Hi.  I have been working on a new project for the last few weeks and it is finally coming together.  I was contacted by a local property management firm who is redecorating their office.  I have been asked to provide 8 large black and white photographs of local historic and well known buildings and landmarks.  We discussed what they wanted and made a shot list of about 16 places.  Some of the shots will have more than one landmark in one shot, but that is ok.  I have been looking for unusual angles and spots.  

Part of the problem with a project like this is weather.  The weather here has been cold and cloudy.  Any day that has had sun, any kind of sun, in the forecast has seen me pack up the car and head out.  I divided the shots into morning and afternoon light shots.  Some, of course, have the best light in different parts of the day.   My favorite spot was a night shot of a movie theater that I used to frequent when I was a kid (and still do).  We used to go to Saturday matinees.  

This project has done some good things for me.  I have been able to look at familiar places with a new eye.  Part of it is because the photographs are to be in black and white.  That means I need to visualize in shades of gray.  I have also lugged my tripod around more than ever since the shots are to be larger than my usual work.    I am also doing everything in a file type called RAW which is becoming the standard for fine art photography.  My ISO has barely moved above 200.  I am also trying to use an aperture setting that will give me sharp shots.  Those things together, along with proper printing and paper choices, should produce the results that I (and the client) wants.  

Another reason this project is helpful is that it gives me some direction.  It has a starting point and I need to work within the confines of the project.  Many times it seems that we run out of ideas or hit a blank wall so to speak.  A project is a good way to break out of that.  

I have not yet presented the portfolio to them.  I am finishing the initial post processing.  Then I will take a CD of a few shots of each spot on the list over to the office for them to make the final choices.  When all is finished, I will be putting them on this website.  Stay tuned.