High Desert State Prison, Indian Springs NV

Contrary to what you might be thinking right now, I am not on the inside looking out! As usual, my wife got into the act by suggesting I take a few shots of the prison off I-95 at Cold Creek Road because “that’s where OJ is!” Anyone outside the United States or younger than myself might have to Google the infamous case to fully understand what she was referring to. I was afraid that any body in the tower might think I was planning someone’s escape as I searched for the best spot from which to capture (capture?) the shot. Still, I ventured out of the car and up against the fence. The place was totally deserted- maybe because the temperature was hovering around 100 degrees even with those glorious clouds present. Anyway, to make a long story short (too late?) I found out when…

This is the seventh installment of our Guest Blogger series and I would like to introduce Wade Hewitt. He says he is a newbie to photography but his images do not reflect this. I hope you enjoy his introduction and visit his website.

Believe it or not we actually do have stars, the kind in the sky not actors, in LA. I wasn’t sure if it was possible, but I was able to capture the Milky Way as a beautiful backdrop for a lifeguard station at the beach in Santa Monica.

My name is Wade but I also go by SamoBiker. As the nickname implies I’m a cyclist from Santa Monica, California. Photography is relatively new to me compared to cycling but it’s starting to get more and more of my time. I really love it when I can combine my two passions.

I gave my wife a camera back…

Hi, I’m Susan and I’m a tea addict, welcome to my kitchen!  When invited to be a contributor here, I was both excited and nervous. I am fairly new to photography, having been given my first DSLR by my family just five years ago, upon retiring from teaching. I have a feeling they were looking for a way to keep me busy and out of their hair.
Their plan worked and photography quickly became my passion.

I really can’t say that I have a style or a specialty. At this point in my life, I enjoy exploring and playing with all aspects of photography. I especially love capturing little snippets of everyday life, whether in my home here in Northborough, Massachusetts, roaming around Boston, visiting the coast or wandering the trails on the many wildlife conservation areas near me. Black and White photography is a new love of mine, it…

These two Chevys reside at the edge of the woods on my Brother-in-Laws farm. They are restoration projects waiting to happen . No doubt they will get  the treatment they deserve soon as he is in the process of building a gas station with period pieces on a plot by the outbuildings. I hope he completes it at some point. It would be a shame to see these vehicles go to waste.

Camera :Leica M9P

Lens : Summilux 35mm f1.4 asph.

Post : Silver Efex Pro 2 and a little PS.

It’s not uncommon to hear people describe B&W images as dramatic, moody, even ominous.  Yet the day  was bright, the sky a deep blue, and the grass so green under the shining sun, and my goal was to reflect that in this image.  How’d I do?

Nikon D7000, 35mm f/1.8 lens, 30 sec @ f/22, ISO 640

I have a wonderful friend who has graciously let me play with her Nikon D7000. When rain ruined my outdoor shooting plans, there was no way I was going to let that stop me from using the camera. In the spirit of the saying “necessity is the mother of invention,” I just paired it with my tripod and went on a photo safari around my house. This was one of my favorite shots from the day.

Thanks, Beth, I just love it! I guess I should probably get it back to you about now. Withdrawal is looming … big time.

For a look at how I post-processed a similar shot in color, visit VisualVenturing.com. I’d be interested to hear which photo you like better.