March 18 thru May 13, 2017

Carriage Factory Art Gallery

128 E 6th St - Newton, KS

Post-Card-FRONT-WESTERN-SHOW-mach-18-2017

I am excited to join other artists from Kansas & Oklahoma in celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Chisholm Trail during a Western Art Show at the Carriage Factory Art Gallery in Newton, Ks.  Opening reception & artist talks are March 18, 2017 from 7 to 9 pm. If you have time and can stop by I would enjoy visiting with you and telling you about the stories & people in my images.  The exhibit will be on display until May 13, 2017

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Thank you for sharing your time with me – I truly appreciate it.  Colleen

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS and Instagram http://instagram.com/colleensternberger

Limited to 4 spaces - these spots will fill quickly!

Click here for more information http://www.colleensternberger.com/workshops

Private Photography Lessonsprivate photography lessons    

Feel free to contact me with any questions you might have - colleen@colleensternberger.com

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Thank you for sharing your time with me – I truly appreciate it.  Colleen

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS and Instagram http://instagram.com/colleensternberger

Yes - I meant to put 2016 in the title of this blog.  This is one of my favorite times of year - fall and Autumn & Art in Wichita, KS and Art in the Park in Garden City, KS.  I am writing to let you know that I will not be at either of these art events this year.  I have the fabulous opportunity to travel to Italy and photograph horses!  As well as the beautiful area of Tuscany.  But I plan to return next year and bring some beautiful fine art images of Italy with me.

Thank you for your loyalty the past few years.  Watch for my posts from Italy!

Thank you for sharing your time with me – I truly appreciate it.  Colleen

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS and Instagram http://instagram.com/colleensternberger

July 27 thru July 31, 2015 

9 am to 4 pm

Landmark National Bank

2500 N 14th - Dodge City, KS

I am excited to announce that I am the featured western artist during Dodge City Days at Landmark National Bank in Dodge City, KS.  I will be in the lobby of the bank Monday thru Friday from 9 am to 4 pm.  If you have time and can stop by I would enjoy visiting with you and telling you about the stories & people in my images.  It is a great opportunity to ask me questions - about photography or how I put a magic spin on my images.

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Thank you for sharing your time with me – I truly appreciate it.  Colleen

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS and Instagram http://instagram.com/colleensternberger

Only a few spots remain in my Intermediate Photography Workshop scheduled for May 14 & 15, 2015

 Space is limited to 10 participants!  To sign up for this workshop contact Garden City Arts at 620.260.9700 or by email gardencityarts@gmail.com   

Feel free to contact me with any questions you might have - colleen@colleensternberger.com

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Thank you for sharing your time with me – I truly appreciate it.  Colleen

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS and Instagram http://instagram.com/colleensternberger

Only two spots remain in my Basic Photography Workshop scheduled for April 23 & 24, 2015

 Space is limited to 10 participants!  To sign up for this workshop send me an email colleen@colleensternberger.com or contact Garden City Arts at 620.260.9700 or by email gardencityarts@gmail.com       

Feel free to contact me with any questions you might have - colleen@colleensternberger.com

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Thank you for sharing your time with me – I truly appreciate it.  Colleen

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS and Instagram http://instagram.com/colleensternberger

It looks so easy in the commercials - it always does - but the easiest thing about your new camera was taking it out of the box, right?  Now what do you do?  Join me for a basic photography workshop.  

In this workshop - held over two evenings - I will teach you the basics of the settings on your camera; the Rules of Composition (and when to break them) and simple things you can do to make your photos look their best.  We will also spend some time in the field applying everything you have learned in the classroom.

What do you need to take this course?  A camera (point & shoot or DSLR - no phone cameras) and an interest in taking better pictures.

Dates for the workshop:  April 23, 2015 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and April 24, 2015 from 5:30 to 8:30 pm.  Classes will be held at Garden City Arts Center - Garden City, KS.  

Cost for the workshop:  $35 per person / $25 for GCA Members.

There are only a few spots left - Space is limited to 10 participants!  To sign up for this workshop send me an email colleen@colleensternberger.com or contact Garden City Arts at 620.260.9700 or by email gardencityarts@gmail.com       

Feel free to contact me with any questions you might have - colleen@colleensternberger.com

Share this with your friends!

Thank you for sharing your time with me – I truly appreciate it.  Colleen

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS and Instagram http://instagram.com/colleensternberger

March 27, 2015 - 6:00 to 8:00 pm

608 North 2nd Ave - Dodge City, KS

I am honored to announce that I am the featured artist at 2nd Avenue Art Guild in Dodge City, KS.  My work will be available thru April 18, 2015.

Everyone is invited to Final Friday - March 27, 2015 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.  Please come and bring your friends.  

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Thank you for sharing your time with me – I truly appreciate it.  Colleen

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS and Instagram http://instagram.com/colleensternberger

I will be in Booth C11 - bring a friend and stop by to see my Digital Art and let me introduce you to the Protector Series.

http://www.riograndefestivals.com/festivals/spring-show/

The 27th Annual Rio Grande Spring Show brings artists and patrons together for a celebration of visual arts and family fun!  Here, you'll find a juried lineup of artists & craftsmen selling a colorful variety of handmade works in a wide range of prices.  Local artists will exhibit alongside a national selection of artists, altogether representing 25 different states! 

The Spring Show is New Mexico's premier art event of the year, currently ranked #51 in the country!

180 ARTISTS & CRAFTSMEN  |  FOOD SAMPLING  |  LIVE MUSIC   

KID'S ACTIVITIES  |  ART DEMONSTRATIONS  |  ENTERTAINMENT    BEER, WINE & SPIRITS

Thank you for stopping by my blog & please share this with your friends!

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS

I am excited to work with Garden City Arts Center to offer a 2-day Adobe Lightroom Workshop.  Below is the information for the workshop scheduled for January 30 & 31, 2015.  This is a great opportunity to learn how to get your pictures off your memory cards and on to your computer while taking advantage of the ease of Lightroom to process your images quickly.

Space is limited to 6 participants!  To sign up for this workshop contact Garden City Arts at 620.260.9700 or by email gardencityarts@gmail.com   Non-refundable $75.00 deposit due at time of registration - balance due January 23, 2015.  

You can download this flyer by clicking on this link - http://www.colleensternberger.com/2015_gca_lightroom-workshop-flyer.pdf

A gift certificate would be a perfect gift for the photographer in you life - they are good toward this workshop & available for use at Garden City Arts Center.  This link will take you to the gift certificates - http://www.colleensternberger.com/p620865947

Feel free to contact me with any questions you might have - colleen@colleensternberger.com

Share this with your friends!

Thank you for sharing your time with me – I truly appreciate it.  Colleen

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS and Instagram http://instagram.com/colleensternberger

Just in time for Christmas!  

For those of you who were not able to attend the Holiday Art Show, it is possible to order gift items direct from my web site.  Those that live in the SW Kansas area may stop by the Garden City Arts Center in Garden City, KS to pick up items there.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions - colleen@colleensternberger.com

Click here to visit the gallery and see what is for sale - http://bit.ly/1w6MM5E

Alley Dust

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If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS

Have you been Naughty or Nice?

Lots of new images & merchandise!

Naughty or NiceHoliday Art Show - Fine Art Photography, Fine Art, Fine Craft & Art Reproduced Gift Items

Thank you for stopping by my blog & please share this with your friends!

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS & Instagram http://instagram.com/colleensternberger

But let's back up to today.  I have developed a photography challenge for you - a Photo a Day Challenge.  Beginning in November, I challenge you to take a photo a day following the list I have supplied.  This is a fun challenge - no critiques, but a way to challenge your mind and improve your photography.  Follow the challenge as presented below and then post your photos on Instagram with the hashtag #cspphotoaday.  I invite you to follow me on Instagram  http://instagram.com/colleensternberger and see what I post each day.  I am adding an additional challenge to myself by only using my iPhone. 

Thank you for sharing your time with me – I truly appreciate it.  Colleen

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS and Instagram http://instagram.com/colleensternberger

Art in the Park starts tomorrow - September 20, 2014 at Stevens Park - Downtown, Garden City, KS  

Thank you for stopping by my blog & please share this with your friends!

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS

I will be in Booth C19 - bring a friend and stop by to see my Digital Art and let me introduce you to the Protector Series.

The Protector Series is about an individual or individuals intent on a particular purpose. It is up to the viewer to fill in the blanks . . . the story behind that individual.

Click here to see the gallery - http://bit.ly/1kogGYX

I will be exhibiting my work alongside 100 artists from 21 states - http://www.autumnandart.com/festival_info.php

Thank you for stopping by my blog & please share this with your friends!

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS

Because you will be using a very long shutter speed when photographing fireworks you will need a way to steady the camera.

Start with a tripod.   There are all kinds of tripods, made for all kinds of cameras.  I use a Manfrotto tripod.  Another tripod – that is also extremely cute – is a GorillaPod.  Make sure your camera is level on the tripod.

A remote release is also a very good accessory to have.  The remote release will ensure that your camera is completely still.  And if your camera has a bulb setting it will allow you to control how long the shutter stays open.

Try and scope out your location early on.  You will want to shoot up wind – the line up will be:  camera, fireworks, smoke, otherwise they will all come out really hazy.  If there are locations that will allow reflections – ponds, lakes, etc. – try and get to that location.  It adds a nice touch to the photos.

Be ready to take pictures of the first fireworks.  If there is not much wind you are going to end up with a lot of smoke in your shot.  The first explosions are usually the sharpest ones.

You can also photograph the people watching the firework show.  If you are photographing people expose for the face.

Experiment

Try both vertical and horizontal shots.

Take a photo with the lens open to capture the entire scene and then zoom in to capture just the sparks and colors from the fireworks. 

Pre-focus if possible and then change your setting to manual focus.  The camera will not try and refocus for you once you switch.  Keep in mind that if you change your focal length you may need to refocus.

White balance – I like auto white balance, but tungsten will give you a bluer sky and cloudy or shade will give you more orange/warmer.

Set your resolution to the highest setting your camera will allow.

Good starting places for your camera settings.

ISO 100

Aperture f/11

Shutter speed – ½ a second up to 4 seconds or try longer.  Use bulb mode and play with the shutter speed by using a remote release.  If your images are too dark vary the shutter speed and find something that looks good to you.

Be sure to turn your flash off.

Shoot in manual mode

For a point and shoot camera

ISO at 100

If your camera has a fireworks scene setting – choose that.  You could also try night scene.  If possible set your camera to infinity or use landscape mode. 

Experiment with your camera in the daylight before you go to the show.  Things will go much smoother if you know where your camera settings are before you are in the dark.

Take a comfortable chair and a penlight or small flashlight – in case you need to change a battery, memory card or camera setting.

Most important is to have fun. 

May 27, 2014 - June 21, 2014

My Saddle Slicker Series is on exhibit at Garden City Arts until June 21, 2014.  Framed images as well as loose prints and cards are available for purchase.  I have also included a selection of loose prints with a western theme.  I hope you have time to stop by and view my series and support the arts in Garden City, KS.

You can view my Saddle Slicker series here - http://bit.ly/1fKvchR

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Thank you for sharing your time with me – I truly appreciate it.  Colleen

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS and Instagram http://instagram.com/colleensternberger

Below is the information for my Lightroom workshop for July, 2014.  This is a great opportunity to learn how to get your pictures off your memory cards and on to your computer while taking advantage of the ease of Lightroom to process your images quickly.

Space is limited!  Email me for more information or to sign up colleen@colleensternberger.com  Nonrefundable $50.00 deposit due at time of registration - balance due July 1, 2014.  

Share this with your friends!

Thank you for sharing your time with me – I truly appreciate it.  Colleen

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS and Instagram http://instagram.com/colleensternberger

I am putting together a Lightroom Workshop to be held in Garden City, KS - with an option to add a day of Photoshop editing.  This is a great opportunity to learn how to get your pictures off your memory cards and on to your computer, and taking advantage of the ease of Lightroom to process your images quickly.

Only subscribers to my newsletter will receive the details on this workshop.  You can subscribe to my newsletter by clicking here http://www.colleensternberger.com/newsletter-sign-up or clicking on the tab at the top of this page.

Space is limited!  Subscribe now to learn how to reserve your space.

Thank you for sharing your time with me – I truly appreciate it.  Colleen

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS

Lisa is a fine art photographer with a deep appreciation for the wild mustangs.  Visit her web site to view her stunning photography  http://www.lisadearingphotography.com/.  I will be leading the instruction in Lightroom, Photoshop and the use of NIK filters and textures to help you elevate your pictures from good to WOW!  To sign up contact Lisa at lisadearing@sbcglobal.net or 530.318.3251.  

Thank you for sharing your time with me – I truly appreciate it.  Colleen

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS

Lisa is a fine art photographer with a deep appreciation for the wild mustangs.  Visit her web site to view her stunning photography  http://www.lisadearingphotography.com/.  I will be leading the instruction in Lightroom, Photoshop and the use of NIK filters and textures to help you elevate your pictures from good to WOW!  To sign up contact Lisa at lisadearing@sbcglobal.net or 530.318.3251.  

Thank you for sharing your time with me – I truly appreciate it.  Colleen

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS

I will have a sample of this calendar at Deck the Halls & Walls

Click here to order your copy http://bit.ly/1d1KYhI

Silhouettes 2014For delivery by Christmas please choose ground or expedited pricing.

Deck the Halls slim

Thank you for stopping by my blog & please share this with your friends!

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS

Just in time for Christmas!  

Click here to visit the gallery and see what is for sale - http://bit.ly/HXq1ec

If you have a special image that you do not see here - send me an e-mail to check if it might be available.

Thank you for stopping by my blog & please share this with your friends!

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS

Lots of new images & merchandise!

Autumn Horses

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If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS

Autumn Horses

Autumn Horses  is available as a gallery wrap or a loose print ready for you to take home.  

This image, along with other fine art photographs of horses, can also be found on my web site in the Horses Portfolio  http://bit.ly/1dVgfHb

Thank you for stopping by my blog & please share this with your friends!

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS

I will be in Booth C23 - bring a friend and stop by to see my Digital Art.

I will be exhibiting my work alongside artists from 21 states - http://www.autumnandart.com/festival_info.php#cost

The Welcoming Committee

The Welcoming Committee - a group of stallions from the wild horses of McCullough Peaks - is new this year.  

I have it framed and ready for you to take home and hang on your wall.

Thank you for stopping by my blog & please share this with your friends!

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS

I will be in Booth C23 - bring a friend and stop by to see my Digital Art.

Attention - also known as The Green Boot - will be framed and ready for you to take home from Autumn & Art.  

This image, along with other fine art photographs of horses, can also be found on my web site in the Horses Portfolio  http://bit.ly/1dVgfHb

Thank you for stopping by my blog & please share this with your friends!

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS

You can find me in Booth C23

I will be exhibiting my work alongside artists from 21 states - http://www.autumnandart.com/festival_info.php#cost

I have just returned from Wyoming and will have some images from that trip at my booth. More information about Autumn & Art to follow

Thank you for stopping by & please share this with your friends!

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS

Garden City Arts - 318 N Main St, Garden City, KS

My  Animal Ambassador collection is on exhibit at Garden City Arts until September 21, 201.  Gallery Wrap images as well as loose prints and cards are available for purchase.

You can visit my Animal Ambassador collection by clicking here http://bit.ly/PsmFOj

Thank you for stopping by my blog & please share this with your friends!

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS

Save the Date and join me September 21, 2013 beginning at 8:30 am

I have just returned from Wyoming and Santa Fe with lots of new images to share.

Thank you for stopping by my blog & please share this with your friends!

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS

I will be exhibiting my work alongside artists from 21 states - http://www.autumnandart.com/festival_info.php#cost

I have just returned from Wyoming and will have some images from that trip at my booth. More information about Autumn & Art to follow

Thank you for stopping by & please share this with your friends!

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS

June 15, 2013 I will lead a group of photographers in southwest Kansas to photograph buffalo, landscapes and anything else that we might find along the way.  Waiting until the afternoon to begin our workshop will help ensure the sweet light of late afternoon and early evening.  Traveling along the Western Vistas Historic Byway will allow us the opportunity to explore a side of Kansas that most visitors to my home state rarely visit.

The workshop is for all levels of photographers and for any kind of camera.

If this sounds interesting to you, information about the workshop can be found on the workshops tab of my web site: http://www.colleensternberger.com/workshops

     Bison

                  ©2013 Colleen Sternberger - All Rights Reserved

I took this image of buffalo in Colorado in 2011.  Although standing among a herd of 500 plus buffalo was exciting, the image that came out of my camera was just so, so.  Buffalo are all big and brown - not very exciting.  After applying a creative crop I began working with tools from my digital toolbox and ended up with the image you see above.  This is a stunning image printed on satin cloth or smooth photo tex.  I have seen it as simple gallery wrap and also beautifully framed.  If you are interested in purchasing this print you can find it on my web site here  http://bit.ly/XlSQ8v

Thank you for sharing your time with me – I truly appreciate it.  Colleen

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS

Currently I am in an exhibition with other women from Garden City, KS and the surrounding area at the Garden City Arts.  The show will close June 8, 2013.  Garden City Arts is open Tuesday thru Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and on Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.  You can visit their web site by following this link http://gardencityarts.wix.com/gallery

An Artists' Reception is scheduled Saturday, May 25, 2013 from 5 to 7 pm.  If you are in the Garden City area please stop by.  I would love to visit with you.

GCA Reception

Thank you for sharing your time with me - I truly appreciate it.  Colleen

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS

I am fortunate that I have seen an African Lion in the wild, but for many people their only chance to see one is in a zoo.  The same can be said for elephants, giraffes, rhinoceroses and many other animals.

Zoos are great locations to photograph animals, but they also present many obstacles in getting the perfect shot.  There are a few things you can do with your camera and lens to come away with a “keeper”.

One of the big challenges at a zoo is photographing an animal in their exhibit without also photographing the fence or glass that separates the animal from the visitor.  To help with this:  get as close as you can to the fence, use a longer focal length, choose a wider aperture and wait for the animal to move back from the fence.  This works well for DSLR cameras, but what if you are using a point and shoot with no control over aperture (aka depth of field)?  Try switching to portrait mode which uses a wide aperture.

A few other techniques that will help you in photographing animals at the zoo are:  filling the frame, watch the background, focus on the eyes and treat the animals as moving subjects by using a fast shutter speed (or let your camera do the work and choose sports mode).

There are two things you should never do when trying to capture a great image of a zoo animal.  First, never climb on the exhibit fence or (gasp) climb into the exhibit.  Second, do not tempt the animal to come closer by offering food treats.  If you fill an animal up with popcorn or some other treat they will not want to eat the nutrition packed meal that their keeper will offer them later.  Hmmm – maybe I will write more about zoos in a later blog.  What do you think?  

          Razi's Rock

Razi's Rock

People often ask me how I was able to get into the exhibit with the lion to take this photograph because they do not see a fence in the image.  I was not in the exhibit with the lion (see the first thing never to do when photographing zoo animals above) - I used the same techniques that I mentioned earlier.  I used a long focal length - 420mm, wide aperture, got as close to the fence as I could and made sure the animal was back from me.

After all of this I took the picture into my digital darkroom and made a few adjustments.  I cropped the picture tight and then did some selective dodging and burning.  I blurred the background to exclude the fence and then started processing with NIK filters.  As the image transformed I decided to add a texture to totally eliminate the background.  I added some contrast and a vignette and called it good.

Razi's Rock can be found in my Animal Ambassador Portfolio http://bit.ly/13yjz5X.  This is an image of the male African Lion at Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City, KS.  

Razi is a very handsome guy – and he knows it!  Leave me a comment and let me know what you think of my image.  You may ask zoo questions too.

Thank you for sharing your time with me – I truly appreciate it.  Colleen

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS

Wow - right now my world needs some color - it is very white outside!  But with the snow comes much needed moisture.

In my blog February 12, 2013 I talked a little bit about black and white photography.  Today I would like to mention some ways that color wound up on a black and white print.

There are two reasons for toning black and white photographs:  to achieve greater longevity of the image by protecting or altering the silver in the print or to change the feeling of the photograph by modifying the print color.

Sepia toning is the most popular type of toning and the most well known.  Sepia toning is a chemical process that turns any silver in the developing photograph into a sulfide, which is more resistant to aging than silver.  Originally made from the sepia cuttlefish, sepia pigment was used to treat printed photos to make them more durable. Consequently, many of the old photographs around today appear in brown tones due to the sepia toning that has preserved them for so long.  

In a traditional darkroom, toning is a time consuming and sometimes frustrating process.  Many factors influence the results including the paper and chemicals used.  What's more, some of the components used in toners are very hazardous.  Sepia toner is a suspected carcinogen, and most dangerous of all is Selenium toner.  Selenium is an extremely poisonous heavy metal.  

As I have studied photography there was an occasion where I used Selenium toner.  The entire toning process was moved outdoors - away from the building in a well-ventilated area.  Selenium gives a black and white photograph a red-brown to purple-brown tone.  It was a great learning process, and the print or two or four that I produced were nice - but not outstanding, and to me not worth the risk involved in tinting the print

But in today's world we have digital darkrooms where toning a photograph is merely a few mouse clicks away.  It is up to the photographer to decided what tones to use and the opacity of the tones.  There are several advantages to using a computer for toning; one is there no chemical danger when you tone your images.  What I particularly like about toning on the computer is not only choosing the opacity of the "tone", but I can selectively brush some of it away.

In the image "Joy Elevator" I took a photograph, turned it into a black and white image and then added a sepia tone.  I then selectively brushed some of the sepia tone off of the silos of the elevator and the scale house, leaving a warm tone to match the surrounding image.

         Joy Elevator

Joy Elevator

The Joy Elevator is located west of Greensburg, KS on Hwy 54.

Thank you for sharing your time with me – I truly appreciate it.  Colleen

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook. - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS

If you like my blog be sure and share it with others.  And feel free to leave a comment - I would love to hear from you.

I began my study of photography in a black and white photography class where I processed my own film and developed my images in a chemical darkroom.  I went through a lot of paper and chemicals to achieve the image that I was looking for – but I was forever captivated with the development of photographs.  Not just in the darkroom – but in the camera where the process begins.

I learned to create a photo with black and white in mind, to look for varying tones throughout the image, shapes, texture and light to give the feeling of depth.  When a photo is created with black and white in mind, the lighting becomes apparent, softness or sharpness of features and details are more pronounced and composition is first and foremost in the image.

What is it about a black and white photograph that sets it apart from color photographs?  Black and white images are known to be more elegant and are considered by many to be "classic" photography.  An image in color can be distracting, but an image in black and white focuses attention on your subject.

Most cameras today give the operator the option to shoot their photos in black and white.  While this may seem appealing, I would advise against this.  Once you let the camera take control and shoot in black and white all of the color information is lost - never to be recovered.  With post-processing it is a simple step to convert a color image to black and white.  So shoot in color - and then convert to black and white.

Tent Rocks 1 contains contrasting tones, texture and shape.  Leading lines from the foreground and background draw your attention to the lone pine tree seemingly growing out of rock.

               Tent Rocks 1

Tent Rocks 1

I took this photo last year at Tent Rocks National Monument located southwest of Santa Fe, NM.  Because of the unique rock formations I used a fairly wide angle lens – 40 mm – and remember my back being against another rock formation as I composed then shot this image.  This national monument is unique – some call it the Slot Canyons of NM.  I recommend a visit if you are in the area.

This image is in my West of the Mississippi portfolio - click this link to go there http://www.colleensternberger.com/p1058933451/e20a65d44

Thank you for sharing your time with me - I truly appreciate it.   Colleen

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook. - you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography  You can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPhotoKS

If you like my blog be sure and share it with others.  And feel free to leave a comment - I would love to hear from you.

To capture a silhouette you need a subject that has a recognizable shape.  Then place your subject in front of a bright light and expose for the brightest part of your image - the background.  You also need to keep your shapes distinct and uncluttered.  Keep some space between the shapes.  Here you see all four of the horse's legs, both ears and the tail.  On the child you can make out the features of the face, cowboy hat, finger and the lead rope.  All combine to tell a story.

Listen To Me

Listen To Me  

I have donated a 16 x 24 gallery wrap of this image to Spirit of the Plains, CASA for their fund-raising event Sweet Indulgence.  This event is this Saturday - February 9, 2013 - at the Clarion Inn in Garden City, KS.  Tickets may be purchased at the Clarion Inn.

CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocates - provides a voice in court for abused and neglected children that are involved in the judicial system.  Spirit of the Plains, CASA works with the children in the 25th Judicial District of Kansas.  You can learn more about their program by following this link:  http://www.orgsites.com/ks/25th-judicial-district/

To learn more about CASA on a national level follow this link:  http://www.casaforchildren.org/site/c.mtJSJ7MPIsE/b.5301295/k.BE9A/Home.htm

Listen To Me can be found in my Horses portfolio and is available for purchase.

Thank you for sharing your time with me - I truly appreciate it.   Colleen

If you have time visit my fan page on Facebook.  I post quite a bit about my fine art photography as well and you will be able to see what comments are posted there.   You can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography

If you like my blog be sure and share it with others.  And feel free to leave a comment - I would love to hear from you.

I am honored to have been asked by the 5.4.7 Arts Center to display my work in their gallery.  There are more than 25 of my images on display - some are beautifully framed by Starla McClain (Starla's Stitch 'n Frame in Greensburg) and there are some that are elegant gallery wraps.   I also want to mention that they are all for sale - please tell your friends.

The 5.4.7 Arts Center is a story of perseverance and regrowth located in a city that almost disappeared on May 4, 2007 after being hit by an EF5 tornado.  If you would like to learn more about the Arts Center - the first building in Kansas to receive a LEED Platinum - rating follow this link  http://www.547artscenter.org/.  More information about the City of Greensburg can be found by following this link http://www.greensburgks.org/.

The image below reminds me of Greensburg for two reasons.  First, the stormy sky lends an ominous feel to the image - maybe the same as the residents of Greensburg felt on 5-4-07.  Second, after the tornado, the city council passed a resolution stating that all city buildings would be built to LEED - platinum standards, making it the first city in the nation to do so.  The city's power is supplied by ten 1.25 MW wind-turbines.

Power

Power

I took this image Saturday when my part of the world actually had a chance to receive some moisture (we got a few sprinkles).  In color the image was just blue with the white wind-turbines - a good image, but not good enough.  I really wanted the clouds to "pop" so I made a few adjustments in Photoshop and added a sepia tone to the image.  To me the image says Power with the stormy sky and the turbines - each telling their own story.  What does it say to you?

Thank you for sharing your time with me - I truly appreciate it.   Colleen

If you have time checkout my fan page on Facebook.  I post quite a bit about my fine art photography as well and you will be able to see what comments are posted there.   You can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography

If you like my blog be sure and share it with others.  And feel free to leave a comment - I would love to hear from you.

Here is the answer that I received about why this happens:  

Chrome does not have a built in RSS reader, so it will just show the code, which is what you are seeing.  Firefox can read RSS feeds, and also older versions of Safari. The latest version of Safari cannot display RSS feeds, but there are numerous apps for this.  Google also has a RSS feed reader called Google Reader.

I hope this might answer any questions anyone might have.

Now here's an image that will probably not make it to a gallery on my web site - but you never know.  I would love to know what you think of it - leave a comment for me

Water Horses

Water Horses

This image was taken on a trip to Wyoming in October, 2012.  Well, I have been really busy since then and haven't had much time to look back over the pictures I took until recently.  I am always learning more about the craft of Fine Art Photography and this segment of Digital Art so I joined a group of exceptional digital artists on Facebook and have been learning from some of the best.

Our challenge was to take a texture that was provided to us and see what we could do with it.  These horses were in a larger group of horses and I cropped the picture tight.  You can see some water splashing and just a hint of legs on the front horse.  

I applied the texture to the image and changed the blend mode in Photoshop.  I really liked the color that the image took on, but I did not like the texture on the horses.  I applied another technique from my digital toolbox and took the texture off of the horses while leaving the texture color.  I then burned some in front of the lead horse because the area was too bright and I thought it drew the viewer's eye away from the horses.

That's how I did it.

Thank you for sharing your time with me - I truly appreciate it.  Have a great weekend!

Colleen

If you have time checkout my fan page on Facebook.  I post quite a bit about my fine art photography as well and you will be able to see what comments are posted there.   You can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography

If you like my blog be sure and share it with others.  And feel free to leave a comment - I would love to hear from you.

This blog will allow me to tell a little bit about the art I create and also let you know when and where I am headed to capture the next great images!   It may - from time to time - have some fun things that I am working on that will never make it to a gallery on my web site.

And now . . . one of my favorites.  I have this one hanging in my bedroom.

Alley Dust

Alley Dust I took Alley Dust in 2012 - but it is a favorite of many so I thought I would tell you a little bit about it.  I was in Craig, CO when I took this at the Sombrero Ranch headquarters.  It was a very cool morning - lots of coats, hats and gloves for me - and there was a great group of cowboys and cowgirls tending to the horses.  This group of horses had just finished a run down a long alley and the effect you see here is dust from the alley - hence the name  Alley Dust" - but there is also some steam from the horses.  I loved this one exactly how it came out of the camera so I did not bring it into my digital darkroom to add any fine art processing.  I took out a high line wire and did a little burning and dodging - that's it.  Hope you like it.  

If you have time checkout my fan page on Facebook.  I post quite a bit about my fine art photography as well and you will be able to see what comments are posted there.   You can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/colleensternbergerphotography

Thank you for sharing your time with me.  If you like my blog be sure and share it with others.  And feel free to leave a comment - I would love to hear from you.