Michael Wittenbrink is an advanced amateur photographer. He is a graduate of Central Washington University, where he studied Business Administration/Finance, Political Science, and Economics. His favorite type of photography is landscapes, especially waterfalls. Michael does his best to bring a unique and quality eye to the pictures he takes.
Friday, December 31, 2010
End of 2010
Hi Everyone,
I hope you all had a wonderful 2010! If not, I hope your 2011 is better than this last year.
My resolution for this coming year is to continue to do my best in all my endeavors. Most people think that if they make a resolution, their lives will change instantly. But most of the time this does not happen, so I think that it is more realistic to just do your best and try to continue to make the small changes a person needs on a daily basis.
Here is a recent picture of Lund's Gulch on the Meadowdale Beach Trail in Lynnwood. I would love to take more waterfall and stream pictures in 2011, as they are my favorite shots to take.
Have a Safe and Happy New Year everyone!!!!!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
End of Fall Quarter
Well it has literally been a school quarter since I've posted. But I thought it would be nice to share some new pictures as well as some new insights.
Since my last post, I entered into the WA State Photographers Exhibition, where I won two Judges Choice awards for both my Solitary Post photo, as well as my Ghost Station picture. So that was exciting to actually win some awards for my work.
Also, during the last quarter, I decided to add Political Science as my second major, as well as get more involved on campus.
The picture I have tonight is of the Columbia River, which also led me to call it the "Mighty Columbia". It is one of my new favorite shots, and I managed to sell a framed print of it at this year's Ware Fair. The shot is a 3 shot HDR processed in Photomatix. The shot was taken just outside of Vantage, Washington where the old Vantage Highway crossed the Columbia. It is a magical place, and I look forward to taken more shots of the majestic river before I graduate. Enjoy!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Mt. Rainier
Hi All!
My Mom and I enjoyed a nice trip to Mt. Rainier Wednesday. Tonight's picture will be of the beautiful mountain.
Next week I'm looking forward to a nice couple of days of camping with my beautiful Fiancee. We'll do a lot of hiking, and I will take lots of photos. I'm hoping to come back with some excellent shots! Look forward to them in my next post.
I hope everyone has an excellent week!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Concerned Citizen
Hi All
I love politics, yet I try and not impose my thoughts on the subject that often.
The New York mosque controversy has me worried though. We are a country that is built of different cultures and religions, yet far too often we would rather disassociate from each other rather than embrace each other. Even though the argument can be made that if the 'controversial' mosque was built elsewhere it would not receive as much attention, they still have the right to build it because they are guaranteed that right under the Constitution. My next point is that although 'Islmaphobes'believe that Muslims represent what caused 9/11, they are in fact not the cause. Extremism is the cause. All religions have extremists in their midst. Christianity for example have Neo-Nazi's as well as the KKK. Yet we do not punish all Christians for this. Just like we should not continue to punish Muslim-Americans and Muslims elsewhere in the world. What happened on 9/11 also was an attack on Islam itself, both in American and in the World. The events from that devastating day have caused people everywhere to stereotype all peoples of Arab descent as being terrorists. Plus, it has given past administrations the gumption to attack nations in the middle east, thus leading to the killings of hundreds of thousands of innocent Muslims.
Ultimately I worry about the effects of the few they have on the many. Us, being the Human species, needs to begin to be more embracing of all people; and not allow the few extremists to run our lives, and ruin it for the rest of us.
Ok, now that my rant is over. Here is a nice picture to get your mind off of what I just talked about.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Tac
Saturday, July 31, 2010
To New Beginnings!
Hi All!
I have returned from my hiatus. I will see how often I can make new posts, but seeing as I have plenty of new material, there should be no problem getting posts up fairly regularly.
Well a quick run down of what has happened over the past couple of months: finished Spring quarter, started Summer quarter, and got engaged!!! Plus everything in between, but that's too much to go into tonight. The one thing you all should know is that I did get my photo Red, Green, Blue into the Edmonds Art Festival. I didn't win anything, but it was nice since it was the first time I've gotten my photography into that festival.
For tonight's photo, I have a recent picture picture from Richmond Beach in Shoreline. It's a 3 shot HDR. I entered it into the Washington State Photographer's Contest. Hope it gets in. Thanks for viewing!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Nice Weekend
Hi All
I had a nice weekend. I was able to go see Iron Man 2 with my Dad for his birthday. Then for Mother's day, I made my mom some breakfast, we went for a hike, and helped weed the yard. Also on Sunday, Stephanie and I had the privilege of seeing David Sedaris at Benaroya Hall in Seattle. Overall, I had a nice weekend.
Mr. Sedaris as well as other humorist/realist writers have inspired me to write. Yet I never felt like I had the natural talent to do so. All I can think to do is to practice, and perhaps take it one step at a time. So from time to time I plan on sharing a short story with you all.
Here's a nice picture for you on this rainy Monday.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
The March
Hi All!
Was able to shoot some Graduation photos for my friend today. The pictures turned out great. I'll post one tomorrow with the normal picture.
I'm definitely looking forward to a nice weekend starting tomorrow. Friday is my Dad's birthday and Sunday is Mothers day. Plus, I have the opportunity to see my favorite author David Sedaris with my lovely girlfriend on Sunday as well.
Here's tonight's picture from the Tulip festival. Going to try and get something new to post over the weekend.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
It's Always Sunny In Ellensburg
Hi All!
Well the test went well for those who are interested. Should have my grade in by Thursday hopefully.
(I probably should try and formulate something to say in advance before writing my blog. But since only a few people read this, I don't feel that bad about it. It's kinda like how NPR jokes about how no one listens to their shows.)
Enjoy tonight's picture!
Monday, May 3, 2010
We're Back Again
Hi All!
More and more it is looking like I've been missing post days.
It's harder than it looks to remember to post a blog everyday.
Tomorrow I have a big Finance test. I feel better prepared this quarter than I did when I was taking my Finance 370 class, but at the same time I realize the vast amount of knowledge I need to know. So ultimately, I guess whatever happens, happens. What I need to do is take my time, and pay attention to the details.
Here's a nice picture from the Tulip festival. Enjoy!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Night Before
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Blarg
Hi All!
Sorry for the inconsistent posts. A little stressed with two Finance tests coming up.
I'm thinking I need to expand my posts from just photography to many different topics. It'll allow me to add some more substance to my blogs.
On that note, corporate finance is definitely becoming less and less appealing to go into. I do enjoy personal finance, even though it tends to be less lucrative. But you have to do what you enjoy, cause I definitely do not like being stressed out, and that's what corporate finance does to me.
Here's tonight's picture from the Tulip festival.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Mucho Flowers
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
The Fields
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
School
Hi All!
It's been awhile since I've looked into any Photography blogs. I've been so caught up with school and other things it hard to stay in touch with other hobbies. I'll do my best to keep you all informed!
For those of you interested in business and finance, you should check out a recent This American Life episode: Inside Job
Here's tonight's picture, hope you like it!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Hi
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Sun
Hi All!
What a gorgeous weekend we have had here in Ellensburg.
Managed to go and take a walk and snap a few pictures.
I'm beginning to realize that my blog is becoming somewhat of a glorified status update. But oh well, I enjoy it, and I hope you do too!
Here's a picture from Friday. Hope you like it!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Gold
Hi All!
My friend CJ and I attempted to do some gold panning today. We ended up finding a bunch of agate instead, which was cool.
Yay for the Mariners, as they have won three in a row. I was a little worried there. The hits definitely came out tonight as they scored 11 runs.
Here's a picture from today. Hope you like it!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Walks
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Woot
Hi All!
Enjoyed the wonderful weather today in Ellensburg by getting out and playing some tennis.
No tip tonight sorry. Yeah, yeah I know....
On a brighter note, I entered three pictures into the Outdoor Pursuits and Rentals photo contest here at campus. So hopefully they will like my work.
Tonight's photo is the second of three that I entered into the contest. Hope you like it!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Productivity
Monday, April 12, 2010
Saturday, April 10, 2010
The Solitary Seed
Hi All!
I was going to rip the Mariners a new one in my blog today. But since they won, I can put it off to another day as long as they continue to hit!
Well the weather here on the West Side stayed nice so I was able to do some yard work. Afterwards, I went back out and did some macro shots. I'm really happy with what came out. Tonight's photo is of a last seed left on a dandelion. Hope you like it!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Focus
Hi All!
Well I managed to make it over the pass. Yay!
If the weather is anything like it was today I'm definitely going to try and get out and shoot.
Photography tip of the night is focus. Normally in most situations auto-focus does the trick. But if you are in a low light situation you may need to use Manual. In this case, find the main subject of your photo, then focus your shot around that. Once you have done that, you can pan over, up, or down to set your final shot. Note: Once in focus, do not move forward or backward, this will obviously cause your shot to move out of focus again. Which could be good if your going for the Bokeh effect.
Here's another flower to continue with this week's theme. Hope you like it!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Snow? Again?
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
HW HW HW
Hi All!
Well the weather has definitely been funky. I may not be able to go home tomorrow due to the fact that they are predicting major snow in the passes. I guess I'll be stuck in my room all weekend doing Finance hw....
A bit of good news, looks like my school if going to have an Outdoor Pursuits Photography contest, which I definitely plan on entering.
Hope you like tonight's photo!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Yellow
Hi All!
Hope everyone's day went well.
Although I'm inconsistent with my Photography tips, I welcome any of you reading this to give me suggestions or questions on certain techniques you would like to know more about. You may even catch me off guard and I might learn something too.
Well Photobucket isn't working tonight, so here is my back up picture. Hope you like it!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Yup
Opening Day
Hi All!
Well today is an early and late blog. But that is superceded by the fact that it is Opening Day of Baseball! I am very excited about the Mariners this season, it is definitely going to go down to the wire. Hope everyone's team does well this season, as long as the M's win the world series! :-P
Today's photo is from a hike I took a couple days ago. Hope you like it!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Swirl Effect
Hi All!
Was able to get out today and do a little hiking with my friend CJ.
Tonight's photo tip is the Swirl effect. To accomplish this, try and find a colorful subject. Once you have done this, start at the widest focal length, lowest ISO setting, and if you can, have a Neutral Density or Polarizing filter on. All these settings allow for a proper shutter speed to get the Swirl effect. Once set up, as you take the picture zoom all the way in and twist the camera the opposite direction.
Here is an example of what you can do with this technique. Hope you like it!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Snow in April?
Hi All!
Managed to get out and shoot today. I was a little worried that I wouldn't with all the snow that was coming down this morning. But it finally let up this afternoon, so I drove up to the little town of Thorp and took some cool pictures of the Mill.
If you like HDR Photography, check out HDRSpotting.com. There are all sorts of examples of what you can do with HDR on this site. So check it out!
Tonight's photo is from today. Hope you like it!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Beginnings
Hi All!
Well Finance is Finance...work work work. :-P
On a brighter note, I'm hoping the weather is nice tomorrow so I can start adding some new pictures to the blog!
Tonight's photo is an old shot from when I just began photography. Sorry for the watermark, but I wanted to give an example of the growth from now till then. Hope you like it!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Goals
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
First Day
Monday, March 29, 2010
Back!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Yesterday
Hi All!
Sorry I missed last night. I was just too tired to think of anything good.
To check out more of my photos, go to my deviantart page: northwestphotoman
Today's photo is a reverse macro. I plan on going more into macro coming up this week, since Spring is the perfect time for it. Hope you like it!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Rain
Hi All!
Yesterday was so nice, 75 degrees and sunny. Today was a complete 180, rainy, cold, just plain yuck. Oh well, hopefully this weekend will be nice.
No photography tips for tonight, but I'm formulating some new ideas I can bring to the blog. So stay tuned!
Tonight's photo is another HDR that I took the other day. Hope you like it!
Psst, weather be better so I can get out and shoot!!!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Keys
Hi All!
Had a fun day going through stuff and found some awesome old keys. I'm sure Stephanie will have fun with them as she loves antique keys.
Continuing with HDR photography, when processing, having a good post-processing program is key. I've tried several programs, a free program, Photoshop and Photomatix. Photomatix was by far the best program that I used, and I fully recommend it.
My other piece of advise is when post-processing your HDR, don't feel that you have to make it look like how someone else thinks it should look like. Some think that HDR's should resemble exactly how the scene looked like in person, while others enjoy a more 'artistic' look. So enjoy the process, and you will enjoy the outcome!
Tonight's photo is not of an HDR, but of a macro shot that I took yesterday. Hope you like it!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Auto Exposure Bracketing
Hi All!
Another nice day of Spring Break.
When taking an HDR. It is important to have an Auto Exposure Bracketing feature on your camera. The other important piece of equipment to have is a tripod. Having a still setting is important when you post process your picture in order to align everything properly.
When setting up your Auto Bracketing feature, a good setting is -2, 0, and +2. Or for those of you with more stops, -2, -1, 0, +1, and +2. This setting will allow you to get the most light from the scene.
Tonight's photos are examples of yesterday's different exposures.
IKEA
Hi All!
I had a fun day going to IKEA with my wonderful girlfriend.
Also had the opportunity to take a few pictures today as well.
Tomorrow I plan on showing examples of the different exposures that go into an HDR.
Tonight's photo is from today, it's of the wonderful sunset that occurs over Puget Sound. Hope you like it!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
HDR Intro
Hi All!
Tonight I plan on giving an intro to HDR.
HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. What HDR attempts to do is incorporate all the proper light levels in a given scene. A camera can only expose for one 'stop', whereas a person's eyes can expose for multiple 'stops'.
Tomorrow I will continue my talk on HDR.
Tonight's photo is an HDR I took a couple weeks ago. Hope you like it!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Exercising
Hi All!
I've decided that over spring break I need to get into shape. So today, I managed to do the Meadowdale Beach Trail, Jogged the track, and I ran some stairs. I think that's a good start.
A quick photography tip is on ISO. ISO is the sensitivity of film or in my case, and most others digital film sensor. In my case, my camera has a range of 100-3200 ISO. The lower the ISO, say 100, the slower the shutter speed needed to get a correct exposure. The upside to this is, the less 'noise' there will be in the picture. As the ISO gets higher, you can take faster and faster exposures, but the quality of the picture will become worse. Anything past ISO 800 will probably be too bad to salvage.
Tonight's photo is an HDR of the woods. Hope you like it!
Spring Break
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
And then there was one
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Whew
Hi All!
Well I'm nearly there. One online test and my Econ Final to go and then I'm done with Winter Quarter! So yay.
Tonight's photo was originally going to go up yesterday, but here it is today. I took this shot at the Ellensburg cemetery, I was trying to go for the eerie look. I think if I try for earlier morning or later in the evening it may come up better. Hope you like it!
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