Best camera #12

Spring has finally sprung in Colorado. The snow is starting to melt and the soft evening light is starting shine.

I saw the light and shadows playing off of one of the chairs in our kitchen. So I began snapping away and playing with different perspectives. Here is what I got to show for my work.

Let me know what you think or what you would to see more of.

Best camera #11

I have recently been reading about several different styles of photography, and even moving pictures (cinematography).

But my favorites have been between Henri Cartier Bresson and Ansel Adams. Both photographers have very unique styles; one street photos, the other landscapes. The both are very inspiring. Just like this sunset, I saw after exiting the public library.

Enjoy and always remember to stay inspired, and constantly perfect your craft every second that you can.

The Best Camera 10.5

“Photography reproduces an image from what God has made for all to see.”

Today is now the second week in a row to start off with crazy snow flurries. Last week as I drove home, I past this old pasture, a rundown plot of land that is nestled next to bustling suburbs.

I have passed this area far too many times over the past twenty years, never thinking twice about it.
That is until last week.

The scene was set up perfectly, fresh glistening snow, bone chilling air, and grayscale encapsulating the world. As I drove by I saw a lovely pair of horses, huddled next to each other.

I cursed myself for forgetting all of my cameras, and missing such an opportunity.

So today was a second chance, the snow was falling all around, the crackle of frozen ice underfoot and whistling wind edged me own ward.

Unfortunately the horses were being feed and holed up for a chilly nights slumber. So I missed my golden opportunity. A hard lesson to learn…

“The best camera is always the one you left at home.”

A-1 Analog

Patience. Many know of it, but little practice it. Patience is performed by the few diligent souls that expect greatness out of their own work. From athletes to actors, and many other professionals, many reap its rewards.

Since I started shooting film I have learned a lot about photography as a whole. Film can be a really hard teacher, with its limited amount of exposures and its lack of live preview (no screen to review picture), patience is necessary. Each shot requires the photographer to consider everything that lines up in the viewfinder. Due to the small exposure count, the photographer is pressured to make each shot count, to not squander the film on meaningless subjects.

Patience. It is require even after the shots are taken. Developing the rolls generally takes an hour (sometimes more if the machines are down) which can seem like an eternity. One can sit there in his/her own silence second guessing themselves. The shoulda, woulda, coulda’s come about, constantly nagging the brain.

After the hour is over, the results are in and victory smells so sweet. The overwhelming joy of flipping through printed paper, full of life, is second to none. The doubts and fears are pushed aside when a subtle surprise comes popping out. Patience is necessary to capture golden moments, and hard work always pays off in the end.

-dont be your own antagonist, this hinders your own creativity.

The Best Camera Challenge #10

It has been a while since I uploaded some photos from my faithful little Ipod. I have been exploring a lot of various tools for capturing images, mainly sticking to more technical devices ( analog and digital slr’s). I find that they are easier to rely on, especially when a split second is all that matters. So whenever I find myself in pickle and in need of camera I turn to old faithful(ipod). So here are a few that I have captured, spur of the moment and edited after the fact. Enjoy!

Doors Open Denver 2013

I recently joined a photography club near my job (ski shop, not really hard work, but who says work has to be hard), mainly to meet with like minded people and learn more information about my hobby. For any native Coloradans reading this (whats up 3OH3) Denver Photographic Society is a tight knit group of avid photographers, with a plethora of knowledge (over 65 years of active service). The club has multiple lectures and classes, as well as site field trips each month. As a new member I was overwhelmed by the large amounts of new opportunities laid before me.

Anyhow, after our last meeting I learned from the club of a event being held in Downtown Denver. Doors Open Denver, a weekend long event where numerous Architectural buildings (both public and private)  were open to general public. The kicker… a photo contest for the best architecture shots of the wonderful downtown scenery.

I couldn’t resist the challenge of pushing my creative juices to their limits. So I stuffed my day pack with both digital and analog cameras and headed out to capture the winning photo.

I journeyed all over the city for half the day, from walking down bustling streets, to desolate back alleys. Snapping anything interesting that came into the view finder, I realized how much fun I was having at little to no cost. Along my travels I met interesting people with fantastic stories to tell.

Although the sun was not cooperating with me, I found that with a little post production magic I came away with some great black and whites. As they say, a photo is worth a thousand words.

After editing several photos, a few stuck out, and with a little more work I put on the finishing touches. Here are the four photos that made the grade and will be heading to the cutting room floor. I hope that you enjoy the photos, hopefully you are told a tale, or at least taken away to a special place for a moment. If so, please head over to Denver Arts Interactive and please vote for any of my photos. It is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely your fellow photog

Philip Mondeau

PORTRAIT 15

PORTRAIT 15.

Meng Chan is a wonderful photographer, I recently discovered his work and was blown away. His street pictures capture pure emotion, while telling an gripping narrative. I find great inspiration from his works and constantly feel challenged to do my best work. Please check out Meng’s blog, his work speaks volumes.

The Passing of Time

It has been to long since I last posted anything. I could give you all thousands of reasons (Excuses) of why I have been absent from the blog world, but I don’t want to bore you.

It’s funny how life is, it seems just yesterday that I was ten and learning how to snowboard and inquisitive, and now I’m an “adult”. I use that term very loosely, because sometimes I forget to act like one.

However when ever I feel creative I think its best to act childish. Well, not childish but like a child. To perceive the world as a child does, with awe and wonder, open to explore and to never take no as answer.

I have taken this “child” like mentality with my photography and explored my local surroundings. I found so many interesting subjects as well as stories to be told.

I leave you all with these few images, and a challenge….

Think like a child, and lay the worries of adulthood aside for a moment.