Where's Wendy? Hobe Mountain!!

© Spellbound Images by Wendy - All Rights Reserved

Hobe Mountain... which I'm told is pronounced (Ho-bay Mountain), is located inside Johnathan Dickinson State Park, and is the highest natural point in South Florida at 86 feet above sea level.

We took the 10 minute hike up the mountain walkway to the look out tower used by the Army during WWII. I was impressed by the winding path way made of wooden slats much like a modern day deck. The park was home to some 6,000 officers and soldiers in 1942, used as a radar training camp.

From the look out tower you can see the entire expanse of the park where I photographed a 360° panoramic. If you look close enough you can see “Highway 1” that runs along the West Coast of Florida, the inter-coastal waterway, and the Atlantic Ocean all in one shot!

The Hobe Mountain tower is located on sand dunes and is surrounded by Sand Pine Scrub. Sand Pine Scrub is one of the oldest ecosystems to native Florida. They are an important habitat for wild life and act as a recharge area for the water table. They also provide a small amount of timber for paper making. Most scrub lands are endangered as they are high and dry areas that are not susceptible to flooding, so they are commonly used for golf courses, orchards, and housing developments. Hopefully this wont happen to Hobe Mountain, since it is located inside a State Park.

I hope you get a chance to check out Hobe Mountain, and Johnathan Dickinson State Park in your travels! Check back soon for my blog on the Jupiter Lighthouse!

Love, Laughs, and Photographs,

Wendy

All images captured with the Olympus E500 on Lexar digital media.

Where's Wendy? Tumbtack.com!

Thumbtack is awesome!  Read about my business, check out some images, find out where I'm located and what I like to do!!

Check out my Spellbound Images by Wendy on Tumbtack.com

Where's Wendy? Johnathan Dickinson Park!

© Spellbound Images by Wendy - All Rights Reserved

We traveled to South Florida this past weekend, where we enjoyed some much needed rest and relaxation from the same old grind. That's not to say there wasn't work involved but it was minimal and for the most part we just enjoyed our little mini escape from the same old song and dance. As always... the first thing I packed was my gear! Both camera's... check. Batteries, and extra batteries... check. Both flash units... check. 6 Flash cards... check. All lenses (including the fish-eye)... check. Polarizing filter... check. Tripod, and tripod clips... check. Not to mention other small items like lens clothes, remote, etc. Okay... I'm ready! Ooops... clothes, I need clothes! And food... can't go without food! Damn... back away from the equipment bag and get the rest of your stuff together! This is a camping trip, but not totally primitive... You do need some supplies!

We traveled the back roads over to the East coast and down to Hobe Sound, Florida. It was a leisurely drive on a beautiful sunny, fall day (we don't get too many of them here). We arrived at Johnathan Dickinson National Park around 5:00 pm. and set up camp. We have converted our pick up into a self contained camper. I think a little thicker pad on the bed is in order, but the only issue we had. All in all it worked out pretty well. While traveling, we folded the pad in half towards the front of the bed to leave room for coolers, back-packs, and camping gear. We didn't have the whole hassle of setting up a tent, since there were only two of us and the truck was our bed. Before night fall we unloaded the coolers and gear, put our clothing packs in the cab, and started our fire. Clamped a light to my tripod (just one of it's many uses :D), Threw the table cloth over the pick nick table, and plugged in the radio (always gotta have music)! And sat down for a good game of Rummy, under the stars!

Johnathan Dickinson is 11,500 acres of wide open space, and is located on the Loxahatchee River. We drove 4 miles to our campsite of 123 campsites. It was perfect since there were only a few spaces occupied. That made things even more peaceful! We chose a spot right on the river, even though there was so much foliage that we couldn't actually see the river without walking right up to it. We were also located right where the racoons run from the river bank to the trash can in hopes of finding some good eats! It wasn't long after dark that we heard rustling in the bushes, and sure enough... with the flash light in hand... we spotted several little bandits in the brush. They definitely were not afraid of us and had to be chased away from our trash can and cooler several times. When it was time to rest all of our gear and food went on top of the truck. Still... sleep did not come easy, as we had to continue to chase them away from climbing on the bumper and trying to get to the goods! Since we couldn't see the river anyway we moved our camp for the second night, and it was much more peaceful!

Johnathan Dickinson was once Camp Murphy... During WWII the land was actually home of the top radar training school. It was home for more than 6,000 personnel and had it's own power plant, sewer system, theater and church. No one really knew what was going on there, only that a secret Army base had been constructed. Camp Murphy was deactivated in 1944 and the operation shut down. It became a State Park in 1945, soon named after a Quaker who's vessel ship wrecked there in 1969. There is so much to do at this park on the Loxihatchee besides camping... There are boat tours down the river for those who don't want to launch their own vessel, there are bike trails, and equestrian trails for those who love horses. Not to mention fishing, canoe rentals, concessions, and a restaurant. The Rangers were awesome... friendly, and informative, and if sleeping under the stars is not your thing... they also have cabin rentals.

We really enjoyed our stay at Johnathan Dickinson... and plan on visiting some other State Parks in the near future, while the weather is nice! Stay tuned for my blog about Hobe Mountain, which is located in Johnathan Dickinson Park!

Love, Laughs, and Photographs,

Wendy

All images captured with the Olympus E500 on Lexar Digital Media.

Where's Wendy? Tropicana Field!

© Spellbound Images by Wendy - All Rights Reserved

Last week I got out to my first ever Major League Baseball Game. I had never been to a Rays game and I've lived in the area permanently for over 20 years. In fact the closest I've ever come to the Trop was when I spun my car out on I-275 in the rain a week after my youngest son was born (2 months prematurely). When my car finally stopped I was over looking the wall directly facing Tropicana Field! Okay... that's another story.

So on Saturday, September 25th we made it to the Rays vs the Seattle Mariners game. The ticket men checked my camera bag for anything illegal (camera's with lenses over 12” not allowed), we wandered through the concession stands, and ordered up a drink. The Trop was filled with smiling faces for this winning Tampa Bay Team! We made it to our seats and enjoyed watching the Rays spank the Mariners 9 – 1!

A special bonus, that we weren't aware of was on Saturday nights they have a concert series. On this particular night The Brett Michaels Band was playing. Yep, Brett Michaels from the 80's band Poison.... Yep, Brett Michaels from the favorite TV show “Life As I Know It.” So the crowd enjoyed some good old favorites after a great game! During the game Brett even did his rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”

Of course after a game everyone likes to wander over to Ferg's sports bar for more celebrating! We did just that... the crowd was pleased with our 9 – 1 win, and everyone was having a great time!

 

Last Wednesday our Rays team bought some tickets... and the first 20,000 fans to show up at the ticket booth's on the 29th of September got in free! We decided to take the kids to a game! We piled into the van and headed for Tropicana Field once again! But alas... we got there too late and all tickets were gone. That's okay... we decided to do what the rest of the stricken fans did and head over to Ferg's! It was a beautiful night... the weather was cooler than it has been, and there was a nice breeze coming in from Tropical Storm Nicole. The kids enjoyed the game from one or two of Ferg's great TV's, while munching on wings, and fries! Soda's were free, so they drank 'till their hearts content! After the game, which was a loss 2 – 0 against the Orioles, the place was packed! The kids enjoyed music (they even danced by the table), and a crazy Tampa Bay crowd!

Sooo... The TB Rays made it to the post season, and tied the Yankee's in the standings at 95 wins and 66 loses. The Rays went to the World Series in 2008, and we're hoping that happens in 2010!

Love, Laughs, and Photographs,

Wendy

One last note... On Sunday the Tampa Bay Rays won the American League East!  Way to go Rays!!

All images captured with the Olympus E500 on Lexar Digital Media.

It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so to show our support, Spellbound Images will be donating 25% of all sales to the National Breast Cancer Society for the month of October. In support of this Great Organization I have created a few Greeting cards to show YOUR support.

By Purchasing these Greeting Cards you not only get a really neat way to send some love, you also contribute to a great cause! So come on people... help “Save the Ta-Ta's”... “Fight Like a Girl”... and spread the word! Oh... and “Real Men do Wear Pink!”

These are flat 5x7 greeting cards, with envelopes. If you have a favorite photo you may send it to me through email in a high resolution jpeg file and I will add it to your card. Cards come in packs of 25 for $36.99 and you may mix and match designs!

My Pink Ribbon Promise:

25% of all sales in the month of October will go to Breast Cancer Care and Research Programs!

The best protection is early detection!

Love, Laughs, and Photographs,

Wendy

Copyright Infringement!

© Spellbound Images by Wendy - All Rights Reserved

I've recently been questioned, and have had the discussion about copyrights, contracts, and release forms. I'm not going to go into a whole dissertation about copyright laws, but if you need to learn about them here is a good place to start: http://www.copyright.gov/title17/ 

I will however give you this advice (taken from the PPA): “The copyright act protects photographers by giving the author of the photographs (author = photographer), the exclusive right to reproduce those photographs. This includes the right to control the making of copies. It is illegal to copy, scan or reproduce these photographs elsewhere without the photographers permission, and violators of this Federal Law will be subject to its civil and criminal penalties.”

Now... some people just aren't aware that copying their photo's is unlawful. Some people don't realize that the photographer owns his or her photographs, and only the photographer has the rights to reproduce those photographs. Also, the photographer is the only one who has the right to distribute those photographs and to display them publicly or use them for marketing.

I've found that people actually get angry when they take their copy of digital media to a printer and the printer will not produce their images. Thankfully most printers know the copyright laws and abide by them. That is not to say you can not purchase a print release for personal use. However, as a client I wouldn't assume that this print release automatically comes with your media, and if you intend to have prints made, you should speak with your photographer about obtaining a release form to do so.

A print release gives clients permission to print their images for personal use only. That is to say you may not use them for advertisement, stock photography, or for sale or resale. Only your photographer has the rights to do so. If you have your photographs taken by a professional photographer and you need to make copies, please let them know... most photographers will try to accommodate you the best they can.

Here is a comparison... if you took your car to a mechanic to have the oil changed, would you then expect free oil every time you went back to that same mechanic? Nooo... things don't work that way! In the photographic world, every time you want more prints you have to order them from your photographer. Now you can certainly do your own oil changes rather than go back to the mechanic, but you still have to pay someone for the oil. Just as if you want to do your prints yourself... you have to pay someone (your photographer) for the release. Maybe a bad analogy but you get the picture (pun intended)!

Some exciting news for photographers... there is a new kid on the block! An image recovery service that scans millions of files every day to find out who is using your images on line without your permission. If they find someone using your images they expedite a settlement with the infringing site, and the photographer receives up to 75% of the recovery fee. Now isn't that the cats meow?? For a photographer who works hard at learning, capturing, and editing it sure is! If you're a photographer or artist and didn't get this news yet... check it out here: https://www.imagerights.com/service_recovery.php

As an artist or artistic photographer be sure to copyright your images (digital or otherwise). To take it one step further... meet with your local printers, and let them know you're in business, give them a card to keep on file, and be sure your signature or brand is on your images. My printer makes sure my business name and file number is on the back of every one of my images, however, I try to make sure my brand or signature is on the front of them.

I hope this helps new photographers and puzzled clients understand copyright laws.

Love, Laughs, and Photographs,

Wendy

Fine Art - Low Key Lighting

© Spellbound Images by Wendy - All Rights Reserved

My last post discussed High Key Portraits as Fine Art pieces for decorating your home. Today we will take a look at the other end of the spectrum with Low Key Portraits, and using them to create a dramatic look in any home, or office.

As with high key, low key can be used in any room to create a striking look... one that guests will be drawn too... one that most wont be able to take their eyes off of. Dramatic low key portraits are guaranteed to awaken any room with expressive lighting and content.

For some reason low key portraits fair better when framed because of their mysterious appearance, there for I like to frame my low key portraits in rich dark frames... usually matted. Now... that's not to say low key groupings cant pull off a similar flair, it's just my opinion that beautiful frames set them off with much more class and elegance. Where high key seems more entertaining and casual... low key is more refined and provocative... which I believe deserves a striking frame to set it off.

Now lets take a look at more of the benefits of Low Key Portraits, and the positive effects they can have on your subject.

When you combine low key lighting with creative poses you will always have a portrait that you can cherish forever! Low key lighting will make your subject appear thinner, which makes them great when you are working with people that are a bit on the heavy side. Low key also works great for expecting portraits... it makes Mama look classy and sexy. Yes... I said it! SEXY! Which brings us to glamor and boudoir portraits... always great for low key lighting.

So there you have it! For slender, sexy, elegant, classy and down right awesome portraits, try Low Key! My personal favorite!!

Love, Laughs, and Photographs,
Wendy

All images captured with the Olympus E500 on Lexar digital media.