6 Things I (re)learned while doing a midday Photowalk

6 Things I learned while on the Nisantasi Photowalk with the Istanbul Photoclub.

1. never trust your camera screen, if it looks light at all on a sunny day it'll be blown out on the computer.

2. If it's a sunny day don't even think about shooting under a 100 shutter speed. Scratch that, don't shoot under 200. (It's been a while since I've shot during the 'hot' part of the day).

3. People really don't mind having their photo taken if you first smile at them and treat them as more than just a subject.

4. If you want to make a dress or anything creative with GORGEOUS fabrics, go to Nisantasi.

5. (something I already knew) Bring an all-purpose lens or just try to stick to one lens while doing a photowalk so you aren't trying to constantly change. 18-135mm or something that gives you a nice range of wide angle-prime-zoom is best.

6. When shooting during the harsh daylight, try to expose for the sky a bit and you can lighten up the foreground with photoshop.

Good Luck today to all participants in  Scott Kelby's Worldwide Photowalk.  Have a blast!

*Photos to be added soon

Joshua Sterrett Photography

Golden Birthday Reflections

In two days it will be my golden birthday. A golden birthday is the day you turn the age of the date of your birthday. My birthday is July 28th and I'll be turning 28. To some this is no big deal, especially if they were born at the beginning of a month. In fact it's probably not a big deal but it's always nice to find a reason to celebrate good things. Right? 

It's amazing that one year ago today I had perhaps $20 left to my name and I was in Poland. In fact I think this is the day that I made a run for it from this house after things went awry when some guy that was staying there as a guest (of another person who was traveling to their home in France) decided he wanted a key (which I was told not to give him while my friend was traveling) and when I refused he went to the managers of the building and while he was on the phone to them I made a run for it! With my 20+ kilo bag I snuck out the front door, went out the back and ran

Keep in mind if you are fasting for Ramadan

Wishing all of my Muslim friends from around the world a safe, blessed Ramadan. This year will be especially difficult with the weather so please take precautions to keep your body cool by way of wet cloths, and keep a check on tempers. Understand that all of your sisters and brothers are doing this with you, keep your mind to task and realize you are not doing this for yourself alone but also for the Love of your God. To show that you are humble to all around the world that have little to nothing to eat or drink everyday 365 days a year. Above all, remember that when you are feeling your weakest your doing one of the greatest duties you can do for Allah.  Assallamualaykum and all.


RAMADAN MUBAREK
RAMADAN KARIM