A DIFFERENT TAKE

     Usually, when I compose my blog, I present ideas about serious, practical concepts related to photography.  The pictures I post often demonstrate what I am trying to communicate in my writing. I try to have the photos "talk" more than my words.   📚

   ⚓  While preparing for my camera work on my recent cruise to Bermuda, I did some research. 🚢 I went to Bermuda 4 times prior. For this trip, I was looking for different locales to shoot, different views, and different takes on the familiar area. One suggestion I came across was to include some props.   These can be quite useful to add depth and/or more interest and character to the scene.   👓  👒

    Without a deliberate attempt, I came across a great prop right here in the community in which I live.  It was easy to pack, and no one would miss it. 

This month, I opted to try something a little different, as you will see. First of all, this is a fictional story.  It is lighthearted and fun.  Photographers are storytellers.  What we capture will record a moment in history.  Each picture should have a narrative.

    In this case, the words accomplish that, with the pictures simply enhancing it, providing some visuals to help.  Besides, it was a challenging task and made me laugh while doing it.   😁  I hope it does the same for you.

FREDDIE, THE FREE LOADER   

    I was sitting in my sand pail on the window sill of the third floor like I always do. I have a view of the courtyard, the greenery, the sky, and the birds.  Once in a while, I try to converse with the other guy like me, but he never has much to say.

    Hey! What's going on? You're choking me.

Some malevolent resident grabbed me by my throat and yanked me out of my pail. I protested to no avail.

The next thing I knew, I couldn't hear anything, not even the wind blowing or a TV show. 

I wished I had a flashlight. 🔦

Not even a pinhole of light got in to me. What in the world was happening? Had I died? Was I in my casket?  No, I still breathed, but I could barely move.  

    I wanted out! I was scared. Why did she take me? Why was I kept in the dark?  😥  

I did not want to cry, but I was so afraid.

    Sleep finally came. When I awoke, I hoped it was just a nightmare, but I was still in that dark place. No rescue, no one came.  Was I even missed? 👀

    Oh, Oh, what's that? Sounds like footsteps. 👣Ahhhh, now I would be set free! 

    Wait, wait! I was standing on my head!  Oh, good grief!  Who was torturing me? I felt vibrations and heard people talking.

    "Goodbye" they said. "Have a good time." Me? Were they nuts? 💼

    The ride got smoother, and I was able to lay on my side once again, but that did little to ease my distress.

I began to sweat. 🍷 A nice cool drink would have been most welcome, but no.  On and on we went. No one talked to me, or about me. How I longed to be back on my window sill.  If only I could stretch my long legs.

    My stomach growled. Hmmm, a nice tasty fish. 🐟

The fantasy made me drool, which did little to ease my hunger pangs.

    Oh brother, standing on my head again! More vibrations. There's a new sound. Was it a giant mosquito? Ziiiip, Ziiiiip.

    🌅 Bright sunlight flooded over me. She picked me up and hugged me.  Hmmm, that aroma, very familiar. It was ocean air. There were crowds of people around, and loud music blared. We were even rocking a bit.

    I realized I was on a ship. A cruise ship!

Wow, not so bad after all. I was not only kidnapped but a stowaway as well.

I was able to put both feet down, although I often stand on one.   Folks asked if I was related to Flat Stanley. He could be a distant cousin, I suppose.

    After unkinking my muscles and taking in that wonderful sea air, I felt much better, but by now, I was famished. 

We walked along into a colossal dining room.  A table filled with all sorts of breads lay before us. 

              Often people tossed crumbs to me, thinking it was cute. But no crumbs for me today.   Matter-of-fact, No Bread.

My nose told me there were fish nearby. Even my favorite-pink shrimp that helped maintain my beautiful complexion.  

    We traveled the globe with our food tour.  There was Italian. I never saw so many pizza crusts in my life, and the makers were very friendly. 

 
There were also Indian and Thai, but they were much too spicey for me.  There were salads with strange-sounding vegetables like mung, watercress, and radicchio.

I slipped away to munch on those inviting greens as my appetizer.

  But Oh, there was more. Much more.  Soups and a carving station. I didn't like that

as a poor relative was being sliced

for someone's plate.

    The dessert buffet was crammed full like the others, covered with such beautiful treats.

    I didn't even recognize the cakes. I was glad I could not eat cake because they were too pretty to eat. Each was a work of culinary delight. 

Some had writing on them that said "Celebrity." There must be someone famous on board.

Eating my fill, I almost smiled. There were two ladies with me, coconspirators in their crime. One told me my name is Fred, but I liked Freddie better, and so that moniker stuck thereafter.



    Then they took me to their cabin. 

I had a high perch to sleep on. There were no loud singers and no window like I had back home. However, we had a TV, and I got to watch some nature shows while the ladies went out. 

    They were great, except for that show-off parrot who is much more colorful than I.

    I didn't mind not having the window too much. After all, I was on a cruise--even for little ole me.

    The days passed quickly and they were full of adventure. We walked all around the ship, riding up elevators, and walking down steps. 

  I even tried my luck at the Casino, but I had nothing to lose, not even a shirt off my back.   

 

 One of the days, we took a ride on a ferry boat. I was so disappointed because I did not see ONE fairy.  It was quite windy, and I had to hang on least I was blown away!  

We rode to the town of St 

George's, which has a lot of history and is a UNCESCO sight.  As a World Heritage Site, it has many old buildings and forts.     

 

                             

When we went on shore, we found a pay telephone-very rare birds these days!  I should be like ET and phone home, but I didn't really want to be rescued anymore.   Yet, I thought I should notify the others home on the window sill that I was OK, Actually, I was having the time of my life!

    Rats! I forgot flamingos don't have any coins, so I couldn't make the call.

    It was very humid like the place I used to live before moving to the window sill. The two ladies and I roamed around taking in all the sights. The buildings were lovely hues--blue, green, yellow, and red, but each had a white, corrugated roof. They looked rather odd, not like anything I see in Pitman.

My feathered friends liked perching on them, but not me. I was staying close to my escorts.

    Bermuda has very little fresh water. Those corrugated roofs collect rainwater which is then deposited in cisterns, providing potable water to the citizens.

    It was so hot, we did not venture very far. We found a bargain postcard that cost only 25 cents. Then we went to the post office for a stamp and had to wait almost a half hour in line, and the stamp cost 4 times what the card cost!

    We wandered about, stopping in some shops. The lady with the camera took many pictures- even some of me.

    St George's is a World Heritage sight with some very historic buildings.  The streets had unusual names like Featherbed Lane and Barber Lane.

    Soon it was time to return to the ship. We had to take the ferry again but had a wait this time. We were glad we could sit down.   

    

We passed Fort St. Catherines, built to protect the country.  Being a British domain, there was fear that America would attack during the War of 1812, or the American Civil War. There was nothing Civil about it. 

The British had some sentiments for the Confederacy. However, the onslaughts never came, and the forts were not needed for any violent events.

    Americans do invade Bermuda now, but we are welcomed with open arms. Tourism is their second most lucrative business, with banking being number one.

    Back on board, I noticed that Celebrity stuff was still showing up. It was on the towels. There was one of the biggest letter Xs I ever saw on the smoke stack. I thought maybe it was like the big advertisements at the sports stadiums.

Our cabin steward, Sebastian never reported me.  He was such a fine fellow. He made our beds. Of course, he didn't have to make mine. He straightened up  and brought clean linens.    

    

    He always knocked and announced himself calling, "Housekeeping." I could not understand that. While there were much larger cabins on the ship than the tiny one we shared, I did not see one house.  I told him he should have said, "Cabin Keeping," but he never did.

    The very best thing he did was to leave us chocolates every night.  Even their wrappers had Xs and Celebrity on them. I still didn't see anyone famous.

    We were ready for a rest after our shore excursion. I didn't even leave the ship on Friday, our final day in port.  I had enough fun checking out the shops.  

    Art auctions were held, and we had the benefit of perusing it often.  Some of it was unusual, and some made me just shake my head and wonder why is that art.  It was very different from anything I saw or did back on my perch in New Jersey.

    Drinking is a very big business on cruise ships.  Alcohol is not good for me. Fortunately, there were many specialty drinks to treat my taste buds.

         

    I really enjoyed the pool time. Checking out the babes.  I tried the hot tub, but it was TOO  hot. I was afraid I would melt!

    

    The water was a bit rougher on the way home. There were white caps in the pool, making it like a wave pool. Lots of fun!

Cruises are notorious for the gourmet cooking and generous servings. Few people (and flamingos) return without a bigger waistline.  Oh, but it was scrumptious.  We had surf and turf one night. The lobster was succulent.  

    How could I return to my mundane menu?

    Those dining room chairs made me feel like Capt. Kirk of the Enterprise from Star Trek. I was ready to blast off! Either that or they were left over shells from Mr. Peanut.

    

    By morning, I was pretty deflated, so back into the suitcase I went. Only this time I was not afraid.

  

I had amazing, exciting tales to tell.  Honestly, I would not mind being kidnapped again.

    I never did figure out who the famous celebrity was on board.   As we rolled over onto land, I thought about my fantastic time, luscious meals, beautiful scenery, and meeting new people.  I figured I was treated so special on the ship that, at times, I felt like a celebrity.  I understood then the celebrity on board must have been ME.

When you approach your next photography shoot, try thinking "outside the box."  You never know what might develop!

    

  

             

  

          

    

    

    

    

    

   

LINES and More LINES

        While researching my previous blog about textures, I came across a number of other photography features I found interesting, and hope you will concur. Among my discoveries was information about the use of patterns to create good pictures; however, since it is so similar to the concepts about textures, I am passing it by until a future post. Instead, I opted to draw attention to the use of lines in photography. 

---------------------    _____________ ------------------- ___________    

 👉Lines are intended to direct our attention to important items in a photograph. 

A line is an identifiable path created by a point  moving in space. It is one-dimensional and can vary in width, direction, and length. Lines often define the edges of a form. 

               📏📐📏📐📏📐📏📐📏📐📏📐

There are two basic lines in geometry: straight and curved. 𐩘   

Straight lines are further classified into horizontal and vertical.  Other types of lines are parallel lines, intersecting lines, and perpendicular lines.  A line extends endlessly in both directions.

    That was a difficult principle to comprehend. How could it be endless?  God is the only one with no beginning or end!

 

Lines in photography are an immensely powerful element.  Proper arrangement of lines guides the eye around the image, often placing emphasis on the subject matter or conveying a sense of movement.

Implied lines are not actual lines that you are used to seeing. They are implied in the picture area. They are made by the way objects are placed within the boundaries of the picture. Often, an actual object will create a line, such as a tree, a railroad track, or telephone wires. Improper arrangement can draw the eye out of the photo or take away from the strength of                                                                 the  subject matter.

    Consider the different types of lines that can be used in photography. Horizontal lines may create a sense of calmness.

    Vertical lines  convey a sense of structure and strength.   

    Curved lines bring the eyes of the viewer on a course throughout the image. They flow within the photo and lead the viewer on a very pleasant journey.

  

  

    Leading lines are a special type of line that landscape photographers love ( and you'll find them in other genres, too.)  Leading lines are generally diagonal or vertical lines that lead the eye into the frame, from foreground to middle ground to the background.

               

     They guide the eye through the frame, carefully taking the viewer through the photo.

 They help to create depth, a sense of tension and dynamism.  

Without diagonal lines, you'll often end up with a static image.

 While looking for a definition of lines, I came across some other ways the word  is used, and it inspired me.  While preparing an article such as this one, making an outline can be helpful.  There are outlines in our pictures, too, no?  When I write about shapes in a future blog, I will address the importance of outlines. How many items can you recognize just be their outline???  🤍☆  ♢

   Coloring books are quite popular. The pictures are outlines to be filled in with color.

Several word processing programs are fairly easy to use. Incorporating Bold, italics and underline can produce a better quality piece. These three elements are frequently used by writers, and so the programs simplify their access.

      In photography, using lines can accomplish the same kind of thing in our photos--emphasize subjects in the composition.  There are photo editing tools which are readily accessible, just as there tools in word programs to enhance writing.  One of them can be used to straighten pictures. It provides for an easy fix. When I first joined our photo club, I did not even notice my faulty horizon lines!

 

How and where lines are placed in a picture can make the difference between an OK shot, and a fantastic one!  Architects, people who do drafting, and surveyors could not work without using lines. Every picture taken has borders, lines that contain the dimensions 

of the shot. 

I participated in marching band in both high school and college. Straight lines were significant if we were to look good. Looking good always helped us to sound good, too. When you watch a marching band, it is obvious if someone is out of step. Even while making turns, it was necessary to keep the line straight.  It helped us to keep the formations from looking sloppy. 

 🎷🎸     🎻🎼

I relished watching the British bands and military parading  in the coronation festivities of King Charles III. I was envious of their performance and appreciated the work each one contributed.

Lines can help our photos from looking sloppy, too!

Many cameras are equipped with a grid view which can assist with making a better composition.  It places lines over the viewfinder, dividing the view into 9 equal sections. That can make it easier to focus.

  

 (in memory of Herbie Weber)                                     When I peruse Hobby Lobby or Michael's to look at frames, I find there are many designs and prices, but I find the best bargains in thrift stores. Framing artwork and pictures is a way to complement the work.  Borders and frames can be added digitally to make the photo complete.  A future blog about frames is on my bucket list. Borders and frames would not be possible without the use of lines                                                              

A number of my friends really enjoy the adult coloring books available.  Some of the completed works are suitable for framing. But, I do not like to color.  As a child, I found it hard to stay inside of the lines.

At times, I find it  challenging to stay within the lines of life as well!  But boundaries are important. They can keep us safe, yet provide plenty of freedom while remaining within those bounds. 

Photography allows for great liberties as the product can be manipulated, provide many points of view, and offers a play ground for creativity.  I also find perspectives I may have overlooked.

When I began formulating this month's blog, the topic of lines seemed rather simple.  As you may discover, as I did there are characteristics of lines I did not think about before.

When you work on your next photo op, consider how lines may be used to enhance your shots.