Another Arizona POTN get together (3)?

[AZAlphaDog]

Well... I will first start by saying there are numerous methods all over the net... and I tried most of them...LOL.

When you say "methods" what you really mean is "targets" or ways to determine how much the lens is out of adjustment, right.

If your camera body doesn't have a micro-focus adjustment feature, and you don't want to send all your bodies and lens to Canon for calibration what other "methods" are there for adjusting front/back focus issues with bodies/lens'?

[FlyingPhotog]

When you say "methods" what you really mean is "targets" or ways to determine how much the lens is out of adjustment, right.

Correct. In fact (sorry Hatch), Canon suggests using vertical surfaces that have good contrast and not a sloping chart.

If your camera body doesn't have a micro-focus adjustment feature, and you don't want to send all your bodies and lens to Canon for calibration what other "methods" are there for adjusting front/back focus issues with bodies/lens'?

Tweak the focus via MF...

[matrix311]

I have the 7D so I may give it a shot. So when you dial a lens in, is that specific lens stored within the memory of the camera? So whenever that specific lens is attached it will recognize it? You dont need to redial a lens in everytime you swap lenses do you?

[FlyingPhotog]

I have the 7D so I may give it a shot. So when you dial a lens in, is that specific lens stored within the memory of the camera? So whenever that specific lens is attached it will recognize it? You dont need to redial a lens in everytime you swap lenses do you?

The body knows...

In fact, it's smart enough to store the info for a given lens minus TC and plus TC as two different "lenses!"

Handy when you work with large primes and shoot with/without extenders!

Truth be told though, I've never tweaked any glass on my MkIII. Why find out it's me and not the gear, right? :lol:

[AZAlphaDog]

I have the 7D so I may give it a shot. So when you dial a lens in, is that specific lens stored within the memory of the camera? So whenever that specific lens is attached it will recognize it? You dont need to redial a lens in everytime you swap lenses do you?

Oh, oh I want to take this one!

Noted in the manual that came with your camera you will find the option to adjust per individual lens or for all lens attached, and the information is stored in you camera for every time you attach a specific lens to your body.

I hooked mine up to my laptop and shot tests tethered and made adjustments and made another test shot and looked at it on screen at 100% and made additional adjustments until I think I got it right.

[Kristy]

Correct. In fact (sorry Hatch), Canon suggests using vertical surfaces that have good contrast and not a sloping chart.

had to jump in here.... you know..... in support of my partner and all.. lol...

If you look at the lens align.. you'll see that there is a vertical square shaped thing with some star looking patterns on it..... that is what you focus on.. the center one... great contrast for the lens to grab at...

The sloped chart to the right of that focus panel is just to allow you to see where the focus falls in real time.... kinda hard to see it on a flat surface... :)

Limiting factor as far as I can tell is on zoom lenses... you have to find a "happy place" that covers both the wide end and the long end of your lens.... you can't set separate adjustments for each end....

Does all of that make sense...?

All in all... it's an incredibly useful tool and very much worth the peace of mind. Lord knows Canon Factory Service is unable to achieve such results with their fancy calibration equipment and trained employees.... why waste valuable time sending it in, when you can DIY... :)

(jumping back out now...) :)

[FlyingPhotog]

Kristy, you can do the same thing with seven toy blocks or AA batteries and a yardstick for a lot cheaper... ;)

[cntry]

From the new phone, had to call ATT to get it working in readneckville

[FlyingPhotog]

From the new phone, had to call ATT to get it working in readneckville

Welcome back to civilization. Honestly, you didn't miss much... ;)

[Kristy]

Kristy, you can do the same thing with seven toy blocks or AA batteries and a yardstick for a lot cheaper... ;)

Not for the fine adjustment that you get off of that yardstick though.. it just simplifies the process and makes it super easy to get a precise adjustment number dialed in... for those who are completely anal retentive when it comes to focus accuracay.... (**cough cough**) haha

[FlyingPhotog]

Nobody I know... :p ;)

[Kristy]

Nobody I know... :p ;)

Me neither..... :oops:

[Hatch1921]

had to jump in here.... you know..... in support of my partner and all.. lol...

If you look at the lens align.. you'll see that there is a vertical square shaped thing with some star looking patterns on it..... that is what you focus on.. the center one... great contrast for the lens to grab at...

The sloped chart to the right of that focus panel is just to allow you to see where the focus falls in real time.... kinda hard to see it on a flat surface... :)

Limiting factor as far as I can tell is on zoom lenses... you have to find a "happy place" that covers both the wide end and the long end of your lens.... you can't set separate adjustments for each end....

Does all of that make sense...?

All in all... it's an incredibly useful tool and very much worth the peace of mind. Lord knows Canon Factory Service is unable to achieve such results with their fancy calibration equipment and trained employees.... why waste valuable time sending it in, when you can DIY... :)

(jumping back out now...) :)

Thanks partner!

Jay... you are correct... and Canon is correct... the angle test is what I would assume they are talking about. You do shoot a vertical target... the angled ruler shows the DOF and where your focus is hitting.

Sample below.... I think I have the 85mm adjusted at +2 or +3 backwards to get it centered. It wasn't all that far off...



http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4750543234_689a7a2941_o.jpg

[Kristy]

Thanks partner!

Jay... you are correct... and Canon is correct... the angle test is what I would assume they are talking about. You do shoot a vertical target... the angled ruler shows the DOF and where your focus is hitting.

Sample below.... I think I have the 85mm adjusted at +2 or +3 backwards to get it centered. It wasn't all that far off...





Excellent illustration...!!! :) We should work for their sales department, huh? Might be worth the commission check.... or at least a free device. hahaha...

[Kristy]

off and running.... Happy Wednesday all!! :)

[FlyingPhotog]

And what insures that the >>>0<<< point on the scale always hits exactly in plane with the target?

[Hatch1921]

Excellent illustration...!!! :) We should work for their sales department, huh? Might be worth the commission check.... or at least a free device. hahaha...


Would be nice... I know a few people who made the leap... as we know... it isn't cheap... but... it provides a way to repeat the process over and over and you know in the end... your lens will hit... or it needs to go back to the manufacture.

The link I posted... the guy shows a 50mm F/1.8 he didn't adjust... said the AF was all over the place.

[Hatch1921]

And what insures that the >>>0<<< point on the scale always hits exactly in plane with the target?

They have instructional videos... :) They also now have an online calculator for the distance you need from the taget to the lens based on the focal length. (zooms...you're screwed)

I measure the height to the center of the target
then the height to the center of the lens
then I move the lens back the distance from the lens to the target according to the focal length.

There is a flap you open to help you align the lens on the tool ...to see the dots... so they are vertical/horizontal..... or level to the target you are shooting.

You close the flap.... rack the lens... and then shoot it wide open... do this a couple of times to allow the AF to do its job.

Make a MA +5 repeat the process.... make another MA +10 and so on.... take the files in to the computer... and see what the lens is doing. Mine wasn't in need of a full +5 backwards... so... I adjusted to I think +3... and shot again... it hits.

Any of this make sense? LOL

[FlyingPhotog]

So is the lens <---> target distance to the "film plane" or the nodal point?

[Hatch1921]

So is the lens <---> target distance to the "film plane" or the nodal point?


From my understanding it is the distance from the target to the tip of the lens...

[FlyingPhotog]

Interesting...

Kind of surprising, but interesting.

[Hatch1921]

http://videos.lensalign.com/LensAlign/LensAlign-Video-User-Guide/6830310_fnpyr


Vids

[Hatch1921]

Interesting...

Kind of surprising, but interesting.


I tried using targets online... I tried the 45 degree tripod to target thing... batteries... cans... you name it. I just didn't feel my gear was dialed in. Kristy and I decided to pick this thing up and it works... I have sharp shots... no complaints. :)

[Hatch1921]

He purchased the longer Lens Align... might be useful for your big lenses... but... from the looks of things.. your gear hits.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=894750

[FlyingPhotog]

And he sticks it on a ball head...? Yeah, that'll make sure it's entirely level... :rolleyes:

[Hatch1921]

And he sticks it on a ball head...? Yeah, that'll make sure it's entirely level... :rolleyes:


LOL I go about it differently... but.. the main thing is getting the red dots aligned... all three... and it can be a pain... but... in the end if the images are sharp... it's what counts for me. :D

[itsmejson]

wish i had this af micro adjustment on my xs haha.

seems pretty simple enough, but wow lens align is pretty pricey.

[Hatch1921]

wish i had this af micro adjustment on my xs haha.

seems pretty simple enough, but wow lens align is pretty pricey.


I agree... it isn't cheap... and I'm sure there are cheaper alternatives... but... if you have a ton of $ in gear... it's not a big exspese in the scheme of things.

Would be nice if all lenses just hit the mark to begin with. Jay and I were just talking about this. My 5D and 20D... no issues... 5D2... all lenses needed some adjusting.

[BrianAZ]

I've had focus issues with my 5D. I was able to use a lens align to test my equipment. I fully agree with Frank and Kristy that it is by far the most accurate way to test, and I say that having used paper targets, batteries and other things.

What I was able to discover is that my body consistent in it's backfocus problem, and is far more pronounced when using outer focus points. Having had a similar experience as Kristy with Canon's service, I found a compensating technique that will work for me until I get a Microfocus body.

[Hatch1921]

Thanks for the backup Brian :) Hope all is well... haven't talked in some time... how is the new place?


One more shot...@ F/1.8 11x14 link below
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4750344579_43880c65f6_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4750344579_5c8b25abaf_o.jpg

[itsmejson]

I was in WA all last wk and took a shot of the space needle on a cloudy day and this is how it turned out. My question, how could i have taken this picture right the first time without it being so gray instead of having to adjust in PP later? I'm still learning and anything helps.

Comments welcomed thx guys
-f/5
-1/800
-iso 100
-44mm

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4751022848_e645991d07_z.jpg

[FlyingPhotog]

Spot Meter one of the legs and open up about 1/2 to 2/3 of a stop...

I'll guess you were in Evaluative Metering and all that claggy sky fooled your meter and under exposed the tower itself. Of course, if you metered only the underside, it would have come out looking like you cut and pasted it over a white background in Photoshop.

IOW, you've got a dynamic range that is beyond what a digital sensor can handle. Earlier in the morning or later in the evening would have reigned that in more.

[itsmejson]

Spot Meter one of the legs and open up about 1/2 to 2/3 of a stop...

I'll guess you were in Evaluative Metering and all that claggy sky fooled your meter and under exposed the tower itself. Of course, if you metered only the underside, it would have come out looking like you cut and pasted it over a white background in Photoshop.

IOW, you've got a dynamic range that is beyond what a digital sensor can handle. Earlier in the morning or later in the evening would have reigned that in more.

Yes had it in evaluative, don't have spot meter on my XS only partial and center weighted. Which would have worked best? lol yea did try to mess around with it in photoshop and it indeed looked like a white background.

could you explain what you mean - earlier in am or pm would have reigned that in more?
thx flyingphotog

[FlyingPhotog]

Yes had it in evaluative, don't have spot meter on my XS only partial and center weighted. Which would have worked best? lol yea did try to mess around with it in photoshop and it indeed looked like a white background.

could you explain what you mean - earlier in am or pm would have reigned that in more?
thx flyingphotog

Please, call me Jay... ;0

My point was that the difference between light and shadow would have been easier to capture at either morning or evening twilight. Either before the sun was up or after it went down.

Notice the harsh shadows here:
http://jcbeckman.zenfolio.com/img/s2/v1/p453775980-4.jpg

The camera can't capture the shadows if I've exposed for the walls.

Exhibit B:
http://jcbeckman.zenfolio.com/img/s5/v4/p200423668-5.jpg

This was probably 15-20 minutes after the sun had actually set so the ratio of highlights to shadows is much narrower.

[cntry]

So a "lens align" meet up seems in order, say sedona?? So much $ a lens, when we get everyone's lenses sharp, out to shoot sedona??
Anyway just a thought, about time we all got together anyway.......

I agree... it isn't cheap... and I'm sure there are cheaper alternatives... but... if you have a ton of $ in gear... it's not a big exspese in the scheme of things.

Would be nice if all lenses just hit the mark to begin with. Jay and I were just talking about this. My 5D and 20D... no issues... 5D2... all lenses needed some adjusting.

[itsmejson]

Please, call me Jay... ;0

My point was that the difference between light and shadow would have been easier to capture at either morning or evening twilight. Either before the sun was up or after it went down.

Notice the harsh shadows here:

The camera can't capture the shadows if I've exposed for the walls.

Exhibit B:

This was probably 15-20 minutes after the sun had actually set so the ratio of highlights to shadows is much narrower.

gotcha thanks for the explanation jay. for my pic of the needle whether or not I changed the metering I still would have been left with the same outcome as your exhibit A. If I would have waited later or gone earlier then I could have ended up with Exhibit B? lol
So a "lens align" meet up seems in order, say sedona?? So much $ a lens, when we get everyone's lenses sharp, out to shoot sedona??
Anyway just a thought, about time we all got together anyway.......

well don't know how to lens align on my xs but I surely am done for a meetup to sedona;) I've never been there yet since moving to AZ.

[FlyingPhotog]

gotcha thanks for the explanation jay. for my pic of the needle whether or not I changed the metering I still would have been left with the same outcome as your exhibit A. If I would have waited later or gone earlier then I could have ended up with Exhibit B? lol

More or less... If I'd have exposed my Exhibit A for the blue door, the walls would have blown out to a featureless blob of white. Likewise, had you exposed for the underside of the Needle, your sky would have totally blown out and a goodly portion of the legs as well.

That's why I suggested metering the legs but opening up a little since they're actually pretty light to begin with (above 18% grey) so you'd need a little positive exposure compensation. ;)

[scottcolbath]

Kristy, you can do the same thing with seven toy blocks or AA batteries and a yardstick for a lot cheaper... ;)

Ha. TFF. :lol:

S.C.

[FlyingPhotog]

In defense of not tweaking lenses:

Article (http://photofocus.com/2010/06/30/solving-cameralens-hypochondria/)

;)

[scottcolbath]

In defense of not tweaking lenses:

Article (http://photofocus.com/2010/06/30/solving-cameralens-hypochondria/)

;)

Nicely done.

S.C.

[cntry]

Ok, so it's just a meet-up, (hatch if you bring the stuff I'd like to check mine) Hypochondria...what........I think a meet up is in order whether I'm a condriac or not (either I really suck or my 50D isn't focusing correctly). And if no lens fixing we meet-up and have fun shooting the Red Rocks, although mine will be blurry :)

In defense of not tweaking lenses:

Article (http://photofocus.com/2010/06/30/solving-cameralens-hypochondria/)

;)

[disneydork06]

My biggest problem is with i Tunes, I just hate it, but in time I will figure it all out. So anyone have tips for any free apps for this phone? Not going to buy any till I decide if I'm going to keep it.......
i've never bought an app. usually the ones I find/need are free. every now and then i search the what's hot in free apps. pandora internet radio is one of the best apps when you need music. but since the 2 gig limit wireless works best with it. There are many articles out there on what apps people should get and I use that to help me find free apps.
In defense of not tweaking lenses:

Article (http://photofocus.com/2010/06/30/solving-cameralens-hypochondria/)

;)
yes...that's why I don't check my equipment...I need to be better than my equipment first :-D

[Hatch1921]

Ok, so it's just a meet-up, (hatch if you bring the stuff I'd like to check mine) Hypochondria...what........I think a meet up is in order whether I'm a condriac or not (either I really suck or my 50D isn't focusing correctly). And if no lens fixing we meet-up and have fun shooting the Red Rocks, although mine will be blurry :)


How much cooler is it up in Sedona? Did they close Red Rock park? I would be up for something... just need a cool temp and location to meet LOL or a studio.

[Hatch1921]

In defense of not tweaking lenses:

Article (http://photofocus.com/2010/06/30/solving-cameralens-hypochondria/)

;)


Made me chuckle! No time to reply... have to go check my lenses... they could be losing focus as I type this.;)

Hatch

[Hatch1921]

If you don't want to spent the $$$ buying it....

http://www.lensrentals.com/rent/lensalign

[FlyingPhotog]

Randy's living room floor is probably cooler than Sedona. I know Jerome can be a b*tch in the summer so no point in going there.

Flag would be fun but it might give Ryan flashbacks! :lol:
Anyone else been to Sunset Crater or Wupatki?

How about a group on a houseboat up at Powell or over at Mead?

Kristy is our resident boat expert...

[Hatch1921]

Randy's living room floor is probably cooler than Sedona. I know Jerome can be a b*tch in the summer so no point in going there.

Flag would be fun but it might give Ryan flashbacks! :lol:
Anyone else been to Sunset Crater or Wupatki?

How about a group on a houseboat up at Powell or over at Mead?

Kristy is our resident boat expert...


Lake Mead might be cool? I'll be in Vegas from the 29th of July to 2 Aug... but.. I'm thinking it will be Africa hot there as well.

Never been to Sunset Crater or Wupatki...

[Kristy]

Randy's living room floor is probably cooler than Sedona. I know Jerome can be a b*tch in the summer so no point in going there.

Flag would be fun but it might give Ryan flashbacks! :lol:
Anyone else been to Sunset Crater or Wupatki?

How about a group on a houseboat up at Powell or over at Mead?

Kristy is our resident boat expert...

Sold the boat last year... :( Missing it now......

Lake Powell would be phenemonal!!! http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=lake+powell

[FlyingPhotog]

Sold the boat last year... :( Missing it now......

Lake Powell would be phenemonal!!! http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=lake+powell

Nice!

The Greer / Springerville / Hanigan's Meadow area is really nice as well...

Great "beat the heat" location!

[scottcolbath]

Anyone else been to Sunset Crater or Wupatki?


Yes. Cool place. I would recommend going there if you've never been. Do the entire drive, entering at Sunset Crater and out the other end, which dumps you back on 89 about 10 miles North of the entrance. It's 30 miles of niceness. Surely a sunset drive is the best option.

After that, have dinner at Brandy's in Flagstaff. They have a great dinner menu with some wild things on it.

http://www.brandysrestaurant.com/

S.C.

[BrianAZ]

@Hatch - Life is just crazy. I really want to keep my old place as a dedicated studio, but managing the upkeep on two houses is killing me. I'm hoping life will settle down once we get all our furniture and feel like we are "moved in".

[BrianAZ]

How about Monument Valley for a meetup? :)

[FlyingPhotog]

I'm hoping to get back up to the Four Corners in the fall.

[cntry]

Now your talking!! Didn't think anyone would come this far up.....
Anywhere cool is fine with me, Monument Valley or Moab Utah??

Nice!

The Greer / Springerville / Hanigan's Meadow area is really nice as well...

Great "beat the heat" location!

[jbdavies]

If you guys do Lake Powell... keep me informed! I love Lake Powell!!! And it's about the same distance for me as it is you guys. :)

[matrix311]

So the Craigslist add I shared a few days ago of the guy trying to use the "white van" tactic to sell a super cheap POS lens which sells on Ebay for $35 is back at it again. He said he paid $1300 for this lens and was selling it for $800. Now he's got it posted online again for $300. What a moron!

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/pho/1821301672.html

Flag his post or send him a friendly email!

[Hatch1921]

@Hatch - Life is just crazy. I really want to keep my old place as a dedicated studio, but managing the upkeep on two houses is killing me. I'm hoping life will settle down once we get all our furniture and feel like we are "moved in".


Hope things slow down for you :)

PV disc 81 arrived today....check your mail :)

Hatch

[Michael O]

Hey Everyone, it looks like I might be selling some stuff, so I am going to post here first, before I listed on the "for sale" forum and craigslist. Let me know if interested in any of this stuff. Will take pictures over the weekend.

Photoflex LiteDome Q39, Medium Softbox , 24x32x17" (61x81x43cm) http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/135645-REG/Photoflex_XT_2MLD293_LiteDome_Q39_Medium_Softbox.h tml
Photoflex Nylon Fabric Grid for Medium (24 x 32") Softbox http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/145111-REG/Photoflex_AC_GRIDM_Nylon_Fabric_Grid_for.html
Photoflex Speed Ring Octo Connector for Paul Buff Monolights http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/240187-REG/Photoflex_SC_B9005PBR_Speed_Ring_Octo_Connector.ht ml
Norman 812635 Speed Ring Adapter for Elinchrom http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/350716-REG/Norman_812635_812635_Speed_Ring_Adapter.html
Photoflex Adjustable Shoe Mount Connector for X-Small Litedome http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/197439-REG/Photoflex_AC_B222SM_Adjustable_Shoe_Mount_Connecto r.html
Photoflex Basic Speed Ring for X-Small LiteDome Q39 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/42441-REG/Photoflex_AC_B200SC_Speed_Ring_for_X_Small.html

The soft box is in like new condition, only used it a few times. The speed ring has the norman Elinchrom adapter installed but I still have the AB ring. The shoe mount connector and bracket work great with speedlights. Would prefer to sell it all as a package.

Avenger A475B - Baby Combi-Boom Aluminum Stand, Black - 7' (2m) http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/200109-REG/Avenger_A4041B_A475B_Baby_Combi_Boom.html

Photoflex Telescopic Litedisc Holder - 36-67" (91-170cm) http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/42107-REG/Photoflex_DL_BHOLDER_Telescopic_Litedisc_Holder.ht ml

Speedotron "Beauty Dish" Grid Reflector - 22" http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/133201-REG/Speedotron_14236_Beauty_Dish_Grid_Reflector.html
Has the norman Elinchrom adapter installed, but I still have the original monting adapter.

The Vagabond II Portable Power System http://www.alienbees.com/VIIsystem.html
Purchased in April and I used it about 3 times.

Maha PowerEx MH-C401FS 100 Minute Cool AA/AAA Battery Charger with AC/DC Car Charger + 4 2700 mAh Nimh (AA) Batteries http://www.amazon.com/Maha-PowerEx-MH-C401FS-Battery-Batteries/dp/B002WV2E68/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1278025477&sr=8-4

I have two of them, in like new condition, I got the 8 battery charger and I don't use them. Each comes with 4 AA 2700 mAh Nimh (AA) Batteries.

One Elinchrom STYLE 300S monolight (300W)
One Elinchrom STYLE 600S monolight (600W) The handle on top has been cut off.
Elinchrom AW 33197 Soft Bag for 2 Compacts or Heads

Would like to sell the lights and bag as a package.

One Nikon SB-28DX - Has some scratches, not on the display. It works great, no corrosion.

Will not list this stuff anywhere until next week, so if you are interested in anything let me know. I have not decided on any prices, since I am just starting my research, so all offers will be considered.

Thanks
Michael O

[irishman]

Now your talking!! Didn't think anyone would come this far up.....
Anywhere cool is fine with me, Monument Valley or Moab Utah??

I'm headed to Moab tomorrow--looks only about 12-15 degrees cooler there than here. :cry:

[Ruckus99ss]

entered puppy in another contest..need some help again! (dont have to log in allows 1 vote per ip address)
http://www.moderndogmagazine.com/photocontest/dogs/10/07/01/roxi
used this pic
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs070.ash2/36887_573072706382_84102433_32914007_7963490_n.jpg

[disneydork06]

Randy's living room floor is probably cooler than Sedona. I know Jerome can be a b*tch in the summer so no point in going there.

Flag would be fun but it might give Ryan flashbacks! :lol:
Anyone else been to Sunset Crater or Wupatki?

How about a group on a houseboat up at Powell or over at Mead?

Kristy is our resident boat expert...
LOL, those would be GREAT flashbacks, :lol: downtown flag would be fun

[AZAutoPhoto]

Well everyone. I leave at 4 on saturday for a two week trip to Tegucigalpa, Honduras. I will be bringing my XSi, Nifty Fifty, 18-55 IS kit lens, a MF 135mm prime, 25Gb of memory, and 4 batteries. I am going with a group from my church to help build facilities for an orphanage, but I hope to spend any spare time taking once in a lifetime pictures.

I don't know if anyone here has been in a situation like this, where photography will be acceptable for very limited times when we aren't working, but if you guys have any hints for shooting in this new/weird environment I would love to hear them.

Hope to talk to you all in two weeks! :)

[TaggM]

Well everyone. I leave at 4 on saturday for a two week trip to Tegucigalpa, Honduras.... ... but if you guys have any hints for shooting in this new/weird environment I would love to hear them.

Hope to talk to you all in two weeks! :)

Rainsleeve?

[AZAutoPhoto]

Rainsleeve?

A few trash bags, and a towel. I didn't have time to buy a proper sleeve. Oh, and also a gallon ziplock bag... should be enough I hope.

[AZAlphaDog]

Well everyone. I leave at 4 on saturday for a two week trip to Tegucigalpa, Honduras. I will be bringing my XSi, Nifty Fifty, 18-55 IS kit lens, a MF 135mm prime, 25Gb of memory, and 4 batteries. I am going with a group from my church to help build facilities for an orphanage, but I hope to spend any spare time taking once in a lifetime pictures.

I don't know if anyone here has been in a situation like this, where photography will be acceptable for very limited times when we aren't working, but if you guys have any hints for shooting in this new/weird environment I would love to hear them.

Hope to talk to you all in two weeks! :)

Approach it like a journalist and look for that pulitzer prize image . . .

It may require you to step up your game, heck who am I kidding it would require anyone to step up their games as getting these kinds of shots is magic.

Look here for some inspiration: Reportage (http://www.reportage-bygettyimages.com/#p=emerging_talent)

[AZAutoPhoto]

Wow. So much emotion in those pictures...

[AZAlphaDog]

Now you know what kind of images you are trying to capture . . .


You got a fancy camera so it shouldn't be too hard :lol::lol:

[AZAutoPhoto]

Now you know what kind of images you are trying to capture . . .


You got a fancy camera so it shouldn't be too hard :lol::lol:

:) So basically I just aim this round thing at something interesting and press this button right? Whats scary is that some of the people I'm going with are probably going to take better pics on their $200 point and shoots...


I know that if I expect to have greatness waiting for me when I view the pics in two weeks I will be disappointed. I will just keep my eyes open for the right time and maybe I will get something I like. If not, hell at least I got to visit a third world country.

[AZAlphaDog]

Because it is, as you say a "once in a lifetime experience" you could go to Tempe Camera and rent a 70mm - 200mm f2.8 non-IS lens for $54 per week . . .

A little over a hundred bucks and tons of time to shoot in low light and from farther away, or just put on your 50mm 1.8 and have a more positive attitude about the types of images you will get.

If you go into it believing you will come away with mediocrity, than you can bet that you will get mediocre images.

If you go into it with the attitude that you will reach for the stars the worst thing that happens is you come away with a hand full of glitter.

Even Yoda said it in Star Wars, "Try you will not, succeed you must"

[AZAutoPhoto]

Alright. I will be sure to show my success to you all in two weeks:) Thanks for the encouragement Yoda :lol:

[-AP-]

If you go into it believing you will come away with mediocrity, than you can bet that you will get mediocre images.

If you go into it with the attitude that you will reach for the stars the worst thing that happens is you come away with a hand full of glitter.


Wow, that's pretty deep.. lol


EDIT; Don't know anything about Honduras, but the post reminded me of this recent video I saw.
http://www.joeyl.com/blog/

Best of luck, it sounds very exciting.

[Hatch1921]

Have a fun trip in Honduras. Lots of good advice above... just document the trip...remember to get some detail shots... and maybe make yourself shoot every few hours to document the progress of the construction project? I was lucky enough to spend 30 days in El Salvador building schools for a small community. Super nice people...had a great timeI!!! I wasn't in to photography at the time :( looking back... would have been wonderful to capture a few memories.

Have a safe trip.... look forward to the shots.

Hatch

[disneydork06]

Approach it like a journalist and look for that pulitzer prize image . . .

It may require you to step up your game, heck who am I kidding it would require anyone to step up their games as getting these kinds of shots is magic.

Look here for some inspiration: Reportage (http://www.reportage-bygettyimages.com/#p=emerging_talent)

I sometimes take a look at my old advisors website for some inspiration and to see what people who graduate after me are doing. http://www.schwepkerphoto.com/nau.html
my advisor used to shoot for the republic and has lots of great students who have picked up photojournalism (not me). just a good reference to see how they're all doing

[itsmejson]

anyone know of any good photography classes here in the valley?

Do any of you guys know about how to expose using the palm of your hand?

[FlyingPhotog]

Don't know what subject(s) interest you but check out Cave Creek Photographic Workshops (http://www.cavecreek-photo.com/) run by Alan Lowy. Alan is also the host/moderator of the Desert Light Photography Group of which I'm a member. Several DL members are regular workshop clients of Alan's.

Your palm doesn't tan so shooting your palm gives you a consistant metering subject. The trick is to learn and mentally calibrate how the luminance of your palm matches the rest of the world. Some do the same using green grass or blue sky. I tend to use the blue sky method.

[disneydork06]

Don't know what subject(s) interest you but check out Cave Creek Photographic Workshops (http://www.cavecreek-photo.com/) run by Alan Lowy. Alan is also the host/moderator of the Desert Light Photography Group of which I'm a member. Several DL members are regular workshop clients of Alan's.

Your palm doesn't tan so shooting your palm gives you a consistant metering subject. The trick is to learn and mentally calibrate how the luminance of your palm matches the rest of the world. Some do the same using green grass or blue sky. I tend to use the blue sky method.

blue skies, smiling at me...nothing but blue skies do I see...
yay AZ...

[AZAlphaDog]

Isn't this just an extension of the 18 or 19% gray card idea?

Learning to see "light" with your eyes and setting your camera on spot-meter and getting several readings from different parts of a scene and figuring an average, and also knowing from experience that your dynamic range of your sensor is a little on the small side, and which ISO will give you the best results, and being able to figure which f-stop you want to use because the "sweet" spot of your lens is about f5.6, and how to read a histogram on your camera's LCD and which focus point, and lens diffraction and changing lighting conditions and white balance and . . . .


. . . . wait, what's that phone number on my hand? Is that the number of that hot chick I met at the bar last night, and didn't I tell her I was some famous photographer for some cool magazine or something, oh crap I had a lot to drink last night, and what is the exposure of my hand, is it my palm or the back of my hand, because I know exposure like the back of my hand, and I've got my hand in my pocket and do I need pocket wizards or should I just . . .

[FlyingPhotog]

Isn't this just an extension of the 18 or 19% gray card idea?

Yes...

It's another way to use a consistant metering subject but chances are, most people's palms will yield the need to do a slight offset from what a proper grey card or hand-held meter will show.

Probably about a half to a stop more exposure will be needed from a palm reading as opposed to a grey card.

[disneydork06]

Yes...

It's another way to use a consistant metering subject but chances are, most people's palms will yield the need to do a slight offset from what a proper grey card or hand-held meter will show.

Probably about a half to a stop more exposure will be needed from a palm reading as opposed to a grey card.

so you're some sort of psychic now? :-) will you tell me my future?

[lilminijpc]

holy crap!!!! :lol::lol::lol:
the discovery channel used my pictures!!!
----
Main Page: http://science.discovery.com/tv/ldrs/
Categories: http://science.discovery.com/tv/ldrs/rocket-categories/
Drag race: http://science.discovery.com/tv/ldrs/photos/drag-race/ (10 pages)
Experimental Division: http://science.discovery.com/tv/ldrs/photos/rocket-launch/ (12 Pages)
Low Altitude: http://science.discovery.com/tv/ldrs/photos/weird-rockets/ (Mine start after Page 5)
Why It's Awesome: http://science.discovery.com/tv/ldrs/photos/rocket-launch/ (12 Pages)

[macroshooter1970]

holy crap!!!! :lol::lol::lol:
the discovery channel used my pictures!!!
----
Main Page: http://science.discovery.com/tv/ldrs/
Categories: http://science.discovery.com/tv/ldrs/rocket-categories/
Drag race: http://science.discovery.com/tv/ldrs/photos/drag-race/ (10 pages)
Experimental Division: http://science.discovery.com/tv/ldrs/photos/rocket-launch/ (12 Pages)
Low Altitude: http://science.discovery.com/tv/ldrs/photos/weird-rockets/ (Mine start after Page 5)
Why It's Awesome: http://science.discovery.com/tv/ldrs/photos/rocket-launch/ (12 Pages)
cool, are those all your shots. ok noticed late, after Page 5

make a car rocket

[Hatch1921]

cool, are those all your shots. ok noticed late, after Page 5

make a car rocket



A big congrats... I missed this post. Cool shots!
Hatch

[macroshooter1970]

A big congrats... I missed this post. Cool shots!
Hatch
hows the 200mm working for you? almost picked one up a few weeks ago.

[Hatch1921]

hows the 200mm working for you? almost picked one up a few weeks ago.


Fantastic! It's like owning another 135L with more reach... but...1 stop slower. It focuses fast... images are super sharp wide open...bokeh is very close to the 135L... great lens!

Have a look on my Flickr page for some sample shots. :)

Go buy one... you will dig it. LOL

[macroshooter1970]

Fantastic! It's like owning another 135L with more reach... but...1 stop slower. It focuses fast... images are super sharp wide open...bokeh is very close to the 135L... great lens!

Have a look on my Flickr page for some sample shots. :)

Go buy one... you will dig it. LOL

good to hear. ok i'll take a peek. i almost did, tried it out at the camera shop but sadly gave it back. i'm sure i will really want it after i look at your shots.

[Hatch1921]

good to hear. ok i'll take a peek. i almost did, tried it out at the camera shop but sadly gave it back. i'm sure i will really want it after i look at your shots.


Shots are nothing special... were mainly to make sure the lens was hitting @f/2.8.

I like it because it is doesn't feel like a tank in my hands... no IS means you have to be pretty steady... the faster the shutter speeds the better. :)

Next on the list... I think... is the 35L. Going to flip a coin to see if I should sell the 24-70 I have... never use it...

[macroshooter1970]

Shots are nothing special... were mainly to make sure the lens was hitting @f/2.8.

I like it because it is doesn't feel like a tank in my hands... no IS means you have to be pretty steady... the faster the shutter speeds the better. :)

Next on the list... I think... is the 35L. Going to flip a coin to see if I should sell the 24-70 I have... never use it...


shoot if you never use it, might as well let it go for what you will :smile: i let mine go, use nothing but primes now.

[Hatch1921]

shoot if you never use it, might as well let it go for what you will :smile: i let mine go, use nothing but primes now.


It's my last zoom... I'm turing in to a prime junkie or something... I don't know why... but... I bet I have used the lens less than 10 times. It's sharp... zoom range isn't bad... I just reach for everything else in the lens bag.

The 35L is pretty wicked from the shots I have seen... spent a lot of time in the 35L Flickr group... tons of nice stuff in there. This would keep me covered from 35-200mm ... will give it some thought this weekend :)

[lilminijpc]

cool, are those all your shots. ok noticed late, after Page 5

make a car rocket
hehe, thanks!! majority of them are mine, one of the links the 1st few are from their own photogs.

A big congrats... I missed this post. Cool shots!
Hatch
@ hatch, thanks!! yah i'm pretty excited. didn't think they were gonna actually contact me about them!

[FlyingPhotog]

so you're some sort of psychic now? :-) will you tell me my future?

Keep giving me grief and I guarentee I know what your future will be... :p

Way to go Joyce!!!

[AZAlphaDog]

Blah, blah, blabbity blah . . .

"who needs action, when you've got words"
Kurt Cobain, Nirvana

[TaggM]

Did anyone make it out to the Volleyball Festival this week in the Phoenix Convention Center? (Last day is Saturday, July 3rd.)

[-AP-]

Blah, blah, blabbity blah . . .

"who needs action, when you've got words"
Kurt Cobain, Nirvana

Nice shot Doug..!!

[matrix311]

Blah, blah, blabbity blah . . .

"who needs action, when you've got words"
Kurt Cobain, Nirvana

love it!

[Hatch1921]

Really nice capture Doug.

Hatch

[lilminijpc]

Blah, blah, blabbity blah . . .

"who needs action, when you've got words"
Kurt Cobain, Nirvana
great sunset shot!


Way to go Joyce!!!
thanks jay!!! :) it was totally unexpected!

[-AP-]

If anyones interested in the new stadium going up just off the 101..

http://www.aerial-perspectives.com/photos/922105342_55aAf-L.jpg

http://www.aerial-perspectives.com/photos/922105162_SaDDX-L.jpg

http://www.aerial-perspectives.com/photos/922106579_iV3UQ-L.jpg

Here is the new hotel across the street. It looks like it's going to be a really nice place when all done..

http://www.aerial-perspectives.com/photos/922105994_hD4qQ-L.jpg

[FlyingPhotog]

That's the new DBacks facility, right?

[-AP-]

That's the new DBacks facility, right?

Yes sir... Looking good so far..

[AZAlphaDog]

Really nice capture Doug.

Hatch

Thanks everyone.

I think it's just "OK" and didn't really come out like I had hoped. I saw some really cool clouds in the sky making for some really nice sunset texture on Wed. but wasn't lucky enough to get any clouds to hang around long enough for a Fri. night shot.

I tried a little bit of HDR merge but that (trying to merge a few 100 mb files) caused CS3 to crash and I wasn't that pleased with the results to continue and try it over again. So what you have is two images merged with layer masks and some simple editing . . .

Not my best work, and I didn't really put that much time into it, but I guess it's OK.

Thanks again for the positive feedback. I wanted the sky to look like this:

[FlyingPhotog]

Sold a couple large-ish prints off Zenfolio from that Warbird Fly In up at Valle.

Pays for the gas I burned so I guess that day is now a push! :lol:

[-AP-]

Sold a couple large-ish prints off Zenfolio from that Warbird Fly In up at Valle.

Pays for the gas I burned so I guess that day is now a push! :lol:

NICE..!!! Congrats Jay.. I bet that feels real nice to get the sale notification..


Anyone doing Fireworks tonight? I was thinking about the ballpark, but may do the Mesa thing..

[FlyingPhotog]

Thanks!

We're doing the Chandler fireworks tomorrow night but rather than fight the crowds at Tumbleweed Park, we go over along the Airport access road to the east and watch from over the Dairy Farm.

Boom .. Oooooh .. Aaaaah .. Mooooo!

[vmdc]

Thanks!

We're doing the Chandler fireworks tomorrow night but rather than fight the crowds at Tumbleweed Park, we go over along the Airport access road to the east and watch from over the Dairy Farm.

Boom .. Oooooh .. Aaaaah .. Mooooo!

Are you going to try and snap some pictures from there Jay? If so, do you think a 70-200 on my 7D would get me close enough?

[FlyingPhotog]

Are you going to try and snap some pictures from there Jay? If so, do you think a 70-200 on my 7D would get me close enough?

Yeah, I'm taking some gear.

I'll probably shoot MkIII + 70-200 or else use my 135 and crop slightly if need be. The ones from Disney were actually 5D + 24-70 but it felt as if we were closer than will be the case shooting from CHD toward Tumbleweed. May need to take both and experiment.

The foreground from there isn't very good though (too many trees) so in the past I've tried to concentrate more on the actual bursts than the entire "scene."

[vmdc]

Yeah, I'm taking some gear.

I'll probably shoot MkIII + 70-200 or else use my 135 and crop slightly if need be. The ones from Disney were actually 5D + 24-70 but it felt as if we were closer than will be the case shooting from CHD toward Tumbleweed. May need to take both and experiment.

The foreground from there isn't very good though (too many trees) so in the past I've tried to concentrate more on the actual bursts than the entire "scene."

Thanks Jay! I'm trying to find a place to take some photos. I may try out the area you're talking about.

[disneydork06]

Keep giving me grief and I guarentee I know what your future will be... :p

miss you too!
Did anyone make it out to the Volleyball Festival this week in the Phoenix Convention Center? (Last day is Saturday, July 3rd.)
I did. went and photographed my friends club team and ended up shooting most of the teams from the club I coached at. did you go?

[-AP-]

Well Mesa put on a REALLY nice show. It was so looong that even the little kids were like, "is it over soooon" I thought it was great. Used my new lightning trigger for a ton of shots..

http://www.aerial-perspectives.com/photos/922498224_SKe52-L.jpg

[AZAlphaDog]

Used my new lightning trigger. . . .


Can you explain what that is, and how it works? I wanted to get some lightning shots this year but wanted to figure out how to trigger the shutter.

Nice shot Kenny

[-AP-]

Can you explain what that is, and how it works? I wanted to get some lightning shots this year but wanted to figure out how to trigger the shutter.

Nice shot Kenny

This is my second one from http://aeophoto.com/

He sells them on Ebay, and there is a competitor there but it's not as good. The only other one made is over $300.00. On Ebay, he has a Buy it now or best offer option.

His name is Scott and he stands behind his product. I had an issue with the cable and he rectified it on the spot.

Here is the Ebay link..

http://cgi.ebay.com/AEO-Lightning-Strike-Version-2-Trigger-Canon-/230489414683?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Camera_Camcorder_Remotes&hash=item35aa3d5c1b#ht_1051wt_1139

http://www.aerial-perspectives.com/photos/734922415_WjFLp-L.jpg

I really like it ALOT... The new version has the ability to swap out the cables for different cameras too.. Very nice feature..

Heres another from last-night..

http://www.aerial-perspectives.com/photos/922497451_yoccN-L.jpg


I would do the "best offer" at $100.00 and tell him Kenny from AZ sent you.. :)


EDIT.... Doug, the first Ebay link was wrong. I corrected it to the referenced company.(AEO)

[disneydork06]

Nice fireworks shots!

[TaggM]

Kenny, that 922498224_SKe52-L.jpg photo is set up very well. Good shot of the fireworks, too.

That Lighting Trigger is something to drool for. It's on the list now as a "mad money" purchase "sometime."

[FlyingPhotog]

Went for the long-ish exposure, abstract look. No foreground to speak of from where I shot Chandler's display so...

MkIII + 70-200 + Tripod + Shutter Release:
http://jcbeckman.zenfolio.com/img/s7/v8/p985139894.jpg

http://jcbeckman.zenfolio.com/img/s9/v15/p710375801.jpg

Full Gallery: HERE (http://jcbeckman.zenfolio.com/p319409397)

Hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable 4th! :D

[disneydork06]

great shots jay! I couldn't find an open spot for my photos (cause I was with some cousins) always next year...or disney :-)

[-AP-]

Very nice Jay..!!

Thanks Ryan and Tagg.
We went to the Freedom Wireless event, but just before the big event, we had to rush home. We missed the "big" show, but managed to get a couple of a smaller one before we left..

Fireworks are so much fun to shoot. I saw a Mike Jones image on Flicker and it made me try some longer exposures. This one is at 13 seconds..

http://www.aerial-perspectives.com/photos/923712373_s7wos-XL.jpg

So I have a dilema, usually I never mind having images stolen and used for websites and such, but yesterday I was browsing through an online version of a magazine, and low and behold one of my images smacks me in the face. This image is being used in an ad were the space to advertise cost roughly $1000.00 per month. Also, the image being used has a reference to the wrong place. So there is a bit of "false" advertising/marketing going on here.

I'm not sure how to handle this, and again I usually don't mind, but it seems wrong on this one.

Should I just send a bill for like 10k with a note and see what happens? Just kidding..(Kind of)

Kenny..

[vmdc]

Great shots Jay! I didn't end up going out last night... fell asleep. :P

Kenny, I can't see the photo in your post.

[matrix311]

Kenny - just call them and ask for some type of compensation for using your photo. The least they can do is say no and then remove the photo. IF they say yes, then your golden!

[Kristy]

Fireworks are kinda fun..... Great shots guys.. I really like how Matt and Kenny were able to get something in the foreground..... I was in the same boat as Jay.. actually had a lot of junk in my foreground... but here's a few I liked.... not sure if technically they are correct, but I messed around with shutter speeds, etc.... f/8 to around f/14 ISO right around 100.

Few more here.... if you're so inclined... ;) http://ksnyderphoto.smugmug.com/Family/July-2010-Fireworks/12813944_fHUoH#923977240_JRDCT

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4763929805_1eb7fb6f67_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4763929681_b68fce5867_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4764566150_c45ed9877b_b.jpg

[AZAlphaDog]

Sometimes you can use the foreground elements to give your images perspective, a sense of scale and some depth, but you all know that . . .

. . . don't fight it, work with it. I mean, that's all you can do anyways, right?

[FlyingPhotog]

Nice fireworks all... Yeah, if I could convince myself that tens of thousands of people packed in at Tempe TL was an "intimate" gathering, I'd take a crack at that show but since it's the 4th of July and not the 12th of never, I'll stick with our little Chandler show.

Kenny - just call them and ask for some type of compensation for using your photo. The least they can do is say no and then remove the photo. IF they say yes, then your golden!

And if they don't, contact whoever is hosting that web-zine and explain the copyright situation.

They will have the ability to warn the web-zine to remove the offending content or risk being shut down by the hosting service.

[-AP-]

And if they don't, contact whoever is hosting that web-zine and explain the copyright situation.

They will have the ability to warn the web-zine to remove the offending content or risk being shut down by the hosting service.

Thanks, it's a McGraw Hill company that's publishing the 1/4 page ad. I will call them tomorrow. I have a fair amount of sales with this image, and all I can say is it's worth a lot to me and several customers that have purchased it properly.


Doug, really loving the 10mm Tempe lake shots..!!

Kristy,those are amazing..!! I particularly like the middle one..


EDIT.. AND,,,,,, They are presenting as a different location...!! What a joke..

[JmprSteve]

Everyone great images of the fireworks...

Kenny,
Good luck with the situation with McGraw Hill - definitely worth pursuing.
I work for an education conglomerate that includes a few publishing companies so I'm curious how this plays out. Again, best of luck.

[Kristy]

Doug, really loving the 10mm Tempe lake shots..!!

Kristy,those are amazing..!! I particularly like the middle one..
.

Thank you sir.... :)
I was too lazy to get my cable release going, so this is just my 5D2 and 24-70 on a tripod.. exposures between 2 & 4 seconds.. F/11 to f/16.

I didn't get a chance to try the black hat trick though... Did you do it Jay?

[FlyingPhotog]

Nah...

I just did long-ish exposures that caught between 2 and 5 bombs per shot.

[Hatch1921]

Nice shots all. I went to my Sister-in-laws last night... couldn't see a thing from her place :(

FYI... selling the 24-70 if anyone is interested... $1100 local purchase...
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=898245


Have a fun week all.
Hatch

[disneydork06]

wow, amazing fireworks shots everyone. really wished I had a better view but I was with family at the rio vista park learning how bad my knees have gotten. anyways, only fireworks we could see were peoria sports complex and I had many trees blocking my view. but I've seen enough fireworks to last a lifetime so wasn't too worried. but I am jealous of everyone elses shots :-P

[vmdc]

Nice shots all. I went to my Sister-in-laws last night... couldn't see a thing from her place :(

FYI... selling the 24-70 if anyone is interested... $1100 local purchase...
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=898245


Have a fun week all.
Hatch

Bah! I just picked up a 24-70 a few weeks ago. Why are you selling yours Hatch?

[Hatch1921]

Bah! I just picked up a 24-70 a few weeks ago. Why are you selling yours Hatch?


I never use it :) Just one of those lenes that sits in my bag...

Send yours back... let's make a deal ;) LOL Have fun with yours... it's a good lens no doubt.

Hatch

Just added these in the 4 sale forum... a few shots from it...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2133/2302656419_02a41a3d84_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4449562190_e65a8ffc17_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3210/2841824204_e95dac23aa_o.jpg

[Hatch1921]

Passing this post on from Fred Miranda's site....


Hi Everybody,

I just wanted to let you all know about an amazing eight-day festival celebrating Southwest landscape photography happening this July in Sedona. It's being produced by our local artists coalition non-profit, the Sedona Arts Center, who had the long-range vision to take a germ of an idea (mine) and run with it. I'm functioning as the Creative Director and am proud to say we are bringing some really amazing photographers to Sedona for the week.

Jack Dykinga is our Master Photographer-in-Residence for the week, and he, along with Tom Till, Larry Lindahl, Chris Robinson & Rob Sheppard of Outdoor Photographer magazine, Jeff Kida & Peter Ensenberger of Arizona Highways magazine, FM's own Floris van Breugel, Laurent Martres (publisher of the award-winning Photographing the Southwest series), and a host of other great photographers will be the individual and panel discussion presenters for the three day PhotoFest Symposium.

The ticket prices are incredibly reasonable, the program extensive, with a number of additional evening events, a special "Conservation & Landscape Photography" symposium presentation, lots of opportunities to shoot in the field and interact with many of these fine photographers, and two stunning fine art landscape photography exhibitions ("Jack Dykinga" & "The Sedona Masters").

There will be a free "Location, Location, Location" seminar each day during the week that will provide a wealth of information about the best spots to photograph
Sedona during our dramatic monsoon season. And you'll be able to enter the Red Rock Open Public Competition and compete for a nice bunch of prizes.

To the mods, I know this is right on the edge of being pretty commercial, but it's a non-profit arts education school and artists coalition, with a portion of the proceeds going to some great conservation charities. It's completely dedicated to landscape photography and the symposium, in total, will be an amazing workshop over three days covering a wide range of topics of great interest to FMers.

For more information, the schedule and ticketing information:
www.sedonaphotofest.com

Look forward to meeting many of you this summer!

Sincerely,

Derek von Briesen

http://i.pbase.com/o3/10/364410/1/124974125.RuA4YSmg.SPF_PromoPC_40510.jpg

http://ic2.pbase.com/o3/10/364410/1/124974337.6K4SeBkr.SPF_44Banner_CR_Flat.jpg

[matrix311]

The 24-70 is a sweet lens~! I love mine and use it all the time. Great pickup for whoever gets it.

[Dean Rachwitz]

Love this image, Frank. I think that would be one of the few times I would use a 'protective' filter on my lens.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3210/2841824204_e95dac23aa_o.jpg

[Hatch1921]

Love this image, Frank. I think that would be one of the few times I would use a 'protective' filter on my lens.


Funny you should say that,.... I ruined a $90 ND filter shooting that shot... but... the lens was saved :) I still have the filter...can't see the slag in the shots.

[Hatch1921]

Another one to pass on.....

Join Doug and learn the easy and fun posing techniques that result in his glamorous, fashionista—yet fun and REAL—wedding expressions. He'll teach every type of pose imaginable! You will see the poses created before your eyes, and the incredible finishing techniques Doug adds to them. Learn how to take the ordinary and turn it into the EXTRAORDINARY. Get ready to absorb the techniques used by one of the most influential wedding photographers in the world: His images illustrate technical perfection with an ease in posing and capturing a bride’s REAL expressions. This is a hands on workshop, so, you will be able to shoot and be very involved. Class sizes are limited, so register now.

July 19th, 2010 12:00 – 5:00
Hilton Phoenix Airport
2435 South 47th Street
Phoenix, Arizona, 85034

Cost: $69

SignUp: https://www.online247.com.au/douggordon/form10.php
Contact: Doug Gordon
Phone: 631-888-0065

[Dean Rachwitz]

BTW - great fireworks images, all! I briefly considered taking some photos, but seriously couldn't muster the desire.

Kinda burned myself out on photography this last spring. Kinda wore out my welcome with my wife as well, being gone all weekend and then spending several nights sorting and processing images, only to have to repeat next weekend or the weekend after.

Enjoying my little Canon S90, however. Small and light enough to keep with me all the time, but far better than my camera phone for capturing images. With I get photos of stuff I would just miss because the DSLR wasn't practical to have along.

[Hatch1921]

Price drop for the local folks... on the 24-70... $1050 :)


Good to hear you are enjoying the Canon S90 Dean :)

Hatch

[Cmonster]

Hi everyone,
I've been visiting these forums on/off the last few months and moved back to AZ from Chicago about a week ago (and its bloody HOT)- but I am completely new to photography! I have SO MUCH to learn and wrap my mind around, and would greatly appreciate it if you guys wouldnt mind teaching me some basics, tricks, tips, or plain anything- I am very excited to get going! Anyhow I hope you guys dont mind if I tag along the way in this thread and ask questions and such.
Thanks again :)
Suzie

[FlyingPhotog]

Hi Suzie...

Welcome back to the furnace. :lol:

Feel free to hang out here all you like and fire away with questions!

[cntry]

Welcome Suzie!!

[disneydork06]

Welcome to the thread and back to AZ Suzie!
like Jay said, ask away. with the whole collective here we should be able to answer most if not all questions :-)

[Dean Rachwitz]

Good to hear you are enjoying the Canon S90 Dean :)

Here's a couple of example shots that you might not get with your ordinary P&S. Both of these are SOOC. Just snaps I was able to take because I actually had the camera with me.

The F2 lens actually gives you a bit of background blur. Combined with useful wide angle (28mm equiv) makes for some fun shots.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4770555944_39627d0bae_b.jpg

And the IS is good enough for reasonably sharp shots at 1/10 of a second. You can guess how dark this shot was.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4769916925_5cd6c778b2_b.jpg


I'm really quite pleased with it.

[FlyingPhotog]

Where'd they find that Truck? Tut's Tomb? :shock:

[Dean Rachwitz]

BTW, here's one of my inspirations for getting back into photography after 20+ years away. These two shots of me (both purchased by me) by photographers who do my sort of work for a living. I saw and shared my fellow track rider's enthusiasm at seeing good shots of themselves on their bikes on the track. We rarely had photographers of this level visit the phoenix area for our trackday and racing events, so I decided in late 2008 to give it a try myself.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4769718839_18443ac512_b.jpg
by etech photo. www.etechphoto.com

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4770357982_ca7dd41629_b.jpg
by Mike Laputt of Trackday.net. www.trackday.net

I've always admired Mike's work and I've had many people tell me that my work is comparable (though it is hard to compare anything I have to his 1D MkIII/600 f4 combo), which is quite satisfying.

[scottcolbath]

Wanker has a knee down and I'm supposed to be impressed? :lol:

S.C.

[vmdc]

Hi everyone,
I've been visiting these forums on/off the last few months and moved back to AZ from Chicago about a week ago (and its bloody HOT)- but I am completely new to photography! I have SO MUCH to learn and wrap my mind around, and would greatly appreciate it if you guys wouldnt mind teaching me some basics, tricks, tips, or plain anything- I am very excited to get going! Anyhow I hope you guys dont mind if I tag along the way in this thread and ask questions and such.
Thanks again :)
Suzie

Welcome Suzie! You'll find that we're all pretty helpful here.
Do you have a website to share? What type of photography do you like to do?

Here's a couple of example shots that you might not get with your ordinary P&S. Both of these are SOOC. Just snaps I was able to take because I actually had the camera with me.

The F2 lens actually gives you a bit of background blur. Combined with useful wide angle (28mm equiv) makes for some fun shots.
I'm really quite pleased with it.

Awesome Dean! My S90 never leaves my side. I ended up getting one of those Lowepro neoprene pouches so I can just clip it to my belt loop.

[vmdc]

Hey Dean. I'm going to Laguna soon. I was thinking of renting a 300mm ƒ/2.8 but I think I'm just going to borrow a buddy's 1.4 extender and use it with my 70-200mm ƒ/2.8 IS.
Any last minute advice? Good places to post up besides the Corkscrew? I was thinking that Rainey Curve may be a good place too.

[Michael O]

Wow, some nice photos around here lately. Love the fire works.
I was busy, busy, busy....hope to catch up here soon and post some more.

Welcome Suzie! A bunch of very helpful people around here, and all around nice also. :)

[Kristy]

Peekin' in..... *smiling and waving*

Hey Joyce, I forgot to say "CONGRATS" on the Discovery Channel thing... that is so awesome. I left a note on FB for ya.

Great shot with hte S90 Dean... In the right hands, the camera does great things... we have to give you some credit for the final outcome. :D

Welcome SUZIE!! Do you have a place where you upload your photos for sharing? What kind of stuff do you like to shoot? We definitely have tons of talent in the thread, and a wide variety of shooting interests.... so most of what you need help with should be covered. For starters, I'd suggest reading a book called "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson... a lightbulb will go off, and you'll be on your way to shooting in Manual (if you aren't alreadY)... and seeing improvements in your shots. :)

[Dean Rachwitz]

Welcome Suzie!


Where'd they find that Truck? Tut's Tomb? :shock:That's out at Speedworld at the mudbog races.

Great shot with hte S90 Dean... In the right hands, the camera does great things... we have to give you some credit for the final outcome. :D
Thanks Kristy. :)

Wanker has a knee down and I'm supposed to be impressed? :lol: Nah, though I would be impressed to see you with a knee down on your KTM. :) And crashing doesn't count. :)

Awesome Dean! My S90 never leaves my side. I ended up getting one of those Lowepro neoprene pouches so I can just clip it to my belt loop.I bought a cheapie Kodak hard case at Best Buy that's a perfect fit and clips firmly to my belt. Provides some nice extra protection when I have it in a bag with other stuff.

Hey Dean. I'm going to Laguna soon. I was thinking of renting a 300mm ƒ/2.8 but I think I'm just going to borrow a buddy's 1.4 extender and use it with my 70-200mm ƒ/2.8 IS.
Any last minute advice? Good places to post up besides the Corkscrew? I was thinking that Rainey Curve may be a good place too.
Ya know, I've never shot Laguna. :o

WARNING: Lengthy, boring motosports photography advice to follow. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while reading. :p

I would say that of course the two corners you've mentioned will be good, but the really key thing is the light. Where the sun is, is an important determining factor as any. My advice would be to get there early and scout the corners to see what your angles will be in relation to the sun when the racing begins. The best panned, framed and exposed shot will suffer if the sun is in your lens. If the sun is high, try to get the riders leaning away from you, or 3/4 to directly head on. If they're leaning towards you in mid day sun, the part of the bike towards you will be in shadow. The correlation is that early morning or late afternoon sun shining into the inside of a corner can make for some nice photos.

If you want to get some good panning shots (and who doesn't?) A fast corner that the bikes maintain speed through is better than a slow corner. Since panning is all about trying to synchronize your motion with that of the subject, it is much more difficult to accurately track a motorcycle in a slow corner as they brake very hard coming in, and accelerate very rapidly going out. Also when panning, start tracking your subject several seconds before you plan to press the shutter. That gives you time to match their speed and set your framing. I would recommend that you start off with a relatively high shutter speed and work your way down. If the bikes are going by at high speed, 1/500 will give you some background blur and still a high rate of keepers. Once you feel you've got the technique at that speed, work your way down. If you start out at 1/200 or lower, your keeper rate will probably be very disappointing.

Hope you find that of some help and I apologize if you find the info too basic.

[vmdc]

I've copied and saved it into my notes!! Those are great tips Dean.
I'll be there for all 3 days so I'm sure I'll get at least 1 or 2 good shots. Thanks for the advice!!!

[Dean Rachwitz]

Oh, one more critical bit. When panning, follow through after you press the shutter! The natural desire is to pull your camera down immediately after you press the shutter, and that WILL ruin shots. So keep carefully tracking your subject for a second or so after you press the shutter and I promise your keeper ratio will be higher.