10/5/11 ~ Beyond your comfort zone..

"They" say, that life begins at the end of your comfort zone..and "they" may be right.



















This week I went to photograph a boxing club, just for fun.I had never been to a boxing ring, and figured this would be far enough outside my comfort zone to prove interesting, and I was prepared. Prepared to be the only female in the place, prepared for stink and sweat, low light, crude language & not being able to use a flash..
 

























If I thought band photography was challenging, this was about to take it up a notch.  Low light, constant jarring motion, unexpected shouts, trying to not be a distraction and really no where to move (I was standing on a chair to see over the ropes do to my short family gene pool) & the large window dictated that I only shoot from one side of the ring. 

If I could get a fast enough shutter speed, I couldn't get enough depth of field, even cranking my iso.. so I decided to just have fun with it..Once I realized I wasn't going to get "what I wanted" I just played.. with noise, angles, compositions etc. hoping I could get some shots to at least play with in Nik Software...something gritty, grainy and contrasty - something different and fun.
  

























Well... its gonna take a few more tries but I am going back! 

There is an adrenaline rush there, an intensity, a concentration,  a respect for each other, and challenges to be conquered photographically.

And of course I want to get "the shot"... the one I take standing on the side of the ring where it looks like I am about to be knocked out.. 

 






Anyone familiar with my "shleprock stories" will understand that when I do get that shot, there will probably be "a story behind it" if not an ER bill to go with it....
I would like to thank Lloyd Jones of the Newport News Boxing club for granting me full access, and for all the wonderful guys training who were so nice.. & willing to put on a show.

It takes a village...

9/16/11 ~
Remember the saying it takes a village to raise a child?  Well the same is true for a photographer..


I enjoy photography..
the challenge, the friendships, the exploration... but it takes time to be comfortable with your own photography- allowing others to see it and being vulnerable to critic.  Much like art, everyone will have an opinion, and you won't always like it.


Somewhere along the way I lost that fear, it took time, encouragement from my friends, Gene pushing me to show my work and honesty. Once I got back to "doing what I loved" and stopped worrying about what everyone else thought, things started to fall into place, and the enjoyment returned. I can credit Kathleen Clemons for helping me get over my fear.. we were at a workshop this year and she "shoots what SHE loves, and she does it for HER enjoyment and truly doesn't concern herself with those who deem her work "not their cup of tea".. simple, common sense thoughts, but it isn't lip service, she lives it.. it was an ah-ha reminder moment for me.

Some of my photos are now on display in Colonial Williamsburg at Aroma's coffee shop.  For me, this is a big step, putting yourself out there, being vulnerable, and while this is just a small step, it is a step in the right direction, and my close photo buddies Wayne, Steven, Sam, Todd, Kris, Gen, Will and Jerry- I thank you for all the encouragement, lessons and help along the way!

9/21/11 My first billboard

I have been shooting bands lately and I am loving it!

Slapwater is a local favorite that has been at it for 40 years. They recently asked to use one of my photos for an electronic billboard on I-64 in Hampton.. 

Who would say no to that??


The promoters ended up using a different photo than we intended, but as Gene and I drove home from NJ late one night, we got stuck in construction traffic, I looked up and spotted my photo larger than life on the billboard.. it was a cool feeling..  


Getting this photo the next day.. well that's a whole 'nother story... after getting my shot, looking up and seeing those blue flashing lights in the rear view mirror.. I thought, "well this isn't going to be good"... but the state trooper I met was so nice. He calmly explained to me that there was no good reason to be pulled over on the interstate.. I explained "my good reason" and he repeated his mantra to which I replied "didn't you hear me? it's my first billboard..."  he laughed, shook his head, and wished me a nice day.. no ticket.. The more I get into photography the more "officials" I meet.. I may have to expand my Christmas card list :).

May 3 ~ Photowalk

Project 365 Day 124, a photo by Sherry Boylan on Flickr.

Tonight the Hampton Roads Digital Photography Club had a photo walk down in Historic Downtown Portsmouth. I am always amazed at how willing everyone is to share tricks, and techniques and help each other out. I found my group 2 years ago thru meetup.com. I am now lucky enough to be a club organizer. If you don't belong to a photo club, I highly recommend it. If you are local, you can check out our club here: HRDPC

4/17 ~ Building a website

I attended my 1st Photoshop World in Orlando this year.
If B+H Photo Video is a photographers candy store, PSW is summer camp! 24/7 learning, shooting, socializing and talking photography with hundreds of other people is energizing and exhausting at the same time.

Having taken some of RC's Kelby training classes, I was quick to attend his sessions at PSW. He has a thorough and logical teaching style that is easy to follow.Building a website is something I have long put off because it seemed so complicated. I picked up RC'S book Get Your Photography on the Web book from the Expo floor to read on the plane ride home. If you have ever thought building a website was "over your head, or too much work" I highly recommend this book! I put off building a site for years, but after reading his book with step by step directions, I hope to be done within the month. chesbay360.com Thanks RC!

4/9 Continuing Education

Several of my photo club members and I went to see Bryan at the Historic Byrd Theatre in Richmond. Bryan Peterson is well known as the author of many books including Understanding Exposure. I have been fortunate enough to attend several of his multi-day, in the field photography workshops and have always been amazed by the way he sees what others miss. Shooting side by side with him across the country has certainly changed the way I view creating a photo, from lens choice to viewpoint. If you ever have a chance to attend one of his workshops, do it! You can find out more about his workshops here: Bryan F Peterson workshops.

4/5 The Flash Bus Tour

Still exhausted from the previous week at PSW in Orlando, Gen, Will, Steven & I hit the road again before dawn (with Wayne, Huey, Donny & Jerry) to Durham, NC to catch the Flash Bus Tour. Two of the biggest names in lighting, Joe McNally & David Hobby (aka The Strobist) entertained and enlightened on all types of off camera flash techniques.