Shoot

Looking forward to Sunday's One Hour Wonder shoot.

Interested in booking one of these portrait specials for you and/or loved ones? Contact me for details.

Following fireflies

The other night when I went to Mt St Benedict to shoot star trails, my two friends and I were saying that when next there's a power outage it would be a great time for me to experiment. There would be less light pollution.

Last night electricity went off for quite a while and even though there was light cloud cover, the stars were more visible than usual. But because my cable release isn't working, I was unable to take full advantage of the opportunity.

Earlier in the evening I experimented once more with the fireflies in the field next door. Instead of leaving the camera on the tripod and depending on the fireflies to move in front of the lens, I followed them with the camera (20 second exposure). The above image is what I got.

Interesting that the resulting streaks are multi-coloured, when all fireflies are green.

Firefly trails

Tonight I used the timer on the camera and experimented with firefly trails (instead of star trails)—from fireflies in the field next door. I couldn't use my cable release. It has conked out on me ... just as I'm getting hooked on long exposure photography. I need to get a new one pronto.

However . . . one of the frustrating things about living in Trinidad is that nowhere really sells a wide range of professional camera equipment and accessories. As far as I know, David's Filmvue is the closest you can get, but they rarely have what I need.

I order all of my equipment from B&H Photo Video. Because we have to pay on camera equipment being brought in to Trinidad, usually I wait until I travel or someone I know is traveling and can bring in the equipment. Otherwise I would end up paying a massive amount on top of the actual price.

Today was a grey, dark day and I wanted to go and experiment with long exposures. But for this I would have wanted my cable release and a neutral density filter (I want a 10+). Had I been in Toronto I could have nipped around to Henry's and bought them.

But . . . now I have to order online and waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaait.

Jesus catching stars

Click on image to see it in more detail.

Practice makes perfect. I would love to truly understand how to get great star trail shots.

Last night I went to take more star trail photos, up at Mount St. Benedict. Here's an account of my first star trail attempt (on Sunday night in Santa Cruz), if you missed it.

Last night's attempt didn't yield much. But I got two photos of a Jesus statue against the sky. It was a hazy, somewhat cloudy night and, even though we were up on the mountain with the lights of the monastery at a distance, there was still some light pollution from the lowlands, etc. It's hard to escape light pollution nowadays.

When I close my eyes now I see star trails. Imagine, even if we stood completely still, we would still be moving . . . simply because the earth is.

On a completely different note, lately I've been getting lots of spam comments. I notified Blogger about it but it hasn't stopped. In fact it has increased.

If anyone is reading this and knows how to  get rid of the spam/spammers, please let me know.

Thanks.

Nocturnal Experiments

(Click on images to enlarge)

I've always wanted to shoot star trails. Last night was my first attempt at it. Star trails are not formed by stars moving, but by the earth moving while the camera is fixed on a certain point in the sky for X amount of time. The trails I captured last night were short because my exposures weren't that long. If you click here and look at these images online you'll see some more dramatic examples.

N.B. For the above shot I applied some contrast in Photoshop to emphasize the trails a bit. This altered the sky colour somewhat. There was some cloud cover and even though far from "civilization", there was still a bit of light pollution. A darker, clearer sky with longer exposure times would have produced more definite results.

Also tried my hand at some light drawing, using a long enough camera exposure to allow me to trace outlines around friends using a small torchlight. As you can see, my body wasn't picked up in the image because I was moving fairly quickly.

I'm going to keep practising, so stay tuned to see me get better at this.

One-Hour Wonders: Photo Portrait Special

 "I believe in the photographer's magic — the ability to stir the soul with light and shape and colour. To create grand visual moments out of small and simple things, and to infuse big and complicated subjects with unpretentious elegance."

(Amyn Nasser)

Click on image to enlarge

ONE-HOUR WONDERS

Professional photo portraits of you, or you and loved ones—outdoors, natural lighting.

SPECIAL includes:
* One hour shoot for 1 - 6 people (ask about rates for larger groups)
* CD of high quality images.

Special valid until December 23rd 2011.

For details and to book your session, contact Elspeth:
786-2539

645-5832

Email Me
 

 

Yoga Portraits: INDIRA

Introducing the "Yoga Portraits" series—featuring students of Thou Art Yoga. First up, Indira from the St. Augustine class.

Poolside at our St. Augustine class venue, Reimedi Spa

  
NAME: Indira Ragoo
OCCUPATION: Retired Pre-School Teacher

HOW DID YOU DISCOVER KUNDALINI YOGA?
I saw a newspaper clip, with the advertisement for the class and a cell phone number to call for info.I called the number and I was told where the class was being held and when. So I decided to join the Friday evening class.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR FIRST KUNDALINI YOGA EXPERIENCE MADE YOU DECIDE TO CONTINUE WITH IT?
When I first attended class I had no experience or had never before attended a class so this was a new kind of experience for me. Somehow I felt a difference in body and mind,and I could not wait to attend the next class.I also had a spiritual experience while reciting the mantras and this caused me to be drawn even more to this class.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PRACTISING KUNDALINI YOGA?
I started my Kundalini class on the 11th of February 2011.

DO YOU KEEP UP A REGULAR PRACTICE?
I do try to keep up my practice of kriyas and meditation as regular as I can.I wake at 4.am. I find this time to be very good for me, I sit in easy pose taking deep breaths then reciting the mantras to begin. Then after the mantras I begin with the Kriyas. After this I lay on the mat breathing in and out deeply.Then I pull the feet up and rock myself back and forth side to side.Rotate my feet and hands. Rub my feet and hands together.Rock myself back into easy pose,and end with .. Long time sun.

WHAT BENEFITS DO YOU EXPERIENCE THROUGH YOUR PRACTICE?
I feel spiritually fulfilled, I feel I’m better able to handle any situation that may come my way.
I feel physically energized. I’m not fearful in trying to achieve the things that I want in life.

WHAT HAS CHANGED FOR YOU SINCE YOU STARTED PRACTICING KUNDALINI YOGA?
Since I started practicing Kundalini yoga I have noticed that I have become more peaceful within myself, able to handle life’s challenges better.I do not react to situations the way I used to.I have a lot more patience to deal with situations that occur in my life.

YOUR FAVOURITE ASPECT OF KUNDALINI YOGA . . .
I enjoy sitting in easy pose and reciting the mantras.I feel calm and really very peaceful.

HOW DO YOU GENERALLY FEEL AFTER A CLASS?
I feel peaceful, calm, physically fit, I feel like I can handle whatever life sends my way.

WHAT WORDS OF WISDOM DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE READING THIS?
I would strongly encourage anyone reading this if you are looking for a way of getting in touch with your true self and looking for a way to become a better person ,then you should by all means start a Kundalini yoga class .You would truly benefit.

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THOU ART YOGA?
I visited the website after hearing about it from a friend.

ANY FAMOUS LAST WORDS?
My Kundalini yoga class has been the best thing that I have ever done for myself.It has changed my life in a way I never thought possible. It has made me realize how much I was missing in my life how much I never knew myself .It has put me in touch with my true self, and made me see others around me in a different way.I would like to thank my Kundalini yoga teacher Tek Har for the wonderful work she is doing and wish God blessing’s and best wishes in the future. Sat Nam.

Invest in Love (new choices)!

Love is Succulent
*
*

 INVEST IN LOVE:
Click here to view new natural heart photos available.

* LOVE IS ON YOUR PATH
* LOVE IS IMMERSING
* LOVE IS SUCCULENT

Order locally or internationally and own one or more of these special images in any of the following sizes:

4" x 6" - $100TT - heat sealed on hard board, ready for hanging
8" x 12" - $250TT - heat sealed on hard board, ready for hanging
24" x 36" - $700TT - beautiful canvas print, stretched on wooded frame, ready for hanging
(Plus shipping and handling where applicable)

($1US = $6.3TT)

To place your order, Email Me or call (868) 786-2539
 

For those who didn't/don't know . . .

This image is an illustration, for those who didn't/don't know what a CD calendar is. It is a calendar (comprised of loose cards—one image per month) in a CD case. The case folds out to form a stand for your desk.

The first batch and extras sold like hotcakes. Orders are already coming in for more to be printed. Please place your order now (accepting orders until Monday).

The new batch of calendars will be printed by Wed/Thurs and delivered.  See calendar order details here http://tinyurl.com/2ef68m8

Thank you.

Love is All

Love is All

To invest in Love, the ideal gift, please click here http://tinyurl.com/26ctlwt 

Three new images were added today.

Christmas orders close December 15th to allow adequate time for processing of prints and heat sealing.

Please see order details on the Invest in Love album.

Recent artiste portraits: Malik

The artiste Malik recently hired me to do a promo portrait session for him. We did the shoot up at Mount St. Benedict on a hazy evening, with the last rays of the sun pushing momentarily through cloud banks to illuminate my trusty home made reflector. Within an hour we were finished.

Below are a few of the many shots.

Ready for Love?

INVEST IN LOVE: the ideal gift

Please visit this link http://tinyurl.com/27vvzby to see the available selection of natural heart photos—a reminder that Love is everywhere and comes in all forms. The ideal gift for you and/or loved ones . . . for any special occasion or "just because."

Orders have already started coming in. This week, the first batch of requests will be processed. If you already know which hearts you would like to order, please contact me with details by Thursday 4th November to ensure that your images are produced with the current set.

Pricing and other information
4" x 6" - $100TT ($1US - $6.3TT)
8" x 12" - $250TT
Discount of 10% for wholesale orders

Each order:
(a) is printed and heat-sealed on hard board with a hook, for hanging and easy framing.
(b) comes with a special "Love Note"

FOR INFORMATION & TO ORDER:
Email Me
Or call: (868) 786-2539

Average production 3 - 5 days.
50% downpayment on all orders. Balance upon delivery.
Special arrangements (inc shipping & handling) for international orders.

Christmas orders close 15th December.

(Copyright signature on thumbnails not included on prints)

A space for healing

Some days ago I went to take location photographs of a friend/fellow yogini's rereat house up in Maracas (about ten minutes drive or less from the bay). She had asked me to create a simple flier for her to advertise the rustic healing space - for conscious retreats and workshops.

When I got home, instead of creating a flier, I decided to put together a simple blog for her, with images and brief descriptive captions.

With blog, as opposed to flier, she can:
(i) have more images and wording included
(ii) attach the link as an email signature and have it spread virally via fwds, etc.
(iii) easily send the link to people wherever they are in the world
(iv) be found in Google searches by people she would not have been able to reach otherwise.
(v) include the blog link (for more info/images) on a simple flier if she decides to do one

You can visit the blog here and find out more about Ananda Mahi. You may be interested.

Testimonial from Paula Obe

Alternative imaging for DJs and Artistes - by Elspeth Duncan
Paula Obe, song poet
Photography: Elspeth Duncan
*

Elspeth Duncan's lens captures the very essence of a person. Her creativity and passion for what she does instantly puts you at ease, so you slide into yourself and comfort zone. The results are brilliant. I received a lot of positive feedback from the photos she took of me. Paula Obe, song poet

Testimonial from Patti-Anne Ali

Alternative Imaging for DJs and Artistes by Elspeth Duncan

Patti-Anne Ali
Photography: Elspeth Duncan

*

In 2004, the Sugar House Drama Company staged its tenth anniversary production - "Single - An Act of Love". This original one act play was nominated the following year 2005 for Caciques in two categories; Best Original Play and Most Outstanding Dramatic Production. "Single" was an unprecedented artistic success and this was in no small part due to the talent and professionalism of Elspeth Duncan. Elspeth not only scored the original music and shot the film sequences for the piece, she also did the photography. Consequently, the look and feel of the production took on a distinctive, unforgettable and evocative personna. I deeply appreciated her willingness to understand the heart of the piece and to contribute her own perspective to bringing the work to life. Her work enriched mine.

On my return from acting and directing in New York, I looked forward to working with Elspeth again. Recently we did a photo shoot at Mount St.Benedict. Again, her approach was organic yet controlled, moments of pure genius. I love the results of the shoot and plan on using these pictures for headshots and PR. As a Director and an Actress with an international repertoire of work, I choose to work with people who inspire me, with their own talent and professionalism. I choose to work with Elspeth.

Patti-Anne Ali, Director/Actress, founder of Sugar House Creative (formerly known as Sugar House Drama Company)

Testimonial from Victoria T.

Alternative Imaging for DJs and Artistes by Elspeth Duncan
Victoria Trestrail: Johnny's Fool

*

I had the pleasure of working with Elspeth on the "Johnny's Fool" music video that I produced. She was hired as a camerawoman and fulfilled every aspect of that portfolio - she was very innovative in the face of challenges such as poor lighting, and dealing with difficult backgrounds while shooting outdoors and drumming up energy from the cast while shooting in mid day heat outdoors. On reviewing the footage I found that there were many pleasing takes made up of great composition and eye catching angles allowing me much to work with while editing the video. She was great at her craft, punctual, helpful, and most importantly: took instructions well and was easy to work with. I would gladly work with her again.

Victoria Trestrail - Producer "Johnny's Fool"

You can see the Johnny's Fool music video here.
Music production: Rishi Motimes Ramlagan
Video production, direction, concept and edit: Victoria Trestrail
Camera: Elspeth Duncan

Alternative Imaging for DJs and Artistes

Artistes and DJs:
Looking forward to working with you.

L, R, L, L ... etc.

Another of my favourite shots from yesterday ... capturing a pigeon in a burst of light.

(Canada chronicles continued ...)

On Sunday I attended the housewarming (apartment-warming) of my friend Dara and her partner Sara. It was a lovely night of their friends, light music, eats, drinks and great conversation which stretched into the early morning when guests dwindled away. I was spending the night, so S, D and I stayed up chatting until we couldn’t keep our eyes open any longer.

Later that morning we woke up, had breakfast and headed out with our cameras. As we had no particular destination in mind, I introduced them to a ‘game’ I had devised in Trinidad but had only ever used with the car (not on foot).

You write an equal number of L (left) and R (right) on pieces of paper, shake them up, choose one by one and write out the order in which they appear.

E.g. You could end up with L, R, R, L, R … etc.

Once you step out of your door (or from wherever you decide your starting point will be), you follow the directions, heading down the first open street (i.e. no dead ends) that is on your Left or Right (as per the directions). The fun part is seeing where you end up eventually. However the way there is just as intriguing, especially on foot.

Our mission this particular time was to each take photos of whatever things captured our attention along the particular left or right road we were on.

What was interesting about the directions we ended up with … was that they led us around S & D’s neighbourhood and the final R (right) turn brought us right back home to their apartment!

See the below images for the progression which led to my favourite shot of the day ... in fact my favourite shot of my whole time here so far (because I've been trying to get it all this time).

Running and clicking, trying to catch my subject
Still running, into someone's open garden, following my subject ... and still not getting it.
Finally! Third time lucky? I've always wanted to capture one of these in mid air with my camera.

Meet Supernova

(Canada chronicles continued ...)

I didn't bring my SLR with me to Canada because I knew I wouldn't feel to lug it around everywhere in its napsack. I would have preferred just a small camera to toss in my bag, but my Canon A620 point and shoot, which had given me about 4 years of service, had conked out.

I was doing fine without a camera (just using the one on the laptop for basic blogging photos) ... but this evening I went and bought a Canon Elph. At the advice of my friend Jayme, I went to Henry's Outlet Store at corner of Queen and Church Streets and ended up getting the camera for a steal of a deal ... about $50CAD less (tax and carrying pouch inclusive) than I would have gotten it at Best Buy (without a bag).

I fell in love with my Elph as soon as I touched it. It's small and power-packed. I've already taken some shots with it (great colour and clarity) on this evening's rainy labyrinth adventure with Kelly. (Will blog about that tomorrow).

Welcome, Supernova!

Palmistry