Phil's Photos

March32012

The Entire Spruce Goose

This is a HUGE airplane, so obviously I’m backed all the way to the far wall trying to show how this vehicle fits into the building!

Comments?

March22012

Under the wing of #32

Dip under the wing and look for reflections!

I’m thinking this might look better as a standard black and white - what do you advise?

March12012

Four Engines

The Spruce Goose had eight giant engines! Black and white seemed to be the best way to go given this subject.

What do you think?

February292012

Inside the Spruce Goose

Ever wonder what it looks like inside of Howard Hughes’ flying boat - popularly known as the Spruce Goose? Turns out it is really made of birch, but the media at that time apparently couldn’t say something clever about birch. The guide said the wings were packed with beach balls (for floatation!)

Always interested in comments, so let me know what you think, OK?

February262012

todaysdocument:

On February 26, 1939, in a dramatic act of conscience, Eleanor Roosevelt resigned from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) when it barred the world-renowned singer Marian Anderson, an African American, from performing at its Constitution Hall in Washington, DC.

Letter from Eleanor Roosevelt to Mrs. Henry Roberts, 02/26/1939

Great bit of history!

(via npr)

February252012

Chrome Reflections

Plenty of aircraft at the McMinnville Aviation Museum for the Portland Photographer’s Forum to study! Spent the morning there trying to find some interesting angles. Always interested in helpful critiques, so - what do you think of this one?

Always interested in helpful critique - so what do you think of this one?

January12012

Favorite Photos of 2011

Aline Smithson’s wonderful collection of photos!

December222011

emergentfutures:

Is America a Failing State?

Paul Higgins: Piece by Umair Haque at HBR - Well worth a critical read

Full Story: HBR

12AM

Holiday Greeting

A fun holiday greeting based on an old Bob Dylan video, with touches of INXS and a look back at selected events from 2011(!) May not be entirely safe for work…

December182011

Photo Tips from an Old Master

The Portland Art Museum http://www.portlandartmuseum.org/ is showing Titian’s La Bella (Woman in a Blue Dress) through January 29. The docent standing by the painting described the techniques used (in about 1535) to guide the eye to significant details. Photographers can use these same principles:

The area of highest contrast (darkest area next to the lightest area) is the eyes. People tend to glance first at areas of highest contrast.
Contrast tends to diminish as one moves towards the edges of the image, keeping the view in the center.
Colors are strong near the face, muted towards the edges. (Same reason as above.)
Important edges are in sharp focus, less important edges are somewhat blurry.
Near the face and the shoulders, one can notice little sparkles (gold leaf). Apparently this was done to give a sense of magic to the sitter’s presence.

To see this online, try:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CvDCiEFbNy8/TLOrqZrwpnI/AAAAAAAAaU4/dLEMxPgWZ_s/s1600/Titian.+La+Bella.+1536.jpg