DJ's 52 week challenge (others welcome)

[DJ & Chance]

I recently completed the 365 photography challenge--one photo that I would be willing to share publicly every day for 365 days. I learned so much by doing this and I think it really helped improve my photography skills.  

Now, following Camilla, I am going to try the 52 week challenge--one photograph per week for a year that represents my attempt to solve a problem or learn a new skill related to photography.  There are some websites online that provide some great ideas in case my own imagination fails me.

Anyone who wants to join in is welcome to do so!

Week One

I visited Yosemite briefly this week as a guest for the 150 anniversary of the Yosemite Grant Act.  Between official events, I snuck off to the Mariposa grove to enjoy the giant sequoia trees found there.

The challenge in photographing the giant sequoia is how to capture its immense size.  Most people do this by shooting from the trunk straight up, but I decided to try to capture the massiveness of the tree by featuring it at eye level as it greets one on the trail.  Except for a bit of softness in the trial fence in the foreground, I liked the result particular since the trunks of other trees look so very diminutive in comparison to the sequoia.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Yay! I'm so glad you are doing a weekly challenge and I love your first image so much - it's so stunning!

[DJ & Chance]

Thanks.  I plan to push myself, but in a new way.  Will be good!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I love the perspective on this.  When we were in the redwoods recently, almost all of my pictures were blurry.  I don't know why, but at least I can enjoy yours.

[DJ & Chance]

Glad to share, Nancy.  Aren't they magnificent!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Good for you DJ! Your dedication has paid off in such great leaps of skill levels and I am sure this new challenge will be worth it too. Love this view of the Sequoia.

[DJ & Chance]

Thanks, F, for being with me all the way along this adventure.  

[Rosella T]

Wow! Stunning image. I love the light on the trunk. It really makes it stand out from the others. Awesome photo!

[DJ & Chance]

Thanks so much, Rosella!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Very cool shot!!

[DJ & Chance]

Thanks,Laurie!

[DJ & Chance]

Week 2 of the 52 week challenge.  Gee, only 50 weeks to go!

I really struggled with my photography this weeks.  With an opportunity to do lots of shooting, I think I became "snap (the shutter) happy" and didn't think through most of my shots well enough.  There were a few rare exceptions, however.

A few nights ago I was trying to capture a sunset and as I turned to leave I noticed the moon rising and quickly saw that I might be able to capture it over a bed of flowers.  I had no room to back up (I was near the end of a cliff) and decided to shoot up at the flowers and moon.  I took two shots from exactly the same position--one with the moon in focus and the other with the flowers in focus, and combined them in photoshop.  

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Wow!  Seriously impressed!