14.9.11

Black and White Photography in Whistler

I have taken up photography. Is there ever a lot to learn. I started by taking a digital photography course at Emily Carr University. Then after much research and trial I decided on my camera and lens: a Nikon D7000 with a Nikkor 18-200 lens with polarizing filter. I wanted to get a full format FX camera but decided to get familiar with a DX camera first. I got Photoshop CS5 and Silver Efex Pro 2 (a program that converts color digital photography to black and white photography) as well as several books that I downloaded to my iPad 2 (BTW I love my new iPad 2 which was a gift from a client – thank-you very much!). All of this because I have a very curious mind and a very curious eye. I love the fact that when I look through the view finder of the camera I see the world differently from the way I view the world of Interior Design through my eye unframed. Looking through the lens forces my attention down to a small and very refined focus. I am also a believer of the value of life long learning and the fact that the appreciation of different  art disciplines enhances and broadens our experience of life.

Patricia Gray Photography Wistler
The above photo was taken at a client’s home in Whistler just before sunset as I was standing on the edge of the dock. I went there to take photos of the lovely views from their home of the dock and lake, with hopes of getting some good images to frame and hang in their just completed home in Vancouver. Somehow the color version looks nice in a smaller format for viewing on the internet or in the photo album, but when I thought about enlarging it to a frameable size it didn’t look like fine art. I far prefer to hang black & white photography on walls. I converted the digital color photograph to black and white photography with a software program called Silver Efex Pro2 and I quite like how the images below the water show up much clearer in the black and white photography then in the color version.

Patricia Gray Black and White Photography Wistler
This image was converted from a color digital to black & white photography using a program called Silver Efex Pro 2.

These are some of the other photos I took.

Patricia Gray Photography Wistler

Fresh fruit for our morning brunch. The sunlight was streaming in the window and this setting was calling out to me to take the photo quickly before 1. either the sunlight moved on or 2. we sat down and started eating. So much of photography I am learning is to seize the moment. Thank-you Nora for the delicious and beautiful meals you prepared.

Patricia Gray Photography Wistler 
The picture above and below were taken at sunrise in one of the most beautiful places in the world Whistler.

Patricia Gray Photography Wistler

Patricia Gray Photography Wistler
The morning dew.

I will leave you with a quote by the brilliant French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson.

“To take photographs means to recognize - simultaneously and within a fraction of a second - both the fact itself and the rigorous organization of visually perceived forms that give it meaning. It is putting one's head, one's eye and one's heart on the same axis.”

PATRICIA GRAY INC is an award winning interior design firm in Vancouver writing about lifestyle and
WHAT'S HOT in the world of interior design, architecture, art and travel.
2011 © Patricia Gray | Interior Design Blog™

52 comments:

  1. The black and white photo is so atmospheric. I almost expect to see Ophelia entwined in the leaves.

    Anna

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  2. The Spirit of McBride photo is just so wonderfully peaceful.

    I love early mornings by the water and this photo brings back memories of summers long gone.

    As an aside, does Whistler suffer from midges?

    I've always been tempted by a trip to Canada (and Whistler in particular), but tales of swarms of midges (like those in the north west of Scotland) have so far put me off!

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  3. You are an inspiration, Patricia! Your photos remind me of summertime at St. Mary's Lake on Salt Spring Island -- so peaceful....

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  4. Patricia - very lovely pics - you have discovered a hidden talent....Peg

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  5. Lanell15/9/11

    You are starting off with a BANG! Enjoy

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  6. Hi Hadi
    There are definitely no 'midges' at Whistler.

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  7. those are really beautiful photographs!

    i agree that photography whether you're a professional, an amateur or just a plain shutterbug, is about capturing a moment.... it's just that a 'good photographer' is able to capture more than an image but a living scene that's worth a thousand words and make anybody appreciate their works with such delight...

    tnx for sharing!

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  8. Very nice and helpful information has been given in this article. I like the way you explain the things. Keep posting. Thanks..

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  9. stunning photos... but of course it seems that any avenue you choose to express your creative eye is a success beyond words.. bravo my dear friend and click on....

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  10. I am impressed! Photography is a passion that will be with you wherever you are in the world. Perfect camera, would be my choice too for digital when I don't use my film loaded Leica.

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  11. Your pictures are gorgeous, obviously a good choice of camera! I'm researching a new camera at the moment as well! Isn't it just overwhelming?

    xox

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  12. Black and white photography is my favorite, but you other photographs are lovely as well. Water and its reflective properties create a such a moody feeling. Great work.
    Best...Victoria

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  13. Renae16/9/11

    Beautiful Patricia! I very much want to take up photography as well. You are doing exceptionally well.

    Best,

    Renae

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  14. Patricia,

    Good for you! Digitial photography is a wonderful unfolding process. You create your levels, your art, your choice to change something that you like or dislike. What a rewarding process and your are obviously have a great time too. Love all the photos they are stunning!

    Bette

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  15. Julie B16/9/11

    Black and white photography is my preferred mode also.

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  16. Anonymous16/9/11

    Black and white photography is still the best and most classic!

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  17. WOW, Beautiful shots!

    This is my first time to your site and I think its fabulous.

    XO Leslie

    I'm trying to build up my network, so if you'd be so kind, I'd love you to follow me.

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  18. Lovely pictures! An admiring form of art! Congrats!
    lisete reis
    White-glam.blogspot.com

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  19. Such focus and discipline! Beautiful shots -- great composition. I hear the word "F-stop" and my brain just shuts down. So, I am impressed, and glad you shared!
    --Valerie

    PS my "Captcha" word for this comment is "foatmat" which is awfully close to "Photomat"--!

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  20. WoW! what a perfect photos..looks definitely beautiful.

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  21. Very beautiful picture and excellent photography. It's a painting using the camera. This is pure talent.

    J. Harp @ Junior Clothing

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  22. Excellent goods from you, man. I have understood your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely wonderful. I actually like what you have acquired here, really like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it sensible.

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  23. Gorgeous photos, composition and light! I give you a lot of credit for taking the class and trying to learn the technical end of it. It's definitely been a struggle just to lean the ISO for me! Keep shooting!

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  24. Suas foto me encantam, simplismente linda, parabéns!!!!
    Beijos

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  25. Beautiful photos! I love the similarities and differences that both photography and interior design require.

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  26. Anonymous26/9/11

    Awesome pics!

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  27. Love the picture of the chairs on the dock. I wish I was sitting on one. :)

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  28. Congrats on the new D7000, it is a great camera.

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  29. Love all the photographs you've showcased for today! I certainly would love to have a D7000 myself!

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  30. Congratulations on your "Blog of Note" award!

    from Barbies4Sale.

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  31. The ohoto with the weed under water is very like Rossetti is it, who has the woman's hair and face appearing under the lake......? Love it. Am also on a photographic learning journey.....great to find your site...

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  32. Congrats on the blog of note and good luck with your photography endeavours! Judging by your pictures here, it seems you are doing rather well!


    Duncan In Kuantan

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  33. taking pictures in black and white mode is appreciable.
    It signifies the soul and inner beauty.

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  34. Anonymous27/9/11

    I love your Blogs! Nice pictures!

    Greatings,

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  35. vendingroup27/9/11

    Love the black and white photos


    Jen

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  36. wow .. your pictures are very nice .. still work and produce other beautiful photos .. congratzzz..

    please visit my blog
    http://sakuranez.blogspot.com/

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  37. amazing and don't need words

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  38. Para los que les gusta la magia http://bit.ly/qWU1Gn es un lugar donde podes aprender magia, trucos y un monton de cosas mas! entren yaaa!!!

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  39. What exceptional imagery! Beautifully done.

    I especially love the Whistler color shot.

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  40. Nice. Reminded me a bit of Monet.

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  41. Wow! you are a terrific photographer, this could be another career for you, as we say in French, vous êtes bourrée de talent Patricia, you have an impeccable eye.

    Thanks again for all the great posts.

    decogirlmontreal

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  42. Congratulations Patricia on your Blogs of Note recognition!

    Well deserved. I've taken a look around and you indeed are a very talented and creative designer.

    I'm also very please to see a Vancouver blogger featured like this - just wonderful!

    Cheers, Jenny
    PEARSON REPORT

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  43. He also said "To take a photograph is to align the head, the eye and the heart. It's a way of life." I love him!

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  44. Beautiful photos. You truly have talent! Especially love the Morning dew photo.

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  45. Wow. Beautiful photographs! I love this perspective.

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  46. Your pictures are gorgeous!

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  47. I'm impressed by your photos . The last one is breathtaking

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  48. Black is beautiful and it was one of my favorite color. Your photos made me amazed and impressed. I really love it. Big thanks and keep sharing.



    Charles A

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  49. Beautiful images. I especially like the fruit still life.

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  50. I love the berries on the dark background, makes them look very succulent somehow.
    http://www.panoramic-photography-360.blogspot.com

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  51. What an interesting post, thanks so much for sharing this with us.

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Patricia Gray | Interior Design Blog™

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