I'm linking up with Darcy--(click her Project 52 button above to see what it's all about!
This week's challenge: I dreamed a dream
My photo:
Reason I chose this photo:
This week's challenge was a...well, it was a challenge! I'm not a dreamer by nature, though I sure do have dreams. But to take a picture of one of my dreams--to travel to France, for example--would be impossible because I haven't done it yet. (That's why it's a dream!) My 18yo son has done some neat stuff with my camera, but that's his fun, not mine.
Finally, the colder weather inspired me when I saw the empty fireplace and knew that that would be the shot. Most of what's burning is paper (our wood was wet!), but the scene reflects a typical fireplace scene in my home. I do love sitting and staring at the flames and letting my mind wander and ponder. It's one of the few times I actually sit and just be still. When I dream/think/ponder, it's usually about things I want to do or purchase when/if we can afford it (a trip or even a camera lens!), and I dream for my boys--their futures, wives and families, and such. Our oldest has autism, and I dream a lot for him. He's still home with us but we hope and dream that someday he will have a steady job and a fulfilling life. I feel that my image reflects well my state of mind as I sit and dream.
The setup:
It was dark in our home, which is good because that reflects the feeling I wanted to portray of dreaming. I used my tripod, since I knew it would be a slow shutter speed. After several miserable attempts at a shot, I moved the tripod right behind me so I could reach the remote shutter without using the timer. I also set the ISO high (1600), since I knew I wouldn't mind noise (again, the feeling of dreaming). The above shot was in the first set of my second attempts. It ended up being a matter of choosing one with a nice fire--though it is a little bright! In post edit, I adjusted the white balance, did some other minor tweaking, and vignetted the image more than I usually do--again, to reflect the theme.
Camera Settings:
- Canon 40D
- ISO 1600
- Manual mode
- 17-85mm lens at 24mm
- f4.5
- 1/13 sec. shutter speed
Treasuring life's moments,
Christine
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I love to sit at the fire, and ponder as well, there is something romantic in the flames, that gives me energy. I love your work, and like you I carry a camera with me everywhere. Happy Friday.
ReplyDeleteI really like your interpretation! Thanks for sharing your settings and process. I like to see how others think when shooting.
ReplyDeletei love how you interpreted the theme! lovely photo and great sentiment! thanks for stopping by my blog! :) love, kelly
ReplyDeleteOh I wish we had a "real" fireplace. Ours is gas and worthless. Nice shot
ReplyDeleteLooks cozy! I like to sit and dream by the fire too...
ReplyDeleteOh how neat...what a wonderful place to sit and think, dream!!
ReplyDeleteHope your day is blessed!
It looks great. I think it turned out wonderfully, and it's a great place to dream. :)
ReplyDeleteI love this picture. It is lovely to dream by the fire. It looks cozy.
ReplyDeleteI love your interpretation of dreaming. A mothers dreams for her children, well, that's just amazing. And trips and lenses and all that, all wonderful dreams to have. I hope you every one of them comes true for you. :)
ReplyDeleteThis week's prompt was a little difficult. I love the idea you came up with. The tones really set the mood (and warmth) of this shot.
ReplyDeletevery nice shot
ReplyDeleteMakes me feel warm and happy.
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