahhh... behold the magic of photo editing.

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Another one of my favs
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And one to show the real magnitude of just how large the Eiffel Tower truly is.
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Another cool Parisian building.
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And a flower in Monet's Garden at Giverny.
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OK, that's all for now. I'll be back in full color next time with our weekend festivities.

Have a great weekend!

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

You, my friend, are talented...your pictures are honestly some of my all-time favorite!

Hope you all have a wonderfully springy weekend - it is supposed to be between 60 and 70 down here so we are excited!!!

Ash

Ohilda said...

Amazing pictures. They truly belon on postcards, Michelle!

Hugs,

Ohilda

Stefanie said...

Wow, I LOVE these!! ALL of them!! No wonder you had a hard time choosing for the mamarazzi group!
Glad all that hard work was TOTALLY worth it :)

Amie said...

Michelle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AHHH... those are beautiful! girl.. you are good! love them.. just love them!

hugs dear friend!
:)
Amie

Rydley said...

Wow! Those are just breathtaking!

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

Michelle....those pictures were FABULOUS....I loved them all!! Architecture is so hard to shoot.....in my opinion:) Don't sell yourself short, you are an amazing photographer!!

Have a great weekend.....love the new bloggy look:)

Lisa

mommy24treasures said...

very beautiful... Love the new blog look too:)

Anonymous said...

I too love the message in the Chrissa movie - I watched it with my nieces (10 and 6) and I think it was especially great for the 10 year old who is having some problems at school with bullying.

Thanks for continuing to keep up in your prayers - we all truly appreciate it - things get better each and every day, although she knows there will be very rough days ahead.

Blessings!

Leslie said...

Wow...those are some stunning pictures Michelle. You are top notch in everything you do girlfriend!!!

Sorry I haven't been around lately. I just needed a break from blogland. I still did peek in on you and the girls. I always need to see what my friends are up to.

Did you do your blog? I know you did the header, but did you do the papers??? I'm thinking you did!!!!! If so, I'm so proud of you.

fleur de lis cottage said...

Ooh la la. These are magnifique!
Seriously, these are professional grade photos. Love them all.

Faye said...

Hi Michelle-- I love the Eiffel Tower pictures. They are gorgeous. Like you-- I like architecture in black and white. I think it makes it look so dramatic. Great Job.
Sorry we didn't get much of a chance to chat on Saturday. I got there late and you left early. I miss you. Talk with you soon.

Faye

Chasing Dreams Photography said...

OMW your photo's are just beautiful!!!!!! You are very talented!

Anonymous said...

GORGEOUS! Postcards from my favorite city in the world, I would say!

Don and Lisa Osborn said...

Michelle~Your pictures are brilliant.

I admire you for so many reasons.

xoxo,
Lisa