LENS CAPTURE

LensCapture Blog Has Moved...

2011-09-13T12:18:00.000-04:00

LensCapture has moved to its new home!

Please change any favorites or bookmarks you
have after you visit our new site at:

Hot Rod Thrills

2011-08-22T02:52:00.000-04:00

Vol. 3 No. 17

The Rumblers 11th Annual Car Show took place this past weekend in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, New York. As expected, there were lots of screeching tires and engines, and so much to take in. The line-up of custom and vintage vehicles seemed to grow again this year. Here's a quick video to show you what you missed.

-30-

Garden Walk

2011-08-14T22:18:00.000-04:00

Vol. 3 No. 16

An early August Saturday morning proved to be a blossom-hound 's delight. As you'll see from my video slideshow below, the pollen transport team was in full operation.

-30-

Worldwide Photo Walk

2011-08-02T12:45:00.000-04:00

Vol. 3 No. 15

With over 1100 walks and more than 33,000 photographers participating in last year's Worldwide Photo Walk, this year promises to be even better. I have been selected to lead the photo walk that starts at Brooklyn Bridge Park's new Pier 1. Our walk is taking place on Sunday, October 2, 2011.

Our photo walk starts out with a brief stroll along the newly opened waterfront space in Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 1. Pier 1 adds 6 new acres of park including 1,300 feet of promenade along the East River, and 2.5 acres of lawn with sweeping views of the New York harbor, the Manhattan skyline, and the Brooklyn Bridge. A dramatic granite prospect made from the stone salvaged from the Roosevelt Island Bridge cascades from the two lawns to the 30’ wide waterfront promenade and serves as a tiered viewing deck will be our meeting location. From there we begin our walk north to Empire/Ferry Point Park, passing the Civil War-era Tobacco Factory, and end up just under the Manhattan Bridge on the Riverview Lawn.

To give you a sense of the area, i created a short video from photo walking the route this past weekend. Hope you enjoy it!

This walk is open to everyone with a camera (point and shoot, film or digital SLR, etc.) at any skill level. These individual walks are limited to 50 participants. If that doesn’t sound like a lot, you haven’t seen 50 photographers coming down the sidewalk at the same time, and converging at once on a photographic opportunity. It’s more like a scary bike gang (except without the bikes, or gang, or scariness).

So, don't delay in signing-up for this walk, or any of the Worldwide Photo Walks. This event is always a great social and photographic experience.

As a professional photographer and veteran photo walker, I offer the following promise: regardless of your skills, point-and-shooters to working photographers will all benefit from the experience.

Tips will be added as we begin the registering participants and will continue up to our walk day.

Please join us for a great photographic experience!

-30-

Sunday Stroll

2011-07-24T19:41:00.003-04:00

Vol. 3 No. 14

A simple stroll in your neighborhood park could yield some great subjects. This is true only if you remember to bring your camera.

This short video is from my Sunday morning walk through Juniper Park in Middle Village, Queens. With the weather staying so hot and humid, an early morning stroll was the only option. This 55-acre public jewel was opened in 1930 and features sport fields, playgrounds and plenty of tree-lined paths.

GPS: 40.720278, -73.880278

-30-

Lady Liberty

2011-07-03T14:03:00.001-04:00

Vol. 3 No. 13

Happy Independence Day!

The following images were captured around sunset from Louis Valentino Junior Park, in Brooklyn's Red Hook waterfront. A tripod is essential when photographing landscapes, and especially with the sun setting.

The pier that extends from the park is beautifully designed, nicely lit and well maintained. There is a slightly raised platform that is adjacent to the railing that is wide enough for any tripod. Just watch your step. For your GPS: 40.678392, -74.019554

Have a great and safe holiday.

-30-

Quick Visit - Socrates Sculpture Park

2011-06-26T12:12:00.001-04:00

Vol. 3 No. 12

During a quick trip into the now trendy neighborhood of Astoria, in New York City's outer borough of Queens, I made a short visit to a favorite spot. Growing up in this area (which wasn't so trendy then), I spent a great deal of time along the East River waterfront. This area, with its public green spaces growing rapidly, is now attracting more activities. One spot in particular, the Socrates Sculpture Park, is partly responsible for the revitalization in the immediate area.

Until 1986, the area now occupied by the park was an abandoned landfill and dump. A group of artist got together and developed a great outdoor exhibition space and park for the neighborhood.

View more images from my quick visit to the Socrates Sculpture Park.

I am reaching out to the organization in hopes of organizing a photo walk here in the coming weeks. So make sure you check back for details.

-30-

The Early 40's

2011-06-20T22:42:00.001-04:00

Vol. 3 No. 11

I took a step back in time this past weekend. This was possible with the help of two gorgeous models and a historical gem of a location, the American Airpower Museum in Farmingdale, New York.

With the help of Victoria Podesta and her crew from Berger Bros Camera providing the logistics, and David Piazza from Westcott providing the lights and plenty of expertise, we took to our task of recreating the 1940's.

Special thanks to our professional models Demetria and Laurence Yang for a truly wonderful and effortless experience. Both of whom I hope to work with again very soon.

-30-

The Gals - Part 2

2011-06-18T01:00:00.000-04:00

Vol. 3 No. 10

As I continue to wade through all the great images from the American Photo Model Shoot, I offer this two-shot series of candlelight captures.

-30-

Red Rock at Sunrise

2011-06-02T12:00:00.045-04:00

Vol. 3 No. 9

After scouting out the best photo locations along the 13 mile scenic drive earlier the day before, I ventured back to Red Rock Canyon for sunrise. With a 1 hour drive to reach my destination, I started out at 4:00 AM to catch the Sun cresting the eastern mountain range around 5:25 AM. The temperature at that point had only hit 52°F at the Calico Basin, so a hooded sweatshirt was a definite requirement. During my 2½ hour visit on this particular morning, the temperature rose more than 25 degrees.

Was it worth it? You be the judge.

Photographed within the first 10 minutes after sunrise.

This image was captured roughly 2 hours after sunrise.

-30-

Red Rock

2011-05-31T13:00:00.002-04:00

Vol. 3 No. 8

While the lights of the Las Vegas Strip lure many, the main draw to the area for me lies just 15 miles west. Red Rock Canyon, a National Conservation Area, is an oasis in this neon desert.

I took the short drive up from Henderson, a southeastern suburb of Las Vegas, along State Route 160 towards the town of Blue Diamond, and then about 9 miles north on NV Route 159 where I reached a roadside overlook. With the Sun just ready to settle below the Keystone Thrust, the massive rock walls along the west of the valley that is cut by NV Route 159, I made the following image:

I plan on returning for sunrise to capture the first rays of light striking the oxidized rock formations and the Aztec Sandstone. If you make it to the area, the GPS coordinates are 36.116782, -115.444709.

-30-

Something Completely Different

2011-05-29T12:26:00.001-04:00

Vol. 3 No. 7

While traveling, I made a decision to leave the bulky gear at home and go light. My choice for image capture is a point and shoot high-end performer, the Canon PowerShot G12. This 10 megapixel performer packs a ton of features that even a pro shooter will love. I coupled this with a Black Rapid SnapR combo strap and case system. Together they made for a compact travel champ.

One of the features of the G12 was its ability to capture high dynamic range (HDR) images with a single click of the shutter release button. The camera actually snaps off 3 shots then combines them in the camera. Since I was hitting a major tourist attraction, Hoover Dam during the mid-day Sun, I figured this would provide a good test. Here are some of the images captured:

I was impressed with the result. The range of contrast with the Sun high in the sky is always a tough one to tackle. The camera handled this wide range pretty well, with the highlights and shadows exposed nicely.

My decision to travel light also included leaving the laptop behind. Just my point and shoot camera, my trusty iPad2, and Apple's Camera Connection Kit handled the job nicely.

-30-

The Gals - Part 1

2011-05-27T08:00:00.004-04:00

Vol. 3 No. 6

Wow - what a great line-up of beautiful women at the American Photo Model Shoot. Here is Part 1:

-30-

Couples - Part 2

2011-05-25T12:01:00.002-04:00

Vol. 3 No. 5

Working with these models was a pleasure. They were extremely professional and their personalities came through beautifully. I took great enjoyment in capturing these pairings.

I present Couples - Part 2:

-30-

The Guys - Part 1

2011-05-23T12:01:00.001-04:00

Vol. 3 No. 4

As promised in the last post, I will be sharing some of my favorite photographs from the American Photo Magazine's Model Shoot.

Here is the next in the series: The Guys - Part 1.

-30-

Coming Back - Photographically

2011-05-21T17:41:00.001-04:00

Vol. 3 No. 3

It has been a rough several months where I have been remiss in posting. My apologies. Personal and professional circumstances have been a major distraction.

During the last four months I have been shooting studio sessions on almost a weekly basis, keeping my skills tuned. I was fortunate to have recently participated in the American Photo Magazine's Model Shoot. Over the next several posts, I will be sharing some of my favorite captures.

The following captures are part of my series of "Couples" Part 1:

-30-

Live Music

2011-01-15T14:26:00.003-05:00

Vol. 3 No. 2

I had a great time last night when I went to see Button Down Runner playing at The Trash Bar in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Live music is always a blast and these guys put on a good show!

Photographing musicians at local venues can be extremely challenging. Dimly lit and normally crowded conditions can present some obstacles. Shooting manual and bumping up the ISO pretty high is a must. If you use flash, I recommend the rear curtain/slow sync setting to prevent your backgrounds from going black and losing all detail. A stabilized lens really can help out when hand-holding at slower shutter speeds.

A final recommendation is to shoot raw format (vs. jpeg) so you can adjust the white balance in post production. I use Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 for the majority of my post production work. With the various colored stage lights, it's very difficult to select the best setting in the camera. If you must, or don't have a choice but jpeg, then put some trust in your camera's "Auto" white balance setting.

-30-

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T12:10:00.001-05:00

Vol. 3 No. 1

Welcome 2011 - happily starting a new year, and a new decade!

Making resolutions is what we all do - trying to change or make for a better self. So with that in mind, here are my 2011 photographic resolutions:

I'll make more photographs.
Getting out into the world to capture images means having a camera with me, ready to record my point of view.
I'll visit more places.
Locally, regionally, nationally and globally. Exposing myself to a variety of settings will keep my brain charged-up.
I'll take more workshops and attend more seminars.
Education is key. Learning from others and their experiences will help me grow creatively.
I'll share more of my thoughts on photography.
While life can sometimes spin out of control, I will do my best to post more articles on the LensCapture blog so we can share experiences and grow our craft.
I'll hold more photo walks.Getting together and sharing our experiences and love for photography is one of the best ways to accelerate my goal of a expanding the love for image capture.

Now I need your help! Share your ideas for articles, photo walk ideas, and questions you have about photography. Please share!

And lastly, one of my goals for the New Year is to continue making new friends.

Wishing you all a happy, safe and prosperous New Year!

-30-

Where are the Plows???

2010-12-30T11:04:00.000-05:00

Vol. 2 No. 40

Three days since a blizzard dumped 20+ inches across New York City, a Glendale Queens resident wonders when a snowplow will visit 68th Street. A winter wonderland???

Nikon D300 35mm f/5.6 1/125sec ISO 200

-30-

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T22:43:00.003-05:00

Vol. 2 No. 39
Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ~Norman Vincent Peale

50mm f/1.4 1/90 sec. ISO 1600

-30-

Holiday Gift Ideas for the Lady Photog

2010-12-05T11:17:00.000-05:00

Vol. 2 No. 38

With the holiday season upon us, I thought I should take a few moments and present some gift ideas for the ladies into photography. Until recently, there have not been many items specifically designed for the female photographer. Over the last year it appears the photo market is changing.

Kelly Moore Bags
Kelly Moore Clark started by sketching out her ideas for a handbag/camera bag a few years ago. Now here ideas have been realized in a line of handbags for the female shooter. She has produced four different styles for women and one for men. The bags available for women are the Classic, the Posey, B-Hobo and the mother of them all, the Juju. These bags are available in numerous colors to suit your wardrobe and taste. Here's a short video with Kelly demonstrating the features of the Kelly Moore Classic Bag.

Kelly Moore Classic Bag Tutorial from kelly clark on Vimeo.

BlackRapid Camera Strap
Anyone who has attended one of my photowalks knows I am a big fan of the Black Rapid Camera strap. I love this camera sling system because I can "run & gun" with my camera securely slung across my body. No strap slipping from my shoulder. My camera hangs upside down at my hip ready to maneuver into both landscape and portrait shooting position, sliding effortlessly along the strap system.

BlackRapid has introduced a camera strap specifically designed for women. The BlackRapid RS-W1 strap focuses on the perfect fit for the female. Here's a tutorial video showing how to use the RS-W1.

Happy shooting ladies!

-30-

Desert Solitude

2010-10-15T12:00:00.001-04:00

Vol. 2 No. 37

Singing sand dunes, volcanic cinder cones, Joshua tree forests, and carpets of wildflowers are all found at this 1.6 million acre park. A visit to its canyons, mountains and mesas will reveal long-abandoned mines, homesteads, and rock-walled military outposts. Located between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, Mojave provides serenity and solitude from major metropolitan areas.

-30-

Bootleg Canyon Flightlines

2010-10-13T04:07:00.000-04:00

Vol. 2 No. 36

We soared from the top of Red Mountain in Bootleg Canyon Park just outside of Boulder City, Nevada. It was a exhilarating aerial experience that took us across more than a mile and a half at speeds up to 50 mph. The views were breathtaking as we soared high above the mountain terrain with Boulder City, Lake Mead and the Eldorado Valley off in the distance.

View the Bootleg Canyon Set in Flickr.

The bird's eye view this adventure offers is something that must be experienced. If you are in the Las Vegas area, reach out to Bootleg Canyon Flightlines for an experience you'll never forget.

-30-

I'm Back!

2010-10-10T15:21:00.000-04:00

Vol. 2 No. 35

It's been several weeks since my last post. I chalk it up to life spinning out-of-control. Not an uncommon occurrence unfortunately. I hope to be posting several times over the next few days as I am travelling through the Southwest of the United States.

I wanted to share an image to prove that there are many things to do in Las Vegas besides hitting the slots. We took a short excursion to the Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park, a 15-minute trip northwest of the Las Vegas Strip. This is a very small 3-acre zoo that took about an hour to leisurely explore, but offered several photographic opportnities.

Nikon D300 200mm f/5.6 1/750 sec ISO 400

-30-

End of Summer

2010-09-22T07:53:00.001-04:00

Vol. 2 No. 34

Where has the summer gone? Here's a photograph I made at Socrates Sculpture Garden in Long Island City, Queens. Captured handheld using a Nikkor 18-200mm VRII lens on a Nikon D300, my setting were ISO200 120mm f/6.7 1/1000th second.

-30-

More 5Pointz...

2010-09-02T07:35:00.000-04:00

Vol. 2 No. 33

I promised to post some images from our members that attended last Sunday's 5Pointz photo walk. More are added to the LensCapture Flickr® Group everyday, so picking just a few is real tough, but here goes.

Photo by Conrad Tinney

Photo by Vicki Syrov

Photo by Douglas Palmer

Photo by Howard Schoenberger

If you get a chance, you must visit 5Pointz in Long Island City, Queens. The artwork is spectacular, and the Aerosol Arts Center's collection is in a state of flux. I have visited the location 3 times in as many weeks and have been amazed at seeing new masterpieces on every visit.

Have a great Labor Day Holiday and don't forget to bring the camera along.

-30-

5Pointz Photo Walk Recap

2010-08-30T01:34:00.001-04:00

Vol. 2 No. 32

Another great photo walk is in the books! Our exploration of the 5Pointz Aerosol Arts Center in Long Island City was a huge success. The feedback from my fellow photo walkers definitely motivates me to find more of these gems throughout the Greater New York Area for future adventures.

Normally not the best time of day to shoot, the mid-day Sun provided tons of contrast and pronounced shadowing. This presented additional impact to the subject-rich surroundings.

See One from SeeOneArt.com working the wall art.

Please check back over the next few days as I post images submitted by the members who joined me on this photo walk.

-30-

Hot Rods & Kustoms

2010-08-23T23:56:00.001-04:00

Vol. 2 No. 31

The Rumblers Car Club of New York City held their 10th Annual "Kustom Kills and Hot Rod Thrills" car show in Williamsburg Brooklyn this past Saturday. While my attendance was a spontaneous one, this will not go unplanned again - trust me. What an amazing gathering of classics, hot rods, kustoms, motorcycles and people!

Held under the BQE (Brooklyn Queens Expressway for you out-of-towners), this show was open to all Pre-1964 Hot Rods and Kustoms.

One of the fastest growing traditional hot rod events on the East Coast, the Rumblers Car Show provided an amazing line-up of subjects to photograph. Since most of the show is under cover, shooting with flash was an absolute necessity. A low camera angle definitely helps to provide some impact to the shot.

This event has the makings for a great photo walk in 2011. To view a slideshow of my photographs from the Car Show, make sure to visit my Rumblers Car Show August 2010 slideshow on Flickr®.

-30-

And The Winner Is...

2010-08-17T07:47:00.000-04:00

Vol. 2 No. 30

Nikolay Edelman took the honors for our local outing along the Brooklyn Bridge Pier 1 and South Street waterfronts during the 2010 Scott Kelby Worldwide Photo Walk.

I think Nik hit all the right marks by effectively directing the viewer's focus into and throughout the image. The visual elements work together to express purpose. The classic coin operated binoculars are beautifully exposed with nice sharp detail. I want to drop a couple of quarters and turn the red knob to reveal the Brooklyn Bridge in all her glory. Great job Nik!

The selection process was a tough one this year with so many of you making some exceptional photographs during our walk.

Now on to the Worldwide competition. Scott Kelby has chosen this year's Grand Prize and Honorable Mention winners.

You can see the gallery here - http://worldwidephotowalk.com/bestphotos/

You can also start voting for the People's Choice Awards from the over 1,000 local walk winners - http://worldwidephotowalk.com/peoples-choice/

Make sure to cast your vote before Noon EDT on August 23rd.

-30-

5Pointz Photo Walk

2010-08-13T07:25:00.001-04:00

Vol. 2 No. 29

I have scheduled a very special photo walk for Sunday, August 29, 2010 to 5Pointz in Long Island City, Queens. Considered to be the world's premiere "graffiti Mecca," where aerosol artist from around the world paint colorful works of art adorning the exterior of an entire city block.

We'll meet at 1:00 PM for this 2 hour subject-rich walk capturing brilliantly colored murals and striking master artistry that covers this outdoor exhibit space. During this event, I'll provide tips for properly capturing this vivid artwork.

While this photo walk experience is free, 5Pointz survives through visitor donations. So I ask all participating to be generous during our visit and make a small offering, or buy the merchandise (t-shirts, hats, etc.) available onsite. Your generosity will allow this 5-story, block long, outdoor art exhibit to continue its mission of uniting talented aerosol artists so they may continue displaying their magnificent work.

>>> Register Now For This Photo Walk <<<

-30-

Redhawk Pow Wow

2010-08-08T18:36:00.001-04:00

Vol. 2 No. 28

I had the opportunity to attend the Bear Mountain Native American Festival this past weekend up in Harriman State Park in New York. We were treated to Native American singing, dancing, food, crafts and some great educational programs. The highlight of the day was the grand entrance of dancers and watching the predatory birds in action.

A bright sunny day can present way too much contrast for digital photography. Fortunately, I had my trusty Nikon SB-900 speedlight to add fill flash. Since this is one of the more powerful shoe-mounted strobes available, I was able to add fill flash zoomed in to 200mm. I was pretty impressed with its capabilities when I opened the resulting captures in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3.

View my other Redhawk Pow Wow images up on Flickr.

-30-

The Worldwide Photo Walk - My POV

2010-08-01T11:48:00.001-04:00

Vol. 2 No. 27

While Worldwide Photo Walk Officials sought out the problems encountered with the contest deadline, I thought I would share some of my captures. Since I lead the walk, I am not eligible to compete. I will be selecting a local winner who will go on to compete against other photo walk winners worldwide for some great prizes.

So here are a few of my shots...

I will be posting a few images captured by our walk participants that were submitted to our flickr® group later this week.

-30-

Worldwide Photo Walk 2010

2010-07-25T09:43:00.000-04:00

Vol. 2 No. 26

What a great day we had photo walking the new Brooklyn Bridge Pier 1 and taking the ride on the Water Taxi to the South Street Seaport. While the temperature soared to a record of 97ºF, with a real feel of 102º, it didn't melt the enthusiasm of our group.

Yesterday's 3rd Annual Scott Kelby Worldwide Photo Walk had a record breaking 1,111 photo walks with over 33,000 walkers participating around the globe.

I'll be posting more photos from this great event and I'll also be sharing some of the images captured by our walk participants. So make sure to check back.

-30-

Schooner Pioneer

2010-07-17T13:30:00.002-04:00

Vol. 2 No. 25

Just a quick black & white of the schooner Pioneer as it heads south on the East River towards New York Harbor. This two-masted sailing vessel was built in 1885 and is over 100 feet long. The Pioneer sails from the South Street Seaport and is owned by the South Street Seaport Museum.

Remember, the 3rd Annual Scott Kelby Worldwide Photo Walk is scheduled for Saturday, July 24, 2010. While the walk I am leading has already reached capacity, there are over 1,000 walks worldwide. To find a walk in your area, visit worldwidephotowalk.com/.

-30-

Horicon Lake HDR

2010-07-11T11:58:00.005-04:00

Vol. 2 No. 24

Since I was a few minutes late catching the sunset I had pictured in my head (always masterpieces - at least in my head), I took the opportunity to bracket 7 exposures and create the HDR image below.

High dynamic range (HDR) imaging is a set of techniques that allow a greater dynamic range of luminance between the darkest (shadow) and lightest (highlight) areas of an image than possible in standard photography. The image above was captured on a Nikon D300 at 52mm f/13 ISO 200 with an exposure ranging from 1/20th of a second to 3 seconds. This equated to seven images each 1 stop in difference.

-30-

Holiday Photo Stream

2010-07-05T16:57:00.001-04:00

Vol. 2 No. 23

Just a few images...

A wonderful start to the summer.

-30-

Happy Independence Day

2010-07-03T18:50:00.003-04:00

Vol. 2 No. 22

It's already the July 4th holiday weekend. This year is just zipping by!

If you plan on photographing a professional fireworks display, then you need to think things through. If you plan properly, you can capture spectacular shoots.

Here are a few links worth reviewing before heading out:

- Lens Capture's Guide to Fireworks Photography
(Vol. 1 No. 28)
In this blog post from last year, I discuss the importance of utilizing a steady platform, camera settings, lens focal choices, and camera orientation. read Fireworks Photography

- Scott Kelby's Photoshop Insider - How to Shoot Fireworks
Renowned author Scott Kelby provides sound advice and good tips to ensure your fireworks photography yeilds great results. read How to Shoot Fireworks

- Photofocus blogger Scott Bourne's 10 Fireworks Photograph Tips - Updated reinforces technique in these basic tips.

- Digital Photography School author Darren Rouse provides additional detail and a great section of tips from the DPS Readers in his article titled, "How to Photograph Fireworks Displays."

Well, I want to take a moment to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday and let's now forget how lucky we are to be free! Our men and women in the armed forces, along with those serving in the police, fire and emergency medical services throughout the United States keep us safe and this Nation great! Thanks

-30-

2010 Red Bull Air Race in New York Harbor

2010-06-22T00:25:00.003-04:00

Vol. 2 No. 21

I was privledged to be a media photographer at the eagerly awaited New York debut of the Red Bull Air Race this past weekend along Liberty State Park. Flying through the race course at over 240 mph and as low as 25 feet above the water these pilots are world class. The experience was incredible. Hope you enjoy the images.

You can view the Air Race stills on flickr.

-30-

Third Annual Worldwide Photo Walk™

2010-06-10T11:32:00.003-04:00

Vol. 2 No. 20

With over 900 walks and more than 32,000 photographers participating in last year's Worldwide Photo Walk, this year promises to be even better. I have been selected to lead the photo walk that starts at Brooklyn Bridge Park's new Pier 1.

Then we’ll board the NY Water Taxi ($6 one-way/$10 round-trip) for a quick, but picturesque ferry across the East River to the South Street Seaport. NY Water Taxi boats are smooth cruising 2 deck vessels with an air-conditioned enclosed cabin deck and an open air upper deck. Passengers board and disembark on Cabin deck level. This deck is ADA Accessible.

Once we arrive on the Manhattan side, you’ll be able to photograph the historic seaport area where you’ll find tall-masted ships, great architecture, street performers, and plenty of other events to capture. Our walk ends on the upper level of Pier 17′s outside veranda. Offering spectacular views of the revitalize Brooklyn waterfront and the Brooklyn Bridge. Then we step inside to the Food Court, with over 15 eateries to choose from, for a quick bite and photo walk discussion.

So, don't delay in signing-up for this walk, or any of the Worldwide Photo Walks. This event is always a great social and photographic experience.

-30-

Patriyacht Adventure

2010-05-31T02:44:00.000-04:00

Vol. 2 No. 19

This Memorial Day weekend we were treated to an adventure with some good friends aboard the Patriyacht. We left the docks in Oakdale Long Island and cruised to Ocean Beach on beautiful Fire Island.

View this on Flickr

Special thanks to Captain Richie and First Mate Cathy for a wonderful day.

-30-

Expanding Waterfront

2010-05-23T16:46:00.003-04:00

Vol. 2 No. 18

Got a recent email reminding me a new section of waterfront had opened in Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Bridge Park has grown by another 6 acres. Pier 1, just opened this Spring, adds 1,300 feet of promenade just south of the Brooklyn Bridge along the busy East River. In what's planned to be a 65 acre expansion spanning to Atlantic Avenue, with completion slated for 2013, Pier 1 and Pier 6 are open.

Arriving after 6:00 pm, the sky was filling with clouds with a storm front approaching from the west. This made for an interesting sky.

Offering a fantastic view of Lower Manhattan, from Pier 1 looking north up the East River you can see the Empire State Building framed by the Brooklyn Bridge and to the south there's Governor's Island and the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbour. These first 2 images are examples of HDR photography. Each high dynamic range photograph consists of several different exposures of the same image combined.

This section of the East River is the entranceway from the Harbour and is extremely busy with marine traffic. From the Water Taxi crossing over to the South Street Seaport in Manhattan, to the tugs, pleasure craft and sightseeing cruises, Pier 1 offers a great viewing experience.

This definitely has the makings of a mid-week sunset photo walk. If you're interested, let me know. If you would like more information about the park visit www.brooklynbridgepark.org.

-30-

Special Announcements

2010-05-15T11:05:00.002-04:00

Vol. 2 No. 17

Gallery Exhibit
LensCapture good friend Conrad Tinney will have his work, along with other members of the Park West Camera Club, displayed during the month of June at the Manhattan Borough President's Office. The show, titled "The Four Seasons," is scheduled to begin on June 2nd and run through June 30, 2010. The Manhattan Borough President's Office is located at 1 Centre Street, Manhattan in the Municipal Building on the 19th floor. Since this is a government building, remember to bring photo ID.
For more info - visit the Park West Camera Club website.

Camera Cases 4 Sale
In my attempt to spring clean and divest myself of some no longer used camera gear, I am offering up several camera bags for sale. These bags have served me well and are in great shape.

The first bag offered is the LowePro Pro Roller 1. This is a professional roller case with some great features such as extra-tough construction, a prop-up stand for easy access, in-line skate wheels and extended bumpers. This bag can easily accommodate 2 camera bodies, 3-4 lenses, flashes and other accessories. I paid around $350 new.

The second bag is the LowePro CompuTrekker Plus AW. This backpack bag is ideal for location photography since it allows you to carry both your camera gear and a laptop (up to 17"). It can handle 2 camera bodies and several lenses, flash and accessories. This is an all weather case that can easily brave the elements. This case is in excellent condition and ran me around $200 new.

The last case for sale is a Tamrac Velocity 7 Photo Sling Pack. This bag has been modified by me to include a Nikon SS-800 carry case for a flash which is stitched onto the side. This allowed me to carry a flash with the bag housing my camera body and several lenses. What makes this bag unique is the ultra-functional pack carries like a backpack, but by swinging it around to the front, provides quick access to your gear without removing the case. I paid $80 for this case and it's still in good condition.

If you are interested in any of these cases, leave me a comment with your email and make an offer. Thanks.

Great Walk

2010-05-01T08:19:00.000-04:00

Vol. 2 No. 16

I wanted to take a minute to highlight some of the great images made by the 2010 Spring Walk Participants. These brave souls, who ventured out in to the pouring rain last Sunday, took advantage of the opportunity to capture some wonderful subjects. The following images were posted to the LensCapture Flickr Group.

I'll be announcing the next walk in the coming weeks. So don't forget to check back often.

-30-

Wet Wonder

2010-04-27T23:38:00.003-04:00

Vol. 2 No. 15

The Spring 2010 Photo Walk started out will a steady rain coming down as 11 of us gathered under the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden Viewing Pavilion. A pretty nice showing in this weather. After handing out several recycled Op/Tech 18" SLR Rainsleeves and passing along some tips on using the rain as a subject, the group headed out for, what would be several hours of photographic opportunities.

Here are some photographs I made during the event. Later this week, I'll post a few images captured by some of the other walk participants.

-30-

Get Ready

2010-04-19T00:01:00.005-04:00

Vol. 2 No. 14

With our Spring 2010 Photo Walk coming up this Sunday, I took a pre-walk through the Brooklyn Botanical Garden this past weekend. With the warmer weather we've experienced here in the Northeast over the last few weeks, the cherry blossoms and tulips are in full bloom. If you can, don't miss the opportunity to experience the colors first hand that are exploding throughout this 52-acre oasis.

Hope you enjoy these images. Better yet, join us on our upcoming photo walk. Remember, no experience required. Point-and-shoot, dSLR, or just your appreciative senses, it will be a great experience.

-30-

The 2010 Spring Walk

2010-04-14T07:12:00.000-04:00

Vol. 2 No. 13
It's that time of year for our Annual Spring Photo Walk. When the color starts taking over the barren landscape. Blossoms begin to open to show their beauty, the breeze gets a little warmer, the light stays longer. It's Spring in all its glory!

Photo walks are a great way to share your love of photography, and learn from one another. Absolutely no experience is required. You can even participate with a disposable camera.

We are getting together on Sunday, April 25, 2010 at 10:00 am at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, main entrance location 900 Washington Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11225.

We meet inside at the Viewing Pavilion in the Japanese Hill-an-Pond Garden. Our walk is slated to last approximately 2 hours as we leisurely stroll through the Brooklyn Botanical Garden photographing the floral displays that present themselves along our path. We will end at the Terrace Cafe where you can grab a light lunch (optional).

The Garden is 52 acres of beautiful theme gardens and walks which was founded more than 100 years ago. The garden sits adjacent to Prospect Park and the Prospect Park Zoo. Ample Parking is available, and the Brooklyn Botanical Garden can easily be reached by bus and subway.

So join us as we walk, talk, share and photograph the wonderous Brooklyn Botanical Gardens.

Sign-up for the April 25th Spring Walk at Brooklyn Botanical Garden.

-30-

Making a Photo Book

2010-03-27T16:13:00.008-04:00

Vol. 2 No. 12

If you have been following the Lenscapture Blog, you have seen some of the images I have posted from my latest trips to the Southwest of the United States. These recent adventures have taken me to the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Verde Canyon, Zion National Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park and the amazing Bryce Canyon.

Sharing these adventures with others is one of the main reasons for starting this blog more than a year ago. Another way to share and preserve these memories is to create a photo book. The great thing about a photo book is how it can be used. You can use it to create a portfolio of your work, to remember and re-live a fantastic vacation, to share an event such as a wedding or sweet 16, or to just decorate your coffee table.

In this tutorial, I'll be describing the steps in creating a photo book using AdoramaPix's online design tool. I just produced an 8x12 hard cover book from my recent exploits through Arizona and Utah. This is a big book that opens to a nice wide 24" allowing me to display huge panoramas.

I have used several photo book building applications in the past and have found them to be either under-powered or way too complex. The Adorama PixBuilder application is pretty versatile and simple to use. You will need to create an account upfront, so let's start there:

Step 1 - Create a free account. In order to begin the process Adorama requires you to sign up. They give you 25 free prints when you create a new account and 3 GB of long term storage. They have a premium membership for $24.95 a year that allows you unlimited long term storage (60 day temporary storage is free with both account levels). This paid membership also allows downloading your galleries from any browser.

Step 2 - Click the link Photo Books in the upper navigation bar, then select Create a Book to launch the Flash-based builder.

Step 3 - Select the shape for your book. You can choose from portrait or landscape layouts or square books.

Step 4 - Choose the size and page count. Books range from 6x4 inch to as large as 12"x 12". You have two choices for page count: 26 pages (13 double- page spreads) or 50 pages (25 double-page spreads). Prices run as low as $15.95 for a 6x4 inch 26 page book, to $124.95 for a 12x12 inch with 50 pages

Step 5 - Now you select a theme. While I produced my book using their "build your own" theme, the Adorama PixBuilder interface provides 33 other themes; from baby books to family fun, to fine art, recipe, and wedding books. The Flash interface allows you to select a theme and preview it by flipping through pages with sample photos before making a final theme selection. This is a very nice feature.

Step 6 - Select the photos you'll be using for the book. This is where you'll upload your images. You can upload them directly from your computer, import them from photo sharing sites Flickr or Picassa, or from an existing Adoramapix gallery.

Step 7 - Name your book. This will not appear on the book. It's only a reference used when placing your order, sharing or reordering a book.

Step 8 - Layout your cover and your page spreads. This is the fun part where you select which photos go where, add any captions or text, and place a title on your cover and spline. Themed-pages have placeholders allowing you to drop photos right in for automatic resizing. You can even select to have a photo spread across the entire two-page spread. The interface even keeps track of what images you have already used in your layout.

What I found very appealing was the ability to change design elements that are part of the pre-made themes. So, if there's a butterfly cutout on one-page you can click on it and slide it over across the spread, or delete it entirely. This book builder also allows you to add elements that Adorama calls "stickers." With over 2,000 to choose from, you can further personalize your book by adding clip art, stock photos, or even calendars.

Step 9 - Preview your book. You can virtually turn the pages for a realistic preview of your creation. If you need to change anything, you can easily go back into the editor and make your corrections.

Step 10 - Now it's time to place the order. Again, Adoramapix provides a straightforward interface that shows your order detail with cover image and the price. This step provides options for image color correction (recommended) and ordering additional books in other sizes. Once you are satisfied with the order, add it to your shopping cart and checkout.

I would estimate a 26 page book would take you around 30 minutes after uploading you images to finalizing your order, if you use one of the themed-layouts. After that, it takes about a week for the finished book to land on your doorstep.

I was extremely impressed by the quality of the delivered book. The thick Fuji Crystal archival photo paper holds up great to frequent handling. Adorama photo books use a Leporello binding system that allows page spreads to lay flat. The image quality is excellent, with sharp details and spot-on color.

As of this writing, I have produced two different books in 4 sizes. I am already planning my next book project. This is a quality product that will not disappoint.

View my Southwest Adventure book online at AdoramaPix.

-30-

Spring Is In The Air

2010-03-21T22:17:00.001-04:00

Vol. 2 no. 11

With temps over 70ºF, and the official start to Spring this past weekend, how could I not venture out with the camera. In anticipation of leading another Spring Photo Walk on Sunday, April 25th, I visited the beautiful Brooklyn Botanical Garden. New growth is starting to spring up (get it)!

To view a slideshow of more images on Flickr click here.

Sign-up for the April 25th Spring Walk at Brooklyn Botanical Garden.

I'll be posting more info on the upcoming photo walk in upcoming blog posts.

-30-

Kodachrome Basin

2010-02-26T01:08:00.000-05:00

Vol. 2 No. 10

The last set of images left to share from my adventure, where captured in a small state park in southern Utah called Kodachrome Basin. Approximately 5,800 feet above sea level, this spectacular array of sand pipes and colorful rock formations was freshly blanketed with snow.

After pressing the play button,
make sure to click the full screen icon in the lower right.

-30-

Zion National Park

2010-02-20T11:57:00.014-05:00

Vol. 2 No. 9

I ventured south to take in Zion National Park in southern Utah. A completely different environment from the day before up in Bryce Canyon. The images speak for themselves. Enjoy the Flickr slideshow below.

After pressing the play button,
make sure to click the full screen icon in the lower right.

-30-

Bryce Canyon

2010-02-19T02:23:00.005-05:00

Vol. 2 No. 8

Note: This post has been revised to include a slide show with additional images. After pressing the play button, make sure to click the full screen icon in the lower right.

Here a few photographs I made during my visit to Bryce Canyon National Park. The unique geology of rock spires known as hoodoos are spectacular. The snow contrasted the amphitheaters of colorful temples, pillars, grotos, bridges and spires.

-30-

My iPhone Photo Apps - Part One

2010-02-14T13:13:00.001-05:00

Vol. 2 No. 7

It has been a very busy couple of weeks. I am preparing for an adventure in southern Utah this coming week. I plan on venturing into Bryce Canyon, Kodachrome Basin, Zion National Park, and if time permits, a visit to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. So make sure to check back later in the week as I begin uploading images from this trip.

In the meantime, I thought I would share with you the photography applications found on my iPhone. In addition to the almost 400 images currently in my Photo Library, I have a small collection of apps that I have found to be useful.

Best Camera $2.99
Seattle-based commercial photographer Chase Jarvis, teamed up with the Übermind iPhone development firm to produce this application. It is a companion to Chase's book of iPhone photography titled "The Best Camera Is The One That's With You." The application features 14 filters and effects. You can stack or apply these effects upon each other to create a new work of art, then upload and share the image with others. Sharing can take the form of an email, or send it out to your Facebook, Flickr or Twitter accounts. Best Camera is a very simple application to use and makes it real easy to share you iPhone photography with others. ●●●◌◌

Focalc $1.99
While easy to use, unless you understand hyperfocal distance and how to apply it in your dSLR photography, steer clear. Hyperfocal distance is a distance beyond which all objects can be brought into acceptable focus, for a lens focused at infinity. This is a really useful application for landscape photography. It supports 35mm, 4x5, 5x7, 6x4.5, 6x6, 6x7, 6x9, 8x10 and APS-C camera formats. ●●●●◌

PhotoAssist $1.99
Here's an app that helps me keep track of the gear I need for a particular shoot. I hate winding up on location only to discover I forgot a certain lens, cable or accessory. When I'm ready to pack for a shoot, this application allows me to bring up the inventory list specific to a photo session. My only gripe is typing in the initial equipment into iPhone can be tedious. This application would be best served with some sort of online account setup to allow you to utilize a full size keyboard for item entries and updates. ●●●◌◌

Gorillacam Free
I love this app and the price cannot be beat. The application features a grid overlay to help you compose and create more interesting photography. Gorillacam has a bubble level that sits along the upper edge to assist in levelling your shots. A time-lapse option allows you to specify the number of shots and then the interval in which they're captured. The app has a self-timer you can set from 3 to 90 seconds, and a 3-shot burst mode takes three quick photos with a single tap. And one of my favorite features is the "press anywhere" feature that allows you to trigger the shutter by touching anywhere on the screen. This is a definite download. ●●●●●

ReelDirector $7.99
This one is a bit pricey as iPhone apps go. Owning a 3Gs iPhone with decent video capture presented a need for this application. While it is not iMovie, it does provide some nice video editing features. Version 2.4 adds the ability to import music and improves the processing speed. Keep in mind this is not a video capture application, it's a video editor. So you need to capture your video and stills beforehand. You can easily bring your clips and photos in from the iPhone's Camera Roll folder. Render time for 30 seconds of video with an audio track took about 1:45 minutes. Importing music, trimming and splitting video clips, and the ability to pan and zoom still photographs are great features. But do they justify the price tag? ●●●◌◌

PS Mobile Free
Photoshop.com Mobile for the iPhone arrived in Q4 of 2009, with an update this past january. This photo editor allows you to crop, straighten, rotate and flip images taken from within the application using your iPhone camera, or manipulate an image in your Photo library. PS mobile doesn't stop there, you can alter the exposure, saturation, tint and contrast, convert the image from color to black and white, add filters such as soft focus and sketch, sharpen your image, and add several effects and borders. All these editing tools are easily accessed via drop down menus. And to assist in your photo editing adventure, this application supports multiple level undos. So you can try any effect on for size first without commitment. This application is a companion to the online Photoshop.com account site (free) allowing you to leverage the iPhone app to capture and conduct mobile editing and then upload it to your account online to share in your gallery. For a free app, it's worth the download. I did expect Adobe's premier iPhone application to have more power and flexibility as a photo editing tool. ●●◌◌◌

In part two of My iPhone Photo Apps, I'll review five more photography-related applications I keep handy on my phone.

-30-

The Apple iPad

2010-01-31T21:48:00.021-05:00

Vol. 2 No. 6

There are already thousands of reviews since Apple's founder Steve Jobs, debuted the product this past Wednesday. I'll try not to rehash too much that has already been said about the product and stick to my impressions of the Apple iPad.

In case you've been living under a rock for the last week, here is the official Apple iPad video. You will need QuickTime to view this video.

To start with, it is a great looking piece of design. Using the product will come natural to over 22 million iPhone users. Honestly, it looks like a very, very big iPhone. The user interface, from just viewing the Apple video and reading countless reviews, looks to be extremely fast and responsive.

Is it perfect? Absolutely...not. Don't get me wrong, there are a great deal of positives that I can see in this device. And, I'll try and be a balanced as possible in my review. So let's start with what is wrong with this device.

The Cons:

No Flash Player support
This web browser video plug-in extremely pervasive reaching almost 99% of Internet-enabled desktops and laptops. This definitely limits the "ultimate browsing experience."

No Multi-tasking

Can't run other apps in the background. I can do it with a hardware-handicapped netbook. What gives? Only way "it fills the gap between an iPhone and a laptop" is what Steve Jobs told the crowd of reporters at January 27th's announcement.

No Camera

I don't think a 5 megapixel camera is required on a device of this size, but web camera is a must. This would definitely step up the device interaction capability.

No Phone

While it would be pretty comical to see someone with the iPad affixed to the side of their head, I'm talking Skype. But since there is no camera support, video telephony is not an option. Sorry grandma.

No SD Card Reader

Speaking of camera support, the absence of a card reader to allow us photogs to capture images shot with our dSLR camera, and then quickly display them on the stunning back-lit LED, is a huge oversight. Come on Apple, SD slots have been on laptops for a couple of years now.

Dongle Access Only

No card reader, no built-in USB and no HDMI. VGA is okay, but HDMI would have been a better option. Other than the headphone jack the 30-pin Apple connector is the only road in our out.

HD Support

While video on the iPad seems like a dream come true, there is no HDMI-out for sharing on a large flat screen.

No Cell Carrier SubsidyAT&T is not offering any subsidy on the data plans required for 3G service.

The Pros:

WOW factor
What can you say? Apple does have a knack for design coupled with functionality. The form factor is awesome weighing in at just 1.5 pounds and just a half-inch thick. It has sex appeal.

InterfaceMulti-touch is natural to use and the learning curve is pretty shallow. Touch, swipe and gesture. That's pretty much all you need to learn.

Apps

The ones you already own will work as well as the other 140,000 in iTunes. Apple already released the Software Developer's Kit (SDK) so expect some crafty programmers to leverage the platform.

Expanded Content

Not only will iTunes and the App Store keep you in music movies, TV shows, and games to business apps, the new iBookstore will and provide access to classics, textbooks and bestselling books.

Battery Life

The lithium-polymer battery offers a 10-hour life between feedings. Charging is accomplished via the power adapter or USB to a computer.

LED-Backlit IPS Display

The display is the centerpiece. Sporting a 9.7" 1024 by 768 pixel screen at 132 pixels per inch (ppi), the In Plane Switching technology makes it remarkably crisp and vivid when sharing with others.

Bluetooth 2.1

A cordless Bluetooth-enabled keyboard can be paired making text entry easier when the virtual keyboard isn't enough.

No Contract Data Plan

Still dependent on AT&T's 3G service (for now), they offer unlimited data at $30/month or 250Mb at $15/month, both without a contract.

Will I be buying the iPad?
Eventually, but not until multi-tasking is added. Apple says they left it out to limit occasional crashes that lock up the device. I own a PC, I can deal with a few reboots every now and then.

Apple did announce a dongle which addresses camera support for the iPad. A Camera Connection Kit allows direct USB camera hook-up or photo import using the SD Card Reader. A Keyboard Dock and iPad Case round out the optional accessories available when the unit hits the retail market in March.

As a photographer, I can see myself justifying an iPad purchase in the not-too-distant future. What better way to display my portfolio to a potential client?

The price is pretty reasonable starting at $499 for the 16Gb Wi-Fi only model and going to $829 for the 64Gb Wi-Fi + 3G unit.

I also think the iPad will put a serious hurting on the Kindle and other readers. While not the biggest book reader, I do ingest a serious number of magazines every month. Color-driven magazines don't work well on the monochrome liquid ink readers.

Once the multi-tasking and Flash support issues are addressed, I'll probably be dropping some cash on the next-generation version. Until then, it will be plenty of visits to the Apple Store to hold and gaze upon the iPad.

You know you want to touch it.

-30-

Lightning Links - January 2010

2010-01-25T00:49:00.000-05:00

Vol. 2 No. 5

Hey folks, thought you might enjoy the following links.

D-Town TV's New Season is Underway

D-Town TV is a fresh approach to teaching camera tips and photographic techniques to today's digital photographers with Scott Kelby and Matt Kloskowski as its hosts. No matter what the skill level or interest, each episode covers a wide variety of topics. This is one of my favorite video podcasts!

I recommend starting with Season 2's first episode:
http://kelbytv.com/dtowntv/2010/01/14/episode-25-the-2nd-season/
http://kelbytv.com/dtowntv/

Nature Photography Planning List
Photofocus - by Scott Bourne
Things to consider before heading out on that nature shoot. Location, weather, method of transport, gear and goals. I definitely agree strongly with Scott's point on setting goals.
http://photofocus.com/2010/01/12/nature-photography-planning-list/

Under the "Photographers are Not Terrorist" category...
Chicago Transit Authority urges commuters to report photographers
Photography Is Not A Crime - by Carlos Miller
New signs appearing throughout CTA train stations are telling commuters to report "excessive photographing/filming." What is the definition of excessive? Will we [photographers] need to begin registering like sex-offenders? This is getting out of hand.
http://carlosmiller.com/2010/01/18/chicago-transit-authority-urges-commuters-to-report-photography/

Photoshelter® releases free report on Social Media for Photographers
sponsored by Adorama
This comprehensive guide covers the ground rules every photographer should know about using social media, choosing where to participate, smart strategies to foster conversation, tips to increase social sharing and generate quality links, measurement, and tools that can help achieve maximum results. http://www.photoshelter.com/mkt/research/social-media-for-photographers

-30-

Road Trip Planner

2010-01-16T12:00:00.040-05:00

Vol. 2 No. 4

I found a great tool for my frequent road trips; to both plot my course and provide me the weather forecast along the route. The tool, Road Trip Planner, can be found on the Weather Underground www.wunderground.com). For many years now, this site is always my first stop for weather-related information. You can find the Road Trip Planner by clicking on the Travel & Activities tab along the upper right top section of their home page. Or, you can just use the link I provided.

You start by entering in your waypoints and the date and time. Then simply click on the "Get Directions and Weather" button.

The Road Trip Planner returns the directions and the weather along the route.

Since it's powered by Google Maps, you can zoom in and out, and select from the various views such as map, satellite, hybrid and terrain(shown here).

The only downside I've found with this web application is, you are limited to only a 7-day look ahead. Truth be told, long-range weather forecasting accuracy is still unreliable. It's not a huge issue since I recommend checking weather data often because nature can change the game quickly.

This tool, coupled with The Photographer's Ephemeris (TPE: Free Download) which I reviewed in early December 2009 (see post), provides valuable resource information for your next adventure. This is must have data for every landscape photographer.

-30-

Review: Gallerie Photo Wrap

2010-01-12T12:00:00.014-05:00

Vol. 2 No. 3

Last post I mentioned you shouldn't let your creative works sit idle and unseen on your hard drive. So, here is a review of a product you can use to create a canvas wrapped print. The Hahnemühle Gallerie Photo Wrap is a complete kit that includes a pre-sized bar kit, holding pins and two 8.5" x 11' sheets of Hahnemühle canvas.

The system is pretty straightforward. You prepare your image. Which I did by resizing my "Drooping Tulip" image from the previous post on Wireless Flash. I used guides in Photoshop to make sure my layout would fit properly.

After loading a sheet of the supplied canvas, I sent it off to my printer. This is where I ran into a problem. Even after setting my printer to handle thick paper, I keep experiencing miss-feeds. It wasn't until I attached a piece of plain print paper to the back of the canvas, that I finally got my Epson printer to feed properly.

Once I allowed the print to dry for a few minutes, I laid out the print with the bar kit, and holding pins. The stretcher bars are lined with adhesive strips.

After turning the print face down and aligning the bar kit, I removed the release strips covering the adhesive. Then I trimmed the corners with a utility knife (not supplied), and folded the edges up with the stretcher bars of the bar kit. The holding pins kept the wrap secure.

And within a matter of about 20 minutes, I had a 6" x 8" finished Gallerie Wrap suitable for hanging on the wall or placement in a stand.

All in all, a pretty easy way to obtain a gallery canvas wrap without having to outsource the work online or to a local frame shop. I think Hahnemühle could improve the product by adding some sort of carrier sheet to facilitate better printer loading since the back of the canvas sheet is too slippery. Otherwise, assembly was simple. Priced reasonably enough for the kit, it definitely is a great way to show off a favorite image.

FTC Disclosure: The product reviewed in this post was not supplied to me by the manufacturer. It was purchased with my own funds, for my own use. No promise of remuneration was made for any endorsement offered in this review.

-30-

Wireless Flash

2010-01-09T17:41:00.006-05:00

Vol. 2 No. 2

In the first post of the New Year I spoke about the B&H Event Space. Below is a series of images shoot during the recent Nikon Wireless Flash Hands-on Workshop with Shooting Stations. The class was led by Paul Van Allen, Nikon's National Training Specialist. Paul gave a short overview on how Nikon's Creative Lighting System (CLS), and menu selections. Then the fun started.

Drooping tulip side lit by single flash.

Soft folds of plain white printer paper lit from below with a blue/red gelled flash.

Gumball-filled wine carafe tipped over onto blue shelf liner,
lit from behind under a tent of white foam board.

All the subjects shown consisted of inexpensive props that can be put together at home for just a few dollars. Use your imagination. Any object can be fair game for your lens.

Low power flash diffused by white printer paper sits inside cheese grater
while a second blue-gelled flash sit behind it illuminating the background.

These images could make beautiful wall-hangings in the home. Don't let your work sit idle on your computer's hard drive. There are many ways to display your creations. That will be the subject of an upcoming post.

-30-

Now What???

2010-01-03T22:38:00.000-05:00

Vol. 2 No. 1

[Editor's Note: I thank everyone for their support over the past year. Your kind emails and comments, and your participation in the various Lens Capture Photo Walks have made it a very rewarding experience. Now begins our second chapter. Thanks again.]

So, you are now the proud owner of a new camera. Now what?

You probably didn't even wait for the battery to fully charge before snapping off a few pictures. Soon after, reality set in. Your expectations began to fade. The fantastic imagery you imagined didn't materialize on the LCD screen. First attempts yielded poorly exposed, possibly out-of-focus drab photos. And maybe even the thought "this camera takes lousy pictures" crossed your mind. I counsel you to not rush back to the retailer to trade it up to a more expensive model that takes better images. The problem is not the camera but "you!" [Boy, that's wasn't too reassuring - was it?]

It's okay, step back from the ledge, all is not lost. The camera is designed to record great images. You, on the other hand, need to be trained. The camera is incapable of taking great photos without your interaction. You just need to learn the tricks - I mean, techniques towards better photography. And you can learn, don't doubt yourself. While it's not rocket science, it will take some commitment on your part. But, the payoff will be well worth it.

The three (3) "P's" have been my mantra along this winding road of photography - practice, patience, perseverance.

• Practice - learn your camera, its features and settings, and what they actually do.

• Patience: your photos will go from blah, everyday, seen it before, no big deal boring images - to hey there, check this out, that imagine pops! It will happen. But, you must be willing to endure. Gotta start somewhere.

• Perseverance - take lots, and lots and lots of photos. And then, keep taking more and more and more. Do yourself and the rest of us (that includes family and friends) a favor by only sharing the very best of what you capture. Do you honestly believe the world's leading photographers snap a "keeper" every time? No way - it doesn't happen. Every "at bat" doesn't yield a homerun. But the more opportunities, the better your chances are at hitting one.

A few other words of wisdom that I hope will make your journey easier to navigate. Carry your camera whenever possible. Your cannot get a great shot if the camera is back home, and you're not. As world-famous commercial photographer, Chase Jarvis points out in his best-selling book, The Best Camera Is The One That's With You: iPhone Photography (Voices That Matter)," you do not need an expensive camera to be creative. But you do need a camera to share your vision with others. High-end digital SLR, point-and-shoot, or a camera-phone will do, only if it is with you to capture the moment.

Look at photographs made by others. What works, what doesn't. Every day, I check out some of the new uploads on flickr®. What was their subject? Do I like the photograph? How did they bring focus to it? How did they simply the shot so as not to distract me from their subject? Or, why don't I like the shot? This is an important step in training yourself to recognize good composition.

Participate in a photo walk. Keep checking back here at Lens Capture for information on upcoming photo walks. I plan on holding at least one every couple of months. It's great to get together with others that enjoy photography. Sharing idea and your individual point-of-view, help to inspire others. I always get creatively stimulated through the interaction that occurs during these photo walks.

Attend a workshop. Don't stop learning. Workshops are a great place to broaden your knowledge and learn the techniques to making better photographs. If you're in the New York Metropolitan Area, check out B & H Superstore's Event Space for a listing of upcoming free workshops.

Photography should be an educational requirement in high schools and colleges because it makes you see and appreciate the world differently. When you start composing a photograph, you become more aware of your surroundings and the elements that begin to define your subject.

Don't believe me, start using that new camera.

-30-

Best of 2009

2009-12-30T17:32:00.000-05:00

Vol. 1 No. 63

While another year has passed, I cherish the memories collected. That's the great thing about photography - you can collect those split-seconds of time, looking back whenever the mode strikes.

To view a slideshow of my favorite images of 2009 - click here.

Happy New Year!

-30-

Happy Holidays

2009-12-24T12:32:00.000-05:00

Vol. 1 No. 62

Wishing you all the best this holiday season!

-30-

A Night Out with Button Down Runner

2009-12-19T19:28:00.004-05:00

Vol. 1 No. 61

Took an opportunity the other night to catch a friend's band playing out at Don Hills on Greenwich Street in the Village. With a couple of cameras in hand, I took to capturing my experiences that evening.

When I'm shooting live bands, I never use flash. I try and use fast glass (lenses with a wide maximum aperture). One of my favorites is the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D lens. A super fast lens well suited to light low environments. Even with a fast lens, you will still need to shoot at high ISO settings usually above 800 and sometimes as high as 3200.

Since the scene is never evenly lit, I always put my camera into spot metering mode so I can measure exposure across a small area of the subject. If you wind up using matrix metering mode (or evaluative mode on canons), you'll run the risk of overexposure. Since the area around and behind the stage are so dark, the camera will attempt to compensate and bump up the exposure. This will blow-out the highlights in your image.

Don't struggle with color casts in your post production. A stage show is usually lit by various strobes of different colors firing to the beat of the music for effect. Let you images reflect what you saw. If the color gets objectionable, you can always convert your images to black and white.

And, I always photograph in the camera's raw format so I have more control over the image after it has been captured. Jpeg format uses what is known as lossy compresion to keep file sizes smaller. Basically, this results in the camera throwing image data away. Raw is uncompressed, or can utilize lossless compression. Raw format also allows you to change your white balance after the shot has been captured.

View more images in my Button Down Runner flickr set.

To find out more about the band, visit them at ButtonDownRunner.com

-30-

2009 Year End Picks

2009-12-14T01:15:00.012-05:00

Vol. 1 No. 60

Bet you're wondering where the year went. I am. So I figured this would be a good time to contemplate on the "stuff" I've come to find interesting, desire, and/or add to my kit over this past year.

My favorite camera
For the last couple of months my main camera body is a Nikon D300s. Outfitted with the MB-D10 Battery Grip, this baby weighs in at just under 3 pounds without a lens attached. But she is a beauty with an DX 12.3 megapixel sensor, capable of 7 frames per second continuous shooting, cinematic 24 frames per second 720p HD video recording, exceptional low light sensitivity up to 6400 ISO, all clad in a weatherproofed magnesium-alloy body. She's not cheap, but a dream to work with.

Favorite lens

Without hesitation I would say the Nikkor AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 ED VR II. This optically stabilized zoom is my grab-and-go lens. It allows me a great deal of flexibility when it comes to framing the shot. My runner-ups are the Nikkor AF-S 105mm f/2.8 IF-ED VR Micro close-up, my Nikkor AF 50mm f/1.4D for low-light, and the Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8 fisheye which is just a load of fun to use.

Favorite point and shoot

Just out this past September is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1. It boasts a 12.1 megapixel sensor and an 8X optical zoom LEICA DC Vario-Elmar lens. Able to capture wide expansive landscapes and detailed close-ups thanks to the 25mm - 200mm zoom lens. This slim compact features lens-shift image stabilization, face recognition for sharp portraits, a 2.7" LCD display, and dynamic 720p HD video capture at 30 frames per second.

Favorite Accessory

The indispensible Black Rapid R-Strapis almost always attached to my main camera. Not being a fan of the straps that come supplied with most camera bodies, I have gone through a great deal of straps to find something that works for me. The Black Rapid solution is not worn around your neck, but instead is slung across your body from shoulder to hip. Very well-made, this strap allows you to slide the attached camera to eye-level to capture your shot, and then drop it down securely to your hip freeing your hands. So simple in design, I scratched my head wondering why I hadn't come up with it. Darn, another missed opportunity.

Favorite Gadgets

I couldn't settle on one, so here goes.
The Gorillapodline from Joby make excellent travel companions. With models starting at less than $20 ranging as high as $100, these extremely flexible mini tripods can steadily hold just about any size camera from ultra compact point-and-shoots to pro SLRs. What's really great is how you can wrap these lightweight flexible wonders around poles, railings, tree limbs, and across uneven surfaces providing your camera a stable surface. Once you're done with it, the Gorillapod takes up very little precious space in your camera bag. I've even used these handy platforms to affix an electronic flash to something to free myself from holding it off camera.

The second is the ExpoDiscfrom expoimaging. It's a simple solution that helps to achieve consistent accurate color in your photographs. Most people leave their camera on auto white balance. Say you a taking a photograph of someone in an office setting. With fluorescent lighting above and natural window light streaming in from the side, auto white balance is pretty much a crap shoot. Instead, by placing the ExpoDisc over your lens and snapping a image, you then can tell your camera to use that image to white balance the scene. All subsequent images taken with the new preset white balance should be spot-on.

Favorite Camera Bag

The Urban Disguise 30by ThinkTank Photo is just that — a camera bag that doesn't look like a camera bag. This stealthy shoulder bag can easily hold a pro SLR with two lenses up to a 70-200mm f/2.8. You can even fit a netbook within the roomy interior. While not cheap, ThinkTank Photo manufactures a top quality product. Beautifully finished, solid construction with ballistic fabric, YKK zippers, a non-slip shoulder strap and a rain cover make this a feature rich choice that leaves you no excuse for carrying your camera.

Favorite Books

Two books by one author, award winning photographer Joe McNally still left me wanting more. The first, The Moment It Clicks: Photography secrets from one of the world's top shooters, Joe shares his straightforward insight into the world of professional photography. He details the challenges that the various projects in the book bring, and the steps Joe took to tackle them. As the rear cover proclaims, "The first book with one foot on the coffee table, and one foot in the classroom," this book is both visually impressive and exceptionally informative.

The second, The Hot Shoe Diaries: Big Light from Small Flashes, author Joe McNally provides us a look at his approach to lighting. A lighthearted adventure through his thought process, backed up by stunning images, makes this one hard book to put down. With the time Joe has spent in the trenches shooting for National Geographic, LIFE magazine, Sport Illustrated, and the recipient of many awards for his work, these two books are chock full of experience.

Well, that's it for this post. If you have a favorite photography-related item, share it by leaving a comment.

-30-

TPE: Free Download

2009-12-10T01:21:00.005-05:00

Vol. 1 No. 59

Did I get your attention with the word free? Hope so. You need to check out this cool application called The Photographer's Ephemeris.

e⋅phem⋅er⋅is (noun)
A table giving the coordinates of a celestial body at a number of specific times during a given period.

If you love shooting landscapes, or for that matter, enjoy taking in a good sunrise or sunset, you need to check out this software.

Written by a british photographer living in Colorado, Stephen Trainor has crafted a wonderful photography tool. The best time for outdoor photography needs advance planning. Scheduling your shoot around sunrise and sunset is not a huge obstacle. The actual time for these events only changes by a few minutes each day in my neck of the woods. And it is pretty simple to look up the timetable online. Where this application shines is precisely depicting, not just when, but where the Sun will be in the sky at any given point specific to the desired location. It also tracks the Moon's phase, rise, set and azimuth.

Powered by Google Maps, this tool allows you to track these celestial bodies anywhere in the world. You can use the various features of the built-in Google Maps to zoom, view terrain, satellite imagery, hybrid maps and view the horizon. Where will the Sun the set over the lake, or say Liberty Island? It is pretty simple to select a location you plan on shooting from, and view exactly where the sun will be in the sky, down to the minute.

The latest production version, 1.0.3 even supports netbooks. It utilizes Adobe Air framework for Rich Internet Applications which provides web interactivity outside of the browser. The installation is straightforward and the website even has a couple of video tutorials to get you up and running. While this is a free download, the author does accept donations through his website.

Don't wait, download this now!

-30-

Taking the Next Step

2009-12-03T12:00:00.002-05:00

Vol. 1 No. 58

So, if you accept the responsibility of owning a dSLR (see previous post), or you are looking to buy someone else one this holiday season, read on.

Before running out to the camera dealer and plopping down a bunch of cash, there are some important questions to consider. Here goes:

• What are you looking to photograph?

Depending on whether you are focusing on landscapes, people, wildlife, sports, travel, special events can help in the decision-making process. Today's dSLR cameras come in cropped APS-C and full frame sensors sizes. While landscape photographers really benefit from the full frame sensors because very wide lenses such as a 12mm will yield extremely wide fields of view (122º horizontal). On the other hand, sports and wildlife photographers can benefit from the cropped sensor's tighter field of view. A 300mm lens mounted on a camera with a Nikon APS-C sensor with a multiplier of 1.5x (1.6x on some Canons) would have the same field of view as a 450mm lens on a full frame body.

• What are you looking to do with the images?

Post photos to your blog, making 8" x 10" prints, or producing huge billboards for advertising can both determine and limit your camera choices. The majority of cameras available today will all meet the first two requirements, but only a few are truly well suited to handle the latter.

• What's your budget?

This is probably the easiest to answer and the largest determining factor. There are dSLR cameras starting below $500 with prices ranging as high as $7,500. There are entry-level cameras, prosumer models and top-of-the-line professional dSLR bodies.

When determining your choices, keep in mind all the other stuff you need to purchase with the camera body. You'll need, at minimum, one lens. You'll need memory cards to record your images, a card reader to transfer them to your computer, a camera case to protect your investment, a tripod to provide a steady base, and a tripod head to accommodate the camera atop the tripod. And the list doesn't stop there. You should definitely consider purchasing a spare battery to extend your shooting time, or maybe even a vertical/extended battery grip. Some cleaning items like a microfiber lens cloth, and bulb blower are indispensible. Then there's the UV filter to protect the front of your lens. Starting out, I recommend you purchase one for each lens you own. Shooting outdoors calls for a circular polarizing filter to handle reflections and help darken a blue sky. What about a flash? Your camera choice may be equipped with a built-in pop-up flash. While they might not be as wimpy as the one found on your old point-and-shoot, they are not much better. If you're serious about this ________ (hobby, passion, profession - fill-in the blank), then you will definitely want a shoe-mounted external flash.

• Ready to invest the time?

I talked about the commitment of owning a dSLR in the previous post. You need to invest time before the purchase to research the various offerings available. This is part of the investment in owning a dSLR. There are numerous sources online to help you in your probe to find the best fit. A great place to start is the Digital Photography Review. DPReview has been around for more than a decade providing independent in-depth reviews and digital imaging news coverage. When you begin to narrow down your choices to a handful of cameras, I find their "Buying Guide: Digital Cameras Side-by-Side" application extremely helpful.

Shopping wisely

Now that you have identified the camera you want, you need to move cautiously. Deal with legitimate suppliers. Buy only product with USA manufacturer warranties. Be wary of prices that are way below the major resellers. Some unscrupulous vendors will remove manufacturer-included accessories in an attempt to sell them back to you at inflated prices.

I choose to stick with the vendors that I know will back the product they sell. My local favorites, in no particular order are B&H, Adorama, Berger Brothers, J&R, Armato's and Unique Photo. I have had excellent experiences with these retailers. Most will work with you to match legitimate competitor's pricing.

If you have any specific questions, do not hesitate posting it in the comments. I'll do my best to answer them.

Happy shopping!

-30-

Upgrading to a dSLR

2009-11-29T12:19:00.001-05:00

Vol. 1 No. 57

So you want to buy a dSLR? Are you sure?

Almost daily, someone will stop me and ask for a recommendation on a dSLR (digital SLR) camera. I find myself asking the same question which results in a very puzzled look from people - Why?

Most of the individuals asking for advice are point-and-shoot camera owners. And most have little to no experience with using the features, other than the shutter release button, on their existing cameras. I mention this because purchasing a dSLR just to use it on the "Auto" setting does not seem to me to have value.

One of the commitments that must be made when owning a dSLR is to learn how to use the camera, and the flexibility it brings to the table. To learn how to make photographs and not just take snapshots.

You don't take a photograph, you make it. Ansel Adams 1902-1984

Often, I will hear the response, "because I want to be able to change lenses." Last time I checked the point-and-shoot realm, cameras routinely have 10x + zoom capability. The Olympus SP-590 UZ touts a 26x power zoom. That's a 26mm-676mm zoom lens. Guess the UZ stands for über-zoom.

Don't get me wrong, changing lenses provides the dSLR shooter with a great deal of flexibility. I own some great "glass" (that's geeky-photographer speak for lenses) that provide me with a great deal of creative freedom. This freedom also comes at great expense. Good glass is not cheap. When you buy a dSLR, you need to buy it as a kit. Most new dSLR owners purchase a kit that includes one or two starter lenses, such as an 18mm-55mm and a 55mm-200mm lens. Otherwise a dSLR camera body, without a compatible lens, is nothing more than an expensive (but cool looking) paperweight.

Changing lenses bring with it a whole new problem - DUST. I recently traveled to the Southwest of the United States into Red Rock Country. I now refer to it as Red DUST Country. Very fine red dust wound up on, and in everything. Whenever you change a lens, you need to be careful and quick. I've been doing this photography stuff for a while now, and I can tell you I am pretty adept at switching between lenses. Regardless, dust gets inside the camera body and settles on the low-pass filter that sits above the image sensor. This results in specks of dust on your image that require a great deal of post-production time to remove from the photograph. My camera even has a sensor cleaning option which I employ automatically every time I turn the camera on. Even after additional manual cleaning, I need to send my camera bodies (the 2 I used on this trip) for professional cleaning. Another added expense of dSLR ownership.

So, do I think it is still worth owning a dSLR? Definitely! As long as you understand the commitment required to make good photographs starts with learning the camera. The camera is only the tool. A hammer cannot drive nails without being held properly and swung with determination towards the nail head. It takes practice.

On more than one occasion, a new dSLR owner has been heard to say, "I thinks there is something wrong with this camera. It doesn't take the photos I expected it would."

The secret ingredients of good photography: patience - practice - persistence.

-30-

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T10:44:00.002-05:00

Vol. 1 No. 56

"As we express our gratitude, we must never
forget that the highest appreciation is not
to utter words, but to live by them."
-John Fitzgerald Kennedy

On this special day please remember the men and women
who protect us and our way of life, overseas and at home.
Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

-30-

Good Advice

2009-11-19T07:56:00.001-05:00

Vol. 1 No. 55

Photographed while visiting the Tuzigoot National Monument outside Clarkdale, Arizona.

Please be a responsible photographer.

-30-

Verde Canyon Railroad - Part 2

2009-11-12T15:00:00.001-05:00

Vol. 1 No. 54

As the train rolled along the rails at a lazy 12 mph, the outdoor viewing platforms fully immersed you in the journey through the canyon.

If you ever get the opportunity to travel out to the northwest of Arizona, I would highly recommend spending an afternoon traveling the Verde Canyon Railroad.

-30-

Verde Canyon Railroad - Part 1

2009-11-11T15:00:00.001-05:00

Vol. 1 No. 53

After leaving Sedona, we drove an hour west to Clarkdale, Arizona. We then boarded the Verde Canyon Railroad for a 4 hour leisurely adventure through some magnificent scenery. The train travels to the remote settlement of Perkinsville. An old farming community were some of the 1962 classic movie, How the West Was Won was filmed.

-30-

Sedona - Part 2

2009-11-10T13:03:00.001-05:00

Vol. 1 No. 52

The trails throughout the Sedona region are extensive. From easy hikes along level ground to strenuous climbs up steep terrain. The area has something to offer everyone. One thing for certain, the fine red dust that is prevalent to Red Rock country will definitely require professional camera cleaning when I get back to New York.

We came upon Sunshine, which I thought was a fitting name, as we were traveling to hike along Oak Creek. She was grazing on some brush alongside the road, apparently tired of the menu at the local ranch she calls home. She didn't mind me capturing a few shots of her. Remembering that we were carrying some Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts® on our hikes, I offered Sunshine one. Well, after that, we had the hardest time convincing her she couldn't fit in our rental car.

-30-

Sedona - Part 1

2009-11-09T14:10:00.001-05:00

Vol. 1 No. 51

Just left Sedona, Arizona. Nestled in the Verde Valley stradling the counties of Coconino and Yavapai, the Red Rocks of Sedona provide a breathtaking experience. We hiked for miles through the backcountry and could not believe the splendor that keep unfolding before us.

I will post a series of images broken into two postings to keep the blog load time down. Please enjoy the first installment here.

I'll tell you more about our new friend "Sunshine" in the next post.

-30-

Grand Canyon

2009-11-08T14:39:00.002-05:00

Vol. 1 No. 50

Visiting the Southwest and we had to make a point of seeing the Grand Canyon. To sum it up in one word - unbelievable! Here a a few images I made during the visit.

We are continuing our journey to Sedona, Arizona. I'll be posting photos in the next day.

- 30 -

Visiting the Intrepid

2009-10-31T19:02:00.006-04:00

Vol. 1 No. 49

A recent visit to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum was subject rich looking through the viewfinder. As a former sailor and the father of son who recently served his Country at sea, I really appreciated the history this proud ship preserves.

The Intrepid Experience is located at Pier 86, West 46 Street and 12 Avenue in Manhattan.

The flightdeck of this Essex-class carrier is almost 3 football fields long.

Bendix telegraph throttle on the bridge.

Replica of the Gemini 3 space capsule retrieved in 1965.

The British Airways Concorde flew at speeds of 1,350 mph across the Atlantic in its day.

Well worth the visit, the Intrepid Experience offers fantastic photographic opportunities and a very inspiring adventure. You can definitely make it a whole day event with visits to the aircraft carrier, the Concorde and the submarine Growler are all included in the $19.50 adult admission.

Special Note: The USS New York (LPD 21), built with 7.5 tons of steel from the World Trade Center, pulls into port on November 2. The ship and her crew will render a 21-gun salute as she comes to a standstill across from the World Trade Center site. The USS New York will later dock at Pier 88 adjacent to the Intrepid and allow the public to visit from November 4th through November 11th - Memorial Day.

-30-

Lightning Links

2009-10-24T12:08:00.002-04:00

Vol. 1 No. 48
Autumn is in full swing and there are several things going on in the realm of photography to report on here.

There's the PDN Photo Expo which I attended this past Thursday to check out the latest gear and products.

Tomorrow, Sunday October 25th, we are visiting the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. Weather at meeting time is forecast to be sunny at 60°F. There's still time to join us there for some great photo opportunities. We are meeting at 10:00 am at Pier 86 in Manhattan, 12th Avenue and 46th Street. Tickets are $19.50 at the gate or you can save some time on line and buy them online. So far we have a small group attending but I urge you to join us for an amazing walk aboard the aircraft carrier Intrepid (CVS-11). If you would like to sign-up so I know you are joining us, you can register here for the Intrepid Museum Photography Meet. UPDATE - NO TRIPODS.

Adobe Releases Lightroom 3 Public Beta
You can download the latest release of Lightroom 3 beta free. Adobe has made some really nice improvements to, what is already, a great application. The importing feature has been redesigned and is more intuitive. There's professional level noise reduction, and built-in film grain simulation. Drag and drop publishing to the web has been added so you can go directly from Lightroom to Flickr. And you can finally export a slideshow with music embedded. You can try out the beta for free until it expires on April 30, 2010. Get Lightroom 3 Public Beta here. Did I mention it's FREE!

Lexar announces discounts off Adobe Software
In an October 20, 2009 press release Lexar Media, a leading provider of professional memory cards, has teamed with Adobe to offer rebates on popular Adobe photo and video editing tools. More information can be found in Lexar's full press release.

Is it cool - Yeah!
While attending the PDN Photo Expo this past Thursday at the Javits Center in NYC, I visted the Nikon Booth to look over some of the new offerings. One struck me as the coolest gadget out there right now. Doesn't mean I would buy it, but cool none the less. how many times have you shown family and friends images you've captured on the back of your tiny point-and-shoot lcd monitor. Everyone squints to view the tiny 2.5" monitor to make out the tiny little colorful shapes. Well, those days are over with the new Nikon Coolpix S1000pj (street price $429.95). This is the first camera with a built-in projector which can project 40" images up to 5.5 feet away. Most of the other camera features are fairly standard in today's point-and-shoot arena. The S1000pj is a 12.1 megapixel with a 5x (28-140mm equivalent) Nikkor zoom, image stabilization, motion detection, and high ISO (6400) capability. The jury is still out on this one as I expect the reviews will be mixed. The issues I see are projector brightness and contrast along with battery life. But, the Coolpix S1000pj is definitely ground breaking. For more info, visit Nikon's website.

That's it for now. I'll be announcing the next LensCapture photo walk in the coming weeks. So stay tuned!

-30-

Fall Photography

2009-10-18T23:45:00.007-04:00

Vol. 1 No. 47

The cool wet weather we've been experiencing is accelerating the changing autumn colors. IloveNY.com's foliage report shows NYC and Long Island at a 25% color change, and yellow, orange and red leaves of average brilliance. Expect the City to reach peak within the next 10-14 days at most. Colors are peaking in the Rockland and Westchester counties. With a great variety of broad-leaved trees, you can always expect a spectacular color range to photograph.

Here are a few tips to help get you out capturing the autumn colors.:

Best time to photograph - during the last hour before sunset when the reds and oranges really pop.
Best weather - I find overcast days to be the best when photographing the autumn colors. It's like using a giant diffuser, the clouds soften the light. Rain should not deter your shooting. Just purchase or make a rain drape for your camera and you'll capture some stunning images.
Use a polarizer - Capturing bright fall colors are dramatically enhanced through the use of a polarizing filter. It will help reduce reflections and make the colors look more intense.
Use a tripod - Don't make me state the obvious. A steady camera equals sharp images. Makes sense, right?
Experiment with your white balance - Don't rely on "Auto" white balance or you could lose out on some of the vibrant colors presenting themselves. Try warming thing up a bit by setting your WB to "Cloudy."
Underexpose - I prefer to shoot at a 1/2 stop or more under to increase the saturation of the scene.
Color contrast - Look for bright red and orange leaves against evergreens in the background.
Try shooting macro - Focus on a single leaf or a cluster of colorful leaves and highlight the detail. Macro photography will force you to pay very close attention to your depth of field.
Focus on more than just leaves - pumpkins and other gourds abound along with bushels of freshly picked apples and the Halloween decorations all qualify as fall season subjects.

Don't miss the opportunity. Get out there and photograph the world around you!

-30-

Waterfalls

2009-10-06T23:20:00.003-04:00

Vol. 1 No. 46

This past weekend, my wife Roz and I took an impromptu trip to the Finger Lakes region of Western New York State. With very little pre-planning, we packed up the car and headed out on a 5 hour ride to beautiful upstate New York.

Upper Buttermilk Falls

The purpose of this last minute getaway was to photograph the numerous waterfalls in the area surrounding Watkins Glen and Ithaca.

We were fortunate to have our trusty TomTom 430s GPS nav unit along for the trip. This device allowed me to enter a list of the falls we wanted to visit and their coordinates as an itinerary. What a great feature. Here are the coordinates we used:

Eagle Cliff Falls N42º19.908', W76º49.080'
She-Qua-Ga Falls N42º20.683', W76º51.083'
Hector Falls N42º25.066', W76º51.933'
Watkins Glen State Park N42º22.05', W76º54.04'
Taughannock Falls N42º32.133', W76º36.666'
Buttermilk Falls N42º24.66', W76º30.799'

Our favorite locations were Watkins Glen State Park, Buttermilk Falls and the impressive 215 foot plunging Taughannock Falls. All three had beautiful well-defined trails along their gorges and upper rims. I could easily spend a couple of days dedicated to exploring each of these striking feats of nature.

Taughannock Falls from inside the gorge.

Interesting fact I learned while reading roadside historical signs was that Louis XVIII of France, while in exile, sketched the She-Qua-Ga Falls. The sketch now resides in the Louvre Museum in Paris.
She-Qua-Ga Falls (Montour Falls) photographed with a Nikon 10.5 Fisheye Lens

To get that "smooth and silky" look in your waterfall photography, you must conquer the exposure by slowing down your shutter speed to a couple of seconds or more. Start by setting the lowest possible ISO your camera allows. Then stop your aperture down around f/22 to restrict the light even more. Unfortunately, even with an overcast sky, you might still have too much light to slow down the shutter. In this case you will need to use a neutral density (ND) filter to reduce the light by a few more stops. I like using a 0.9 ND which reduces light by 3 stops.

Eagle Cliff Falls in Havana Glen Park

The whole point is to slow down the water so it flows through the exposure. The surrounding stationary surfaces remain sharp. Of course, the only way of achieving this is through the use of a tripod. And don't forget, when utilizing a tripod, to shut off any image stabilization or you could wind up with blurry images.

*** Next Photowalk - Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum ***
Sunday, October 25, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Sign-up Here

-30-

Sunset Shared

2009-09-26T00:23:00.001-04:00

Vol. 1 No. 45

Had a great time at our Sunset Meet in Brooklyn Bridge Park as we welcomed a few new faces in the group. The weather cooperated with a very dramatic sky. The photo below is a 7-capture high dynamic range (HDR) image. I bracketed the captures about 15 minutes before sunset.

The sharing of ideas and various technique flowed throughout the group. Images resulting from Doug Palmer's creative tip on zooming during long exposures are already appearing on the Flickr LensCapture Group. I also enjoyed Katy's imaginative lighting of the Manhattan Bridge.

As twilight took hold, the lights of the city began to burn brightly providing a magnificent compostion begging to be memoralized. And we all took up the challenge. Slow shutter speeds, small apertures, low ISO and long exposure in-camera noise reduction went into the making of the image below.

I was asked numerous times during the Sunset Meet for the spot of the next photo walk. I'll be revealing the location for October's gathering later next week. As it stands now, it will probably be an early morning start on Sunday, October 25th. Just putting together the final details.

Remember, if you attended the meet, please share an image or two up in the Flickr LensCapture Group.

-30-

Sunset Tips

2009-09-21T00:01:00.004-04:00

Vol. 1 No. 44

With our Sunset Photo Meet quickly approaching, I thought I would compile a list of tips for photographing great sunsets.

If you plan properly, you will have about a 30-45 minute window to capture some spectacular images. This time includes the lead up to sunset and twilight - the soft, diffused light from the sky when the sun is below the horizon, from sunset to nightfall. The light changes significantly during this period. So you need to think about the elements you want to capture before sunset or you might miss the action. With sunset at 6:51 pm EDT on the day of our shoot, I recommend arriving no later than 6:00 pm. The magic of sunset normally begins a half hour prior to the sun setting.
Always be careful looking through a viewfinder directly at the sun. It can be dangerous if the sure is not very low to the horizon.
Composition - the act of combining parts or elements to form a whole, or in our case a stunning sunset photograph. If you have the option of shooting with a variety of focal lengths - do it! Wide angle focal lengths are great for providing the expansive vista, but the setting sun will extremely small in the image. If you want the sun to be a feature in your image, then you'll need to zoom in.
Include foreground elements. Since these will usually be lit from behind by the setting sun, they will become silhouettes. This will add visual impact.
Experiment with your white balance. If you are shooting with a dSLR then this is easier to manage. Switch between daylight, cloudy, shade and tungsten (indoor). If you are using a point and shoot camera, you can achieve similar results by switching through the various scene modes you camera offers. The result of applying different white balance will be dramatic.
If your camera begins to hunt for focus while photographing the setting sun you might miss the shot, or wind up with an out of focus image. If you are using a point and shoot camera or a dSLR, you will need to focus on something in the frame that has contrast. Focus on where the horizon or skyline meets the sky, then press and hold the shutter release half-way down until the focus locks. Continue holding half-way down while you re-compose the image. Once you have the scene framed the way you want, then completely press down on the shutter release to capture the image.
Set you camera's ISO to 100-200. This will reduce noise in your image and result in slower shutter speeds.
I like setting my camera to aperture-priority (usually marked A or Av) mode especially when shooting sunrises and sunsets. I start by dialing in an aperture between f/11 to f/16. Just like white balance, you need to experiment. You will grow tired of hearing me say this during photo walks and meets.
If your camera allows for bracketing, I suggest using a one stop difference.
In order to keep the colors saturated, I like to shoot slightly under exposed, so I adjust my exposure value (EV). This is a personal preference since I don't like to add saturation in post production.
Do not just photograph the sunset. Turn around and look at areas behind you. Look how the wonderful colors illuminate the many subjects that will be present. This lighting might also offer a great portrait opportunity.
Tripods are essential for sharp images when you slow down the shutter. Some sunset/twilight captures can drop the shutter speed to several seconds. If you can't bring a tripod, look for someplace stable to place the camera. A park bench, a rock or railing might do the trick.
Change up the look. Rotate the camera from horizontal (landscape) to vertical (portrait). This can add a lot of interest.
Don't forget every sunset is unique. Enjoy it like it's the first one you have ever seen.

Hope to see you at the Photography at Sunset Meet this coming Thursday, September 24, 2009. Still haven't signed-up? For more information and to register click here.

-30-

Opportunities

2009-09-12T09:54:00.012-04:00

Vol. 1 No. 43

Last Sunday my wife and I took a drive to Red Hook Brooklyn to visit the new IKEA store that opened in the summer of 2008. The 300,000+ square foot store is was built on the site of the old dry docks located right along the waterfront. The maze of a store is just one attraction.

The waterfront area adjacent to the store's parking lot has been revitalized. Huge spotlit gantry cranes majestically hold a place on their respective piers. The waterfront provides a place to sit and stroll while enjoying the views across the Erie Basin and Red Hook Channel.

In addition to the gantries and the pier side views, this new area offers many more photographic opportunities. There are several displays of shipyard hardware such as tools, bollards and mooring lines. Each offering a selection of colors and patterns waiting to be captured. Plenty of details to focus on.

The area is serviced by the NY Water Taxi IKEA Express which has departures to Wall Street's Pier 11 in Manhattan every 40 minutes. Definitely a unique way to visit. There is also a ton of free parking. And don't forget, IKEA serves the best Swedish meatballs. Enjoy.

-30-

Photography at Sunset

2009-09-05T00:01:00.000-04:00

Vol. 1 No. 42

Join me for a sunset photography session at Brooklyn Bridge Park on Thursday, September 24, 2009. We will meet promptly at 6:00 PM along the shoreline steps. Sunset is at 6:51 pm and the light waits for no one. The park is located along Plymouth Street between Main Street and Washington Street in the DUMBO section of Brooklyn.

Here's where we will meet.

View Brooklyn Bridge Sunset in a larger map

Bring a tripod if you can. Sign-up here.

-30-

Federal Buildings Off Limits?

2009-09-02T22:53:00.005-04:00

Vol. 1 No. 41

After several months, the U.S. Department of Transportation responded to the American Civil Liberties Union inquiry regarding the alleged "no photography" outside DOT (Federal) buildings. In the response, the DOT apologized for their security staff routinely informing people that they cannot photograph the outside of the agency's building from nearby public places. The response goes on to state, "we are not aware of any law that imposes such a rule, and we do not believe DOT has the authority to impose such a rule."

Noteworthy is the Federal agency's inclusion of a Special Security Bulletin of the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Protective Service dated November 10, 2004. While this specific document covers properties in the National Capital Region, I would tend to believe the Federal policy towards photography of Federal properties from public places would be consistent with this document, regardless of the region. I am actively searching for policies that are geographically-specific. I'll post whatever I come across.

This bulletin, titled Photography of Federally Owned and Leased Facilities, goes on to direct security staff to conduct a field interview to confirm the individual (photographer) is not engaged in criminal activities. The bulletin directs staff to conduct all contact with the public, to include photographers, in a professional but polite manner. If the field interview does not yield any criminal/terrorist activity, the photography should be permitted to proceed unimpeded.

A pdf of this document, which I have already placed a hard copy in my camera bag, is available here.

-30-

By the Boardwalk

2009-08-31T00:12:00.005-04:00

Vol. 1 No. 40

The summer is in its waning days. Why not venture out to record a few scenes typically associated with the warmer season? The days are growing shorter and the recent hurricanes traveling north-east off the coast, while keeping beach goers out of the water, definitely makes the cloud formations a heck more interesting.

Here's a great self-assignment, try and make a couple of photographs that represent summer. It is strictly your interpretation. What image evokes the feeling of summer, to you? I made these three images within a span of one hour. Could have done it quicker but, had to stop for a couple of corn dogs and some cheese fries.

If you would like to share you photographs of summer with us, feel free to add them to the LensCapture Flickr Group. Make sure to add the tag "summer." I'll share the best here on the blog.

-30-

Time Flys...

2009-08-26T19:43:00.006-04:00

Vol. 1 No. 38

And, I haven't posted in almost 3 weeks. In that time I worked the day job, shoot a couple of assignments, lead a photo walk to the High Line (more on that later), and bought a new workstation. There in lies my problem, I purchased a new computer. For two weeks I struggled through MS Vista, software and driver installs and re-installs, configurations and customizations - all fraught with an intermittent stream of blue screens. After running the manufacturer's diagnostic application, which scanned for more than a day, I finally surrender and returned the system to the store.

Spec-wise, the workstation was a powerhouse but a lemon. The replacement system, I can happily say, rockets through image uploads and photo editing. A Dell Studio XPS with an Intel Core i7 processor (translation - dual quad core) with a nice cache, plenty of RAM (8GB DDR3), and tons of storage (1.5TB). After several hours of re-installing applications and devices, and a few days to burn-in, I am back to posting.

So, the outing to the High Line was a successful adventure. On this very hot and humid day, I was joined by a dozen fellow photo enthusiasts. Some were alumni from the Worldwide Photo Walk, as well as a few new faces. The skill levels were as varied as the different points of view each participant brought along. I love these walks because they inspire me to constantly look at my environment from many different angles. As a native New Yorker, regardless of the scale and diversity this city offers, you fall into a routine. By that, I mean you start to look at things from the same aspect. Your approach gets stale, and your photographic prospects quickly diminish. There are several wonderful images made my fellow photo walkers that day, and you can see them by visiting the Flickr Lenscapture Group.

Here are a few photographs I made that day.

-30-

Classics Not Clunkers

2009-08-07T23:00:00.008-04:00

Vol. 1 No. 37

Searching for subjects to photograph? I bet this weekend alone, there are a ton of events happening in your surrounding area. Some places to check are your supermarket's bulletin board, your local community center, library, or place of worship, just to name a few, to find out about what's happening in the neighborhood.

I received an email from my local shopping mall announcing a classic car show they were sponsoring. A mid-week event to benefit charity. So, camera in hand, I headed out to capture myself a few classics and support a worthy cause.

There were more than 30 beautiful classics and muscle cars, plus a nice turnout of motorcycles to round out the field. And, for a Tuesday night event, there was a pretty good crowd. So, getting a clean, full on shot of a classic without too many distractions (people), was turning out to be difficult. But, as with most things worth savoring, the beauty is in the details. So I focused my efforts on capturing the elements that attracted me to these vehicles. A grill, a tail light, a gauge. Whatever struck my fancy.

We I arrive at an event, I do take in the big picture. But, then I let my eyes explore the various ingredients that make the scene. Give it a try. Find elements that interest you, then focus on those smaller details. I bet you'll find plenty of subjects waiting to be captured.

Visit my flickr Atlas Park Auto Show set to view some of the other shots I captured at the event.

Don't forget, we have photo walk coming up this Sunday, August 16th to the High Line and Hudson River Park. Visit the post for details and sign-up.

-30-

And The Winner Is...

2009-07-31T12:00:00.005-04:00

Vol. 1 No. 36

Bee Careful - Photographed by Richard Cohen

We had some fantastic images submitted by Worldwide Photo Walk members who joined me at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden this past July 18th. All these great photos definitely made it difficult to choose who to send on to compete in the International competition. I would also like to take this opportunity to showcase the following images deserving of merit. These images were on my shortlist of finalists.

Dragonfly - Photographed by Chuck Loesner

In Vein - Photographed by Eddie Garcia

Striving - Photographed by Ryan Dinh

Congratulations Richie, your photograph is a remarkable composition. It looks like the bee is placing a wreath of flowers on the blossom. I applaud you and wish you success in Scott Kelby's 2nd Annual Worldwide Photo Walk finals.

To follow the contest - and to see if our walk's best photo takes the prizes on August 17th, visit the Worldwide Photo Walk website for the official announcement.

Remember to join us for our upcoming photo walk to the High Line and Hudson River Park on August 16th. View the Photo Walk blog post for details and sign up.

-30-

August 16 Photo Walk

2009-07-26T10:00:00.008-04:00

Vol. 1 No. 35

As promised, I have organized a photo walk for August 16, 2009 to the High Line in Manhattan.

The plan is to meet on Sunday, August 16 at 9:00 am EDT at Ganesvoort Street and Washington Street in the Meatpacking District of Manhattan. From there we will climb the stairs to the elevated High Line park (click here for more information on the High Line). We will leisurely stroll the High Line up to the end of the Phase One section at West 20th Street. Once there, we then turn around and head back south along the High Line so you can capture those images you missed on you northbound trek. When we get back to our starting point, we will return to street level and head across West Street to the Hudson River Park.

Once in the park, we will begin heading south exploring the piers and garden areas until we reach the dog run at Leroy Street. Along the way, we will have time to grab a snack and something to drink. The total walk, start to finish is less than 2 miles and, with our relaxed pace, should conclude around noon.

So, if you plan on joining us, you can SIGN-UP HERE.

This is a free event (except for any snacks or beverages you purchase). Regardless of your skill level, this event will offer opportunities to make some great photographs.

-30-