57 Chevy (Three Views)

"HDR View"

I shot three exposures of this 57 Chevy this morning, brought them up into Promatix Pro for tone mapping, into camera raw for tweeking, and PS CS4 to convert to jpeg. After four or five different mixes I went with the more natural look than the artsy style, due to the trees dominating the back ground.

"B/W Conversion"

Second with a lot of my images I like trying them out in different mediums such as this B/W. I sort of like the way HDR worked on the shade and highlight tones through out this image.

"Quick Masking with HDR"

Third I thought it might be interesting in applying a quick mask to the B/W and bringing back the color of the auto only. Give it a try if you get a chance and send me a comment if you have any questions or just want to give me your thoughts on these images.

Enjoy

Best of Show

"Southern Comfront"

The day began with rain and more rain as the annual OBX car show was to take place. As the old saying goes here on the Banks, "if you don't like the weather now just wait a few hours" and true to the saying the skies opened the sun began to shine and we were all blessed with one of the warmest days we've had this winter (I mean T-shirt weather). Many great looking cars and trucks from old to new and the crowds were steady all day. Here is the over all winner a Ford F250 limited edition taking home the gold from Camden, NC. This bad boy was fully outfitted for the beach and surf fishing. If you missed this years show you need to put it on your schedule for 2011.

Enjoy

HDR Photography

"The Dump Truck"

With the digital age taking over photography it's hard to stay true to the old standard way of shooting and proccessing. Maybe it's just that winter has taken it's toll on me or I'm just changing. Which ever it is I've been busy lately creating glass orbs, and playing around with HDR photography. Above is an image I took yesterday near the Organ Inlet Marinia and turned it into an artsy painting look. HDR or High Dynamic Range is nothing new but it does take a little different way of shooting as well as finding the images that work. If you have'nt tried this yet give it a chance.

Enjoy

A Taste of Summer

"The Bug"

My past comes back to visit me. The VW bug, not only the car I learned how to drive in but also the first brand new car I owned in 1973. Surf racks, four on the floor (stick shift), an AM/FM radio with my converted 8 track disc player, very close to the one above except mine was sky blue. Ah memories---- with spring like temps today I found myself seeking out images with color, vibrance, and a warmer feel after what has been a long winter for us living the beach life.

Couldn't resist this shot as I was passing thru Nags Head window rolled down and the heat off.

Enjoy