Michael Rubillo Michael Rubillo

November: Expanding My Perspective

As the seasons change and November rolls in, I’m eager to broaden the scope of my photography journey. While landscapes have been my primary focus, with their serene, expansive views and tranquil natural beauty, this month I’m stepping into the energy of the streets. I’ll be exploring street photography and street portraits, immersing myself in the candid moments, diverse characters, and unique backdrops that make each cityscape come alive.

This month’s posts will showcase the shift from wide-open coastal horizons to the intimate, bustling streets of urban life. I’m excited to capture spontaneous, unscripted moments that tell stories all their own—whether it's the fleeting glance of a passerby, the textured layers of graffiti-covered walls, or the quiet resilience in a commuter’s gaze. Street photography presents a new kind of challenge, but one that I hope will bring fresh inspiration and perspective to my work.

Join me as I delve into this new realm, blending landscapes with urban narratives to create a diverse portfolio that reflects both the quiet beauty of nature and the vibrant pulse of city life. I’ll be sharing techniques I’m trying, what’s inspiring me along the way, and, of course, the stories behind each shot. Looking forward to taking you on this journey and seeing where the streets lead us!

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Michael Rubillo Michael Rubillo

A Monthly Journey Through My Lens

Photography Blog: A Monthly Journey Through My Lens

Welcome to the photography section of my website! Moving forward, each month I will be sharing a blog post that reflects the visual highlights of that month. This space will give you a deeper dive into the stories behind the photos I capture, whether it's landscapes, wildlife, city scenes, or everyday moments that inspire me. Through this blog, I want to share the beauty, emotion, and creativity that go into each shot.

Expect to see a mix of themes each month, depending on where my travels take me and the experiences I encounter. Whether it's a tranquil sunrise over the beach or a candid moment in a bustling city, each post will showcase the photos that stand out the most and provide some insights into how they were taken and the thought process behind them. I'll also include tips for fellow photography enthusiasts, touching on techniques, gear, and settings I use to capture the best shots.

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Michael Rubillo Michael Rubillo

Black and White

Since I had created images of eyes of Porcelain I thought I would try something contrasting.  Ebony seemed to be the perfect material.

Ebony is a dense, dark black wood with a distinctively smooth and shiny surface. It is often used for furniture, musical instruments, and other ornamental objects. The wood is resistant to scratching and denting, and its dark color is often enhanced with a glossy finish. Ebony takes a high polish, making it ideal for carving and turning. It is also known for its strength and stability, making it a popular choice for jewelry boxes and other items that require durability.

I like the smooth finish of both the Porcelain and ebony but the matted finish of the ebony really sets the two materials apart. The contrast between the two materials is striking and creates a unique visual effect when used together like this.

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Michael Rubillo Michael Rubillo

Eyes of Steel

This collection of eye images was inspired by the collection of arms fashioned from steel at the Philadelphia Art Museum.

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Michael Rubillo Michael Rubillo

Porcelain and Gold Eyes

The idea of mixing the Porcelain with gold came from some pottery I had scene at an art display in San Antonio. It was called Kintsugi: The Art of Precious Scars is a Japanese art form that uses gold, silver, and other metals to repair broken or cracked pottery.

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Michael Rubillo Michael Rubillo

Eyes

The human eye is a truly remarkable organ that is capable of capturing the beauty of the world. The eyes are the windows to the soul, and people often express themselves through their eyes. The beauty of the human eye comes from its ability to express emotion, create depth, and provide a glimpse into the inner workings of an individual. The pupil of the eye is the most expressive feature and can be used to convey feelings of sadness, joy, surprise, and more. The iris of the eye, which varies in color from person to person, can create an almost magical effect that captivates the viewer. The eyelashes and eyelids also contribute to the beauty of the eye, as they frame the eye and provide an element of mystery. The human eye is a powerful and beautiful feature that can be used to convey emotion and tell stories.

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Michael Rubillo Michael Rubillo

Week 3 - "Reflections"

This weeks goal was "Reflections": Find a reflective surface, such as a pond or a window, and photograph the reflections in it. I captured a close-up shot of a mix of polished and non-polished ball bearings. I utilized a reflective surface to capture the colors of the paper I used to hold the bearing together. Additionally, I conducted a color study on the photograph, experimenting with different ways to enhance the colors in the reflections. One of the studies was a black and white interpretation of the image.

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Michael Rubillo Michael Rubillo

Old Blue Jeans

A "Texture study" is a photographic project that focuses on the visual texture of various objects. In this case, the study might include a photograph of a piece of fabric, a photograph of old jeans, and a photograph of a button. The purpose of the project is to examine and highlight the unique textures of each object and to draw attention to the details that are often overlooked in everyday life. The photographs may be taken in a controlled setting, such as a studio, or in an environment that highlights the natural textures of the objects. The final outcome may be presented as a set of individual images or a series of prints.

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Michael Rubillo Michael Rubillo

Week 1 of my Macro Photography Challenge - Habanero peppers

I chose to take pictures of habanero peppers for my microphotography challenge because I was drawn to their vibrant colors and interesting shapes. Habanero peppers are known for their intense heat and bold flavor, and I thought that capturing these qualities in my photographs would make for some striking images.

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Michael Rubillo Michael Rubillo

20 Week Macro Photography Challenge

I am excited to announce that I have recently created a 20 week macro photography challenge for myself. I am a big believer in the power of setting goals and using challenges as a way to motivate myself and improve my skills. I have always been interested in macro photography, but I have found it difficult to consistently make time for it in my daily life. That is why I decided to create this challenge for myself – to make a dedicated effort to focus on macro photography for a set period of time. I am excited to see how my skills and understanding of the genre develop over the course of the challenge. I hope that by setting this goal and committing to it, I will be able to make meaningful progress and create some beautiful, unique images.

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Michael Rubillo Michael Rubillo

City Walk

I had an appointment in Philadelphia yesterday and decided to do a little city walk prior. Below are a few pictures I took and the color studies I did for each. I also included a my first attempt at using AI generated Neural Filters.

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Michael Rubillo Michael Rubillo

Fall in Bucks County 2022 - High Rocks Vista and Bull Island

Bucks County in the Fall is a truly breathtaking sight to behold. One of the best places to experience the beauty of the season is at High Rocks Vista and Bull Island. Located just outside of New Hope, these two areas offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape as it transforms into a tapestry of orange, red, and yellow hues.

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