“Back to Work” | 52.6

This past week I have been looking forward to a little down time with my wife and daughter. The drama and retardation of others that has surfaced lately was almost causing my brain to shut down.  I needed a break.  My wife needed a break.  So we hit the road on a weekend trip and got some fresh mountain air.  It was great.  We hardly had any cell service, which turned out to be a bonus, except for needing the GPS on our way to the cabin.  It was nice not to feel so connected.  I did not feel like I had to respond to anything on Facebook, or had to respond to any Twitter message, or had to respond to any email.  I just had to spend time with my family.  Toting the camera along, I also snuck some recreational photography in.

On the trip, I had my sketchbook for ideas (which did not get used) in case something interesting crossed my mind for this week’s image.  I had a lot of ideas actually.  None of which I felt like doing when I got home.  None of which felt the way that I felt when I got home either.  I dont want this project to be just a quick snapshot of me.  That takes no thought.  Even if it is not readily apparent to the viewer, I want each image to convey something, and if possible, I want that “something” to be an emotion of my own.  I love vacations but hate coming home because going back to work lurks on the horizon.  I am usually somewhat ready to go back and in other ways totally unprepared.  Either way, I can rest assured that I will have a full cup of coffee in the morning!

The setup was pretty simple.  The camera was tripod mounted and set on timer.  Facing me was an Alien Bee ABR800 at full power.  Behind me for rim lighting were two Calumet Genesis 400s set at half power.  Everything was triggered with CyberSyncs.  The camera settings were f/14, 1/200th, and ISO of 200.  The setup shot is below:

I tried my hand at a new sharpening technique.  Not sure if I like it completely or not, but it is certainly growing on me.

And I realize that this might be a bit stronger if in a different environment.  But you have to cut me a little slack in not taking it in a more public place.  It was a little more comfortable taking this shot in the privacy of my back yard!

Now that my vacation is over, I am ready to get back to work.  Well, not entirely…