Thriving Metropolis of Lemont

FB groupOctober 14th, 2024

I seem to be having trouble adding people by email. Please add me as a friend, then I can add you to the group from a friend request. https://www.facebook.com/donna.stockwell.73/

Facebook GroupOctober 12th, 2024

I’ve created a facebook group Lemont Photowalk. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1732574924167181, and it’s private for all of us. Let me know if you’d like to join! Feel free to share your photos, inspire others, and even plan more walks together. Looking forward to seeing more of your beautiful shots! Let’s keep the fun going!

Thank you!October 5th, 2024

Thank you for joining the photo walk today! It was such a perfect day to be out, and you all made it an inspiring and meaningful experience. I loved the energy and creativity you brought to the group. Please feel free to send me your best 3 photos at donna.stockwell@gmail.com. Looking forward to seeing the photos! Hope to see you next year! Oh, and anyone wishing to do more photowalks, please email me and I’ll keep you updated. Have a great day!

It’s almost time!October 4th, 2024

Tomorrow’s the big day—our downtown Lemont photo walk is finally here! Get your camera ready, make sure everything’s charged, and don’t forget any extra lenses, tripods or other accessories you like to use. and get ready for some fun exploring and capturing the charm of this beautiful town. Can’t wait to see you there!

Only 4 days!October 1st, 2024

Here are some tips to capture romance and timelessness in your photographs:

1. Finding the Best Camera Angle

Low Angles for Grandeur: Shooting from a lower perspective can make buildings or landscapes look more majestic. For example, point your camera upwards towards the sky when photographing old churches or castles.
Framing with Nature: Use trees, archways, or other foreground elements to naturally frame your shot. This can create a more intimate feeling, drawing the viewer’s eye into the scene.
Leading Lines: Identify natural lines like roads, rivers, or fences to guide the viewer’s eye through the image. These lines can add depth and direct attention to a focal point, such as a distant building or a silhouette.
Symmetry and Balance: Romantic and timeless images often feature symmetry or balanced compositions. Pay attention to how different elements (people, buildings, trees) relate to each other within the frame.

2. Noticing Distractions

Scan for Modern Objects: Before you take the shot, check for modern distractions such as cars, signage, electrical wires, or tourists in the frame. A timeless photo avoids items that anchor the scene to the present day.
Focus on Textures and Shapes: Highlight natural elements or worn textures—weathered stone, rusted gates, or tree bark. These create a sense of age and history.
Position Yourself Accordingly: Sometimes, simply shifting your angle can hide distractions. Shooting from above or to the side can block out unwanted elements.

3. Strategies for Removing Unwanted Items with Your Camera

Depth of Field: Use a wide aperture (f/2.8 or wider) to blur out background distractions. This puts the focus on your subject and softens any unwanted modern elements.
Lens Choices: A telephoto lens compresses the background, eliminating distractions from busy backgrounds by blurring them out. On the other hand, a wide-angle lens can be used creatively to capture grand scenes while keeping distractions minimal.
Wait for the Right Moment: Be patient and wait for pedestrians or vehicles to move out of the shot. Sometimes timing is everything.

Oct 5 is fast approaching!September 23rd, 2024

The countdown is on—less than two weeks until the photo walk! Now’s the time to test your gear and pack all the must-haves. Whether it’s your DSLR or your phone, don’t forget your charger, a power bank, and a comfy camera strap. Think about comfortable shoes and maybe even a hat or sunscreen!