Welcome to Simply Fred!
I will be posting photos from my favorite and latest Real Estate photo shoots.
Also, occasionally posting random photos of stuff that makes me happy or was just fun to shoot.

Monday, May 31, 2010

Week 21: Remember the Fallen






Photos of the Week
Week 21 Assignment: Remember the Fallen

Today is Memorial Day, a day to remember those who gave their lives for their country and the freedom they believed in. Freedom is easily taken for granted, but we must not forget all the men and women who fought for our freedom since this country began, and those that continue to fight for our freedom today. Thanks to all, I will remember you.

The photos above were taken today at a local cemetery that Heather and I go to every year to remember the fallen. We take carnations to lay on the graves of many who have served and thank them for that service and the freedom they have helped to provide. Remember the Fallen.

Coming Next:
Week 22 Assignment: Travel Photography: Portland, OR

Monday, May 24, 2010

Week 20: Signs







Photos of the Week
Week 20 Assignment: Signs

There are signs everywhere, you just have to pay attention sometimes.
I get a kick out of signs, especially funny or the random and unexpected signs. When I took my Route 66 road trip a few years back, one of my favorite things to photograph were signs; from neon signs to the old rusted out signs that have stood the test of time, that road has plenty of them. Maybe someday, I will put together a coffee table book of just signs..

This week is a small sample of some signs that I have seen. The first one I liked for its patriotism and the fact that they painted the three mailboxes red, white, and blue. The second if from a local lumber store with an interesting saying on it, which changes every couple weeks. You don't see many of these, but they are alway enlightening. The third is from a balloon store, the sign is not very durable and I can't believe that is what they use for their sign, but it does catch your eye. The fourth, who knew you could get gift cards for auto accidents or work injuries, that is quite the gift for that special someone. Fifth, a sign I enjoy seeing on almost any weekend and I am usually inclined to stop and check it out. And finally, the last sign, I thought it was cute to catch that in your rearview mirror to brighten up your day. So everyone out there, keep an eye out for those unique signs that make you chuckle.

Coming Next:
Week 21 Assignment: Remember the Fallen

Monday, May 17, 2010

Week 19: New Lens












Photos of the Week
Week 19 Assignment: New Lens

This week was a little exciting because I needed a new lens to shoot real estate photography, but as with any lens, it can be used for some creative shooting also. I needed a much wider angle lens than what I currently had, and with some research, found one best suited for my needs (luckily it was not the most expensive one out there. The new lens is a Sigma 10-20 super wide angle zoom lens, a favorite for Real Estate photographers.

The photos this week contain a few real estate photos along with some random things I found in downtown Tacoma. The wagon wheel and bowling pins were from an antique store and I was literally only a few inches away from them to get so much in the shot. It is almost surreal looking thru the lens and moving in closer to get the composition you like and then realize you are almost touching the object with the lens. I guess I will have to be careful about that. The last few images are some neat, colorful walls and storefronts I found; from the old time painted mural advertisements, to the "artistic" grafitti garage, to the colorful Orange store that looked like it belongs in Jamaica or somewhere in the Caribbean. You have to love the color.

Coming Next:
Week 20 Assignment: Signs







Monday, May 10, 2010

Week 18: Saved from the Archives







Photos of the Week
Week 18 Assignment: Saved from the Archives

This week I wanted to do something a little different and instead of taking new photos, I decided to search through some old images on the hard drives and bring them to light. I have found as a photographer who takes many thousands of images each year, there are many great images that nobody gets to see but myself. I guess not everything can make it into a print or onto a website, but I am going to try to change that.

The horse racing photos are from a few years back, in 2006, when I tried to go to the Emerald Downs track at least once a year. I have missed the last couple, but am sure to make it down this year. It is a lot of fun to make some cheap bets on your favorite horse, mine just happened to be #7 this race. I love to take action panning shots showing a lot of motion, while trying to keep the subject in focus. This is a technique that takes a lot of practice, and it is always a nice surprise when one turns out the may you like.

The first image is from a seperate race, but I really liked how it turned out. The motion of the lights and all the horses legs in motion and in the air. The next five images are from my #7 horses race showing progression towards the finish line and winning the race. Always a good day at the track when you have a winner.


Coming Next:
Week 19 Assignment: New Lens!


Monday, May 3, 2010

Week 17: Green








Photos of the Week
Week 17 Assignment: Green

This week I went back to the simple concept, the color green. There was a couple ways to approach this; capture anything green, capture something environmental (the current fad of everything eco-friendly), or capture a season that reminds you of green (i.e. the current season spring). I decided to go with the latter spring, with a few random green things thrown in.

The first image is random abstract image with some strong green elements. The second and last images are signs of early spring of flowers and ferns in early stages of bloom. Finally (but not the last), the third image is a relaxing scene on my back terrace, which just happened to be composed of three different hues of green.

Coming Next:
Week 18 Assignment: Old Gems - Saved from the Archives