Winter Light Show - Madison Square Park

Happy New Year 2018!


It's been a great year. The next one can be even better!

Be true to yourself, keep your eyes and your heart open, and never hesitate to take a shot.

Winter Light Show - Madison Square Park

Wishing you fulfillment, fun, and fabulous photos in 2018!


Camera: Sony a7R II
Lens:     Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2017 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Route 66 - Santa Monica, California

End Of The Trail

Camera: Sony a7R II
Lens:     Sony FE 85mm f/1.8

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2017 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

White Dog Serendipity

Just A Walk In The Park

I was composing the shot and waiting for the people in the background to move out of view, when this person with the blue jeans, red backpack, and a snow white chow-chow walked through my frame. 

Serendipity...

White Dog Serendipity

Camera: Sony a7R II
Lens:     Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2017 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Autumn Portrait

Fall Color As Backdrop

Autumn Portrait - Daniel South Photography

Camera: Sony a7R II
Lens:     Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2017 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com

All Rights Reserved

Santa Monica Pier At Night

Chasing The Light Fantastic

I thought that I had arrived too late to get a worthwhile shot of the pier. By the time that I found a good vantage point, the color had faded from the night sky.

Always take the shot. Good things might happen.

Santa Monica Pier At Night - Daniel South Photography

My favorite part of this photo is the roller coaster car, rendered as a small, orange blur as it crosses the peak of its ramp. 



Camera: Sony a7R II
Lens:     Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2017 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Untitled - Grand Central Station

All The World's A Stage

Sometimes, an image will tell a story. Some images tell many stories at once.

Untitled - Grand Central Station

Camera: Sony A7R II
Lens:     Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2017 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Support the People of Puerto Rico

American Citizens In Crisis

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Puerto Rico, who for nearly two weeks have been fighting for their homes, their lives, and their livelihood in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.

Please Support Hurricane Recovery in Puerto Rico

Our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico, our fellow American citizens, need our help and they need it desperately. Please contribute what you can to reputable relief agencies. Thank you.


Camera: Sony A7R II
Lens:     Sony FE 85mm f/1.8

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2017 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Eclipse 2017 In New York

Solar Spectacle Over The Big Apple

21 August 2017 - 2:43 PM

Protective Eyewear

Viewing The Eclipse Through Boxes

Bike Messengers

Should We Get Back To The Office?

An Intimate Moment - Eclipse 2017 - New York City

Camera: Sony A7R II
Lens:     Sony FE 85mm f/1.8

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2017 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Shopping By Bicycle - Manhattan

Environmentally Friendly Transportation

I was out shooting with my new lens this weekend, trying all sort of subjects and settings. This was the one that inspired the most excitement at the moment of capture. 

My objective when I shoot people in the city is to come away with images that are unique and not easily repeatable. That's why I don't take photos of people chatting on mobile phones or homeless people sleeping on benches. There's nothing unique about those moments.

Shopping By Bicycle - Manhattan

I wedged myself between two parked cars in front of this visually appealing market and photographed a number of cyclists as they rode past in the bike lane. When I caught a glance of this fellow on his recumbent bicycle coming around the corner, I knew that I had an opportunity to capture a memorable shot.


Camera: Sony A7R II
Lens:     Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2017 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Improve Your Selfies

Sidewalk Signage

To take your best selfie, first make sure that you look your best!

Camera: Sony A7R II
Lens:     Sony Sonnar T* FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2017 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Stumble Inn on a Saturday Night

Colorful Cocktails

I'm fascinated by the way the city looks at night, the warm colors, the neon signs, the deep contrast between light and shadow. 

Shots like this require patience. Most of the time, some traffic is passing through the frame. Taxis and other vehicles stand in the way and cause more traffic to bunch up behind them. You can wait through several cycles of the traffic signals without taking a single shot.

Stumble Inn on a Saturday Night

People move through the frame constantly, often in bunches that detract from the aesthetic that you're trying to capture. Eventually, the obstructions move along. When the right circumstances come together all at once, you'll be glad that you ventured out into the night and waited.


Camera: Nikon D810
Lens:     Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II ED

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2017 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

The New Penn Station

Progress Never Sleeps

A lunchtime trip to B&H informed me that the new Penn Station is open - or at least part of it is. (I have yet to explore the interior.) The new station is under the massive Post Office across Eight Avenue from Madison Square Garden.

Entrance to the New Penn Station in New York

I have read that the West Side of Midtown is in the midst of a huge development project. Expect several new buildings to be erected between now and the forecasted completion date of 2025. Each building in the project was designed by a different architect. The diversity of structures should provide a variety of interesting photographic opportunities.

By the way, I bought this lens today, too. I needed a wide-angle lens to photograph the entrance. ;-)


Camera: Sony A7R II
Lens:     Sony Sonnar T* FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2017 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Street Portrait - Love Conquers All

A Face In The Crowd

I met this young lady while photographing the Pride parade. I asked her if I could take her picture. She agreed and asked me to "take a really good one."

A few seconds later this is the image that I had in my camera. I think that it turned out quite well.

Love Conquers All

It's a delightful experience when someone agrees to let you take their photograph. They become a value partner in the creative process. 

Images like this mean more to me than photographs of buildings and sunsets. They represent human interaction, a cooperative effort between the photographer and the subject. When that interaction works, it's a heck of a lot of fun.


Camera: Sony A7RII
Lens:     Sony FE 85mm f/1.8

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2017 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Puerto Rican Day Parade

Un Día Especial en Nueva York

This past Sunday, New York's Puerto Rican Day Parade marched up Fifth Avenue under the bright sun in blazing 90-degree heat. Here is a selection of photos from the parade route.

Enthusiasm

Marching Up Fifth Avenue

Big Cat

Waiting Patiently

His Honor New York Mayor Bill de Blasio

Independence Movement

Having Fun

Beating The Heat - Puerto Rican Day Parade - New York, 2017

Camera: Sony A7R II
Lens:     Sony FE 85mm f/1.8

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2017 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Embrace Of The Cellists - Union Square

Right On The Beat

Special moments happen. We miss a lot of them, but sometimes we react quickly enough to grab a half-decent shot of something memorable, meaningful, and heart warming.

Embrace of the Cellists

Camera: Sony A7R II
Lens:     Sony FE 85mm f/1.8

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2017 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

The Fun and Adventure of Discovery - Post One Hundred

I Love The Smell Of Electrons In The Morning

About five years ago, I decided to start a blog for my photography. I thought that it would be fun to share the back story behind the images - inspiration, location information, and other notes.

True to my Gemini personality, I realized that one blog would not be enough - so I started two! Earth Color Magic focuses on the aesthetics of photography, while this blog, Light Happens, is dedicated to the fun and adventure of discovering new things that we can do with our cameras.

Every month, I try to post at least one photo per blog along with some notes that I hope will enhance the viewer's experience. As of today, Light Happens has reached a milestone! We have reached the 100-post mark!

I even shot some special photos to commemorate the occasion, a fun idea that I've had in mind for a while. I was inspired to do something special for Post One Hundred.

Self-Portrait with Flash (2017)

I Love The Smell Of Electrons In The Morning

I am very proud of these blogs. I feel that they showcase my photography in a fun and informative way, and I count them among my favorite creative works. I look forward to contributing new images each month and am often inspired to try new techniques and locations as the deadline approaches.

I would like to add a special word of thanks to the people who have inspired and encouraged me along the way, and to all who stop by to visit from time to time. Thank yo for supporting my photography and my writing. I look forward to sharing much more with you in the future. Thanks again for being a part of this special creative journey!


Camera: Nikon D810
Lenses:  AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 G
Lighting: 4x Nikon SB-910 speedlights, Profoto B2

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2017 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Manhattan Fire Escape

Iron Meets Light in Black and White

Manhattan Fire Escape

Camera: Nikon D810
Lens:     Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G ED

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2017 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Hearst Building - New York

A Bridge Of Time

The Hearst Building in New York, headquarters of the Hearst publishing empire, is an architectural anomaly with significant sections built in different millennia. 

The concrete and steel base section was completed in 1928. The upper glass tower with triangular framing was completed in 2006.

Hearst Building - New York

I'll admit that the stacked design did not appeal to me initially. The upper and lower sections seemed too different. But over time, I have come to appreciate the aesthetic appeal of the structure in its entirety. Like the business that houses, the Hearst Building successfully bridges two centuries with class and style.


Camera: Nikon D810
Lens:     Nikon PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D ED

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2017 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Shops On Broadway

A row of colorful storefronts in the Chelsea neighborhood.

Shops On Broadway

Camera: Sony A7R II
Lens:     Sony Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2017 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Closed On Sunday

Discover The Pattern

Shops in the city cover their windows with heavy metal gates to prevent theft and damage after hours. I passed by a number of these gates during a casual stroll today. By shooting from an oblique angle, I was able to get the get the lines of the gate to converge in an interesting way. 

Closed On Sunday

(There's no particular magic to this technique. You can get the same effect with a phone camera. Just find some parallel lines and shoot them from an angle. Try it! It's fun!)

The gate was painted in drab, uninteresting gray. I converted the image to black & white to focus attention on the shape of the lines and the texture of the metal. I hope you like the result!


Camera: Sony A7R II
Lens:     Sony Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2017 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Dog, Cigarette, and Baby

Everything's Right When You're Downtown

A friend ran an errand on William Street recently. Afterward, she commented on the intriguing character of downtown neighborhoods. 

I used to work near William Street. I enjoyed walking around with my camera whenever I had the opportunity. The people are more relaxed here than they are in midtown, and there's a lot of visual and architectural variation in a relatively small area.

Dog, Cigarette, and Baby

Photograph your life. Photograph everything, shoot like you mean it, and never throw those images away. You never know which shot is going to mean something to you one day. 

Wishing you great shots and lasting memories!


Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Lenses:  Canon ES 24-105mm f/4L IS

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2017 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

America the Beautiful - Part 1

"Nasty Woman" Edition


"We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

- Thomas Jefferson

Freedom Is Beautiful

Granny Peace Brigade

"Nasty Women" - Protesting and Proud

Rights: Use them or lose them, and NEVER take your FREEDOM for granted. There are plenty of people out there who would love to shut you up. 


Camera: Nikon D810
Lens:     Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G ED

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2017 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Mariachis In The Square

Expect The Unexpected

Mexico is full of surprises. When you're traveling there - really traveling, not sitting on a beach sipping a Corona - keep your camera handy, or you'll miss some amazing photo opportunities.

Marichis In The Square - Mexico City

Take these mariachis, for example. I was walking down a plain looking street in Mexico City one afternoon when I turned the corner and found myself in the midst of upwards of a hundred mariachis congregating in out of the city's larges squares. It was one of those moments when you question what your eyes are telling you.

What were they all doing there? They weren't performing. One of the mariachis told me that they had assembled there that day to work through some sort of labor dispute. I'm not sure if that was the straight story, but it was there story, and I am passing it along to you.

Mexico is full or surprises.


Camera: Nikon D810
Lens:     Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G ED

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2017 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved