The new beast ... s

Yesterday I unpacked another new member of my life: My brand new Nikon.

Gee she's a beauty. Takes some darling shots and comes with all the essentials. Just picking the little (well ... light ... for a dslr) thing makes my face break out into smiles. Needless to say, I got started immediately checking out what the different lenses do, how the interface works, what kinds of shots I can get ... and taking pictures of my other new housemate, Sonka the dog.

So without any further ado, some candid shots from yesterday.

Sonka was not very interested in the camera. After a few obligatory sniffs, he decided he would rather lay by the edge of the balcony and watch the goings on of the street behind us. Getting his attention proved difficult, as he has learned to ignore our little idiosyncrasies.

Only a few shots in, I learned how difficult it is to photograph a black dog. Even in direct sunlight, the dog looked like a blob. Either that or he looked great and the background was completely wiped out. We worked some angles to try to get it right. Either way, the background had to take a little bit of a hit. This is especially seen below.
What do you mean blow-out? Pssshhh. Oh camera, I shall master you!

Model: Sonka the Wonder Dog, a husky-shepherd mix

Location: Northern Cincinnati, OH

Clearance!

Since returning my camera to the college art department, I have spent more time saving money and researching a camera for purchase than actually taking photographs. The last photos I took were of apartment complexes and townhomes in Mason, OH.

That's right, I'm moving to Mason, OH. As such, I am having a clearance sale of all framed art pieces in my home. If you are interested in purchasing any of these pieces, please contact me. The pieces for sale are pictured below, along with price. All are matted and framed. For the triplicate photos the approximate layout has been simulated. All prints are signed and numbered.

Please email me if interested in purchasing any of these. My email: design.austen[at]gmail[dot]com

Note: If ever interested in purchasing any photos posted on this site, shoot me an email with the post the photo was in and identifying which photo you are interested in. I will get back to you with a quote and we can hash out the details. If shipping is necessary, I will require payment for shipping.

Island Jewels: $45
8x10 Frame
Chicoteague Island, Va. Wild Ponies

Island Light: $35
11x14 Frame
Chicoteague Island, Va. Lighthouse Interior

Intelligent Construction: $50
8x10 Frame
Terre Haute, IN. SMWC Ring

Orange Barrels: $45
8x10 Frame
Terre Haute, IN. Terre Haute Street Dept. Barrels

Boston Cemetery: $45
16x20 Frame
Boston, MA. Granary Burying Ground, Beacon Hill.

Dueling Giants Triplicate: $50
11x14 Frame
Chicago, IL. Michigan Ave.

Boston Cemetery Triplicate: $45
11x14 Frame
Boston, MA. Granary Burying Ground, Beacon Hill.

Higher Learning Triplicate: $45
11x14 Frame
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN. Church of the Immaculate Conception.

Hippolyta: $45
11x14 Frame
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Theatre, "A Midsummer Night's Dream"

Higher Learning: $80
20x16 Frame
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN. Church of the Immaculate Conception

Again, to contact me email: design.austen[at]gmail[dot]com

Hope to hear from you soon!

Leavening of Religion

It's interesting how drawn I am to churches. After walking/driving/biking past nearly every church in the Terre Haute area, I am continually gripped to photograph. Here was my last ditch attempt with the Olympus I have been shooting with. The light was beautiful, and we all know how much I love natural light.

My subject, St. Benedict's of Ohio Street is a beautiful building. At sunset the crosses on the front simply GLOW.

Many entrances make this church a prime place to shoot a photo spread. I don't think you could recognize all of the places this building has to offer.

A lovely cornerstone marks the conception of the piece.
Church grounds are well tended, a sure sign of a dutiful clergy.

Enjoy!

All photos taken at St. Benedict's Catholic Church on Ohio Street, Terre Haute, IN.

A Beautiful Day for a Ride

As summer has finally landed, I have found time to bring horses back into my life. Meet the newest additions to the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Equestrian Program. I've been out riding/fighting/training these guys since Sunday, and every moment has been a blast. Can there be anything better than sharing a glorious day with an animal? Below are featured some moments from last Sunday.

Note: I have decided to add a watermark to my photography to help ensure their safety. Please respect the watermark. I will be adding it to past photography as well. Thank you

Above is Pass (left) and Silver (Right). Both are retired racehorses, approximately seven years old. Just look at that sky!


Silver says hello! While he isn't the most lovely horse, his personality makes him utterly adorable. While I was snapping photos he was extremely interested. Check out those radar-like ears and oh-so-serious expression. Is there any wonder why horses are often personified with human traits?

Off the horses for a moment. As I was headed back into the barn, the bright reflection off of the horse trailer caught my eye. I couldn't resist capturing the moment.

Enjoy!

* All photos taken at the Mari Hulman George Equestrian Center on the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

The sharp edges of white.

I wish I could recount a good story for today's photo, but it's just not possible. I am really lacking the motivation to say something with my pictures. Until then, I'll just experiment with style.

*Photo taken in Greenwood, Indiana.

Nightime Ventures

It's late, and I have been wandering about outside. I know what you are wondering .... 'what awesome piece of architecture did she photograph?' Well, I didn't. Let's call this practice and just be happy with what turned out. Nothing too spectacular, but a lot learned about shadow and delicate turns to the f-stop knob. Hooray!

Because everyone needs a good curtain texture to get you going ... is, is that just me?


I know the neon lights trend has been overdone in this digital age, but I couldn't resist. The way the words from the sign burn into the blackness of the night ... oooh it's just chilling. Er something?

Enjoy.

*All photos from Terre Haute, Indiana.

Escaped Sunset

Another post exhibiting my love of low angles and odd focus. I'm so predictable, right?


I meant to capture the sunset this evening ... alas I did not. I still enjoy these, though they beg to be made into designs for grunge-content book. Let me know if you find anything like that.

*19th Street, Terre Haute, Indiana.