Announcing a Photo Project: DC in Motion

Today, I, the Evolving Photographer, am proud to announce that I will be undertaking a project to document the the riders of the D.C. Metro - their experiences, their frustrations - everything. Talk to anyone here, and they will gripe to you about the broken escalators, long delays, constant track maintenance. We read about it in the Washington Post almost daily. But what does any of that mean?

Well, let's see what it means. Literally. WMATA, the governing body of the Metro, does not regulate the usage of handheld photographic equipment so long as the user does not interfere with or impede the operation of the Metro. So myself and my camera will be taking a trip to the various Metro lines with the goal of showing you what it's like here in the American capital.

All of my posts on this project will be tagged with "ProjectDC." I will still be doing my usual (more frequent, I swear) postings on photography and the various things that I learn. Check back for updates, or keep up with the project via my Twitter account - @511Ian.

Finding Inspiration as a Photographer

One of the great things about spending significant time in a new place is that it really invigorates you to try new things, see the sights, and take some truly special photographs. Unfortunately, you have to return to the old places eventually, and that's when it can be tough. I've been back home for a month, and it's been difficult to go out and find something interesting to shoot. It's home! I know it too well!

So, on the advice of some photography buddies, I joined a group meet-up website and found a nice photography group to join. I may not be 100% behind every event that I go to, but it will force me to get out there, see what other people are
photographing, interact with them, and share ideas. Now THAT is how you get going creatively!

My first event was a car show. I haven't been to one since I "took" my Dad for Father's Day when I was still in elementary school. Beyond reading enough to know to have a polarizing filter to deal with reflections and windshields, I had no clue what I was getting myself into!

I don't think that I've broken any incredible ground with these photos, but I had a great time, and, most importantly, learned. The low riding performance cars are meant to be photographed from a low angle - but with a wide-angle lens. Guess what I didn't have with me? My wide-angle lens. Trying to replicate those shots with a 35mm lens just isn't possible. Creatively, the distortion that my 11-16mm lens would create is what I envisioned. Instead, I got some good shots, but didn't make anything that I loved.

Equipment Used

Nikon D7100 Camera
35mm f/1.8 lens
B+W Circular Polarizer Filter


Images