Capturing Almanzo

All photographs by Craig Lindner.  Here is a link to his Flickr.

What is Almanzo?  Mens Journal says, "What's the toughest challenge in cycling? For weekend riders looking to test their mettle, it just may be gravel grinding, an emerging style of cycling that's done on unpaved, backcountry roads covered in crushed limestone, granite, flint, or whatever rock happens to be around."

Taking Midwestern gravel road racing to new extremes, 100 miles on gravel roads will really make or break you.  Captured beautifully by Craig Lindner in black and white.

End of Winter Exploring: Philadelphia, PA

When you become the tour guide of the very city you live in, things can get a bit stressful.  So much to see, so little time.  Then to consider what your tourists want to actually see and do may not be what you usually like to do.

Sometimes these situation can lead to stress and anxiety, but this time, a few months ago, the situation led to an exploration of places I rarely ever set foot near.  And I liked it, hopefully my guests did to.

So I thought to mention some places I like in Philly, and places I would like to go...after the jump:

Walking Around Old City, Philadelphia

Here are some unusual but interesting shots I snapped in Old City, Philadelphia PA.  All of them sort of show a contrast in colors or old vs. modern, something I always find really interesting in every city.  It's absolutely beautiful outside, but if you're stuck indoors like I am, here are some cool things recently:

-Chambray, Jeans For Your Head and Feet - GQ
-First Shirt Amazonas - Our Legacy
-Clogs or Sandals - Birkenstock
-'Through the Mill', Biking Video - Chris Akrigg
-These Really Bright Shoes - Street Etiquette
-Great Gatsby Movie Set Design - Architectural Digest
-All Black Eames Furniture - Cool Hunting
-This Instagram - Cold Splinters

You can always skip the chat and head straight over to my Flickr for pictures...

Making your own light box, for cheap

Last weekend I attempted and with mild succcess, built a light box using materials I had in my house and a laundry bag from Ikea.  I went to Ikea to find a white laundry bin/bag, per the suggestion from Johan von Kronow's website.  If you missed the post, I mentioned him earlier on the blog because he made a fantastic Laser-Cut gingerbread house...here.  While Johan suggests his own materials and way to build an affordable light box, I improvised to make mine even cheaper!

I purchased a laundry bin from  Ikea (selecting the model in the picture above becuase the one Johan used was out of stock!).  I knew I had a bunch of white pillowcases at home already.  I had a few desk lamps and edison bulbs hanging out, so I used what I had. 

My first attempt at using the light box, note the differences in the pictures depending on the time of day that they were taken.  These pictures were featured in a previous post called Favorite Winter Accessories:

  


Taken with natural + artificial light during the day

 









Taken with only artificial light in the evening

As you can see the quality decreases in the photo as more artificial light is used. At least this is the case for me taking pictures in a make-shift light box.

Conclusion: This was a fun project that cost less than $10. I know that the quality of the photo depends on using less artificial light (and perhaps my light sources are to blame *note* two other lamps I used were not shown in the top picture). I know I can produce mid-quality photos (see the hat photo) if I take the time to set everything up correctly during the day. I would suggest following the diagram (above), or Johan's instructions to build something like this for yourself. I'm sure there are better ways to do this and I am completely open to suggestions as long as it doesn't involve buying a pre-fab photography light-box!

Tilt/Shift Apps: Old City, Philadelphia

Lake Champlain: Brief History

From Prehistoric-Present Day, these pictures of the Champlain Valley are really interesting.  Even more so is the brief history that goes along with each picture here.  I rode the ferry as a kid, terrified of course, but remember getting a wooden token after the ride.  Thank goodness I had no knowledge of Champy at the time.

I Spoke Fewer Words | Kelly Lanzendorfer

I received a wonderful treat this week in the mail.  These prints are from my pal Kelly Lanzendorfer from her work: "I Spoke Fewer Words--documentation of the subtle and strangely romantic things I encountered during my time in France."

I talked about Kelly's travels before in a post "France: A Friend's Perspective".  I'm happy to have a great group of talented friends.  These photos are really inspiring and make me want to grab my camera and get out there.  Now to find worthy frames!

Kelly Lanzendorfer: Here 

images that struck me today

No Snow Rant with Pictures to Share

Lake Carey, Tunkhannock, PA-December 2011

More

It's the end of December and still no snow in Pennsylvania.  I'm a little disappointed that the weather has been so mild, there's nothing like being snowed in enjoying some cocoa on the weekends.  We'll see what the next few weeks have in store!  Meanwhile, now to shed those Christmas pounds...

Inspirations

1. Pursuit Aesthetic
2. This Blog The photographer Rachel Woroner3. This Flickr
4. Laura Austin

It's getting cold, I haven't been taking too many pictures and I think I'm coming down with something!  Had to find some gems to share with y'all today.  Have a lovely week!

stephan zirwes: aerial photographs

vwalkerphotos.wordpress.com

This whole series made me laugh. I really enjoy Erik Wåhlström's work, a good mixture of light, humor and style.