February 2013 archive

USA Dance Mid-Atlantic Championships

Ballroom Dance photos - USA Dance - www.timelinedc.com

Bethesda, Maryland

Here is another set of photos from the USA Dance Mid-Atlantic Championships, a National Qualifying Event. The majority of photos that I take at ballroom dance events are in portrait orientation as opposed to landscape. This fills the frame much better with dancers. Landscape photos leave too much of the surrounding background empty unless the floor is very full with other competitors. This does make for some good photos, as that is what I have been posting up until now.

Landscape orientation is the best for web use. In this case you don’t have to scroll your screen to take in the entire photo. This is an idea I have come across while reading some of the best photojournalism blogs on the web. In particular the Big Picture or In Focus come to mind. These blogs keep me riveted in each post from beginning to end. The large presentation, and the beautiful photos keep these on my RSS feed. It is as if you are holding a print in your hand while looking at the computer. It is comparatively closest thing to a daily newspaper I have seen on a tablet.

Photo Collage

Ballroom Dance photos - USA Dance - www.timelinedc.com

For portrait photos, there is a chance that the photos will not fit on one screen. Addtionally scrolling is needed to see the entire picture. This takes away from the experience of seeing the entire frame at once. The alternative is to create smaller versions of the photos. This does work, however, it takes away from the presentation with such a small size. The compromise I will start to use is to make a collage of portrait photos. This will fill the space on the blog. Addtioanlly, it gives the viewers more to look at as they are reading. This post is the first of this type – let me know what you think of the presentation. If you have any other suggestions as to how I can post these, I’d love to hear it!

TimeLine Media – www.timelinedc.com
703-864-8208

The Big Sunday

Washington Redskins Buffalo Bills action photo on the Big Sunday - www.timelinedc.com
A Washington receiver on a route in a preseason game against Buffalo

Almost forgot to post something up today – sorry! I have a big game on my mind today. My team isn’t in it this year. Unless you are a Baltimore or San Francisco fan it should be entertaining just to watch.

Since I had a little experience on the sidelines, I wonder what the photographers are doing to prepare. Regardless of who they are covering for, the stakes to get amazing photos is higher than for any other game. This Big Sunday game will be watched and analyzed the world over for months and possibly years to come. With this in mind, I wonder if I would have some performance anxiety from a photography perspective.

At the time I was on the field, it was very difficult for me to follow anything that was going on. With the noise, the large field of play, and the size of the players, it was a bit overwhelming to follow. This is undoubtedly why coaching staffs for football teams are so large!

So who do you have in the big Sunday game today? I am just hoping for a competitive game, and a great halftime show. Now that I am definitely experienced in photographing! See you Monday!

TimeLine Media – www.timelinedc.com
703-864-8208

Groundhog Day

DC Cherry Blossoms photo - www.timelinedc.com

It may be cold now this Groundhog Day, but Punxsutawney Phil has predicted an early Spring! With this in mind, it may be possible to get outside without all the winter gear on. Also, we may be showered with Spring sunshine as opposed to snowflakes.

DC Cherry Blossoms photo Groundhog Day - www.timelinedc.com
DC Cherry Blossoms photo – www.timelinedc.com

While reviewing photos from walking around the peak cherry blossom trees, I find it very enjoyable. Comparatively portrait assignments are more difficult to view again. For one thing, there are many small details that I do not get right at the time. Due to the collaborative nature of a portrait session, it is difficult to take the time and repeat a session. However, these cherry blossoms photos are easy to recreate. Every year they arrive like clockwork, and things that you missed the previous year can be repeated. Much like Groundhog Day the movie!

DC Cherry Blossoms photo - www.timelinedc.com  Groundhog Day
DC Cherry Blossoms photo – www.timelinedc.com

It is generally difficult to make a bad photo of peak bloom cherry blossoms. With a sunny spring day, these are complimentary colored flowers as can be seen. Even if you are not experienced as a photographer, these will inspire you to experiment. Additionally, the fresh air will bring oxygen into your brain and expand your creative side even further. See you out there!

TimeLine Media – www.timelinedc.com
703-864-8208

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