***DSLR/Photography MegaThread***

[rinkrat]

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/stairs2smallbw.jpg

Stairway to Kevin

[rinkrat]

So I ordered a PC cord for remote flash from flashzebra.com and even paid extra for priority shipping. After 5 days or so I emailed them to ask why it hadn't arrived and they sent me a USPS confirmation page on the tracking saying that it was delivered on Friday. I called the wife and she never saw it and neither have I. I have a gated yard and a pretty secluded porch (and a loud dog) so I doubt it was stolen.

WTF am I supposed to do now?

[PuckMonkey]

Go to your Post Office and report it. They'll talk to the carrier, and he'll say he remembered delivering it and that will be the end of it. Rarely do these packages ever surface.

[BleedingPurple]

That sucks, RR. I had this issue once with MLB.Com. I lived in an apartment and they delivered to the wrong building but same apartment number. I didn't know this so I called them and they immediately sent out a new shipment, no questions asked. While I was waiting for the 2nd shipment, I started thinking about the possibility of it being at another apartment so I looked around. Sure enough, it was sitting on the porch of an apartment nearby for what was obviously several days due to all the dust that had accumulated.

Good luck. If you have any issues, give this guy a call...

http://media.collegepublisher.com/media/paper1163/stills/14z39cp1.jpg

[FBJ]

Got my proofs back from WHCC today. I don't know what to make of it, really. They cropped things kinda funny and their colors don't match up quite as well as I'd hoped, even though I followed their instructions on program setup and monitor calibration.

They wouldn't look bad if you weren't me and didn't know what the original files I sent looked like, though.

I guess I need to figure out how to add a plain white border to my images. Can I do that through WHCC? Or do I need to do it myself in PS before I send the files?

EDIT: Ahh...I see a feature within ROES (the ordering software for WHCC) where I can select whether I want the image cropped or fit to page.

[rinkrat]

FLICKR PHOTO OF THE WEEK | The District Weekly (http://thedistrictweekly.com:80/daily/staff-infection/flickr-photo-of-the-week-15/)

[BleedingPurple]

FLICKR PHOTO OF THE WEEK | The District Weekly (http://thedistrictweekly.com:80/daily/staff-infection/flickr-photo-of-the-week-15/)

Alright RR, what's going on in that picture?

Congrats!

[FBJ]

So I went last night to shoot my niece's school choral concert. I figured: indoors...low-light...perfect place to work on some skillz.

I get home this morning and EVERY photograph is soft-focused. I had the focus point on her face the whole time (running in single point/single servo AF), yet she's soft-focused while the girl behind her is in focus. Every capture is like this.

http://gcalvin.com/files/FocusIssue.jpg

ISO 1600 w/flash, f/2.8 at 1/250th.

The red square is where the focus point was. You can see that my niece's face is soft-focused, while the black girl on the right edge of the image is sharp, as is the blond girl behind her right shoulder.

Argh. What's the problem? Is my lens out of whack??

[rinkrat]

Try setting it to a one-point focus instead of the 8-point or whatever so it won't look at the entire group. Also, try a faster ISO so you change your aperture to get more depth of field. That is pretty basic but it's all I c an think of.

[FBJ]

I was running in single-point AF. In that mode, it only looks at the focus point that's illuminated in the viewfinder (instead of averaging 9, 21, or 51 points). For that reason, no matter what my f# is, the subject under the focus point should be in focus. It isn't.

I was also running in single-servo AF mode, meaning that the AF system will "lock" on the subject and maintain that focus until the shutter button is pressed or released (rather than tracking a moving subject as it does in continuous-servo AF). The shutter won't even release unless the camera is focused.

[FBJ]

Just got off the phone with Nikon's tech support (whom I'm impressed with, service-wise). They couldn't tell me exactly what the issue was, but they suspect that there wasn't enough contrast in the single AF point to give the camera accurate focusing data at that long a focal length. The reason they couldn't tell for sure is because I wasn't able to give them a .nef RAW file straight out of the camera (I'd imported them to Lightroom and converted them to .dng which strips a lot of the diagnostic metadata, they said). Had I used Nikon Capture NX (Nikon's post-processing program) that they'd have had no difficulty determining the problem because all the metadata would have been there.

Might have to play with Nikon Capture for a bit, now.

[VF]

For the focus issue, a few things might be going on. The first is that often times the AF sensor may actually be slightly larger or even slightly misplaced, as those markings are on the bottom of the pentaprism and the AF sensors are located at the bottom of the mirror box (under the sub mirror), so it is possible that even though the marking for that AF point was on your niece's face, the actual AF point might have been picking up the girl behind her. Also, I'm not sure if this is true or not with the D3 or not, but often times the periphery AF points aren't "cross type", which means that it may only find focus on a vertical area of contrast but not a horizontal one (or vice versa), and they tend to be not quite as accurate. You can sometimes tell if this is going on if the camera will find focus in landscape but not portrait (or again, vice versa). It is also possible (but not very likely because you would have noticed in other shots) that that lens or the body is out. You can test it by mounting the camera on a tripod, locking the mirror up and shooting a focus chart (http://www.dphotojournal.com/focus-test-chart.pdf). That link is actually kind of nice because it has a fairly in depth discussion of how AF works.

As for Lightroom, you can have it keep you files as *.nef s if you want (or you should be able to, I have it working with my raws), and for all intents and purposes, it seems to work the same as if you convert to *.dng.

[rinkrat]

Nice! How did they find your pic?

[rinkrat]

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/memday.jpg

[FBJ]

Moving image, to say the least. I'd crank the contrast and black levels a bit, but that's just me.

[rinkrat]

I have bright window behind my monitor in the afternoons and it's hard as hell to get the tints right.

[savemefromtears]

Great thread guys! (sorry for being last kid to come down to the dinner table). FlyBoeingJets, your industrial pics were intense! PM, D300, eh? Nice! I had lost mine to eBay... well, that is, sold it on eBay after hopping up to a D3 and realizing I don't really need 2 cams just yet. What lenses are you sportin'......?

Here's a couple my HDR's to add into our magic stew:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/2396893994_c8fa205677_b.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/2396893994_c8fa205677_b.jpg)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2055/2468304457_ba0ed9cd58_b.jpg (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2055/2468304457_ba0ed9cd58_b.jpg)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2020/2506955551_273a2abbab_b.jpg (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2020/2506955551_273a2abbab_b.jpg)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2377/2507786988_00067017d5_b.jpg (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2377/2507786988_00067017d5_b.jpg)

all pics are actually from just one raw file (eek! no bracketing!)... i'll post some more soon!

hopefully this thread isn't dead; if it is this it's time to wake it the **** up!

[VF]

Wow, those are stellar! Nice job.

[HeShootsNScores]

here's a couple... I did... still trying to get the hang of it.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2293/2528494399_e3a6aa2107_b.jpg


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3271/2528492085_f3f680b09a_b.jpg

[HeShootsNScores]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3135/2528571749_f8057477b2_b.jpg

[rinkrat]

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/halismall.jpg

Look out! I got my $15 PC cord so now I can go off camera and be a cool Strobist.

[HeShootsNScores]

I don't know what this is... but I thought it looked cool and snapped a shot... what do you think?

... ps.... nice shot RR... your dog likes to sit still for your photos... haha

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2251/2529666738_7950b92669_b.jpg

[Blurker]

here's a couple... I did... still trying to get the hang of it.



http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3271/2528492085_f3f680b09a_b.jpg



Both good quality shots. I've always liked the way the beams of sunlight look in HDR when it's done well. Good job!!

[Blurker]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2400/2529968438_50b5bf32c5_b.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2127/2530078068_45d9763323_b.jpg

Here are a couple I grabbed while at Hermosa Beach this weekend for the festival thing. I gotta try to find a subject without clouds, I'm feeling cliche.

[rinkrat]

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/doggysmall.jpg

This is cool! Very portable too. Just one wire.

time to wash her bed ;)

[rinkrat]

YouTube - Strobist DVD Excerpt

Strobist DVD is out :)

[Unfiltered]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2400/2529968438_50b5bf32c5_b.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2127/2530078068_45d9763323_b.jpg

Here are a couple I grabbed while at Hermosa Beach this weekend for the festival thing. I gotta try to find a subject without clouds, I'm feeling cliche.

HAHA! But they look great great, Blurker!

[rinkrat]

OK, I decided to get serious about lighting and picked up a few Vivitar flashes and some pocket wizards. Coming next day air from B&H. Not sure if I can impliment them in time for Saturday's Derby Dolls bout but by next month I should have a multi-flash setup if all goes well. Also, it should help the rest of my photography as well to have multiple lights available.

I just have to get over this buyers's remorse first. ;)

[VF]

I just have to get over this buyers's remorse first. ;)

Well, the Vivitars are cheap enough that there shouldn't really be any remorse over those, they are a great deal (how many did you get?) and Pocket Wizards, you are safe knowing they are second to none, don't depreciate much, built like tanks. There is a reason that they are industry standards. I envy your PWs :) (I have crappy knock offs which are nothing but a headache)

And now you have the PWs, you can sneak it into Staples and mess with their photogs by popping their flashes ;)

[Clich? Guevara]

RR, which PW did you get? Linky?

Also, I have to post a few photos for you guys later today. I think my 135mm lens might need its first cleaning. I'm starting to see small dirt spots. You'll see later on.

[VF]

RR, which PW did you get? Linky?

Also, I have to post a few photos for you guys later today. I think my 135mm lens might need its first cleaning. I'm starting to see small dirt spots. You'll see later on.

That is probably your sensor that needs a cleaning. Typically stuff that is on the lens is going to be to far out of focus to discern as small spots. You probably will also only see these spots when shooting at a high aperture.

[Clich? Guevara]

Thanks VF. I uploaded three different shots.

Like I said, I have a Canon 30D and you can't miss the spots that showed up on my shots.

1) http://www.freewebtown.com/thenatural/IMG_4952.JPG
1/400, f/10, 130mm, ISO 320

2) http://www.freewebtown.com/thenatural/IMG_4959.JPG
1/400, f/10, 135mm, ISO 320

3) http://www.freewebtown.com/thenatural/IMG_5031.JPG
1/400, f/5.6, 50mm ISO 320


Anyone's advice would be very appreciated.

[rinkrat]

Yeah I just went through that. Get a rubber air blower and be very careful. NO canned air!



I got two of the vivatars and three pocket wizard II's and a couple of super clamps. It will probably take some testing but it will be fun to learn on a big scale (Derby Dolls) and explore the possibilities.

Ever since I found out about Pocket Wizards I know I wouldn't sleep til I got some so now I can sleep again.

[rinkrat]

I got one of these and it works great for sensor dust removal. I blow it out before every big shoot. :)

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/11H3HQP229L._SL500_AA200_.jpg

Amazon.com: Giottos AA1900 Large Rocket Blaster: Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/Giottos-AA1900-Large-Rocket-Blaster/dp/B00017LSPI)

[rinkrat]

Now I have to learn how to light things. ;) I'm mostly targeting roller derby but I will have a blast learning this Strobist stuff at the same time. This is so exciting! I talked to a pro and she said "I remember when I was enthusiastic about photography like you are, don't lose that".

It seems like every road to pro lighting ends at the door of the Pocket Wizard so I figured it's better to jump right in instead of going halfway and then wanting the real thing for years. So, I bit the bullet and took the leap.

Wifey said, "You've spent thousands on photo equiptment and haven't made a dime." I think she's behind me 100% :)

[FBJ]

ATTN: Nikonians!

If you've got a DX camera and want a good deal on a 10.5mm fisheye, I'm your man. (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130226903995)

EDIT: Damn! It sold already! Took less than three hours and I got my 'Buy It Now' price!

[rinkrat]

I took this one on Saturday night

Star Tracks - Tuesday, June 3, 2008 - ON A ROLL : People.com (http://www.people.com/people/gallery/0,,20203813_5,00.html)

[BleedingPurple]

I took this one on Saturday night

Star Tracks - Tuesday, June 3, 2008 - ON A ROLL : People.com (http://www.people.com/people/gallery/0,,20203813_5,00.html)

That's awesome. This is the 2nd time you've made it into People, no?

[rinkrat]

Two in People and one in US.

I think it has more to do with Drew than my mad foto skillz.

[rinkrat]

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/imaginary_girl.jpg


Imaginary Girl

[VF]

Radtastic, someone is eatin' what the Strobist is preachin'! Looks good. Alright, lets see how I do:

Hair light hight camera left behind model, no light modifier
Key camera right slightly above model, bounce or something like shoot through umbrella?

[rinkrat]

Slight modifier.. a blue gel on the left

umbrella on the right

[rinkrat]

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/img_1272bs.jpg

Wifey and her ipod

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/img_1275s.jpg

wifey and her bike

Umbrella on the right that is gelled for tungsten and the camera set to tungsten to make everything but the light turn blue

[VF]

Those look great! The lighting on the first is fantastic, and the tungsten gel trick worked perfectly with the balance on her face.

[BleedingPurple]

My answer to RR's Dog... (My Condo isn't big enough for a Lab)

http://inlinethumb29.webshots.com/36764/2152004590050855533S600x600Q85.jpg

[rinkrat]

My answer to RR's Dog... (My Condo isn't big enough for a Lab)

http://inlinethumb29.webshots.com/36764/2152004590050855533S600x600Q85.jpg



Beautiful soft lighting. Excellent detail. Well composed nice tight shot. ;)

[rinkrat]

So I went to the Doll Factory for a Fresh Meat practice last night to test out the two-light setup. I was VERY encouraged by the results and can't wait to try it out in the real combat situation of a bout (a two-day tournament is coming at the end of the month). Still a little tweaking to do but it was bitchen to roam around and have the lighting change depending on what angles I was shooting from on the rink. What was cool was that the two small flashes covered a good portion of the rink that includes my favorite shooting positions. There is a little shadow problem because of the railing and the poles in the infield but the other light helps to minimize the impact and soften them up. This is gonna be bitchen if I can pull it off.

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/img_1441.jpg

That is Thomas Refferson on the right . . can't miss him. ;) I think the off-camera lights really make it pop. There's some stray ambient too.

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/img_1356.jpg

She is lit by the lights and the flag is lit by a window behind it. I'm real pleased with the lighting on her. ;)




http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/img_1466.jpg

This is with one light behind me and one behind them on the left. Still moving around the rink, the lights are stationary.


http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/img_1339.jpg

They are right next to one of the lights. which is because I'm roaming around. I had the lights behind them for some real dramatic shots just by wandering to the other side of the rink.

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/img_1503.jpg

[BleedingPurple]

Beautiful soft lighting. Excellent detail. Well composed nice tight shot. ;)

Thanks! It was one of those moments that I saw him sitting their in good lighting so I ran upstairs and grabbed the camera. No post processing at all.

[rinkrat]

Canon Announces New Entry Level DSLR | Gadget Lab from Wired.com (http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/06/canon-announces.html)

[rinkrat]

Samy's is having a "we pay the tax sale" over the weekend on a lot of lighting eqpt.
I might have to cruise over there and get myself a b-day present. ;)

[FBJ]

A couple from this week on the road...

Denver International Airport:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3060/2571707612_44c07c4136_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3137/2571709160_069d33ff6f_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/2570882129_b485971d24_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3189/2571703256_db53e7d5fc_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/2570878823_49f814df5e_o.jpg

[HeShootsNScores]

beautiful FBJ! I especially like the third one...

[BleedingPurple]

A couple from this week on the road...

Denver International Airport:



F'ing Brilliant, FBJ. Great Job!

[rinkrat]

Nice!!!

[rinkrat]

On the way home from Samy's I stopped by Huntington Beach.
http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/img_1531.jpg

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/img_1557.jpg


http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/img_1623.jpg

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/img_1571.jpg
here's a sequence
http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/img_1572.jpg

[FBJ]

Been wanting to hit a surf spot for a while now to try and get some good shots to add to my sports portfolio...

[rinkrat]

Huntington Beach Pier was a great spot. The guys are right there within spitting distance. I might even take a flash next time. I just signed up for a surf report via email so I'll know when the big ones hit. I think some great shots could be captured from there. The surf was small and still ther were probably 6-8 guys there and a couple had pro rigs and were talking real loud about all the magazines they shoot for. They even knew the guys names in the water which would help if you were trying to market/promote the photos.

It was around noon and the lighting is pretty brutal with way too much range between the whites and the surfers so it's either blow out the foam or lose the surfer's details. I think that in the morning it might be cool with the sun coming through the pier whereas in the evening it might just be silhoettes.

[HeShootsNScores]

Brilliant!
http://www.herloyalsons.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/guinness-guys.jpg

[VF]

Hey look, if you have no idea how to spell Cammalleri, it turns out he is a pretty good photog as well as a lw:

Michael Camilleri (http://www.michaelcamilleri.com/gallery.jsp)

[nocturn]

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f36/rdnelan/dragonfly1-1.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f36/rdnelan/dragonfly2.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f36/rdnelan/dragonfly3.jpg

[BleedingPurple]

Wow, Nocturn. What are you using to get those shots?

Nice Job!

[nocturn]

Thanks.

d80/105mm Macro/ND filter/monopod

[rinkrat]

Awesome, Nocturn. I have been resisting the temptation to purchase a macro. I'll bet it opens up a whole new world.


here's one from the dog walk today...



http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/redshirtsmall.jpg

Portable Shade

[VF]

Really nice captures nocturn, love #2!

[Clich? Guevara]

Perfect
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f36/rdnelan/dragonfly2.jpg

[rinkrat]

http://laist.com/2008/06/15/extra_extra_284.php

photo credit :)

[nocturn]

Perfect
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f36/rdnelan/dragonfly2.jpg

Thanks Guys.

I see the pic and immediately think "B-52". Ala

http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/295000/images/_299193_b52_front300.jpg

[BleedingPurple]

Thanks Guys.

I see the pic and immediately think "B-52". Ala



HA HA, for sure!

[rinkrat]

Uncanny resemblance!

[rinkrat]

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/fresh.jpg


Fresh Mail

[rinkrat]

Doggy headshot


http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/img_0246.jpg

Trying to get used to the strobes on my fave captive subject

[BleedingPurple]

Fresh Mail

I've never seen a green mailbox before. It must be fresh.

[nocturn]

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f36/rdnelan/dragonfly125back.jpg
Front side of the Blue Dasher in my first set. I hit him with the SB-600 and it washed him out pretty bad. Although, it brought out some serious detail:
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f36/rdnelan/dragonfly150backclose685.jpg
^^^Happy Mistake (@ +68.5%)^^^
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f36/rdnelan/dragonfly4.jpg
Different fly, same B-52 profile as #2. Love how the "eyes" always look at you.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f36/rdnelan/dragonfly45blown765.jpg
Close up of previous (+76.5%)
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f36/rdnelan/dragonfly5.jpg
Cant forget the brutha's.

[VF]

D700, D3's little brother (http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/657828)? Looks like a FF sensor in a smaller form factor. If true, Canon may feel a significant pinch on this one as it would be a direct competitor to their very popular, and very old 5D.

[rinkrat]

Those are awesome, Nocturn.

[rinkrat]

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/img_1955s.jpg

Kitteh

gelled flash on the right side

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/img_1964s.jpg

Kicked back :smoke:

same gelled flash

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/img_1988s.jpg

Ceiling rat is watching you masturbate

[FBJ]

"Kitteh" is well-composed, but the subject seems a tad out-of-focus. Like the feel of the image, nevertheless.

"Kicked Back" is just freakin' killer. Nice shot!

"Ceiling Rat" is the single-most disturbing and horrific image I have ever seen on the internet. Seriously. Rivals "tub-girl."

:)

[rinkrat]

"Kitteh" is well-composed, but the subject seems a tad out-of-focus. Like the feel of the image, nevertheless.

"Kicked Back" is just freakin' killer. Nice shot!

"Ceiling Rat" is the single-most disturbing and horrific image I have ever seen on the internet. Seriously. Rivals "tub-girl."

:)


Yeah I made Kitteh smaller to cover up the out of focus. Guess it didn't work. :)

The dog refuses to model for me so I was left with self gratification.



http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/img_1873s.jpg

[FBJ]

Some available-light work I did at my daughter's first dance recital...some of the instructors.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3053/2593819445_28d91f590e_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3026/2594658250_7231a9b8a8_o.jpg

D3. Noise-Free at 5000 ISO since 2008!

[BeerMan]

"Ceiling Rat" is the single-most disturbing and horrific image I have ever seen on the internet. Seriously. Rivals "tub-girl."

:)

people should be more worried about a middle-aged dude walking around with a Kill Jack Kill shirt. :)

[VF]

D3. Noise-Free at 5000 ISO since 2008!

Ulgh, screw you and you uber mega super massively ultra high ISO velvety smooth performance! I really like the gravel pit result that my 1600 ISO gives me ;)
Seriously though, nice captures, the second is fantastic.

To RinkRat, many kudos on your flash and gel work, you are really getting great results with it. I need to get on the gel train, but to be honest, I am a little scared. I guess there is no better way to get over you fear then to try what you don't know.

To nocturn, the dragonflies continue to be rad-tastic, nice gets.

And to Beerman, holy cow do you know your LGK swag

[rinkrat]

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/mike_zampelli1.jpg

Celestial Offering

[FBJ]

I just got official word that this image of mine:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2315/2435978034_13788151fc_o.jpg

...is going to be used as the cover image for the 2009 Southwest Airlines Calendar (after a slight alteration to remove the shadow in the lower left-hand corner, that is - Thanks ValleyFan). I'm even getting PAID for the one-time use of the image ($250)!!

SCORE!!!!

[rinkrat]

"Self Portrait with Jet"


Good job!! Great color. Congratulations!

[rinkrat]

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/img_2231.jpg


I did some more testing of the remote flashes at the Doll Factory last night. I think this is close to what I am looking for. Nice even main light coming from a flash attached to a pole behind me and then a really nice rim light on the left side from another flash on a pole behind the skater. (Both at 1/2 power) I think I am going to use this exact spot to shoot from for a LOT of pics this weekend when I try it "live". It's not where I usually shoot from but it uses the available lighting setup (ie: the only two thin poles in the place) just right.

[OTTo VoN BLoTTo]

I just got official word that this image of mine:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2315/2435978034_13788151fc_o.jpg

...is going to be used as the cover image for the 2009 Southwest Airlines Calendar (after a slight alteration to remove the shadow in the lower left-hand corner, that is - Thanks ValleyFan). I'm even getting PAID for the one-time use of the image ($250)!!

SCORE!!!!



KILLER shot!!!

[BleedingPurple]

I just got official word that this image of mine:

...is going to be used as the cover image for the 2009 Southwest Airlines Calendar (after a slight alteration to remove the shadow in the lower left-hand corner, that is - Thanks ValleyFan). I'm even getting PAID for the one-time use of the image ($250)!!

SCORE!!!!

Congratulations, FBJ. I love that photo.

[HeShootsNScores]

Congratulations, FBJ. I love that photo.

'cept its FBJ's photo... FTFY

[BleedingPurple]

'cept its FBJ's photo... FTFY

DOH! I guess that's what happens when I try and do two things at once. How did I mix that one up...

[rinkrat]

Hey guys, LAist.com is going to give me assignments in the Long Beach area to cover events and gigs etc. I am stoked and look at it as a real learning opportunity and a chance to make some contacts at the same time. I'm very excited!

It's not major $$ like FBJ but it's a start. :)

Briing on the Long Beach Riots!

[FBJ]

Hey guys, LAist.com is going to give me assignments in the Long Beach area to cover events and gigs etc. I am stoked and look at it as a real learning opportunity and a chance to make some contacts at the same time. I'm very excited!

It's not major $$ like FBJ but it's a start. :)

Briing on the Long Beach Riots!

HAH!! Major $$...Funny!

Good luck with LAist!!

[rinkrat]

HAH!! Major $$...Funny!

Good luck with LAist!!



Hey I'll be happy when I get my FIRST check for a photo. I'll frame the thing. ;)

[VF]

The Image Fulgurator (http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/06/exclusive-inter.html) - Just another reason to get fast primes so you don't set this guys contraption off ;)

[BleedingPurple]

The Image Fulgurator (http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/06/exclusive-inter.html) - Just another reason to get fast primes so you don't set this guys contraption off ;)

How damn annoying is this crap going to be if it is ever used...

A fast prime is going to be my next purchase. Just gotta figure out what I want.

Anybody have any recommendations for a Canon 40D?

[VF]

I just got official word that this image of mine:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2315/2435978034_13788151fc_o.jpg

...is going to be used as the cover image for the 2009 Southwest Airlines Calendar (after a slight alteration to remove the shadow in the lower left-hand corner, that is - Thanks ValleyFan). I'm even getting PAID for the one-time use of the image ($250)!!

SCORE!!!!

Super sweet! Congrats on the cover, that is pretty radtastic right there. I hope the PS work was OK. If I recall, it is already past the deadline for submission, but if there is more time to futz with it, my schedule is clear again.


Hey guys, LAist.com is going to give me assignments in the Long Beach area to cover events and gigs etc. I am stoked and look at it as a real learning opportunity and a chance to make some contacts at the same time. I'm very excited!

It's not major $$ like FBJ but it's a start. :)

Briing on the Long Beach Riots!

Very cool! Look at all you guys making moneys with your skills. By the way, the random images that appear on http://www.letsgokings.com/bbs/ (as it mostly displays your images) continue to impress me, they keep getting better and better.


A fast prime is going to be my next purchase. Just gotta figure out what I want.

Anybody have any recommendations for a Canon 40D?

What do you want to do, and how much do you want to spend :)

[BleedingPurple]

What do you want to do, and how much do you want to spend :)

Good question...

I love outdoor and everyday stuff so that's why I've got the 24-105 f4L which gives me a broad spectrum of possibilities. I absolutely love it but I'm torn between a faster lens for some indoor shots or a macro lens to get some cool stuff like FBJ has floating around like droplets on a leaf.

I think what would be ideal for right now is probably a faster lens (prime or otherwise) for indoor work. I'll be traveling to Europe for Christmas and a lot of places won't allow a flash and I'll need the extra stop that a 2.8 offers.

As of right now, I've got $600 in Amazon gift cards so I'm open to just about any and all suggestions.

Thanks!

[VF]

Good question...

I love outdoor and everyday stuff so that's why I've got the 24-105 f4L which gives me a broad spectrum of possibilities. I absolutely love it but I'm torn between a faster lens for some indoor shots or a macro lens to get some cool stuff like FBJ has floating around like droplets on a leaf.

I think what would be ideal for right now is probably a faster lens (prime or otherwise) for indoor work. I'll be traveling to Europe for Christmas and a lot of places won't allow a flash and I'll need the extra stop that a 2.8 offers.

As of right now, I've got $600 in Amazon gift cards so I'm open to just about any and all suggestions.

Thanks!

By interior shots, do you mean interior architecture shots (as in an ultra wide rectilinear) or just being able to take pictures inside without a flash? If you don't need the ultra wide, you might look at the EF 35mm f/2.0 (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-35mm-Wide-Angle-Cameras/dp/B00009XVCU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1214853961&sr=1-1) and the EF 50mm f/1.4 (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Standard-Medium-Telephoto-Cameras/dp/B00009XVCZ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1214853988&sr=1-1). You could get both for under you $600 limit, with a little left over to put toward a set of extension tubes (http://www.amazon.com/Kenko-Auto-Extension-Tube-Set/dp/B000A1N8F8/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1214853810&sr=1-4) for your macro wants. I don't have the 35mm, but from what I hear, it is a really nice lens for not being an 'L'. I do have the 50mm, and I think it is a pretty decent lens for the price. It is a little soft wide open, but starts to look pretty impressive above f/2.0. Also, not being an L, it won't have the robust feel you might be used to in the 24-105, and the AF is a little slower that my 24-70, which I think is comparable to the 24-105. But despite being a bit on the slow side, it does AF accurately. My other gripe about this lens (besides the non metal build and the slowish AF) is that it changes length during focus, which isn't a huge deal, but it does make it a bit more likely to suck in dust over its' lifespan (although it does change length, the front element does not rotate). With all that said, it has been pretty much glued onto my 5D for the past few months for interior baby shots, so it gets the definite thumbs up.

If you need ultra wide and fast, then your choices go down a bit. You have the venerable EF 17-40 f/4.0 (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EF-Wide-angle-zoom-lens/dp/B000W7MRUC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1214855499&sr=1-1) which probably isn't fast enough for you, and there is the EF 16-35 L mkII (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-16-35mm-2-8L-Ultra-Angle/dp/B000NP46K2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1214854851&sr=1-4), which may be out of your price range. If you don't need an L, the EF-s 17-55mm f/2.8 IS (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EF-S-17-55mm-Lens-Cameras/dp/B000EW8074/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1214854727&sr=1-1) is a fantastic lens for 1.6 crop bodies which Rinkrat has, and might be able to offer a review of. Its' benefits are that it is f/2.8 and has IS, which might be a nice combo for your indoor work. If you want to get uber crazy, there is the EF 14mm f/2.8 mkII (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Ultra-Wide-Angle-Digital-Cameras/dp/B000V5P94Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1214855064&sr=1-1), which is the fastest wide that Canon offers (sadly). If you need wider, but are willing to give up on some speed, there is also the EF-s 10-22 f/3.5-4.5 (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EF-S-10-22mm-3-5-4-5-Digital/dp/B0002Y5WXE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1214855282&sr=1-1)

[rinkrat]

Rinkrat FTW
Summer Shutters
Best Sign Photo (http://bixbyknollsinfo.com/summershutters.html)

I think I actually get a prize :)


Edit: Verified. I get a prize. Oh boy. I went to the reception and the competition was pretty damn good. It's an honor to be in the top ten.

[VF]

New D3 and D300 firmware. (http://www.dpreview.com/news/0807/08070104nikonfirmware.asp)


D3 firmware makes improvements to AF and Auto White Balance mode, as well as correcting for the battery indicator errors. Many of the other changes are subtle tweaks to menus and behavior, such as the decision to only all auto-rotate of images in playback mode, not in the review image that appears after shooting (as the camera must already be in the correct orientation to have taken the shot).

The only D700 feature to appear is the addition of a visualization of the virtual horizon function to live view mode. Other than this, the new function button customization options are not as extensive as its new baby brother. The D3 changes add three more options that can be assigned to the Function, Preview or AE-L/AF-L buttons. The only completely original option is the ability to scroll between shooting menu banks (user-defined presets) with a button press and turn of the control dial. The firmware also separates the image area (FX/DX/5:4) option into two, so that you can choose to either scroll between all three image sizes or just between FX and DX.

[FBJ]

New D3 and D300 firmware. (http://www.dpreview.com/news/0807/08070104nikonfirmware.asp)

Already did it earlier. I'm hoping the fixes to autofocus operation take care of the little problems I've been having.

[DeaderFan]

D700??? Sounds like a perfect compliment to my D300 and available in July? Interesting, especially if it has the same low noise as the D3.


Nikon D700 plus hands-on preview: Digital Photography Review (http://www.dpreview.com/news/0807/08070103nikond700previewed.asp)

[FBJ]

They asked for another photo for the calendar today:

_GCC0079 on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/glenn_calvin/511430670/in/set-72157600262447406/)

For them to use this one, I've got to get permission from Captain Jim. Not sure if that will happen or not, but if it does it means double cha-ching for me!

EDIT: Got permission this morning 7/8/08! CHA CHING!!!

[VF]

So for all you camera nutso prospect camp veterans, I know camp is "camera friendly", but how friendly is camera friendly? I was thinking about renting the 300mm f/2.8 for Fri-Sun, is this behemoth going to be causing problems if I bring it?

[FBJ]

Nobody's ever run me out for taking pictures.

[VF]

Nobody's ever run me out for taking pictures.

Alright, then I guess I'll go ahead and make an ass out of myself with that lens then! :)

[FBJ]

Alright, then I guess I'll go ahead and make an ass out of myself with that lens then! :)

Wear your "I don't answer questions!!" t-shirt!

(sorry...accidentally hit the EDIT button instead of the QUOTE button in your post above.)

[DeaderFan]

I've never had a problem shooting at TSC, but I've never used anything bigger than 70-200. Sometimes with the camps there are a lot of people trying to get pictures so might have to fight for a good spot along the glass. When I shoot my son's games I shoot from a spot just above the glass. Right after you go up the stairs to the bleachers, there is a gap in the netting you can fit a lens through. They might not let people do that during the camp though.

Make sure you post some of you pics when you get em!

[FBJ]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3264/2637724291_3e591f6f57_o.jpg

[VF]

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k35/tuttle5/SamPage_20080704_9442-1.jpg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k35/tuttle5/SamPage_20080704_9446-1.jpg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k35/tuttle5/SamPage_20080704_9451-1.jpg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k35/tuttle5/SamPage_20080704_9452-1.jpg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k35/tuttle5/SamPage_20080704_9457-1.jpg

Sparklers on the way back down the hill:
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k35/tuttle5/SamPage_20080704_9458.jpg


--EDIT--
OK, better, but I do wish Lightroom used bicubic sharper when reducing photos, in the originals you can see all the individual panels at the top of the US Bank building, and here it just looks mushy.

[FBJ]

Went over to the convention center this morning to check out Anime Expo. It's a great place for colorful portraiture! Lots of costumes and stuff. Other than that, it was geek central!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/2639736011_c4403e0d3c.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/2639739911_16a0c0f452.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070/2640582754_066fa4a3bc.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2639746265_6f23eee7ea.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3010/2640583618_a936c2e8e8.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3146/2640586718_578122c3ae.jpg
(I wanna see ketel&tonic dressed like this ^^ :) )

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3169/2639753467_6c27943a3a.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3112/2639767505_43fe920bba.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3260/2639765549_00987ab4f7.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3049/2640600208_c296b8d905.jpg

Rest here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/glenn_calvin/sets/72157605999974275/).

[VF]

Very nice, a good exercise as well, I need to get better at anonymous people photography, I always feel weird sticking a camera in a random persons face.

[BleedingPurple]

Very nice, a good exercise as well, I need to get better at anonymous people photography, I always feel weird sticking a camera in a random persons face.

Seriously! What do you say when you approach these people, FBJ?

[FBJ]

Well...the thing about this sort of event is that the people who get all dressed up in costume expect to get their pictures taken. What they don't expect, typically, is for a photographer to get as close to them as I wanted to. Most of the above were taken just beyond the minimum focusing distance of my 24-70 f/2.8 lens...so about a foot-and-a-half from the subject. Because of their costumes, every photographer takes full-body shots of the players, but I wanted to try and get a different result. All I had to do, though, was ask them politely if I could take their picture close-up.

It was definitely a good exercise, but looking at the stuff when I got it home made me realize that I still need to be more conscious of my f-stop. I found that I ran it wide-open most of the time. My images could probably have been much sharper had I stopped down a bit.

[BleedingPurple]

Well...the thing about this sort of event is that the people who get all dressed up in costume expect to get their pictures taken. What they don't expect, typically, is for a photographer to get as close to them as I wanted to. Most of the above were taken just beyond the minimum focusing distance of my 24-70 f/2.8 lens...so about a foot-and-a-half from the subject. Because of their costumes, every photographer takes full-body shots of the players, but I wanted to try and get a different result. All I had to do, though, was ask them politely if I could take their picture close-up.

It was definitely a good exercise, but looking at the stuff when I got it home made me realize that I still need to be more conscious of my f-stop. I found that I ran it wide-open most of the time. My images could probably have been much sharper had I stopped down a bit.

Nice work. I'm with you on the closeups. Since I started taking photography classes, I've noticed that closeups, imo, are much more dramatic and appealing for something like this. I have the same tendancy with my f-stop as well. Running it wide open is nice though when you have a bunch of garbage in the background.



____________________________________________


Very nice shot!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/2639739911_16a0c0f452.jpg

____________________________________________

[rinkrat]

It sounds like the Derby Dolls. I have no problem asking the people who are dressed elaborately to pose for a photo because they are begging for it by the way they look and have no problem with people documenting it. Sometimes they will even ask me to take their picture, it's that easy.

If I see a person that I want to photograph I just kind of point to the camera and say "Is it ok if I take a picture" and they usually put on the pose that they practiced in front of the mirror all morning.

[FBJ]

BleedingPurple...

I don't know how you linked to my images like that (you shouldn't be able to with the settings I've set in flickr), but there's a reason those two pics weren't put up in the original batch above.

;) Mind taking them out of your post? I don't mind you quoting the one I put in the first lot, though.

[BleedingPurple]

BleedingPurple...

I don't know how you linked to my images like that (you shouldn't be able to with the settings I've set in flickr), but there's a reason those two pics weren't put up in the original batch above.

;) Mind taking them out of your post? I don't mind you quoting the one I put in the first lot, though.


I explained via PM. I removed them for you since you asked so nicely... ;)

[VF]

BleedingPurple...

I don't know how you linked to my images like that (you shouldn't be able to with the settings I've set in flickr), but there's a reason those two pics weren't put up in the original batch above.

;) Mind taking them out of your post? I don't mind you quoting the one I put in the first lot, though.

Ooo, this sounds interesting, now I am going to HAVE to look at the full set on flickr!

[VF]

Aww bummer, I was hoping for some spill over from the convention center's annual erotica convention ;) There are some great shots in there though.

[rinkrat]

LAist: This Week's Most Commented & Recommended (http://laist.com/2008/07/06/this_weeks_most_commented_recommend_2.php)

Second most recommended entry of the week in the LAist was my photo gallery on the LA Derby Dolls (my first LAist "assignment"). Most recommended article was a review of Master Kush, how can you compete with Master Kush?

I like the photo credit with the Michael Zampelli/LAist. Looks good. Can't wait to see it on more galleries. ;)

[FBJ]

Freakin' cool, Mike.

[FBJ]

A couple from CityWalk today:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3122/2644055426_df7d17e06e.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3179/2644053016_22b56d5555.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3107/2643225097_c46ed06f42.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3110/2644054250_880e6ceee1.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2375/2644048654_9b773f5048.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3098/2644048076_52965ae070.jpg

I could spend hours taking pictures in that throwback toy store they have there. So many colorful things in that shop!

Rest here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/glenn_calvin/sets/72157606019714865/).

[BleedingPurple]

You have a good eye, Glenn. That's what I'm trying to work on right now. The ability of using the camera to its capabilities will come in time but the "eye" for things is where my focus is right now.

[DeaderFan]

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k35/tuttle5/SamPage_20080704_9446-1.jpg



Really like this one. Very cool. Was this one long or multiple exposures?

[VF]

Really like this one. Very cool. Was this one long or multiple exposures?

Huh, it looks like photobucket has started to strip the exif, perhaps it is time to move to flickr then as that was the one advantage photobucket had.

Anyway, that was one exposure, 53 seconds, f/11, iso 100, 135mm, Canon 5D

[VF]

LAist: This Week's Most Commented & Recommended (http://laist.com/2008/07/06/this_weeks_most_commented_recommend_2.php)

Second most recommended entry of the week in the LAist was my photo gallery on the LA Derby Dolls (my first LAist "assignment"). Most recommended article was a review of Master Kush, how can you compete with Master Kush?

I like the photo credit with the Michael Zampelli/LAist. Looks good. Can't wait to see it on more galleries. ;)

Very nice!


A couple from CityWalk today:

...

I could spend hours taking pictures in that throwback toy store they have there. So many colorful things in that shop!


Really nice shots! I love the one fountain one. Is the shoe totally clipping, or is it possible to pull a little detail back in it? I find myself saying again, "fantastic work".

[FBJ]

Yah I tried and tried to get some detail back and still have a decent looking image. That was as good as I could get it.

[VF]

Well, Samy's didn't have the IS version available, but I will be down at camp Friday and Saturday with a 300mm, anyone else going?

[FBJ]

I hope 300mm isn't too much lens. Whenever I go out there, I take the 70-200mm, but I find myself running it closer to the short side for all but the close-up headshot type work.

[VF]

I hope 300mm isn't too much lens. Whenever I go out there, I take the 70-200mm, but I find myself running it closer to the short side for all but the close-up headshot type work.

Interesting, was this with the D200 or the D3? I think my personal style has always been for very tight shots (I hate being short, but perhaps that is a personal problem ;) ), but I will also bring the 85mm f/1.8, and the 135 f/2 and a 1.4x extender, so I will effectively have a ~190mm f/2.8 as well, so I'm feeling fairly comfortable not being stuck to long, but that would kinda suck if the 300mm just ended up being to long for the building.

[FBJ]

That was with the D3.

[BleedingPurple]

By interior shots, do you mean interior architecture shots (as in an ultra wide rectilinear) or just being able to take pictures inside without a flash? If you don't need the ultra wide, you might look at the EF 35mm f/2.0 (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-35mm-Wide-Angle-Cameras/dp/B00009XVCU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1214853961&sr=1-1) and the EF 50mm f/1.4 (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Standard-Medium-Telephoto-Cameras/dp/B00009XVCZ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1214853988&sr=1-1). You could get both for under you $600 limit, with a little left over to put toward a set of extension tubes (http://www.amazon.com/Kenko-Auto-Extension-Tube-Set/dp/B000A1N8F8/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1214853810&sr=1-4) for your macro wants. I don't have the 35mm, but from what I hear, it is a really nice lens for not being an 'L'. I do have the 50mm, and I think it is a pretty decent lens for the price. It is a little soft wide open, but starts to look pretty impressive above f/2.0. Also, not being an L, it won't have the robust feel you might be used to in the 24-105, and the AF is a little slower that my 24-70, which I think is comparable to the 24-105. But despite being a bit on the slow side, it does AF accurately. My other gripe about this lens (besides the non metal build and the slowish AF) is that it changes length during focus, which isn't a huge deal, but it does make it a bit more likely to suck in dust over its' lifespan (although it does change length, the front element does not rotate). With all that said, it has been pretty much glued onto my 5D for the past few months for interior baby shots, so it gets the definite thumbs up.

If you need ultra wide and fast, then your choices go down a bit. You have the venerable EF 17-40 f/4.0 (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EF-Wide-angle-zoom-lens/dp/B000W7MRUC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1214855499&sr=1-1) which probably isn't fast enough for you, and there is the EF 16-35 L mkII (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-16-35mm-2-8L-Ultra-Angle/dp/B000NP46K2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1214854851&sr=1-4), which may be out of your price range. If you don't need an L, the EF-s 17-55mm f/2.8 IS (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EF-S-17-55mm-Lens-Cameras/dp/B000EW8074/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1214854727&sr=1-1) is a fantastic lens for 1.6 crop bodies which Rinkrat has, and might be able to offer a review of. Its' benefits are that it is f/2.8 and has IS, which might be a nice combo for your indoor work. If you want to get uber crazy, there is the EF 14mm f/2.8 mkII (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Ultra-Wide-Angle-Digital-Cameras/dp/B000V5P94Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1214855064&sr=1-1), which is the fastest wide that Canon offers (sadly). If you need wider, but are willing to give up on some speed, there is also the EF-s 10-22 f/3.5-4.5 (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EF-S-10-22mm-3-5-4-5-Digital/dp/B0002Y5WXE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1214855282&sr=1-1)


Thanks for this, VF. You've given me a lot of good information/advice. My teacher brought in all of his gear tonight and I was able to try out his 28MM, 50MM, 85MM, and 100MM. With the 1.6X factor, I'm leaning towards the 50 or 85. I still have a little research to do but I'll make sure to let you guys know which route I choose.

[rinkrat]

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/pike4.jpg
Ryan Bradley at the Pike Bar in Long Beach


I asked wifey to stand on the right side and bounce the flash off the low white ceiling.
Did a test shot and this one and sat back down to finish my Stone Pale Ale on tap and shrimp tacos.

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/pike1.jpg

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/pike2.jpg

[rinkrat]

Gal VanIZed is obsessed with this turtle. She even has dreams about finding it.

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/img_4816.jpg

[rinkrat]

I tried using two remote flashes attached to the stage monitors and got some interesting results last night.

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/sun_trash_4.jpg
SUN TRASH
http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/sun_trash_2.jpg
SUN TRASH
http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/sun_trash_6.jpg

MORE HERE
http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/browseimages.php?c=207

[FBJ]

Dude that second pic is GOLD. Awesome job! The only critique I'd have is to watch the lens flare. Maybe bounce them off a couple small reflectors instead of pointing them direct?

[VF]

SUN TRASH
http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/sun_trash_2.jpg
SUN TRASH
http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/sun_trash_6.jpg


Love these two, great work! As for the flare that Glenn pointed out, I think that is the one weak point of the 17-55, are you shooting with a hood? That might help cut it down a bit.

Also, I wanted to try and get down to it, but I am going to be out of town (actually, I'm taking a lighting class in SB, which I'm excited about), the Doo Dah Surf (http://www.doodahsurf.com/) is this Saturday, which might make for some good photo opportunities (hint hint certain LAist photog who has already shown skill with the surfing photos or other photog who has expressed interest in surf images :) )

[FBJ]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3269/2671697049_6ecaf6f38a.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3103/2671697843_7f2649188c.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3076/2672510892_b9afa970cd.jpg

[rinkrat]

Yeah I'll have to get the hood. I noticed the flair in a few pics. I also al moving the flash on one side over a bit more to have it be more from the front and not so dramatic with the black stripe down the middle. For the first try, I was very pleased though and inspired to do more experimenting.

[rinkrat]

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/cute_lepers_2.jpg
cute lepers

[rinkrat]

Okay I just ordered the lens hood. $59 for a piece of plastic, yikes!

Thanks for the heads up, I noticed it but it didn't bother me till you mentioned it. ;)

I like to push the angles on the lights so I think it's the best way to go for sure. Just expensive. :(

[HeShootsNScores]

Okay... is HDR no longer the rage/interest?

any luck getting it with people? I tried it.... but not sure what I think.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v189/HeShootsNScores/DSC_0133_Hdr.jpg

[FBJ]

Kinda cool!

[BleedingPurple]

I think that it looks pretty nice. Good job.

[VF]

Sweet macro work Glenn, love the bee flying.

The reviews of the Canon EF 200 f/2.0 (http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/1174/cat/10) are finally in and holy crap, it might actually be worth the $5500, I think the 85 f/1.2 just lost its' distinction as the sharpest lens on the planet.

Canon might be lagging in the body department, but it is nice to know they still know how to make a lens. </Canon_Fanboy> (although Nikon has had some really nice lens offerings as of late as well)

[DeaderFan]

Sweet macro work Glenn, love the bee flying.

The reviews of the Canon EF 200 f/2.0 (http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/1174/cat/10) are finally in and holy crap, it might actually be worth the $5500, I think the 85 f/1.2 just lost its' distinction as the sharpest lens on the planet.

Canon might be lagging in the body department, but it is nice to know they still know how to make a lens. </Canon_Fanboy> (although Nikon has had some really nice lens offerings as of late as well)

Awsome lens but it looks heavy. That seems to be a good focal length for choice primes. I remember one of my first was a Nikon 180 which always seemed sharp as tack. I've had a couple 105s that were very sharp too, with almost no distortion. I like that site too. The data they give you on lenses if very cool.

BTW VF did you ever shoot anyting down at the camp at TSC?

FBJ, nice work on the macros. I also like the flying bee with the blurred wings. Although the other bee is kind of cool too because of the detail--especially the wing--wouldn't expect the wing to look so tattered.

[VF]

BTW VF did you ever shoot anyting down at the camp at TSC?

All the stuff from Friday is here (http://www.letsgokings.com/bbs/f4/friday_prospect_camp_pictures-81537.html). I have stuff from Saturday that I haven't posted yet, a lot of work came in and I personally didn't think they were as good as Friday, but maybe I'll look through them again and post a few.

[DeaderFan]

Can't believe I missed the other thread. Those are some awsome shots! And so many! Very nice work. I wish I could come away from TSC with pictures looking that good.

[FBJ]

Messing with fill-flash...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3259/2685389219_dd5ceeb8be_o.jpg

[astrodog777]

I have the D60 and love it.

[VF]

Messing with fill-flash...
Mango will eat fill flash! Looks good, although it took me a second to figure out why he was on his side ;) The fill looks very natural and unobtrusive.


I have the D60 and love it.

Then lets see some images from it :)

[VF]

Took a lighting class from Samy's this weekend, and now I know why it was so relatively inexpensive ($180 for a 10 hour day, instructor, his assistant, and two models), because it is about half class, half ad for equipment I can't begin to think about affording, although I did get to shoot for a bit on a PhaseOne P65, which is a 65mp back at 16 bits per channel, it is ridiculous how amazing images that come of it look. The 16 bits make for some amazing light / dark transitions.

Anyway, here are some shots from the 5D, kinda so so, but it was interesting working with a model, I have a lot to learn.
(I have promotional release for these, and I consider this promoting myself you guys ;) )

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k35/tuttle5/SamPage_20080719_0351.jpg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k35/tuttle5/SamPage_20080719_0363.jpg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k35/tuttle5/SamPage_20080719_0375.jpg

[rinkrat]

I love the use of flags or whatever they are called in the third one. I'll have to borrow that. Great stuff. It adds an angular arty edge. I'd like to see it with gelled strobes on the backdrop, that would be sweet. Maybe purple to match the flower and make her stand out and be more mysterious. Maybe have her in a Kings jersey to complete the fantasy.

I'd like to see a rim light along her on the first one that is like the second one, what the blue is doing. The black on black is tough. It's probably my monitor.



This is one of the areas I need to work on is the studio stuff. I'm using a kind of backwards learning curve, starting with the huge Doll Factory and working down to the living room. Thanks for some much-needed inspiration!

So did they teach enough about technique on how to use your strobes or was it all big league lighting?

[VF]

With the flag on the third one, you are actually seeing the shadow of the flag which is almost right over her head. The black on black in the first one isn't just your monitor, it is tough. There is a hair light, which is a strip light, I think she is just a little too far forward and is not catching much of it at all, but I think it would have been better to do it with a grid instead of a strip light, as it probably would have helped to separate the dress.

While we were working with all their big league lights, I did learn a fair amount which I think you could apply it to any number and sized lights you might have. I think the one thing that I came out of there really wanting (besides grids) was a light meter, so super handy and easy, and every element of the exposure is nailed every time, right on.

When I get a second, I'll attach the lighting set up for these.

[VF]

OK, here is the set up for the first one, pretty much straight forward butterfly lighting, with a reflector at her feet for fill. You can see a flag right up against the beauty dish, close so its' shadow would be soft, this cut down some of the light to keep the hair from getting so hot, and so the hair light would be more visible.

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k35/tuttle5/SamPage_20080719_0354.jpg

Second setup, beauty dish in the same location, but instead of the hair light, there are strip lights left and right behind the model, focused mostly behind the model so there is a nice feathered falloff from the light. There is also another head on the right side behind the strip light that is gelled blue, this was originally going to light the drop behind the model, but was giving some interesting spill. An interesting note, you can't add color effectively to a white background using a gelled lamp, you really want 50% gray or darker to get effective color.

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k35/tuttle5/SamPage_20080719_0356.jpg

And the last setup was just a (for the most part) bare strobe high front, fill from a strobe with a grid which is conveniently hiding behind the flag on the left side. The strip light you see on the right is not being used.

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k35/tuttle5/SamPage_20080719_0368.jpg

[rinkrat]

cool

[rinkrat]

The Say Cheese Long Beach photo contest was this weekend in Long Beach.
Here are a couple of my entries, they only allow 5 per person and they had to
be taken between noon yesterday and noon today.
I entered were these four plus one of my dog smiling.

GalVanIZed wanted some pics for her blog so I killed two birds..

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/light.jpg


http://www.letsgokings.com/images/custom/Zampelli.jpg

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/squat.jpg


http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/plane_guy_2.jpg

Plane Guy


Contest results will be made announced Saturday the 2nd

[FBJ]

Messing around in the backyard...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3137/2710797657_334a012ae0.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3195/2710827891_efa7786de2.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3248/2710977277_3413312813.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3048/2710986109_206a4b8a36.jpg

More here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/glenn_calvin/sets/72157606424908661/).

This is the setup shot:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3203/2711048343_095c61f0e2.jpg

[rinkrat]

Very cool

Great colors

[VF]

RR - I really like #2, my only wish would be to power down the flash a bit so what looks like a sunset happening in the background would be more visible.

Glenn - those are some fantastic shots! The tin-foil reflector is really working some magic, that was a great idea to use. I agree that the nice saturated backgrounds really make the shot. Very nice work! Interesting idea pushing two stops to get your shutter speed, any noticeable loss in shadow detail on the full sizes?

[VF]

PS - I feel like a chump, you guys are doing great work, I have to get outside more :)

[Unfiltered]

Yo, yo, yo!

A while back, I mentioned that there were a ton of great tuts via video podcasts for digital photography. Most of the casts I subscribe to are Photoshop related.

My favorite by far is Pixel Perfect with Bert Monroy. He is an amazing digital artist who will blow you away with what he can create in PS from scratch.

The past two episodes, Ben Willmore has been a guest on his show demoing and providing tips on creating HDR images. It's pretty nice, and it gives those who are unfamiliar with the process a little insight. Between the two episodes, I think the accumulative demo time is about 35+ minutes.

To check it out, search for "Pixel Perfect" in the Podcast Directory in iTunes (or whatever podcast manager you may use), and enjoy!

[HeShootsNScores]

Messing around in the backyard...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3137/2710797657_334a012ae0.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3195/2710827891_efa7786de2.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3248/2710977277_3413312813.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3048/2710986109_206a4b8a36.jpg

More here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/glenn_calvin/sets/72157606424908661/).

This is the setup shot:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3203/2711048343_095c61f0e2.jpg


wow... when you're messing around.... you dont mess around!

hahaha...

anyway... here are a couple of shots from my honeymoon....

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2251/2529666738_7950b92669_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3227/2722224202_b5e9b43b1d_b.jpg

[HeShootsNScores]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3248/2721422989_f499bf852e_b.jpg

[ianmonsta]

so heres my first attempt at hdr, w/ the original, also i found a great hdr tutorial over here: HDR Experiments and RAWs for download | Abduzeedo - graphic design | design inspiration | design tutorials (http://abduzeedo.com/hdr-experiments-and-raws-download)

http://vanitydesignstudios.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/mammothhdr.jpg

http://vanitydesignstudios.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/mammothhdr_original.jpg

[rinkrat]

I got skunked on the photo contest. There were some amazing shots entered and the winners were deserving for the most part. Maybe next year. :)

I did get some good shots for the wife's blog anyways.

[rinkrat]

Here are some of the great pics I was up against. The one of the girl with the porpoise won Best of Show, it's an amazing pic. If you look closely you will see one of Gal VanIZed roller skating and one of my dog Hali at the very end.

YouTube - SAY CHEESE LONG BEACH - 24 hr. digital photo contest

[DeaderFan]

Messing around in the backyard...



Really nice work FBJ! Looks like something out of a magazine. Very cool. HeShootsNScores is right when you mess around you don't mess around... That doesn't make sense does it?


HeShoots: Love that first one with all that detial in the feathers. Speaking of messing around, I hope you had a great honeymoon!


BTW, I just got back from a trip to Europe and took the D300 with my 18-200VR convenience/travel lens. I got there and it wouldn't focus properly. It has some kind of internal problem that I could not work around. I had to revert to using my wife's point-n-shoot. Two lessons here: take a back up lens, and don't bank on the 18-200VR. This is the second time it is going in for service, and I'm not the only one having trouble with that lens.

[rinkrat]

wow... when you're messing around.... you dont mess around!



http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3227/2722224202_b5e9b43b1d_b.jpg



Love this one :) :) :) :) :) nice bokay and texture

[rinkrat]

If you want to see Glenn's best one in the soggy fruit set, it's right here:

_GC37022 on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/glenn_calvin/2711790468/in/set-72157606424908661/)

awesome pic

[FBJ]

If you want to see Glenn's best one in the soggy fruit set, it's right here:

_GC37022 on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/glenn_calvin/2711790468/in/set-72157606424908661/)

awesome pic

Thanks, Mike. That is one of my favorites of the lot.

This is other.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/glenn_calvin/2710965675/in/set-72157606424908661/

[santiclaws]

Great wet fruit!! FBJ, how do you trigger the shutter? Or is it just trial-and-error?

[FBJ]

I just shot in continuous bursts. 11fps = about three decent shots per drop.

:)

[rinkrat]

Gotta love digital. ;)

[rinkrat]

Last night in Long Beach

Krum Bums

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/krum_bums5.jpg

Shattered Faith

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/shattered_faith1.jpg

Channel 3

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/channel_3_2.jpg

The rest are here
CH3 - Shattered Faith - Krum Bums at Alex's Bar - Los Angeles Kings Fan Photo Gallery (http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/browseimages.php?c=209)

I moved the flash on the right side out a few feet to make the gap between the two light sources not quite so wide and dramatic. I like this much better.

[FBJ]

Mike,

Those are f'in brilliant! Nicely done!

[rinkrat]

Way less glare thanks to the Canon $55 plastic lens hood. ;)

Excellent suggestion.

[rinkrat]

We went again last night to see Manic Hispanic. It was fricken chaos.
I was in the war zone right up front and got slammed, soaked etc. but held onto the camera. ;)

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/img_6384.jpg

More pics later

[VF]

Those are looking great, nice job!


Way less glare thanks to the Canon $55 plastic lens hood. ;)

Lens hoods are where it is at, less glare, better contrast, and less need for a lens cap, so you are less likely to miss shots.

[rinkrat]

We covered Long Beach California Mayor Bob Fosterr cruising around in a biodiesel tractor on the beach today.
It was a fun experience and we got a few cool photos.

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/5_foster_and_lowenthal_fuel_up_the_tractor.jpg

LB Mayor Bob Foster and Councilwoman Bonnie Lowenthal fuel up the tractor

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/1_district_one_council_member_bonnie_lowenthal_and _mayor_bob_foster.jpg

[rinkrat]

YouTube - Pocketwizardstrobist - The Strobist Jet Pack

[BleedingPurple]

So...Anyone know the focal length limit for Dodger Stadium? I've got amazing front row seats behind home plate for tomorrow nights game and I want to bring my camera.

Thanks!

[rinkrat]

Here is an answer from another forum:

Ming Wu , Apr 08, 2008; 02:43 p.m.

I've brought 40D, 70-200 and 17-40 into both Dodgers Stadium and Angels Stadium. The security at the door are more concerned about outside food and drinks than the camera equipment. Every stadium seem to have a different restriction on bag size, so be sure you find out about that. I've seen people turned away at Dodgers Stadium for bags that is too big.

As far as inside the stadium goes, never had any trouble. As long as you are not blocking any aisle and isn't trying to get a "free" seat upgrade, the ushers pretty much leave you alone.

The real hard part is juggling the food, drinks and camera while trying to enjoy the game.

[BleedingPurple]

Here is an answer from another forum:

Ming Wu , Apr 08, 2008; 02:43 p.m.

I've brought 40D, 70-200 and 17-40 into both Dodgers Stadium and Angels Stadium. The security at the door are more concerned about outside food and drinks than the camera equipment. Every stadium seem to have a different restriction on bag size, so be sure you find out about that. I've seen people turned away at Dodgers Stadium for bags that is too big.

As far as inside the stadium goes, never had any trouble. As long as you are not blocking any aisle and isn't trying to get a "free" seat upgrade, the ushers pretty much leave you alone.

The real hard part is juggling the food, drinks and camera while trying to enjoy the game.

Thanks, RR. Looks like I'll have my 24-105 with me behind home plate. Can't Wait!!!!!

[FBJ]

Yeah I've had my rig inside Dodger Stadium more times than you've had hot dinners. No one has ever given me any grief at all.

[Unfiltered]

Yeah I've had my rig inside Dodger Stadium more times than you've had hot dinners. No one has ever given me any grief at all.

How big is your gig bag, Glenn? I've got a Lowepro Fastpack 350.

http://products.lowepro.com/product/Fastpack-350,2087,14.htm

http://products.lowepro.com//CatalogImages/18-2087-IMG1_LRG.jpeg

[BleedingPurple]

How big is your gig bag, Glenn? I've got a Lowepro Fastpack 350.[/IMG]

Same one I got and I'm glad that I didn't bring it because they will not let you in with it. I barely made it in with my standard school backpack. The only reason they let me in was because the guy caught a glimpse of my ticket and said don't worry about it.


Yeah I've had my rig inside Dodger Stadium more times than you've had hot dinners. No one has ever given me any grief at all.

Well, I got my rig in and I can't believe some of the shots I got. I brought my Canon 40D with a 24-105 lens. I got to sit front row to the camera man's right just behind Martin. We had a perfect angle and the Phillies on deck circle was 10-15 fee to my right.

Absolutely unbelievable.

I'm double posting these because I'm not sure how many of you spill over into the baseball forum. Here are some of my favorites of the night.

Enjoy, and please tell me what you think.

-Greg

Blake knocking in Martin!
http://inlinethumb13.webshots.com/40716/2514538570050855533S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb07.webshots.com/40134/2124661210050855533S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb29.webshots.com/23452/2894063710050855533S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb54.webshots.com/41525/2408120660050855533S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb59.webshots.com/14394/2021519470050855533S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb05.webshots.com/43268/2223340650050855533S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb29.webshots.com/40732/2384598810050855533S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb28.webshots.com/42971/2292644090050855533S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb27.webshots.com/44122/2109524170050855533S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb25.webshots.com/29400/2051199290050855533S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb01.webshots.com/10688/2239392080050855533S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/3763/2170971520050855533S600x600Q85.jpg

[FBJ]

How big is your gig bag, Glenn? I've got a Lowepro Fastpack 350.

Lowepro - Fastpack 350 (http://products.lowepro.com/product/Fastpack-350,2087,14.htm)

http://products.lowepro.com//CatalogImages/18-2087-IMG1_LRG.jpeg



I have two, actually. A big one like the one above and a smaller one that's more walk-around. Both are made by Tamrac. Only have the small one in front of me (in NYC to see a Yankee game), and it is the Velocity 9X.

http://optiform.hu/kepek/tamrac/Nagy/5769_velocity9x.jpg

It will hold my D3 attached to the 70-200 along with my 14, 50, and 24-70. The front pouch has enough room for a flash and other stuff. It works out okay when I've got all that crap with me, but I prefer to run WAY lighter than that in this bag because the single sling-strap really digs into my left shoulder.

I also have Lowe Pro photographer's vest that will hold all that ****. Good thing, too...because it doesn't look like they'll let me into Yankee Stadium tonight with my kit bag. Commando-style, I go!

[rinkrat]

Great shots! It's nice to see a professional sports that is not afraid of some free publicity! :)

[Blurker]

These were taken at Comic Con last month.

HDR from a single RAW image.


f5.6 - 1/250th - 400 ISO


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3180/2765284871_92e11b54ea_b.jpg


Another single RAW shot.



f5.6 - 1/15th - 400 ISO


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/2766131962_089e7787f7_b.jpg

[rinkrat]

http://www.caborian.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/canikon.jpg

[santiclaws]

A moment of silence please.... My Metz 54MZ-3 Flash has given up the ghost. :cry: My wife tried using it and told me it didn't work. She asked me "what is that triangle with an exclamation point?" I checked it out, and it is leaking a brownish goo - almost certainly a leaky capacitor.

You have served me (and others before me) well, my friend. RIP.

[FBJ]

http://www.caborian.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/canikon.jpg

Hmmm...Count the black glass with the gold rings, folks! ;) Looks to be a pretty even split between Canon gear and Nikon in that image. Remember when all you'd ever see were gray lenses in photo pits?

Oh...and how badly do the guys with no vests stick out!?!? So funny!

[rinkrat]

How about the dude with the yellow hat and the point-and-click. Who did he ****?

[FBJ]

The Money Shots from my trip to Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium...

Fenway Park:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3105/2772785093_18ca2b53b1_o.jpg

Yankee Stadium:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3197/2772782185_e38f09379f_o.jpg

/temporarily leaves thread to change his shorts.

[BleedingPurple]

The Money Shots from my trip to Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium...

/temporarily leaves thread to change his shorts.

Awesome shots, FBJ!

Yankee Stadium turned out very similar to the Dodger one. Great work!

[FBJ]

Awesome shots, FBJ!

Yankee Stadium turned out very similar to the Dodger one. Great work!

Thanks. That was kinda the idea, actually. I've had about a dozen people who have seen the Dodger Stadium image tell me they want one like it of Yankee Stadium, so they pretty much had to be similar. Hopefully, all the people who promised to buy images of YS will keep their promises! If so, I've already got more of YS sold than of DS. Anyhow, I'm hoping to do similar shots at as many major league ballparks as I can. I'm going to try and get down to the Big A in the next couple weeks to knock that one off.

At Fenway Park it was impossible to create a similar image because the highest level of seats are restricted access (corporate boxes) and above that is the press box. Of course, I couldn't get up there so the shot of Fenway was taken from my seat, actually. Turned out to be a good thing because of the sun setting behind the third-base-line seats. I think the image still gives a great feel of the ballpark. Seeing as the press box is such a prominent feature, I'm glad it's included in the photograph along with the Green Monster.

Anyhow, the test prints should be back by the end of the week. If those turn out satisfactorily, I'll be taking orders for both of them.

[VF]

Wow, this will be a fantastic series if you get all of them. I would make one suggestion though, it might be my screen, but I might desaturate some of the beantowners closest to camera. As it is, I think they distract a bit and draw your eye away from the field.

Those are beautiful shots, and even though I don't really like baseball, they make me want to watch a game. The sunset at Fenway is fantastic.

[VF]

A cool pano from in the Bird's Nest photo box:

Beijing Olympics Stadium: about 30 min. before Men's 100m Final (http://www.karikuukka.com/peking2008/100m/)

[rinkrat]

Great stuff Glenn.

[FBJ]

Well my AF Nikkor 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED lens just crapped itself. Won't zoom without a wicked grinding noise and a lot of force. Won't focus at all. Makes all kinds of rattly sounds when I shake it.

At least this was an inexpensive lens when I bought it. I think I paid less than $150 for it on eBay when I bought my D100 like five years ago. It's a shame this thing tanked, because it is a REALLY light and compact lens. The problem now is that I don't have anything to put on the D200 for my wife to use, and I'm not keen on going out and buying a DX lens just to put it on the backup camera body.

I wonder how much it would cost to repair it? Probably more than its worth. Might be fun just to yank it all apart, too. I could do a photoblog about it!

[DeaderFan]

Well my AF Nikkor 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED lens just crapped itself. Won't zoom without a wicked grinding noise and a lot of force. Won't focus at all. Makes all kinds of rattly sounds when I shake it.

At least this was an inexpensive lens when I bought it. I think I paid less than $150 for it on eBay when I bought my D100 like five years ago. It's a shame this thing tanked, because it is a REALLY light and compact lens. The problem now is that I don't have anything to put on the D200 for my wife to use, and I'm not keen on going out and buying a DX lens just to put it on the backup camera body.

I wonder how much it would cost to repair it? Probably more than its worth. Might be fun just to yank it all apart, too. I could do a photoblog about it!

I have that lens too and like it a lot because it is so light and compact. I lent it to my mom last year to take to Africa and the mount got tweaked during her trip. I sent it in to Nikon in El Segundo and they fixed it for less than $100. The cost probably depends on the problem. I just sent my 18-200 VR in on Wednesday because it was grinding inside and won't focus. We'll see what they say. At least I have the 28-200 in the interim.

Why not send it in and see what the estimate is? It's pretty easy. I just filled out the Nikon Service Web Form (http://form.nikonimagesvcapprove.com/) and sent it UPS ground for just a few bucks.

[DeaderFan]

FYI - I got the estimate back on the 18-200 VR and they want $93 for a level B2 repair and $12 for shipping it back to me. For a $700 lens I'd say that's worth it.


Also: I see that Canon is offering an 18-200 VR now to go with the new Canon 50D. Previews of both on Dpreview.com (http://www.dpreview.com/) now. The 50D at 15mp looks pretty awesome especially if it can really do those high ISO numbers. You gotta love the way Canon and Nikon keep trying to one up the other and we photogs keep getting cooler toys as a result.

[rinkrat]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3100/2804003186_3edb5de999_o.jpg

This shot of St. Louis reminds me of those. This is by a guy (Todd) who has really been helping me out via Flickr.
It's his first album cover.

[rinkrat]

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/rrphoto.jpg

Rinkrat in the trenches at GBH

[FBJ]

A trip to the New York State Capitol Building.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3242/2809718306_30cc686041_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3153/2809724952_09d84965cc.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3029/2809749816_95dc9a934a_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3230/2808907753_a80c22c8b2_o.jpg

[rinkrat]

SO I just wanted to say THANKS to you guys for pointing me in the right direction with the D30, the 17-55 2.8 EF-S lens and the 580EXII flash. Having this ability has given me a new inspiration to go out and take more pics. In fact I'd really like to get into some concert photography and may look into doing something like that and I might be able to use some old connections to do so, hopefully.

So this is a quote from this thread on Dec 16th. Things have come so far, so fast since this time. I became one of the top Derby Dolls photogs very quickly. (Oh yeah, I found out that they are going to paint murals of a few of my Derby Dolls pics at their rink, that should be incredible.) I started shooting for LAist.com then became a regular contributor. I hit up a local bar and took pictures there, used them to get into the Warped tour and then sent those to Nine Inch Nails and just got accepted for a photo pass next Sunday. I feel that NIN is pretty much top tier so if I can shoot them I can shoot anyone.

This is where the fun really begins.

Oh yeah, I also got permission for the first time since the Kings moved to Staples Center to photograph live Kings games. This should be great for me, LGK and ultimately the Kings fans. At the end of one of those December posts of my wishes and goals I stated, "In a perfect world I should shoot Kings hockey". Looks like some dreams do come true.

The purpose of the original post was to thank all of you guys for telling me which camera to buy, which lens and flash. So I guess I owe you another thanks for helping me get this far and I feel like the door is just beginning to open.

[BleedingPurple]

So this is a quote from this thread on Dec 16th. Things have come so far, so fast since this time...

What an awesome story, RR. I've enjoyed seeing all of your work along the way. Congratulations on all of your past and continued success.

[FBJ]

Mike,

Congrats on all that. I've been digging your stuff from Warped, and I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the stuff. Now, if you're ever not able to get to Kings games to shoot, I want to offer my services of keeping that Staples Center photo pass nice and warm for you! I'd give just about anything to be on the glass with my glass during game time. I don't often get jealous, but dammit...I sure am now!

I don't think there's a single regular poster in this thread who hasn't improved their ability over the last (almost) two years thanks to the interaction of all of us, the suggestions, the tips, the tricks, and the knowledge that everyone else shares. I know I have! So I'll say "thanks" as well, and I hope this thread keeps going for the foreseeable future.

[BleedingPurple]

On August 14th, I got some great shots at the Dodger game vs the Phillies. I sent them all off to the guys on 8/21 for signatures and I already got one response from Jayson Werth. What a nice surprise in the mailbox.

Click Here for the original shots. (http://www.letsgokings.com/bbs/1230218-post999.html)

I sent 2 photos to each guy. Jayson decided to keep one for himself which is quite flattering honestly. He replaced it with a limited edition photo from the team and even responded to my note that I included with each photo. What an awesome guy.

Thanks for the idea Glenn. I totally stole it from you when you did it with the Spring Training Photos. Take a look at the note and the reference to Dodger Doctors. LMAO!


My Shot
http://inlinethumb37.webshots.com/42148/2335367130050855533S600x600Q85.jpg

__________________________________________________ _______________________________


http://inlinethumb27.webshots.com/43802/2258712550050855533S600x600Q85.jpg

__________________________________________________ _______________________________


http://inlinethumb59.webshots.com/40890/2077862540050855533S600x600Q85.jpg

[FBJ]

Hey, cool!!

I don't think I'll be doing that ever again. The response was so abysmal from the players I sent to. Never got anything back from Martin or Lowe at all, and never anything really personal like what you got from Werth except from Gonzo. ****ing Kent just signed all three and sent them back. Loney signed one and sent it back.

Oh well. Was an experiment anyhow. Glad to see yours was successful.

[rinkrat]

That is awesome!!!!!

[FBJ]

The sunset at Burbank last night was ****ing RAD!!!!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3242/2818600253_e3bfc90ef9_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/2818600671_50980cc82b_o.jpg

[FBJ]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3187/2819572592_ab1472d21e_o.jpg

[BleedingPurple]

Bitchin, Glenn. (Can I still say bitchin?) Oh ya, I just did.

[BleedingPurple]

Hey, cool!!

I don't think I'll be doing that ever again. The response was so abysmal from the players I sent to. Never got anything back from Martin or Lowe at all, and never anything really personal like what you got from Werth except from Gonzo. ****ing Kent just signed all three and sent them back. Loney signed one and sent it back.

Oh well. Was an experiment anyhow. Glad to see yours was successful.

I'm looking at it as an experiment as well. I wouldn't call it successful, yet... I sent to 9 different guys. Of course I sent them out when the Dodgers were on an abysmal road trip so I'm hoping to get at least 1 response pretty quick now that they're back at home. I figure Kent's got plenty of time now that he's fresh out of surgery.

[BleedingPurple]

The sunset at Burbank last night was ****ing RAD!!!!



Beautiful! I really like the star burst effect from the red light under the plane. Nice work.

[FBJ]

Beautiful! I really like the star burst effect from the red light under the plane. Nice work.

That would classify as one of those happy little unintended effects, I guess.

[kingsfan28]

The sunset at Burbank last night was ****ing RAD!!!!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3242/2818600253_e3bfc90ef9_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/2818600671_50980cc82b_o.jpg

Great shot. The awesome cloud colors may have come from a volcanic eruption in Alaska :


Yesterday SpaceWeather News (SpaceWeather.com -- News and information about meteor showers, solar flares, auroras, and near-Earth asteroids (http://www.spaceweather.com)) reported that observers in the U.S. and Europe were seeing unusually colorful sunrises and sunsets because of a recent volcanic eruption in Alaska.

It may be worthwhile to watch the sky for the next few days for unusual sunrises and sunsets. Be sure to have a tripod-mounted digital camera ready to record what you see. Best results will probably be had with a wide angle lens or a zoom lens set for the widest possible field of view.

[DeaderFan]

Very cool pics FBJ! Looks like another good one for the SWA calendar.

[VF]

A trip to the New York State Capitol Building.

I am currently sitting in New Hampshire on a really, really slow dial-up (SWA from Burbank to Manchester with stops here and there, great service as always, thanks to you and your coworkers) so a lot of the images are not loading (or not loading in under 2 hours) but the one that did was the B+W picture of the volute, that is beautiful! Nice capture.


So this is a quote from this thread on Dec 16th. Things have come so far, so fast since this time. I became one of the top Derby Dolls photogs very quickly. (Oh yeah, I found out that they are going to paint murals of a few of my Derby Dolls pics at their rink, that should be incredible.) I started shooting for LAist.com then became a regular contributor. I hit up a local bar and took pictures there, used them to get into the Warped tour and then sent those to Nine Inch Nails and just got accepted for a photo pass next Sunday. I feel that NIN is pretty much top tier so if I can shoot them I can shoot anyone.

This is where the fun really begins.

Oh yeah, I also got permission for the first time since the Kings moved to Staples Center to photograph live Kings games. This should be great for me, LGK and ultimately the Kings fans. At the end of one of those December posts of my wishes and goals I stated, \\"In a perfect world I should shoot Kings hockey\\". Looks like some dreams do come true.


Mike, all of this is fantastic, congrats! That surely is living the dream. I will be very interested in hearing how the Staples shooting goes.


On August 14th, I got some great shots at the Dodger game vs the Phillies. I sent them all off to the guys on 8/21 for signatures and I already got one response from Jayson Werth. What a nice surprise in the mailbox...

That is very cool.

OK, I have to cut this short, dial-up is killing me. Great work everybody! My news here is I booked my first wedding, I have shot numerous weddings before as a friend or a second, but this is going to be my first, a little nervous.

[FBJ]

VOLUTE!!!

I couldn't remember what that was called in architectural terms. It had been bugging the **** out of me for like five days!!!

[FBJ]

Well my AF Nikkor 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED lens just crapped itself. Won't zoom without a wicked grinding noise and a lot of force. Won't focus at all. Makes all kinds of rattly sounds when I shake it.

At least this was an inexpensive lens when I bought it. I think I paid less than $150 for it on eBay when I bought my D100 like five years ago. It's a shame this thing tanked, because it is a REALLY light and compact lens. The problem now is that I don't have anything to put on the D200 for my wife to use, and I'm not keen on going out and buying a DX lens just to put it on the backup camera body.

I wonder how much it would cost to repair it? Probably more than its worth. Might be fun just to yank it all apart, too. I could do a photoblog about it!

I just got my answer, and it's $255 including shipping. They're calling it a "C Service Repair Rank C" and are saying that they think it is sand damage. That's strange, because it's never been anywhere near the beach.

****.

They're not made anymore, and that sucks because this is one of the smallest 200mm zooms made. It's a good do-everything lens and they were pretty popular...and still are according to two eBay auctions where they are going for $300+. I'd intended to repair it and keep using it on the D200, but I imagine there are more versatile lenses for that DX format body (like the 18-200 VR).

I'm gonna have to sleep on this one.

[FBJ]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3151/2824448093_d6bc0bddfe_o.jpg

[DeaderFan]

I just got my answer, and it's $255 including shipping. They're calling it a \"C Service Repair Rank C\" and are saying that they think it is sand damage. That's strange, because it's never been anywhere near the beach.

****.

They're not made anymore, and that sucks because this is one of the smallest 200mm zooms made. It's a good do-everything lens and they were pretty popular...and still are according to two eBay auctions where they are going for $300+. I'd intended to repair it and keep using it on the D200, but I imagine there are more versatile lenses for that DX format body (like the 18-200 VR).

I'm gonna have to sleep on this one.

Wow. Sorry to hear that. I had a 105 Micro which I really loved, (smaller than the current model) and is also not made anymore. I sent it in to repair a cracked aperture ring. First they charged me for it, then sent it back still broken with a note saying parts no longer available. They refunded the charges of course but I was disappointed. I have thought about sending it to a non-factory repair shop that might have old parts, but need some leads first.

Does anyone know any good independent repair shops that might have parts for older lenses on hand?

[PuckMonkey]

Whoa. It's gonna take me a while to catch up here. Really nice stuff all over here. :)

Greets!!

[FBJ]

OH!! THE CHOSEN ONE HAS RETURNETH!!!

/bows down





Welcome back, Ed!

[rinkrat]

http://www.letsgokings.com/images/custom/glow.jpg

[FBJ]

I quite.

[santiclaws]

That's truly an awesome shot. The only nit I can pick is that perhaps I would make the silhouette completely black, with just that splash of yellow on the right side.

[Blurker]

Looks like there's going to be a new player on the block.

Red: Red Confirms DSLR, Says It's Bigger "Revolution" Than Red One (http://gizmodo.com/5048028/red-confirms-dslr-says-its-bigger-revolution-than-red-one)

I've got a buddy who's a cinematographer and has orgasms whenever he looks at his pre-order paperwork for the Red One camera he's waiting on.

He played with the Crimson at NAB, and was impressed.

This should be a pretty sweet rig.

[VF]

Looks like there's going to be a new player on the block.

Red: Red Confirms DSLR, Says It's Bigger \"Revolution\" Than Red One (\"http://gizmodo.com/5048028/red-confirms-dslr-says-its-bigger-revolution-than-red-one\")


Wow, they really need to hire an industrial designer, that is not pretty ;) It will be interesting to see how it does, and if it will be able to mount multiple types of lenses like the red does.

[DeaderFan]

Looks like the Nikon D90 will just be the first of the DSLRs that also shoot HD video. I'm sure the Red camera will take that to a whole 'nother level.

I'm not sure about handling a DSLR as a video camera though. Seem like it might be awkward.

[VF]

A few shots from NH:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3069/2848891971_3a52f0b3ca_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3207/2849725662_0d6e466721_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3295/2848894185_75e1b4835a_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3014/2848893467_f5f616f2ab_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3085/2849724110_1ecff9c4ae_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3135/2848892507_82b89f8ba0_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3234/2848891785_ca626d50d7_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/2849725936_81cf66f393_o.jpg

[FBJ]

More to come, little girl is throwing a fuss.


How's she doin', anyhow?

[VF]

A few more added.


How's she doin', anyhow?

She is doing great (aside from the fuss she just threw ;) ) The ear is doing well, seeing more doctors, but most importantly she is hearing and learning. Also, I have to say, I :heart2: my health insurance, they have been fantastic though this, so that is certainly making a bit easier when you aren't fighting people left and right to get treatment.

[rinkrat]

Nice nature shots, Valley.

[rinkrat]

Stage lighting rules. Tons of changes in a few minutes. No need for pocket wizards, recycling times etc, just blast away.

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/img_9537.jpg

Whitney Petty of Deerhunter

[BleedingPurple]

Very Nice shots, Valley. My favorite is the plank walkway.

What type of post-processing did you do on the fallen tree, if any?

____________________________________________


I got two more photo's back from my autograph experiement.

So Far:
Jayson Werth
Casey Blake
Matt Kemp

Still waiting on:
Jeff Kent
Nomar
Manny
Andre Ethier
Russell Martin
Chase Utley

My fingers are crossed on the rest. Of course they are now on a road-trip again...

http://inlinethumb06.webshots.com/4869/2050264220050855533S600x600Q85.jpg



http://inlinethumb39.webshots.com/27814/2125829510050855533S600x600Q85.jpg

[VF]

Very Nice shots, Valley. My favorite is the plank walkway.

What type of post-processing did you do on the fallen tree, if any?

____________________________________________


I got two more photo's back from my autograph experiement.


Not much post on the tree, let's see, looking at the Lightroom history: use the camera raw landscape beta 1 profile, increase the tone curve to bring out a little contrast, sharpening, and I brought down the color temp a bit to help the late in the afternoon feeling.

It definitely looks better small. I was using the 24-70 the whole time, and while it is convenient, I have gotten used to the IQ of some of my primes, and I have to say I was a little let down when pixel peeping the images from this lens.

That is cool that you are getting Auto-ed photos back. That is an interesting experiment.

[VF]

Whitney Petty of Deerhunter

Another wonderful shot, kudos to you!

[BleedingPurple]

Stage lighting rules. Tons of changes in a few minutes. No need for picket wizards, recycling times etc, just blast away.

Whitney Petty of Deerhunter

Very nice shot.

[Blurker]

Here are a couple of shots that I took at Legoland last weekend. Tried playing around with the DOF to make them look a little more "lifelike."

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3038/2852189944_a45ba83bc6_b.jpg

38mm f5 @1/250th ISO 100


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3213/2851355375_6df4bff3ac_b.jpg

50mm f5.6 @1/400th ISO 100


I really need to get some lenses. I could have done more if I wasn't saddled with the 18-55mm that I got with the XTi when I bought it.

[Blurker]

A couple 3 exposure builds from the beach in Carlsbad, CA.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3062/2851352187_f78119e2a9_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3253/2851352973_453de67421_b.jpg

For being 3 exposure HDR, I'm pretty happy with the lack of ghosting or noticeable horiz/vert shift. Both were shot hand-held with auto-bracketing at -1,0,+1.

[FBJ]

Those do a pretty good job of giving them that "real made miniature" feel, though. Nicely done.

[FBJ]

Looking good, Blurk!

I use three shots for HDR almost as much as five. It just depends upon the overall tonal range of the on-meter image.

[FBJ]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/2818600671_3bae1b65f1_m.jpg

That one is currently the 11th most popular image in the last 24 hours on airliners.net (http://www.airliners.net/photo/Southwest-Airlines/Boeing-737-7H4/1396031/L/). It's the first of my images to be accepted by them. Their panel of photographers that review images for addition to their database are discerning to say the least. They've rejected probably two dozen other pics of mine, and they say they only approve 1 in ever 200 that are submitted. To get accepted (finally) as a contributing photographer there is a pretty big deal for me since I've been trying so long. To have that image be so popular there is un-freaking real.

[Blurker]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/2818600671_3bae1b65f1_m.jpg

That one is currently the 11th most popular image in the last 24 hours on airliners.net (\"http://www.airliners.net/photo/Southwest-Airlines/Boeing-737-7H4/1396031/L/\"). It's the first of my images to be accepted by them. Their panel of photographers that review images for addition to their database are discerning to say the least. They've rejected probably two dozen other pics of mine, and they say they only approve 1 in ever 200 that are submitted. To get accepted (finally) as a contributing photographer there is a pretty big deal for me since I've been trying so long. To have that image be so popular there is un-freaking real.

Congrats! I didn't comment on that shot when you posted it earlier, but it's an amazing photo.

[VF]

Wow, those do look good, and very clean for three shots and having considerable motion. Are you using Photomatrix for these? I think I really need to sit down with that program and try and figure it out a bit more, my results are not nearly this good.

[VF]

Congrats Glenn!