Life: Through the Lens

We had a camera club workshop last month and the new technique we learned is very interesting, with inconsistent results.  Pretty easy to set up, this technique would make a a good background for a photograph, maybe a senior picture or children's photo?  Or maybe it's just a piece of modern art - you decide.  The Set-up: You have to devise a way to hang a pen-light, or other narrow light source.  In this case it was attached to a wire, hung from a rod.  Note the camera laying on the floor on it's back?  With a wide-angle lens?  And a few colored gels?   Add a cable release so you don't have to touch the camera and you have your simple set-up. The Procedure: Difficult to see, there is the camera, on it's back on the floor.  The camera is set on "bulb" setting, so you can leave your shutter open as long as you want.  You have to play with this, checking your photos to see what you capture.  With an f-stop of about 16-22 you will get clear images

Starry, Starry Night Vincent VanGogh Our monthly book club was meeting at my house this month, and we'd read a very interesting book by Steve Martin - who knew the comedian could write?  Another interesting fact we learned, he's a very knowledgeable art collector. An Object of Beauty had an art theme, and we sometimes try to match our refreshments, or decorations, or both, to the theme of our book.  So...what should I do?  Ah ha!  I'll get out one of my favorite go-to treat books and look for the perfect desert.  To the cupboard!  Open the door.  Pull out Hello, Cupcake , and What's New, Cupcake?, both by Karen Tack & Alan Richardson.  Such delicious and fairly easy creations for almost any occasion, all made with a boxed cake mix and a can of frosting, or two.  Add food coloring, candy and other decorative touches, and a little slight of hand - voila!  You have a very impressive offering. However, now and then I think you have to hav