One Exposure a Day Film Challenge Update...I Broke the Rules!

I'll save the story behind the image for the final blog post on this project...I lost my self control today...I just had to get the shot! Thanks to all who keep up with the blog and facebook page. 13 days left of the project to go!

One Exposure A Day Film Challenge Update...

I found myself hiking the Glen Burney Trail today, a place I knew I'd visit for the 24 day project. Today was Day 10. Instead of choosing to use my one film exposure on the magnificent natural wonder that is Glen Burney Falls, which rises about 20 feet out of a cool mountain creek, I turned my lens to a smaller and quieter off shoot of the falls. The rainy and overcast sky cleared as I approached the main waterfall, casting a harsh bright light on it. This left me searching for a more evenly lit subject in the shadows of the Rhododendron.
 

The last few days have gone relatively smoothly as far as the 24 day project goes. No more accidental fires so far! Of course, I wont know for sure what I have until the film comes back from the lab. I'll save the stories behind the photos since my last update for the reveal.
 

On my way back from the falls, I found these little mushrooms hiding in the exposed roots of an overhanging oak in neat little clusters. I couldn't resist pulling out the digital camera and making this exposure. As for tomorrow's film shot, I actually haven't a clue what I'll be looking for yet. We'll just have to see what nature throws at me. 

Mushrooms on Oak Roots, Glen Burney Trail, North Carolina

One Exposure a Day Film Challenge Update...

Today was day 4 in my one film photo a day challenge. Days 1 through 3 went pretty well (I'll save the stories for the blog entries at the end of the project). I made my first big mistake today. I was waiting for a swan to pose for me on Bass Lake and noticed a change in the light intensity. While pressing the shutter button half way to get a new meter reading, I applied a hair too much pressure and tripped the shutter. The F100's shutter button requires less pressure to fire than my digital cameras and I am not used to that. I have no idea what the exposure will be like. I can imagine it will be too dark, and maybe the swan will be in focus...maybe not. I wont know how big my mistake is until the film comes back after I complete the 24 days project. All I can do now is move forward and take it one frame at time. Lesson learned. There is always tomorrow.

After botching the film shot, I switched out the film camera for a digital body and shot a few exposures of a group of Black Ducks dozing by the lake. So, the day wasn't a total loss.

American Black Ducks (Male), Bass Lake, North Carolina

One Frame a Day, 24 Days, Cheap Drugstore Film...

I've been thinking this plan up for a while, and have finally decided to do it. Several years ago, I did a one photo a day challenge while living in Washington, DC, inspired by my favorite photographer Jim Brandenburg's books Chased by the Light and Looking for the Summer. I shot that project on a digital camera for 30 days in April. This time, I'm going to shoot film. I've decided to use cheap drugstore film, Fuji Superia Ultra, the 24 exposure 400 ISO film that many a parent has used to photograph their kids' birthday parties and summer vacations, before digital consumed the amateur market in the early 2000's. Color negative film has a high exposure latitude, which will give me a bit of wiggle room when it comes to proper exposure. Why did I choose this film instead of Kodak Ektar 100 (my favorite color negative film)? The 400 ISO speed that's why. Also, it's easier to get in my area...

So, for 24 days, beginning tomorrow, September 1st, I will make one exposure on film each day. I'm still going to shoot digital here and there. I'm not limiting myself that much. But as far as film goes, just one shot. I'm going to try to capture the essence of my experiences in the great outdoors in a single frame. It should be an interesting experiment, and hopefully one that will help me to continue my artistic growth. This project, of course, will be themed around the natural world and its simple wonders. I will be using my Nikon F100 and various lenses. Once I have completed the project in 24 days, I will process the film and post the images in four separate posts, 6 photos each, on this blog. I really hope that I don't make some serious boo boos...like trip the shutter accidentally...because every single frame will be posted no matter what! Wish me luck!

Nikon F100, Nikkor 24mm 2.8 D, and Fuji Superia 400.

Wilson's Creek Bridge...

I have lived in the North Carolina High Country for a total of 7 years and have just today visited Wilson's Creek on the Tanawha Trail for the first time. Shame on me! I can't wait to revisit this location during peak fall color. Despite the droves of tourists at the trail head parking area, I had this spot all to my self for almost an hour this morning.

(c) 2015 Jon Reaves. All rights reserved.

Ancient Creatures: The Dusky Salamander...

The little things are just as fun to shoot as the mega fauna. I was on my knees in thick black mud to get a shot of this 3 inch long salamander crossing a fallen log covered in moss. How many thousands or millions of years has this simple scene been playing out in the Appalachian woods?

Dusky Salamander, Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina

Grayson Highlands State Park, VA...

Grayson Highlands is located just 30 miles north of my home here on the Blue Ridge. I'd never been before. My wife and I decided to take a day trip to see the famous ponies and hike a piece of the Appalachian Trail. I'll be going back often. This place is awesome. Full of wildlife, blackberries, pristine forests, and sweeping balds. Here are some photos...