Name: Patrick Cornelissen
Hometown: Salem
Description: “During the blizzard a few weeks ago, I went out to take some pictures around town. Often, the Friendship provides a nice backdrop for photos, so I was taking photos of the ship when my eye caught the gulls, who, for once, seemed too cold to be bothered to fly away. I dropped down on my knees and brought the camera down to their level to take this picture. To my surprise, they didn’t seem to care, even though I was only 4 feet away when I took this shot. All they could do was stare at me, which I wish they would do more often.
“As an amateur photographer, I enjoy the simplicity and beauty of everyday life that is around us and try to capture these moments in time. Living in Salem allows me to draw from the immense diversity the city has to offer: from marine life to urban architecture, from Halloween madness to landscape serenity; it’s all here in Salem.
Camera info: Nikon D90, 18-55 mm lens, 1/4000 at f8
PHOTO STAFF CRITIQUE
“The photographer got in close and used a low camera angle during adverse weather conditions to get an unusual shot with nice composition. Sea gulls resting on the wharf near the Friendship during a snowstorm are lined up like ducks in a row, almost waiting for a wandering photographer to take their photo. It’s great that the photographer braved the weather and ventured out into the blizzard to search for images and found this different photo.
“Photographers sometimes feel they are taking a risk of ruining their camera gear in adverse weather conditions. Covering the camera temporarily under a coat and using a camera bag or even a plastic bag will allow you to take photos in some pretty nasty weather. They even sell raincoats for cameras and lenses.
“A lens hood is a nice accessory that will help keep the elements off the front of the lens, plus it can shield stray light that can show up as flare under certain other conditions. The hood also takes the brunt of the impact if you accidentally ding a doorway with your camera’s lens. Some photographers use a 1A or UV filter on the front of their lenses to protect the front of the lens from elements, scratches and fingerprints.
“You may want to carry a clean, extra-soft cloth to wipe raindrops or snow off the front of the lens when the wind drives the rain or snow sideways.”
