Saturday, April 3, 2010

A Study of Rocks

So the assignment this week was to play around with still life. This was a tough one, as I am usually a shoot on the run gal...and really, that's what I did this week too. I was out working in the yard picking rocks out of the grass and thinking about what I wanted for my collection. When the thought occurred to me that my collection should be rocks. So here they are.

The eye shot-taken straight on.

Rocks from up above.



Using negative space

Out of focus
This one was hard for me. I was using my 50mm and it wasn't giving me what I wanted. I ran in to get my macro lens and when I came back my husband had moved my rocks. Oh well!

And, because of that same lens issue, I didn't care for any of my close-up pics either. So, I'm offering up another use of negative space.
I really liked the way these came out. The colors of the rocks didn't seem all that apparent to me when taking the pictures, but when editing, the gentle reds and greens were nice surprises. Also, these are field rocks/pebbles that have been in the soil for hundreds of years. They could tell a story of the farm that once stood where our home stands now.
Thanks again C and C for creating a wonderful project. It's got me thinking.
For anyone wanting more information, click on the widget in my sidebar.
enjoy!

33 comments:

Jessica said...

What a fun project--I like to pick a subject and play around like that--it's how I figure out my camera!

Unknown said...

i like how it seems like you've just stumbled upon this group of rocks and are documenting their rocky existence. the strong light makes great shadows, and the various colors and textures add interest. the first one and the blurry shot are my particular favorites. nice!

- said...

Lovely rocks and nice photos. I like the first photo and the off centre one best. The natural texture of the rocks is looking so great in the photos. Nice

Linda said...

I love the shades and shadows in your rocks. Th eforst picture is my favourite.



http://leafgreenknits.wordpress.com/

Anonymous said...

I love the negative space photo. Rocks and farms are a big deal in our home too. Good work!

Magnolia Handspun said...

This is what I should have done...the oragnic and natural feel is very pleasing. I really like the tones and the textures of the rocks...and when you arrange them the compostions are like art.
Nice job Jane...love that you are outside too.
(love your new header)

barbaridade said...

Love your work. So nature, so fresh. Wonderfull, really!
Happy Easter!

Stephanie said...

I love the idea of doing rocks...outside!!! How wonderful. I especially like the blurred one! Nice work!

Susan said...

I will never tire of looking at rocks. I really like all the ones where you've taken them at eye level. Such nice composition!

Anonymous said...

I like your shadows, I'm partial to shadows and your negative space pics. Very nice.

Nancy said...

I too like your negative space one the best. The composition really sets things off.

Erin Wallace said...

What beautiful photos! Your straight on shot is so lovely, and that only bodes well for the rest of them! I particularly like your negative space shot - the way you utilized the foreground for a portion of your space. The colors are natural, this is just wonderful.

Hullabaloo Homestead said...

Wonderful. I especially love the negative space shot. Lovely rocks and sunshine.

:)Lisa

Neuroknitter said...

Great subject! I really like the negative space image!

Michelle @ Give a Girl a Fig said...

Hi there...I came to check out your photo challenge. Don't you love what the editing process reveals? I always see something more, too...

I love the negative space...so interesting. (And my husband got in on the action, too...and told me I was weird...in a good way! Gotta love 'em!)

Patricia said...

Just keep it simple and shoot some rocks :)
I also love the one with negative space!
Beatiful colors!!!

Happy easter =:0)

Tracie said...

Ooh! The negative space pic is my fave. Very nice.

MadMad said...

This has nothing to do with the photos (not that they aren't very interesting, of course) but with that I wanted you to know you inspired me to take a class, too. Not in photography (though of course I should, as you well know!) but the idea that we can/should still be learning kind of got me going. I'm going to try improv. Because I need to learn to speak in public, and to think on my feet and not be caught off guard and rendered speechless all the time. So thanks! (And happy Easter!)

t does wool said...

love your whole creative concept on this Jane~well done.

Kim Klassen said...

oh my, i wanna run out the shoot some rocks.....
in fact, your images have made me ... HAVE to. :)

really fantastic...

congrats on the loveliness...

xxo, kim

Jane said...

Rachel-I'm blushing! Who knew that I could be the push you needed? Just send me a ticket to your first show. I'll be there cheering you on!

larissa said...

LOVE these shots! they all look so random yet so well thought out - if you know what i mean. I just saw this assignment on Lisa's (earthmama)blog too. Now i wonder if this is something i should be doing - do you have to sign up or can anyone just head on over to their blog and participate? Happy Saturday, Jane!

Knittymama said...

The rocks, the sun, the shadows....all play together so nicely in your photos!

christina said...

your photos have such a natural feel. it gives me a wonderful, peaceful feeling.
i adore these!

gonzomama said...

what a great subject! i like your negative space shot also, but i really like your out of focus, too! great shadows.

heather said...

rocks are always so interesting...endlessly. your last photo says so much to me. it's like a landscape.

thanks for reminding me this is supposed to be fun@ how horrible to forget that!! but i had fun, and i learned a bit!

Yvonne said...

Beautiful! Especially love the thought that these rocks are so... premordial. I never think of rocks as... permanence, but they are. Love the first photo, great shadows! And the rock-on-rock setting! And your negative space shot, too!

Clare B said...

I really like your first negative space photo and the way that focus and perspective also come into play in this photo. Great! The colours of the rocks are also magical - very simple differences that create a wonderful contrast.

Anonymous said...

I love the rocks on rock...what a great idea. The shots are lovely and I totally know what you mean by shooting on the run. It is sometimes hard to stop and put a lot of thought into the shots.

Annie

Tina said...

Great photos. My favourite has to be the negative space photo.

a friend to knit with said...

i giggled when i read... "my husband moved my rocks". :)

cool project.

Tara Thayer said...

damn that husband. i hate when they move our rocks.
hi jane.
obviously, tim's away this weekend, so i'm catching up.
no one to move my rocks.
hee. just how much fun can i have with one phrase? we'll see.
xo
tara

Anne Marie said...

I love the simple story you tell with your rocks. The texture of the different rocks on the background, and the photo of the rock & negative space is my absolute favourite. Love that photo!

well, hello there...

 I thought I might start writing again.  Not sure what I will want to talk about.  The guys have their own lives and are making...