Creative Photography with the Jeep Filter, Part Two
The other night I had an individual photography lesson with a student and, just as we were packing up, a deluge poured down upon us. We said goodbye and made a dash for cover. From the protection of my car, I immediately noticed the sparkling beauty of the lights through the rain-splattered windshield and was reminded of the very creative Jeep Filter (only this time it was the Mazda Filter).
After positioning my car in the right spot, I grabbed my camera and started photographing the amazing colours and patterns that were forming in front of me. I focused on the windshield, on the distant lights and sometimes on the space in between. It didn’t matter because a kaleidoscope of colours and patterns emerged no matter what I did.
When I looked at these later on the computer, I was amazed to see creatures, faces and more in many of the images. Some look like little Pac Men, some like ghosts and others, well, it’s kind of like finding faces in the clouds. Your imagination is the only limitation.
What can you see in these photos?
And, did you ever think that a stormy night with a downpour could be so much fun! Psst! The secret is in having your camera with you all the time!







Thoughts for Photographers
Am I losing it? I hope not. Instead, I’m trying to be open to the visual possibilities that emerge. The opportunities to create impressionistic photos are all around us. We just need to be observant and aware of the visual tools we have to work with. In this case, it was simply the use of a shallow depth of field and focusing on different points. The last image has nothing in focus yet it provides interest simply because we are seeing something common in an unusual way.
Often I will head out with my camera with an agenda of doing something creative. The harder I try, the more I fail. I find that creativity is elusive, like the butterfly that settles on your shoulder when you least expect it. But, one thing I’m learning is that when I allow myself to simply play with the camera and the subject in front of me, with no expectation or agenda, I am more likely to create something that I’m pleased with. That is what happened here. No expectation, no agenda, just play. Allowing ourselves the freedom to play is sometimes the hardest thing for us adults.
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As always, the camera points in both directions. For me, this portfolio of lighthearted imagery says more about being the happy, joyful, playful, and open minded person that he is. Congrats Dennis!!!
Hey, Chris. Yes, that’s a good reminder, the camera certainly does point both ways. Thanks so much, Dennis
LOVE IT, Dennis! I have also played with the wet windshield/window ‘filter’ and it’s great great fun. I agree with Chris Harris – you are a playful, joyful, happy person and this sort of play expresses that! I’ve been trying it with movement, too, but you need someone else driving the car – lol.
Hi Brenda. Thanks! Definitely fun to play! I guess we get a little more practice with rain than you do in your climate. But doing it with motion, now that’s a great idea and possibly my next project (with a driver!).
Not only are your photos very creative but the story lines that you added are very creative. I responded immediately with a smile when I looked at these. Thank you for that Dennis
Thanks, Janet. As you know, the fun continues when you are on the computer. The story lines developed as I imagined sharing these with my grandkids. Glad it gave you a smile!