LENS CAPTURE

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.


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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.

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Vol. 1. No. 34

The deadline for Worldwide Photo Walk participants to submit competition images is July 25, 2009 at 11:59 PM EDT. So, what are you waiting for? Just log into your respective Walk page and upload your two (2) images before it's too late. Judging by the images already uploaded to the LensCapture Flickr Group by our Walk members, I'm puzzled you haven't all submitted contest photos to our WorldWide Photo Walk site. Beginners to advanced amateurs to working pros - you all have a chance to compete and win. Don't talk yourself out of the running. Hurry hurry, time's running out.




Scott Kelby posted a great FAQ, in classic Kelby-style, that might answer some of your photo contest questions. It should be read by all involved.

I will be announcing the details of the upcoming LensCapture August Photo Walk on Sunday right here on the blog. I appreciate all the emails inquiring about this event. Thanks.


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Vol. 1 No. 33

Vol. 1 No. 32

Thought I would share a few of images captured during Manhattanhenge. While the moment was fleeting, the crowd watching was hilarious. The mass of photographers, some with their point and shoots, others with their ten yards of glass and tripods, played chicken with the cabs and motoring public at 34th Street and Fifth Avenue.

Vol. 1 No. 31
I figured there were a few things to blog about, so why not post them as a collection of items.


No Reservation Required
This weekend, Saturday and Sunday, July 11-12, 2009, Manhattanhenge (sometimes referred to as the Manhattan Solstice) will occur in which the sun aligns with the east-west streets of Manhattan's main street grid. Best viewing will be looking west along 14th, 23rd, 34th and 42nd Streets. B&H Photo/Video Superstore is hosting a free gathering on Sunday at 34th Street & 5th Avenue to photograph the event. You can find out more by visiting their Event Space. You do not need to register to participate.

Another great source of information is the Hayden Planetarium who have posted articles by noted American astrophysicist, Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Nikon's 2009-2010 Product Line Leaked
Found on Grafika Online, a Czech site, is a supposedly leaked UK document by an unnamed camera company source, is the entire 2009/2010 dSLR product line. Looks like there's a new camera in my future. I'm already lusting after the D400 - 13.8 MP, 8fps, ISO 6400+, and 1080p video at 24fps - SWEET! Read more at the WIRED Gadget Lab.

Worldwide Photo Walk - July 18
Just a quick reminder that there is still time to sign-up for the Worldwide Photo Walk. The group I am leading at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden is already 32 strong, but there are still 18 spots available. You must register to participate in the event to be eligible to compete for some fantastic prizes. There are more than 23,000 people registered participating in 915 Photo Walks worldwide. It will be a great experience, regardless of your skill level - so join us!

Sign-up for the Brooklyn Botanical Garden Walk.

or, register for a different Worldwide Photo Walk.

My mixed bag...
The camera "bag" in the image above is my trusted choice to house my gear. The Lowepro Slingshot 200 All Weather Backpack has safely transported two camera bodies, 4 lenses, and a collection of accessories cross-country and back and forth to Europe several times. The quality and convenience features have shooting out the this bag a pleasure. I always have quick access, with the sling design, to my D300 body with the Nikon 18-200mm VR II zoom lens.

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Vol. 1 No. 30

Wishing you all a happy and safe holiday. Please remember those today who keep us, and our way of life safe from harm, wherever they might be.

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Vol. 1 No. 29
SPECIAL ADVISORY - The New York State Attorney General's office announced this past week that seven online camera shops have agreed to pay a $765,000 settlement after the investigation proved they engaged in bait and switch schemes. So before you buy online, read the following:

Bait and switch: Online electronics stores caught in fraud - CNET News

NY Attorney General Fines, Closes Down Infamously Scammy Camera Stores- The Consumerist

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Vol. 1 No. 28
With Independence Day upon us, opportunities to photograph firework displays should be many. Capturing fireworks takes a little thought. But you might be surprised by the wonderful images that can result.


©Tom Dowling

Follow these steps and you are sure to capture the moment.

Use a tripod - Since you will be using a slow shutter speed of several seconds, you need to keep the camera steady. There's no way you can hand-hold the camera and capture a sharp fireworks image. Instead of a tripod you could use a small beanbag, or a ledge to steady the camera. You need a solid platform to keep the camera steady.

Set your camera's sensitivity - To reduce noise from long exposures, set your camera's ISO to its lowest setting, such as 100 or 200. If it is set higher, your images will contain distracting artifact (noise).

Long Exposure NR - If your camera has a long exposure noise reduction feature, use it. Your camera's sensor heats up during long exposures. This feature will help to eliminate the resulting noise. Expect to wait a little longer between image captures since it takes longer to process and save the images in the camera.

Aperture - I prefer f/11 - f/16 for more depth of field and better exposure of the bright explosions. This will also intensify or saturate the colors of the rocket bursts.

Focal Length - A normal to wide lens I find to be the best. Bursts from the fireworks can be rather large. A longer focal length will result in the cropping of these spectacular displays.

Camera Orientation - Your choices are portrait (vertical) or landscape (horizontal). In most cases, you are best to have the camera in the portrait orientation since this provides the vertical room needed to capture the firework's trajectory.


Frame you image - Try and include the crowd, or landmarks to give the images a sense of scale. Adding foreground or background objects will definitely add more interest to your images.

Use flash - only if you want to expose nearby bystanders. Make sure you set the flash to rear curtain so it only fires at the very end of the exposure to allow the ambient light from the fireworks to be recorded. This might take some practice. Otherwise, make sure the flash is set not to fire.

Other steps to ensure a sharp image - use the self-timer or a remote shutter release. Pressing down on the shutter release will result in camera shake. If you are shooting with a digital SLR camera, you should use a remote shutter release and the mirror lock-up mode. This mode will reduce and/or eliminate any vibration caused by the mirror swinging up out of the sensor's way during image capture.

Set your shutter speed - How long should you set the shutter to remain open? I usually count how long it takes a mortar (the fireworks) to leave its firing point, to the time the rocket burst blossoms fully. I then take a few shots using that amount of time. This usually ranges anywhere from 2 to 5 seconds. If you have a shutter setting called "bulb," the shutter will remain open until you depress the shutter release a second time. Only use this setting if you have a remote shutter release cable or wireless remote. Otherwise, depressing the shutter release button on the camera will result in camera shake and a blurry photo.

Catching multiple bursts - This is pretty simple. Leave the shutter open longer. Shutter speeds of 10 to 20 seconds will capture several exploding rockets.

Manual works best - If your camera is set to auto-focus, it will hunt continuously for a target. Instead, focus on an object relatively the same distance from the camera as the exploding fireworks. Then set the focus to manual and leave it there for the remainder of the display. This technique is called pre-focusing.

Remember - The great thing about digital cameras is you do not have to wait to process your images to view the results. Check your LCD often to see if you are getting the images you desire. If not, experiment with your settings. There's no additional cost.

The New York Institute of Photography has written an excellent article titled Shooting Fireworks with a Digital Point-and-Shoot Camera.

Be safe and leave the fireworks display to the professionals. Enjoy the show!

Happy 4th of July!


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