***DSLR/Photography MegaThread***

[nocturn]

Funny thing, I had a few hours to kill and decided to read this thread from cover to cover and its cool to see how everyone has evolved over the past 2 years.

Glenn, you go through bodies like frigg'n Jeffery Dahmer dude.

The biggest change for me has been being able to not feel as if I'm ruining the 'spirit' of the photo by adjusting its original attributes via post pic processing.

Coming from a 35mm SLR background, I felt as if too many people were using processing software to make up for inadequacies in their shot selections, subjects, and settings. I always had a "...yea, but its been photoshopped..." attitude towards heavy processing, almost a elitist attitude...in a small way.

Fast Forward to now, Ive let that view almost completely dissipate. I still however tend to lean towards basic processing, Crop, Contrast, color balance, etc. I look at it this way, I was doing the same thing I moaned about with 35mm SLR stuff by way of filters and scissors anyway. Now its just easier, less frustrating, less expensive, and less time consuming.

And with all artistic media, everything is pleasing in its own way, processed or not.

The toughest thing for me since going digital has been learning the DSLR camera and all its little buttons and knobs. Even after 2 years of owning this D80, I still find new things to toy with.

My New Years Resolution is to be more involved in the thread I started and you guys sustained for 2 years...its been a awesome journey...

Here's to 2 more...:greenbeer:

[FBJ]

Glenn, you go through bodies like frigg'n Jeffery Dahmer dude.


Hah! I'm only on my third! And this one should last me a long, long time. Besides, rinkrat is right up there with me going from his Rebel to his 30D to his 50D.

With processing, I very very rarely use Photoshop. When I do, it is usually with help (like my wife or ValleyFan) because I don't know jack **** about the program. In Lightroom, I do the basics that a camera-processed .jpg file would have, and then maybe tweak the black levels a tad and fiddle with the vignette a little. I try hard to process each image in a similar manner...my "style" if you will, but I rarely over-process in an attempt to get something from the image that I didn't see when I shot it. I just keep in mind that scene and try to recall it when I'm processing, realizing that the image sensor sees very differently from the human eye.

This thread is two years old (and then some) now. My gear bag has gone from a D100 and a consumer-zoom to a D200 and a bit of pro-glass (the 10.5 and 70-200 f/2.8 lenses) to a D3 and all pro-level glass (adding the 14 f/2.8, the 24-70 f/2.8, and the 50mm f/1.4), four flash units with a remote commander, a professional tripod and ball-head (which is about to be replaced with a pistol grip), a website where I sell prints of my best stuff, and a couple of published images. I've pretty much done the basics of what I want to do, which is compiling a portfolio I can be proud of and gaining the knowledge and ability to consider this hobby as a "backup career."

What else do I want? Well there's still a ton of gear I'd like. I'm thinking about a D700 body, a couple of the prime lenses like the 85 f/1.4 and the 135 f/2 Defocus portrait lenses and the 20 f/2.8 or 24 f/2.8 for a compact wide-angle. I'd also like a nice studio lighting kit and a couple of pocket wizards. But that's all stuff that's a ways down the road, I think.

[nocturn]

Don't get me wrong Glenn. None of my previous post was directed to anyone here. It was more towards photography as a whole in the past say, 10 years or so. To me, the lines were very black and white between 'as shot' and post processing for a while. Now they are a darker shade of grey.

I would like to think I've expanded my views on the art, current. I just personally prefer 'simple' as reflected in my work.

[FBJ]

Wasn't thinking that at all, Randy. Was just continuing the conversation.

Everyone has their own techniques to make fantastic images. Those techniques range from your simple to PuckMonkey's complex. Each has their own merits. I'm equally blown away by images on both ends of the spectrum.

[HeShootsNScores]

while I was waiting for an hour in the will call line last night.... hmm.....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/3142232510_c921b1f1f1_b.jpg

[nocturn]

Wasn't thinking that at all, Randy. Was just continuing the conversation.

Everyone has their own techniques to make fantastic images. Those techniques range from your simple to PuckMonkey's complex. Each has their own merits. I'm equally blown away by images on both ends of the spectrum.

Right on Glenn. I honestly didn't think you were thinking that, I just felt as if needed to clarify my previous post. It was probably all on my end.

BTW, after reading the thread again, what did you end up doing for a watermark? I don't recall reading about it after your query back in late 07'. I probably should add one being my Photobucket account is starting to fill up.

[rinkrat]

I am into the real look also and do very little post-processing. I can't remember the last time I did an HDR. My whole approach now seems to be capturing images in fast moving situations and it's a rush. I wish I could do some of these things every night.

[spjon25]

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1330/238/87/591517635/n591517635_1282568_7644.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1330/238/87/591517635/n591517635_1282569_3055.jpg

[FBJ]

Hey, Jon! Welcome! Good stuff! What're you shooting with?

[spjon25]

Well that was with my good ol standard SLR (Canon Rebel EOS Ti) with a Tamron 28-300 lens. I just got my wife the Rebel XS with the 2 lens package (standard and the 17-200) so I should have some more pics up soon

[Blurker]

So I'm looking for some lens advice.

I'm on a Canon XTi with no plans of upgrading bodies in the near future. I've been rolling for almost 2 years with the fairly crappy 18-55 kit lens and am about to drop some $$ on a longer set of glass.

My so-far limited searching on Amazon has me looking at the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS or the Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG APO Macro Telephoto

I also ran across this Amazon deal for a pair of Sigma lenses but I'm sure they're not great quality. A 28-70mm DG and a 70-300mm DG for under $200 combined seems way too good to be true. (I don't know what DG stands for, could be "Definately Garbage" for all I know)
I KNOW there are better lenses and/or deals available out there, and like I said I'm just getting started on the searching... Any advice/ideas you guys have would be helpful.

I was also considering a trip to Sammy's and/or Simon's to take a look at the used lenses. I'm also flipping through the used inventory on KEH Camera's (http://www.keh.com/OnLineStore/home.aspx) website but I'm not sure about buying used gear online.

Any help would be appreciated.

And I have NO IDEA what's up with the formatting on those links. Weird.

[FBJ]

I managed to get another image accepted by airliners.net.

Photos: Boeing 737-7H4 Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net (http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1459110/L/photo/Southwest%20Airlines/Boeing%20737-7H4/1396031/L)

Had one other one rejected, so I'm batting a whopping 33% acceptance rate with them since I started getting serious.

This is the one they rejected:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/3136640731_9eba52c566.jpg

[VF]

So I'm looking for some lens advice.


By the lenses linked, it looks like you are wanting to spend about $200. Unfortunately the longer you get, the harder it is to find a quality lens at a bargain. Are you open to looking at prime lenses? You would be able to get a bit more quality for your money. The EF 85mm f/1.8 is a fantastic lens, as is the EF 100mm f/2.8 macro, but both are a bit over what you are looking at. I'll keep thinking of stuff.

Buy the way, this tread sucks to read on a mobile device, I'll have to take a look at all the images posted when I get home.

[Blurker]

By the lenses linked, it looks like you are wanting to spend about $200. Unfortunately the longer you get, the harder it is to find a quality lens at a bargain. Are you open to looking at prime lenses? You would be able to get a bit more quality for your money. The EF 85mm f/1.8 is a fantastic lens, as is the EF 100mm f/2.8 macro, but both are a bit over what you are looking at. I'll keep thinking of stuff.

Buy the way, this tread sucks to read on a mobile device, I'll have to take a look at all the images posted when I get home.

I went ahead with the Canon 55-250 IS. I picked it up yesterday and paid a bit more for it locally than I would have online. But, I'll have it for my daytrip to the snow tomorrow and I get to play with it now instead of later.

I'm sure I'll have some shots up soon.

[FBJ]

With big purchases like glass and camera bodies, I'd rather frequent my local camera shop even though I'll pay a tad more. It's a peace-of-mind thing...knowing that if the thing is boogered right out of the box, I can take it back without any hassle.

[spjon25]

Okay some more (from my cheating) SLR. Black and White pro grade film. Can't wait til my wife's lens comes in to Silvio's. (They sold so many of the DSLR Rebel XS packages that they ran out of the telephoto lens)

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/spjon27/14220002.jpg?t=1230935112

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/spjon27/14220034.jpg?t=1230935162

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/spjon27/14220027.jpg?t=1230935200

[rinkrat]

So I'm looking for some lens advice.

I'm on a Canon XTi with no plans of upgrading bodies in the near future. I've been rolling for almost 2 years with the fairly crappy 18-55 kit lens and am about to drop some $$ on a longer set of glass.

My so-far limited searching on Amazon has me looking at the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0011NVMO8/ref=ord_cart_shr?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=A1J7WSBJHTGUFA&v=glance) or the Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG APO Macro Telephoto (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000ALLMI8/ref=ord_cart_shr?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance)

I also ran across this Amazon deal for a pair of Sigma lenses (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B001JHZ7KG/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=A1P9QRDRYY6FXL&v=glance) but I'm sure they're not great quality. A 28-70mm DG and a 70-300mm DG for under $200 combined seems way too good to be true. (I don't know what DG stands for, could be "Definately Garbage" for all I know)
I KNOW there are better lenses and/or deals available out there, and like I said I'm just getting started on the searching... Any advice/ideas you guys have would be helpful.

I was also considering a trip to Sammy's and/or Simon's to take a look at the used lenses. I'm also flipping through the used inventory on KEH Camera's (http://www.keh.com/OnLineStore/home.aspx) website but I'm not sure about buying used gear online.

Any help would be appreciated.

And I have NO IDEA what's up with the formatting on those links. Weird.




I will never regret the day I got my
Amazon.com: Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras: Camera & Photo

This lens will change your life.

[wngr2552]

That is the lens (the 17-55) I want for my camera!

[rinkrat]

It's an amazing lens and can make any situation seem magical when you see the shots afterwards.

[MrMach5]

Hi everyone I guess this goes here...

I shoot with a Nikon D40X and here's my flickr page, I have a set just for hockey.

Flickr: MrMach5's Photostream (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrmach5/)

I should have a D90 by this Feb.

Great shots everyone!!

:yourock:

[rinkrat]

Hi everyone I guess this goes here...

I shoot with a Nikon D40X and here's my flickr page, I have a set just for hockey.

Flickr: MrMach5's Photostream (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrmach5/)

I should have a D90 by this Feb.

Great shots everyone!!

:yourock:


Welcome!! Those Psycho pics are cooL!

[MrMach5]

Welcome!! Those Psycho pics are cooL!

Thanks

Your Hockey shots are great!!! They make mine look like crap.

[VF]

Got back last night and have been catching up on the thread, nice to see nocturn posting some images again (some very nice ones to boot) and to see Jon and Dan join the fun.

Here are a limited few from my break:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3084/3171540735_751b857a6f.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3085/3172374106_3bea1471b3_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3124/3172373622_723232c2e3_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1048/3172371716_198e447d22_b.jpg

Link to my flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sam_page) (something seems to be up with linking back to flicker photo pages, so I can't link each image)

As a side note, I have really been wanting to get a watermark on my images, but I find Lightroom's tool to do this completely lacking. What I found is a pretty cool little plugin for Lightroom called LR2/Mogrify (http://timothyarmes.com/lr2mogrify.php), which can do a bunch of stuff for you on export (like borders and what not), but the most critical is that it can create watermarks sized as a percentage of the image width, so if you export at 4000 pixels wide or 400, it will always be a reasonable size. The only weird thing about installing it is that if you are on a PC, you first need to install ImageMagick (http://www.imagemagick.org/script/binary-releases.php#windows), which is sort of like command line Photoshop. It can use psd files, so you can have transparency, as well as any blending mode that Photoshop has, which makes it pretty flexible. So far so good.

[spjon25]

I have a question, how do you add color to those black and white images. I am only using iPhoto on my iMac and was wondering how in that program. I have some I would love to add a spot of color to, but not the entire photo

[spjon25]

Also, other than protect the lens what else does a filter do. I know the obvious is filter out the light, but why are some more expensive than others. Other than the standard UV lens, what are some other good ones??

[VF]

I have a question, how do you add color to those black and white images. I am only using iPhoto on my iMac and was wondering how in that program. I have some I would love to add a spot of color to, but not the entire photo

Do you mean something like this?

YouTube - Selective Color Tutorial in Photoshop CS3

Please note he uses adjustment layers and masks for non destructive editing, not like that chump Donnie (http://www.mydamnchannel.com/Big_Fat_Brain/You_Suck_at_Photoshop__Season_1/YouSuckatPhotoshop1_398.aspx) ;)

[FBJ]

As a side note, I have really been wanting to get a watermark on my images, but I find Lightroom's tool to do this completely lacking. What I found is a pretty cool little plugin for Lightroom called LR2/Mogrify (http://timothyarmes.com/lr2mogrify.php), which can do a bunch of stuff for you on export (like borders and what not), but the most critical is that it can create watermarks sized as a percentage of the image width, so if you export at 4000 pixels wide or 400, it will always be a reasonable size. The only weird thing about installing it is that if you are on a PC, you first need to install ImageMagick (http://www.imagemagick.org/script/binary-releases.php#windows), which is sort of like command line Photoshop. It can use psd files, so you can have transparency, as well as any blending mode that Photoshop has, which makes it pretty flexible. So far so good.

Good stuff, Sam.

That plugin is for Lightroom 2 only? Crap. Now I'll just have to upgrade...

You're right about Lightroom's watermark tool. I think its highly deficient.

[VF]

Another nice Lightroom plugin, a flickr uploader (http://regex.info/blog/lightroom-goodies/flickr), so you can just select the images you want and export them directly to flickr

[VF]

Also, other than protect the lens what else does a filter do. I know the obvious is filter out the light, but why are some more expensive than others. Other than the standard UV lens, what are some other good ones??

There are tons and tons of filters, which all do different things. The main categories are:

UV filters - which don't do much on a digital camera. A lot of people use them for lens protection. There is a fair amount of debate on this, as there are a lot of people who swear by them, and then there are the people who say just use a lens hood unless you are going to the beach or a place with flying particulates. The cost of a front element and a really good UV filter are about the same. The difference in price often has to do with how optically good the filter is (how much UV it blocks as apposed to the rest of the spectrum, how much it is going to reflect light back into the camera reducing contrast, etc.)

Polarizing filters (and their cousins for use on AF cameras, circular polarizers) - they only allow light "vibrating" in one direction into the lens, there are a lot of great articles which describe this in depth, but the short of it is is that they are really handy for cutting down on certain specific reflections (like peering into water)

Color filters (which in the digital world have often been replaced with Photoshop) - These can be general things like warming or cooling filters, or correction type filters (correcting for tungsten, florescent, etc.)

"Shape" filters - these give a shape to highlights, like you saw in nocturns images of the child and the Christmas tree

Neutral density filters and graduated neutral density - these cut down on the amount of light coming into the camera. They are handy if you want to open the lens up, but you can't speed the shutter up to compensate. For instance, say you want a shot of a public square, but you don't want all the people. You could get a really heavy neutral density filter, and have a shutter speed of like an hour, which would blur all the people out. Graduated neutral density filters are the same, but they have a gradient from clear on one side to some amount of filter on the other side. These are handy for things like landscapes where the sky might be much brighter than the ground. Many people use HDR techniques instead of GND filters for more flexibility.

I'm sure there are others that I am forgetting that others can chime in on.

[spjon25]

Valley Fan, karma to you for the help. Thanks, now my head is exploding, oh wait that is from reading 3 Curious George books in a row to my son, and 2 of them were the same book.

Looks like I might have to spring for photoshop elements for my Mac. I don't know if I am ready for Aperture 2 on my iMac

[VF]

Good stuff, Sam.

That plugin is for Lightroom 2 only? Crap. Now I'll just have to upgrade...

You're right about Lightroom's watermark tool. I think its highly deficient.

There is a version for Lightroom v1, but I think because v1 doesn't allow post process plugins, so it is a little more round about to get it working (I haven't used it, but just reading his description)

The really nice thing about Lightroom v2 is the local adjustment brushes and gradients. Very cool and handy (but they can be a bit sluggish at times). I almost never have to bring anything into Photoshop anymore for the little "oh I wish I could burn that area in a little" or whatever local adjustment I want to do.

[rinkrat]

I have an old version of Lightroom and it won't understand my RAW from D50. Boo.

[VF]

I have an old version of Lightroom and it won't understand my RAW from D50. Boo.

Yeah, for the 50D you are going to need LR2 because it needs the latest version of Adobe Camera Raw. It is one of the things about Adobe that kind of pisses me off, they force you to upgrade by not releasing the newer ACRs for their older products, so if you buy a new body, you have to buy a new Photoshop or Lightroom.

[nocturn]

There are tons and tons of filters, which all do different things. The main categories are:

UV filters - which don't do much on a digital camera. A lot of people use them for lens protection. There is a fair amount of debate on this, as there are a lot of people who swear by them, and then there are the people who say just use a lens hood unless you are going to the beach or a place with flying particulates. The cost of a front element and a really good UV filter are about the same. The difference in price often has to do with how optically good the filter is (how much UV it blocks as apposed to the rest of the spectrum, how much it is going to reflect light back into the camera reducing contrast, etc.)

Polarizing filters (and their cousins for use on AF cameras, circular polarizers) - they only allow light "vibrating" in one direction into the lens, there are a lot of great articles which describe this in depth, but the short of it is is that they are really handy for cutting down on certain specific reflections (like peering into water)

Color filters (which in the digital world have often been replaced with Photoshop) - These can be general things like warming or cooling filters, or correction type filters (correcting for tungsten, florescent, etc.)

"Shape" filters - these give a shape to highlights, like you saw in nocturns images of the child and the Christmas tree

Neutral density filters and graduated neutral density - these cut down on the amount of light coming into the camera. They are handy if you want to open the lens up, but you can't speed the shutter up to compensate. For instance, say you want a shot of a public square, but you don't want all the people. You could get a really heavy neutral density filter, and have a shutter speed of like an hour, which would blur all the people out. Graduated neutral density filters are the same, but they have a gradient from clear on one side to some amount of filter on the other side. These are handy for things like landscapes where the sky might be much brighter than the ground. Many people use HDR techniques instead of GND filters for more flexibility.

I'm sure there are others that I am forgetting that others can chime in on.

Dont forget the overpriced IR filters. I have a Hoya #72 that I love. Just remember, shoot in B&W for the best image. Shooting in color using a ir will over saturate the shot in red/pink.

I use a old 58mm UV filter as a hood. I also use Haze 1&2 for hoods on my larger diameter lenses.

[nocturn]

New toy alert...

AF17-35mm F/2.8-4 Di LD Aspherical (IF); Tamron USA, Inc. (http://www.tamron.com/lenses/prod/17_35mm.asp)

Reviews are excellent. Cant wait until this crap weather breaks so I can run it through its fast pace....

[rinkrat]

OMG, I just sent out my first invoice. I have major wood right now.

[FBJ]

OMG, I just sent out my first invoice. I have major wood right now.

For?

[rinkrat]

I found out today that Rolling Stone in Australia is printing one of my photos in the March issue if all goes well. I guess that since they requested an invoice it's pretty certain. I'm not celebrating till I get the payment though (or at least see it in print). I can write invoices all day. ;)

[rinkrat]

Holy ****, my pic is on page 36 of the US Rolling Stone!

[FBJ]

CHA CHING, BITCH!!

Nice job, Mike! Congratulations!

[SirJW]

Scan the page please...

[nocturn]

Scan the page please...

what that says.

[rinkrat]

I haven't seen it yet but someone sent it to me.

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

[PuckMonkey]

I haven't seen it yet but someone sent it to me.

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

Dude, they even gave it a cut-out.

Suh-WEEET!

[rinkrat]

Yeah, I really like how his head obscures the logo of Random Notes.

I sent them a description and they used it nearly word for word. Maybe it will get me a discount at Fingerprints. ;)

[VF]

If you ever had any question about how digital cameras image, why more pixels isn't always better, how to read a MFT chart, what the Nyquist frequency is, what is a bayer filter, and what trade offs come when designing these (and more) systems, boy does Panavision have you covered:

Demystifying Additional Information (http://media.panavision.com/ScreeningRoom/Screening_Room/Demystifying_Additional_Information.html)

Simply amazing in the depth of material covered (although some is specific to motion picture digital cameras, but still interesting). If you have a bit of time (couple of hours), I think it is well worth the watch.

[nocturn]

Wow. Choke info there dude. Ill have to read it this eve.


On another note, what on-line printer do you folks use?

I want to have a couple 11x14's made as well as a 22x28.

[VF]

On another note, what on-line printer do you folks use?

I want to have a couple 11x14's made as well as a 22x28.

I use White House Custom Colour (http://www.whcc.com). They do a great job of matching color, have fantastic line of products and papers. You have to go through a process with them when you sign up of sending them 5 8x10s, which they print and send to you for free to make sure your color management is correct. They are also just really nice people.

With that said though, Glenn I believe has had less then great experiences with them and uses MPIX, and I'm sure he could give you a review of them.

[FBJ]

My experience with WHCC wasn't bad. When I signed up, it took me a while to get a response from them, or so I thought. I found their emails buried in my spam filter. But after I sent them a couple files for proofs, they sent the prints back right away. They looked good, but that's the extent of my experience with them.

MPIX.com has been great for me. They've been doing all the fulfillment of print orders from my website, including mounting/matting/framing and I've not had any issues with their quality. They don't do custom sizes the way WHCC does, but you should be able to get any 1:1, 3:2, or 5:4 aspect ratio prints done with no problems at all. They're slightly less expensive, too, from what I've seen.

But the key to Mpix (and any printing, really) is to use a color gamut that is compatible with the printer's machines (I use AdobeRGB) and a color corrected monitor to process the images. Then, if you order via MPIX, be sure to check the DO NOT COLOR CORRECT option on all your orders. Otherwise, their monkeys get a hold of stuff and it turns out slightly off from what you're seeing on the screen.

[rinkrat]

I keep hearing about these metallic prints. Are they cool?

[FBJ]

I keep hearing about these metallic prints. Are they cool?

It depends. I find that really contrasty black-and-white images look great, as do HDRs. ValleyFan was nice enough to give me copies of a couple of mine he'd had done through WHCC, and I sent off a couple more to Mpix. I did all my Dodger Stadium images on metallic and continue to do a couple others that way.

Best thing to do is take a pic you like that's contrasty and has lots of vibrant color and try it out. It isn't that expensive to do a 10x15.

[nocturn]

Whats the turn around for WHCC and MPIX?

[FBJ]

Turn around for Mpix.com has been very short for me. Usually have my stuff within 3 biz days. I promise my buyers 7-10 biz days. Under-promise, over-perform! ;)

[VF]

I keep hearing about these metallic prints. Are they cool?

It almost gives you a pearlescent quality to the print on color photos. It is an interesting paper, but certainly not right for everything.


Whats the turn around for WHCC and MPIX?

WHCC is about the same as MPIX, three (sometimes two) business days, depending on what time you put the order in. Free shipping which is nice.

[FBJ]

Is shipping always free with WHCC?

If that's the case, I'll be doing more business with them for myself. It'd be worth taking care of all the fulfillment for my website by hand if I saved the cost of shipping (not to mention the fees that zenfolio charges to hand fulfillment...small, but not inconsequential).

[nocturn]

I think WHCC it is. Ive read some atroucious reviews about MPIX. Some review sites have them worse than Wally World and Target. Plus I like the fact that WHCC sends you 8x10 proofs to color compare. I like that they will go that extra step to make the customer happy.

Thanks.

[VF]

If you do go with WHCC, I highly recommend the ROES system for submitting your prints. It handles all the sizing for you, and that way you can dump a bunch of prints in there of various sizes and still do the thrifty proofing (you need 300dpi for thrifty proofing, and if you do it without ROES you have to make sure the size and the resolution is correct). Thrifty proofing is the bonus by they way, still great quality, but prices like $0.40 for 5x7 is not bad.

As for Glenn's question on shipping, it is always free to you, but drop shipping cost you, so I'm not sure it helps you out. Here is what they say:


Shipping and Delivery:
Unless otherwise noted, all orders in the lower 48 states are shipped for delivery by UPS in two business days for no additional cost. APO/FPO shipments are available by USPS Priority Mail at no additional cost.

Drop Shipping
If you are having your order shipped to any address other than the address on file for your account, you will be charged a drop ship fee of $7.50. The entire order must be drop shipped, we cannot split orders and ship to more than one address. This basic drop ship is for the lowest cost shipping service, which will be USPS Priority Mail or UPS Ground. Your invoice will not be included in the drop shipped package. A drop ship by Two Day Air shipping is $9.50. Overnight shipping is available for $7.50 plus the applicable overnight shipping charges. International drop ships are available for $7.50 plus actual freight or postage costs.

[rinkrat]

http://www.krages.com/ThePhotographersRight.pdf

[BleedingPurple]

Hello Everyone!

My Wife, a friend and I had an amazing trip to Europe over the Christmas and New Year Holidays. We started in Paris on Christmas Eve, where we spent three fun and full days, and then headed to Budapest, Hungary where we joined our ship on December 27th for our cruise up the Danube terminating in Nuremburg. From Nuremburg, we took a Bus to Prague where we spent our final two days.

I thought you guys might be interested in some of the photos from our trip. From museums such as the Louvre, to Churches as far as the eye can see, to the amazing food and people, this truly will be a trip that we?ll remember forever.

Slideshow: Christmas In Europe - 2008 (http://good-times.webshots.com/slideshow/569637879aGLOXe)(you can adjust the speed of the slideshow by hovering over the bottom portion of the picture. You can also click through the photos by clicking next or back by hovering over the right or left side of each photo)


http://amawaterways.com/maps/map_lg_AH09.jpg
In case you are interested in the cruise we took:

Cruise line: AMA Waterways (http://amawaterways.com/)

Our Actual Cruise: Christmas Time Cruise (http://amawaterways.com/itinerary.asp?iticode=AH09)

We can?t say enough about the Ships themselves, the amenities, the food, and the staff onboard. Everything was absolutely amazing. One caveat, don?t go expecting a casino, club, climbing wall, etc? The ship only holds 148 passengers and 45 crew members. It allows you the ability to truly relax and do nothing. Or you can do as much as you like at each port of call. You usually have a full day at each port city with plenty of time to explore on your own or join the included and optional excursions.

Happy New Year!

____________________________

Some photos I thought my fellow LGK'ers might enjoy...

University of Paris Observatory (look close, I believe their are gunshot holes - WWII possibly?)
http://inlinethumb39.webshots.com/42150/2333321970050855533S425x425Q85.jpg

Notre Dame
http://inlinethumb32.webshots.com/6943/2563846530050855533S425x425Q85.jpg

Backside of Notre Dame
http://inlinethumb37.webshots.com/24676/2374425390050855533S425x425Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb31.webshots.com/40478/2763850080050855533S425x425Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb19.webshots.com/42770/2618311200050855533S425x425Q85.jpg

Christmas Shops in Budapest
http://inlinethumb26.webshots.com/43673/2551617080050855533S425x425Q85.jpg

Chuck Norris Bridge in Budapest (True but funny story)
http://inlinethumb48.webshots.com/44591/2135086200050855533S425x425Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb27.webshots.com/2842/2564012820050855533S425x425Q85.jpg

Melk Abbey, Austria
http://inlinethumb02.webshots.com/43457/2473137140050855533S425x425Q85.jpg

Melk Abbey, Austria
http://inlinethumb01.webshots.com/44608/2909107710050855533S425x425Q85.jpg

Church from the Sound of Music
http://inlinethumb61.webshots.com/43516/2231374960050855533S425x425Q85.jpg

They like their dogs in the Cafe's
http://inlinethumb06.webshots.com/40453/2381543330050855533S425x425Q85.jpg

Regensburg, Austria (Awesome town)
http://inlinethumb54.webshots.com/44469/2938355720050855533S425x425Q85.jpg

[FBJ]

Good stuff, BP! Looks like a fun trip!

Wife and I are planning a Mediterranean cruise for some time in late 2011. Never been to Europe, so it'll be really neat.

[spjon25]

Europe is awesome and have been looking for an excuse to go back. Would love to see more of Italy, and GErmany.

[santiclaws]

Hello Everyone!

My Wife, a "friend" and I had an amazing trip to Europe
So where are you posting the other photos? ;)

[VF]

Nice pics, BP!

There are some really nice ones hiding out in the full set.

[rinkrat]

Shooting the Queer Music + Arts + Crafts show tonight.
Should be interesting.

[BleedingPurple]

So where are you posting the other photos? ;)

LOL I knew this would come up, especially on this board. You'll never know... ;)


Good stuff, BP! Looks like a fun trip!

Wife and I are planning a Mediterranean cruise for some time in late 2011. Never been to Europe, so it'll be really neat.

Thanks, FBJ! I can't say enough about where we went. My wife wants to do the Mediterranean next time. We're definitely looking into Greece. We'll see where the planning takes us after that.


Nice pics, BP!

There are some really nice ones hiding out in the full set.

Thanks, I appreciate it. I've been getting some pretty good feedback which is awesome. The 2 photography classes and the DSLR forum have really helped a lot. I've learned so much from everyone that contributes to this Computer/Photo forum. So much more to learn, though...

[VF]

Thanks, FBJ! I can't say enough about where we went. My wife wants to do the Mediterranean next time. We're definitely looking into Greece.

If you do Greece, be sure to check out the town of Oia (sometimes called Ia) on the island of Santoini. One of the more beautiful places I have been in my life. Be sure to stay in one of the cave b&bs on the crater side of the island.

[rinkrat]

http://www.michaelzampelli.com/photos/460183056_KkyJu-M-1.jpg

****ting Glitter performs at the first annual Queer Music, Arts and Crafts show called Cut and Paste, Rock & Roll at Di Piazza's in Long Beach on Jan 22 2009

Here is a gallery from the event. :)
Michael Zampelli Photography- powered by SmugMug (http://www.michaelzampelli.com/gallery/7168803_UgbdV#460182822_ZMSKN)


http://www.michaelzampelli.com/photos/460182822_ZMSKN-M-1.jpg

[rinkrat]

http://www.michaelzampelli.com/photos/462269361_ZDKb6-M.jpg

Thinking Aloud at the District UNDERGROUND at the Cellar last night
I'm trying to convince them to use the top one as a cover (which would complete another personal goal!)


http://www.michaelzampelli.com/photos/462265952_dcgxg-M.jpg

I just learned how to use the "Live view" on the Canon 50D to hold the camera up over my head and take a pic from above with the review screen showing the live view. It works pretty cool and would be great in a crowd. (Also gets the singer's attention so he looks at the camera ;) )

[VF]

http://www.michaelzampelli.com/photos/460183056_KkyJu-M-1.jpg

Fantastic shot, zoom with shutter open and rear curtain sync?


http://www.michaelzampelli.com/photos/462269361_ZDKb6-M.jpg

Thinking Aloud at the District UNDERGROUND at the Cellar last night
I'm trying to convince them to use the top one as a cover (which would complete another personal goal!)

They should use it, another great one!

[rinkrat]

http://michaelzampelli.smugmug.com/photos/462451234_svku9-M.jpg

Rosemary's Billygoat from Sat night at the Roller Derby game
These guys ruled More pics here:
http://michaelzampelli.smugmug.com/gallery/7200424_hQp4L#462455749_W2ysz

http://michaelzampelli.smugmug.com/photos/462455749_W2ysz-M.jpg

Hell is for babies

[nocturn]

LuRay Caverns, Virginia.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f36/rdnelan/luray1.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f36/rdnelan/luray2.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f36/rdnelan/luray3.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f36/rdnelan/luray4.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f36/rdnelan/luray5.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f36/rdnelan/luray6.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f36/rdnelan/niamomma.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f36/rdnelan/maliacave.jpg

All shot this weekend with my new Tamron 17-35mm, 2.8. What a lens...

[rinkrat]

Wow she is growing like a weed.
Very cute!

[HeShootsNScores]

its been a while since I posted...

I thought these shots were pretty cool... you can actually see the bullet in a couple of them.

Whole set HERE (http://www.flickr.com/photos/heshootsnscores/sets/72157613061962930/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3489/3231734911_59b4524ae5_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3416/3231720625_7652a20537_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3322/3232588540_79ebfa8c91.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3448/3232601786_0a22392c05.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3450/3231762445_fc0d6b6d4a.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3466/3231760833_8715bb3ccb.jpg?v=0

[FBJ]

Cool photos, B. Though I'd highly doubt you "caught the bullet" in those images, what with shutter speeds of 1/20th and slower. More than likely caught a piece of still-burning powder.

Bulk range loads are cheap crap. They use the least expensive components to manufacture them. Cheap powder doesn't burn as evenly as the stuff you'd find in your average hardball load you'd buy from a gun shop.

[rinkrat]

trippy

[HeShootsNScores]

Cool photos, B. Though I'd highly doubt you "caught the bullet" in those images, what with shutter speeds of 1/20th and slower. More than likely caught a piece of still-burning powder.

Bulk range loads are cheap crap. They use the least expensive components to manufacture them. Cheap powder doesn't burn as evenly as the stuff you'd find in your average hardball load you'd buy from a gun shop.

really?... I had my doubts about that... hahaha... well... then I caught something... hahaha.

Its actually cooler to say "I caught the bullet" rather than "I caught a piece of still-burning cheap powder from a bulk range load." hahaha...

just kidding. Either way. Its fun.

[rinkrat]

PHOTO REVIEW: THINKING ALOUD, SOFT HANDS, VALLEY ARENA AT THE CELLAR | The District Weekly (http://thedistrictweekly.com/daily/staff-infection/music-blog/photo-review-thinking-aloud-soft-hands-valley-arena-at-the-cellar)

[santiclaws]

PHOTO REVIEW: THINKING ALOUD, SOFT HANDS, VALLEY ARENA AT THE CELLAR | The District Weekly (http://thedistrictweekly.com/daily/staff-infection/music-blog/photo-review-thinking-aloud-soft-hands-valley-arena-at-the-cellar)
Mike, we're getting a bit jaded. We're not going to be impressed again until you've got the cover of Rolling Stone. Or maybe Time. But not Newsweek. **** Newsweek.

[rinkrat]

Alex's Bar 9th Anniversary

http://www.michaelzampelli.com/photos/465045940_Y78Xo-M.jpg
Michelle Watt sings with Black ***
http://www.michaelzampelli.com/photos/465048543_qHvVw-M.jpg
Black ***
http://www.michaelzampelli.com/photos/465051779_QjCbo-M.jpg
Riverboat Gamblers

[rinkrat]

It's been nearly a year since I submitted photos that ended up in People and Us magazines and I still haven't been paid. I emailed to ask what the heck is going on and they said my payment is beyond the Paypal limit and an International Bank Transfer is needed.

:woot:

Looks like I will finally find out how much I made after all this time. I had given up on it, to tell the truth.

I wonder what the Paypal limit is?

[FBJ]

You're RICH, beeyatch!!

[rinkrat]

I'll believe it when I see the Benjamins!

[rinkrat]

They just sent $931.84 for the pics in US and People. Not too bad since I am getting half of what was paid by the mags!

It took them a year to pay but they came through and got top dollar.

If you ever get celebrity photos and want to make some $$ send them to

www.thesnitcherdesk.com

and they will end up in the taddlers. It took about 4 days after I submitted for them to be in a major gossip rag. One pic, I tried to sell to people and they refused it and then they bought and ran a worse pic a week later from snitcherdesk. (I think the mags would rather work with an agency that an individual.)

edit:

Woohoo! It just appeared in my bank account. I guess I'm a professional now!

[FBJ]

Grats! What new lens are you going to buy?

[rinkrat]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3325/3255487305_7fe1652b0b.jpg

Hali - ucination

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3308/3255629843_6010110229.jpg

[FBJ]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3477/3256894752_c6fb2a834a.jpg

[HeShootsNScores]

So.. whats the secret behind food photography?

I'm part owner of a company and one of the divisions of the company is restaurant consulting. Part of the restaurant consulting division is menu development. (if you're interested, you can see the restaurant consulting's website at Alpha Omega Restaurant Solutions (http://www.yourrestaurantsolutions.com))

Well.. one of the part owners of my company is being really stingy about this, and is taking his own food photography for the clients. He is NOT a professional photog... He sets up his lights, goes to the restaurant, and comes back... however, I don't like any of the photos. They're soft focus, and the food just doesn't look too appetizing. Its my job to put them into menus so the client can say, "I like that, go to print with that.. order 10,000" or whatever.

So I go into the menu design (or rather, I design the menu's) for proofing for the client. Well... like I said, I don't like the photography at all.

Here are some of the photos he took:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v189/HeShootsNScores/LGK%20stuff/th_IMG_6228.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v189/HeShootsNScores/LGK%20stuff/?action=view&current=IMG_6228.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v189/HeShootsNScores/LGK%20stuff/th_IMG_6253.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v189/HeShootsNScores/LGK%20stuff/?action=view&current=IMG_6253.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v189/HeShootsNScores/LGK%20stuff/th_IMG_6343.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v189/HeShootsNScores/LGK%20stuff/?action=view&current=IMG_6343.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v189/HeShootsNScores/LGK%20stuff/th_IMG_6367.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v189/HeShootsNScores/LGK%20stuff/?action=view&current=IMG_6367.jpg)

Anyway...

So what are the secrets to making this look right and making it look appetizing? Glenn... I love your still life stuff, and I really like the pepper you just did.

Is it equipment? (I think my "partner" (although I own 25% of the company and he owns 8%) is using a Canon Rebel XT)

Is it a lens thing?


And how much would it cost to get someone to shoot food professionally?(Or at least to shoot better than my partner is shooting...) I'm just concerned about the product that we're putting out. My end is nice (I take pride in my menu designs), but if the photos are not too hot, it lowers the overall look.

[Blurker]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3477/3256894752_c6fb2a834a.jpg


Dude. That's hot!

(Seriously though, great shot.)

[rinkrat]

It looks like the lighting on the food is flat. You want to get light coming from the sides at different intensities to make it more 3-d looking like it's coming out of the page. Glenn's shot has light on the top of the pepper with NO light on the bottom which is a little extreme for a plate of food but makes the pepper pop.

[PuckMonkey]

It's all about the lighting ratios.

http://www.studiolighting.net/images/ratios.jpg

[VF]

As everyone has said, the lighting is very flat. Food is also hard because you what to show moist, succulent foods without them appearing greasy (this often, but not all the time means either small-ish light sources or feathering the light off a large source). Showing translucency (with backlight) also is a big part of it as it helps to "lift" the food off the plate a little and make it stand out.

Lastly, having a food stylist really, really helps. Have a "stand in" version of the food to use during set up, and once you get all your lighting, set dec, and camera is all squared away, bring in the hero food, that way the fats haven't congealed and the lettuce wilted.

Here is an interesting walk through of setting up a shot, kind of fun to see the little tweaks. Food Photography Process explained (http://www.foodportfolio.com/blog/food_photography/food_photo_process.html)

There is a fantastic food photographer who has a really nice site, but I am in the middle of switching computers at the moment, and the link is residing on hard drive which is doing its best impression of a brick a the moment, but it I find it I'll pass it on.

[FBJ]

Oh, are we talking foodtography now?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3363/3231910428_2cc493ae74.jpg

I was kinda pleased with the way this one turned out. 40mm 1/30th @ f/4.5. Available light, of course, which was a 3" halogen in the ceiling about 8' above the table in addition to the candle.

BTW...that dessert is AWESOME. That's from Granville, a restaurant in the downtown Burbank area.

[FBJ]

So.. whats the secret behind food photography?

I'm part owner of a company and one of the divisions of the company is restaurant consulting. Part of the restaurant consulting division is menu development. (if you're interested, you can see the restaurant consulting's website at Alpha Omega Restaurant Solutions (http://www.yourrestaurantsolutions.com))

Well.. one of the part owners of my company is being really stingy about this, and is taking his own food photography for the clients. He is NOT a professional photog... He sets up his lights, goes to the restaurant, and comes back... however, I don't like any of the photos. They're soft focus, and the food just doesn't look too appetizing. Its my job to put them into menus so the client can say, "I like that, go to print with that.. order 10,000" or whatever.

So I go into the menu design (or rather, I design the menu's) for proofing for the client. Well... like I said, I don't like the photography at all.

<SNIP!>

Anyway...

So what are the secrets to making this look right and making it look appetizing? Glenn... I love your still life stuff, and I really like the pepper you just did.

Is it equipment? (I think my "partner" (although I own 25% of the company and he owns 8%) is using a Canon Rebel XT)

Is it a lens thing?


And how much would it cost to get someone to shoot food professionally?(Or at least to shoot better than my partner is shooting...) I'm just concerned about the product that we're putting out. My end is nice (I take pride in my menu designs), but if the photos are not too hot, it lowers the overall look.

I so very rarely go to restaurants that have pictures of the food in their menus. In fact, the only place I can think of that I go to frequently that does that is a sushi bar.

[HeShootsNScores]

I so very rarely go to restaurants that have pictures of the food in their menus. In fact, the only place I can think of that I go to frequently that does that is a sushi bar.

I should have mentioned... the major clients are restaurant franchisee people, usually owning some sort of chain of restaurants, from 2, 5, 60, you name it.... so the menu's are actually to-go menus. Not regular menus, although that is listed as one of our services.

[SirJW]

Well the old saying goes, "you get what you pay for"...

[rinkrat]

Food porn is huge on LAist.

[rinkrat]

So I'm discovering some of the cool functions of the D50. One is the "Live View" where you can see live action through the review screen and snap pics off that, it's even got a magnifier mode so you can do precise focusing (doesn't magnify the final pic). This is great for live shows where you aren't right next to the stage or in any crowd situation. It's also good for a unique perspective looking down on your subjects. It also gets the attention of the singer, who thinks you might be chucking a beer bottle at him.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3334/3228683331_1e56dfa9ed.jpg

Another cool feature is the Custom Setting C1 and C2 where you can save your setup and then just turn the dial and everything is ready to go. For Kings hockey I have very precise white balance and ISO etc settings and this makes them available with the turn of the knob. (It only took me hald the season to read the docs and discover this). I can have one setting for the ice and one for the audience and switch back and forth quickly. Or one setting for the Derby Dolls and flash and one for the band between periods (high ISO).

OK, back to reading. . . .

[KernCoKingFan]

I should have mentioned... the major clients are restaurant franchisee people, usually owning some sort of chain of restaurants, from 2, 5, 60, you name it.... so the menu's are actually to-go menus. Not regular menus, although that is listed as one of our services.

Back in 1989 I worked security for Denny's corporate HQ in La Mirada, off Beach Blvd.. The building behind the Denny's there used to be the "restaurant" mock up..They literally had a small Denny's set up in that building to test things & for taking pics of menu items whenever they designed new menus. In addition to great lighting, etc as RR, FBJ & VF have said, most of the food is also doctored. In most (If not all) cases, the food isn't edible anymore. It's been carmelized, or glued, or hairsprayed, or whatever..Was always a kick to come to work and see the menu items in that mock up, all tasty looking, great set ups, garnished just right, oozing flavor.....And you couldn't have eaten any of it if you wanted to...LOL.

[FBJ]

I finally got sick of my old tripod head (http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/bypass/pid/2304?livid=80&lsf=80&child=2). It's just too difficult to adjust with any kind of accuracy, and I really had to crank down on the friction lock to get it to hold well, even though it was rated to properly hold more than my camera's weight.

So I bought one of these today:

http://www.thinkcamera.com/news/images/review_manfrotto322rc2s.jpg

This thing (http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/off/lang/en/pid/2319?livid=80|81&idx=83) is what I should have bought to begin with. I LOVE it. It handles the D3 with the 70-200 with zero problems and it's an absolute breeze to reposition.

[rinkrat]

Sweet!

[AlexSeren]

Just bought a Rebel XTI kit at an office depot in Corona that was closing down for $230. It was 399.99 and was on special clearance for 43% off. Looking to buy a better lense eventually but figured i could use the one it came with until i feel limited by it. Anyways, kind of new to taking photos but i enjoy streetscapes and pictures of nothing as my wife calls it. anyways, look forward to reading this thread and getting some tips.

[VF]

Welcome! I would say definitely use the lens that came with it and get a feel for what focal length you like shooting, then you can make a more informed decision on what upgrade lens to buy.

[AlexSeren]

thanks bro

[FBJ]

More foodtography:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3471/3278046664_35a92e56ce.jpg

I'm disappointed a bit by the loss of detail in the far side of the plate. The light setup was quick and dirty, with ambient from the high right, the SB-800 at 1/2 power above and slightly left. Looking at it after the fact, I need a reflector in the front and camera left to illuminate the front of the broccoli a little. The wine bottle turned out to be meaningless to the image, because I was a in tight to the plate. I had to, because of the edge of the cooktop that is in the top right corner of the image. And I'm not sure I'm happy with the angle of the plate. The camera was set up so the right side of the wine bottle was vertical in the image.

Rip me a new one, guys. Tell me if this shot works or doesn't.

[HeShootsNScores]

I'd hire you.

[FBJ]

I'd hire you.

SuhWEET!

When do I start? ;)

[Mr. Irreverent]

Thought I would share this link: 50 Wonderful, Inspiring Photoblogs | Inspiration | Smashing Magazine (http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/02/14/50-wonderful-inspiring-photoblogs/)

[BleedingPurple]

I agree with everything you said, Glenn. But....had you not said all of that, I would still think it's a great shot. 100X better than 95% of all the other food/menu photography you/I see out there.

Great work.


(I don't want this to sound weird or anything else, but your work really inspires me.)


More foodtography:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3471/3278046664_35a92e56ce.jpg

I'm disappointed a bit by the loss of detail in the far side of the plate. The light setup was quick and dirty, with ambient from the high right, the SB-800 at 1/2 power above and slightly left. Looking at it after the fact, I need a reflector in the front and camera left to illuminate the front of the broccoli a little. The wine bottle turned out to be meaningless to the image, because I was a in tight to the plate. I had to, because of the edge of the cooktop that is in the top right corner of the image. And I'm not sure I'm happy with the angle of the plate. The camera was set up so the right side of the wine bottle was vertical in the image.

Rip me a new one, guys. Tell me if this shot works or doesn't.

[HeShootsNScores]

so somehow I stumbled upon this site... very interesting... (and no, I didn't stumble because the word PORN was in the web addy...)

good stuff.... check it out!

CameraPorn (http://www.cameraporn.net/)

[VF]

Tell me if this shot works or doesn't.

I think the food itself has been well lit and well photographed. I think where the image falls a little short is in the dressing the area around the plate (wine glass, cutlery, center piece, etc.) that really help make a plate of food a family, romantic, or fun meal. Also, for me, I think I would like the see the plate just a little more in frame.

I think your self critique is right on as well, adding a little fill to the broccoli area of the plate to preserve some of the detail there would help. Also, I'm not sure what your situation was (if at home or a restaurant), but having a bit more light so you could stop down and get just a touch more depth of field so we could make out more of the things on the plate. For instance, the peppers or tomatoes on the far side of the plate are hard to resolve.

All in all though, I think you have the knack for the actual lighting of the food, which is the hard part. I think the first Granville photo is right on, minus just a touch of fill, and the angles in this one work for me as well. The one thing I would try and play with (because I don't know if it would work or not, but might be a fun exercise) is there is a lot of diffuse light reflecting of the chicken, but not much direct light, which is giving the chicken a slightly dry look. If you move you key around subtly to try and get that reflection in the chicken, I wonder if it would help it feel a little more moist.

Nice shot, and nice work Glenn!

[FBJ]

Good points. I thought about the peppers being too far out in front of the focused area, too.

I moved the key around to get this pic, and this was the best of the lot, really. I was looking to get a shine mark or two off the sauce rather than the chicken. I think had the chicken been more moist to begin with, it would have helped. I thought about hitting it with a bit of olive oil, but decided not to. Also, I think spreading the slices out just a little to give it more texture and depth might have been good.

That's all food-stylist stuff, of course. But if I'm doing this by myself, I'll need to keep all that in mind.

Thanks for the critique.

[FBJ]

In need of a cheap toy fix, I put a fair bid in on one of these:

http://gcalvin.com/files/Reflex-Nikkor-C%20500mm.jpg
Reflex-Nikkor-C 500mm f/8

I can hardly believe how inexpensive reflex lenses are! Sure, they're manual focus and fixed aperture, but in good daylight that shouldn't be an issue. This outta be a great "little" lens for daytime wildlife type stuff. Hope I win it.

If I don't, I might just pick up a ProOptics 500MM F/6.3 Mirror Lens. You can get them new for around $150.

[rinkrat]

I got a call today and might have a Rivers Cuomo pic used as a CD/DVD cover.

It's a limited release but still, it would be rad to get a CD cover. It's one of my goals.

It's not for sure yet but I'm crossing my fingers.

[FBJ]

/crosses his fingers for Mike...

[rinkrat]

I'm hitting the Ragga Muffin Festival in Long Beach. They had a pretty tough release that gives them the right to all of my photos taken for promotional uses. I don't mind but signing things is always kind of strange.

I added a paragraph or two of my own saying that any commercial use of the pics would require further negotiations and that the web site use is fine with credit. (I do that with most anybody anyways)/ I'd just hate to have someone make a poster, t-shirt or cd cover without hearing from them first and being compensated. Ya heard?

Anyway, now that all that is out of the way, I'm going to go OFF at the two day festival. I have pit access for the first 3 songs of each group, no flash at all. I'm taking the magic lens so it should be a weekend to remember. Just seeing a few songs of the Mad Professor will be worth the entire weekend. ALSO, I can take the bus there in about 10 min.

[FBJ]

Hmmm...

I think if I fail to win the auction for that 500mm mirror lens, I might just plop down an extra $125 on a 600mm f/8 Sigma. (http://www.adorama.com/US%20%20%20%20329814.html)

[FBJ]

Ah well...

Nikon 500mm Reflex Nikkor C f/8 Mirror Lens w/ filters - eBay (item 120379241315 end time Feb-22-09 17:52:22 PST) (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120379241315)

Bidding went ape**** in the last 60 seconds. I was high bidder until that point at $78. It ended up $27.50 over what I was willing to pay.

Guess I'll have to go order that sigma 600 mirror lens. ;)

[GoMizzou]

After reading the thread and the HDR one, I was motivated to finally take the plunge and get a DSLR. I have had some pretty good results and some so-so ones. Overall, it has been nice to go back to a DSLR after selling my Olympus OM-1 a few years ago.

I took this shot while walking around a construction site on the way to a park. I haven't really done much processing I was looking for any critiques or thoughts you guys had about it. Thanks for any comments.

[HeShootsNScores]

After reading the thread and the HDR one, I was motivated to finally take the plunge and get a DSLR. I have had some pretty good results and some so-so ones. Overall, it has been nice to go back to a DSLR after selling my Olympus OM-1 a few years ago.

I took this shot while walking around a construction site on the way to a park. I haven't really done much processing I was looking for any critiques or thoughts you guys had about it. Thanks for any comments.

welcome! What did you end up buying..


by the way... I have an OM-2.... mint condition. GREAT camera! My uncle has his OM-1... doesn't use it much anymore.

(I also have an OM-G sitting around somewhere... needs to be fixed. The light meter doesn't work right)

[GoMizzou]

Ended up getting a Pentax K100d. Its pretty last gen, but for my purposes it seems to be doing OK. Plus, at a little under 300 for the body and kit lens, I can't complain.

I still have a few lenses for the OM-1. It might be fun to pick up a body sometime and finish off some of the rolls I have in the fridge.

[rinkrat]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3578/3326409958_067072b9e5.jpg

Photo by Michael Zampelli :)

[FBJ]

I really like that style of event poster. That's sweet. Any way I could get a copy to hang on my workshop wall?

[rinkrat]

I'd like to get one for myself.

They said the print version has a credit on it. :)

[SirJW]

OK, I'll bite how do you take that kind of photograph of posters and wall art that make it look that way (not a snapshot).

[rinkrat]

It's not a picture, that is the artwork.

If you were to take a pic of any poster etc, you have to get your lighting off to the side so it doesn't reflect off the object and look flashed.

[rinkrat]

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/_mg_7269_653202.jpg

[FBJ]

Hit the zoo today.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3329/3342695944_df05ff3999.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3576/3341866221_a04a22f5a9.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3560/3342702806_9e68e84c2c.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3337/3342704420_642bf1517e.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3323/3341869395_09a1d8434b.jpg

[rinkrat]

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


A little noisy in the shadows.

[GoMizzou]

First shot at the HDR thing. Used Photomatix and wanted any pointers anyone may have. Thanks.

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv317/gomizzou/IMGP1221_2_3.jpg

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv317/gomizzou/IMGP0880_78_79.jpg

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv317/gomizzou/IMGP1295_3_4.jpg

[rinkrat]

Nice, the SF one is sweet.

[FBJ]

Went down to LAX tonight looking for some dramatic cloud/sunset shots.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3216/3355676458_7afced9265.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3473/3355676708_cb1211bcfc.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3631/3354855773_8fd75a9f16.jpg

Meh.

I need some inspiration.

[rinkrat]

I'm surprised that they don't harass you as being a terrorist.

[FBJ]

I'm surprised that they don't harass you as being a terrorist.

I always have my pilots certificates and company ID on me whenever I go to an airport like this just in case someone takes exception. Combined, they go a long way towards convincing airport fuzz that I'm not a threat.

Cop stopped by me yesterday while I was hanging out in lot C with the camera. He asked me if I was taking pictures of planes coming in. I said, "Yes sir." He said, "Have a good one!" and kept driving.

[FBJ]

Cherry blossoms are poppin!!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3446/3361112870_70cc64b259_o.jpg

More here. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/glenn_calvin/sets/72157615394429612/)

[rinkrat]

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/_mg_7482.jpg

[FBJ]

Niiiiice, Mike! That's the best of your wide-angle arena shots so far.
Posted via Mobile Device

[wngr2552]

Went to Long Beach Airport tonight to take photos of Air Force one parked..

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/wngr2552/IMG_5057.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/wngr2552/IMG_5060.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/wngr2552/IMG_5073.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/wngr2552/IMG_5076.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/wngr2552/IMG_5078.jpg

I wish I could have seen the plane land this afternoon, But I am hoping to go tomorrow night to watch it take off

[FBJ]

AF1 is a giant pain in the ass.

Seriously.

Any time that thing has been anywhere near me while I'm working, it's nothing but delays, delays, delays. Like the President is that ****ing important.

[nocturn]

Nice Cherry Blossom shots Glenn.
I'm taking the family up to DC this year to see the Mall blossoms. Peak is supposed to be Apr 1-4. I'll definitely be pic'n.

[nocturn]

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/_mg_7482.jpg

Awesome Mike!!!

Can you shop out the flare above and around the Boobytron?

[rinkrat]

Probably can (or just crop it) but I think it looks kind of ethereal.

[rinkrat]

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

I have some posters stuck over the bedroom window with a hole for the 70-200 with a 2x extender on it. The window is dirty and the light is bad but you can still see. We were spooking them before but now they don't know when we are around or not.

[FBJ]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3428/3396811774_37d0a0bc2a.jpg

Bam.

[rinkrat]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3420/3398333112_9fafe8cacc_b.jpg

Lil Wayne

[rinkrat]

http://www.michaelzampelli.com/photos/505925358_YF9pB-M.jpg



Shooting Long Beach Gran Prix next weekend, should be awesome!

[nocturn]

Cool Mike. If you're there when the American Le Mans series GT2 cars race, snap off a bunch of pics of the #92 BMW M3 in action for me. I'll even float you a couple bucks for the rights....I want to poster'ize a good shot.

[nocturn]

This one:
http://www.ridelust.com/wp-content/uploads/2171262009195315281.jpg

If you see a couple Porsche's and a Vette....Its too late, you missed him. :)

[rinkrat]

I'll take note. :)

[FBJ]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3473/3355676708_cb1211bcfc.jpg

That one made it into the airliners.net database. I've got three images in there now.

[rinkrat]

Bitchen!!

[HeShootsNScores]

been a while since I've posted....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3360/3448575504_3c0e90a72c_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3566/3448608144_c153be9e64_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3336/3447806181_334b441f0d_b.jpg

The whole set HERE (http://www.flickr.com/photos/heshootsnscores/sets/72157616884117710/)

[HeShootsNScores]

a couple more....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3580/3450391903_0af298b2ff_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3346/3450293699_e78fbacebc_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3608/3450316717_1c074ec64a_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3339/3451135058_016c009f21_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3259/3450287707_8617bb24b8_b.jpg

[HeShootsNScores]

so I was just offered a Cannon 30D with an 17-85mm lens for $600....


not a cannon guy... but what do you think?

[FBJ]

That 30D sounds like a lateral move, to me. ;)

I'm in a critiquing mood, so if you weren't looking for that, feel free to pass on reading the rest of this post.

Love the kid on the fence. There's emotion in that image. The only downside to it is the disembodied arm right behind her.

The F-14 and F-4 (you must have been on the deck of the Midway ;) ), while cool airplanes, are (to put it rather bluntly) boring images. There's too much intermingling of the background with the foreground (as in too deep a DoF). They just sort of come off as "mugshot"-ish. Same goes for the dolphin (re: the too-deep DoF), although the action it shows is pretty cool.

Shamu has potential. A more-interesting crop is really all that image needs. I dig the aquarium shots (focus on the fish's eye). They're tough. Gotta shoot wide-open at high ISO. A fiddling with the white balance might help the colors in those.

I'll tell you what, though. That glass building image kicks ass. Cool texture with the clouds and the grid of the building. Rock.

[HeShootsNScores]

That 30D sounds like a lateral move, to me. ;)

Yeah, I looked up the specs... I don't know too much about it... but I don't think I'm going to go down that route.




I'm in a critiquing mood, so if you weren't looking for that, feel free to pass on reading the rest of this post.

Love the kid on the fence. There's emotion in that image. The only downside to it is the disembodied arm right behind her.

I didn't have the heart to tell the cute little girl's (rather large) mother to get out of my shot. ;)


The F-14 and F-4 (you must have been on the deck of the Midway ;) ), while cool airplanes, are (to put it rather bluntly) boring images. There's too much intermingling of the background with the foreground (as in too deep a DoF). They just sort of come off as "mugshot"-ish. Same goes for the dolphin (re: the too-deep DoF), although the action it shows is pretty cool.

I think this is my fault for going overboard with the "clarity" slider on Photoshop.


Shamu has potential. A more-interesting crop is really all that image needs. I dig the aquarium shots (focus on the fish's eye). They're tough. Gotta shoot wide-open at high ISO. A fiddling with the white balance might help the colors in those.

As in more interesting... how? Tighter? Wider? I agree about the white balance.


I'll tell you what, though. That glass building image kicks ass. Cool texture with the clouds and the grid of the building. Rock.

Except my sensor or whatever is dirty. I see a big spot in the right side of the photo. They come in all the photos... I just "heal" them with the "healing brush" tool...

Here is another shot of the same thing....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3605/3450288777_38864c48a0_b.jpg

Thanks Glenn!

[HeShootsNScores]

I bought a Nikon D200....

$499.00


can't complain.

=)

[FBJ]

Grats! That's a great DX body.

[HeShootsNScores]

Grats! That's a great DX body.

thanks. Now I'm looking for a lens. I'm looking to get THIS ONE:
Amazon.com: Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens: Camera & Photo

I think...

I'd love THIS ONE

Amazon.com: Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens: Camera & Photo

but I think I may have spent my quota for a little while and don't think the wife would appreciate.

any suggestions?

[WhoThePuck]

Picked up the Canon 50D over X-Mas.

The kit lens was the EF 28-135. We used this in Mexico and it worked great; but was looking for wider. I also have 50mm F/1.8 and the EF 75-300 f/4-5.6 USM.

I sold the 28-135 on Craigslists and got the EF-S 17-85. I unfortunately tried some L glass at Ritz/Wolf and saw a big difference in clarity (not sure that is the right term).

I am now looking to replace the EF-S 17-85 with possibly the EF 24-105 F/4L as my new walk around lens.

Thoughts?

(Another lens I've got penciled in for further acquisition is the EF 35mm f/1.4L to replace my 50mm F/1.8)

I will have a hole at the wide-angle end of the range, but I'm thinking I may plug that at some point with the EF-S 10-22mm.

RinkRat, have you posted your lens selection for the 50D anywhere? Other Canon users, do you have a place you have listed your lenses?

Really curious what Canon owners use as their walk arounds.

[VF]

Hi all, some great shots as of late. Work has been very mean in terms of hours, so I have been absent for quite some time.


I am now looking to replace the EF-S 17-85 with possibly the EF 24-105 F/4L as my new walk around lens.

Thoughts?

(Another lens I've got penciled in for further acquisition is the EF 35mm f/1.4L to replace my 50mm F/1.8)

I will have a hole at the wide-angle end of the range, but I'm thinking I may plug that at some point with the EF-S 10-22mm.


The 24-105 and the 24-70 are both nice, high decent quality (they are not primes) zoom walk arounds, but may be more suited for full frame cameras, as 24mm on a crop is not that wide. If 24mm is going to be wide enough, these should be your top contenders, otherwise you might also want to look at the EF-S 17-55 f/2.8. It is not an "L", but it is a pretty slick little lens that a lot of people are very happy with on a crop camera. It has very good build quality, and the optics are very nice.

The EF 35mm f/1.4L is probably the finest mid-wide in the Canon line up (although I haven't used the Mk II version of the EF 24mm f/1.4, it is supposed to be quite something as well). It is a really fun focal length, and takes superb images. You can't go wrong with that lens.

As for my lenses (I have a 5D), I have the 50 f/1.4, 85 f/1.8, 135 f/2, and the 24-70 f/2.8. Of them, the 50 is usually the one on the camera, the 135 is my favorite (although it is a bit long for indoor work), the 24-70 is used when I don't know what to expect when I'm taking the camera somewhere, and although the 85 is a nice focal length, I don't find I use it that much. I think most of it has to do with the fact that it doesn't focus very close, and right now with a 1 year old running around, I need a bit more flexibility in the focus range than that lens offers.

The 24-70 is a nice lens, it is great for a zoom, but it is a bit soft on the wide end, and after a while of using primes, even the non "L"s, you get a little spoiled by both the image quality, and the size and speed. I have been thinking about selling it and replacing it with a 35mm f/1.4 and if I want to really test my marriage either the 17mm or 24mm new tilt shifts, as most of my work at this focal length is architectural type shots for work.

Your best bet would probably go and rent the lenses you are interested in for a while and see how they actually fit in to your shooting style.

--EDIT--
I think I misread this part originally:

Other Canon users, do you have a place you have listed your lenses?
Probably one of the better places to sell is http://www.fredmiranda.com/ buy sell forum in terms of getting a non flake out buyer who knows what they are talking about.

[WhoThePuck]

Valley Fan thanks for taking the time to help. I appreciate it.


might also want to look at the EF-S 17-55 f/2.8.

The 17-55 was my original target to replace my EF-S 17-85, but I found I wanted more zoom, hence the 24-105 thought. (also saw a pro using the 24-105 as their walk around and spoke with them and they indicated it gave them good flexibility if they aren't sure what they are going to run into) I am concerned about the 24mm being more of a 38mm (1.6 crop) but the gain from 55 (if i went with the 17-55) to 105 would sure provide some flexibility on the zoom end. Then I just have to go buy the 10-22 ;-) to close the low end range gap......




The EF 35mm f/1.4L is probably the finest mid-wide in the Canon line up
Solved, this will be in my arsenal by x-mas hopefully.




Your best bet would probably go and rent the lenses

I was considering this. I have seen several places listed in this thread going back a couple years; LensRental, LensProToGo, RentGlass and ZipLens. Is there a current favorite for Canon lenses? They all seem priced within 10 dollars of each other with shipping and insurance.




I think I misread this part originally:

Other Canon users, do you have a place you have listed your lenses?
Probably one of the better places to sell is fredmiranda.com: Specialized in Canon - Nikon SLR Cameras, Forum, Photoshop Plugins, Actions, Reviews, Hosting and Digital Darkroom (http://www.fredmiranda.com/) buy sell forum in terms of getting a non flake out buyer who knows what they are talking about.
Probably written wrong more than a misread. In some forums I have seen folks list their equipment in their signatures. Now on LGK we usually have hockey stuff so a sig of 50D, 50f/1.8, 24-70....; would probably get us neg'd. You answered exactly what I was looking for in what you currently have and why; which was exactly what I was hoping for. (thanks again)

[VF]

I was considering this. I have seen several places listed in this thread going back a couple years; LensRental, LensProToGo, RentGlass and ZipLens. Is there a current favorite for Canon lenses? They all seem priced within 10 dollars of each other with shipping and insurance.


I actually now mostly rent from Samy's Camera (the one in Pasadena, they tend to be less dickish over there than Fairfax). They are usually right around the same price as mail order, and you can usually get a wide variety of stuff on a couple days notice.

[SirJW]

Very cool Flickr tool,

Multicolr Search Lab - Ide Inc. (http://labs.ideeinc.com/multicolr/#)

[DRGinLBC]

Newbie here...don't run away!

Here for a little advise since I am blown away at some of the talent here...great work to all those that posted.

I recently purchased a Canon Rebel Xsi. With it, I purchased a Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens.

I am headed to SF in a couple weeks to visit my sister and wanted to take some pictures I found online. My sister lives in the Marina District and is directly across the street from the Palace of Fine Arts. I've seen some good pictures of this place and was wondering what settings I might use to shoot it at night. Here is an example of what I'm looking for:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/106/298513147_b4addd07c1.jpg

The second shot I am interested in taking is near the GG Bridge. Here is another example of the shot I am looking for. This person put his settings on this page so it might help. Any other input would be great since I don't know if I'll be shooting in the morning or evening.

Golden Gate Bridge from Fort Point (http://www.bstorage.com/photo/HowTo/SF/GGBridge/FortPoint.htm)

I will also be visiting Alcatraz. Any other suggestions on what sort of shots I might be looking for?

Again...thank you for this thread. It's helped a great deal.

[rinkrat]

My bread and butter lens is my
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras

For hockey and other telephoto (car race)
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras



Picked up the Canon 50D over X-Mas.

The kit lens was the EF 28-135. We used this in Mexico and it worked great; but was looking for wider. I also have 50mm F/1.8 and the EF 75-300 f/4-5.6 USM.

I sold the 28-135 on Craigslists and got the EF-S 17-85. I unfortunately tried some L glass at Ritz/Wolf and saw a big difference in clarity (not sure that is the right term).

I am now looking to replace the EF-S 17-85 with possibly the EF 24-105 F/4L as my new walk around lens.

Thoughts?

(Another lens I've got penciled in for further acquisition is the EF 35mm f/1.4L to replace my 50mm F/1.8)

I will have a hole at the wide-angle end of the range, but I'm thinking I may plug that at some point with the EF-S 10-22mm.

RinkRat, have you posted your lens selection for the 50D anywhere? Other Canon users, do you have a place you have listed your lenses?

Really curious what Canon owners use as their walk arounds.

[VF]

I am headed to SF in a couple weeks to visit my sister and wanted to take some pictures I found online... I've seen some good pictures of this place and was wondering what settings I might use to shoot it at night.

The second shot I am interested in taking is near the GG Bridge. Here is another example of the shot I am looking for. This person put his settings on this page so it might help. Any other input would be great since I don't know if I'll be shooting in the morning or evening.

I will also be visiting Alcatraz. Any other suggestions on what sort of shots I might be looking for?


Welcome! The first thing that is imperative for shots like those is a tripod. A decent tripod, not the cheapy knock off one that may or may not support a disposable camera. Tripods are annoying because when you are looking, you keep thinking, "it's a ****ing tripod, why would I spend $600" so you get the $50, and it works for a bit, but it drives you nuts and the camera won't stay locked down, so you get the $150, and that one is pretty good, but the head on it sucks, so you go and buy the $200 head. Now that you have a decent head, you start noticing that the legs aren't really doing you any favors, so you start looking again, and now you are back at the $600 pair of legs, and now you think to yourself, "****, I should have just gotten this one to start with." ;)

Now, that is not to say I think you have to go out and get the Gitzo 3 series carbon 6x type tripod and a Really Right Stuff bh-55 ball head out of the gate, but definitely look at a tripods with an eye toward your future needs. You need to get legs that can support the weight that you want to put on them, as well as what you are going to put on them in the future. Do you care that they are heavy (aluminum vs. carbon)? Do they have to fold up small, if they do are you willing to sacrifice the stability to get that small package? Heads are the same deal. Ball heads are the most flexible in terms of being able to exactly manipulate the camera where you want it, but you have to get one that is robust enough that the camera and a heavy lens won't slip when it is tightened down.

Now to the actual shooting. What I would do is put the camera in manual, both these shots are more underexposed that what a camera exposure meter is going to want to give you. The first decision I personally like to make is aperture. Do I want a lot of things in focus (like the GG shot), or do a want certain areas out of focus. If you want more things in focus, you use higher f numbers, if you look at the GG bridge shot it is shot at f/8 with a relatively short lens. If you want some areas out of focus, you would shoot with a smaller f number (like f/2.8). The higher the f number, the less light is going to get into the camera, so higher f number is going to be longer shutter speeds. If you want the water blurred like both of these have, you are going to want the shutter open for several seconds. You can can compromise you aperture slightly to get the shutter speed you want and vice versa. You last variable of how much light it is going to take to get the picture you want is your ISO. Low ISOs (like 100) it is going to take a lot of light to expose. At ISO 200 you need half as much light as you would at ISO 100 (400 would take half the light of 200, and so on), so you shutter speed would be half as long, or you could close your aperture by one full stop. The trade off is noise in the image, the higher the ISO, the more noise you are likely going to introduce into the image. If you have a good tripod, it is good to stick with low ISOs (100, 200 range).

With all that said, go down to where you want to shoot, get there with a good amount of time before the time of day you want to shoot, and start with settings similar to the bridge shot. The great thing about digital is you can then look at the image and see what you get. Start making adjustments to your exposure until you get the image that you want.

[WhoThePuck]

My bread and butter lens is my
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EW8074?ie=UTF8&tag=letsgokingsco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000EW8074)


RR, I have found the 17-55 for about the same price as the 24-105. I understand that folks consider the 17-55 to be near L quality. Not owning an L lens I have no basis for comparison. (I have only shot with an L at the camera store.) Do you find this to be true?

Would it be the f/2.8 for maybe low light (indoor) type shooting that makes it so attractive? Is it the 17mm? Are you accustomed to carrying more than 1 lens, so the gap beyond 55 isn't really a problem?

Thanks in advance.

[SirJW]

Valley, you should write a book!

[rinkrat]

I think the only thing that keeps it from being and L lens is that it's notbuilt like a tank. As far as the photos it takes, it is so light and color sensitive that it works magic at low light. I can shoot a concert and compare to the guy standing right next to me who shot at exactly the same time and there is a certain magic from this lens that is unexplainable.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3397/3277521960_fbf4c1b596.jpg




RR, I have found the 17-55 for about the same price as the 24-105. I understand that folks consider the 17-55 to be near L quality. Not owning an L lens I have no basis for comparison. (I have only shot with an L at the camera store.) Do you find this to be true?

Would it be the f/2.8 for maybe low light (indoor) type shooting that makes it so attractive? Is it the 17mm? Are you accustomed to carrying more than 1 lens, so the gap beyond 55 isn't really a problem?

Thanks in advance.

[nocturn]

thanks. Now I'm looking for a lens. I'm looking to get THIS ONE:
Amazon.com: Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens: Camera & Photo (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ZMCILW/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=)

I think...

I'd love THIS ONE

Amazon.com: Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens: Camera & Photo (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000BY52NU/kenrockwellcom)

but I think I may have spent my quota for a little while and don't think the wife would appreciate.

any suggestions?

I actually have both. The 18-55mm is a phenominal lens. The opitcs are sharp. A few pics at beginning of this thread I took with that lens. Great for portraits and landscapes. It also is a great "upclose" lens. The only gripe I have with it is the lack of a seperate focus ring.

The 18-200 is also a good lens. A little noisy AF but still a good mid FL lens. I don't use it very often because I have a older 70-200 nikkor that has all the filters...and is a 2.8.

Out of the 2 you listed, the 18-55mm is by far the best bang for the buck and the most versatile. Its a must have.

[Blurker]

Nice shots, GoMizzou.

Very subtle use of the HDR, the SF is real nice. A much more 'urban' take on the GGB instead of the typical shots that are out there. Good job.

(sorry for the lack of critique, but the photo threads tend to get hits in bunches it seems.)

[Blurker]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3600/3485450364_574b9cdd1b_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3663/3485455600_589ece171a_b.jpg

A couple I grabbed in the Japanese Garden that's nestled in Balboa Park, right next door to a sewage treatment plant.

As long as the wind is blowing in the right direction, you'd never know you were in the middle of Van Nuys.

[Blurker]

Here are a couple that I got while hanging out in the Japanese Garden area of Balboa Park. I wish I would have found this place a month ago when there was more blooming going on...


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3310/3485454112_6e97194144_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3595/3485453070_2321d41689_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3648/3485452146_943bea2322_b.jpg

[KernCoKingFan]

thanks. Now I'm looking for a lens. I'm looking to get THIS ONE:
Amazon.com: Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens: Camera & Photo (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ZMCILW/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=)

I think...

I'd love THIS ONE

Amazon.com: Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens: Camera & Photo (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000BY52NU/kenrockwellcom)

but I think I may have spent my quota for a little while and don't think the wife would appreciate.

any suggestions?

In addition to what nocturn has said.. Another additional one that would give you the same coverage & range as the 18-200mm is the 55-200 mm f/3.5-5.6 VR. They are at least half as expensive as the 18-200 ($300ish or so vs. $650-700). Although you would have 2 lenses instead of one. And the 55-200 takes pretty good pictures as well. I got both the 18-55 & 55-200 when I bought my D80 last year. I also thought about the 18-200.

Now having said that..What I would like to get would be a 70-200 f/2.8 VR...However, they're a tad bit expensive. Cheaper alternative I thought about was the 80-200 f/2.8 with no VR. Would mainly use in low light, motorcross races (Daytime & nightime) & what not. Still need to get a good wide angle prime one too..Maybe 50mm, 1.4 or 1.8..Dunno..

Good luck with your choice!

[rinkrat]

I'd say to go for the widest aperture, like the 2.8. It's not all about using it at 2.8 all the time either but it just seems like the 2.8 lenses are sensitive enough to get all of those subtle tones.

[HeShootsNScores]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3648/3485452146_943bea2322_b.jpg


is this image.... upside down?

[rinkrat]

I just got an email from a Chief Petty Officer in Mississippi who wants to use my Lone Sailor pic in a memorial because "your picture seems to further emphasis the solitude taken on by every sailor in the United States Navy even more than the statue itself does and would be the basis of my memorial ".

(sniff)

I told him, no way.

[FBJ]

I just got an email from a Chief Petty Officer in Mississippi who wants to use my Lone Sailor pic in a memorial because "your picture seems to further emphasis the solitude taken on by every sailor in the United States Navy even more than the statue itself does and would be the basis of my memorial ".

(sniff)

I told him, no way.

"Where da monay at??"





Man you're a dick, rr! ;)

[Blurker]

is this image.... upside down?

Yes and no.

I was upside down, shooting back through my legs while bending over.

That's what the information pamphlet from the gift shop said to do, I guess when the blood rushes to your head you get dizzy and have all sorts of zen type experiences.

I wish there were clouds that day.

[HeShootsNScores]

Yes and no.

I was upside down, shooting back through my legs while bending over.

That's what the information pamphlet from the gift shop said to do, I guess when the blood rushes to your head you get dizzy and have all sorts of zen type experiences.

I wish there were clouds that day.

Remarkable! You got the horizon straight too! I can't do that....

[Blurker]

Remarkable! You got the horizon straight too! I can't do that....

Nothing a little Photoshop cropping and rotation can't fix. ;)

[FBJ]

That garden is right down the street from my house.

[nocturn]

I just got an email from a Chief Petty Officer in Mississippi who wants to use my Lone Sailor pic in a memorial because "your picture seems to further emphasis the solitude taken on by every sailor in the United States Navy even more than the statue itself does and would be the basis of my memorial ".

(sniff)

I told him, no way.


lmao. What pic was that?

I was going to ask you to sell me a signed, poster of that Bimmer taking that curb it the ALMS.

Now im scared....you're hardcore now :)

[rinkrat]

lmao. What pic was that?

I was going to ask you to sell me a signed, poster of that Bimmer taking that curb it the ALMS.

Now im scared....you're hardcore now :)


http://www.michaelzampelli.com/photos/440151076_ZtQCA-M.jpg

[rinkrat]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3594/3495205333_70757a6561.jpg

[VF]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3594/3495205333_70757a6561.jpg

Love this one. My one comment is that because so much focus is on the lighthouse, I might rotate a bit so the centerline of the lighthouse is plumb. Very nice shot.

[RomJan27]

Hi guys, a n00b here...I"ve been reading this thread for few days now since I'm really interested in getting into photography. After reading the whole thread you guys have made me to get off my ass, work hard and get a camera. I've kinda fell in love with Nikon D300 and hope to own it one day. Seeing the achievements you guys have accomplished gives me hope that i might be able to do it too, although its just for a hobby.

The other reason I come to you guys is for a little advice. A good friend of mine owns a paintball gun factory and has asked me to photograph a lot of his inventory to put on his website. He's lending me his Canon EOS 300D with a EFS 18-55mm lens to get the job done. He's also providing a portable lighting kit pictured below. The pictures will be posted on his website and its pretty much pictures of new parts. Here's the site to give you a better idea what i have to do Lapco Paintball (http://www.lapcopaintball.com) I've gotten a hang of the camera and the settings and thanks to you guys I've gotten a little understanding in photography and I'm hoping to use this opportunity as a stepping stone into the great world of digital photography.

If you guys please be kind and give me a little pointers it would be greatly appreciated. Although I'm not a pro, I'm a very fast learner and will tackle this opportunity with a clear mindset of not only helping my friends website, but also learning as much possible about photography.

I can only imaging if i had a camera the past 5 years what kind of pictures I'd have since being a truck driver I have the luxury of traveling across the country on regular basis and I know some jaw dropping places that an ordinary man won't find them unless pointed in that direction.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31cadeL4BLL._SS500_.jpg

[Unfiltered]

http://www.michaelzampelli.com/photos/440151076_ztqca-m.jpg

Booo! Repeat! ;)

[HeShootsNScores]

Heres a couple from this year's dance concert at the ALEX Theater in Glendale. (My sister is a student at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts....)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3364/3500266002_d9e53d03ce_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3616/3500260518_9d6326603b_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3314/3500224662_c1dfbd21c0_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3566/3499406661_64b2d8990a_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3410/3500241610_d55440b787_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3539/3500211970_57dde044b7_b.jpg

The rest of the set is HERE (http://www.flickr.com/photos/heshootsnscores/sets/72157617583529967/)

[rinkrat]

Hi guys, a n00b here...I"ve been reading this thread for few days now since I'm really interested in getting into photography. After reading the whole thread you guys have made me to get off my ass, work hard and get a camera. I've kinda fell in love with Nikon D300 and hope to own it one day. Seeing the achievements you guys have accomplished gives me hope that i might be able to do it too, although its just for a hobby.


The place to start for tips and techniques on lighting and to get some ideas on how to light these parts with your setup is Strobist (http://www.strobist.com)

The trick most of the time is to get a soft light on your subject with some hard light coming from the side to accentuate that 3-d look that makes it pop out of the page. The only way to do this is with off-camera lighting. You have the lights and soft box to do this so get an idea of how to set it up and then just start shooting, look at your pics and sdjust. It's the best way to learn.

I recommend using the M setting on your camera dial and doing everything manual and be sure to shoot RAW. It's not the easy way but you will learn faster and will get way better results instead of letting the camera set everything automatically. Use a low ISO like 200 so that the pics are sharp with no noise.

[rinkrat]

Heres a couple from this year's dance concert at the ALEX Theater in Glendale. (My sister is a student at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts....)



http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3410/3500241610_d55440b787_b.jpg



The rest of the set is HERE (http://www.flickr.com/photos/heshootsnscores/sets/72157617583529967/)



I take it that your sister is the one in the center. This pic is PERFECTly focussed to showcase her among the dancers. Excellent job. Looks like they had pretty good lighting for you to work with, a huge plus.

[HeShootsNScores]

I take it that your sister is the one in the center. This pic is PERFECTly focussed to showcase her among the dancers. Excellent job. Looks like they had pretty good lighting for you to work with, a huge plus.

haha... yeah... thats her.

[FBJ]

I'll be headed down to San Diego on Saturday for Red Bull. Woo! This year, I'm renting Nikon's new, big, bad 400 f/2.8 VR.

http://nikonusa.com/Assets/Camera-Lenses/2171_AF-S-NIKKOR-400mmf-2.8G-ED-VR/Views/353_2171_AF-S-NIKKOR-400mmf-2.8G-ED-VR_front.jpg

Bam! That, combined with my 2x and 1.4x teleconverters = 1120mm of overcompensation for my lack of manhood!!!!! I doubt I'll use it that way, though. I'll probably just stick to the straight lens or the lens plus the 1.4. Still, I wonder what kind of images I could get at an airshow with 1120mm? I might have to try it just for giggles.

Mike, did you have any desire to go try your hand at airshow photography?

[HeShootsNScores]

I'll be headed down to San Diego on Saturday for Red Bull. Woo! This year, I'm renting Nikon's new, big, bad 400 f/2.8 VR.

http://nikonusa.com/Assets/Camera-Lenses/2171_AF-S-NIKKOR-400mmf-2.8G-ED-VR/Views/353_2171_AF-S-NIKKOR-400mmf-2.8G-ED-VR_front.jpg

Bam! That, combined with my 2x and 1.4x teleconverters = 1120mm of overcompensation for my lack of manhood!!!!! I doubt I'll use it that way, though. I'll probably just stick to the straight lens or the lens plus the 1.4. Still, I wonder what kind of images I could get at an airshow with 1120mm? I might have to try it just for giggles.

Mike, did you have any desire to go try your hand at airshow photography?

I expect to see pictures of the pilots picking their nose, wiping sweat off their brow... and a couple nose hairs....


while they're flying.

[FBJ]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3317/3514988677_ddee0bef0b.jpg

That's me in my backyard holding my D3 with Nikon's AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8G ED VR lens hanging off of it. Nine pounds of lens and three pounds of camera!!

Sadly, I had to return it only an hour after I'd rented it. My photo partner had to cancel, so heading down to San Diego became impossible. Samy's was very cool about it and gave me a full refund on my rental fees.

Realistically though, I don't think this would have been a great lens for moving targets like the Red Bull airplanes. It is REALLY heavy and unwieldy, and panning with it would have been a nightmare. I think it would be better for more static subjects like wildlife.

I'll tell you what, though. Having that in my hands for even such a short while has now got me feeling quite inadequate about the AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED that I own. The 400 is quite literally three times the size of the 70-200!

[rinkrat]

There is a guy who sits with one of those on a monopod just below the TV cameras at Staples.

[FBJ]

My beefy-ass Manfrotto monopod was barely enough for this thing.

[DRGinLBC]

Took this one on Saturday. I'm a beginner...so be gentle.

http://www.doyers.com/images/queen.jpg

[HeShootsNScores]

Took this one on Saturday. I'm a beginner...so be gentle.

http://www.doyers.com/images/queen.jpg

nice! Is that an HDR? It kinda looks HDR ish.

[DRGinLBC]

nice! Is that an HDR? It kinda looks HDR ish.


That's a great question...HA! I tried to modify one of the pictures using HDR but I'm not sure if it's this one off the top of my head.

I e-mailed this one to myself here at work and used Photoshop to bump up the contrast and sharpen it a little.

[rinkrat]

Nice one!!

[VF]

Took this one on Saturday. I'm a beginner...so be gentle.

I like it. I like that the textures on the ship read so well (the rivits and panel lines). The one thing I would interested in seeing is doing a little color balancing, as there is a lot of orange from the sodium vapor lamp. I think the direction it is going now helps the tone of the photo as it feels a bit like a sepia tone, but it is just a bit orange in my opinion. You could also probably bring the blacks up just a touch (keep the midtones where they are though). Very nice shot!

So, every once in a while, the wife picks up the camera and squeezes one off which makes her say "your camera makes me hate my camera" (which is always good for me as it means she sees the relevance of the camera budget ;) ) Anyway, here is her latest, I included it here because it shows off some of Puck Monkey's fine work:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/3525050693_ef69c9387a_o.jpg

--Edited to make picture work--

[nocturn]

I like it. I like that the textures on the ship read so well (the rivits and panel lines). The one thing I would interested in seeing is doing a little color balancing, as there is a lot of orange from the sodium vapor lamp. I think the direction it is going now helps the tone of the photo as it feels a bit like a sepia tone, but it is just a bit orange in my opinion. You could also probably bring the blacks up just a touch (keep the midtones where they are though). Very nice shot!

So, every once in a while, the wife picks up the camera and squeezes one off which makes her say "your camera makes me hate my camera" (which is always good for me as it means she sees the relevance of the camera budget ;) ) Anyway, here is her latest, I included it here because it shows off some of Puck Monkey's fine work:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-gg6wMgw-JQ/Sgira_ngLkI/AAAAAAAAClo/Yczl3OYuxOU/s1600/SamPage_20090510_3856.jpg

no see

[rinkrat]

I like it. I like that the textures on the ship read so well (the rivits and panel lines). The one thing I would interested in seeing is doing a little color balancing, as there is a lot of orange from the sodium vapor lamp. I think the direction it is going now helps the tone of the photo as it feels a bit like a sepia tone, but it is just a bit orange in my opinion. You could also probably bring the blacks up just a touch (keep the midtones where they are though). Very nice shot!

So, every once in a while, the wife picks up the camera and squeezes one off which makes her say "your camera makes me hate my camera" (which is always good for me as it means she sees the relevance of the camera budget ;) ) Anyway, here is her latest, I included it here because it shows off some of Puck Monkey's fine work:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/3525050693_ef69c9387a_o.jpg

--Edited to make picture work--




When I went into Corbis looking for a job, I took my best stuff in my portfolio and they told me exactly what was wrong with each photo. It was the best thing that ever happened to me and it was kind of like what we do here, good honest criticism.

There was one important rule, especially for stage photos but almost for any photo that I learned that day and that is CONNECT. You have CONNECT with the photo and having lines crossing across the photo or someone's face detracts from that CONNECT. Having the subjects looking away from the camera loses that CONNECT.

In this photo, if the child was looking toward the camera there would be a CONNECT that would make this pic about 20 times better.

I swear to God that my photos got way better the moment I sucked it up after being nearly scolded that day and realized what it takes to not only compose a photo but CONNECT with the subject.

http://www.michaelzampelli.com/photos/502461670_azMFT-M-2.jpg

CONNECTing with Lil Wayne in a huge concert theater breaks it down to you and Lil Wayne and nothing else matters.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3473/3201310866_36c06e04ee.jpg

CONNECT invites the viewer into the celebration


This is something that you don't see in photo or art books, but a bell went off when I left Corbis that day and now I get it.

[DRGinLBC]

I like it. I like that the textures on the ship read so well (the rivits and panel lines). The one thing I would interested in seeing is doing a little color balancing, as there is a lot of orange from the sodium vapor lamp. I think the direction it is going now helps the tone of the photo as it feels a bit like a sepia tone, but it is just a bit orange in my opinion. You could also probably bring the blacks up just a touch (keep the midtones where they are though). Very nice shot!

Is this the orange you are referring to? Like I said, I am new at this...so any advice is GREATLY appreciated. Reading through this thread has been the greatest and I hope to get better with time.

http://www.doyers.com/images/orange.jpg

[FBJ]

I understand what you're saying, Mike, but I think the whole connecting with your subject thing is necessary in some images and wholly unnecessary in others. Sam's image above shows the wonderful emotion of a moment shared by dad and baby girl, even though no one's looking at the camera.

That said, you do people really well, Mike. And I think that connecting with a human subject is important in the types of photography you're really into. I just think that different situations call for different techniques.

[FBJ]

Took this one on Saturday. I'm a beginner...so be gentle.

http://www.doyers.com/images/queen.jpg

Something about this image says "this is a brick wall, not a ship" to me. I think that were you to give the image a slight tilt to the left (making the buildings in the distance vertical) that the ship would have a more natural and graceful angle to it that would lend itself to a more nautical feeling.

The oranges are kind of high, so maybe a touch of adjustment to your white balance or color tints might be in order as well.

[VF]

I understand what you're saying, Mike, but I think the whole connecting with your subject thing is necessary in some images and wholly unnecessary in others. Sam's image above shows the wonderful emotion of a moment shared by dad and baby girl, even though no one's looking at the camera.

That said, you do people really well, Mike. And I think that connecting with a human subject is important in the types of photography you're really into. I just think that different situations call for different techniques.

And for another opinion :) I think you are both right in certain regards. I think that connections are important, but that connection isn't always between subject and camera, but sometimes between subject and something else the viewer can relate to. I think Corbis being a stock house has definite guidelines that they look for when judging how salable an image might be, and the Lil Wayne shot is a perfect example of when this works and works fantastically well (very nice shot)

It might well be an (more) interesting photo if she was looking at camera so you could better read her smile. But, seeing it was my wife's shot, she almost never picks up that camera, and autofocus isn't on the shutter, I'm impressed she hit focus ;)

[SirJW]

Saw this on craigslist and thought some of you may find this of interest.

Flickr: Discussing Strobist Meetup Changed to Sunday May 31rst - Long Beach CA in Los Angeles Strobist (http://www.flickr.com/groups/lastrobist/discuss/72157618178554033/)

[rinkrat]

Great colors :)

[rinkrat]

I agree about the rules of photography not applying to home shots. With family shots, who even cares if it's in focus if there is a memory captured?

[rinkrat]

http://michaelzampelli.smugmug.com/photos/538922749_HdoBH-L.jpg

[SirJW]

Pro Photo Host - Photo Hosting Review (http://www.prophotohost.com/)

[rinkrat]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2429/3555090721_5fbbb9a6af_o.jpg

[FBJ]

That kicks major arse.

Did you notice the little strand of spider web that's caught between its beak and its forehead??

[HeShootsNScores]

I love how you caught its eye in focus.... thats cool.

what did you shoot it with (lens) RR?

[rinkrat]

I just got the overpriced wire that makes it so the pocket wizards can remote trigger the camera like it does the flashes (like they do when they put the camera inside the hockey nets). To try it out I set the camera right in front of the hummingbird feeder with the 17-55 lens and a corded flash off to the side to give that cool shadow running down the left side of the bird. I pop open a beer and sit in the garage and when the bird shows up I fire away. All the settings are manual so I have to focus on my hand and then wait till the bird hits that spot to get it in focus. There are a lot of frames with blur or nothing or a wing etc, but when it works, it looks bitchen.

The fastest sync speed with a flash is 250th so there is gonna be some blur on the wings. I used that tupperware looking thing over the flash to soften it a bit.

[VF]

Wow, what a stellar shot. Nice work!

[DRGinLBC]

Hello, LGK community! I was wondering if I could ask you a couple photography questions?

I am heading to San Francisco to visit my sister on Friday and wanted to try and capture a couple pictures while I was there. The two that I have in mind are the Golden Gate Bridge and the Palace of Fine Arts. I chose these two because they are walking distance from my sisters and I probably won't have too much time. I've really been into night photography lately. Something about it just really captures my attention. My flight doesn't arrive until 8:30 on Friday night and I probably won't get to my sisters until around 9:30. First...here is what I'm going for:

GGB:
Photographer's Guide to the Golden Gate Bridge - a knol by Andy Frazer (http://knol.google.com/k/andy-frazer/photographers-guide-to-the-golden-gate/3spf5isjes9jl/7#)

The closest point to her house is Fort Point. It looks like a really snazzy picture. What settings do you think would be best for a night shot? At the Queen Mary...the picture I posted a few posts back, I was putting my settings on F14ish, ISO 200-400 and the exposure was around 5-6 seconds. Messing with the WB worked wonders.

POFA:
POFA (Palace of Fine Arts) on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sutanto/298513147)

This is right across the street from her apartment. Any suggestions? I'd like to capture that exact picture, if possible! It says F8 at ISO 200...at 25 seconds. That sound about right?

I'll have my tripod and my remote shutter release to help me out...but any tips you could give me would be excellent. I've been waiting a long time to take some good pictures around there. I'm not sure what my sister has planned for us so I don't want to spend too much time out shooting photos...so I'm trying to prepare ahead of time.

My equipment:
Canon Digital Rebel Xsi
Kit Lens (EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens)
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens


Thanks in advance. If you want to keep it off the boards...just PM me.

[rinkrat]

It looks like you already found your answer, that guide is bitchen.

[rinkrat]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3579/3571833226_7176495308_b.jpg

[DRGinLBC]

It looks like you already found your answer, that guide is bitchen.

What lens out of the 3 I have should I use? Does it matter?

[rinkrat]

I'd start with the 50mm because of the 1.8 and go from there.

[FBJ]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3367/3562302041_8580a55ea7.jpg
Took this last Saturday while we were walking around the Getty at sunset trying to find a place to take my daughter's 5th birthday portraits.

It got a nomination for "Picture Of The Week" in the Los Angeles group on Flickr.

[rinkrat]

That's your best pic yet! Great composition.

[rinkrat]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3350/3581413821_8ec1430652_o.jpg

[rinkrat]

Backyard Hummingbird in Long Beach, California on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rinkrat/3549555205/)

Photo of the week, Wow gallery group on Flickr (See last comment)

[FBJ]

A couple I took during my last work trip. I had overnights in Nashville and Sacramento.

From Nashville:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2457/3577746258_58480cca83.jpg
Inside Gruhn's Guitars, a famous guitar shop in Nashville.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3606/3577747188_b2b7b95938.jpg
Vintage Mandolin.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2465/3576943205_f7218a4d30.jpg
Old Fender Tube Amp.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3623/3577749004_315772bd8a.jpg
Fiddlin' (this is officially my first attempt at any kind of concert photography).
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2435/3576945535_ee15cdd644.jpg
Mandolin Mike.

And from Sacramento:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3561/3579661566_ee554599b1.jpg
Capitol Building rotunda.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2449/3578847909_3918058c45.jpg
Stairway detail.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3589/3578854275_4e4754968f.jpg
Senate room.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2439/3579850164_c284e3d5f2.jpg
California Railroad Museum

[Blurker]

Great shots FBJ.

The B&W look really works with those guitar shop shots.

[DRGinLBC]

http://www.doyers.com/images/queenmary_HDR.jpg

[DRGinLBC]

http://www.doyers.com/images/yum.jpg

HI GUYS!

[rinkrat]

http://laeastside.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/img_5331.jpg
The mural the Derby Dolls painted from one of my pics

From this page
LA Eastside The Los Angeles Derby Dolls (http://laeastside.com:80/2009/06/the-los-angeles-derby-dolls/)

[HeShootsNScores]

I found this guy (or... rather... someone sent his site to me...) I like the plane boneyard stuff and the ghost ship stuff... check it out! Its actually pretty cool!

Lost America ::::: Night Photography of the Abandoned West (http://www.lostamerica.com/index.html)

[rinkrat]

http://michaelzampelli.smugmug.com/photos/569091926_mupFp-L.jpg

http://michaelzampelli.smugmug.com/photos/569043244_bMxea-L.jpg

http://michaelzampelli.smugmug.com/photos/569097490_YSDAs-X2.jpg

http://michaelzampelli.smugmug.com/photos/569032845_Xss8F-XL.jpg

I took these last night in Belmont Shore

http://michaelzampelli.smugmug.com/photos/569126654_QjRtB-X2.jpg

[FBJ]

That vodka one is sick!! Love it.

[FBJ]

Took a trip today up to Fort Tejon today to watch the Civil War reenactments. I specifically went with an eye towards portraiture and making things look like they looked in the old photographs from those days. That is easier said than done. I couldn't find a Lightroom preset I liked, but I managed to scrape a little something together in terms of treatments. Here's the first attempt:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3412/3647817179_8eb9e81584.jpg

The real bitch of this thing was to try and take pictures so that there was nothing in the background that could be identified as "present day."

More here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/glenn_calvin/sets/72157620125190292/).

Not sure I like that treatment. I might redo it.

[spjon25]

okay, I have been away for a while due to school, but now that summer is here and I am playing Mr. Mom, I will have more time for this stuff. Here are some recent pics:
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs118.snc1/4980_96205327635_591517635_2131837_3838664_n.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs098.snc1/4980_96206567635_591517635_2131866_7847166_n.jpg Part of my Fathers Day Gift from my wife

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs098.snc1/4980_96206577635_591517635_2131868_4689211_n.jpg

[rinkrat]

Can't beat family pics!

The last one looks a little washed out. Might want to adjust the contrast/saturation levels.

[rinkrat]

http://www.michaelzampelli.com/photos/569130210_83nF8-L.jpg

Here's the rest from Friday Night
Michael Zampelli Photography : photos : Guinness Record Shots Attempt at Shore Ultra Lounge (http://www.michaelzampelli.com/gallery/8624922_4JPMG#569013473_QGkKy)

[spjon25]

Can't beat family pics!

The last one looks a little washed out. Might want to adjust the contrast/saturation levels.

I agree with the last letter, that it does look a little washed out (I did not take these, it was for my Father's Day gift with no editing done on them)

[DRGinLBC]

http://www.michaelzampelli.com/photos/569130210_83nF8-L.jpg

Here's the rest from Friday Night
Michael Zampelli Photography : photos : Guinness Record Shots Attempt at Shore Ultra Lounge (http://www.michaelzampelli.com/gallery/8624922_4JPMG#569013473_QGkKy)

Looks like a major sausage fest...with some girls working.

Other than that...love your pictures.

[VF]

Here's the rest from Friday Night
Michael Zampelli Photography : photos : Guinness Record Shots Attempt at Shore Ultra Lounge (http://www.michaelzampelli.com/gallery/8624922_4JPMG#569013473_QGkKy)

That is some fantastic lighting for in a club! Mind sharing what your lighting situation was?

[FBJ]

In an effort to make my Civil War reenactment pictures look more "old," I taught myself something in Photoshop (for once).

Here's my first attempt at distressing an image this way:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3396/3670654606_b06a388043_o.jpg

Thoughts??

I'm not sure I like the border...

[VF]

Hey, sorry I didn't reply to your PM earlier. I think what you have looks pretty good! If you aren't happy with your distressing, you can Google grunge overlays and find a bunch to choose from, but I think what you have is pretty good. The one nitpick I would have, and you pointed it out, is the boarder. What you have is a messy boarder that is a common replication of a enlarger tray that has had it edges messed with, which they really didn't have at the time. The boarders you would see were messy, but they tended to be from the hand painting of the silvering medium onto the plate. Often that was just a reduction of contrast at the edges:

http://www.edinphoto.org.uk/0_e/0_edinburgh_calotype_club_2_35_dean_orphanage.jpg

Also, I don't know why, but is seems like a lot of the images from the time had the corners clipped:

http://foxtalbot.dmu.ac.uk/resources/LrgeImg/oakTree.jpg

If you search for calotype (a common process of the time) you will get a lot of great reference results. The darks tend to be a very metallic looking, so printing on metallics might help sell it a bit as well (don't know about that one as the lights on metallics are what look shinny, but it might work). Lastly, I might take the sepia down just a touch (or split tone it so that they are more in just the highlights), but again, I think it is a great start.

Sorry again for being tardy :)

[FBJ]

I used two images as overlays to this at about 20% opacity. One is a picture of an old, cracked Spanish stucco wall (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3581/3671451549_e830168508_b.jpg) that had really neat pocking and some cracks running through it (which I thought would do well to represent random grain, etc). The other was a dust/fuzz/fingerprint-on-glass image (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3631/3671451949_877ce96c54_b.jpg) that I found on the net and inverted.

First, I imported the RAW image to Lightroom, dropping an antique grayscale preset on it, and touching up the contrast and black levels. Then, using the "Edit in Photoshop CS3" function of Lightroom, I imported the .dng file to PS. Then I hit the image with the Add Noise filter at 10% and Gaussian/monochromatic. Then, I dropped the two overlays that I converted a using the same Lightroom antique grayscale preset on top of the image in PS, rotated them randomly and sized them to match my image, and then adjusted their opacity to about 20%. After that, I dropped the border on top of the whole stack and sized it. Saving the file, I went back into Lightroom and made sure the contrast and black levels were where I wanted them (since the overlays take out some contrast and blacks). And there ya go.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2003/3671542633_273115b27b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3349/3671584175_483bed1832.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2575/3671611805_54b2b02740.jpg

It's neat to have something new and fun to play with. To make the distressing of the images more random, I started distorting and twisting the overlays around after the second attempt. I think it turned out okay that way. The only other thing I might try with these (aside from maybe locating another border to try out) is to "defocus" them a little bit. Things seem to be just a little too sharp. I know that with the quality of the lenses back in the 1800s and the length of the exposures of fixed-stop cameras, there always seems to be a little bit of focus and motion blur to the image.

All-in-all, though, I like the way these turned out. Hopefully some of the reenactors that I gave my biz card to do as well.

[rinkrat]

They had a free mod music fest on Pine Street last night called Soul Motion. Great fun!



http://michaelzampelli.smugmug.com/photos/577259138_jtnok-L.jpg - http://michaelzampelli.smugmug.com/photos/577218564_X9qdK-L.jpg

ALO and the M.C.

http://michaelzampelli.smugmug.com/photos/577198230_HxRJE-XL.jpg

Money Mark of the Beastie Boys - On this one I gelled the flash to tungsten and then set the camera WB to tungsten to bring out the dark blue dusk

http://michaelzampelli.smugmug.com/photos/577183155_hiPfK-XL.jpg

Gelled flash again the throw off the colors and warm up the subject while bluing out the background

http://michaelzampelli.smugmug.com/photos/577167472_RMShT-XL.jpg

LGK'ers are everywhere

[rinkrat]

Glenn, those are fricken awesome! they look like the real deal!

[FBJ]

Glenn, those are fricken awesome! they look like the real deal!

Thanks, man!

I'm liking your flash-gel techniques. Cool ideas and cool pictures.

Funny that, looking back through this thread, you can see how everyone who has really been involved in it has really developed their own style as photographers in the last couple years. Pretty cool, if you ask me.

[spjon25]

OKay, like I said, I am playing Mr. Mom this summer, so today it was the Natural History Museum

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs087.snc1/4914_98646337635_591517635_2169671_3698590_n.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs107.snc1/4914_98646362635_591517635_2169675_6142843_n.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs107.snc1/4914_98647142635_591517635_2169707_133007_n.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs087.snc1/4914_98646352635_591517635_2169673_5177629_n.jpg

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs107.snc1/4914_98646367635_591517635_2169676_977997_n.jpg

[rinkrat]

Nice! Family pics are the best.