LENS CAPTURE

Vol. 1 No. 63

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.

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.


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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!


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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!



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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.


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Vol. 1 No. 56

Vol. 1 No. 55

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



Please be a responsible photographer.



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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. 

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. 

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.

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.








 

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.

 
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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!


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