Showing posts with label nikkor 60mm. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nikkor 60mm. Show all posts

Thursday, December 24, 2009

On the Level

OK, so I missed a few days, but here I am and I am staying on subject; studio photography, today being table top studio photography. I like to pick various objects from around me and see what happens. I didn't think much of the dull ordinariness of white lights upon this carpenters level so I brought in some colored highlights by setting up a couple of outdoor floodlights. That bit of blue is a highlight from the beam of an LED flashlight, hand held, to place an emphasis.


1/50 sec. f=? ISO 200 Nikon 70-210 "E" at Macro

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Experiment and Evaluate

Today I decided to exercise a different approach in my post, rather than displaying images I wish to share with others, I have chosen to get a wee bit technical.

As some of you already know, for me the process is as important as the final result. Utilizing quality tools is one of the pleasures that drives me through those processes. This is one reason why I continue to shoot film even though I also shoot digital. It is also why I scour ebay in search of equipment gems with which to over-stuff my gadget bag.

A short time ago I acquired a pristine Nikkor AF-D 60mm micro lens and what does one do with a new - er um, toy? Well you immediately go play with it don't you? I know I do, thus I attached the new-to-me lens onto my D70, screwed on a circular polarizing filter, and headed to the beach.

This was near the end of September and being in Canada only driftwood hunters occupy the beaches, and only anglers sail upon the waters, so I wasn't left with much subject, not to worry though, shooting digital the photographer in me could afford to experiment. What lay before me was a wonderful opportunity to improve my skills with the polarizer, so during that dreaded time of day - mid afternoon - I set out to build filter muscle. It was a good exercise.

I encourage all photographers who want self-improvement to upon occasion set out with minimal gear and a very defined objective, you will absolutely become a better photographer as a result.


All images:
Nikon D70 - Nikkor AF-D 60mm - Cokin Circular Polarizer
ISO400 (equivalent) - Aperture Priority

Note:
Only 1 minute passed from the first to last image. All lighting effects a result of filter adjustment.

click on images for larger view

1/400 sec. @ f5.0 2:40:00 pm



1/500 sec. @ f5.6 2:40:03 pm



1/250 sec. @ f8.0 2:41:02 pm

These photos were not taken as compositions but as studies in the filter effect.
My favorite effect is the last photo; I am particular to the tonal changes in the water, the sky color, cloud texture and the contrast in the forest. I also believe the color to be the most accurate.

Which is your favorite, and why?