Sauk Valley Photography

2007-07-07T17:10:00.000-05:00

Sandy Pine Elk Farm, Deer Grove, IL

Totem Pole

Sandy Pine Elk Farm, Deer Grove, IL

Eagle Pole

Sandy Pine Elk Farm, Deer Grove, IL

Native Chief

8 x 10 Fine Art Print(s)

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Sandy Pine Elk Farm is among my favorite places in the Sauk Valley. Please click on the link above to find out more about the times and offerings available at this local attraction.

One of the things that draws me to this place is that my heritage includes a native component. I am descended -- three generations back -- to the Blackfoot tribe. The Sauk and Fox nation also figure prominently in the history of this region...as you might expect from the name, Sauk Valley. Abraham Lincoln helped fight the Black Hawk war here before he became the 16th president. As some of you may know, Chief Black Hawk was among the last *freedom fighters* for the lands from Saukenak, Wisconsin to Grand deTour, IL.

The totem pole at Sandy Pines Elk Farm is something that you should not miss. It speaks to the history of this land we humbly and respectfully call home.

Sunrise Over Lowell

2007-07-05T21:05:00.001-05:00

Sunrise Over Lowell

Fine Art Photo by Wayne Wilkinson

Limited Edition of 30 prints

8 x 10 inches on archival paper

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Until you have walked through this nature wonderland, will you not appreciate this wonderful gift that was presented to the City of Dixon near the turn of the 19th century.

Established in 1907, it has stood through all these years as a place whereby people could relax and enjoy recreation to its fullest. It is where Ronald Reagan took a summer job as a lifeguard and is reported to have saved 77 people from the river during his tenure. We hope you will enjoy the picturesque scenery and that some day you will visit this magnificent park.

The scenic overlook from the park has been an artists' delight for nearly a century. You can view the scenery for miles and observe the river meandering along its course. The image above was taken from this vista in the early summer of 2007; one hundred years after the park was established. By all accounts, the beauty and grandeur have not been compromised.

Do The Clothes Make the Man?

2007-06-29T21:25:00.000-05:00

Curious Doe

Fine Art Photography by Wayne Wilkinson

Under License: Not For Sale

Often we can determine a person's profession by the clothes they wear. Medical doctors, policemen, soldiers, sailors...military personell...firemen, et cetera. It is not so typically discernable with photographers. Most look indistinguishable to you or me. Perhaps this is why so many of us are becoming increasing harrassed by law-enforcement and security types?

In an effort to establish my photo-centric attire, I recently purchased the field cap and lapel pin from the Nature Photographers Network. I have also been considering the photojouralist vest from Command Post as they have the best prices that I have been able to find.

My concern is that while I wish only to capture the nuances of our beloved Sauk Valley, my dressing as a para-military member may draw the ire of Conservation forces or worse.

Am I being over concerned or critical? Maybe, maybe not. There has been much to do over photographer's rights lately. Yahoo Groups have breeched the subject in detail. This blog has made mention as well. I am not a conspiracy theorist by any means but I cannot help but wonder how long it might take before the simple act of taking a picture will be deemed illegal here among the cornfields?

Taking only pictures, leaving only footprints,

Wayne

Make the Most From your Digi-Prints

2007-06-27T18:46:00.000-05:00

Sunrise Over Lowell

Fine Art Print by Wayne Wilkinson

Available in limited Edtion sizes

Inquire for current pricing

SaukValley.com - Serving Dixon, Sterling & Rock Falls

Digging through the saukvalley archives, I was able to dig up this little gem from back in January. Yes, it is a wire service filler...but what the heck? The info is still good. Plus, I think that readers of Sauk Valley Photography will appreciate it.

BY SARAH WELCH AND

ALICIA ROCKMORE

GETBUTTONEDUP.COM

The beauty of digital photography is that you aren't afraid to "waste" any film so you theoretically won't ever miss a great moment. On the flip side, that means you probably have a lot more photos to catalog and print now than you did with "old fashioned" cameras.Sarah: "Play to Your Strengths"

Both my husband and I love to play photographer. But once the shots have been snapped, that's where our differences come in. I have tons of fun organizing photos and making online albums, but don't seem to have the patience to upload and touch up every single shot. Since my tech savvy husband enjoys the initial set up work, once our camera is full, I just hand it off to him. After he gets the ball rolling, I take over where he leaves off. Not only does this tradeoff reduce the amount of time each of us will need to commit, it also keeps digital photography fun for both of us - as it should be!

Alicia: "Zap the Duds!"Digital photography takes the cake as a hassle-free technology. A lot of us still hang on to our old-fashioned habits of saving every picture, regardless of how awful it is. But there's no need to keep an unflattering image, an out of focus blur, or that shot of your shoe that little Johnny snapped by accident. Don't be afraid to discard the duds! My husband and I try to delete bad ones on the spot, but if we can't decide in the moment, or don't have time, we do it as soon as the pictures are uploaded to the computer.

Here are three ways to help you make the most out of your digital photos:

1: Pick a Program Whether it's iPhoto or Kodak Picture Viewer, or any of the host of other online photo storage sites. Test a few different photo-viewing programs until you find one that you really like. Then stick with it. It's much easier to keep track of all of your photos if they are in one place. You're also much more likely to keep them up to date and organized if you find the program to be intuitive and easy to use.

2: Share the Fun Sending photos via e-mail attachments can be can be a major time waster, and larger photo files are often stopped by e-mail filters anyway. So store them online instead. Most photo sites such as Flickr.com, KodakGallery.com and Sony.com let you store and create online albums for free. When you're ready to share them with friends and family, simply e-mail the link and they will have easy access without ever having to sit through a never ending download.

** There are so many photohosting sites to choose from I am sure that you will find one to your liking

3: No Need to DIY Let the pros handle your digital printing for you. Online services such as Kodak, Sony, and even CVS, Jewell/Osco, Kmart, Target, Walgreens, Walmart will let you upload your digital photos and print them for less money than it would initially cost for an old fashioned roll of film, not to mention the cost of developing that roll of film. The best part: you don't even need to travel to pick them up. Often within a few business days, your printed photos are sent right to your front door, completely hassle free.

Illinois Freedom Bell, Mt. Morris

2007-06-25T00:18:00.000-05:00

Illinois Freedom Bell, And Plaque

Mt. Morris, Illinois

Fine Art Prints Available

Purchase Buttom Below

This past week end proved eventful for me. Saturday, I was hoping to take in the Homestead events at Muller Lane Farm . As Mother Nature would have it, rain prevailed. I was, however privy to the Twin City Market in Sterling, IL. This was more than I had expected! Local farmers and artisans were well represented with their produce and wares. I ate a delicious bison burger from a local husbandman, and was able to take in the fine banjo playing of a man who had a love of bluegrass music.Had it not been raining steadily, I know that photos would have been spewing forth like a cornicopia. Alas, my picture safari would have to wait another day...

Sunday dawned with a typical overcast "Illinois Grey" sky. At least the rains subsided, and I was able to travel the 12 miles to Mt. Morris. I had hoped to capture some images of the Illinois Freedom Bell, along our famous Black Hawk Trail. I was not disappointed.

That illustrious bell rings loud and proud every fourth of July at the climax of the Let Freedom Ring Festival. Ronald Reagan, president of these United States dedicated the first bell in 1963. Later, in 1984 he invited the most ardent supporter of its appeal --apology for the pun-- to the White House.

Even with the images of the Illinois Freedom Bell lodged securely within my camera, I wanted more. I took off for Leaf River. A village barely north of Mt. Morris in search of a few shots of the history museum located there. Regretably, these were not to be had. A car in the parking lot along with the heavy lay of precipitation negated my chances of capturing acceptable images.

Not to be disheartened, I returned to Mt. Morris, and found Mike Norman of Mt Morris Country Crafts manning his shoppe. This quaint crafter's paradise is open to the public and awaits you on the west side of village square. Mike is a wood worker. His wife is a weaver. They have some of the most beautiful examples of home-made items I have ever seen. Of course other crafters also occupy booths within their walls; perhaps my work will be there too? I hope so.

After all this, I was off to Amboy, IL. for the inaugural (first birthday ) of my serugate nephew, Gabriel. It was a grand affair where I took nearly sixty pics of the tyke, along with other family and friends; the innocence of a baby coupled with chocolate cake smeared across a face never ceases to astound, amuse and inspire me.

I hope that your week end was a good one and that you were able to find time to capture your share of memories!

All best,

-Wayne

ASMP - LEGISLATIVE ALERT

2007-06-22T22:15:00.000-05:00

Illinois Feedom Bell

Mt. Morris, IL

Illinois Freedom Bell II

Mt. Morris, Illinois

Fine Art Prints Available

Purchase Button Below Article

ASMP The American Society of Media Photographers has issued a legistlative alert!

Legislative Alert:

June 14, 2007 — ASMP is concerned about a bill that has been introduced in the New York state legislature. The issue is related to rights of publicity and could have an impact on your business even though you are not a New York state resident.
Please take the time to read the documents link provided in red above, especially the draft letter, to have a complete understanding of what is at stake.

Yes, New York state may seem far removed from our beloved Sauk Valley of Illinois but with the immediacy of the world wide web, it is much closer than its physical geography.

The precendent(s) that the New York bill(s) would introduce can and will affect our photography businesses. Especially if you have a photo of anyone who has died in the past 70 years and want to sell it (most commonly this applies to celebrity pics) you will want to read the alert!

To be forewarned is to be forearmed.

-Wayne

lightning Bugs (or Fireflies)

2007-06-22T21:01:00.000-05:00

Lightning Bug & Lilly Series

Fine Art Prints Available

Please inquire for pricing

Editorial and Commercial Interests Preferred

On the first day of summer, 2007, I wasn't expecting to be taking photos of a lightning bug! The lillies were what I was originally after, and yes, I did get some excellent shots of them as well. But this was a "happy coincidence."

I never gave much thought to where fireflies go during the day. Now I know. It seems as though they prefer ground cover, and in this case -- a bit of camoflauge. Come to find out, adults will eat the nectar of flowers, so perhaps this little guy was getting his breakfast before he was rudely interupted?

Just goes to show that photos can happen everywhere or anywhere. Of course, we can't get the shot without our cameras so be sure to take yours along where ever you go!

lightning Bugs (or Fireflies) Lightning Bugs are the same as Fireflies. They are members of a particular family of the Beetle Order. The Firefly Family is technically known as the Lampyridae. Lightning Bugs are beetles. They can't be "flies" as their name suggests, since "flies" are members of the Fly Order. Glow-worms, which produce light similar to Lightning Bugs', also are beetles, but they belong to a different, though closely related, family, the Phengodidae. There are many Lightning Bug species.
-- Click on the red link above for more of this article.

Photography Banned in Downtown Silver Spring, Maryland | The News is NowPublic.com

2007-06-22T00:15:00.000-05:00

Don't Shoot!

Freiheit

Wings of Peace And Freedom

images above taken at the Wings of Peace and Freedom monument, Dixon IL

Fine Art Prints Available in Various Sizes

Photography Banned in Downtown Silver Spring, Maryland The News is NowPublic.com

You're going to want to read the following two paragraphs twice because you're not going to believe them.

"This past Tuesday I went to downtown Silver Spring, had lunch, and then took out my camera and standing on Ellsworth Avenue, I began taking shots of the buildings with the blue sky and clouds as a backdrop. Almost immediately, a security guard approached and told me 'there was no picture taking allowed in Downtown Silver Spring.' 'What do you mean?' I said, 'I am on a city street, in a public place -- taking pictures is a right that I have protected by the first amendment.' The guard told me to report to the management office."

There, Stacy Horan informed me that Downtown Silver Spring including Ellsworth Avenue is private property, not a public place, and subject to the rules of the Peterson Companies. They have a no photography policy to 'protect them from people who might want to use the photographs as part of a story in which they could write bad things about us.' And she told me that many of the chain stores in Downtown Silver Spring don't what their 'concepts' to be photographed for security reasons." ...

When the president declared in November of 2005 that the US Constitution was just "a goddamned piece of paper" red flags should have gone up all over the country. Obviously, they were never raised. And why should any of us be surprised? No one has been asked to sacrifice for the "war on terror." Well, not more than paying higher gasoline prices. Unless, you have a loved one who was killed, the cost for domestic freedom seems to be at an all time low.

What I find unforgivible is that even among those with whom I talk to in my beloved Sauk Valley; very few have any inclination or desire to question the powers that be! This is not what I gave 8 years of my life to defend. I would go so far that it was not what generations of my brothers-and-sisters-in-arms fought and died for over the course of this country's history. It is from a veteran's perspective as well as an artist's viewpoint that I decry the privatization, socialization, and corporatization of this land.

Next year, 2008 will see the passage of the REAL ID ACT . This will effectively take us back to 1939 Nazi Germany; "Show us your papers!" And all done legally in the name of sacrificing freedom for security. Hmmm, perhaps we should take our pictures while we can my friends. Next year may be too late.

Yours, under the all-seeing eye,

-Wayne

Abstract Digital Photography

2007-06-21T20:05:00.000-05:00

Crack The Sky

Fine Art Print

8x10 LTD. 20 Prints

on Fuji Crystal Archive Matte Paper

Purchase Button Below

The image above was captured using my 5 meg Vivitar Vivicam 5100. You can read unbiased reviews HERE at Amazon(dot)com. I include the link b/c amazon doesn't give two hoots about pleasing the manufacturer with inflated praise. Real people review the products; not a paid staffer who relies upon advertisers to pay his/her salary. That stated, you will discover that upon reading the reviews that this camera does have some drawbacks: shutter speed seems to be the biggest complaint -- I agree. Image capture can be slow. All the same it has its strengths. 5 megapixels for under $100.00 is a BIG plus. {I paid more than that several years ago for my 2 MP Camedia Olympus D-380!}

But this post is about abstract digital photography, and my main point is that it Does Not Matter whether you use a basic point and shoot or a high end professional dSLR. Great captures can be achieved regardless of the camera.

In the above example, the tree is located in my front yard. It was struck by lightning therefore the limbs will not grow leaves. This is ideal for giving a "winter scene" illusion, even if the image was taken in late spring. The lesson being: Find an Interesting Subject to shoot.

Next, is the fun part. Once you have your subject and have downloaded the images to your favorite picture editor, experiment with the editing features.

Saturation, Fill Light, Shadows, Highlights, Graduated Filters, Focal Black and White, Layers, Curves...run the gamut and find those that appeal to your artistic side.

With abstracts it is okay to "blow out" the frame or to underexpose it! We are free to break most of the rules. Of course, good compostion techniques should not be violated but in my estimation, all else is fair game.

BONUS...

Any subject that makes a fair snap-shot can be made into a better abstract! Why? Simply stated, most will not want to print a so-so picture. By this I mean, if the image is out of focus or we chose the wrong film speed, nine times out of ten it gets "trashed."

With abstracts, we can salvage many of those "not so great" pictures and turn them into something more intriguing. So why not spend some time and experiment with that imaging software? I trust you will be well rewarded.

Oh, and by the way, becoming familiar with that software will allow you to create better abstracts as well as realistic pictures. The image above is my proof. It has recieved many compliments in the months since I first shot it, and more importantly, it has sold!

taking only photographs, leaving only footprints

-ww

Welcome Home fine arts exhibit Now Showing at The Next Picture Show

2007-06-20T16:11:00.001-05:00

Take Me Home (country road)

Someone Is Home at Our Home

The Bird House

Home Plate

The Last Trip aka 7 Muses or Funeral March, Sculpture by Loredo Taft

The Next Picture Show Fine Art Gallery is hosting "Welcome Home" an all media show depicting the theme of home. The show runs through July 24th 2007. I was fortunate enough to have the above four images placed in the show. Along with the help and artistry of my dad, Harry Wilkinson, who showcased the photos on laser etched black marble! The results (if I do say so myself) were nothing less than outstanding.

Please, stop by the gallery. Located at 113 W. 1st St., Dixon. The gallery is open to the public and features the work of many area artists working in a variety of mediums. Visit the link above, or in the links section of this blog, or call: 1-815-285-4924 for more information regarding times and directions.

Should you be interested in purchasing any of the above images as fine art photographic prints or laser engraved "Virtually Forever" renderings on black marble or granite, kindly email or use the comment option for artist direct pricing.

Many thanks to Bonnie Kime and the staff at The Next Picture Show!

take only photographs, leave only footprints

-ww

From Wall Street to Main Street: Returning Pofit for Passion

2007-06-19T17:35:00.000-05:00

A Gaze Toward Heaven

Limited Edition of TEN

Fine Art Print 8x10

from a sculpture by

David Seagraves

located at St. Mary's

Catholic church, Oregon, IL

Purchase Button Below

I've sometimes considered whether I could turn this photography jones into an everyday gig. One of the biggest obstacles appears to be, surprise, money. Replacing my current salary seems insurmountable in the short term and I'd have to move to North Dakota or some south of the border town to make my savings stretch.

Seems this is not an uncommon quandary, even if you're a Wall Street type who's been pulling down seven-figure salaries for a few years. This weekend the Wall Street Journal profiled Bruce Silverstein, an investor who quit his job several years ago to start a photography gallery in Chelsea.

Interesting reading...enjoy

taking only pictures, leaving only footprints

-ww

Fine Art Digital Black and White Printing

2007-06-19T16:39:00.000-05:00

Factory & Silos Under an Illinois Sky

Fine Art Black and White

8 x 10 Print in Limited Edition

Purchase Button Below

____________________

Over the past few years as the technology has improved and become affordable, more and more fine art black and white photographers have switched from traditional "wet darkroom" enlarger printing to digital inkjet printing. Many of those who have switched continue to take pictures with film and then scan the negatives, although the newer digital cameras are getting to the quality and price range where many are switching to digital image capture as well. Either way, the resulting images are prepared for printing with software, Adobe Photoshop being the most popular program. So many photographers are switching that it is becoming difficult to sell used darkroom equipment.

As can be expected whenever a new technology emerges, a great debate has sprung up between the adherents of the old and the new, with various technical and aesthetic issues being applied to the questionof whether inkjet prints should receive the same status as an art form as do traditional photographic prints.Some have argued that inkjet prints are not truly photographs because they are created with ink instead of photo-sensitive emulsion. This doesn't get very far, however, as other ink-based photo printing methodshave enjoyed fine art status for many years. The photogravure process is primarily an ink process, and another old technique enjoying renewed popularity, Bromoil, is a process whereby a temporary silver image is replaced by an ink image.

One of the most important issues is the "archival" question, whether inkjet prints will last as long as properly processed emulsion prints. This is becoming less of an issue, however, as every year sees improvements in the inks and papers and the technology is evolving rapidly. As of this writing the best ink/paper combinations are being rated at well over 100 years under normal display conditions (framed under glass) and over 200 years in dark storage such as albums using acid-free materials (it is also interesting that at the same time, conservationists are discovering that traditional photographs are not lasting as long as had been anticipated. Many of the oldest preserved images, well over the 100 year mark, are fading or deteriorating, even in the best storage conditions).Most of the other issues are aesthetic.

Upon close examination, inkjet prints have a unique look and feel because they are created by placing millions of tiny ink droplets, or "dots" on the paper, and therefore must simulate the continuous tone of emulsion prints. However, given well done prints, at normal viewing distances it is hard to tell them apart. There is a difference, though, which experienced viewers can see, and it is important to note that digital printers do not negate the beauty of a finely crafted silver or platinum print. Their point is that the new prints have their own unique beauty and should be accepted as an equally valid art form.

Some art galleries accept or even encourage ink based prints, while others won't even consider them. There probably always will be people who consider emulsion prints to be superior. Nevertheless, most photographers who try digital printing don't go back to the traditional methods. The general consensus is that it is only a matter of time before critical mass is reached, and they continue to move ahead in their explorations of the new technology. Digital printing is simply another way of printing photographs, and the debate is becoming as pointless as if oil and watercolor painters were to argue which medium is the most valid.

Just as in traditional darkroom printing, a considerable amount of skill and hard work is required to produce a fine art quality ink print. Much of this involves learning to use Photoshop, an extremely complex program. Experienced fine art photographers who have switched to digital printing report that they can make better prints than they ever could with an enlarger. The reason is that with a digital image it is possible to apply controlled contrast and tone adjustments to precisely selected areas with a degree of precision and control not possible using traditional methods.

An important point here is that we are talking about experienced photographers who bring to their digital printing artistic judgments formed by years of experience in the darkroom. They know what a goodprint looks like, and they experience an exhilarating freedom in being able to do things they could previously only dream of. There is a good reason why they don't look back.

A popular myth persists that digital printing is easier, and that little skill is needed. Nothing is further from the truth. Anyone can learn to expose a negative onto paper, put it in the chemicals and make a print, but experienced darkroom practitioners know that many long hours can be spent making a good print, and exacting skills must be learned and mastered. What sets the good printers apart is often their willingness to persevere to a high standard and not accept mediocrity. It is the same with digital printing. My own experience is that I spend more hours working up an image in Photoshop than I ever did with an enlarger.

But the results are worth it and are what inspire me to do it. An entirely new set of skills on the computer must be mastered. It is a lot of work and it is not easy. Once all the image work is done, however, there is an advantage when it comes to the actual production of the prints. Gone are the hours spent toning, washing and drying prints, what Ansel Adams called the "donkey work". Gone also are the breathing of toxic fumes and an aching back. The creative aspect has been expanded, and the drudgery has been reduced.

Technically, switching to digital printing is not necessarily an easy undertaking. While it is no longer as difficult and frustrating as it used to be, there are still some important decisions to make and it can be daunting without some knowledge of the issues. Part 2 of this series will provide an overview of the various considerations, and will hopefully make it easier to choose an appropriate path.

take only pictures, leave only footprints

-ww

Original article courtesy of Clayton Jones

Rock Falls, IL Fine Art Flowers

2007-06-19T14:36:00.000-05:00

Fine Art Flowers, Rock Falls, Illinois

Limited Edition 8 x10 Prints Available

Purchase Button Below

______________________

We could not have asked for a better day to capture some images of the Sauk Valley's finest flora. With temps in the mid 70s and a clear blue sky, all that was needed was a bit of time to prepare for the expedition. What to take?

A camera
Tripod
Map
Filters
Lens Cleaner
Field Guide to Wild Flowers

Okay, so it was a short trip from Dixon to Rock Falls. I didn't need to pack a load of supplies. Plus, I knew where I was going to take my shots and I had a good idea before hand as to what was necessary. All in all it was a fun trip.

Flowers are willing subjects BUT they can be elusive. Wind played a minor factor in capturing the correct composition/framing. Shutter priority on my FinePix S700 along with its SuperMacro setting were up to the task.

I did do some tweaking in post camera on the White flowers. Using Picasa 2 --a Free Download for digital imaging. The yellow-orange day lillies did not need any post production. Of course, my rationale for doing the work in post camera editing was to bring out my "artistic" side. *Smile*

One of my favorite effects is the "focal black and white" that Picasa 2 offers. The white flowers lent themselves to this, and it was fun to do. Yes, fun! At the end of the day, shouldn't that be what creating art is about? As someone more famous than me once said, "Do what you love, the money will follow." I love photographing my surroundings. If you have read this far, I trust you do too.

take only pictures, leave only footprints

-ww

Photographing an overcast or cloudy day

2007-06-18T12:28:00.000-05:00

Cady Grain Barn and Silos, Deer Grove, IL

8x 10 Fine Art prints available for $15

Payment button below

Photographing landscapes, cityscapes, or any images that include an overcast sky can be a daunting task. Northern Illinois is (in)famous for overcast skies. I have even gone so far as giving this color a name...Illinois gray, or grey, if you prefer. But what can we do about it?

Using a neutral density filter can be of service. This filter will reduce the contrast between the sky and your subjects without affecting the colors. A graduated ND filter provides a similar effect but instead of being uniform in color, the color gradually changes from dark to light. This can be beneficial when only wanting to add contrast to a specific (the sky or ground)part of the image.
The color image I took above used a blue graduated filter to accentuate the sky. Another trick used in that pic was saturating the colors in Picasa 2
Post production in your favorite photo editor may be considered "cheating" by some but the effects can rival fine art images or at least bring your personal sense of artistry to the final image.
Shooting in black and white is another option. THat overcast sky won't look so dull when accomplished in monochrome.
One last trick of the trade is to shift your focus from the skies and concentrate on the ground. Overcast days can be wonderful for portraits (no harsh shadows) or macro photography.

Take only pictures, leave only footprints

-ww