One of the things I like about using Photoshop is that if you don't quite capture the perfect shot all the time, there is always something you can do to produce a stunning shot.

Here's one example. The background of this original picture was spoilt by the background lighting. It was too harsh and took away the impact of the subject. So with a little creative cropping I was able to save this picture from the trash can.

I was very happy with the result and the final pose.  

I came across the background here, and thought that it would make a great background for a prtrait shot.

I was very fortunate that I with a group of people and one of them volunteered to be a model. So I just want to thank Celcilia for being my model for this picture.  

I really like this picture. I just love the way the heron is turning it's head. It's almost as if it knows I was taking a shot.

Another shot from my walk around Olympic Park in S E Seoul last weekend.

Here, I cam across the heron in the long grass next to a little lake (probably more of a pond)  - I guess it must be Heron season at the moment. 

Having taken my little boy Barney out for a long walk yesterday (Barney's a Yorkshire Terrier) we went over the Olympic Park, about a 30 minute walk from my house.

While there I was so lucky to find a beautiufl blue sky and the greens of the vegitation and trees just really popped out at me.

It feels so "tranquil"  

A rather funny story to be told here.

I have lived near Seokchon Lake in SE Seoul for nearly 6 years now, and in that time I have never seen anything other than ducks and geese on or near the lake.

While jogging round the lake yeserday I was shocked to find this fantastic Heron just sitting at the top of the lake. Immediately a debate started in my head. Should I run home and get my camera (thus ending my badly needed jog) or should I carry on running in the hope that one day the heron would come back. Within 5 minutes the camera idea won and I sprinted home to grab my camera. Fortunately I keep my camera fully charged, so I quickly changed lenses and ran back to the top of the lake (about 10 minutes running from my house)

Fortunately, when I got back the heron was still there, and with my heart rate running round my body at about 150 b/Min I started shooting.

I was not entirely happy with the result. Using a big zoom lens (75mm to 300mm) fully extended, there was quite a bit of camera shake. I did not have time to get the tripod. But all in all I think this picture captured the moment, and just in case I do not see another herron there for another 6 years, I am happy with the result ^^  

Here's a picture of my Korean teacher - once again taken at a party, although I must point out that this party did not have a focus on drinking, beer was just accidently there ^^

But the serious point here, is that no matter where you are, and no matter what you are doing - just having your camera with you gives you some amazing opportunities to capture some wonderful pictures.  

Here's another shot taken at the same drunken photo shoot as yesterday's post.

I don't condone drinking and doing a serious photo shoot, but what I do find is that the models' expressions are much more natural and relaxed.  

Once again an opportunty arose from a night out drinking ... oh the demon drink does seem to produce some startling results.

Here's a picture of one of my colleagues taken towards the end of a welcome party for a new member of staff. Brent, the model's name, asked me to create a picture for his Facebook profile. - The results were this picture and the one to follow next time.

Here's a picture of my wife taken while the Cherry Blossom was out in full bloom.

Just wanted to share the beauty of Spring with you all (and of course my wife :-)