Today’s photographer of the day is Bill Coughlin from Illinois in the USA.
Bill lives in my neck of the woods. In fact, he lives pretty close to me. Try about six blocks away from me. He may not be some award winning photographer, but he is an excellent photographer. You may wonder what gives him the Grand Finale status.
And I can l tell you why he deserves the Grand Finale status. Bill is a fellow photographer, a great photographer, and Bill is my friend. Probably half of the work in his portfolio was taken while I was with him. It has turned out that if I am looking to go out and do some photography, Bill goes with me. I would be talking with him and make a suggestion to go to a certain spot and his reply would be, “I’m game!”. That’s one of the great things about Bill. He is open for any photographic idea and willing to go just about anywhere. And for his open-mindedness, I thank him.
Speaking of thanking, we come to the main reason that I am honoring Bill in this showcase. Bill has helped me with working in Photoshop. To say help is putting it mildly. I consider myself a reasonably intelligent person, but trying to understand the best technique in layers or many of the tools, was completely frustrating to me. Many times I tried to mimic a certain technique, and it looked like crap and just did not even work. I expressed my frustration to Bill and he instructed me in a simple manner. His patience with me and detailed explanations saved my photographic life. I would read an article and try to follow a video on youtube and found that I was missing a step or had something set wrong. I can’t tell you how many times I would try to follow steps that either were missing a key piece of information or difficult to understand and left me with nothing but complete frustration and anger. Working with Bill and taking simple notes in outline form, changed all that and got me on the right track. For that, I am forever indebted to him. I just cannot ever thank him enough for his help and great patience with me.
So let’s talk about the proof in the pudding. Take a look at his images starting with the beautiful swan image .at the top. A wonderful pose with the wings folded in a lovely and typical swan manner. The exposure of all the white was handled wonderfully and his photo-editing producing that stark black background makes for an awesome setting. A stunning image. We were together on this one at Lake Katherine, and there were two swans right up against this concrete platform near the shore and both swans would get within three feet (1m) of us. They were so tame and inquisitive that it turned out to be the best day of bird photography ever.
Then we have one of my all time favorite images of Bill’s in the Chicago River Walk image below. I was with Bill on this one too. We were in downtown Chicago at the Michigan Ave. bridge over the Chicago River. This image was taken when evening was falling and there was still that great deep blue in the sky. I was shooting buildings by the river and Bill was on the bridge. He captured a long exposure of a boat traveling away from him and the result was that great ghostly curve on the river with those great lights of the buildings along the river. An awesome shot.
The last image at the very bottom is all Bill. He was at Navy Pier shooting the tall ships coming in, and produced this wonderful beauty. The ship and the lighthouse were photographed by him, and are put in separately and edited in Photoshop. He did a great job on this one. The wavy water, and the lighthouse in relation to the tall ship were done so seamlessly. The lighting and the color are superb and there is a mellow feeling of tranquility in this I love. After viewing his recent work, I believe we will be seeing more works like this from Bill.
So there you have it. Another great artist on Redbubble. I introduced Bill to all of you at Redbubble before, but I don’t think it took.lol So, consider this as introducing him to you again with a larger audience. Hopefully, you will leave him a comment or two and perhaps make a friend. Bill is as nice a guy as they come and he has become a great friend of mine. He is always willing to answer questions and is very approachable. Since this is the last day of my photographer of the day series, I think Bill and I will go shooting next weekend. I will collapse now. lol Some of these journals took some time and at times became tiring, but it was very gratifying. I feel I made some friends and have to tell what a great feeling it was to get responses like, “You made my day”, or I’m chuffed or I’m honored". I enjoyed doing it and plan on doing it again next year starting on Ash Wednesday.
Bill, thanks for all the help and discussions on photography. It has proven invaluable to me and I can’t thank you enough. I hope you enjoy reading this and being the Grand Finale photographer. I will be looking forward to more cool stuff from you. Keep up the great work.
phatpuppy
Wonderful wonderful stuff! Adam, don’t know if you know this – but I grew up in Evanston – now a transplant in southern, California —
I sure miss my ol’ stomping grounds..
This is a very special treat… thank you for sharing this with us!
Thank you, Bill too – keep inspiring the world.
Hugs,
Claudia
Adam Bykowski:
Evanston is a nice area. Nice to know you were a Chicagoland girl. Thanks for reading this and leaving your great comments. Much appreciated.
AnnDixon
This is so wonderful, the main theme in this journal is the FRIENDSHIP that comes flooding through it, the images are amazing, wonderful work, I too am frustrated with Photoshop and just cannot grasp it, you were so lucky having such a wonderful friend, good luck to the both of you and many thanks for introducing us to Bill,
HAPPY EASTER DAY !!
love and hugs to both of you Ann xox
Adam Bykowski:
Sorry to hear about your frustration in Photoshop. I know the feeling. If I can help or Bill, let me know. Really like the card by the way. Nice. Thank you so much for your great comments and have a Happy Easter,
byronbackyard
Such a great idea and tribute. I’ve found it’s not so easy to meet people who are happy to tromp around wetlands and estuaries photographing birds so it’s of great value that you have this shared interest.
Happy Easter and please keep up the good work!
Regards, Deborah
Adam Bykowski:
Thanks Deborah. It is great to have another person to go with especially for safety reasons in places like downtown Chicago as there is the people factor . Hav e a great Easter.
Peter Hill
It’s been a wonderful series to view and behold, Adam, and a marvelous thing for the community. You have put so much effort into writing about and curating each Photographer of the Day, and I am still indebted to you and appreciative of being included in your selection. We all owe you a huge thanks!
Adam Bykowski:
Thank you very much Peter. I know you would appreciate my writings as you are very prolific yourself. You are the essence of helpful with your informational writings and tutorials. Thanks for commenting here as it means a lot to me.
hologram
there’s a wonderful smooth clarity in these images that doesn’t scream out at you but gently pulls you in. Fav for me is the Chicago River shot, somewhere hot on my list of places to visit!
All the best to you both.
h
Adam Bykowski:
That’s true. He has that smooth clarity. Love the Chicago River shot too. Thanks for commenting and hope you get to come to Chicago someday.
Dania Reichmuth
Adam Bykowski:
Glad you enjoyed Bill’s portfolio. Love your comments and they are much appreciated. Have a great Easter.
BigCatPhotos
Absolutely wonderful images. Your series has been such a great concept and always beautifully presented. You should be very proud about spreading the word for a number of talented artists.
Adam Bykowski:
Thank you.I am proud of how I brought more recognition to wonderful photographers and am thrilled at the responses. Redbubble is a great site. Even if I make little money here, the contacts and comaraderie have been like a piece of heaven.
Sharon Johnstone
A great end to the series Adam. Wonderful portfolio!!
Adam Bykowski:
Thanks Sharon. Glad you liked it and appreciate your checking in and commenting.
Mark Hughes
Adam, stunning work by Bill, I have paid him a visit and looked at his portfolio and would say it is a fitting finally to your Photographer of the day. It’s great to have friends that will share their work and knowledge, particularly the wizardry of Photoshop. Your whole collection of so many very talented artists have been presented in a wonderful manner and I for one will be revisiting your tributes over the next few days to take another look. Thank you so much for all your hard work and dedication in putting together these tributes with such enthusiasm. Happy Ester to you and all your loved ones.
Adam Bykowski:
Thank you very much for your kind words Mark. I am constantly amazed at the great photography that is on here. I learn each time I view an image and study it. The hard work pays off when people like yourself leave a great comment. Thanks again.
Hans Kawitzki
Another great photographer Adam and what a wonderful series it was,thank you for your hard work and thank you so much for making me part of it.
Kindest regards,
Hans
Adam Bykowski:
My pleasure Hans. I appreciate all your comments on these photographers and following this as much as you have. Have a great Easter.
Joel Tjintjelaar
His work looks absolutely great Adam. Thanks for sharing his work!
Adam Bykowski:
It was totally my pleasure as Bill has become a close friend of mine. Thanks for commenting.
Jonathan Stacey
What a superb finale Adam. Bill’s work is indeed inspiring, as are all the artists you’ve showcased with this wonderful series.
I personally am very honored to be amongst your chosen artists and have enjoyed the series immensely. Thank you once again for all your efforts and the professional way you have presented each and everyone.
Jonathan.
Adam Bykowski:
Thank you Jonathan for following this and am glad that you like my write up on you. Have a great Easter.
Kevin Skinner
Hi Adam,
I’ve said this before and it has been over the years that you’ve been doing it (is it the third?), that this is an amazing, selfless, and truly giving thing that you do. I certainly hope the recipients appreciate it and have a smile on the faces on their days (I did with my honour – yes, it was an honour!).
Had a look at Bill’s portfolio and loved it! Really do need to sit down and write some messages now :)
Keep on sharing and being you, Adam. Pleasure.
Adam Bykowski:
4th year technically … past three years here and the first on Shutterpoint. Thank you very much for those very kind words. You are possibly the nicest, humblest man on here. Keep in touch.
Akkra
Aw Adam, this is positively huggable for a finale. :o) This is a lovely thing to do, Bill obviously means a lot to you and not just for his photography. I remember when you did first introduce him to RB and I had a shuffle around his fabulous work, Bill’s been very kind and done the same for my lil’ piccies too. I applaud this choice Adam and all the work you’ve put into this for another year. Hugs and big pat on the back ;o)
KathleenRinker
Fantastic Adam!!
Adam Bykowski:
Glad you like Bill’s work. Thanks.
Marija
Excellent choice for the finale Adam, Bill has beautiful images of our great city. I was also at the Tall Ships festival might have even passed by the two of you :) If in the future during your photo adventures the two of you see a blonde lady with a gynormous German Shepherd at her side it might be me! Thank you for taking the time and picking images that had special meaning to you that was such a very nice thing to do Adam. Bill’s photos are amazing and so nice to hear you have so much fun on your photo shoots together. Happy Easter everyone!!
Adam Bykowski:
Bill’s a great guy. We try to go shooting together when we can. Thanks for you comments and I’ll watch for the blond lady with the gynormous dog next time I’m downtown.
Neil Bygrave (...
Great series of photographers and their images, really appreciate the work that went into it. Thank you
Adam Bykowski:
Thank you very much for watching. I am glad I developed a following of sorts and hope some of you get to know each other better thfough it.
Lori Deiter
Well done Adam and a pleasure to see Bill’s work!!!!
Adam Bykowski:
Thank you very much Lori. So glad you came by to comment.
Cheri McEachin
Just a wonderful tribute to a wonderful photographer and your friendship. It’s a true inspiration when reading such kind words to a fellow photographer.
Adam Bykowski:
Thanks Cheri. Appreciate your comments and your support.
PJS15204
Bill these are amazing images a job well done .Adam this series of photographers of the day was a great idea ! Thanks so much for your time and effort I know it made me feel great to be included among these amazing artists :)
I think it is a great idea to seek out other like minded photographers that are in your area its mutually beneficial to swap ideas,techniques and locales if not just friendship :)
Thanks again Adam
Happy Easter
Paul
Joanne Mariol
Once again Adam, you have done a truly selfless thing for a fellow photographer and friend. Bill’s work is stunning (I especially like “The Chicago River Walk” and “Midnight Run”). I’m sure that you already know what an important thing it is to have a great friend but when they share your passion it makes it so much more special. Thank you again for the wonderful thing that you have done with your photographer of the day series.
Adam Bykowski:
Thank you very much Joanne. Those are great words and you are a very nice person for writing that and showing your support. You are in quite a talented group here and deserve the recognition too.
JHRphotoART
Bill…Congratulations on well deserved recognition on your amazing work!
For you Adam – Thank you for sharing with us this wonderful series, we’ve thoroughly enjoyed many stunning artworks created by the talented members here on Redbubble.
Hearty congratulations to everyone mentioned in Adam’s selection and all you other bubblers out there achieving leaps and bounds with your creative energy!
Thanks for including us.
Truly honored Yani and Renata
Claudia Kuhn
Bill, you do have some lovely work. I really love that long shutter city, Chicago River image. Adam, it’s great to have someone like that to go out and shoot and explore your area with. You have created a wonderful recognition series through this season of Lent. You are very thoughtful and have a great way with words, summing up each photographer’s style and what grabs your attention. Thanks for all the time and dedication you put forth this spring. Now it’s time for you to get back out and get behind the camera again.
I’m humbled that you included me in your series, thanks so much!
Claudia
Adam Bykowski:
You are in with a very talented group. You have produced some very colorful images and you have a great eye for the interesting and intriguing composition. Don’t ever believe otherwise. I really am touched by your words of my thoughtfulness and kind of blown away by it. Thanks for your support. I shall not forget it.
LjMaxx
Adam this has been a terrific way of introducing all of us to so many highly talented artists. I can imagine how much time and effort went into this too. So many spectacular artists I have not seen before and learned much from your writings as well. Inspired and indulged by each new post. I feel honored and privileged to have also been a Daily share by you. Much appreciation to you for all of it. You are a special person indeed.. :) Lj
Adam Bykowski:
Thank you Lj. Those are great words and I don’t know much more to say than that. It has given me a big boost when I read things like that and touches my heart in a special way. It would be really something to meet all these people in the same place. I would love that. The next thing I would like to do is have some kind of photoshop sharing thing. Like having a photographer go through every step in the photo-editing process from beginning to end. Now that would be a learning experience.
LeeAnne Emrick
What a fantastic feature! I just visited Chicago for the first time last week, and Bill’s images take me right back to the city. He captures its essence so perfectly. Perfect way to end the Photographer of the Day series, Adam.
I can not stress to you enough what a great idea this is, and what a selfless gesture it is for the artists involved. You do a great thing here, and I hope you keep on doing it every year.
Adam Bykowski:
Thank you so much LeeAnne. I really appreciate those words. Thanks for all the support. You have been great.
Damienne Bingham
Lovely tribute to a friend, thanks for sharing this with us Adam. And congratulations to Bill!
Adam Bykowski:
Congratulations to Bill squared. So nice to see so many people make lovely comments.
Ingz
Such a wonderful tribute to your friend and excellent photographer. Your series has been amazing, your kind and thoughtfulness shines through every showcase Adam….you are truly a very special and selfless person, thank you and so sorry for being late in contributing here but have been away.
Adam Bykowski:
Don’t be sorry. It is always a crapshoot to see if I will get any response to the photographer of the day showcases because you never know if that person only visits this site on occasion due to being busy with their own site or other photography sites or obligations. Thank you for your wonderful compliment. I’m touched.
Bill Coughlin
Wow, I usually have too much to say. but now, I’m having a difficult time trying to find the appropriate thing to say. Thanks, It is an honor to share the stage with so many gifted artist. I know we both share the same passion for photography. It nice to have an companion who reflects those same values. Thank you for sharing you friendship. Looking forward to many more year’s of shooting. Thanks again, Your friend, Bill
byronbackyard
Beautiful photography and a blessing to have someone generous enough to share it for you!
Adam Bykowski:
Thanks for checking in on this one. Bill is a good friend of mine.