Category Archives: Articles & News

Professional Photographer Marc Mantha

How Do You Take Your Protrait? 2D Photography

2D Photography Rube The ultimate photographer’s Rube video by 2D Photography

Thanks to Ian Worling for this find…

First, what’s a Rube? Complex gadgets that perform simple tasks in indirect, convoluted ways named after Rube Goldberg.

The folks at 2D Photography had a little time on their hands. This Rube just seems to go on forever. You might guess by the screaming and laughter at the end, that this might have been more than one take. 2D photography will be enjoying the benefits of this viral video.

Have fun and sit back for 4 minutes

Marketing Brilliance

Notice all the sponsor’s at the end of the video? They featured all their products throughout. Brilliant viral marketing!

Find something cool, interesting and really creative. Submit a link to MAMA.

Have fun!

Also posted in Fun and Entertaining | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Great Product You Can’t Have – Yet

Recoil Product Featured at Kickstarter

Great Marketing…

Find a common problem

Solve it

Sell it

A great idea, now it’s a prototype looking to go into production.

Tangled cords are the Problem.

The Recoil Winder is the Solution.

RECOIL, What is it?

It’s not just about winding up cords and wires. RECOIL smarter than that.

The two videos below will explain everything. At KickStart, the RECOIL has surpassed it’s target funding by over %1000. That’s not an “extra zero” typo, people have to be excited to back it like they have. Creative brilliance strikes again! They’ve been reviewing production parts already but want to fine tune the quality…that’s always good to hear.

Thanks again to Ian Worling for a MAMA worthy find. We like cool.

First, the Story…

Now, the Commercial…

Thanks again for dropping by!

Got something to share? Drop us a link.

Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Nikon D800 SLR Digital Camera

Consumer’s win in Nikon versus Canon digital SLR wars

While rumors have been circulating forever about a new Canon 5D Mark III (or whatever they might call it), Nikon hits the market with their latest update in the introductory Full Frame SLR category…and it’s loaded.

Pre-orders

Expected availability: March 22 2012 pre-orders available click image below

Nikon D800 SLR Digital CameraThe competition means feature packed products as the two SLR giants duke it out. The answer to what supersedes Canon’s 5D Mark II, maybe the Mark III is going to be even more widely anticipated now that Nikon’s D800 in coming down the pipe.

Back to the Nikon D800…

The D800 is the upgrade from the D700. That was back when Nikon fans where thrilled to be able to buy a quality full frame for about half the price of Nikon’s higher end D3s. Meanwhile, Canon already had the the 5D, like the D700, the entry model into full frame SLR photography.  The new Nikon D800 retails for about $3,000 and add about $200 to $300 for the D800E.

In both cases, you’re getting a boat load of features with full HD video and top notch audio recording. Used to be a time when on board video for an SLR was adequate at best. These days, it’s pretty impressive and has come a very long way.

What is a Full Frame Digital Camera?

A full-frame digital SLR is fitted with an image sensor that is the same size as a 35mm (36×24 mm) film frame. This is in contrast to cameras with smaller sensors, typically of a size equivalent to APS-C size film, much smaller than a full 35 mm frame. Full Frame Sensors are synonymous with higher quality images and professional digital SLR cameras.

D800 or D800E?

What’s the difference?

The Nikon D800E features a low-pass filter without anti-aliasing properties to facilitate maximum sharpness levels when shooting RAW files.

It’s best used when the subject can be lit and photographed at a distance that mitigates the risk of moiré patterns common to fashion and textile photography.

No sense me spending time regurgitating. Now off you go to check out the specs and features for the Nikon D800 SLR Digital Camera!

Like us on facebook and get updates to your facebook newsfeed.

Also posted in Gear and Accessories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Shelter Dogs

Waiting for a friend…

That’s what seems to gleam through the eyes of these shelter dogs, the subject of one of Traer Scott’s best selling books. Simple near black and white portraits that grab your imagination and feelings.

Traer has been widely acclaimed for helping to bring awareness to forefront in a unique way.

Traer Scott Photography Shelter DogsTraer Scott Photography Shelter DogsTraer Scott Photography Shelter DogsClick any thumbnail image to see a more detailed view

traer-scott-shelter-dogs-10.jpgtraer-scott-shelter-dogs-11.jpgtraer-scott-shelter-dogs-2.jpgtraer-scott-shelter-dogs-3.jpgtraer-scott-shelter-dogs-5.jpgtraer-scott-shelter-dogs-6.jpgtraer-scott-shelter-dogs-8.jpgtraer-scott-shelter-dogs-9.jpg


Traer Scott Photography - Shelter DogsTraer’s book Shelter Dogs is available online at the ASPCA Store.

She’s been very well reviewed by Life, Vogue, People and O to name just a few.  Scott was the recipient of the 2008 Helen Woodward Humane Award for animal welfare activism and was most recently awarded the Rhode Island State Council for the Arts 2010 Photography Fellowship Grant.

MAMA: “What are you using for lighting? You’re achieving some nice portrait lighting.”

Traer: “Shelter Dogs was shot with good old-fashioned, environmentally friendly shade. Every shot is 100% natural outdoor lighting.”

MAMA: “What was your favourite lens for this project?”

Traer: “People are always surprised to hear that this book was shot with an Olympus digital point and shoot, but it was. At the time I was still shooting film which seemed prohibitively expensive for this experimental  project since it often takes about 50 shots to get “the one”.  Plus my pro gear was simply too cumbersome to bring into the shelter on a daily basis. My little Olympus Camedia got drooled on, rained on and knocked out of my hand countless times. It took the abuse in style. Even now, I still use a point and shoot for shelter photos rather than my pro gear.”

MAMA: “What were some of the challenges in photographing shelter dogs and what tips can you share with budding photographers?”

Traer: “Photographing animals is challenging to begin with but when you’re working with dogs whose trust has often been violated through abuse and neglect it can be even harder. Many are afraid of the camera or simply afraid of people in general. You have to find what motivates that specific dog and play to that. For many dogs, food is the great motivator which trumps fear, anxiety or shyness- while with others it’s toys or sounds that get their attention. Sometimes you have to spend a lot of time with a dog before they will feel comfortable enough to let their guard down. My advice is to be patient… and always carry treats.”

There’s so much more…

You really have to visit Traer’s web site with links to news, her blog, bio and her latest book!

 

Thank you for sharing with us Traer!

All the best in your endeavors.

Also posted in Feature Photographers & Artists | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Making Magic Photographing Children

“Laura Lynne Photography” Is Fun

Photographing children comes naturally to Laura Lynne with her organic style.

Click any photo for a more detailed view.

Laura Lynne Photography featured at MAMALaura Llynne Photography featured at MAMA
Laura Lynne Photography featured at MAMA

Kids, they light up your life. A few photographers have that combination of patience and timing to capture the magic moment. Laura Lynne Stetser caught our eye here at MAMA.

She’s offered to share some tips and advice too!

Laura has a breadth of creative work. Her children’s photos have a sparkle, a “joie-de-vivre”. Capturing the energies and memorable expressions that would make any parent gleam. She’s also very technically astute in how she frames up her subjects and uses the space in the frame with attention to details like composition.

Click on any thumb to for a detailed view.

laura-lynne-photography-featured-at-mama-10.pnglaura-lynne-photography-featured-at-mama-11.pnglaura-lynne-photography-featured-at-mama-12.pnglaura-lynne-photography-featured-at-mama-13.pnglaura-lynne-photography-featured-at-mama-14.pnglaura-lynne-photography-featured-at-mama-16.pnglaura-lynne-photography-featured-at-mama-3.pnglaura-lynne-photography-featured-at-mama-4.pnglaura-lynne-photography-featured-at-mama-6.pnglaura-lynne-photography-featured-at-mama-7.pnglaura-lynne-photography-featured-at-mama-8.pnglaura-lynne-photography-featured-at-mama-9.png

 

Laura Lynne Photography featured at MAMAQ and A with Laura Lynne

MAMA: “Budding photographers often say that photographing children is challenging, sometimes difficult. How do you handle the more challenging kids?”

Laura Lynne: “ I genuinely love working with kids. Having three of my own definitely helps in relating to and working with children and their different personalities. There are steps you can take that help avoid having a difficult child in your studio to begin with.”

Laura Lynne’s Tips From Experience

It’s important to book a session at a time that is right for each child. In my experience, most children are better in the morning versus afternoon.

  • Ask the parents when their child is at their best and book the session around that time.
  • Remind the parents to bring snacks or bottles and to stop for snack times during your session if necessary.
  • Ask the parents to bring favorite items their child loves (ie lovies, stuffed animals, etc). Helps them feel more comfortable in the studio or whatever your location.
  • Give the child time to adjust to your studio or location before you begin shooting and to interact with them a little so they feel comfortable with you.

Laura Lynne Photography featured at MAMA

What if I still have problem child?

If you’ve done all those things and you just happen to have a difficult child on your hands there are a few tricks you can try. The tickler (I learned this from Sandy Puc) – have a few dusters in your studio and introduce the child to them as “the tickler”. I explain that in my studio, if you don’t smile, you get tickled. I show them by tickling mom with the duster, then giving mom control of it. During our session, I’ll coach her to jump in and “tickle” her child with the duster. Of all the simple but oh-so-effective-tips I’ve gleamed from seminars and classes, this is the number one shining gem. Works like a charm. Never tickle in the face and usually works for children 6 months + and older.

Other methods

  • Singing songs like Wheels on the Bus or something they’re familiar with.
  • Playing peek-a-boo from behind the camera.
  • Saying things like “I’m gonna get you!” and hopping in to lightly tickle them.
  • Sometimes, just taking frequent breaks and changing the set.
  • Finally, having mom and dad leave the room can help.

Studio Lights, Indoors, Natural Light, Outdoors, What Do You Prefer?

MAMA: “What are some of the  things you prefer when it come to a photo shoot?”

Laura Lynne: “  I love it all. I think a blessing/curse with me is I get bored very easily so I’ll never be the photographer to work with one set or one location repetitively. I like mixing it up – after winter, I’m itching to get outside and work with sunlight but I adore my studio and having different props easily accessible and playing with lights and effects. The curse is it can be really expensive to constantly want new backdrops and props so I’m always on the lookout for great thrift store finds or clearance items for props, etc. and I’m a big fan of painted walls (easy to change!) and wallpaper (easy to cover!) and rugs (easy to pull around and create different looks).”
Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens

Laura Lynne’s Favorite Lens

MAMA: “What is your favourite or most often used lens(es) and why?”

Laura Lynne:Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 L – I like being close and personal but not too close (or too far) – this lens is a perfect blend for tight and full body shots while remaining in close proximity to your client and it’s sharp, fast and reliable.”

How Did Laura Lynne End Up Here?

“Trial and error, many mishaps, several small successes and making good contacts, then finally forming a solid client base that fits my style, personality and studio. I’m still working to build that client base but I feel that my studio is coming into a place where I’m finally working with people who truly appreciate my art and who I really enjoy working with and who, in turn, enjoy working with me.

I want to work with clients that inspire me to do anything to make them happy because then I know I’m working with people who appreciate me as much as I appreciate them. It is a business but it’s truly a personal, customer-service driven business.  I refer to my clients as my studio family and for me, they are an extension of my family and friends and that’s the way I want it.”

Laura Lynne’s Business Advice

“Learn everything you can but then make your own decisions based on what works for YOU – don’t set your standards by what other studios do, learn from them but make choices based on what fits your style, your personality and what you want to bring to the industry and to your clients.”

What I like to Photograph For Fun, On My Own Time

“I grew up in the country and learned a lot about my craft by spending days hiking the trails and photographing scenery. I love to escape to the country or small towns and spend days photographing nature, store windows or whatever else inspires me.  Then, every once in awhile, it’s always fun to grab an inspiring subject and just do a shoot for fun where there are no expectations and you can play with posing and light and composition.”

Thanks to Laura Lynne for sharing, inspiring.

Check out the Laura Lynne Photography website for more creative and inspiring photos.

Also posted in Feature Photographers & Artists, Gear and Accessories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Awful Drawings

Awful Drawings by Mathieu Barrère

As an artist, one of the most difficult things to try and do is to draw badly.

But then there are the awful drawings by Mathieu Barrère when combined with his wit, pokes fun at this silly world. His work is nice and simple but sometimes the humor catches you off guard where just a double take is required for the “Ah-haaaa”.’

Mathieu is one of those smart artists that uses Creative Commons instead of Copyright. This helps perpetuate the spread of his work more easily. Creative Commons has been in wide spread use for years now. Mathieu uses Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 License.

Thanks Matt! Keep ‘em coming!

Now on with the show…

Awful Drawings by Mathieu Barrere

Awful Drawings by Mathieu BarrereAwful Drawings by Mathieu Barrere

Awful Drawings by Mathieu Barrere

Awful Drawings by Mathieu BarrereAwful Drawings by Mathieu BarrereAwful Drawings by Mathieu BarrereAwful Drawings by Mathieu BarrereAwful Drawings by Mathieu BarrereAwful Drawings by Mathieu BarrereAwful Drawings by Mathieu BarrereAwful Drawings by Mathieu BarrereAwful Drawings by Mathieu BarrereAwful Drawings by Mathieu Barrere

Have fun. Fun is good.

Thanks for dropping by. If you liked it, share it. Help promote artists worldwide!

Mathieu’s website is at Awful Drawings. Check it out, lots more Cheeky-ness!

Submit your links to MAMA too.

 

Also posted in Fun and Entertaining | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Kids Are Awesome

Kids are awesomeToday’s smile. Top end of the cute-o-meter.

Every child has awesome in them.

White Stripes “We’re Going To Be Friends”

This one could be joining the Youtube million hits club.

Produced by D-PAN, the Deaf Professional Arts Network
American Sign Language Direction by Ronald Dans
Directed by Nicholas Hill of Lucky Airlines

Special thanks to Ellen Jiskra Huber, nice find.

Comments, suggestions, ideas? Share ‘em.

Also posted in Fun and Entertaining | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Canadian Winters

The change in seasons offers something new every couple of months. I look forward to each.

The Long Way Home – Again

Click for a larger view…

Powassan Farm by Marc Mantha

Yes, I took the long way home a couple of weeks ago after a fresh snow fall and managed some good shots along the way.

I reached an intersection in the back-country behind Powassan where left, ahead and right were all dead ends. It was that, “You can’t get there from here” thing. Back it up time.

I’ll never whine about the onset of winter cause like a little kid, I always ooh and aah when the first snow comes, looking forward to newly dressed landscapes.

A Summary or Recent Photos

A couple of the shots below where posted at MAMA on facebook, some from last December, the rest after a fresh January blanket of snow. Click any to get a better view.

marc-mantha-powassan-scene-mama.jpgmarc-mantha-winter-scene-pano-stitched-blog.jpgmarc-mantha-winter-road-2-web-large.jpgmarc-mantha-winter-road-web.jpgmarc-mantha-road-and-house-mama.jpgmarc-mantha-china-garden-mama.jpg

The Lens…

Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Autofocus Lens. My most commonly utilized lens.

The Process…

Submit a Link

By the way…take a look at the top right hand corner. You can submit links when you find something cool. Thanks again for dropping by and your support through sharing. Stay well and happy clicking!

Subscribe to MAMA on facebook

Go to the MAMA fan page and click on the Like button near the top center. Now you’ll get MAMA updates to your facebook news feed!

Have fun, cause fun is good. Comments open.

If there’s anything I can help you with, don’t hesitate to ask. :)

Also posted in Marc's Photos and Galleries | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Origami Gone Wild

The Ingenious 3D Origami Sculptures of Jeremy Kool

There’s origami and then there’s Jeremy Kool’s 3D origami.

He’s been creating the most intricate 3D wildlife emulating this ancient art of paper folding and the world is taking notice.

Jeremy uses 3D software (Maya 2012) to create his characters and environments. The amazing digital finesse has you believing it.

We contacted Jeremy because we were so impressed with his creativity and artistic ingenuity…and it’s fun! The project that has created a buzz amongst art fans is The Paper Fox Project.

The best way to appreciate Jeremy’s incredible 3D techniques is to have a look. Click any image to better appreciate the finer details.

3D Origami Art by Jeremy Kool3D Origami Art by Jeremy Kool

 

3D Origami Art by Jeremy KoolClick on any image to in the thumb gallery for a finely detailed view.

jeremykoolthepaperfox1.pngjeremykoolthepaperfox10.pngjeremykoolthepaperfox3.pngjeremykoolthepaperfox4.pngjeremykoolthepaperfox5.pngjeremykoolthepaperfox6.pngjeremykoolthepaperfox8.pngjeremykoolthepaperfox9.png

The Paper Fox Project will be featured in Digital Arts Magazine February 2012 edition and more recently in 3D Artist Magazine.

Check out Jeremy’s blog for more details at http://thepaperfox.blogspot.com/.  You’ll find a selection of quality professional prints from The Paper Fox Shop.

Jeremy’s ultimate goal is to create an interactive storybook for iPad and other tablets. Team Paper Fox is working on concepts and story development. We’ll look forward to watching your story grow and thanks for letting us share your work.

Jeremy is a 3D artist and Graphic Designer. For freelance work email him at – jeremykool [at] gmail [dot] com.

The Paper Fox is on the loose!

3D Origami Art by Jeremy Kool

Find something interesting, creative, entertaining?

Submit a link to MAMA.

Also posted in Feature Photographers & Artists | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

A Garage

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

REVIEW Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens

EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM

The Big Gun

It’s quite large and fairly weighty. That’s why the tripod mount is on the lens for better balance and no undue stress where the lens mount meets the camera.

Yes, I’m using a plastic green army man for size context. I wonder if there are any plastic green army women anywhere?

I’ve had this telephoto lens for some years now and consider it a staple in the lens line up.

My purpose was mainly for outdoor nature photography and great for outdoor portraiture when you want a blurry background.

Brass Tacks – What’s It Got To Offer?

It’s not a fast lens. Fast meaning a really low f-number like 2.8 (the Image Stabilizer on this lens helps compensate). A faster lens going to mean a much  higher price with this range of focal length (100-400mm). Just bump up the ISO to turbo boost the shutter speed and use Topaz DeNoise and you’ll still get tack sharp results.

  • Image Stabilizer for horizontal panning or regular use
  • L series professional glass – superb quality
  • Leather zippered carry case, lens hood
  • Trombone style focal length adjustment
  • Very responsive AF
  • Filter size 77mm

EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USMShutter Speed Tips Using Telephoto Lens

With any telephoto lens, when you’re fully zoomed and taking a hand-held shot, all slight movements are amplified just like those UFO video clips where the shooter wanted to zoom in all the way. This is why I think of this as an outdoor lens if doing handheld shots, because ample natural light helps.

  • Fully zoomed at 400mm, suggest a shutter speed of about 1/600 for hand held shots
  • Starting at 100mm, suggest a shutter speed of about 1/200 for hand held shots
  • Using a tripod with remote release, shutter speed of no concern but you must have a strong and steady tripod. I first tried this on a inexpensive tripod and it wouldn’t settle with a constant jiggle.
  • When hand holding, grip the lens with your left hand the camera with the other

The IS (Image Stabilizer) helps buy you a f/stop.

I’ve had this lens for some years now. I consider this a keeper, a basic.

It’s designed for full frame digital sensors but can be used with your Rebel. It’ll just be cropped giving the artificial effect of even greater zoom. I purchased this lens when I had a Canon Rebel anticipating I would eventually upgrade to a full frame. It’s well below $2000 and could be around $1500 with rebates sometimes.

marc-mantha-thistle.jpgmarc-mantha-toronto-2008.jpgparot.jpg

Get the full specs and features here

Reach versus Speed with Professional Lenses

Just to give you a flavor on price. The newer Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II is a fast telephoto lens. Not only a huge agperture at f/2.8, but with the added IS (Image Stabilization) that’s pretty incredible performance. A favorite for photojournalist. Not as much reach as the Canon 100-400mm.  The 70-200mm price will be significantly more than the 100-400mm. But you can see the how the speed of the lens affects price. If Canon had the 100-400mm as an f/2.8 with IS, it would also have a much bigger price tag attached to it (and both smaller and lighter).

F/number Basics with Lenses

Variable Aperture

Canon EF 100-400mm

f/4.5-5.6 – When a lens spec quotes two f numbers like this lens 4.5-5.6 that means at 100mm the smallest achievable aperture is f/4.5 and at 400mm the smallest achievable aperture is f/5.6. If you set to the smallest aperture at 100mm and zoom out to 400mmm, you’d see the aperture change to 5.6.

Constant Aperture

Canon EF 70-200mm

F/2.8 – When a lens spec quotes one f number like this lens at 2.8 the means the smallest achievable aperture is 2.8 and constant from 70 to 200mm. Therefore described as a constant aperture through the entire focal length.

Apertures 101

When beginning to learn about apertures, it could be confusing.

Here are all the follow through effects of smallest or largest f/number:

Smallest f/number

=largest aperture

=more light through the lens

=faster shutter speed

=narrower depth of field

Largest f/number

=smallest aperture

=less light through the lens

=slower shutter speed

=longer depth of field

.

To avoid confusion understand that a SMALL F/NUMBER = LARGER APERTURE and LARGE F/NUMBER = SMALLER APERTURE.

 

Questions, comments, points of view. Jump right in.

Also posted in Gear and Accessories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

REVIEW Fujifilm FinePix HS20 EXR

Fujifilm FinePix HS20 EXR ReviewHere’s a camera at a great price, lots of focal length and with all the feature buttons nicely laid out. The image quality is excellent and likely due the the combination of the EXR CMOS sensor and quality fixed lens. Also the LCD res is higher and crisper then earlier comparables in the brand.

Some key features:

  • 16 megapixels, JPEG, RAW
  • 30X optical zoom – EFL: 4.2-126mm (35mm equivalent: 24-720mm)
  • 24mm widest angle
  • 3 inch higher resolution LCD (460000 pixels)
  • ISO 12800
  • EXR CMOS sensor
  • Full features and specification here

Fujifilm FinePix HS20 EXR Review

You can use your pop-up flash or the hot shoe if you want to add an external flash. Again, very SLR-like and something any budding photographer can grow into with a robust fleet of manual controls.

It’s a great starter camera you can grow into because it has all the advanced shooting modes just like an SLR. A little more compact in size then the average introductory SLR and lots of zoom.

More Affordable

The latest marketing blast has been on the mirror-less 4/3 SLR-like cameras with interchangeable lenses.  Mini Digital SLRs you might say.They’re offer great entry points for budding photographers keeping in mind you’re going to have more purchases ahead of you with interchangeable lenses. The fixed lens camera like this one still comes in as more affordable.

Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR Digital Camera Angle View with Lens Extended

Back to the fixed lens category, the Fuji FinePix HS20EXR Digital Camera still has robust features at a great price. It’s relatively inexpensive.The HS20EXR Digital Camera picks up where the Fujifilm FinePix HS10 left off.

In the world of reviews out there, I’ve heard some say that the lens zoom could be smoother. For around $400 dollars, I found it to be fine. I would not expect the same action as any my L series pro lenses at 2 to 5 times the cost of the Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR Digital Camera. The construction overall felt sturdy.

The AF seemed a little finicky, but again I couldn’t be sure if it was the camera, I get that sometimes with my pro lenses and full frame camera – normal. That’s when the AF is just looking for more contrast to grab onto. The HD video is OK, but I’d be more interested in taking photos anyway. The HD video I.S. can be a little jumpy.

I had fun with this and really liked the controls configuration that reminded me of a full fledged digital SLR.

Well priced. Feature rich. Lots of fun.

Happy clicking! Let us know what you think.

 

 

Also posted in Gear and Accessories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Five People Playing One Guitar At The Same Time

Somebody That I Used To Know - Walk of the EarthThis is more than just a YouTube stunt. They’re professionals and it’s a great tune. Talk about stunning collaboration. It’s a real treat to watch. Super viral. Over 4 million served.

Nough said. Here it is…

Somebody That I Used to Know – Walk off the Earth (Gotye – Cover)

Seen something that caught your attention? Share it with us.

.

Printer Rebates Lexar Rebates Sandisk Rebates Tamron Rebates Olympus Rebates Nikon Rebates Canon Rebates B&H Rebates & Promotions

Also posted in Fun and Entertaining | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

REVEIW The Nikon D4 – Available February 2012

New Nikon D4 Pro DSLR Camera Will Retail For 6 Gs

Advanced orders are available.

Yes, this is one of the big guns. Pro territory. Nicely engineered.

Top notch piece of pro gear with full HD Video. Of course it’s a full frame CMOS censor that features Nikon FX fomat. Add a really super high res LCD with brightness that adjust automatically according to light and we’re still just touching the tip of the features iceberg.

It’s such a feature packed camera I won’t bore you with regurgitating all the fantastic features and specs.

Read More…(Get all the specs now)

“Nikon calls their D4 Digital SLR Camera a ‘total professional imaging machine’. They would be correct in doing so. Designed for the working photographer, the D4 meets the most-demanding photog’s needs and then some. Packed with features essential to getting the job done, and getting it done well this rig is more than a digital camera, it’s a shooter’s bread and butter.” ~ B+H

Nikon D4 Pro Digital SLR Full Frame Sensor Camera - Press ReleaseNikon D4 Pro Digital SLR Full Frame Sensor Camera - Press ReleaseNikon D4 Pro Digital SLR Full Frame Sensor Camera - Press Release

Any Nikon fans thinking of going Pro? This could be your next step.

Comments, questions? Be my guest.

.

Printer Rebates Lexar Rebates Sandisk Rebates Tamron Rebates Olympus Rebates Nikon Rebates Canon Rebates B&H Rebates & Promotions

Also posted in Gear and Accessories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Raising A Chicken In Winter – The Dust Bath Tip

Joanne, the fabulous hen, likes to roll around in the dirt from time to time.

What’s that all about?

Chickens need dirt to bath from time to time. It’s essential to good chicken health and is how they control mites and other skin irritants. I watched Joanne regularly scratch out a bowl shape in the dry dirt. Then she sits in it, fluffs up her feathers, rolls and kicks dirt up onto her body.

What Happens In The Winter?

Still I wondered what to do in the winter. Moira Sanders introduced me to Paulene Cusack who runs a hobby farm with a variety of animals and namely chickens.

I asked Paulene what to do in the winter. There were three options.

  1. Do nothing. They’ll be uncomfortable until spring though.
  2. Buy a powder for this purpose and apply.
  3. Set out a tray filled with dirt. This is what Paulene does.

No powder. We want to keep everything natural. Option 3 it is.

I found a large rubber tray (photos below) and filled it with dirt. It’s kept in the garage so the dirt stays dry. Once a week I put the tray in the wheelbarrow and cart it into the backyard. Joanne comes running and jumps right in. She’ll spend 20 to 40 minutes in there. When she’s done, she stands up, shakes off the excess and goes on her way.

Click an photo to enlarge

Joanne the hen takes a dust bath

Chciken Dust Bath

Chicken shakes off dust bath

The Greatest Of Pets

Chickens are the greatest pets. They come pre-programmed and give you eggs. They know what to do and you’ll learn so much by just observing, googling and more recently purchased Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens, 3rd Edition. Some reviews of the book noted a lack of breeds information that I found not to be true. Perhaps the 3rd edition took care of that. It’s an easy read with lots of illustrations, diagrams and photos.

Local hobby farmers have been the most wonderful source of guidance and ideas.

Everyone should have a chicken in their back yard.

More recently I found a solution to wasted feed. I’ll write about that later.

Do feel free to join in and share your comments, ideas.


.

Printer Rebates Lexar Rebates Sandisk Rebates Tamron Rebates Olympus Rebates Nikon Rebates Canon Rebates B&H Rebates & Promotions

Also posted in Chickens? | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Trail Master – In Memory

Brian Martin and I covered many miles of the Bruce and other trails over the years. Most often we were lead by the Trail Master, Shadow, Brian’s dog. When I’d drop by Brian’s home Shadow knew exactly what was ahead…a day on the trails.

Shadow’s photo was always a favorite and has resided in my portfolio for years. A photogenic and handsome canine.

Brian adopted Shadow from the Human Society in Jan of 2001. Turned out the be the best dog Brian could have ever hoped for.

“Shadow is hiking different trails now.” – Brian

Brian remembers everything about the day of this photo (below). Where, when and all the nuances of the weather.

Shadow a.k.a The Trail Master. (click to enlarge)

Shadow by Marc Mantha

Brian at Webster’s Falls

Brian Martin at Webster's Falls by Marc Mantha

“Money may buy you a fine dog, but only love can make it wag its tail.”

Kinky Friedman

“Agreeable friends—they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.”

George Eliot

“Isn’t it wonderful how dogs can win friends and influence people without ever reading a book?”

E.C. McKenzie
.

Printer Rebates Lexar Rebates Sandisk Rebates Tamron Rebates Olympus Rebates Nikon Rebates Canon Rebates B&H Rebates & Promotions

Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Getting Rid Of Noise – Night Photography

Featuring The World Famous Toronto Skyline

Night photography with long exposures reveals all the ambient light, punches up reflections…but with that comes the noise. The digital grain that sneaks out from the darker areas of your scene. Even when using a low ISO, long exposures are subject to noise.

Let your photos shine in their noise free glory! (click to enlarge)

Toronto Skyline by Marc Mantha

Adobe PhotoShop Noise ReductionWhich Noise Reduction App Should I Use?

PhotoShop’s own noise reduction works well.  It’s found under Filters > Noise >Reduce Noise from the file menu.

Other popular noise exterminators are Noise Ninja, Neat Image and Topaz DeNoise. I’ve worked with Noise Ninja and Neat Image extensively and more recently started using Topaz DeNoise. These are just a few. They all have trial versions for test driving.

Topaz DeNoise

So far, Topaz DeNoise is a personal favorite. The algorithms seem well developed to recognize what’s noise on a full resolution print to a web optimized image within the tolerance you can select like Light, Moderate, Strong presets or custom settings. Overall it really cleans out the grain well on long exposures or resolves your high ISO’s digital grain.

Compare Before And After

Below are zoomed in sections, before and after (extracted from the photo above), of the multicolored light reflecting over the water. It’s more like noise elimination than noise reduction. On parts of the photo with architectural details, it maintains those details very well. Crisper than some other noise apps and clearer.

No noise reduction

No Noise Reduction

 Noise reduction with Topaz DeNoise

Noise Reduction Topaz DeNoise

After The Noise

Once the noise has been cleaned up, I’ll apply my Lab Sharpening Technique sometimes followed by a High Pass Filter with an Overlay Blending Mode at a lowered opacity.

More on Lab Sharpening how to here…

Lab Sharpening Technique for Web Optimized Image

Lab Sharpening Technique for Print Images

The High Pass Filter – Finishing Touches

The High Pass Filter has been part of PhotoShop as far back as I can remember. You can map out the fine lines and details easily with a few simple steps.

Layers PaletteWith your photo open using PhotoShop, do the following :

Step 1 -

Create a duplicate layer or your original image. Drag the original layer down to the bottom of the layers palette onto the Create a New Layer icon OR from the file menu at the top, select Layer > Duplicate Layer.

Step 2 -

From the file menu at the top of the screen, go to Filter > Other > High Pass… Your image turns gray (see below) with light outlines of the details. Move the High Pass slider radius adjustment, just enough to reveal the finer details and OK.

PhotoShop High Pass Filter

Step 3 -

At the top of the layers palette, select the Overlay blending mode. Your image returns to full color with the extra High Pass filter pop.

Step 4 -

Now use the Opacity slider at the top of the layers palette to reduce the impact of your High Pass layer.

Now you’re cooking!

Share your comments and links to your night photography.

Questions and Comments welcomed!

.

Printer Rebates Lexar Rebates Sandisk Rebates Tamron Rebates Olympus Rebates Nikon Rebates Canon Rebates B&H Rebates & Promotions

Also posted in Marc's Photos and Galleries | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

I Believe I can Fly (Flight of the Frenchies)

One of the jumpers admits to his girlfriend he’s scared.

“I Believe I Can Fly” is a trailer for a documentary by the French director Sébastien Montaz-Rosset that was recently released.

Warning: This video will leave you completely inspired.
.

Printer Rebates Lexar Rebates Sandisk Rebates Tamron Rebates Olympus Rebates Nikon Rebates Canon Rebates B&H Rebates & Promotions

Also posted in Fun and Entertaining | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Stickman – Fun Tip of the Day

Be creative. It’s simple, dumb fun. Anyone can do it.

You’re now the art director for your own stickman movie.

Thanks to Robert Jones for the fun tip of the day.

The kids will love this…

OK, your turn. Click on the image below and see what happens.

Draw a Stickman

Also posted in Fun and Entertaining | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Lovely Owl by Mr Nura T

Simply cute.

Also posted in Fun and Entertaining | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Art In The Air – Jeffrey Milstein’s View

We see jets. Jeffrey Milstein sees art flying by.

“The Jet as Art” is Jeffrey Milstein’s latest exhibition at the Smithsonian.

Jeff was always fascinated by planes and used to hang out at LAX to catch them flying on by. The little kid is still there only bigger and now equipped with a camera.

The average fly by speed can be over 200 mph which in itself presents a challenge. Timing is everything. The engineering is 360 degrees, but we rarely if ever consider the underside of a jet’s complex lines, textures and geometrics. It’s very creatively refreshing!

Jeffrey Milstein Jets as Art - Art int the AIr Photography

Jeffrey Milstein Jets as Art - Art int the AIr Photography

Jeffrey Milstein Jets as Art - Art int the AIr Photography

 Click any thumbnail to view

jeffrey-milstein-jets-as-art-11.jpgjeffrey-milstein-jets-as-art-1.jpgjeffrey-milstein-jets-as-art-13.jpgjeffrey-milstein-jets-as-art-14.jpgjeffrey-milstein-jets-as-art-12.jpgjeffrey-milstein-jets-as-art-9.jpgjeffrey-milstein-jets-as-art-15.jpgjeffrey-milstein-jets-as-art-10.jpgjeffrey-milstein-jets-as-art-16.jpgjeffrey-milstein-jets-as-art-3.jpgjeffrey-milstein-jets-as-art-4.jpgjeffrey-milstein-jets-as-art-5.jpgjeffrey-milstein-jets-as-art-6.jpgjeffrey-milstein-jets-as-art-7.jpgjeffrey-milstein-jets-as-art-8.jpg

He has compiled a significant body of work into a book dedicated to this awesome perspective.

Jeff’s work will be on display at the Smithsonian

AirCraft: The Jet As Art will be on display November 25, 2011 through November 25, 2012 at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. This collection of 33 super-sized photographic prints presents the power and elegance of aircraft in flight and transforms aviation technology into fine art.

All the best with your exhibition at the Smithsonian Jeff!

Jeffrey Milstein Jets as Art - Art int the AIr Photography

Also posted in Feature Photographers & Artists | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

New Bank Surveillance Could Save Billions Globally

Join the Cartoon Eyes Challenge here.

Will Cartoon Eyes be enough to deter criminals and bandits? Psychologist and Security Consultant Dr. Arty Choke thinks so.

No tapes, no digital electronics. It’s purely analog genius, but will these surveillance savings be passed on to customers worldwide?

Scroll down for the rest of the story…

 

Marc Mantha New Bank Surveillance Will Save Billions Globally

So I’m going around town with a pair of cartoon eyes. It’s my turn for the Bank Machine. I put my camera down and start my transaction. When finished, I stick up the cartoon eyes, step back and take a photo. I look around and no one even notices.

I leave the cartoon eyes there and walk away. The next person walks up and starts her transaction, doesn’t notice anything has changed. I walk back up to the Bank Machine and say “Excuse me, I left something behind”. I take my cartoon eyes, smile and leave.

I guess during holiday season, most of us are a little distracted.

So what did you do for fun today?

Join the Cartoon Eyes Challenge here.

I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up.

Also posted in Fun and Entertaining | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Cartoon Eyes – Fun for all and all for fun!

Cartoon Eyes Global Art ProjectCartoon Eyes Global Art ProjectFun is good right?

Let’s do something with photography, but just for fun. Make a pair of cardboard cartoon eyes just like you see here.  and find something fun and interesting to put them on.

Then go to MAMA’s facebook page here and post your photo telling us where it is (village, city, country, etc.)

We’re also having this as a challenge at our Sharing Digital Photography Worldwide Forums for the first two weeks of December

Take your cartoon eyes photo with your cell phone or any camera. Fun for all and all for fun!

Now we turn the creativity over to you and share it!

Fun for all and all for fun!

I hear the sounds of scissors and squeaky magic markers. Is that you?

Also posted in Fun and Entertaining | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

25 Ways to Wear a Scarf in 4.5 Minutes!

25 ways to wear a scarfIt’s heading for 7 million hits. Here’s one for the ladies. The creative production is very efficient. Showing you 25 variations in under 5 minutes. You never know what’s going to make a YouTube hit. If you haven’t seen it already, it’s a treat.

Maybe I can use one of these fancy knots with my plaid scarf when I take the snow-blower out for a spin.

Thanks to Lynette Hunter for the telling MAMA about this one.

Have fun and enjoy the show.

Have you found something cool recently? Tell your MAMA about it.

 

 

Leave a comment

Rock on Hippo-Crab!

PhotoShop with alethorpeAmazing and cool animals gone wild.

Mad Science with Alethorpe’s PhotoShop Creations.

It’s not viral, just fun.

Some of these animal creations were very well thought out. Although most of the animals have no genetic connections, nearly all the textures and colors matched up very well. A quick and interesting show. Share it!

Some fun viewing in under 2 minutes.


Printer Rebates Lexar Rebates Sandisk Rebates Tamron Rebates Olympus Rebates Nikon Rebates Canon Rebates B&H Rebates & Promotions
Also posted in Fun and Entertaining | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Review

Micro Four Thirds Systems

A whole new and very cool category of digital camera has been emerging for sometime.

.

Help Me Pick A Camera!

I often get asked about camera selection. Some people feel that full scale digital SLRs aren’t size practical and still have expectations for quality. Even though you might never venture into the more advanced shooting modes, the room to grow into this camera is there if you choose to. Besides, it’s very well priced.

Panasonic Lumix G2 HD CameraThe Micro Four Thirds System – technically not an SLR, yet being called a new SLR standard, it still has interchangeable lenses. Very compact, “really” heavily loaded with features and the Micro Four Thirds technical style allows the scale of the camera and lens sizes to be “minified” let’s say.

The G2 Test Drive

I was out visiting an area farm with all the usual gear in tow. I met Melisa a budding photographer who had with her a Panasonic DMC G2 Digital Camera. I gave her my comparatively ginormous Canon 5D to hold while I checked out her G2.

G2 is Uber Loaded

It seemed to have everything and the kitchen sink, even a touch screen display. A full selection of preset shooting modes and all of your semi-automatic modes with full manual and a hot shoe to boot…There’s no way I could muddle though all the bells and whistles in one day.

I asked if I could take it for a test drive and Melisa could use mine…off we went.

G2 is an impressive camera, so don’t let the size fool you. This would be great for those who want more than a point and shoot without being weighed down by a large sized SLR and lenses. It was terrifically compact and fun to use. I pack all my typical gear into one of the largest photographer’s back packs I could find. With this G2 you’d be hard pressed to fill an averaged sized shoulder bag loaded with accessories.

It’s just plain cool and takes great photos!.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2

Some key features:

  • 12.1 million (effective) pixel 4/3 LiveMOS sensor
  • Venus Engine HD II with intelligent auto and Intelligent Resolution
  • Movie capture (720p) in AVCHD Lite or M-JPEG formats
  • 3.0″ multi-angle 460,000 dot touchscreen display
  • 1.4 million dot Color Electronic Viewfinder
  • External mic connection

A step above most fixed lens cameras and and very feature rich.

.

Printer Rebates Lexar Rebates Sandisk Rebates Tamron Rebates Olympus Rebates Nikon Rebates Canon Rebates B&H Rebates & Promotions

Also posted in Gear and Accessories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

There’s a New “Cake Boss” in Town

Karen Portaleo Cake Artist at Highland Bakery in Atlanta, GeorgiaIt’s art you can sink your teeth into. Amazing cake creations by sculptor /artist Karen Portaleo. She’s been getting a lot of attention and expects to begin teaching in locations around the world. Costa Rica, Kitchener, Sydney and some places across the USA.

Karen is the lead decorator at Highland Bakery in Atlanta, Georgia. She came to cake by way of sculpture, and enjoys the melding of the two. She likes to spend her spare time (HA!) drawing (Karen illustrated her entire website), researching historical costumes and eating. She likes fabulous shoes, telling everyone what she thinks, strong peppermint gum and laughing really hard. Most of all she enjoys her Juno.

Karen Portaleo is a master with the art of sugar!

Karen Portaleo Cake Artist at Highland Bakery in Atlanta, Georgia

Karen Portaleo Cake Artist at Highland Bakery in Atlanta, Georgia

Karen Portaleo Cake Artist at Highland Bakery in Atlanta, Georgia

karen-portaleo-highland-bakery-15.jpgkaren-portaleo-highland-bakery.jpgkaren-portaleo-highland-bakery-7.jpgkaren-portaleo-highland-bakery-16.jpgkaren-portaleo-highland-bakery-10.jpgkaren-portaleo-highland-bakery-8.jpgkaren-portaleo-highland-bakery-11.jpgkaren-portaleo-highland-bakery-6.jpgkaren-portaleo-highland-bakery-14.jpgkaren-portaleo-highland-bakery-13.jpgkaren-portaleo-highland-bakery-17.jpgkaren-portaleo-highland-bakery-18.jpgkaren-portaleo-highland-bakery-19.jpgkaren-portaleo-highland-bakery-2.jpgkaren-portaleo-highland-bakery-20.jpgkaren-portaleo-highland-bakery-21.jpgkaren-portaleo-highland-bakery-9.jpgkaren-portaleo-highland-bakery-4.jpgkaren-portaleo-highland-bakery-5.jpgkaren-portaleo-highland-bakery-22.jpgkaren-portaleo-highland-bakery-23.jpg

Karen’s has oodles of cakes to show you at her photostream.

…and more links here -

Karen’s Web Site http://karenportaleo.com/

Keren’s Blog http://specialsugar.blogspot.com/

Karen’s Job http://highlandbakery.com/bakeshop.html

What would this world be without art and creativity? One thing’s for certain…it’s a lot more fun with Karen in it.

Thanks for dropping by!…Like us on facebook.

Also posted in Feature Photographers & Artists | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Don’t Play With Your Food – Except For You Carl Warner

Magnificently stunning landscapes made out of food.

I’d imagine it would be fun living in Carl Warner’s head.

You’ll never see the produce section in your supermarket in the same way…at least Carl doesn’t.

It draws you in because it’s curious and fun to identify the various foods used in his fantasy lands.

FOODSCAPES photography by Carl Warner

“Foodscapes started out as personal project where I wanted to highlight the idea of implied design within the natural world, the qualities within organic forms. I begin by drawing a very conventional landscape using classic compositional techniques as I need to fool the viewer into thinking it is a real scene at first glance. It is the realization of what the real ingredients are that brings a smile, and for me that’s the best part.”

Enjoy this delightfully entertaining eye candy. You can click to enlarge any images.

FOODSCAPES photography by Carl Warner

FOODSCAPES photography by Carl WarnerFOODSCAPES photography by Carl Warner

carl-warner-photography-8.jpgcarl-warner-photography-13.jpgcarl-warner-photography-14.jpgcarl-warner-photography-1.jpgcarl-warner-photography-15.jpgcarl-warner-photography-3.jpgcarl-warner-photography-4.jpgcarl-warner-photography-6.jpgcarl-warner-photography-2.jpgcarl-warner-photography-7.jpgcarl-warner-photography-17.jpgcarl-warner-photography-9.jpg

 Thanks to all of you who send in your tips and links on the uber cool. Isn’t this fun?



Also posted in Feature Photographers & Artists | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

King Kong’s Emotional Side? – Walter Ford

Recently debuted at an exhibition in New York city for the first time. These larger than life paintings show another side the Hollywood icon. This highly accomplished artist wanted to show the more vulnerable King Kong. Interesting slant for a fictional subject and legend of the big screen. But that’s what artists do best.

King Kong Water Color Paintings by Walton FordKing Kong Water Color Paintings by Walton FordKing Kong Water Color Paintings by Walton Ford

Here’s some background on the artist (From Wikipedia)

Walton Ford (born 1960 in Larchmont, New York ) is an American artist who paints large scale watercolors in the style of Audubon‘s naturalist illustrations. Each painting is a meticulous study in flora and fauna, while being filled with symbols, clues and jokes referencing a multitude of texts from colonial literature and folktales to travel guides. Ford’s paintings are complex narratives that critique the history of colonialism, industrialism, politics, natural science, and humanity’s effect on the environment.

Ford left the Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, Rhode Island in 1982 with a BFA degree.

Walton Ford is the recipient of several national awards and honors including a fellowship from the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts and is one of the artists profiled on the PBS series Art:21. He had his first major one-man show at the Brooklyn Museum in 2006 and is currently represented by the Paul Kasmin Gallery in Manhattan.



Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Dream Big – Giant Rubik’s Cube Mosaic of Martin Luther King Jr.

I just heard back from Pete Fecteau with his blessing to be featured here on MAMA. Thanks Pete!

Dream Big, Made with 4,242 Rubik’s Cubes

Yes, this art piece is made completely with Rubik’s Cubes weighing in at nearly 1/2 ton!

Pete Fecteau's Dream Big on exhibit - 4,242 Rubik's Cubes

The title of Fecteau’s piece is fitting to it’s subject, the artist and it’s impressive physical dimensions.

Would you have the patience for this?

Pete Fecteau configuring Rubik's Cubes for Dream Big

Pete Fecteau assembling Rubik's Cube sections of Dream BigPete Fecteau's Dream Big on exhibit - 4,242 Rubik's CubesPete Fecteau one Rubik's Cube at a timeArtist’s around the world never cease to amaze. This is Pete Fecteau’s amazing contrition finally weighing in at about 1/2 a ton. Here are some stats on this stunning creation.

  • Computer generated draft
  • Over 40 hours to configure
  • 4,242 Rubik’s Cubes
  • 18 feet, 6 inches X 9 feet, 8 inches
  • Top 50 of 1,700 competition submission
  • Just a crazy idea Fecteau could not ignore

Dream Big wasn’t intended as a career move for Fecteau, it was just a crazy idea that has captured the art world. He’s getting a lot of attention these days.

Printer Rebates Lexar Rebates Sandisk Rebates Tamron Rebates Olympus Rebates Nikon Rebates Canon Rebates B&H Rebates & Promotions
Also posted in Fun and Entertaining | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Backyard Bounty at the end of October? Relish it!

Garden Vegetables Photo Du Jour

I’ve never had so much still on the vines at this time of year in this growing zone. I should explain the garden is a very humble size, so this is pretty impressive. Yes, most are still green and likely won’t ripen very well so that means “home made relish”. We’ll talk about the photography part shortly. (Click of a larger view)

End of Season Garden Vegetables by Marc ManthaI picked everything as we’ll likely have a hardy frost this weekend. The latest photo here might remind you of the “What to do with all those tomatoes?” posted a while back. The set familiar?

The green peppers you see here are supposed to be sweet red. I’ll use the few red ones to add a nice dash of color to the relish. Last couple of weeks I also made some Apple Pear Pies. Had lots of pears from the backyard combined with apples I bought from Griffin, a cub scout who negotiated a price for a basket full.

Why Buy Seeds?

When you grow something you like, keep the seeds for next year and share some with other gardeners in the neighborhood. I always have extra plants to give away.

The Shot

It was actually after sunset and the room very dimly lit. A couple of strategic lights turned on. I’m using a tripod with a shutter release because the of the low light and slow shutter speed that would result in a blurry handheld shot.

Canon 24-105mm f/4 L IS USmThe Lens

I have a few favorite lenses and this is one of them. It’s the Canon 24-105mm. A “Walk Around” lens for me. Nice and wide with a little telephoto range. Just right most of the time and for this counter top composition.

The lens also suggests that I’m shooting with a full frame sensor. You can find comparable focal lengths for your APS sized sensor digital SLR and get great results.

The Settings

I’m shooting with Aperture Priority so I can take advantage of a short depth of focus for that blurry background. That means if have the aperture setting dialed down, the lowest f-number = shortest depth of field (DOF).

You know what would have been the icing on the cake? Having couple of people sitting in those chairs in the back holding coffee mugs.

Setting the Stage

Even though this is the kitchen counter, simply being mindful of the background, even if it’s soft focused is important. remove any clutter and odd items. I cleared the counter and placed a few fruit near the upper right corner. I was aware for the shadow cast by the back of a country style dinning chair as a nice extra. Just enough interest to draw your eye through.

All I wanted to do was take a shot of some vegetables I picked. These mini projects are a great way to sharpen your shooting skills. The key to growing into a better photographer in to keep shooting, adjusting and experimenting.

…and having fun.

Need help, have a question or just curious about something? Ask me.



Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Classic Car Drive-By Shooting

It happens all the time. Shooting ops pop up everywhere. This last long weekend I spotted a classic car show sign off the highway. Dropped off the my passengers and headed right back. You can’t go wrong photographing  classic cars. The origins of the art of motor vehicle engineering.

Here’s the photo-du-jour from that drive-by. Click on it to catch the finer details.

Classic Car by Marc Mantha at MAMA PhotographyThis is a backlit shot. You can tell be the cast shadow. However, the details look pretty good because I used High Dynamic Range processing with Photomatix Pro. But that wasn’t the only thing that helped. Some gear in particular, more ahead.

Here are the bracketed photos shot on the scene. +2, 0, -2 in Raw format. You don’t have to shoot your bracketed images in Raw, Jpegs are just fine too. In fact it was originally designer for bracketed Jpegs.

Take good look at the center photo. That would have been the average exposure. The blending of the three images gives me everything I need back in the details.

Bracketed Classic Car Photos - MAMA Phtotgraphy

Overcoming Severe Back Lit Shots

The traditional way is to use a “fill in” or “forced” flash. Simply put, make the flash go off to fend off the shadows. That’s too easy, besides, HDR is a lot more fun to delight in the details.

I had some help with the gear I had a on hand.

Gear On Hand

The Tripod

Manfrotto Tripod. I have a mag-fiber version. Mag-fiber is only slightly weightier than carbon fiber but arguably stronger. The extra weight is negligible. The Carbon fiber are quite amazing too. I need something steady and portable that won’t jiggle with my larger lenses. I have a meaty 100-400mm lens the tripod can handle fairly well.

The Ball Panning Head

A ball panning head is fast. Quick and easy to adjust without fumbling with three different levers. The pistol grip styles are cool too.

The Ultra Wide Angle Lens

12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG ASP HSM II Wide-Angle Zoom Lens

Yes, when this baby came into town, I fell for it. This is still my standing favorite lens.

I set up low the ground for an interesting angle and perspective with the ultra wide lens. The HDR version wasn’t heavily processed. Just enough to make the photo more favorable with some color desaturation to “not quite” black and white.

That was my drive-by shooting.

Just in time, the show was over and they were packing up.

Happy clicking everyone!



Also posted in Marc's Photos and Galleries | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Photo de Jour, Utra Wide 122 Degree HDR -

The Seneca Boat House at Sunset -

See a larger more detailed image, click on it (really, it’s juicy!)

Seneca Boat House at Sunset by Photographer Marc Mantha

Mother Nature springs things on you. Beautiful fleeting moments. Click, click click. I had but a few minutes and this would gone. Getting a good exposure on a strongly back-lit scene like this is rare. I’ll only know how it turned out back at the studio.

This was on the trails at the Seneca College King Campus north of Toronto, Canada.

I was taking a new lens through it’s trials. It’s the updated SIGMA 12-24MM F4.5-5.6 II DG HSM LENS (for full frame sensor). It’ll be reviewed here once I get a few hundred shots in to better determine what it can do.

How Did You Shoot This?

Footnotes off the top of head or what’s going on inside of it…

I use Aperture Priority (Av) almost exclusively. As I was moving along the water side trail taking photos, in some instances, the shutter speed was getting slower. I decided to move the ISO up to give the shutter a boost as I didn’t have a tripod. When doing hand-held shots, you need at least 1/30 of a second and a steady hand to avoid blurry camera shake. At this point on the trail, mainly forest shots in low light. When shooting the featured photo, that all changed shooting into a bright background, I could put the ISO back to 100, and because I was shooting really wide at 12mm, I lowered the f-stop (open the aperture) to speed up the shutter. Hind site, the f-stop could have been a little higher having achieved 1/320 shutter speed, but it changed with every shot and this scene is gone in minutes.

That above mentioned paragraph sounds confusing, but that’s what’s going through my mind as I’m moving along and assessing everything moment by moment.

Experience has been the best teacher of all.

My metering is Center Weighted, not to confused with Spot metering. So I’m taking several shots, recomposing. I partially depress the shutter button to engage the metering (and focus) near the setting sun, re-frame the shot and follow through pressing the shutter button all the way down. I don’t meter right on the sun, because then the background would likely become too dark. I’m trying to find a medium to medium light area to meter on. You just can’t tell from your built in camera screen exactly what the outcome is, so I focus and recompose about a dozen times moving the spot where I’m metering several times.

This is my typical mode of operation for outdoor photography.

I have to be fluid in this situation…in less than five minutes, the light is gone.

Actual Settings for this Shot

  • Shutter Speed 1/320
  • Aperture (f-stop) 5.6
  • Metering Mode: Center weighted average
  • Exposure Compensation 0
  • ISO Speed 100
  • Focal Length 12mm ultra wide (fish eye range)
  • White Balance Daylight
  • AF Mode – One Shat AF
  • Drive Mode – Single Frame Shooting

The final stage was processing with Photomatix Pro for a very light application of HDR. Then my Lab Sharpening Technique and removing a speck. Time to clean my sensor, I’ll get right on that.

I’ll gladly entertain your questions.

Have fun, keep on clicking and try something new.

Printer Rebates Lexar Rebates Sandisk Rebates Tamron Rebates Olympus Rebates Nikon Rebates Canon Rebates B&H Rebates & Promotions
Also posted in Marc's Photos and Galleries | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What to do with all those Tomatoes?

It’s been a good year with more vegetables to come. Started canning tomatoes in late July!

A List Of This Year’s Fair

  • Tomatoes (Beef Steak, Florida Giants, Cherry, Brandywine and maybe some late Romano)
  • Sweet Red Peppers, Carmen, Mini Round and something unknown
  • Oregano and lot’s of Sweet Basil
  • Black Berries
  • Pears

The area where of the garden is only about 600 square feet. Actual garden space is only about 200 square feet. Here’s the layout.

Determinate and Indeterminate Tomatoes

So far we harvested lots of Beef Steak. These were determinate plants, that is, you get lots of fruit all at once and the plant doesn’t produce anymore. All the other tomato plants in the garden are indeterminate and will keep producing until the first frost. This was a good blend allowing us to get part of the harvest early.

I think I’ll do this again next year.

Pam, my neighbor across the street come over to share some garden vegetables Ben had planted and I returned back to them some home made salsa and tomatoes. Wouldn’t it be great if everyone in the neighborhood had a garden and we all traded veggies? I’d even buy it.

Here’s a shot of the first batch of Beef Steak Tomatoes.

Beef Steak Tomatoes by Marc Mantha

Shooting Details Above Photo -1/4 seconds, f4/0, centerweighted average metering, no exposure compensation, ISO 200, lens  Canon EF 24-105mm L f/4 IS USM, focal length 55mm, white balance Daylight.

Now that I have these beautiful tomatoes, I’ve been looking forward to preparing the salsa recipe from The Harrow Fair Cookbook. I tasted this salsa recipe at my mother’s and it was delicious! Moira Sanders who authored the cookbook with Lori Elstone and Beth Goslin Maloney is happy to share that recipe here with you. Thanks Moira!

Awesome Vegetable Salsa as Featured in The Harrow Fair Cookbook

If you’re a fan of food, this is a great cookbook. It’s a cookbook for everyone. Here’s the recipe straight out of the cookbook…

This Salsa has a lively, fresh taste and is great to have on hand in jars year-round. The recipe is from our friend Tara Meyer, who got it from Art Zitlau, the long-time principle at Harrow Senior Public School. Makes six 16 oz (500ml) jars.

  • The Harrow Fair Cookbook by Moira Sanders10 cups (2.5 L) chopped fresh tomatoes
  • 2 cups (500 mL) chopped yellow onion
  • 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) seeded and finely chopped fresh jalapeno peppers
  • 1 cup (250 mL) finely chopped green pepper
  • 1 cup (250 mL) finely chopped celery
  • 1 cup (250 mL) finely chopped carrots
  • 4 red hot chili peppers, seeded and finely chopped
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3/4 cup (185 mL) white vinegar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon (7 mL) ground cumin
  • 1/2 cup (125 mL) tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup (60 mL) granulated sugar
  • 2 Tbsp (30 mL) kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup (125 mL) finely chopped fresh basil
  • 1/2 cup (125 ml) finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup (60 mL) fresh lime juice

Prepare six 16 oz (500 mL) jars, lids and rings for canning. Hold the sterilized jars in the boiling water canner until needed.

Place all of the chopped vegetables in a large stockpot. Stir in the vinegar, cumin, tomato paste, sugar and salt. Bring the salsa to a boil, then simmer over medium-high heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in the basil, cilantro and lime juice. Remove from the heat. Fill and seal the hot jars one at a time, according the manufacturer’s directions. Process the jars in the boiling water canner for 15 minutes.

STORAGE    Enjoy at any point, but use within 1 year.

>> If you are chopping hot peppers by hand, we recommend wearing plastic gloves. While working, be careful not to touch your face, especially you eyes.

Enjoy the salsa! Have fun.

 

 

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Mr. Chimpanzee’s Chip Truck – A Little HDR

A Simple Shot of a Great Canadian icon – The Chip Truck

When applying HDR, you don’t always have to push it to that famous HDR stylish look. You can keep things real by applying just enough. I’ll share some details with you.

This chip truck is located at Brook’s Farm and the fries are tasty.

I’m using the usual 24-105mm Canon L Series lens, Av (aperture priority). I’ve enjoyed this lens a lot these last few years. It’s not a fast lens but it serves me well as I shoot mainly outdoors or using a tripod. So I really don’t need an f2.8 lens. Shooting with a full frame sensor, I find boosting the ISO not as detrimental as some of the smaller APS sensor cameras I had in the past. I never hesitate to get an ISO boost that speeds up the shutter.

I have test driven the Tokina 16-24mm f2.8 lens. I’ll have more on that very soon. Promise.

First, let’s look at the original shot as is…

Mr. Chimpanzee's Chip Truck

It’s not bad. The sun is a bit intense washing out the nice lime green paint color that looked much richer and deeper to my eyes.

Mid day sun doesn’t favor photography in most instances, But some gentle HDR can help restore this while keeping things looking real and pumping in just a little more “dynamic range” that also reveals more details that our eyes are capable of seeing.

When I refer to HDR processing, I’m talking about Tone Mapping using Photomatix Pro.

Here’s The After (click to enlarge)

The Green Chip Truck at Brooks Farm photo by Marc Mantha

A Outline of the Process

  • Single Shot Raw Format
  • Open in PhotoShop Raw Editor, create 3 exposures (+2, 0, -2) and save as JPEGs
  • Open all 3 exposures in Photomatix Pro and select Tone Mapping
  • Using any of the presets will inevitably be too bold and highly stylized. Adjusting and experimenting with the settings will give you the best results for a gentler more realistic application of Tone Mapping.

I have some more goodies coming up!

Stay tuned and have fun. Yes, you guessed it…fun is good!

Questions? Ask me anything.

 

Leave a comment

Bring Me Sunshine

The Jive Aces present Bring Me SunshineSkip the evening news tonight.

There are better things that can upgrade your reality. This is also a great way to break up the workday.

Here’s a video as suggested by Warren Lobo.

The Jive Aces present: Bring Me Sunshine

Have fun. Fun is good. Have some everyday.

Thanks Warren.

Also posted in Fun and Entertaining | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Angel’s Guardian by Ryan Jaime

Editing Skills Take You To The Limits

The better a photographer’s skills in digital editing, the more they can present what manifests in their creative minds.

Over to Ryan…

Everyone knows the idea of a guardian angel, but what about an Angel’s Guardian? What protects an angel until it is ready to fulfill its purpose. Just a random thought that spiraled into this. Click the image below for a larger more detailed version.

Angels Guardian Ryan Jaime

I spent a lot of time on this project. Here is a video I created for this piece. Although not a detailed step by step (since I created it after the piece was finished) this video gives some simplified insight on the project process. Enjoy.

Ryan’s been a member of our friendly forum community for sometime. When he popped in recently, he showed us this remarkable art piece in our PhotosShop Lounge. I was impressed and ask Ryan if he’d like to share his work and he kindly obliged. We knew Angel’s Guardian would fit in nicely with the global talents we like to showcase at MAMAphotography.ca.

Ryan is a talented event photographer. Visit his website.

Thank you Ryan, always a pleasure!

Also posted in Feature Photographers & Artists | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Kids Rule! with Paul Ripke

Paul Ripke Feature

“Grown Ups” is a hilarious photo switch up series.

This is pure digital fun! Paul has amazing and diverse talents, one of which is to entertain you through digital media. This is a series of photos with really tight editing. Wouldn’t this be a most awesome keepsake moms and dads? Surely you budding photographers and editors are going to give this a try. Paul joined art director Florian Schmucke and post production company POP to develope this entertaining series of head swapping fun.

Just click on any of these thumbs in the gallery to view the show.

PaulRipke1.jpgPaulRipke10.jpgPaulRipke11.jpgPaulRipke13.pngPaulRipke14.pngPaulRipke16.pngPaulRipke2.jpgPaulRipke3.jpgPaulRipke4.jpgPaulRipke5.jpgPaulRipke6.jpgPaulRipke7.jpgPaulRipke8.jpgPaulRipke9.jpg

 

I Love PhotographyPaul is from Germany and has a remarkable portfolio.

Now that you’ve had a chance to see his work here, do visit his web site. His breadth of digital talents are outstanding eye-candy. Enjoy!

Paul, thanks for sharing your work with us. You make minds bubble with ideas!

Fun is good.

Printer Rebates Lexar Rebates Sandisk Rebates Tamron Rebates Olympus Rebates Nikon Rebates Canon Rebates B&H Rebates & Promotions
Also posted in Feature Photographers & Artists | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

New York City Goes Vertigo with Alfonso Zubiaga

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, Alfonso Zubiaga takes digital media and photography for a loop.

c0-2-photography-by-alfonso-zubiaga.jpgc10-1-photography-by-alfonso-zubiaga.jpgc13-3-photography-by-alfonso-zubiaga.jpgc14-14-photography-by-alfonso-zubiaga.jpgc30-12-photography-by-alfonso-zubiaga.jpgc43-6-photography-by-alfonso-zubiaga.jpgc59-7-photography-by-alfonso-zubiaga.jpgc68-10-photography-by-alfonso-zubiaga.jpgc75-5-photography-by-alfonso-zubiaga.jpgc81-8-photography-by-alfonso-zubiaga.jpgc96-11-photography-by-alfonso-zubiaga.jpgc98-4-photography-by-alfonso-zubiaga.jpg

New York City Photography by Alfonso Zubiaga

Alfonso’s technique creates architectural geometry that has a visually magnetic pull. It’s just plain cool! The photos were taken from the Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building and other New York City landmarks.

Photography by Alfonso Zubiaga

I contacted Alfonso a short while ago to get the OK to showcase his own creative perspective on one of the most photographed cities in the world. Kudos to Alfonso for becoming the photographer of the hour when it comes to New York. It’s not all he does. He’s very accomplished commercially and commercial work does not seem to interfere with stretching his creativity either.

The New York city photography is captivating using a technique of layering several images to make visual magic.

You can see more of Alfonso Zubiaga’s work here and here and here too.

Congratulations Alfonso. Very engaging work! Thank you for sharing and inspiring others.

Your comments? :)

Also posted in Feature Photographers & Artists | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

5 Key Facts About Twitter

 

  • About 9% of adult Americans use twitter. Around 21 million versus 152 million facebook users.

  • The average twitter user has 27 followers.

  • 25% of twitter accounts have no followers.

  • 40% of twitter accounts have never tweeted.

  • 18% of twitter users tweet once a day.

  • Bonus fact – the average 4-year-old asks over 400 questions a day.

Click here for 5 Key facts about facebook.

Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment