A Photo Story

Reflections, Japanese Gardens, Gibbs Gardens

I am a self taught photographer. I studied Adam Jones, a well known nature photographer here in the States, and James Archambeault, a well known Kentucky outdoor photographer, whose specialty is landscapes and historical settings. I practiced shooting the light using 35mm slide film. I was actually quite good at it to my amazement. When I switched to digital it was frightening. The best thing I did was purchase Adobe Lightroom. Lightroom brings out detail in the shadows which is one of its best features. I love detail and I especially love bold, rich color. It comes from working too many years in the advertising industry. However, I seldom tweak the color, yet at times I do tweak saturation.

I wished I could have captured a crystal clear reflection in this image, but Mother Nature was blowing wistful breezes that day at Gibbs Gardens. I was thankful for them as it was hot. I used my 200mm lens. I had stopped using it so much, but recently I have noticed I am switching back and forth from the 200 to 300mm. This is one of my favorite images from that outing. The contrast in the green foliage and trees is fantastic and the detail, I love it. I took three portraits of this setting, working more on landscape views. I didn't linger when I took the portraits, yet I did on the landscapes. Turns out I love the portrait setting best. Isn't it amazing how that happens.

I appreciate your comments from my trip to Gibbs Gardens and Old Car City, and again to Cheekwood. I do have another post on Old Car City I will share soon. Fall is upon us here in Tennessee. Have a great week. ENJOY!