Photography – Page 3 – Bill Swartwout Photography

February 22, 2023February 22, 2023

Right Place Right Time Photo Tip

It is luck or is it preparation or a little of both – to capture that perfect photograph?

You never know when or where the perfect photo opportunity will present itself.

Capturing a moment with the perfect photo can be an elusive task. Being in the right place at the right time is essential for taking that perfect shot, but the equipment you have can also make or break your photo opportunity. Remember that the “best camera to have” is the one you have with you. That may not always be your professional rig. Fortunately, today, most of us always have a camera at hand because our phone cameras are highly capable devices. A 12 Megapixel image that you have is better than the 24MP (or larger) image sitting at home (or back in the car).

As an example, the image above was from our trip last fall – right in front out our Holiday Inn Express near Newton Falls, Ohio. We were leaving to go to dinner – the light was perfect, the autumn foliage was spectacular and the sky was a beautiful blue. My Olympus gear was packed away back upstairs and it would have taken 15 minutes or so to come back with the “right” gear. After 440 miles of driving, we were tired and hungry, so I grabbed a few shots with my iPhone 12. I also thought (planning ahead, right?) that the morning sun would provide wonderful light for that same tree, albeit from a different angle. However, the next morning it was very windy and raining and nearly all the leaves were gone. Right place at “exactly” the right time, right?

Rainbow Panorama Olivees Mountain St. Kitts — Rainbow Panorama over Olivees Mountain on St. Kitts Island. This rainbow appeared after a quick morning shower that happened while enjoying a late morning coffee on the deck of a cruise ship. The rainbow would not wait for a “better” camera than the old iPhone 6 I had at the time. Yes, this image has sold multiple times.

When you’re out and about looking for a great photo opportunity, it helps to have the right tools. Having the best camera on hand can make all the difference in capturing a stunning shot. However, if you’re caught without your professional setup, don’t worry – you likely have a fully-capable camera in your pocket or purse.

Here’s another example that arose just last night (seriously, the night before I wrote this article) while walking along the dunes line at Myrtle Beach, SC. We come here to escape the cold for a few weeks (snowbirds?) and I was out planning where I might get some nice sunset views/shots while we are here. The sky and setting sun were nothing special so I just went for a “planning” walk to set up for future sunsets. As I was heading back to the condo I looed away from the setting sun and saw a cloud with amazing light and color.

colorful cloud over atlantic ocean myrtle beach sc — Colorful Cloud over the Atlantic Ocean at Myrtle Beach, SC

I’m sure you can guess what “camera” I used for that image. Remember, 12MP in your hand trumps 24MP back in the condo.

Yes, photographs by Bill Swartwout are for sale as wall art and on a variety of home decor items.

Link to: Leaf Peeping in Newton Falls

Link to: Rainbow Panorama over Olivees Mountain

Link to the: Bill Swartwout Photography Gallery

February 3, 2023February 3, 2023

This Crab Saw His Shadow

Punxatawney Phil’s got nothing on a Chesapeake Blue Crab

There was a time the Groundhog was as accurate as most weathermen – but that time ended decades ago. Now February 2nd is more a reason for day drinking in Punxatawney, Pennsylvania than for anything truly scientific.

chesapeake blue crab predicting the weather — A Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab can predict the weather with as much accuracy as Punxatawney Phil.

Whether the Pennsylvania rodent sees his shadow or not there are still six and a half weeks until Spring. Here in the Mid-Atlantic region those six weeks of weather can be warmer than average, colder than average or a mixture of random temperatures and precipitation events. Rather random, right?

crab weather meme data sample — Here is a data sample for the “Crab Weather Meme” as posted on social media – one of a few groups less than 24 hours after posting.

The weather throughout the Mid-Atlantic does reflect all four seasons. Sometimes we see them all in the same week – well, not really all four seasons but possibly anything from snow to sunny and 70s within a couple of days. Rather random.

Surprising Engagement on Social Media

What’s cool about the above image is that it was a “meme” I created as a funny post on social media. It was posted to Twitter and a couple of Facebook pages and groups. People must have liked it because I was totally shocked at the engagement it created. On FB it received over 800 “Like-Love-Laugh” emoji clicks, over 200 “shares” and over 100 “comments.” Maybe people are tired of the same ol’ same ol’ news reporting from some field in western Pennsylvania. Besides, who enjoys steamed groundhogs every summer? Right?

Link to the original image: Maryland Crab Lurking in an Assateague Marsh

Oh, by the way. It doesn’t matter if the Blue Crab sees his (her?) shadow or not. The weather outlook will always be the same. Randon, right?

January 23, 2023January 23, 2023

Catching the Sun in Her Arms

A solitary driftwood tree embraces the rising sun in her outstretched “limbs.”

The eastern coast of Georgia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. One such beach, Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, is a stunning coastal paradise that will take your breath away. This secluded beach is surrounded by ancient oaks draped with Spanish moss and the salty air gives way to a unique landscape. Driftwood Beach, itself, features sun-bleached driftwood strewn along the shoreline, giving visitors an otherworldly experience like no other.

Catching the sun in her arms on driftwood beach. — Catching the Sun in Her Arms on Driftwood Beach

Welcome to Driftwood Beach at Jekyll Island, GA! Whether you’re a resident of the area, or visiting from afar, this spot is not one to miss. With its stunning views and unique landscape, Driftwood Beach is perfect for a day in the sun. The shallow coast and tidal flats are an ideal location for wading and exploring the shoreline. Enjoy the beautifully weathered driftwood that lines the beach, creating a breathtaking atmosphere. Driftwood Beach at Jekyll Island, GA is a little-known gem. The beach is covered with light brown, smooth driftwood that looks like large, intricate pieces of broken shells. It’s a photographer’s paradise!

photographing on drifwood beach, jekyll island, georgia — Here I am photographing one of the most fascinating of places – Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia.

Driftwood Beach is located on the northeastern end of Jekyll Island, Georgia. To get to this secluded paradise you must first drive through the main recreation area of the island. The beach does not have any access from the main road but there are a few parking areas along the road and paths leading to the beach.

The iconind lone tree on Driftwood Beach at dawn — The Iconic Lone Tree on Driftwood Beach in the Pre-Sunrise Light of Dawn

The beach on this island is now covered with driftwood in all shapes, sizes, and shades of brown and gray – creating an ethereal atmosphere for any visitor. It’s easy to get lost in the beauty of nature as one strolls along Driftwood Beach and encounters amazing examples of driftwood – from small pieces to entire trees.

With its unique landscape, this beach serves as an ideal setting for peaceful contemplation or exploration.