Friday, December 25, 2009

Poor Man's Studio Lights

Poor Man's Studio Lights, that is exactly what these are; they cost me about 50 cents a piece at a yard sale. Through rummage sales I have gathered a fair collection of cheap, usable lighting - spots, floods, blue, red, green, yellow, and some strange in-between color shifts that provide me with a pleasant versatility. Oh, and sometimes even a pleasant subject in and of themselves!




1/350 sec. f/5.6 ISO 200 300mm

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

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Photo Of the Day - Coyote

Ever tried to get to get a coyote to stand still in the studio?
It is much easier with a figurine!



122mm 1/40 sec. f6.3 ISO 200 Tripod

Studio Still Life

For the next few posts I am going to try my hand at Photo Of the Day kind of postings - 1 picture a day, posted almost daily. I really enjoy studio photography so here goes...


This is not a toy. It is an actual sewing machine from the early twentieth century. It belongs to my last surviving Aunty, who has used it extensively over the years. Her daughters all learnt to sew upon this wonderful piece of machinery.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Salmon Arm Sites - Nature Trail

Over the next few blog posts I expect to present a small tour along some of Salmon Arm's photogenic walks. For today I have selected three photos capturing the Salmon Arm Naturalist's Nature Trail and one shot representing the type of view one can expect while using this awesome walkway.

Early Autumn View of Trail

55mm; ISO 1600; 1/750; f8; tripod

Cyclist On Trail Near One Of Many Observation Decks

80mm; ISO 200; 1/180; f11; tripod

Cyclists Resting On A Bench Watch An Eagle Flying Low Over the Water

60mm; ISO 800; 1/2000; f8.0; handheld

Heron, Geese, and Ducks Made Their Home Here Long Before Houseboats Moved In

310mm; ISO 800; 1/8000; f5.3; handheld

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?

Friday, October 23, 2009

A Wedding Slide Show

It is no doubt a good thing that I do not have many followers on this blog yet because it is not easy to establish the habit of regular, frequent posting, especially in the midst of a busy life, yet at least I have somehow found my way here again. Who knows when the next post will be?

Amongst the busyness of this year I have gained two beautiful nieces through the process of weddings, and I must say that my nephews have done very well for themselves!

Though I was not the primary photographer at either wedding I did press the shutter a few thousand times between the two events and have been pleased with many of the shots from both ceremonies. The first wedding I shared here a couple of posts ago and the second wedding I have decided to share with you in the form of a video slide show set to the music the couple used as the wedding party made the march to the altar. I hope you enjoy the presentation.