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James Molloy Photography

The Poetry of a Photograph

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O Human Child - Fujifilm X-T5, 1/60 @ f/5.6, ISO 200, 98mm. When I took this photograph of my grandson playing in a creek on a recent camping trip, I immediately thought of Yeats’ poem, The Stolen Child, thus the title of the photograph. I wanted a dreamy, fantasy look to this image so I used a warm polarizing filter on camera and lots of glow in post. See my poem entitled Innocence Lost in the Poetry Section.

Last of the Many - Fujifilm X-T5, 1/1000 @ f/8, ISO 800, 196mm. In what has become a spring ritual, I captured this image in the high desert of southern Idaho. Unfortunately, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find these beautiful animals. I am told the herd has been relocated to make room for…cattle! I used a painterly effect here to soften the image and increase the emotional impact. This image earned a blue ribbon at the 2024 Western Idaho State Fair.

Enter the Dragon - Fujifilm XT-5, 1/250 @ f/11, ISO 125, 135mm. As we traveled throughout Vietnam it quickly became obvious that visitors to the many shrines and temples, particularly young women, like to dress in traditional clothing and have their picture taken. I was happy to oblige. I like the dynamic relationship here between the stone dragon and the woman. I used a selective color technique to restrict the orange tones to the woman’s costume and the brick walk while desaturating everything else. What you have is an image half color and half monotone.

Ballet Dancers - Fujifilm XT-5, f/4.6 @ 1/250, ISO 3200, 90mm. - Once again I had the opportunity to photograph a local ballet troupe during their dress rehearsal. Unfortunately for me and my fellow photographers in attendance that night, we had to contend with a brightly lit landscape image projected on a background screen which cast alien like shadows of the dancers as they moved across the stage. You can see my solution to the problem in this photograph. Ballet is about form and the black background accentuates the dancer’s form. I like the negative space.

Simple Pleasures - Fujifilm XT-5, 1/250 @ f/13, ISO 125, 80mm. An early May Tulip photographed at the Botanical Garden in Boise. I used an 80mm Macro lens along with some color and clarity enhancement. I particularly like the bokeh in this image. Love going to the gardens in spring, it’s a simple pleasure! See the poem of the same title in the Poetry Section.

Destiny - Fujifilm XT-5 - 1/250 @ f/16, ISO 125, 35mm. A dramatic sky, an active volcano and a lone figure make for a compelling image photographed at Mt. Etna in Sicily. The pic captures some of my favorite themes; man vs. nature, loneliness in a crowded world, the mystery of why we are here. Look for the poem of the same title in the Poetry Section.

The Old Homestead - Fujifilm XT-5 - 1/125 @ f/11, ISO 320, 24mm. Abandoned structures often make for compelling photographs. However, instead of simply shooting the entire structure, I focused on this small vignette of the door, what appears to be a curtain in the window, a branch leaning against the building that looks like a walking stick left by the long absent resident, and the new growth creeping up the rotting timbers. What I have here is a very poignant image. Look for the corresponding poem entitled Memory in the Poetry Section.

Luminous Aspens - Fujifilm XT-5, 1/125 @ f/8.0, ISO 320, 56mm. I used some luminosity to bring out the Fall color in the Aspen Trees against the dark green background of the pines. Photographed in the mountains of central Idaho during a deer hunt. Of course, I was armed with just my camera. This image received an Award of Merit from the 4C’s (Columbia Council of Camera Clubs).

Soft Seas - Fujifilm XT-5, 1/250 @ f/11, ISO 125, 35mm. Processed with bright tones and soft colors, I added the motion blur in post… and the sailboat as well. See my poem, The White Sail, in the Poetry Section.

Gowen Thunder - Fujifilm XT-5, 1/1000 @f/8.0, ISO 200, 400mm. I had an opportunity to practice my panning skills at a recent airshow. It was a challenge, to say the least! I like this particular photo because of the angle of the plane and the jet wash that conveys a sense of speed.

Another World - Fujifilm XT-5, 1/250 @ f/11, ISO 125, 16mm. I used a bi-color filter in post to generate this “alien” landscape. It reminds me of some of the scenes from the blockbuster movie, The Martian. Although it might look like a Martian base, in reality this is a pic of the observatory at Bruneau State Park in Idaho. I had fun working on this and yes, it did inspire a poem about climate change in the Poetry Section.

Elevador Da Gloria - Fujifilm XT-5. 1/125 @ f/8.0, ISO 125, 53mm. This is one of several funiculars that take you up to the Bairro Alto District in Lisbon. Walking the neighborhoods of old Lisbon is a real treat for any street photographer. Old world charm combined with a vibrant urban culture makes a visit to this city a must for any travel photographer. I applied an urban grunge look to this scene in post. I thought it captured the subject matter very effectively.

Ballerinas at Rest - Fujifilm XT-5, 1/250 @ f/2.0, ISO 3200, 56mm. I had the privilege to photograph a dress rehearsal for a local ballet troupe. It was both challenging and beautiful; a fabulous experience.

High Wire - Fujifilm XT-3, 1/500 @ f/11, ISO 160, 90mm. Powerlines in silhouette. I added the infrared toning in post. The image reminds me of the science fiction classic War of the Worlds. It does give off an apocalyptic vibe. Check out the poem of the same title in the Poetry Section. I’m curious to know if you think it fits the image.

Rustic Ranch - Fujifilm XT-5, 1/125 @ f/8.0, ISO 250, 53mm. I like the three components in this photograph; the barn, fence, and tree. All three are in a state of weathered decay. I added the texture to advance the feeling of abandonment.

Time to Organize - Fujifilm XT-3, 1/250 @ f/10, ISO 200, 56mm. This piece of art paying tribute to the IWW (Industrial Workers go the World) sits on top of Calton Hill in Edinburgh, Scotland. I found it both interesting and out of place. My goal then, was to create a kind of surreal image with the clock and the columns as the subject matter but presented with a stark, urban texture with unique color toning. It is a photo worth contemplating. To that end, you can check out my poem of the same title in the Poetry Section.

Sparrow in the Snow - Nikon D7100, 1/250 @ f/5.6, 400 ISO, 300mm. I added a texture overlay to this image that turns the snow and the pines into an alien world for this little bird. He/She looks cold and sad! See the poem Where did the Birds Go? in the Poetry Section.

On the Beach - iPhone 15 Pro, 1/370 @ f/2.2, ISO 40, 14mm. A rare iPhone photo for my website. Photographed at the beach in Ft. Lauderdale. I used one of my creative apps here as I often do with my iPhone photos. I like the cool tones, the heavy cloud cover and the footprints in the sand. The wide open aperture provides a sense of infinity. There is a poem to go along with this pic. It’s called On the Beach and can be found in the Poetry Section.

Electric Buick - Fujifilm X100T, 1/250 @ f /9.0, ISO 200, 23mm. An old Buick given a new look courtesy of Topaz Glow!

Autumn Mist - Nikon D7000, 1/100 @ f /10, ISO 400, 62mm. An older image with a new look! Added some texture and played with the temp and tint. Added some color pop to the leaves. See the poem of the same title in the Poetry Section.

Angel Wings - Nikon D750, 1/500 @ f/5.6, ISO 6400, 58mm. This was a difficult handheld shot inside the cathedral of Sacre-Coeur in Paris. For me, the arches symbolize the wings of the angel seen in the center. The dappled sunlight and a fine texture… — Angel Wings - Nikon D750, 1/500 @ f/5.6, ISO 6400, 58mm. This was a difficult handheld shot inside the cathedral of Sacre-Coeur in Paris. For me, the arches symbolize the wings of the angel seen in the center. The dappled sunlight and a fine texture add to the mood of the image. One of my personal favorites. See the poem of the same title in the Poetry Section.

The Color Purple - Fujifilm X-T3, 1/500 @ f/8.0, ISO 400, 80mm. Flowers are the subjects of the day for a travel photographer who can’t travel due to the pandemic. I like the soft light and color in this shot of a Baptisia.

Ethereal - Fujifilm X-T3, 1/60 @ f/11, ISO 160, 120mm. Another flower shot with my 80mm macro lens. I went with a very soft toning to complement the morning light and the white petals. I added the texture with Topaz Impressions. See my poem “Under H… — Ethereal - Fujifilm X-T3, 1/60 @ f/11, ISO 160, 120mm. Another flower shot with my 80mm macro lens. I went with a very soft toning to complement the morning light and the white petals. I added the texture with Topaz Impressions. See my poem “Under Her Pillow” in the poetry Section.

White Iris With Texture - Fujifilm XT-3, 1/250 @ f/11, ISO 160, 80mm. It’s that time of year again; the Iris are in bloom. It remains my favorite flower to photograph! This was shot with an 80mm macro lens mounted on a tripod. It was processed in Ph… — White Iris With Texture - Fujifilm XT-3, 1/250 @ f/11, ISO 160, 80mm. It’s that time of year again; the Iris are in bloom. It remains my favorite flower to photograph! This was shot with an 80mm macro lens mounted on a tripod. It was processed in Photoshop with a texture blend and a lot of opacity adjustments, history brushing and cloning. I added a bit of structure and glow in Topaz and finished with some light diffusion in Color Efex.

Soft Rain - Nikon D750, 1/640 @ f/5.0, ISO 200, 155mm. A blooming Yellow Iris shot on a cloudy, rainy spring day in 2017. It is now the spring of 2020 and this image takes on a whole new meaning for me. See the poem Soft Rain in the Poetry Section.

Shadow Figures - Nikon D750, 1/200 @ f/10, ISO200, 32mm. Finished with Topaz Impressions 2. Read my poem of the same title in the Poetry Section.

Let it Be - Fujifim X-T3, double exposure, 1/850 @ f/5.6, ISO160, 16mm - One of my best sellers!

Take Me to Church - Fuji X100T, 1/125 @f/8, +1EV, ISO 400, 23mm - Processed with Topaz Texture Effects

The Trailer and the Tree - Nikon D750 - 1/320 @ f/9, ISO400,120mm - Texture added with Topaz Texture 2

The Other Side of the Tracks - Fuji X100T, 1/250 @ f/11, ISO 200, 23mm - Processed with Topaz Texture Effects - This image has been a good seller!

Night Train Coming - Nikon D750, 1/320 @ f/10, ISO 200, 120mm - Another good seller! See my poem, Night Train Coming, in the Poetry Section.

Door of Perception - Nikon D750, 1/80 @ f/5.0, ISO 1000, 66mm - Double Exposure! See the Poem by the same title in the Poetry Section.

Winter's Dawn - Nikon D7100, 1/200 @ f/8, ISO 800, 22mm - See the poem, Winter's Dawn in the Poetry Section!

After the Storm - Nikon D7100, 1/125 @ f/8, ISO 200, 28mm - I used a solarization preset in Nix Color Effects for this image. See the poem, After the Storm, in the Poetry Section.

The Steeple and the Tree - D7100 - See the poem by the same name in the Poetry Blog!

The Homeless Man and the Passerby - Nikon D7100, 1/60 @ f5.6, ISO 1600, 85mm - Shot in St. Patrick's Cathedral, NYC - See my poem of the same title in the Poetry Blog.

Moon Glow - Nikon D7100 - 1/640 @f/10, ISO200, 42mm - I wanted an eerie moonlight shot with an old craggy tree silhouetted against a blue black sky. I settled for a Willow shot in the middle of the day and processed in Topaz Texture 2. Do you see a … — Moon Glow - Nikon D7100 - 1/640 @f/10, ISO200, 42mm - I wanted an eerie moonlight shot with an old craggy tree silhouetted against a blue black sky. I settled for a Willow shot in the middle of the day and processed in Topaz Texture 2. Do you see a monkey hanging from a branch? Check out my poem of the same title in the Poetry Blog.

The Wall - Nikon D7000, 1/160 @ f/ 6.3, ISO400, 68mm - Processed in Lightroom, Photoshop & Topaz HDR Efex. See my poem of the same title in the Poetry Blog.

Reaching for the Light - Fujifilm X100T, 1/60 @ f/5.6, ISO500, 23mm - See the poem of the same title in the Poetry Blog.

Through the Open Window - Auschwitz I Concentration Camp - Fujifilm X100T, 1/60 @ f/8.0, ISO200, 23mm. See the poem Through the Open Window in the Poetry Section.

Color Before the Storm - Shot and processed on an iPhone.

Field in March - Nikon D750, 1/320 @ f/10, ISO100, 120mm. Added a texture and bi-color filter in post to create a more compelling image. I have a thing for lone trees. This photo is one of my personal favorites.

Ladders to Nowhere - Nikon D750, 1/400 @ f/9.0, ISO160, 52mm. Yes, this building does exist! It’s in the city of Hudson in New York State. Call it urban art writ large. I love it! Anyway, it makes for a fun photograph.

The Persistence of Memory - Nikon D7100, 1/125 @ f/8.0, ISO 200, 31mm. Processed in Photoshop. See the poem of the same title in the Poetry Section.

The Tool Bench - Fujifilm XT-3, 1/60 @ f/2.8, ISO 800, 35mm. Still-life’s certainly do not make up a big part of my portfolio…but I like this one. There is something about the light, the old tools, the texture of the work bench and the narrow depth … — The Tool Bench - Fujifilm XT-3, 1/60 @ f/2.8, ISO 800, 35mm. Still-life’s certainly do not make up a big part of my portfolio…but I like this one. There is something about the light, the old tools, the texture of the work bench and the narrow depth of field that make this a compelling photograph. It has nostalgia written all over it! This photograph was taken at OPUS40 (an outdoor sculpture garden in Woodstock, NY).

The Offering - Nikon D7100, 1/100 @ f/5.6, ISO 1250, 72mm. A bunch of grapes offered up in the palms of her hands. I like the religious allusions in this image. I used a texture in Topaz Impressions and scaled back the opacity to bring out just enou… — The Offering - Nikon D7100, 1/100 @ f/5.6, ISO 1250, 72mm. A bunch of grapes offered up in the palms of her hands. I like the religious allusions in this image. I used a texture in Topaz Impressions and scaled back the opacity to bring out just enough color in the grapes and the hands while still being able to see the texture in both. See the poem of the same title in the Poetry Section.

To What End - Fujifilm XT-3, 1/250 @ f/8.0, ISO 400, 24mm. This is a self portrait of sorts; always in search of my shadow! I considered black and white for this image but after writing the poem of the same title (in the Poetry Section), I chose to solarize the image to create a feeling more in tune with the message of the poem.

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