BLOG CLOSED - Head over to my website

I'm abandoning this blog and moving it over to my official website at www.MoserPhotoworks.com

Hope to see you there.

Holiday Bokeh

Holiday Bokeh, a photo by Matt Moser ll Moserphotoworks.com on Flickr.

Every year around this time, I continue to count the days til spring. For myself, hibernation seems like the best outlet from the painfully cold air, but I can't help myself when it comes to holiday Christmas lights. Yes, the holiday season is probably my least favorite (sadly I think I outgrown it) out of the year, but I try to find some joy and happiness when I see the twinkling shades of bokehness outside my front door.

Happy Holidays everyone.

Camera: Nikon D90
Shutter: 1/320th sec
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 105mm
ISO: 800
_______________________________________________________________________

>>Visit my official site Matt Moser ll Photography for more information about me and my personal favorites.
>>Visit my blog Matt Moser ll Photoworks (Blog) to get an in-depth look at new photos and also a behind the scenes look on how I create my images.

Stranger 27 - Martin

Stranger 27 - Martin, a photo by Matt Moser ll Moserphotoworks.com on Flickr.

October 30, 2011
The cold, brisk air is approaching the area and I knew I would only have a few more strangers to photograph before they go into hibernation this winter. I wasn’t having too much luck finding anyone interesting. Tried to chase down a guy on a 3-wheeled bicycle wearing a cowboy hat, but I looked pretty ridiculous trying to keep up. Finally decided to wait it out and stay put in one place. Usually that works out better for me.

Everyone, please meet Martin.

I saw this guy the day before sitting on the bench relaxing while puffing a few cigarettes and never really got the courage to ask him for a photograph. So the next day, he was in the exact same spot in town and I knew this was a sign. When I asked him, he simply replied,

“A photograph? What’s this for?”

As I went into more details, he came around and didn’t have a problem.

“100 Strangers? That sounds like a weird thing to do.” He replied, while I was firing off some shots.

Weird or not, I loved his grungy facial features. Tried to stir up a convo with him, but Martin was a man of few words.

Thank you for your time, Martin. Since you don’t surf the web, you really won’t be able to enjoy this photograph, but if I stubble across you in the streets, I may just bring you a print.

This picture is #27 in my project of 100 Strangers.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers in our 100 Strangers-Group or at www.100Strangers.com

Camera: Nikon D90
Shutter: 1/1,000th sec
Aperture: f/3.5
Focal Length: 105mm
ISO: 200
_______________________________________________________________________

>>Visit my official site Matt Moser ll Photography for more information about me and my personal favorites.

Triptych - Hayden

Triptych - Hayden, a photo by Matt Moser ll Moserphotoworks.com on Flickr.

Before I get into the shot, I have to give thanks to Flickr member, "theblackstar" for coming up with a great idea to shoot a portrait. I don't know if he actually came up with the idea, but he's the man when it comes to this unique art form. Just look at his photostream and I guarantee it will put a new creative twist to photography. Here's the link to his photostream - theblackstar.

This is shot #9 in my series. These shots will be a continuous of many monthly shots to showcase the changes in a child. I hope you enjoy. To see the timeline, check out my "Stages of a Child" set.
--------------
Hayden 11.5 months old.

Now back to the image above. Since the little guy has a birthday in a few weeks and is full blown walking, I thought this deserved a new concept to display his awesome feat. I wanted to do this triptych, but knew I couldn't get him to stand still for more than 2 seconds (he's a little explorer).

Well, the neighbor man was starting up his lawn mower across the street and this immediately got his attention. Stood there for a full 30 seconds! I quickly hunkered down on the ground and started firing off multiple shots as fast as I could. Thanks bud!

Camera: Nikon D90
Focal Length: 50mm
ISO: 400
_______________________________________________________________________

>>Visit my official site Matt Moser ll Photography for more information about me and my personal favorites.
to get an in-depth look at new photos and also a behind the scenes look on how I create my images.

Grandfather 2

Grandfather 2, a photo by Matt Moser ll Moserphotoworks.com on Flickr.

Last year, I decided to take my camera gear up to my grandpa's store to get his photograph for a memento for years to come. All the knowledge I gathered from then til now has grown substantially. So it was time to put it to good use, while strapping on a better quality lens.

I set-up this shot with the SB-700 and a Wescott 43" shoot through umbrella @ 1/13 power, camera left using Nikon's CLS.

If you didn't noticed my last photograph of him, here's the link. --->Grandfather 1.

Camera: Nikon D90
Shutter: 1/60th sec
Aperture: f/3.5
Focal Length: 105mm
ISO: 400
_______________________________________________________________________

>>Visit my official site Matt Moser ll Photography for more information about me and my personal favorites.
>>Visit my blog Matt Moser ll Photoworks (Blog) to get an in-depth look at new photos and also a behind the scenes look on how I create my images.

Stranger 23 - Earp

Stranger 23 - Earp, a photo by Matt Moser ll Moserphotoworks.com on Flickr.

September 3, 2011
I was out in the square again, bathing in the heat, just enjoy the sites. And of course, looking for new strangers to photograph.

I glanced over across the street at the local cafe shop and noticed this guy with his daughter sipping coffee and some pastries. I didn't want to be rude and interrupt someone's lunch, wandered around until the timing was right. Waited too long and the guy and the little girl vanished.

Maybe about an hour later, I heard a melody I recognized from around the corner and found this guy strumming his guitar on the street.

Everyone, please meet Earp.

As we started to chat, I asked him if he had any musical inspirations. He said that Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, The Doors, and my favorite band, Metallica were some of his favorites to play.

Earp eventually would like to start up a band, but probably would like to do it somewhere other than Ohio. Told me Ohio sucks and would like to relocate somewhere with more artists.

When I asked him if I could photograph him for my project, he simply responded,

"Man, your like the third person who wants my photograph."

I chuckled, but he had no problem at all. Stood him in front of the cafe window and fired off about 10 frames.

Thanks Earp for being part of the project. Good luck with the music career and hope it brings you success.

This picture is #23 in my project of 100 Strangers.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers in our 100 Strangers-Group or at www.100Strangers.com

Camera: Nikon D90
Shutter: 1/320th sec
Aperture: f/3.2
Focal Length: 105mm
ISO: 200
_______________________________________________________________________

>>Visit my official site Matt Moser ll Photography for more information about me and my personal favorites.
>>Visit my blog Matt Moser ll Photoworks (Blog) to get an in-depth look at new photos and also a behind the scenes look on how I create my images.

Stranger 21 - Sara

Stranger 21 - Sara, a photo by Matt Moser ll Moserphotoworks.com on Flickr.

August 26, 2011
Back at the stranger project at the square, I stepped over to ask this young woman for her photograph and right away she accepted.

Everyone, please meet Sara.

When I told her about the "100 Strangers" project she immediately knew what it was all about and thought it was a great project. She seen other photographs, including mine online and gave me some direction on some interesting folks to add next to the project.

As my previous stranger, Shelly, she was out with her close friends along with her son (who I forgot to ask his name). The moment I whipped out my camera, he immediately was amazed by my piece of equipment that he hurried by his mother's side to get noticed in front of the lens. Cute, energetic, and funny guy if I must say.

Thanks a bunch Sara! Please enjoy your image and the awesome pic of you and your son together. If you happen to cross by this page, I would be more than happy to send you the pic.

This picture is #21 in my project of 100 Strangers.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers in our 100 Strangers-Group or at www.100Strangers.com

Camera: Nikon D90
Shutter: 1/2,500th sec
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 55mm
ISO: 200
_______________________________________________________________________

>>Visit my official site Matt Moser ll Photography for more information about me and my personal favorites.

-Matt

Stranger 20 - Shelly

Stranger 20 - Shelly, a photo by Matt Moser ll Moserphotoworks.com on Flickr.

August 26, 2011
Oh boy, yet again, it's been a busy couple of weeks for me. Helping my girlfriend and her parents move, working, and setting up more clientele. Since I had another senior portrait shoot this weekend, I went ahead and rented Nikon's 17-55mm f/ 2.8 lens from the guys at LensProToGo and gave it a test run on some of my strangers.

I was down in the city square on my day off of work and saw so many people out-and-about. I never seen this place busy from the last couple of months. I knew it was going to be a great day. As I sat on the bench seeking my selection, I seen a group of young women pass behind me to relax. This is when I decided to get up and introduce myself.

Please meet Sally!

Sally just finished lunch with her good friends and immediately agreed to be photographed. Her eyes are what drew me into taking this photo of her. Didn't realize I was down to 1 art card left, she had no problem sharing it with her good friends to check out my work.

Thanks so much for being part of the project Sally and hope you enjoy the image.

This picture is #20 in my project of 100 Strangers.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers in our 100 Strangers-Group or at www.100Strangers.com

Camera: Nikon D90
Shutter: 1/640th sec
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 55mm
ISO: 200
_______________________________________________________________________

>>Visit my NEW official site Matt Moser ll Photography for more information about me and my personal favorites.

-Matt

Stranger 19 - Jim

Stranger 19 - Jim, a photo by Matt Moser ll Moserphotoworks.com on Flickr.

August 9, 2011
If you remembered my previous stranger Charlotte, then you'll know that her significant other was sitting right next to her on the bench.

Everyone, please meet Jim.

When I approached him about getting his photograph, he chuckled and said,

"Why don't I go out and wade in the water. Will that work?"

I was able to snap off several frames of Jim. I even got a great photo of Jim and Charlotte on the bench together.

Best of luck Jim and enjoy the image. I hope you both the best.

This picture is #19 in my project of 100 Strangers.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers in our 100 Strangers-Group or at www.100Strangers.com

Camera: Nikon D90
Shutter: 1/250th sec
Aperture: f/3.2
Focal Length: 105mm
ISO: 200
_____________________________________________________________________

>>Visit my NEW official site Matt Moser ll Photography for more information about me and my personal favorites.
>>Visit my blog Matt Moser ll Photoworks (Blog) to get an in-depth look at new photos and also a behind the scenes look on how I create my images.

Stranger 18 - Charlotte

Stranger 18 - Charlotte, a photo by Matt Moser ll Moserphotoworks.com on Flickr.

August 9, 2011
Today was an awesome day to head down to the lake. Not to hot, nor chilly.People were all around, enjoying the scenary, jogging, fishing and just shooting the breeze.

I saw a couple sitting in front of the lake relaxing with their pet dog and enjoy one's company. I waited for the timing to be right until I saw this woman whip out her camera to take a snap shot of her husband.

Everyone, please meet Charlotte!

The initial plan to get her photograph for my project was to ask her if I could take a group shot with Charlotte and her husband. She immediately agreed and things went smoothly on out.

Today was a very special day for Charlotte. Today was her birthday and the couple were getting ready to celebrate their 47th anniversity. They were planning a special trip to a Lake Owasco (I think this is the lake she mentioned) in New York and then meet up with J-E-L-L-O man, Bill Cosby. She explained how her daughter is a designer and photographer and finished a trip which included taking 80,000 photos, so we immediately had some great interests.

Thanks so much Charlotte for your time and a great photograph. Happy Birthday and have a great time with all the celebrations!

This picture is #18 in my project of 100 Strangers.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers in our 100 Strangers-Group or at www.100Strangers.com

Camera: Nikon D90
Shutter: 1/200th sec
Aperture: f/3.2
Focal Length: 105mm
ISO: 200
_____________________________________________________________________

>>Visit my NEW official site Matt Moser ll Photography for more information about me and my personal favorites.
>>Visit my blog Matt Moser ll Photoworks (Blog) to get an in-depth look at new photos and also a behind the scenes look on how I create my images.

Stranger 17 - Gary

Stranger 17 - Gary, a photo by Matt Moser ll Moserphotoworks.com on Flickr.

August 1, 2011
The last month has been crazy and the "100 Strangers" project was at a stand-still until I was able to get caught up with other obligations. I didn't want to put if off for too long, for I was afraid I may fall back into old habits. I buckled down and caught right up.

I ventured out to the local lake after work to start up the project. The goal in mind was to look for a female subject since my last few were males. Unfortunately, I realized you can't control everything. I just finished parking my car and got my camera ready when I saw this gentleman walking back to his vehicle.

Everyone, please meet Gary.

Right towards the start, he asked me what camera I have. So we both indulged in our passion for photography. Gary is 70 years old and loves taking photos of vintage cars, classic airplanes and landscapes. He currently is using his new Canon Rebel T2i that he got from Best Buy and was telling me he had to return his lens because his autofocus was giving him trouble. Gary currently takes photos for his website he works with and loves to shoot during the "golden hour" of the day.

As we chatted, I started to tell him about the programs I use to process and he is very knowledgeable for his age on the latest technology out there. I was surprised. I gave him some pointers on my camera and how I shoot and he told me some key features on his new Canon.

Thanks Gary for leading me into your world of photography. Please enjoy the photo and I'll be e-mailing you your image.

This picture is #17 in my project of 100 Strangers.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers in our 100 Strangers-Group or at www.100Strangers.com

Camera: Nikon D90
Shutter: 1/800th sec
Aperture: f/3.2
Focal Length: 105mm
ISO: 200
_______________________________________________________________________________

>>Visit my NEW official site Matt Moser ll Photography for more information about me and my personal favorites.
>>Visit my blog Matt Moser ll Photoworks (Blog) to get an in-depth look at new photos and also a behind the scenes look on how I create my images.

Mikey

Couple weeks back, I got selected to shoot some senior portraits down in the country. The evening was warm & beautiful. I was working with two talents. The guy pictured, named Mikey and his close counsin Jessica. Mikey reminded me of myself during the late high school years. We both hated getting our pictures taken. So we connected great at the start.

How I Got This Shot:
All I used to get this shot was my SB-700 and shoot-through umbrella pointed slightly to the front-left of Mikey. CLS from my D90.

Camera: Nikon D90
Shutter: 1/125th sec
Aperture: f/4.5
Focal Length: 105mm
ISO: 200

-Matt

My new niece, Janessa was born last week and my brother invited me over to get some newborn shots.

How I Got This Shot:
Kids can be difficult to work with but when you got a newborn, thing are a little bit easier. And more delicate. Ha ha! I laid my niece down on the table...carefully trying not to disturb her.  Shot my SB-700 slightly straight up towards the ceiling with my 50mm prime f/1.8 lens. I kinda over-exposed the flash for a more dreamy effect.

Camera: Nikon D90
Shutter: 1/80th sec
Aperture: f/4
Focal Length: 50mm
ISO: 500

-Matt

Stranger 16 - Adam

June 26, 2011
I was sitting on a bench in front of a shop, catching my breath looking for interesting subjects for my stranger project. I heard a voice to my left as a gentleman was help moving in material for a business.

"You shooting something artistic or just shooting." He said.

I told him I was working on a photography project and went into the routine. He agreed with a big smile on his face. I asked him if I could shoot him in front of a nearby brick wall.

"If it's ok with you, I have a great idea. I work at a new butcher shop here in town and thought it'd be cool to shoot me in front of some hanging meats in my cooler."

I opened up with a huge grin and said, "Hell yeah, man!"

Everyone, please meet Adam.

The new shop is called "Spoon Market Butcher Shop" and when I stepped foot inside, it looked awesome. The environment was really relax and fun. It was like a mini cafe/butcher shop all in one. Really unique.

I went to the back room near the cooler and told Adam to stand in front of the hanging meats. The cooler was really small, so I was practically molded into the wall behind. Adam was probably the coolest, laid-back guy I met. Always a smile and great personality.

Thanks so much Adam for the great hook-up and experience. You have my card and hope you enjoy the photo. Cheers!

This picture is #16 in my project of 100 Strangers.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers in our 100 Strangers Group on Flickr or at 100Strangers.com

Camera: Nikon D90
Shutter: 1/200th sec
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 105mm
ISO: 1250
_____________________________________________________________________

>>>Visit my official site Matt Moser ll Photography for more information about me and my personal favorites.

Stranger 15 - Ron

June 18th, 2011
If you remember my previous stranger, Stacy, this is her partner in crime.

Everyone, please meet Rob.

Rob had a great character about himself. A real jokester. He was more than eager to be part of the 100 Strangers project. Before I snapped his photo, he warned me my lens may break. Haha! Not the first time I read that expression.

I was really disappointed I didn't get to chat longer with Ron, considering the circumstance we were in. One thing I'll remember is not to take a stranger's photograph at the corner of a busy intersection. Too many things going on at one time. It was pretty crazy.

Well Ron, I'm sorry about the dilemma at the light, but I hope you find this photo and reflect on this moment. Stacy has my card. Cheers!


This picture is #15 in my project of 100 Strangers.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers in our 100 Strangers-Group or at www.100Strangers.com


Camera: Nikon D90
Shutter: 1/125th sec
Aperture: f/4.5
Focal Length: 105mm
ISO: 320
_____________________________________________________________________

>>Visit my official site Matt Moser ll Photography for more information about me and my personal favorites.

-Matt

The Pink "Saver"

This little pink box that fits around the diabetic's waste, is to feed insulin to the body to bring blood sugars down. How you say does it get there? My girlfriend has to constantly shove a new needle in her stomach every few days to keep the supply and keep her alive. The life line most type 1 diabetics rely on.

How I Got This Shot:
The equipment used for this was a light stand with a 43" white shoot-through umbrella, 50mm 1.8 lens and my D90. A Nikon SB-700 flash was placed front left. I moved it in relatively close to her for a soft finish. Used Nikon's CLS to remote the flash using my pop-up flash on my D90. If I remember, I was around 1/60th of the power on this particular shot. I was experimenting with different levels throughout the shoot.

I know I told you I would shoot some pics of the on-shoot location to see the setup, but I forgot this time around and will try to get you all a closer look next time.

Thanks everyone!

Camera: Nikon D90
Shutter: 1/50th sec
Aperture: f/4.5
Focal Length: 50mm
ISO: 400
_____________________________________________________________________

>>>Visit my official site Matt Moser ll Photoworks for more information about me and my personal favorites.

-Matt

Stranger 14 - Stacy

June 18th, 2011

Sitting on a bench, numerous people were out enjoying the spring evening when a couple walked past me wanted to know if anything was going on tonight. I looked at them with no answer and they continued walking. Then it hit me. I had a camera in my hand and didn't even asked if they wanted to be photographed. I got up a few minutes later and saw them some distance ahead of me. I tried to hurry up towards them without making myself looked like a fool. I lost them around the corner and noticed them exiting out of a gas station for some refreshments. I immediately crossed the street to asked them both ASAP.

Everyone, please meet Stacy.

Stacy was out enjoying a walk with her partner. The moment I snapped this photo, there were a few young teenagers poking their heads out of the car at a red light yelling,

"Hey! I want my photo taken. Don't forget to smile." 

Stacy cracked up laughing and that's when I got a perfect genuine smile from her.

Thank you Stacy for the photo, I hope I didn't make you uncomfortable with all those people looking at us on the street corner. Haha!

This picture is #14 in my project of 100 Strangers.

Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers in our 100 Strangers-Group or at www.100Strangers.com

Camera: Nikon D90

Shutter: 1/320th sec

Aperture: f/4.5

Focal Length: 105mm

ISO: 320

_____________________________________________________________________

>>Visit my official site Matt Moser ll Photography for more information about me and my personal favorites.

-Matt

Getting "Hi-Rez" Prints

If you're looking to turn that outstanding photograph you took into physical form, I'll show you a few pointers to achieve maximum print quality when you send for output.

Before I get into the process, you need to understand DPI in the printing industry. DPI stands for "Dots Per Inch". Standard web is at 72 DPI or pixels to be technical. Looks great on screen, but will look horrible on paper. Why you ask? Quite simple. The more dots in a tiny space, more detail is printed. That's why when making your prints, you should try to achieve at least 300 DPI.

"pixels/inch" is your DPI, which needs to be 300.

 You can change the resolution very easily in Photoshop. Open your image and click on Image --> Image Size in the drop down list. At the bottom of the dialog box, uncheck Resample Image. Now, beside Resolution, type in 300. Re-check the Resample Image box and press ok. Just be warned that when you increase the resolution, your going to decrease the total image size, but more information is needed to print. I know it sounds a bit confusing, but it will work. Promise.

-Matt

Stranger 13 - Ameir

June 6th, 2011
I was over at my parents house visiting when I saw my step-dad talking to our neighbor across the street. I seen this guy multiple times before mowing and watching his kids outside, but never really introduced myself. Silly mistake for not introducing myself long before.

Everyone, please meet Ameir.

Ameir had a accent I currently couldn't really pick up. Asked him where he hailed from and found out he is originally from Tanzania, Africa. He's been living in the U.S. for about 14 years and soon will become an American citizen. Asked him how he likes it here in America and told me it is very nice. Ameir is a welder by trade who can also do many other jobs. A handy-man to be precise. He finds great pleasure in the annoying things we Americans do to maintain our homes.

Ameir was soft-spoken on our chat, but he actually taught me some great life lessons to live by. I felt some weight lifted off my shoulders. Wow, the power of great wisdom.

As I handed over my art card to him, I asked him if I could take his photograph for my stranger project. He wanted to know more about it and how it was going to benefit me. Told him it was a new project to help myself get more comfortable with new people and heighten my photojournalism skills. He happily agreed. After my little shoot and chat, I took a few snapshots of his daughter, who is five, but won't post them here without permission.

Thank you Ameir! You certainly provided a new outlook on life and I truly hope you enjoy the photograph. Please e-mail if you like to receive a portrait of your daughter I taken.

This picture is #13 in my project of 100 Strangers.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers in our href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/">100 Strangers-Group or at href="http://www.100strangers.com/" rel="nofollow">www.100Strangers.com

Camera: Nikon D90
Shutter: 1/640th sec
Aperture: f/4
Focal Length: 50mm
ISO: 400
_____________________________________________________________________

>>Visit my official site href="http://www.moserphotoworks.com/" rel="nofollow">Matt Moser ll Photography for more information about me and my personal favorites.

-Matt

Stranger 12 - Dennis

May 7th, 2011
Back at the Civil War Encampment, there were many volunteers dressed up in several different characters from the Civil War. I saw this soldier talking to a local photographer, so I couldn't grab his attention at the moment. As I was leaving the event, I got to take his photo and asked if he would join my strangers project.

Everyone, please meet Dennis.

Dennis was dressed up as a Union soldier from the Union Army. I didn't find out too much about Dennis, but he travels around the area teaching locals about America's history.

A Union soldier typically was a farmer in his early 20's who ended up drafted during the war, unless he paid $300.00 and was considered "exempt". Their uniforms were dark navy blue and made out of thick layers of wool. The Union Army not only had better looking uniforms than the south, but their weaponry were far advanced thanks to the British.

Since I took this in the early stages of the project, I wished I had the courage to have a more of a chat with Dennis.  

Thanks Dennis and great uniform! I hope you enjoy the photo!

This picture is #12 in my project of 100 Strangers.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers in our href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/">100 Strangers-Group or at href="http://www.100strangers.com/" rel="nofollow">www.100Strangers.com

Camera: Nikon D90
Shutter: 1/1,000th sec
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 105mm
ISO: 640
_____________________________________________________________________

>>Visit my official site href="http://www.moserphotoworks.com/" rel="nofollow">Matt Moser ll Photography for more information about me and my personal favorites.

-Matt