December SEEN
 |
| Arlington Theatre Santa Barbara, CA |
I know it is December and only a few nights before Christmas, but photography can never wait. A good friend once told me, “You have to get it while the getting is good.” That means no matter what else is happening, if there’s something good to make photos of, go get it.
I like to say, ”Don’t edit now.” Meaning, while you have your camera with you, and that should be all the time, (wish I could take my own advise) if something is attracting your attention, make the exposure. If you edit while you are looking through the lens and decide to not make the exposure you can’t edit it out later. I developed this theory while driving alone from Idaho back to California. I would see these amazing vistas from the driver’s seat. I began to think, “Hey, I should stop and take a photo”. But, I didn’t stop and the vista was gone. Soon after, as I was driving along, I started thinking about why and how I was editing myself. By not stopping and taking the time I had already edited out any possibility. Instead, I began to stop the car and make exposures. I stopped and smelled the proverbial roses.
All this is a round about way of letting you know that even if you think you are busy Christmas shopping, party going, decorating or whatever excuse you can come up with as to why you can’t take the time (we all do it), I will be out there making some images and happy to help you do the same.
On Saturday, December 18, 2010 the sunset will be around 4:48pm. Early enough to get some shopping done and still have time to make that party. Up near the Arlington Theatre on State Street, the City of Santa Barbara puts up a Christmas tree full of lights. Nearby business also have extra seasonal lighted decorations and of course the Arlington is lit beautifully all the time. I will be working on High Dynamic Range style exposures and will be happy to introduce or have conversations about HDR with those who are interested. As usual I will be there to help with inspiration, composition, and exposure if you wish.
Brooks will already be closed for the school year so we will not be able to go to the Brooks Institute computer lab as a follow up. This will help you get to the party on time.
I will be parked, hopefully, on Sola Street between State and Chapala. Look for the Airstream trailer. That will be our headquarters. I will be there by 3:30pm, getting parked and scouting camera positions.
I'll see you there.
For more of my work, visit my website www.eliotcrowley.com.
