Back alleys and dead ends

Here’s another photo in my unintentional-but-super-fun series of alleyways and back streets in Bratislava, Slovakia.  One might think, upon seeing all these shots, that I just skulked around in alleys while there, but the truth is that I didn’t really do that much at all, except for one morning.  I took lots of shots all around the historic center of Bratislava...maybe I should process some to prove it to you.  :-)

I guess this is really proof though - without me saying it - that I just love to shoot HDR photos in these sorts of spots.  Alleyways and back streets usually have a lot of character, and generally since they can be run-down, they make for interesting HDR shots in my opinion.  I find that there are interesting lines, usually some graffiti (which I enjoy shooting) and great texture and detail.  In other words, these spots are just perfect for HDR.  I think I’ll keep doing it.

Dining in Old Montreal

After what seemed like an eternal flight, I arrived in Montreal and since the work day was over, I quickly grabbed my gear and headed out to their historic district known as Old Montreal, which was a short cab ride away.  It was (and still is) my first and only visit to this fine city, and I was eager to explore the streets which are well known for their deep French influences.  I was not disappointed, even by the rain showers that came that afternoon.  In fact, I welcomed the rain because it did two things for me: it cleared out most of the tourists, and it left a nice sheen on the cobblestone streets.  Both of those please me very much as a photographer.

That one gentleman in the restaurant had probably the best seat in the house, and I am assuming the food is good because he never once looked up and realized I was taking his picture.  Ok, for the record, I was taking a picture of the awesome street scene I was observing, but I find that whenever a camera is even remotely pointed toward someone, they automatically assume that they are the subject.  That happen to you?

Amsterdam rain

On my visit to Amsterdam last year, I only had a little time to shoot, since I was only there for 2 nights.  So being a bit obsessive about this stuff, I squeezed in as much shooting as I could, despite limited free time, frequent rain, and general exhaustion from travel.  That’s not usually a formula for productivity. 

But despite all that, I actually walked away from that city (ok, technically I hopped on a train to Brussels) with a number of images that I like.  This is one of them, and I am sure there will be more as I get to them in the old Aperture library.  You see, I process my shots in a completely random order...so random in fact that there is not any order at all.  I like it that way.  It allows me to relive each trip a little as I go along.  

I remember this scene and this moment as clear as if it was yesterday.  I had stepped out of the hotel in order to get some cash from a nearby ATM, and of course brought the Nikon along “just in case”.  Honestly, in a town like Amsterdam - with so many distractions - you could take a million shots along each block, but I showed some restraint and actually got the cash, even as I gunned a bunch of handheld brackets on the way.  It's fun, even when you’re getting wet.

Walking Dublin's streets

There’s something to be said for NOT having a plan.  I tend to plan my photo excursions, so as to incorporate all the big sights I want to shoot.  Really, you have to do that, or else you wander somewhat aimlessly and directionless while time slips by.  However, it also helps to build in a little cushion, so that you can wander a bit after shooting the big sights, so as to explore and see what you happen upon.

This is a perfect example of that.  I had just been shooting at Trinity College in Dublin, and having been kicked out for using a tripod (stupid rule!), I ended up with a little more extra time and thus began wandering a bit.  I was somewhat aiming myself toward St. Stephen’s Green, and en route came to this bank building.  I just loved the light and the architecture, and the gentle curve of the road.

Looking down the road at 2013

Welcome 2013!  What do you have in store for me?

Hi everyone, and thanks for stopping by today.  Last year I set a few goals for myself with my photography, and I was able to achieve them (whew!).  I thought I would do the same for 2013. 

Here are some things I intend to do in the New Year: 

• Add new lists to my “Top Photo Spots” section
• Publish a handful of eBooks
• Write additional long-form blog posts
• Expand my iPhoneography posts on the site
• Continue to expand my knowledge of post-processing techniques
• See new places and photograph them!

That’s really it.  I feel like if I make a long list of goals, it’s a wish-list, not a to-do list...and I want to DO things, not wish for them!  So, Happy New Year, and here’s to doing things in 2013!

p.s. The photo above was taken recently in Nashville, TN.  I got up early one morning to photograph the city while it was quiet (and cold!) and thought the image looking down the street was fitting for today's post.  As always, thanks for looking!