November Discussion Gratitude and Empty Space

[F, Calla & Luca]

Many people liked the idea of abundance and things we have to be grateful for. Since I like Thanksgiving I'm all for this. But many people liked the idea of empty space. So let's combine them? Can you do things you are grateful for with empty space? When you figure it out maybe I will. And if you can't empty space highlighting something will be fine too. Should all be interesting!

UPDATE
Please number multiple shots!!

[DJ & Chance]

Thank you!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I just posted this on FB and Joanne suggested I add it here.  I guess it sure is an "Empty Space" example.

[DJ & Chance]

Oh yes, love this a lot.  I hope others see it!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Most everybody will get emails I think.

[Jay, Lola and Colonel Esau]

I don't know how I missed this but it is great!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks Jay.  I just added it.  This shot is actually a good example of the ability of the full frame to maintain clarity with significant crops.  I usually try not to crop, but when I saw the kids sliding on the hill I didn't want to get too close fearing that the parents who were watching would wonder why I was taking photos of their kids.  So here's the horrible original....

A gigantic crop and some toning turned this into a decent photo.  I wasn't sure that I would maintain the clarity of the boy and the sled, but it did pretty well.

[Jay, Lola and Colonel Esau]

Wow, great job.  Looks like all those pixels really paid off.  That is funny - I just realized that I've gotten to the point where I don't even think twice about taking pictures of people in public.  Kids were the last inhibition for me because, like you say I was afraid their parents would think I was some kind of stalker. But then I realized that by thinking like that I kind of was being creepy.  So now I just walk up to where I need to be and take the picture.  Better still I get down on one knee and make it really obvious.  If they do see you they usually think you are with the press or something and are flattered Maybe they figure a creepy stalker wouldn't do all that.  It's best not to be seen at all until after you take the picture, but sometimes they do see you and give a reaction of some kind.  I haven't had anyone get mad at me in a while but if they seem like they are going to I just stand my ground and keep shooting like I was really going for something else behind them.  Or if it's really obviously that I was shooting them, then I just smile and say congrats, you're famous!  Then sometimes they smile again.  Like this guy (90 mm) - and the best part is, at least one of those pictures actually did make the morning news. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Wow....congratulations!

[Jay, Lola and Colonel Esau]

Thanks ... I was also accepted as a contributor for istockphoto.com - so now I have to get in the habit of asking model releases.  That is another level of social discomfort to get past.  Not to mention, the added inconvenience of dealing with legal documents on top of a camera and two dogs.  But it's all for good fun.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Yup.

[DJ & Chance]

Wow--great work, Jane.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Love it!