Nikon V1

The Nikon V1 has had two price drops since the V2 came out. I bought at the first price drop. You can buy it now after the 2nd price drop. A great Camera. Do the research, go out and get one if it meets your needs.
See my update to the 09-5-12 post for more info.
Link: http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Digital-Camera-System-10-30mm/dp/B005OGR3DM

Microsoft Camera Codec

In your windows folders you have pictures, and the pictures that are from various cameras in their raw format are shown as a generic icon - you can't see the picture itself. Often don't know what the picture is until you open it in an application. I found this the other day and was shocked that I didn't know about it before. Microsoft has a camera codec pack that will show those pictures in the icon state in the Windows folders. This is a real time saver and removes yet one more thorn from your side.

Here is the link (at the date of this writing):

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=26829

Happy shooting.

Camera sensor physical size. Does size matter?

     Cameras come in all shapes and sizes..... of sensors, the digital sensor that captures the image as a computer file. Point and Shoot cameras have sensors the size of your pinky fingernail and smaller. Many Single Lens Refllex (SLR) Cameras have an APS-C size sensor that is smaller than the 35mm film frame these sensors have replaced. Then there are" Micro 4/3rds" cameras that have sensors in between. More recently cameras have come out with a "Full Size" sensor, meaning it is the same size as that 35mm film.  Medium format sensors are bigger yet. So whats the deal with these and does it matter what size you get? Here's the basic rundown:

     In general the image quality, low light performance, and ability to attain shallow depth of field increase as the sensor size goes up.

     Point and Shoot size sensors typically have less quality of image and less dynamic range (how many shades between the darkest dark and the lightest light in the photo), and poor low light performance. They have a large depth of field (how much is in focus) due to the science of the lens/sensor size relationship. That's why you can't get a shallow depth of field on a phone camera.

Micro 4/3rds Sensors have improved image performance but still allow cameras to stay smaller in size.

     APS-C Cameras can have yet again better image quality and better low light performance and are common in most consumer targeted SLR's.

     Full Frame Cameras have improved image quality and another step of improved low light performance (Bingo). Also the ability to achieve shallow depth of field is improved per the sensor size. Another "Bingo".

     Medium format sensors have amazing image quality and larger number of Pixels for better large reproduction quality. They have the ability to achieve amazingly shallow depth of field. It's important to note that the low light performance is usually less than full frame sensor cameras. I expect this is because these cameras are intended for studio or more controlled light situations, and they trade low light performance for other performance features.

     The main thing is to know that your point and shoot camera can come away with nice pictures, as long as there is enough light. The more you spend (sensor size) the more performance you get. And improvements are being made every year. Until three years ago, all digital cameras had poor low light performance.

Still Waiting for my Mirrorless Camera

Fuji X100

Fuji X-Pro 1

Canon EOS M

Olympus OM-D

I love the old rangefinder cameras. It's a visual thing I guess, simple, symmetrical, clean. Plus you don't look so obvious when you carry one around. More timid, or less confident subjects get even more so when a big SLR with a big lens made bigger with a hood, is pointed at them.
     I had a Mamiya 6. What a great camera. If  I was a heavy landscape shooter, may still have it. But digital has overcome any desire to shoot film. Now we have rangefinder looking cameras coming out, and it's the look and feel that I like.
     Was excited when the Fuji X100 came out, but no, slow focusing and, uh, slow focusing, and one lens. Then the Fuji X-Pro 1, but slow focusing again. Darn. The Canon EOS M. No Viewfinder. What?. I want, no, need a viewfinder. Holding a camera out like a stinky diaper is just not right. Olympus now has the OM-D, which I hear is nice. But it looks like an SLR (Why, no mirror?), and It's too small. The Sony NEX-7 is also too small, and the lenses are comparatively too big, and it's missing that classic look. I need a pro level camera that I can get a grip on and still have room for my face when I look through the viewfinder. So, here I am, still waiting.

Update 9-7-12:  Fuji has just released the X-E1. This could be it. Claimed faster focusing. At the same time, a firmware update for the X-Pro 1, claiming faster focus performance. My wait may soon be over (?)

Update 12-20-12: Was about to pull the trigger on the Fuji X-Pro 1 system when a friend says to me "Why not just use your Nikon D700?" Long pause and I say Cause-I-Want-One? Hearing myself, I took a couple days to think it over. I don't need one. It's a lot of money. Bad idea. So, I asked myself "what do I need?". Answer: A good quality point and shoot, OK maybe a good small camera one step better than a point and shoot that I will be willing to take everywhere I go. So I bought the Nikon V1 system for wayyyyy less money. I take it everywhere. Was a good choice. And there was a price drop after the V2 came out.  Yay!

Sony NEX-7

Fuji X-E1

A few words about Waterproof point and shoots

Waterproof point and shoot cameras are great. Sorta. The water/dust/shock-proofing are swell. What's not been so great are two things. Image quality has been not, and no lens cover. I suppose the lack of a lens cover is for anti-shock performance. My problem is the glass over the lens is constantly smudged or dirty.

I have many what would have been great photographs but for the flare from light catching the finger smudge. I shoot a Pentax W90 which has been great but for these two complaints. Olympus has just released the TG-1. Still no lens protection from my fingers. Web reports are saying this one finally has good image quality. Tempted. I guess I need to practice cleaning the lens each time I pull it out, building a habit for consistent clear pictures.

Changing the scope of this blog

Hello,
After a year off from this blog, I'm back with a scope change. Rather than talk specifically about my photography,  I'm going to talk about photography in general. So here's a start.  I've been needing more grids for my lights. Some of the grids I have are too large. I want tighter grids to better protect from lens flare. But grids are expensive, I've been searching the web for DIY ideas. Most were heavy or cumbersome. I did find a Gaffers tape idea, but it was not what I expected, again, kinda heavy, kinda complicated to make (The instructions were not real clear). So In a matter of minutes I set out on my own idea with Gaffers tape. The obvious one I expect, someone must have done this before, but I didn't find it. So here it is. Quick and dirty.

Snow in the Mountain West

Here on the front range of the Rocky Mountains we awoke to falling snow, all - day - long. Only the second significant snowfall this winter. Shoot, two weeks ago I was on a motorcycle ride into the foothills with a few of my riding buddies.
What do we love to do in a snow storm? Head out for groceries. While everyone else is at home watching Law and Order reruns, blankets and snuggies engaged, my wife and I glove and boot it to the local market. One lane open, no waiting. The snow plow guys were out in force happy to finally make some dough and pay the mortgage. AND -  we really needed to get to Wendy's to cash in our Eagles Hockey tickets for the 6 goal - one gets you three from the value menu. You could hear the crowd heckling the Mudbugs goalie to give up one more for our free Wendy's. Three movies from the Redbox, burger wrappers crunched up on the coffee table, and we had a nice afternoon. Wife and kids are rooting for a snow day tomorrow. We'll see,  the grinning plow drivers may dash our hopes.

Local Band

A friend of mine has a couple kids in a band. I saw on Facebook they were making band photos with a point and shoot approach. I wanted them to have something better to promote with, so we got together a couple times coming up with these photographs. They started out a little nervous and stiff, but loosened up as we went, starting to have fun and pitch their own ideas as well. The band? Fourdefyed.

Motorcyclist Shoot

On a cloudy February morning, I gathered together a few Motorcyclists in a parking garage for some MotoPortrait fun. These guy's rode their bikes in 35 degree Weather to get there while I traveled in a loaded SUV sitting on a heated seat. We spent about 3 hours designing and shooting for Wall Portraits. The experience has reiterated the need for a knowledgeable assistant. I probably could have gotten these guys back on the road an hour earlier had I not been solo. Good collaboration netted some nice results. I love the cold warm look of the structure and the coolness just oozing out of the guys.

Headshot Design

A good headshot is a valuable marketing tool. Send a message. Project an image. Plant a thought. Who you are, what you're like. What message do you want to send? Trustworthy - Reliable - Professional - Wise - Friendly - Helpful - Teacher - Leader - Funny - Fit - Good looking - Unusual - the choice is yours. Your headshot can make that impression. Don't just have your picture taken. Have your image made. Facebook, Twitter, your Blog, Website. Put yourself out there in a designed photograph. You are the only you, sell it.

Relationships

Relationships make the world go round. It's the people in our life that make it worth the effort we put in to it all.. I'll make a photograph in a way that showcases the importance of the people in your life. Our Black and Whit Relationship Series photographs tug on you heart strings. Big beautiful images of relational simplicity. You can feel the connection, the love, the friendship. Capturing your family this way makes beautiful wall art for your home.

What if you could have a portrait of you and your child that visually tells the story of your relationship. Have you ever watched a father with his kids when you could see the tie they have together? You've seen a mother with her children, you know the way she loves them, dreams for them. What If you could see this in a portrait capturing that relationship? We would love to make this artfull memory for you.

Help-Portrait- Photographers giving

Our community of photographers just finished the local rendition of a World-Wide movement Called Help-Portrait. On December 12th 2009 portrait photographers all over the world gathered in their communities to photograph families and individuals that otherwise might never have a nicely made portrait of themselves. Here in Fort Collins about 15 photographers and another 15 or so volunteers joined together at Every Day Joe's Coffee House and spent the day making pictures. 8x10 prints will be provided to all the familes that came out to enjoy a small part of their day with us. Giving back feels good, and as a bonus, friendships have been made within the photographic community. I teamed up with Brent Yoder (Capturesqe Photography) from 8 to 1:30. When I left for another commitment, Matt Dickstein (duke PHOTO) took my place with Brent to finish out the day till 5:30 PM. I want to thank Brent for his long day of hard work. Thank you to Sarah Boyd (PHOTO DENOVO) for organizing the Fort Collins event, and for managing a herd of photog's throughout the day.

Father and Daughter

For some years we've been invited to make portraits at an annual Father Daughter event. Dad's spend an evening with their daughter making crafts, playing games and such. A hectic adult world plays against simple time with your kids. Here's Dad's chance. A few days after, he receives a nice portrait with his little girl. One for their family history. How often does a dad get a portrait with his daughter? Some opt not to sit for a portrait. I can't imagine. The discounted price $10. I... can't imagine.

Some of the years past, the organizers wanted to do the background and propping. Other years they leave it to me. I usually go for a clean and simple portrait letting their clothing or costumes represent the theme of the year. This year I put a bit of our relationship style in, to provide something more treasured. I ended up conceding on my B&W standard for this, as we have no control over the clothing-some themed and some quite colorful- I instead opted for color photographs.

I used an old Ed Pierce signature Westcott halo as a main light camera left (which covered me with silver glitter - the silver inside is flaking away). A ringlight for fill, a striplight for a little rim from high and behind subjects camera right, and a studio strobe behind the subjects for a background light.

Some of these families I've photographed for years, the girls change while their dads stay the same, the nature of youth. Children grow up. Become young women. Go to college. Get a job. These portraits are the memories of their sweet youth.

Fireman - Explorer

I had a High School Senior consultation a few days ago with a mother and her son. The consultation appointment is important to the success of the photo session. We visit to get to know one another. I ask the Senior about what they're envolved in, what they do for fun, plans after High School, etc. Then we develop a plan for their senior session. At this meeting Michael told me of his plan to become a Fireman. He's currently in the Fire Department Explorer Program. The lightbulb above went on, and exciting ideas started flowing through my head. I asked him if he would like a few photographs with his fire gear and he agreed to bring it along on our scheduled photo session.

The Fire Explorer program prepares teenagers with training and participation. They go on calls with Firemen, assisting with some tasks both in the station and on calls. Gives them a leg-up on the career when they get out of school. After high school Michael is headed to college and a degree in Fire Science.

Near the end of our session he donned his gear and we made a few photographs that were really fun. My assistant Garrett and Michael's mom helped shape the light and here you see the result. The background was under exposed and a shoot thru umbrella with portable strobe was used as a Main light camera left. A portable strobe with a warm gel and no other modifier was aimed at the subject from behind and to camera left for an edge. In post I darkend the foreground and background and Micheal is lookin' cool man.

MotoPortrait

Moto-Portraits have become a large segment of our Lifestyle Photography. In September we made a Biker portrait at a local motorcycle hang-out here in Fort Collins, Colorado. The FTC Coffee House. I've written about this shop before here and here. A nice family motorcycle themed place to enjoy your coffee or stop for lunch. They have a Bike Night every Thursday. Being part of their Thursday night crowed, I offered a Bike Night photo session as a raffle prize. They loved the idea and here you see the result.

I wanted to capture the evening atmosphere, so on the night of the shoot we waited till after sunset. I found the owners of particular bikes and had them park in a row behind the subject bike. I had them turn on their lights, making a nice background. This combined with the incandescent lights coming out from the shop, and a large red L.E.D. sign out of the picture background camera left (casting a red hue on the building), really made the mood of the shot. The exposure was set based on the continuous light on the background. I lit the subject and front of the bike with a medium soft box and portable strobe from camera right. Light was added to the motorcycle from a gridded strip light with portable strobe from low camera Left. A large panel was held over the strip light (by the Biker's mom and a friend, Thanks!) to keep light off the rider but still on the lower half of the motorcycle. Test shots were made, strobe power was adjusted, and we made our shot.

The in camera capture was very close to the end result. In post, I darkened the foreground which was too bright from the strip box, and darkened a couple headlight reflections on the block wall. We got a neon look to the shot and a 20x30 canvas is hanging on the wall of the Coffee House. The winner of the raffle now has something he'd likely never have had done. He loves it. His family loves it. His kids and grand kids will love it. That's what I'm her for.

Dark Shadows

Todays post is a departure from my usual. I'm a member of a local photography group that meets occasionally in various locations to shoot, or just gather at a local Bar & Grill to talk photography with other like minded photonuts (our spouses can only take so much). It was arranged for us to get inside the more than 100 year old Feed & Grain building in Loveland, Colorado. I've shot outside the building a few times (see Nov, 21 '08 post) and was really curious to get inside. These are just a few of the photographs I made. The building is really dark and spooky inside with only a few areas lit by a single bulb here and there, and as I felt my way around, I kept thinking I was in a teen-terror movie. Without a tripod, I kept leaning on walls and beams, bracing my Nikon against anything I could for the long exposures. When we exited the building, I found my black camera bag (and much of me) was near white from all the dusty surfaces. Next time I'll be sure to have a tripod - There were many cool features I couldn't capture without one... like all those cool rope and pulley man elevators that were in the dark.

It's not the camera, it's the photographer.

On a recent weekend trip my son and I were at the hot springs pool in Saratoga Wyoming late in the evening. I noted my son's attention kept turning toward an attractive girl there with her family. The light was real low and moody, and I saw a great photo opportunity.

To make the picture I had in mind - I used what I had, an old point and shoot Nikon ActionTouch waterproof film camera I brought for the river paddling we were there to enjoy. I set the focus, locked an exposure bias, carefully composed and braced the camera on a side bench, and squeezed the shutter. On our return home I had to wait for the lab like the old days. When I picked it up - Bingo! Just as I visioned. I scanned the print. Opened it in photoshop and adjusted the contrast and sharpened it a bit. The slow shutter speed combined with the characteristics of film give this shot a painterly look. Like George Peppard used to say... I love it when a plan comes together.

People often say to me "That's a really nice camera". It's not the camera, it's the photographer.

Longboard

Making photographs with High School Seniors can be a lot of fun. I like to work their lifestyle into the images we make. Linebacker, Videogamer, Kayaker, or Longboarder, Their interests captured in a few photos adds excitement to the session, and some great memories. And later in life their children and grandchildren will love them when discovered. I made these photographs with Annie after meeting with her and discussing cool ideas for her senior portraits. A big thanks to her mom and sister who were there to help me shape the light.

Evening Ride

This was a valentine gift from he husband. I drove out to their home on a warm evening in the spring for the consult. We discussed ideas and locations, deciding on a nearby property with a classic red barn we would use as background and a tree for shade and framing. The plan was to wait until late May when the Tree was in full green, but it never happened. The tree was dead, so on to plan B - a sunset shoot along the foothills near their home. Sometimes plan B is better! Thanks goes to my assistant Garrett for maintaining light placement as the horse was moving around a bit. And to Robin's husband who ran interference keeping Molly in position and from knocking the lights (and Garrett) over. We lit with post sunset on the background, Large Octabox and portable Strobe as main, camera left, And a und modified strobe behind and to camera right of the horse. It was a pleasure photographing Robin who was all smiles enjoying the whole experience. Molly was mostly tolerant only showing her impatience near the end by pawing at the ground. This horse was easier to work with than most, Thanks Molly. Once back at the studio I darkend the foreground from flash spill, touched up Robins shirt, and applied a slight vignette.

BookMed

Paige has always loved books. She wants to be a Writer. Her 6th grade teacher, noting her writing abilities, asked for a future autographed copy of her first book (Wow!). She's headed for college and an English major. Stacks of books fill her room. I wanted to make a photograph telling of this part of her life and future.

The mosquito's were after us, but a can of "OFF" made the session tolerable as we raced the sunset before the sky became black. I lit her with three lights. The main light a Quantum T2 with a shoot through umbrella on a boom stand from camera right placing the light nearly above the camera/subject axis. Two studio strobes on a battery pack behind her and out of the picture camera right and left as kicker lights. In post I darkened the grass from strobe spill and softened her skin a bit. Packing up was a chore in the darkness. I now keep a flashlight in my bag. This was a self assignment. If you have a idea you want to get out, don't wait for a client to sell the idea, just go out and do it!