In spite of strong wind with gusts up to 30+ mph, the DJI Mini 2 drone was able to capture this Southwest Minnesota corn harvest in action. Manual setting ISO 100/2.8 /1/500. My heart stopped a couple of times when gusts of wind severely tilted the drone but I felt great relief when it quickly recovered. The sky image was captured with a Canon Mark 3 later that same evening. Composite image edited with Photoshop and Topaz.
Passed my drone license test so here we go… DJI drone image featuring the Gary, South Dakota 150th Celebration Fire Fights.
Patiently waiting for summer as I edit on a cold, blustery day.
Tucked away along the northwest side of the small community of Gary, SD (pop. 224) you will find a natural setting that is perfect for hosting the Gary Rodeo.
Just for giggles and kicks, I’ve put together a short compilation of still shots along with a few video clips. Stills were shot with a Canon Mark 3 with a 70-200 lens. Video clips were taken with an older Panasonic Lumix with a 25-400 zoom.
I must say I was underwhelmed with the quality of the Panasonic video footage. I have a lot to learn when it comes to video, especially when capturing action. I am aware of keeping the shutter at double the fps which would put the shutter around 100, but it just seems so counterintuitive as a still photographer. After fiddling with the settings we decided to just leave it at auto and take what we get. It didn’t help that my husband was using his cataract eye so everything looked fuzzy to him. Oh, well. That will improve next week.
I had no plans of creating the final composite product when I shot these images, but sometimes things just develop and ideas flow. Hmmm. What if…?
Three rambunctious boys ride their scooters down my driveway.
Swap images in to add their sister and improve expressions. 
Add a colorful sky scene I captured in the Pyrenees back in 2014 (Looks like the South Dakota hills).
Road dust colored in by using Photoshop brushes and finished it off with Topaz edits.
Final product: The Dusty Sunset Gang!
It takes a little bit of crazy to ride those bulls!
Image captured during the 2017 Gary Rodeo located on the west edge of Gary, South Dakota.
With the 2016 Minnesota State Fair opening today, August 25th, 4-H members that qualify for a state fair trip will be making their way to St. Paul during the next few days filled with anticipation for the “Super Bowl” of the 4-H world. Many hours of creative thinking, problem solving and work have gone into the vast array of projects presented at this level. Why would anyone go through all of that work?
4-H changes lives, helping youth to become confident, mature adults ready to succeed in today’s challenging world. Studies show that youth participating in 4-H do better in school, are more motivated to help others, feel safe to try new things, and develop lasting friendships. ~Cornell University Cooperative Extension
Sounds like a good deal…
“I believe the world is incomprehensibly beautiful — an endless prospect of magic and wonder.”
— Ansel Adams
Give an autumn image a little nudge using Photoshop.
A few adjustments in channel mixer, blending, selective colors and filter photoshop effect.
Another option is using Photoshop to add lens flare for an extra kick.
Enjoy these last days of autumn…
…until that magical first snowfall!
Above is a Photoshop tutorial on creating an autumn effect:
Cinderella blend with HDR.
…but so much more.
Dig deep. Practice makes better, but you will rarely be perfect.
Help set others up to experience success.
You play as a team, but sometimes you may be the one needed to keep the momentum going.
What it takes is all you’ve got.
Be there for each other. Being positive moves us further in life.
We all have our roles to play, focus on what you can control.
Meet opposition and challenge straight on.
Things may not always go your way. Pick yourself up and move on.
Listen. Everyone has something to offer.
Know that you have done something good in the world.
Appreciate your fans. It is an opportunity to bring family and friends together.
Seniors… buckle up, it’s about to get nostalgic. Remember these walls that have soaked up your pain and exhaustion and know that you’ve learned to win and lose with dignity.
Now, take a deep breath and enjoy the ride with Wildcat pride in your hearts…
… while the band plays on.
RJMeyerArts 