This was for a Photoshop class assignment where I could only use my cellphone camera. I was running out of time and needed to find something that would look interesting enough to submit for a grade.

I found a wooden model of a very modern skyscraper and started shooting. I did everything I could think of to make the model look exciting, but the original images were all light wood, lines, and shapes that were, quite frankly, boring.

I started playing around with apps, desperately trying to create something I could turn in. I have no idea how many things I played around with before finding this filter, but it was exactly what I needed to create something out of nothing. 

Sometimes when I go out to take pictures, I have an idea of the photos I want. Other times, I go out with the intention of taking photos but with no idea what I’ll see. Then there are times when I have my phone with me but no intention of taking photos at all.

I did not plan to take photos this day, and my car was dirty. Since I had never been in the car while it was going through the carwash, I thought, “Why not?”

I was surprised at how interesting it was. The next thing I knew I had my phone out, snapping away. This photo looks like an abstract painting but that wasn’t my intention. In fact, I had no intention. I was just killing time, getting my car washed. During processing I played around with different apps, filters, and colors until I was happy with the result.

If you want to go on a photo walk but think you don’t know enough about photography, don’t let that stop you. I’ve had both experts and beginners on my walks, and the more experienced photographers are always eager to help the newbies. Their best advice: just have fun, keep your eyes open, and if something appeals to you take the picture.

We met up in downtown Portsmouth and took the Elizabeth River Ferry to Norfolk. After a couple of hours of shooting, we went to lunch. As usual, we passed our cameras around, sharing our work. I had several photos I thought were absolute duds; they weren’t my usual style and said as much.

I took today’s photo on the ferry. I had a knee injury so all I had was my phone and fisheye lens. This was one of the photos I thought was awful; spontaneous wasn’t my style. I changed my mind after what the others said about it. Even now, I don’t often do spontaneous work, but I’m trying to do more.