Fireworks

John took me across the river to take night shots of downtown Louisville, KY. I learned how to take long exposure shots. While we were there, Louisville set off fireworks by the Second St. Bridge. I sat my camera to Manual mode, F/8.0 ISO 80, with a 15 second shutter. These are what came out!





After capturing the fireworks, we turned our focus back towards the downtown cityscape. We saw the smoke from the fireworks had created a false cloud cover over the buildings, the lights from the buildings bounced through the fake clouds like the Northern Lights.



My favorite capture of the evening was my three frame panoramic. Using a feature in the Canon S5, I was able to take a seamless pano.



In the end, I was tickled to find the Canon S5 IS was able to perform another technique as well as an SLR.

Tilt Shift

There is a photoshop technique that I have been fascinated with for some time called "Tilt Shift" It is a process where you take a photo (usually a landscape of some sort) and give it an effect of being a miniature scale model vs a large reality scaled landscape.
While on the Scott Kelby Worldwide Walk, I took a photo that when I viewed it set off the alarms..."MUST TILT SHIFT"!!! lol...this was the end result.





The effect can be achieved with a photograph with a large depth of field, (artificially creating a small depth of field on your focus plane. Your focus area stays sharp, everything else is blurred slightly out of focus. Wikipedia has a couple great links on "Tilt Shift":

Tilt-shift photography
Tilt-shift miniature faking

Learning High Key

Yesterday afternoon and evening I decided to toy with some techniques. What started out being an attempt at bracketing some shots for testing out HDR in CS3, turned into an amazing find. I found one of my shots turned out a natural High Key effect shot.
[Light from bathroom doorway (incandescent)to the left of the model; natural light streaming in from the right; no flash] (0.5 f/2.7 ISO 200)]

I of course looked at my settings and proceeded to try it again (could it have just been a fluke? Unfortunately my second attempt on my oldest son proved more difficult, it was taken several hours later, so the natural light had disappeared. I had to rely strictly on my flash and two static lights placed to each side of the model.

[The conflict of the flash color/static lights (incandscent)caused this image to need a lot of work in Photoshop CS3 to recover the true white] [1/60, f/3.5, ISO 200; flash set at full with Gary Fong Diffuser]

I had a willing victim with my younger son Michael, he decided to be the ham of the evening. He was the most difficult because of his dramatic posing, after half a dozen shots, and the resulted harsh shadows, I couldn't test this technique with him lol. He kept moving forward past the lights causing those shadows, but I had to post this shot because it was so hilarious!

[1/8, f/2.7, ISO 200; on static light to each side of model outside of framing; no flash]

Upon my final trial, I used my youngest daughter Alexis. At this point there was no natural light coming in whatsoever(9pm). I positioned her in front of a bare wall, placed the two static lights to each side, again not using flash. This shot I would have to say was my favorite for the day.

[1/6, f/3.5, ISO 200; one static light to each side of model outside of framing; no flash]

In the end what did I learn? Lighting is the most important factor, learning your cameras settings are very important, and lastly, if you are looking for a point and shoot that can give you the quality and range of usage as an DSLR, the Canon S5 IS can give you the same technical rewards as an DSLR when trying out special techniques, for quite less the price. I love my S5!

Henry's Ark - Prospect, KY

Today John and I met up with Christy & Jason (our close friends) for an outing to Henry's Ark and Yewdell Gardens (Look for previous blog post by me about Yewdell Gardens).
Henry's Ark is a little secret hidden in Prospect, Kentucky. It is a unique exotic animal petting zoo open to the public, with the only cost being donations to enjoy.
When we arrived, we found ourselves being greeted by a parking attendant:

He was more than eager to show us the sign that stated, Henry's Ark was not liable for personal accidents, property damage etc. lol
The zoo being a non profit privately owned organization, is struggling to keep afloat due to the costs to care for these extraordinary creatures, such as their pair of Capabaras:

There are Water Buffalo, Zebras, Yaks, Llamas, Goats, Pot Bellied Pigs, Sheep, Emu, Ostrich, Capabara, various unique birds, Camels, Monkeys, Elk, Deer, Antelope, and many other special animals. The rarest being an Albino Peacock.
This massive creature was staying cool by hiding inside his shelter:

Visitors can come in and bring bags of carrots to hand feed most the animals. Feeding time being the most exciting time to visit, is around 10:30 am.

This is really a great place, and a place I will definitely bring my children to, it is a great hands on learning experience for young and old alike, where you can spend some time with some truly special creatures. The staff on site are very friendly and glad to answer any questions any visitor has about the animals they are visiting. I hope that their struggle is met with reward, because to lose a place like this would be tragic.
If you feel so inclined to visit, or to donate to their plight, follow the link to their newsletter: Henry's Ark

Portraits & Textures

This photograph was taken in a long hallway full of doors, at the end of the hallway, I had Jessica sitting in front of the last door in front of a swing arm desk lamp. With Photoshop, I added a texture layer, which enabled me to completely edit out the hall, doors, and lamp, then used the eraser tool to uncover the model and light, to give that focus to the model and create a magical effect with the light as an orb floating in her hand.



This portrait of Jessica was set up on a stairwell, note completely unattractive area, with grey patterned carpeted stairs and oddly colored two tone walls. But the natural lighting created by the entrance glass, made for a nicely lit portrait. Adding a texture layer with Photoshop, to the photograph, then using the eraser tool to uncover the model, allowed me to completely draw the eye to the model, and completely remove the distracting walls and carpeted stairs.

I am by far not an expert in photography or texture usage, but I thought that sharing how I created this effect might be nice to share with other people who are just learning like me! It is a fun added way to create a unique portrait style to any portrait composition. Regarless of where you take the photo. All that is needed is good lighting, and a texture overlay. There are many free resources for download on the internet as well as on flickr. Happy texturing!

Kentucky Derby

This week has been chalked full of events going on preluding to this weekends Kentucky Derby. Though finishing my fourth complete year here on the East Coast, this was my first time attending any of these events.

I took some time to study up on the history of the Derby. Kentucky has been a major state of horse breeding and racing since the early 1800's. Meriweather Clark [grandson to the famous William Clark of the Lewis & Clark Expedition] opened Churchill Downs in 1875.

May 17, 1875,was the first official Kentucky Derby. The Derby is also referred to as "The Run for the Roses," due to the beautiful blanket of 554 red roses awarded to the Derby winner each year. The Governor of Kentucky awards the garland and the trophy.

The Mint Julep, an iced drink which consisting of bourbon, mint and a sugar syrup is the traditional beverage of the race. A thick stew of beef, chicken, pork and vegetables called burgoo, is also a Derby tradition.

John had showed me some photos he took a few years before during Derby week. They were stunning! During Derby week they have a Hot Air Balloon Race every year. It's a three day event. First day the balloon participants meet up at Waterfront Park, the second night they do the Balloon Glow, and the following morning the race commences. He took me to the Balloon Glow event. That event dozens of hot air balloons that compete in the race come together for fans to see. The announcers countdown to a time where all the balloons light up their flames at the same time. It's a truly gorgeous sight to see! Unfortunately due to the weather [high winds] we weren't able to see more than 3 balloons up at a time and were never allowed on the grass to get up close and personal to meet their crews.



The highlight for me was the Steamboat Race Wednesday afternoon. It was a memorable and somewhat sad occassion. The Delta Queen was to run in her last race.

The Delta Queen was built in 1927 and operated since 1966 under a special Congressional exemption to Coast Guard fire-safety standard, she loses her exemption this year. Her hull was built in Scotland in the late 1920's, then brought to California where American craftsmen built her artistic/ornate wooden superstructure and equally gorgeous cabins/interiors. She boasted 87 cabins for overnight guests ranging from small and quaint to large luxurious cabins that resembled bedrooms of upscale southern homes. She was first launched in 1927. A steam calliope dating back to 1897 can be heard all across the river...as well the 1883 bell, which is the same one that sounded landings for the steamboat Mark Twain rode down river. November 2008, she will be retired, a long standing icon of our past.



The Delta ran against the Belle of Louisville, also a historic ship. She originally was named "Idlewind" was built in 1914, in Pittsburgh by James Rees & Sons Company. Her history carries on many different duties...passenger ferry, charter ship, war duties/pushing oil barges down river, and USO nightclub. In 1947 her name was changed to Avalon, and so started a 13 yr career as the most used river steamer in the country. In 1962 she was rescued from going to the ship junkyard by Jefferson County Judge/Executive Marlow Cook at which time she took the now known name of "The Belle of Louisville". In 1989 she became a Historical Landmark, celebrated her 90th birthday in 2004, and is now known as the oldest river steamboat in operation....as well as the 2008 winner of the Steamboat Races. [22 -19 vs. Delta Queen]

Yewdell Gardens

This weekend John and I managed to sneak in a walk through Yewdell Gardens before the rain took away our beautiful blue skies. John grew up exploring Yewdell with his best friend George Klien. George Kleins grandparents created Yewdell Gardens.
Yewdell is a gorgeous horticulture experience nestled in Crestwood, Ky. There is an amazing history behind this special place. It's creators, Theodore & Martha Klein, turned their 33 acre private property into the most exquisite garden, with a collection of well over one thousand different plant species from around the world, as well as many he created from cross genus development.
Theodore built several unique buildings on the property, including a full size castle. You can still go inside and tour the castle now. While walking through the garden, John entertained me with many stories of childhood with George and his family.
When Theodore died, his family with the help of many others turned this unique garden into a historical preservation, open to the public. They have a Membership Club you can be part of, as well as many events throughout the year. Many weddings are held in the garden each year as well. You have to book pretty well in advance to get your turn though!
Even through today the Klein family continue to be a big part in the continued care and maintenance of this gorgeous garden today.

Photographic Art

I have been reawakened to the art of photography since meeting my boyfriend John Adkins [The World Thru My Lens, Fotographic, foto71] whom I consider a very talented photographer. Seeing the world through his eyes has been second only to seeing the eyes through the eyes of my children.
My children give me such an appreciation that age some times can diminish due to life's adult distractions, such as job, being a single parent, bills etc.
Being an artist, I've always thought I had an eye for beautiful or interesting things in life, but until recently, these things always quickly became forgotten clutter in my brain.
Finding the instant gratification found in photography as an art through John, has enabled me to capture these precious moments instantly as well as preserve them in a way I can recall them quickly...(my brain doesn't refresh as fast as it used to) he-he!
I will be forever thankful to him for helping me find such a pleasurable means to channel my creative energies. You can see my photos on my flickr page, as well as see my art on my main website, though that page is currently under construction.

Mural Portfolio

Donation Projects

About Me

Hello, my name is Jennifer Lee. This is where I'm supposed to tell you a little about myself, and usually you see people talk about themselves in third person...I feel that that I have  a message to share, so I'm going to tell you straight from my fingertips. :)

I was adopted from Seoul Korea as an orphan found alone on the streets, and given a second chance at a better life by a wonderful family who raised me in the US.

Over the past twenty plus years I have been a Freelance Artist painting acrylics, oils, murals and sculptures. I've dabbled in just about every medium out there at least once. I consider my main focus in ECO friendly arts, using recycled materials like paper, metal and glass, as well as water soluble paints that are less toxic on our environment.

In 2007, I meet a wonderful man who can only be described as my best friend/soulmate (yes I know that sounds so cliche). He grew to love my children unconditionally as his own and they grew to love him the same. For the first time in our lives, we buy a house, and we know what it's like to have a real family....what a blessing!

Leap ahead to 2009, I started having major health problems. I began having back and neck issues and by mid 2010, I'm then in a wheelchair, and the doctors say I have nerves in my neck, arms, low back, and legs that are deteriorating (they call it an Invisible Illness/Chronic Pain Syndrome). It's like I hit a wall in my life, and instead of taking care of my family, they are taking care of me. My fiancé has been the constant caregiver, playing chef, maid, taxi driver for the kids, and taking care of me. 

One might think I've given up, but I assure you I haven't. Instead I've worked harder to try and be the best me that I can be. I still am a mother, just a mother that can't walk. I'm still part of a happy couple, even if I'm disabled, and I'm still an artist, even if it takes me longer to create or finish projects than it used to. I believe that my story isn't finished, in fact, I'm still writing it. Regardless of the obstacles or challenges that come into our lives, we haven't failed if we keep moving forward. 

Thank you for reading my "About Me", I hope you enjoy reading my blog and following my adventures as an artist, and a student of life. :)