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Monthly Archives: January 2011
The Other Back Yard – Today’s Photo
While getting some vitamin D out in the sunshine I was alerted of the large lizard on top of the brick wall. After years of tropical and desert travel I finally captured an iguana. Not rare, just elusive to me.
Lens: 70-300mm Sigma Super Macro / Telephoto combo APO. Light (and very well priced), great for day tripping.
Settings 1st: Aperture Priority, 300mm, f5.6, 1/200 shutter
Settings 2nd: Aperture Priority, 300mm, f5.6, 1/160 shutter
(Click to enlarge for delicious details)
More coming on macro photography…
Have any comments or suggestions? Share them.:)
When I Put The Camera Down
I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up.
In school, this was the kind of thing I got into trouble for. It developed into a style of cartoon I suppose. I went through these drawings and picked out favorites. Mad Magazine was my preferred satirical comic books back when. Does it show?
This book comes with me when I travel. That’s usually when something gets added.
Have fun. Gallery at the bottom.
Got any fun or cool doodles? Share them.
Echoe…..echoe…..echoe.
I wish fun upon you all.
Shouldn’t all advertising be this fun?
“Hey, let’s turn a bus shelter into a giant oven people can stand inside of and keep warm.” Could you imagine that creative development meeting?
The heating elements actually work keeping bus riders in Minnesota warm while they wait. How can your eyes not be magnetically drawn to it. It’s a veritable roadside attraction. So now that they’ve appealed to the pedestrian instinct to get out of the winter cold, they are now a captive audience to the product poster inside. Massive out-of-the-ordinary 3D advertising that invites you in. Suddenly all that 2D stuff is a snore. It’s not just a double take, it’s truly immersive advertising.
The product marketed is a line of breakfast sandwhiches by Caribou Coffee created by Colle+McVoy.
Shouldn’t all advertising be this fun?
Did you find something out-of-the-ordinary? Tell me about it.
Keep your eyes peeled for cool and report it.
Your comments are welcomed.
How About A Full 360 Photograph?
Found a great spot with the latest urban graffiti and street art. Return to the back alleys of Queen Street in Toronto – that’s the place.
The 360 panorama you’re going to see totaled about 25 shots and consumes significant computing power for digital stitching, HDR and editing in general.
First, some notes about how to view this.
About Viewing The Toronto Back Alley 360 Degree Photo:
The full width of this extreme panorama won’t fit in this blog without extreme reduction in the width dimension. So click on the image below to launch a full view. If you have dial up, it could take a couple of minutes to load into your internet browser. Cable and high speed should still be fairly fast for this 1 megabyte optimized photo. Then use the scroll bar to view the whole width.
(Note: if your internet browser resizes image to fit, don’t bother with this image link).
(Click on the image below to launch and view the full 360 degree photo)
How to shoot a 360 panaroma
What Marc used:
- Tripod
- Remote shutter release (Or use the Self Timer Function)
- Panning head on tripod
- Wide angle lens
Shooting the 360 degree panaroma
How Marc set up and took the shot sequence:
- Set in the center on two intersecting alleyways.
- Note your starting point for the first shot.
- Ensure that each shot overlaps content. Lots of overlap is good.
- This 360 was about 25 shots total.
- Use a relatively wide angle focal length. This was about 26mm.
- Set camera to Aperture Priority shooting mode and set a mid to high f-number, this was f13.
- This ensures everything is in focus from front to back of the scene.
- Check that your white balance matches the lighting conditions or set to custom white balance.
- Start shooting until your return to the same point of the last shot.
- Although this will be processed in HDR, I took one shot of each frame and did not use Exposure Bracketing common to HDR photography. More ahead in the next section.
Processing a 360 degree panaroma
Marc’s work flow:
- Shot in Raw format (habit). You can shoot in common JPEG format.
- I converted my shots to JPEG.
- Digitally stitched with PhotoShop Photomerge and save.
- Open the stitched as file type Camera Raw.
- In the Raw photo editor, save three JPEG exposures +2, 0, -2.
- Open the three JPEG exposures in Photomatix Pro and apply Tone Mapping / Details Enhancer.
- Save HDR processed file and open in PhotoShop for some final edits.
- Sit back and say “Coool!”
Let me know if you have any questions…always a pleasure. Comments are always welcomed too.
Did you have fun today?
What Does A Million Dollar Photo Look Like?
Anonymous Art Collector Purchases Peter Lik’s New England River Photo, ‘One,’ For $1 Million
Photo by Peter Lik
Taken just after dawn, amid breathtaking New England fall foliage, the photograph resembles an Impressionist painting more than any nature photograph. Says Lik, “I will never forget this morning for the rest of my life. It was calm, and the scent of the fall forest filled my lungs. The mist cleared, and a magical reflection in the river briefly appeared White birch trees, black trunks, a kaleidoscope of foliage combining to reveal an illusion of three dimensions. I pressed the shutter – once – and then the scene vanished with the morning breeze, never to be seen again.” The single opportunity, the unity of the elements, and Lik’s oneness with the moment and nature, inspired him to name the photograph One.
SOURCE Peter Lik http://www.prnewswire.com
Please visit Peter Lik’s blog.
The buyer, a private art collector represented by Joel Ehrenkranz of the law firm Ehrenkranz & Ehrenkranz LLP, completed the purchase in December and asked to remain anonymous.
Special thanks to Sherry Anderson (aka SherA) for reporting the story at Sharing Digital Photography Worldwide Forums.
Have you found something out of the ordinary? Tell us about it.
These Photos Are Smoking!
Mick Parker likes to experiment. That could be why his photography just keeps getting better year after year. When you have a sense adventure, you not only learn more about what works, you get another side effect…you have fun.
Here are some of Mick’s recent photos “Smoke Trails”. Mick has added is a mirrored effect that gives them a kind of “organisms from another dimension” appearance or something like those ink blots some psychologists use. They appear to me like psychedelic jelly fish. When you were a kid laying on your back looking at the clouds, you could make out different shapes with your mind’s eye to be faces, creatures and things.
Nice work Mick! Thanks for sharing with us.
Step out of the comfort zone, have fun exploring!
The key to growing your photography skills is to keep challenging yourself with new ideas and re-trying old ones. Beginners and professional photographers alike can always grow their skills. Even when you find a niche or style, you can grow within it.
Thanks for sharing your photos with us Mick (aka MickP at the Sharing Digital Photography Worldwide Forums).
You can find more of Mick Parker’s photos here.
Tips: Photographing Smoke
Here are some tips on how to photograph smoke trails.
Be inspired, try something new!
The Luckiest People On Earth
Remember this? If not, you’re in luck.
Pun intended. Have a great day!
Coming soon. What’s a million dollar photo look like?
Making The Invisible, Visible – Mentalgassi & Amnesty
Who is Troy Davis?
This is clever street art.
If you’re standing in front of it, you can’t see it. You’ll only see it on approach or looking back after having passed it.
Mentalgassi is the artist behind this.
It’s called lenticular art. Here’s a example of how it works.
On approach…
Standing in front…
Looking back at it looking at you.
Mentalgassi for Troy Davis, London
Making the invisible, visible.
Who is Troy Davis?
Thanks to Mentalgassi for making us aware. Please share.
Photo Du Jour – Back Alley Flats
A funny thing happened on the way to the dentist…
Yes, the “Photo Du Jour” features some back alley flats and graffiti. Yes, even when going to the dentist I walk in with my back pack full of camera gear. After some Hollywood dental cosmetics I was off to the back alleys of Queen Street, Toronto.
While the rest of the photos were downloading at the studio, I spotted this, so their could be more to come. I shot a couple of full 360 degree panoramas. We’ll see what transpired soon enough.
In the meantime, your Photo Du Jour.
(Click on photo for a more detailed enlargement)
Shooting Details
- 24-107mm lens, about 30mm. ISO 100, Daylight White Balance, F11.
- Tripod
- 3 Exposures using remote shutter release, Exposure Bracketing
- Raw file format
- Process 3 exposures in Photomatix Pro, Tone Mapping / Details Enhancer
- Some dodge, burn and lab sharpening technique in PhotoShop
- Run away from pitbull
So what did you shoot today?
Shooting Panoramas – A Better Ball Panning Head
A while back I was just about to purchase one and canceled. I noticed within the same brand, a notable feature on another model.
Key Feature Advantage Pro Gold II Easy PQR
If there is a panning head above the ball you have two benefits.
- You do not need to level the tripod, only the panning head atop the ball.
- You can pan vertically. Typically panoramas are always horizontal. Why not vertical too?
I was near completing the order online for the Photo Clam Panning Ball Head PC-40NS when I came across the Pro Gold II Easy PQR with a panning head above the ball.
Pro Gold II Easy PQR
Vertical panning has possibilities.
Here’s an initial experiment I plan to expand on called wide angle vertical panoramas.
About ordering from Photo Clam…
It appears that North American Retailers haven’t caught on to Photo Clam products at the time of this article. You can order the line at eBay. It’ll come directly from South Korea for under $400.00 dollars and includes shipping. Regular shipping took 7 days to Canada.
I would suggest for anyone interested, to ensure you would also order the Photo Clam universal quick release plate (PC-10-UP) or a Photo Clam camera specific quick release from the seller. My seller was dsummer. I don’t guarantee anything, other than to tell you I had a very good experience and have to understand I have no retailers here I can walk into if I damage the item or need a repair. Make sure you understand the seller’s product support or lack thereof.
Overall Impressions
I’ve taken at least several hundred shots with this in the last few weeks. The movements are very smooth and characteristic of engineering and manufacturing within very precise tolerances for all adjustments, levers and buttons.
I found the panning motion on some other brands of heads were too tight and at risk of moving the tripod. This model is firm and smooth. There is an adjustment to fine tune the grip of the quick release plate located under the lever. The instructions are in Korean. Being technically inclined, I figured how to adjust that with the tool included. I might only be concerned the average consumer might be frustrated with only illustrations. I did find directions for that adjustment in English.
Very pleased with the product build, quality and functionality.
Here’s a video.
This guy seems to like it a lot. The demo is showing some lower end models without the upper panning head and levels above the ball.
Oh yeah, this vertical panning is going to be fun!
Are you curious? Have any questions?
Creative Spirit of Photography
Glenn Holgersen Photographer
Some just have this kind of free flowing creative spirit like that of a curious little kid. That’s kind of how I might describe Glenn Holgersen’s photography. You can’t really pigeon hole Glenn to any kind of style other that to say it’s eclectic and full of surprises.
We’re glad to share his work. You’ll find many more of Glenn’s (aka thatleftamark) photos at the Sharing Digital Photography Worldwide forums and please see his site link at the bottom.
So have I look. I think you’ll be entertained.
Thanks for sharing your photos with us!
Thank you all for dropping by!
Portrait Painting Without Brushes?
R U Ready For An Eyeful?
Working in portraiture and using only spray paint David’s ability to capture his subject in his trademark multi-layered style has seen him invited to exhibits all over the world and his work becoming highly collectible.
Using self-enforced constraints such as a ‘no brushes rule’ David is pushing the medium in his own unique direction and challenging preconceptions.
David is known worldwide. I contacted him with an open invitation to tour some of Toronto’s premium alleyway galleries and he was delighted to be featured here.
You can see here why David’s art has gained the attention of the global public. Dare to be different.
Want To See More Of David’s Great Brushless Portraits?
(Click any thumbnail image for a larger view)
Tell me when you find something cool. If we feature it, we’ll mention your name.
Have a great year!
Food Rights – Michael Schmidt’s Presentation
The RAW Milk debate in North America.
It’s more than a raw milk debate, it’s a food rights debate.
There’s a lot of fear and misinformation generated by industry and well lobbied government.. All this is doing is denying those who choose it, access to good wholesome food with the best health benefits.
Michael travels throughout Canada and the world on behalf of citizens who want to make their own healthy food choices.
Watch Michael’s presentation and think for yourself.
After watching you can join Michael Schmidt on Facebook. When the people win this debate, the food rights pendulum starts to swing back towards the people.
Here’s the link for his Power Point Presentation from the National Farmers Union convention in De.
I’ll let Michael’s presentation speak for itself. You’ll be a more informed consumer after today.
Click here to download and watch now.
(When viewing the PowerPoint presentation, use the right arrow key on your keyboard to change slides)
Look Up, Way Up…CN Tower Vertical Panorama
The shot won’t fit on most screens, so be ready to scroll through from the tip of the tower right down to street view. My vantage point is the top of a twenty story office building.
I was off to downtown Toronto, an office building facing the landmark CN Tower. I had a new panning head to try out. The icing on the cake…it’s nighttime. Perfect for nice long exposures and rich ambient light.
Every time you step out the door, bring your camera. Stuff happens.
Click, click, click!
Got any questions? Just ask.
The Great Canadian Rec Room
An area where tall tales are exchanged and some of the greatest table top hockey games of all time have taken place. The purest forms of decor are painted concrete floors and a fine array of garage sales finds. A real wood burning stove occupies the finer rec rooms of Canada.
Most common location…basement.
A tradition of Canadian culture. A place to relax and gather for games and entertainment. The rec room (aka recreation room).
At this stage of the dart game, the goalie is pulled for safety reasons.
Table Top Hockey and Billiards are some of the favorites.
Sharks come in all sizes.
Tips for Indoor Hand-held Shooting
It’s easy to believe that a well lit room indoors should be fine for photography. Our eyes deceive us because they are so remarkably adaptable. Indoor light at it’s best is not always adequate. That’s why the flash was invented.
Flash works well but can be harsh, so flash diffusers of every shape and size followed the flash. An external flash can be pointed to a ceiling to bounce light. Being less direct, bouncing helps. I have all that flash gear and gizmos, and still hesitate to use it.
With these shots, I started out using the flash and after a short while put it away. Ambient light is so much nicer. For example, the light on the Christmas tree will have a rich warm glow with no flash. Use the flash and it loses the magic of ambient light.
The cause of blurry photos is almost always a lack of light. The shutter is thirsty for light. If there isn’t enough light, it stays open to drink in more. If you’re holding the camera in poor light, any slight movement will compromise the sharpness. This is known as camera shake.
Wide Angle Shutter Speed :
You need a shutter speed of about 1/30 of a second with a steady hand. So let’s say about 1/60 of a second to be carefree about it. Wide angle means zooming out. These shots were wide angle.
Telephoto Shutter Speed :
The more you zoom in, the more it slows down the shutter speed. This all depends on how much zoom is involved. I’ll suggest about 1/300 of a second shutter speed is required. That said, I have a 400mm lens that needs about 1/650 of a second for tack sharp shots. These are guidelines.
Here are some options :
- Use the ISO feature. It boosts the shutter speed. Here’s a whole lot more on ISO.
- Use a tripod with a cable release or use the self timer function. This works for still scenes only. You need not be concerned with shutter speed using a tripod.
Other commonly quoted options :
- Add light. Turn on all the lights. If daytime, open all the blinds. This is OK.
- Use the flash. You’ll decide in time how and when to use it.
I would have liked to take more photos, but who could resist the home made Christmas dinner call.
It’s the new year. All the best to you and yours.
Have fun, take lots of photos and share them.
Talk