Normally if the outside air temp gets to zero or just above or the wind is not too severe, I would be out and about. At least exploring the frozen creek. In fact I was looking forward to it.
Instead I pulled some lower back muscles and kind of mucked myself up. I think Grandma had a different word for it. 'Stove up.' Not sure where that comes from but dang it is how I have felt for the past few days.
Chores are a work of agony in a way. I have to use a hay fork and pile up hay in a huge sled and drag it out then toss it around. Thank goodness for the heated stock tank, but draining the hoses after filling it was another interesting experience.
Rest, Ice, and reading have been my new companions. Also getting yelled at gently by my hubby.
Today I have to drive him to the Madison VA for his shot. Good, at least it will be in a facility that can help if he has a reaction. [My biggest worry]
So, because I'm going stir crazy, I decided to get out some items and follow an instructional video on specular lighting and Still Life.
Charlie has been doing his best to deal with no daily walks. I think he is doing better than I am!
So the Video Dude said to get out a bunch of things that would throw off light.
Check...
So the gnome doesn't throw off highlights but in the back of my mind I wanted to mess around with the gnome and the paperweight anyway.
The Video Dude said to 'sketch out' Still Life set ups. Pfft. That never worked for me at all. I just start placing stuff here and there and go with it. Video Dude said to follow the Rule of Thirds, to use the L shape for interest and leading lines.
Um.
Then he went on to close all the light from HIS windows and then brought out a Light Stand with a Soft Box diffuser on it.
Oh.
Granted, he was using HIS dining room table in an apartment, but he was using lights I didn't have ...and a flash tethered to his camera. Um. Not stuff I have or am going to invest in unless I become a person who sells my stuff.
I stopped the video. I'd thought it was going to present me with some ideas on how to do some Still Life without the fancy lights.
Poo.
So I got out my scrap piece of felt and draped it over the laptop, a chair and across the table. Then positioned the Gnome and the glass paperweight.
I am sorry you are hurt and stuck inside except for the chores. Heal and then back to having fun outside. What a relief that Rich can get his first shot and hopefully he has no reaction. Have to ask, isn’t all creative thinking about making mistakes, or as I think of it - playing and seeing what works. Have a safe trip today. 😄
ReplyDeleteThe guy wasn't teaching creativity from what I experience, I don't think imagination and creativity can be actually taught. I think it can be polished or enhanced. I can't do more than write down and idea and then see how it works. I don't think I could follow strict rules.
DeleteSo sorry to hear you hurt your back. Maybe after a few days heat would help...I know heat helps my back at night...arthritis...my old friend....aggravated by shoveling snow.
ReplyDeleteMay have a furnace in a few days...maybe tomorrow...no promises.
When is doubt crop...and practice makes perfect! :) Travel safe for the shot.
Yes, the ice really calms things down fast for me and then a bit of warm in the morning helps loosen the muscles up. I use heat on my hands for that very same arthritic reason.
DeleteI sure hope you get a furnace soon. The trip was uneventful and the roads were crappy.
I hear you about "the rules" they are not for me either. It takes all the fun out of photography. With a keen eye (like yours) learning through observation is a better way to learn anyways IMO. Glad you went with the gnome, great light and movement in his beard. I only shoot natural light, altho off camera flash & light painting outdoors is interesting to me. I was going to suggest playing around by bouncing/reflecting window light, but you are already doing that. I bet your hubby would make a special photography subject, if he was willing. Our dogs legs cramp up in this frigid weather, we haven't been hiking :( I really miss being outdoors!! Hope your back feels better soon. Chores are hard enough without being in pain.
ReplyDeleteI like the 'L' thing. I can see how it would work with more than just a few objects so I am going to try that.
DeleteLight painting is fun. I've done that with little success but I've enjoyed playing with it. Those glow sticks are great for that.
Thanks, I think I'll get through the back pain, I just need to not over do things I shouldn't be doing.
Cool Pics! I didn't even see the dragon in the plant until you cropped him. Throwing out your back sucks! I did it a few years ago raking leaves. Cheryl says I can never rake leaves again, because I was useless for about three weeks afterwards. I used to be in the army! I used to move furniture for a living! What happened? ( Uh... I got old. Things don't take the stresses that they once did before when I was young.) Warm up and more pictures while you recover.
ReplyDeleteI like little surprises like that tiny dragon. Yeah trying to dig out iced up chunks and widen a turn around area sucks when it is heavy icy snow blobs left by a plow. I think I did the same thing last year only not quite as painful. Hopefully just muscle pain.
DeleteLOL on the old. I'm right there as in old, but don't feel it at all ... except for these painful days!