Photography

[Dualshotty23]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6150/5948815827_3dc5132e86_b.jpg

Went to my brothers drag race and saw this all wheel drive Mitsubishi Evo. this thing ran a 9.4 second quarter and spun all four tires of the blocks. i just took a quick shot as i passed it and it turned out better than i thought or tried for lol.

[Jackel]

Joined Dualshotty23 last night to watch his brothers drag race. Got this shot.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6022/5965870783_6fd207d74c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dangreiner/5965870783/in/photostream)

[KidCactus]

Nice one, almost looks surreal due to the perfect motion blur and crisp car, like in GT5 or something.

[wyeast]

Sweet car pics. :D

To go back a little on Felonius' question on RAW formats. The way it's been explained to me (and I could very well be wrong) is that RAW formats can vary from model to model within a manufacturer, so that sometimes it may be necessary for software to be updated/replaced in order to handle a newer camera, for example.

At least that was the explanation given to me about some people preferring when a camera has available not only it's own native RAW format, but the ability to use a more "standardized" format like Adobe's, so that it's less likely to goof with older software.

For something like Picasa this might be less of an issue (being web-based and probably subject to frequent updates, particularly with more popular models).

[Felonous]

I use Adobe Lightroom to import and convert to Adobe's open .DNG file type right away so that I'm not locked into being on a propitiatory manufacturer RAW format file (in this case, Canon's RAW .CR2). This ensures I can move the files to any computer system (Mac, Linux, etc) and should be able to still read the files without having to rely on Canon to write software on that platform. The other upside to this is that .DNG files are smaller than Canon's .CR2 files yet retain the same data. When you shoot 10's of gigabites of photos a day, that adds up pretty quickly.

I shot an event for my roommate this weekend where his church was celebrating Pioneer Day. It had lots of booths where people showed the culture, food and ancestry of their families. Here are a couple of the shots I posted on Flickr today that are from the event:

Laughing It Up
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6121/5972238705_66451443da_z_d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/srivera/5972238705)

Chase The Apple
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6135/5972808648_9ca68bdce8_z_d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/srivera/5972808648)

[Felonous]

Wanted to point out that Buy.com is running a sale on Adobe Lightroom teacher/student edition:

http://www.buy.com/prod/adobe-photoshop-lightroom-3-mac-win-student-teacher-edition/q/loc/105/220969029.html

For $65 it's a great price (with free shipping). Of course you (or the person you are buying for) needs to meet the student/teacher requirements: http://ak.buy.com/buy_assets/retail/pdfs/11Q2/studentteacherbd-kb_Adobe.pdf

The same sale would let you get the Photoshop CS5 Extended student/teacher edition for $169.

[Dualshotty23]

A few i took from the races i went to with jackel.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6022/5973006633_25c03b30da_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6013/5973003605_4d64f14815_z.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6122/5973542018_6e7f2de51d_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6027/5973579924_24c7cb2fba_b.jpg

[JayVe]

Wow! Great shots guys. Looks like the races were super fun!

[Squidbot]

dualshotty, they are great pictures. I particularly like the bike shot.

[Felonous]

Those panning car pictures are great, you two did really good on those.

This weekend Meisha Tate is fighting for the Strikeforce Womens 135lb Championship, and when I saw she was on the card I remembered I had taken some shots of her while at the Fedor vs Werdum fight a bit over a year ago, so I dug them out and put them up on my Flickr photostream:

Meisha Tate
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6125/5983253030_12a56d06c6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/srivera/5982700463/)

You can see all the shots I got of her here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/srivera/tags/mieshatate/show/

Gotta love it that a girl that hot is going to climb into the cage and try to smash in the face of the other girl.

[KidCactus]

Some photos from our vacation last week in Cascais, Portugal:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6007/5991073976_1d71816da6.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6017/5990518465_cc27d4f5e6.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6125/5990518171_1342ef29cd.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6020/5990516387_f1ed39d29e.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6005/5991074700_0164433a35.jpg

[Felonous]

Some photos from our vacation last week in Cascais, Portugal:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6007/5991073976_1d71816da6.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6020/5990516387_f1ed39d29e.jpg

I love these two pictures, very well done. Some constructive feedback if I may. For the first shot I love the framing of the window but would have taken the time in post processing to make sure it was perfectly squared up. This would have also made for a great HDR shot, where you could see the detail in the room and the brightly lit outdoors.

For the second shot I quoted, the top half of the picture was exposed well but the bottom half is bit underexposed. You could fix this in post, in Lightroom I would have dropped the overall exposure 1/3 or 2/3 more (so that the sky was nice and blue), and then done a graduated filter and played with settings for exposure, contrast, etc for the bottom half so that the detail there was more visible.

*Edit: KidCactus, I may already have you as a contact in Flickr, but I'm not sure who is who over there, can you post the URL for your Flickr profile so I can make sure your added?

[Squidbot]

You have a great eye, KC.

[KidCactus]

I love these two pictures, very well done. Some constructive feedback if I may. For the first shot I love the framing of the window but would have taken the time in post processing to make sure it was perfectly squared up. This would have also made for a great HDR shot, where you could see the detail in the room and the brightly lit outdoors.

For the second shot I quoted, the top half of the picture was exposed well but the bottom half is bit underexposed. You could fix this in post, in Lightroom I would have dropped the overall exposure 1/3 or 2/3 more (so that the sky was nice and blue), and then done a graduated filter and played with settings for exposure, contrast, etc for the bottom half so that the detail there was more visible.

*Edit: KidCactus, I may already have you as a contact in Flickr, but I'm not sure who is who over there, can you post the URL for your Flickr profile so I can make sure your added?
Thanks, feedback is always welcome. :)

As for squaring things up, yeah it would have been nice with a totally straight angled window. I tried straightening things up in Photoshop, but I ended up leaving it as it is. The window is not straight towards the horizon, and therefor its angles are a bit off too, and messing around with it only made it worse. I would have loved to have a HDR shot of it, I even commented on that to my girlfriend when I was taking the picture, but since I had no tripod it had to be like that. I've tried doing a fake HDR, but there is just no information in the black areas even when I up the exposure.

On the second photo, yes, I agree that the lower part is a bit under exposed. But with the room being dimly lit, with black walls and a black table, I like the contrast to the outside view. And again, HDR would have been nice, the absolute bottom of picture is pitch black even if I crank up the exposure all the way.

Me on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kidcactus/

You have a great eye, KC.
Thanks, and yes, one is greater than the other. :P

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3599/3357247576_5b93509bd7_b.jpg

P.S I don't always look like that. :D

[Squidbot]

One too many hits in the head? ;)

[KidCactus]

That was actually after being examined by an eye doctor. They had to drop something in the eye to make the pupil larger, to be able to see better into the eye. They said it would stay like that for an hour or two, but it took two full days for it to go back to normal.

[Squidbot]

To use the technical term it looks freaky as shit.

[Felonous]

For some off camera lighting practice I took some pictures of my housemate's son (Parker) and his new mohawk:

Mohawk
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6146/5968353392_ff37e2df32.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/srivera/5968353392/)


I then had Parker and Page stand in the exact same spot under the lighting setup for two separate pictures so that I could later have fun in photoshop:

Parker + Photoshop = Page Has Mohawk
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6139/5999583333_4b19675dce.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/srivera/5999583333/)


This is how their hair looks normally:

Page and Parker
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/5450039026_426e2607f0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/srivera/5450039026/)

[digitalErich]

Hey guys, I own a older Canon Rebel XTi and I wanted to grab something other than the kit lens as I want to get out there and start taking more pictures. I travel a lot, too so I was looking at wider angle, zoom lenses that are on the cheaper side of things as an expensive lens would be wasted on me at this point.

I know I want something on the wide side of things for travel photos and I figured I might as well go for versatility as well, hence the zoom. I don't know that I need something that zooms that high up (don't really know). Should I be looking at something even wider but that maxes out at, say, 50mm?

Here are two candidates...anyone have any particular thoughts on either of these two or other lenses I should be looking at?

Tamron AF 18-200mm (http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-AF-18-200mm-Aspherical-Canon/dp/B0007WK8MQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1312792311&sr=1-1)

Tokina 16.5-135mm (http://www.amazon.com/Tokina-16-5-135mm-3-5-5-6-II-Telephoto/dp/B0027FJVME/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1312792432&sr=1-4)

[bapenguin]

Got some fun shots at an Aquarium and Alligator farm

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6029/6018404435_b52a2e633b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6125/6018640110_09aea4971d.jpg

More here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bapenguin/sets/72157627253294743/).

[digitalErich]

Hey guys, I own a older Canon Rebel XTi and I wanted to grab something other than the kit lens as I want to get out there and start taking more pictures. I travel a lot, too so I was looking at wider angle, zoom lenses that are on the cheaper side of things as an expensive lens would be wasted on me at this point.

I know I want something on the wide side of things for travel photos and I figured I might as well go for versatility as well, hence the zoom. I don't know that I need something that zooms that high up (don't really know). Should I be looking at something even wider but that maxes out at, say, 50mm?

Here are two candidates...anyone have any particular thoughts on either of these two or other lenses I should be looking at?

Tamron AF 18-200mm (http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-AF-18-200mm-Aspherical-Canon/dp/B0007WK8MQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1312792311&sr=1-1)

Tokina 16.5-135mm (http://www.amazon.com/Tokina-16-5-135mm-3-5-5-6-II-Telephoto/dp/B0027FJVME/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1312792432&sr=1-4)
I know it's uncouth to quote my own post, but any input into my question before I make a purchasing decision tonight?

[Vigil80]

I don't know enough to give you advice of a technical flavor, but the Tamron is cheaper and has more reviews. Looks like some good info in those reviews, too. On the surface, that looks like the smarter buy.

[Felonous]

Thought someone else would have chimed in by now digitalErich, so sorry for the delay.

The problem with wide angle zooms in the focal range you are looking to buy, is that they are trying to do too much and thus are never really good at doing any specific focal length very well.

I believe you are going to run into the same problem I had with my kit lens, the Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM. When you compare the image quality that come from out of that lens to the other lens in my kit, there is quite a difference on color saturation and sharpness. Color aberration when at either end of the focal range was an issue also.

My advice is to see if you can rent/borrow the lens before buying it. If you have a photography club in your area, join it and see if someone with those lens will let you shoot a couple dozen frames with it.

After doing this as a hobby for a couple years I have come to realize that cutting corners on lens glass is a waste of money, even for amateur photography. Every cheap lens I have ever bought has been replaced with good glass and I wish now that I had just saved the money spent and waited until I could afford the glass I have now. Plus the fact that good quality lens glass will hold it's value over time. I have resold some of my canon L lens for about 85% - 90% of their purchase price.

If you are still going to get one of those lens, this is what I could gleam from Fickr conversations and other web reviews:

Tamron AF 18-200mm = good lens, better than expected sharpness with some downsides for barrel distortion at the edges and having a slow auto focus.

Tokina 16.5-135mm = Mostly bad reviews on the optics in this lens and people recommend you would be better off getting the Canon 18-135mm IS. They appear to be close in price and you'll get better optics and image stabilization on the Canon.

[digitalErich]

Yeah, I'm fully aware of the cons of buying cheap lenses, but like I said I'm just starting out. My thought was to grab a relatively (but not horrid) lens that is fairly versatile and after I've grown out of it, I'll have a better sense of what focal lengths I use and enjoy and can buy one or two higher end lens that will last for, essentially, life.

Maybe I end up with a 12-25 and a fixed 135 or something like a high zoom 75-200 and a fixed 15...I really have no idea. I'm buying this lens fully prepared to replace it once I'm ready and know better what I'd use.

I'll check out that Canon, though, if the price is close. I wanted to get something fairly wide, but for no other reason than to have the option to go that wide.

Thank you for the responses, too.

[KidCactus]

The Swedish National Task Force an hour ago, right before the raid on the occupied Embassy of Libya in Stockholm. About a minute after I shot this, when I was going home again, they went to action, so I missed the possibility for an action shot. :( I had more or less just rounded the corner of the block. Not that I would be in a good position to shoot anything decent anyway, with the police line keeping people out of the way. Oh well, at least I got this one.

I had to crop it kind of tight, more than I would have liked really, but that was the only way to not have unwanted things into the picture.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6079/6031817705_f5de613c90_o.jpg

[Jackel]

Wow, amazing shot KidCactus!

[KidCactus]

Thanks. :)

[KidCactus]

Another one:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6081/6032143741_a3cfb5281e_o.jpg

[Felonous]

digitalErich, did you get a new lens? Show us some examples from you breaking it in if you did!

Everyone else, did you go out and get some new pictures today in celebration of World Photography Day? http://www.worldphotoday.org/about

I grabbed some shots this morning on the dog walk, here is the one I posted earlier to my Flickr account:

World Photography Day
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6208/6059409091_7ef36c4062.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/srivera/6059409091/)

I have some more that I'm going to edit and post later this evening. Lets hear those shutters clicking!

PS, freaking awesome street photography you pulled off there on your shots KC!

[Sandman]

I'm looking at getting a really good digital camera for shooting on vacation and such, but I don't want to deal with a digital slr. What do you guys think of these cameras:

I'm looking at:

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Cyber-Shot-DSC-HX100V-Digital-Vario-Tessar/dp/B004H8FND0/

or

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-HX9V-Digital-Panorama/dp/B004HYFX0C/

I need something that will take great landscape shots, look awesome on a 1080p desktop and I also want good night photography out of it.

[fitbabits]

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a390/fitbabits/ColoradoSprings-20110825-00018.jpg

[Felonous]

Sandman, not familiar with Sony's camera lineup, can't respond to your request. But at those price points, I'd honestly question why you just don't bump up a little in price and get a real DSLR?

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SLTA33L-Translucent-Technology-Panorama/dp/B0043B3DH4/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1315671993&sr=8-4

That camera isn't much more than your first choice and gives you a real DSLR (the ability to interchange lens) and expand your photography if the photo bug bite takes hold (and it usually does).

And if you can hold off a bit, you'll be able to get the new version of that camera that is coming very soon:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/1108/11082418sonyslta65preview.asp

And lastly, I am very proud to show off my first successful lightning capture after last night's thunderstorm passed through our area:

Here Comes The THUNDER
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6177/6133438586_5f97b4a901_o_d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/srivera/6133438586)

[Dualshotty23]

wonderful pic felonous. if you dont mind what settings were you using i have always used bulb mode but it makes the pictures so gray-scale looking.

[Felonous]

Happy to share. What I posted is a merge of 4 different shots, all of which I shot on a tripod with my Canon 7D set on full manual including autofocus which I manually set to infinity. The rest of the setting were aperture f20, 20 second shutter, ISO 400. I had a Canon TC-80N3 Timer Remote attached that allows you to do time lapse photography. In this case, I had it set to fire a shot every 30 seconds, thus giving the camera time to finish doing a 20 second shot before it triggered the camera to shoot again.

[kyrieee]

Nice :)
How many shots did you get with no lightning in them?

edit: "nice" is faint praise.. if I'd taken that pic I'd be jumping up and down

[Felonous]

Oh I was ecstatic about getting the shots. And yes, there was a card full of shots that went directly to the trash bin due to having nothing to show on them. Of the hour I was there I only walked away with six shots that had decent lightning in them. The rest of them that had lightning were not any good because of the distance they were away and the amount of rain in the air between us that obscured the shot.

The forecast is for possible thunderstorms again tonight, might get lucky again.

[KidCactus]

Awesome lightning photo there, Felonous! :)

Here are a few of mine from this weekends trip up north:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6195/6137453708_059c8c38ce.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6187/6136908145_95781936de.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6159/6137453188_f720efdf77.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6067/6137451020_a05792b6f8.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6199/6137450500_1309ccd1d7.jpg

[Dualshotty23]

nice pictures kid. what lens?

[KidCactus]

Thanks. :) It's my standard Nikon D90 kit lens, a Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G.

[Dualshotty23]

Not that I'm biased or anything but I love the d90. :)

Sent from my ThunderBolt using Tapatalk

[Felonous]

Those are fantastic shots KC! I love the spider, though they make me squeal like a school girl when I see them in person.

Another first for me this weekend is the following photograph captured earlier today:

Let Us Sit and Talk a While...
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a1dUm9kLJUk/Tm1JPXkAFpI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/JQBMcPv6lbg/s800/IMG_5163.jpg (https://plus.google.com/115464952109294262914/posts/QfD1SmX2N44)

My first praying mantis insect photograph, click on the photo to see the description of the shot at my G+ account.

[Felonous]

This month I'm doing nothing but black and whites for my 365 day project, here are a couple of the most recent. I'm using Topaz Labs new photoshop/lightroom plugin Topaz B&W Effects.

Southern Pacific No. 2472
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6207/6145942916_d97a00e804_b_d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/srivera/6145942916)

Putto
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6154/6151289141_36e6fc5df7_b_d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/srivera/6151289141)

Dog Treat
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6181/6154022831_0b9782d312_b_d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/srivera/6154022831)

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

Took a trip a couple weeks ago and sloooooowly scanning in all the negs. About 1/3 done and am finally happy enough with some of the results to upload some of them.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6170/6203764521_9fbdf80080_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonlonrabbit/6203764521/)
Kochi Rooftop Garden (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonlonrabbit/6203764521/) by Lon Lon Rabbit (http://www.flickr.com/people/lonlonrabbit/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6172/6203137855_d69f83b9cf_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonlonrabbit/6203137855/)
Shikoku (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonlonrabbit/6203137855/) by Lon Lon Rabbit (http://www.flickr.com/people/lonlonrabbit/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6170/6203435127_99ee7420cd_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonlonrabbit/6203435127/)
Awaji (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonlonrabbit/6203435127/) by Lon Lon Rabbit (http://www.flickr.com/people/lonlonrabbit/), on Flickr

[Felonous]

I posted this on Google+, but thought I'd ask here as well.

I'm considering the setting up of my photography portfolio with a web hosting service like Smugmug or Zenfolio in order to let those interested in ordering prints of my work having a place to do so. If you have any experience with these type services, as a photographer or print buyer, I would love to hear your feedback and opinions on these types of photography hosting services.

I found this article that discusses the prices/profits of Smugmug vs Zenfolio, with Zenfolio coming out the better option based on profits: http://digitalnotions.net/zenfolio-vs-smugmug-cost-comparison/

[KidCactus]

Horribly boring weather here right now, everything is just gray and it never really feels like daytime. But fog at least can make a picture more interesting:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6229/6328109223_b690594d9b_b.jpg

(just realized I probably should remove that annoying twig in the lower right corner)

[civil_dead]

Holy crap, there are some beautiful, beautiful photos in this thread. Wow.

I just bought a Canon 60D with the incredible EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens. I'm using it for a short film I'm working on but I also want to return to photography (something I was into...gulp...20 years ago). This will be an inspiring thread to keep up with.

[KidCactus]

Shot this today in the fog too:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6110/6328109079_2b366f2f31_b.jpg

[JayVe]

I managed to get out of the city and take some photos this past weekend.
I don't know much about composition, but I really find the subjects compelling. :D

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-B2rHlKdPZQ0/Tu7eZggf0zI/AAAAAAAAHqs/DO971QkpIjA/s800/SNV10261.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tTH4pBoRcAI/Tu7ecSUaIkI/AAAAAAAAHqs/uZS0bo1gd-M/s800/SNV10292.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gtBjIy-rOKg/Tu7ewwrXY4I/AAAAAAAAHqs/bfAsHfXSnXQ/s800/SNV10379.JPG

I put up some more on my blog (http://geoffbee.blogspot.com/2011/12/want-to-hampi.html).

[Exodus]

Sooo, I finally bought my camera after about a year and a half of mooning over one.

Picked up a Canon T3i EOS Rebel. I hope I don't regret the purchase. I'm a less than a beginner and still learning.

I hope this isn't too hard to figure out to use!

Any tips, ANYTHING would be very much appreciated.

[KidCactus]

Shot at NYE, the only one that came out ok. No fireworks in frame, only the lighting from the:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6647023237_49f82a9f03_o.jpg

[Exodus]

Also...drool ye mortals...

http://uncrate.com/stuff/nikon-d4/

[fitbabits]

Also...drool ye mortals...

http://uncrate.com/stuff/nikon-d4/
Bought!

Now to find out if I really needed that kidney after all!

[Dualshotty23]

Ugh the regrets of selling my camera were reinstated upon seeing this thread pop up, thanks... lol.

[fitbabits]

Ugh the regrets of selling my camera were reinstated upon seeing this thread pop up, thanks... lol.
Hey, did you see this:

Also...drool ye mortals...

http://uncrate.com/stuff/nikon-d4/

:)

[digitalErich]

I'm very surprised Nikon didn't put a ethernet port in their new camera. Some people are predicting that Canon is going to run away with the sport photography business if Nikon didn't go toe to toe with them on that feature.

It will be interesting to see just how many more off-white lenses we see at this year's Olympics because of this.

[Dualshotty23]

Hey, did you see this:



:)

I also saw the 4 digit price :), i'm on the lookout for a used d90 or similar set up.

[Felonous]

Sooo, I finally bought my camera after about a year and a half of mooning over one.

Picked up a Canon T3i EOS Rebel. I hope I don't regret the purchase. I'm a less than a beginner and still learning.

I hope this isn't too hard to figure out to use!

Any tips, ANYTHING would be very much appreciated.

You won't regret it, I started out without knowing anything and picking up a Canon Rebel. Now I have a Canon 7D and still don't know anything....

[Exodus]

I'm very surprised Nikon didn't put a ethernet port in their new camera. Some people are predicting that Canon is going to run away with the sport photography business if Nikon didn't go toe to toe with them on that feature.

It will be interesting to see just how many more off-white lenses we see at this year's Olympics because of this.

This D4 has an ethernet and wifi adapter plugin!

[Exodus]

You won't regret it, I started out without knowing anything and picking up a Canon Rebel. Now I have a Canon 7D and still don't know anything....

Now I'm scared...

[Felonous]

Skyline Seen From San Francisco Coit Tower
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6604167291_3a81fd5aaf_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/srivera/6604167291/)

This was one of the shots I got from a trip me and my brother made into the city right after Christmas. Three long exposures combined into a HDR. Trying to figure out why I'm getting lens flare seen in the top right corner of some shots.

[Felonous]

Now I'm scared...

Don't be, we all start somewhere. My advice is to just shoot, and shoot, and shoot some more.

For a great start to understanding the photography fundamentals, I highly recommend the book 'Understanding Exposure' by Bryan Peterson.

Flickr is also a great resource, everyone is really helpful in the Canon DSLR group:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/canondslr/

[Exodus]

Ohhhh and now I gotta make a flickr account once I get going. Thanks a lot!

[Jackel]

I need to get back into photography again. Been really busy with real life so I haven't had the time to pull out the camera.

[Felonous]

Also, in reply to the Nikon lusting going on...

http://www.hdwarrior.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Canon-1DX-web.jpg

http://4.s.img-dpreview.com/products_data/products/canon_eos1dx/shots/front.jpg?v=1297

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/10/18/canoneos1dx

Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, is proud to introduce a completely revolutionized EOS-1D series camera, the Canon EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera.* As the new leader in Canon’s arsenal of professional DSLRs, the EOS-1D X will be a high-speed multimedia juggernaut replacing both the EOS-1Ds Mark III and EOS-1D Mark IV models in Canon’s lineup. Enhancing the revolutionary image quality of the EOS-1Ds and speed capabilities of the EOS-1D series, the EOS-1D X DSLR features an 18-megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS sensor, Dual DIGIC 5+ Imaging Processors, 14-bit A/D data conversion and capable of shooting an incredible 12 frames-per-second (fps). Canon’s EOS DSLR cameras and accessories have a long-standing legacy of providing high-quality results to professionals in a wide range of markets, including sports, nature, cinematography, wedding and commercial studios. The addition of this new model will help take this tradition to a whole new level.

The EOS-1D X announcement comes on the heels of Canon’s recent manufacturing milestone with the production of the Company’s 50-millionth EOS-series SLR camera in September of 2011. Furthermore, Canon will achieve yet another milestone at the end of this month producing the 70-millionth EF lens.

“The EOS-1D X represents the re-invention of the EOS-1Ds and EOS-1D series, combining new proprietary Canon technologies with the culmination of customer feedback and requests from the field. We are proud to introduce this camera to the worldwide community of professional photographers and cinematographers with the features and capabilities they need to capture the great moments that display their talent,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.

The Camera With Three Brains
The EOS-1D X features three DIGIC processors, including Dual DIGIC 5+ image processors capable of delivering approximately 17 times more processing speed than DIGIC 4, and a dedicated DIGIC 4 for metering and AF control. In conjunction with the newly developed high-performance 18-megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS image sensor, the Dual DIGIC 5+ processors provide high-speed continuous shooting, lower noise, and a significant increase in data processing speed than previous EOS-1D models. This new level of data processing speed allows the EOS-1D X to perform many functions including chromatic aberration correction for various Canon EF lenses in-camera instead of through post-production software. The DIGIC 4 processor utilizes a new 100,000-pixel RGB Metering Sensor for enhanced exposure accuracy with color and face detection, and works together with the camera’s new EOS iTR (Intelligent Tracking and Recognition) AF.

The EOS-1D X employs a completely new imaging sensor, producing the lowest noise of any EOS digital camera to date for stunning portraiture and studio work. The new 18-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor utilizes large pixels – 1.25 microns larger than those in the EOS-1D Mark IV sensor and .55 microns larger than those in the EOS 5D Mark II sensor – together with gapless microlenses to achieve enhanced light gathering efficiency, higher sensitivity and less noise at the pixel level. The new sensor has improved on the already very high signal-to-noise ratio of sensor output of earlier EOS models for outstanding image quality, even in extremely low light. When combined with the Dual DIGIC 5+ imaging processors the results are stunning. The images produced with the EOS-1D X camera’s new sensor are so clean that files can easily be up-sized if necessary for even the most demanding high-resolution commercial applications. The EOS-1D X will also feature new Ultrasonic Wave Motion Cleaning (UWMC), Canon’s second generation self-cleaning sensor unit, which utilizes carrier wave technology to remove smaller dust particles from the sensor and it includes a new fluorine coating on the infrared absorption glass to help repel dust.

The low-light capability of the EOS-1D X is evident in its incredible ISO range and ability to photograph in extremely low-light conditions. Adjustable from ISO 100 to 51,200 within its standard range, the new model offers a low ISO 50 setting for studio and landscape photography and two high settings of 102,400 at H1 and 204,800 at H2, ideal for law enforcement, government or forensic field applications.

New 61-Point High Density Reticular AF
The EOS-1D X includes a brand new 61-Point High Density Reticular AF, the most sophisticated DSLR AF system Canon has ever released. The 21 focusing points in the central area are standard precision cross-type and effective with maximum apertures as small as f/5.6, depending on the lens in use. The center five points are also high-precision diagonal cross-type points for maximum apertures as small as f/2.8. All 61 points are sensitive to horizontal contrast with maximum apertures as small as f/5.6 and 20 of the outer focusing points function as cross-type points with maximum apertures as small as f/4.0. Other innovations of the new 61-point High Density Reticular AF include expanded AF coverage area, superior focusing precision and low light sensitivity, and greater low-contrast subject detection capability compared to earlier EOS AF systems.

While the newly announced Nikon body is nice, I'm saving up for a Canon EOS-1DX

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

This is my gear porn/lust these days:

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lwwv0ptvzc1r97n14o1_500.jpg

and

http://graflex.org/speed-graphic/anniversary-speed-graphic-hm.jpg

Been so close to grabbing a cheap beat up large format camera for a while now, having too much fun with film.

I really need to get back to digital a bit, though, as man film is expensive, especially for my medium format cameras.

I really wish I had a digital back for the Hassie:

http://www.photoethnography.com/blog/images/503CWD.jpg

They only cost $13k used!

I do kinda want to upgrade my E-P1 to an E-P3, though. I don't think I will bother with full body DSLRs anymore, the new mirrorless sytems have won me over, fantastic little cameras and my film cameras have much nicer, bigger and brighter viewfinders than any DSLR on the market so I don't miss that at all.


Exodus, post some pics!

[digitalErich]

Interesting you would say that, I was reading a post by a professional photographer predicting the 4d and 1Dx will be the last major DSLRs. He's saying that in 5 years everything will be mirrorless. He drags around 2 or 3 high end Nikon bodies and he believes in this so much that he said he's totally skipping the D4 and won't be buying any DSLR lenses from here out.

He could be wrong, but the mirrorless stuff is only getting better. Then again, I've noticed that a lot of photographers need to be dragged kicking and screaming into the future so I'm sure there will be a small DSLR market for at least 8 more years.

I've been trying to snag a GF1 on the cheap for a year now, but I might just go for the GX1 now that it's out.

[Felonous]

The standard DSLR camera will be here for a while as mirror-less has some major hurdles that needs to be addressed before professional photographers will be moved to switch over:

Slower (in some cases much slower) autofocus
Limited continuous ('burst') shooting capabilities
Electronic viewfinders cannot match the clarity of a good optical finder
relatively poor low-light performance

The upside of size and portability of mirror-less systems is not enough to overcome their shortcomings.

[digitalErich]

I'm not saying they are even close to beating a DSLR yet, but look at all of those things you listed. Those are all technical limitations, none of them are mechanical, none of them have to do with having or not having a mirror.

Well, maybe the viewfinder one does, but I'm convinced that's less of an issue than people make it out to be and more to do with an adjustment in technique than an actual hard limitation.

Again outside of the viewfinder one, all of those bullets were issues with DSLRs vs film cameras several years back. All of them were overcome and in some cases even surpassed the old tech.

[digitalErich]

Also, I'm not saying that this "next gen" of cameras will necessarily be the micro 4/3 or something we have now. Look at the rumors about the Sony A99 as an example...it might have a mirror that doesn't move.

I just think that DSLRs are not here to stay, they are a stepping stone just like any other format. That's not to say they won't have value in the future, they just won't be the workhorse they are now.

I just think that this idea mechanical movement inside a camera is on its deathbed.

Edit: Sony's new tech...mirrors without mechanical movement
http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc498/43rumors/Sony-A99.jpg

[Exodus]

Sooo I'm watching some tutorials and...yeah...the mirror interaction? Sounds very much something that needs to be overcome in our pursuit of perfection of still life.

Hopefully won't be overcome too soon though. This is one expensive hobby. I have to buy a macro lens and I gotta find me an all purpose camera that goes at least to 70mm-75mm. Who the hell knows how expensive this is gonna be.

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

Slower (in some cases much slower) autofocus
Limited continuous ('burst') shooting capabilities
Electronic viewfinders cannot match the clarity of a good optical finder
relatively poor low-light performance

The upside of size and portability of mirror-less systems is not enough to overcome their shortcomings.

I hate to pick apart your post, but...

When the E-P3 launched last year it had the world's fastest autofocus.
The Nikon mirrorless has I think since beaten it.

Sony's NEX 7 has 10 FPS burst shooting.

The new Fuji mirrorless has a hybird optical/electronic finder for the best of both worlds. It can apparently shift (physical) field of view when you stick different length primes on it. Crazy.

The NEX's APSC sensor and the new Fuji perform just as well in low light as any full bodied DSLR.

I agree with you that DSLRs aren't going anywhere just yet, but it's not because mirrorless is too far behind, it's just because it's a nice and stubbornly ingrained format.



The one big thing in common that I see everywhere (and felt myself after getting my E-P1, pretty sure I made a post about it here) is that people buy a mirrorless as a fun/walk about/back up camera to their DSLRs, but then many of them just find it can perform just as well as the big boys and becomes their main camera. Compactness can't be understated, it sounds like a small bullet point but it's actually more important than any other technical aspect in my mind. One of those things you don't realise is a problem until you are free from it.

[digitalErich]

Sony's NEX 7 has 10 FPS burst shooting.
The Nikon V1 shoots at 10 FPS too, but if you set it to fix focus...60 FPS :eek:. That's still photography at a frame speed faster than most movies.

The aspect that will keep DSLRs around the longest will be people's lens collections (and that's a fine enough reason). Hell these 3rd generation cameras will likely keep a very close form factor in order to make use of the lens collections out there (arguments for ergonomics and control layouts can be offered up as well). You just won't have a mirror clunking up and down inside.

[digitalErich]

The one big thing in common that I see everywhere (and felt myself after getting my E-P1, pretty sure I made a post about it here) is that people buy a mirrorless as a fun/walk about/back up camera to their DSLRs, but then many of them just find it can perform just as well as the big boys and becomes their main camera. Compactness can't be understated, it sounds like a small bullet point but it's actually more important than any other technical aspect in my mind. One of those things you don't realise is a problem until you are free from it.
People also stick to the "large sensor is always better" mentality. It sometimes is, but I've recently started to follow a lot of photographers on google+ and was pretty shocked what I've learned in the past year. There's one Japanese pro that shoots in nothing but micro 4/3.

Then there's this Russian ex-pat, probably one of the foremost experts on liquid and splash photography, he owns a Hassleblad digital like the one posted...he uses a Canon point and shoot (~$450) for a good amount of his work and this is up close, professional product work. We're talking full-page magazine ads he's using this for.

[Exodus]

Alright, I figured out how to use the camera some what. Took a picture of my Anduin statue(Skyrim dragon) however, it looks like I have to use an SD Card reader in order to transfer over the picture to my computer. I was kind of hoping I could just plug my usb 3.0 to usb 2.0 from my camera plug in but I guess that's simply for something else other than transferring files.

Oh well looks like I have to format the SD card to NTFS also.

This is taking a little longer than expected.

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

The Nikon V1 shoots at 10 FPS too, but if you set it to fix focus...60 FPS :eek:. That's still photography at a frame speed faster than most movies.

The aspect that will keep DSLRs around the longest will be people's lens collections (and that's a fine enough reason). Hell these 3rd generation cameras will likely keep a very close form factor in order to make use of the lens collections out there (arguments for ergonomics and control layouts can be offered up as well). You just won't have a mirror clunking up and down inside.

Who honestly shoots at that crazy rate? That's some real specialised usage right there.

Also, lens collections... Just buy a mirrorless from your preferred brand. That's mainly why I went with the E-P1 (well, it was the first and only mirrorless at the time) because I can easily use my collection of 4/3 lenses on it.

People also stick to the "large sensor is always better" mentality.
.

True, but the NEX and Fuji are full frame APSC sensors?

Olympus/Panasonic/Nikon are so far going the small sensor route, but while I feel sensor size matters nowhere near as much as people think it does, if you are worried just buy a NEX or Fuji.


EDIT:

I was kind of hoping I could just plug my usb 3.0 to usb 2.0 from my camera plug in but I guess that's simply for something else other than transferring files.

I haven't used a Rebel but most entry level bodies like that are pretty user friendly in that sense and that seems surprising you can't plug the camera in directly. Maybe you need some software for it to work right?

[digitalErich]

Exodus, you should be able to plug your Rebel in and transfer the pictures right from the camera. Try installing the Canon software (you shouldn't need to use it, but it can't hurt).

Card readers are generally faster though so it won't kill you to use a reader (I use this (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0050C9ZMC/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=8580391701&ref=pd_sl_6kv0rtwsci_b)). If you don't want to spend the extra money you should be able to use the camera USB cable to move your pictures over.

[Exodus]

Exodus, you should be able to plug your Rebel in and transfer the pictures right from the camera. Try installing the Canon software (you shouldn't need to use it, but it can't hurt).

Card readers are generally faster though so it won't kill you to use a reader (I use this (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0050C9ZMC/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=8580391701&ref=pd_sl_6kv0rtwsci_b)). If you don't want to spend the extra money you should be able to use the camera USB cable to move your pictures over.

Yeah I actually ran into some trouble so I've been trying to format it for the past hour or two. Think I finally got it formatted properly for ntfs so gonna take a shot or two and finally hit the sack!

[Exodus]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6652060561_e5980e1346.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73775455@N02/6652060561/)
IMG_1205[1] (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73775455@N02/6652060561/) by Exodus121 (http://www.flickr.com/people/73775455@N02/), on Flickr

and

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6652059297_2ff60b2260.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73775455@N02/6652059297/)
IMG_1204[1] (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73775455@N02/6652059297/) by Exodus121 (http://www.flickr.com/people/73775455@N02/), on Flickr

But I was kind of hoping to be able to post the full 6.10mb of power...
And yes...I thought it would be neat to keep a treasure horde for my dragon in a perfectly shaped bowl...

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

Make sure you tick the little bubble which says BBcode rather than HTML when copying links to your flickr.

EDIT: I wanted to click through to flickr to have a closer look. If you copy the code flickr gives you it makes the pics clickable urls too but I can't get there right now!

[Exodus]

Got it! Thanks Lon Lon I, am going to have a really, really good time with this. Kind of makes me sad that Flikr limits you to 300mb though. ;P

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

Looks good! That is a damn sexy CE item.

Ok, now the crit (hope you don't mind).

What lens is that? I don't know Canon kit lenses.

You're on aperture priority which is a great place to start (or stay forever really, it gives enough control for most circumstances) but can you open up the lens any more than 5.6?

It's a bit hard to tell, but you either missed focus just slightly (while the dragon is not alive... this is a portrait shot and you want those eyes nice and sharp) or you didn't hold the camera steady enough at 1/30 second. If you open up the aperture a bit more you will get access to a faster shutter speed.

Your ISO is also way too high (3200) and the noise is visible even in the websize versions. Is the room pretty dim? Take a few more shots to see if you can hold a bit steadier/nail the focus just right and with a lower ISO.

That close up shot is also a tiny bit overexposed in my book, the detail is quite blown out in the objects in the bowl.

There's also a small issue with white balance; I'm assuming your walls aren't quite that yellow. It's not too bad as it does give a homey feel rather than totally sterile clean white, but I think shifting it more towards neutral white would still be better.

Also, if you want to show off the dragon at its most fearsome, don't show us empty beer bottles behind him! Less is more, compose the shot with the least amount of clutter and distracting background elements so our attention is all on the dragon.

My ranting aside, great start! Post lots and lots and lots more because I'm sure many others like me are watching and enjoying even if we don't comment often (I check this thread instantly whenever I see it updated via email, and look at all everyone's awesome pics carefully, even if I don't comment that much).

Welcome to the raddest hobby.

EDIT: Oh and buy a flickr (or similar competing service) pro account. It's worth the money, you'll get unlimited storage and be able to host your files at their original size/res. It's retroactive too so the pics you already have up there will be unlocked in their original size if you do it.

[Exodus]

Heh I popped it in auto-focus one shot mode I think? I don't know if the ISO was set to auto or not but if it was this picture probably would have benefitted from me in manual mode.

One thing I don't quite understand is the F# thing. What is this indicator of? I know I can control it with the wheel but don't know what it does exactly.

The walls are beige but the lamp + shade doesn't really reflect that anyway.

Nah this wasn't some posed shot this was just the natural state of my desk!

My friends told me flickr takes your pictures and sells them so I'm not quite sure how I feel about that. I'm just starting though so maybe I shouldn't be overtly concerned but it does rub me the wrong way. We will see!

[digitalErich]

F-stop (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-number) is the measurement of how wide open the mechanical iris on a lens is or can be. It's listed as F/# with a smaller # meaning a wider possible opening (and a more expensive lens).

When you look at EXIF data in photos the f number will be what the lens was set to for the shot. When you are looking at lens specs it will list the smallest possible f number, aka the widest opening the iris on that lens will do.

Obviously a wider opening will let in more light, but you really adjust the f-stop to play with your depth of field. A low f-number (wide open) will give you a shallower depth of field, keeping your subject in focus and bluring the background. You're "Portrait" mode on your rebel will do this.

[Exodus]

Ahhh...my god...lenses cost more than cameras...

What cruel world have I just entered.

/weeping

[digitalErich]

Ahhh...my god...lenses cost more than cameras...

What cruel world have I just entered.

/weeping
They also last longer and lose very little value if you take care of them. You'll consistently see 4-5 year old lenses selling for 5-10% less than full price. Some lenses even increase in value but it's near impossible to predict those.

Lenses are one of the best investments you can make when it comes to photography equipment.

[Exodus]

http://djlhggipcyllo.cloudfront.net/4219857/893e9dcee340c462377712e1a536b97e2b9d7b57/4.jpg

Got it! linking from 500px now

[Exodus]

Alright working on it went for a short walk.

I cropped some cars out of this picture(though I dislike post production) so this pic is a bit more lossy.
http://djlhggipcyllo.cloudfront.net/4222249/24da7ff71c955a9f966b0b820904742358b95bb7/4.jpg

http://djlhggipcyllo.cloudfront.net/4222223/c4432c32cb4cec9d79784b60292ab2ab31de9c18/4.jpg

[Jackel]

It is always nice when new blood enters the thread, we get an influx of new pictures and activity.

[Dualshotty23]

I could cause an influx of "paper camera" pics if you would like :)

[Exodus]

The problem with photography I'm finding is that I wish that I could wear an anti-gravity belt and float around to get the angles I want. Like moving around in 3dsmax or using the debug camera in Skyrim.

I am limited by this human body and it bothers me when I want to take fantastic pictures!

[civil_dead]

Exodus, I really like that second shot. The repetition of shapes makes for an interesting composition--you should try abstracting your photos like that more often. Granted, this isn't entirely abstracted but the angle/colors/repetition almost makes it a graphic element.

[Felonous]

Some great shots there Exodus, your starting off with a good showing of having a photographers eye.

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

Looking good Exodus! Keep it up! Especially encouraging to see you trying a vast variety of subjects. A pretty common hole to fall into at the start is to just click away at the same stuff but I think it's invaluable to test the waters all around you.

http://djlhggipcyllo.cloudfront.net/4219857/893e9dcee340c462377712e1a536b97e2b9d7b57/4.jpg

Got it! linking from 500px now

What is this?

Alright working on it went for a short walk.

I cropped some cars out of this picture(though I dislike post production) so this pic is a bit more lossy.
http://djlhggipcyllo.cloudfront.net/4222249/24da7ff71c955a9f966b0b820904742358b95bb7/4.jpg

Nice sunset. I like the light on the windows on the left especially.

Don't forget to straighten your horizon when you crop, everything is leaning over to the right a little and I don't think it's adding anything to the pic.


http://djlhggipcyllo.cloudfront.net/4222223/c4432c32cb4cec9d79784b60292ab2ab31de9c18/4.jpg

Looks great!

Again, well done as you're obviously searching for unique angles.

I think the pic would be stronger if the blue square of sky was dead center, but I'm not sure if that would have been possible; that top section looks like a walkway and was maybe too thin for a dead square composition to be possible?

While the deep blue vs the yellow is definitely a... strong contrast, I'm not sure it's working either. I would definitely play with the white balance a bit to make the building look a bit less nuclear.



Good job, post more post more post more!

...though I dislike post production...

Why?

[Exodus]

http://djlhggipcyllo.cloudfront.net/4267306/3116ea79900186a4ceccb47f8edf0666f197caeb/4.jpg

My time is limited but what I can grab I take. This shot's kinda ruined due to reflection from the window. I tried to get a sunset but it was messed up as well due to the window.

EDIT

To Lon Lon:

The first pic is an orange that got run over by a car. it was kinda perfect in it's crushed form that I just wanted to do CSI picture work on it. :)

Second pic, yeah I gotta work on my steady hand more or I'll have to get a carrying case for my tripod.

The 3rd pic was kind of too yellow but it was because of the lighting nearby. I knew it would turn out too yellow due to it so I made do because the angle/area seemed so cool!

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

http://djlhggipcyllo.cloudfront.net/4267306/3116ea79900186a4ceccb47f8edf0666f197caeb/4.jpg

My time is limited but what I can grab I take. This shot's kinda ruined due to reflection from the window. I tried to get a sunset but it was messed up as well due to the window.

I certainly don't think it's ruined, the reflections are very tiny in this one. If you are having trouble, though, put the lens' front element as close to the window as possible to minimise reflections. Turn off any bright lights in the room too if possible.



To Lon Lon:

The first pic is an orange that got run over by a car. it was kinda perfect in it's crushed form that I just wanted to do CSI picture work on it. :)

Cool. It's kinda just a straight on shot and kinda screams "DEPTH OF FIELD PORN!!!" to me, though. Maybe you could try contextualising it a bit more? I can JUST see what looks like the bottom of a car in the background, maybe a shot from a different angle showing the smear trail of the orange leading to a car slightly more in frame behind it would be cool?


Second pic, yeah I gotta work on my steady hand more or I'll have to get a carrying case for my tripod.

It's not a good mantra to live by, but "fix it in post!" definitely applies here. No need for a tripod, just rotate it those few degrees in your image editor of choice once you get it back home.


The 3rd pic was kind of too yellow but it was because of the lighting nearby. I knew it would turn out too yellow due to it so I made do because the angle/area seemed so cool!

Same here, I know it was yellow in person, but I seriously doubt it was THAT saturated yellow. A tiny bit of post with the white balance will make it look more natural.

[Exodus]

My problem with post production/processing isn't so much me thinking I'm commiting a sin by doing so. I have no problem rotating a picture a little or fixing something that's too saturated with the colour yellow.

I just have a problem when a picture is more post production than photograph. I saw this picture on 500px and my mind was blown, it was a picture of this liquid or glass tuplip/rose that was on the verge of exploding or something. I soon learned it was heavily post processed. I do realize, because of post process I was able to see something that cool but on the other hand, the photos I want to take are of things that anyone can witness for themselves.

Wake up and smell the roses, life and reality is beautiful. I am a thousand fathoms deep in fantasy and fiction in my life. In this hobby, I want the real stuff.

[digitalErich]

You know who did a ton of post processing? Ansel Adams

Granted, he did it in the darkroom and not on a PC, but in mind post processing is post processing. It's just another tool.

[Felonous]

I myself love the art of post processing and wish I was better at it, so many things you can do with pixel manipulation.

[Felonous]

Old School
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6529031813_07a91c30e9_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/srivera/6529031813/)

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

You know who did a ton of post processing? Ansel Adams

Granted, he did it in the darkroom and not on a PC, but in mind post processing is post processing. It's just another tool.

Exactly. The Darkroom is old school photoshop.

You know what else does a heck of a lot of post processing?

Your freaking digital camera.

That thing is making a TONNE of choices for you that you have no control over. The JPG you end up with after you hit the shutter is what the engineers at Canon have decided you probably most likely want to see given the combination of settings you put in before you hit the button.

Even if you ignore the whole "fantasy and fiction" side of the camera and want to go for absolute realism, you are doing yourself and your pictures a huge disservice to assume that they are as "real" as can be straight out of camera. Case in point, the yellow building pic above. I guarantee they were not that yellow in real life, so you are actually presenting a more false reality by leaving the pic unedited.

This is ALSO ignoring everything else the camera is not telling us; sounds, smells, temperature, general atmosphere.

I would argue that adding post to your picture that may go beyond what you really saw can help bring back that atmosphere that you felt, and that THAT is a much more true representation of the scene that you experienced.

TLDR: Give up the idea that your jpgs are "reality" and a sacred thing you can't tamper with. Post is (or can be) just putting your own impression more strongly into the picture, instead of basing it on some engineers lowest common denominator decisions.

[Exodus]

You guys can air brush your stuff all you want to make a person look perfect or hide some crack in the wall.

I just prefer to get what was there.

I'll edit things like the yellow for instance(as I said before) and I don't mind that post processing at all. But I want the flaws and I don't want to create something that isn't real in the sense of that liquid flower bursting that's just too much for me and not what I want out of this.

I'm not saying it's wrong. Who knows as I get better at this I might get bored and get more into post processing. This could just be a phase. I'll learn but I just don't want to make pictures like that.

EDIT:

I'm not here to pose things into something that would make a great picture. If I really wanted that I'd go into 3d modelling where I have more control than a photographer ever will over an environment.

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

You guys can air brush your stuff all you want to make a person look perfect or hide some crack in the wall.

I just prefer to get what was there.

Ok...

But you are rarely ever getting that when you hit your shutter button, just fyi.

[Exodus]

Here's a few examples that bother the hell out of me.

http://djlhggipcyllo.cloudfront.net/4129628/e0df20e7f56384b3c6e86bcfbc727af820b6ce95/3.jpg

http://djlhggipcyllo.cloudfront.net/3863383/3816e3fe19b75554977bf2789e5f568c89fe71c5/3.jpg

http://djlhggipcyllo.cloudfront.net/3493774/a3a6dc8214df041b8181acf3b27fcbb1bf0ac401/3.jpg

Fine, let me word it this way after coming to this point in my head.
I don't like obvious post processing that's just too much. Post processing should bring out the greatness in things.

The first one is off to me.
The kids eyes look alien.
The 3rd, just, too overt. No thanks.

http://djlhggipcyllo.cloudfront.net/2969471/f6e24cb60b19e8be00e97a8184816e2da01d7fa8/3.jpg

This picture is an example of a technique every photographer has to try at least a few times for fun. :)

[Exodus]

In case you're wondering

http://djlhggipcyllo.cloudfront.net/3225597/9e7e5723202d78ab1de209f310836170607ee875/3.jpg

This was a 17 shot composite.

It just bothers the hell outta me that it's not one shot but eh I'll learn I guess. It is an awesome picture. I just kind of wished that it wasn't comprised of 17 shots.

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

Fine, let me word it this way after coming to this point in my head.
I don't like obvious post processing that's just too much. Post processing should bring out the greatness in things.

I would tend to agree with you on that, but I think you can do a lot of subtle post before reaching that point.

But you are right in that there is a terrible glut of over sharpened over tone mapped crap floating around out there.


This picture is an example of a technique every photographer has to try at least a few times for fun. :)

Long exposures and light painting are a great example of the camera's reality being very different to what our eyes reality sees.

With your shots, did your eye perceive that thin sliver of DOF on the orange? Did your eye throw the car behind it out of focus? Did your eye see such saturated yellow buildings and a deep blue sky? Did it underexposed that last cloud shot as much as it is in that picture? That answer to all of that is obviously no.

My point is, if you are chasing reality, and an accurate facsimile of the human eye, post work is actually REQUIRED. This has nothing to do with air brushing away blemishes and hiding impurities.

The mere act of composing a scene in your frame is an act of selective inclusion; you are choosing how to contextualise your reality so to assume that once you hit the button you have a perfect and true and unbiased capture of the scene is quite frankly just wrong.

The good news is, once you get rid of those kinds of hang ups, there is a huge scope for creative control, which is in my opinion a far more important and meaningful element of photography than just shooting "what's there".

It's taking pictures vs making pictures, or capturing an image vs capturing a scene.
In case you're wondering

http://djlhggipcyllo.cloudfront.net/3225597/9e7e5723202d78ab1de209f310836170607ee875/3.jpg

This was a 17 shot composite.

It just bothers the hell outta me that it's not one shot but eh I'll learn I guess. It is an awesome picture. I just kind of wished that it wasn't comprised of 17 shots.

I guess it's more an amazing image than an amazing photo at that point, but is that so bad? It would have taken a lot of time, technical know how and creative vision to get there, and that's impressive in its own right. It's also a far cry from just running some images through a high pass filter or maxing out the sliders in photomatix.



EDIT: I'm sorry to rant on this so much but it's a pet peeve of mine to see budding photographers limit themselves out of a false sense of "noble image purity".

[Exodus]

Fine fine Lon Lon i'll go on with open eyes but dammit if I ever take a picture and go over board kick me in the head.

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

You definitely will, everyone does, but that's all part of learning!

I absolutely HATE the photos I was so incredibly proud of just 2 short years ago.

[Exodus]

Sooo.. I was at a stop light and I look over and look into the eyes of this huge fucking bird. It was a falcon. All I could think is..why the fuck did I take my camera out of my car. FUCK it would have been the best picture ever. New life quest.

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

Sooo.. I was at a stop light and I look over and look into the eyes of this huge fucking bird. It was a falcon. All I could think is..why the fuck did I take my camera out of my car. FUCK it would have been the best picture ever. New life quest.

It takes some getting used to but I find always keeping my camera on me every day has become a necessity. I feel weird if I leave it at home now.

My E-P1 + pancake lens are super tiny and fit easily in any bag I take or even a jacket pocket (the biggest benefit of mirrorless!).





Some shots from a few months ago now I finally processed and put up.




http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6714749087_b33de26812_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonlonrabbit/6714749087/)
Kimono, Nagahama Kouen (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonlonrabbit/6714749087/) by Lon Lon Rabbit (http://www.flickr.com/people/lonlonrabbit/), on Flickr


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6714752873_b2d9408c05_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonlonrabbit/6714752873/)
Kimono, Torahime Cosmos Park (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonlonrabbit/6714752873/) by Lon Lon Rabbit (http://www.flickr.com/people/lonlonrabbit/), on Flickr



Not all that happy with them because I missed the focus on the second one and the first is blurry, I think from the mirror slap. I am a little worried my Hassie has a clumsy mirror as people claim the engineering on them is so solid that you can rest a penny on its side on the lens barrel and it won't even budge when you fire the shutter, but my camera body JUMPS when I do that and it's sitting on a flat table. Gonna have to start using the mirror lock up I think as a lot of my shots are a tad soft even when taken at what should be perfectly hand-holdable shutter speeds.

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

More backlog:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6755136959_e34922d177_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonlonrabbit/6755136959/)
W (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonlonrabbit/6755136959/) by Lon Lon Rabbit (http://www.flickr.com/people/lonlonrabbit/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6755135351_132b187b22_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonlonrabbit/6755135351/)
Mie Haikyo (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonlonrabbit/6755135351/) by Lon Lon Rabbit (http://www.flickr.com/people/lonlonrabbit/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6755032865_b202bfa29c_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonlonrabbit/6755032865/)
Yuna (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonlonrabbit/6755032865/) by Lon Lon Rabbit (http://www.flickr.com/people/lonlonrabbit/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6755032361_e3b75566f9_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonlonrabbit/6755032361/)
Yuna (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonlonrabbit/6755032361/) by Lon Lon Rabbit (http://www.flickr.com/people/lonlonrabbit/), on Flickr




Bottom two are from a little Olympus XA2 I picked up over Christmas in Osaka. Having a little trouble with the set and forget 3 option only focus points.

[rifter]

Been doing some work for a local sports team. I figured I would post a couple of shots:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6514425253_35bb4a5813.jpg

Here is the coach during a time out:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6693422171_519d20bfbb.jpg

When I take a picture, I am trying to take a good image. Unless I am shooting photo-journalism, I don't give one rip if I am making it exactly what my eye shot or not. I am creating an image.

One thing that annoys me when people complain about post processing, is our brains do it already. Depending on your feelings of a person you see, you may or may not see blemishes or other details about them. The better you "feel" about the person, the better they "look". It is internal filtering. Why would I want to do any less with my photography?

[Exodus]

http://pcdn.500px.net/4717920/73e1dcc2360d0aa601e18c8ee0da7a302e404fa0/4.jpg

I've had a hard time getting out and taking pictures. It sucks. I work a fucking LOT.

But, it was a beautiful morning in Canada, Toronto. Our weather will be snowy for 1 day or 2 and then beautiful like this where everything is melting where you could almost walk outside with your t-shirt on.

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

Just bought a new camera on Sunday.

Well, preordered, but it's all paid up and should be on my doorstep on launch day in late March/early April.

Super excited, it's gonna be a really nice step up from my E-P1.

I think it was a good move from Olympus to somewhat counter the Fuji X Pro. Obviously it doesn't have the same level of IQ but as I have always been saying about 4/3 sensors, it's firmly in "good enough" territory.

http://techdiem.com/wp-content/plugins/rss-poster/cache/95176_omd_bestlens-s_b.jpg

Got the silver one as it looks a lot like my dad's old OM-2 which I now have.

The important points:

- inbuilt electronic viewfinder.
- new in body image stabilisation which supposedly gives you FIVE more workable stops, won't really believe that til I try it though.
- fully weather sealed.
- ~30% increase in dynamic range over the E-P3's sensor.



Mirrorless is really powering along.

Apparently here in Japan, mirrorless sales have now surpassed DSLR sales, and m4/3 sales have surpassed both Nikon and Canon.

I really expected Olympus to ditch DSLRs completely but apparently they are still not quitting on their 4/3 system and will bring out a successor to the E-5 (their current pro level DSLR).

[digitalErich]

I think for these companies that are killing it in the mirrorless space, having larger sensor models will be like car companies like Audi putting out $270,000 supercars. It won't be their profit driver, more a test bed for tech that will eventually be cheap enough to filter down into their consumer level models.

Lon Lon, did you look at the GX1 at all? Just curious why you went with the Olympus over that or one of the NEX cameras, which granted, don't have the cool retro-range finder look, but they pack an APS-C sensor into a camera about that size.

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

I already have a pretty heavy investment in both 4/3 and m4/3 lenses.

If I was not an Olympus fan I would probably would have jumped on the NEX train last year, or the Fuji one this year with the X Pro.

Being with Olympus for so long has accustomed me to smaller sensors, though, so I am very much used to all that means (including the 2x crop factor which many find unimaginable) and I don't feel limited at all with the results I'm able to achieve on their equipment.

I mean I know the technical difference in sensors is huge, but in practice it's entirely meaningless when all I do is have web size images or make prints at about A3 at the biggest.

Maybe I would feel different if I was a professional photographer and needed to blow things up to billboard size, but otherwise I am a firm believer that the difference in sensor size even between 4/3 and say a full frame DSLR is entirely negligible.

[digitalErich]

Totally agree on the sensor side of things, I was asking more because I was thinking of diving into the 4/3 space with the new Panasonic GX1. The lenses between the Olympus and Panasonic models are interchangeable so I was curious why, out of the 4/3s cameras, you chose the Olympus. It sounds like you have a history with their cameras though, which is a fine reason.

I know a lot of people are turned off by not having an EVF on the GX1, but I think I could get around that. Worst case scenario, I make up the difference in savings by grabbing Panasonic's hotshoe EVF.

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

Yeah, all things even, I will choose Olympus and freely admit to being biased by that but between my father and I we have owned and shared about 15 of their cameras and have only once been let down by a leaky stylus epic.

A few ventures into other brands always resulted in serious issues after a few years of use.

I do like Panasonic's stuff though and have one of their m4/3 Lumix lenses (the 7-14mm ultra wide) which is as good as the 4/3 zuiko version IMO (and 1/3 the price).

Also agree that a viewfinder is not the big deal people make it out to be (I just did without one for the past 3 years with the E-P1 as my main digital camera), but I am looking forward to having one again with the OM-D.

Also sounds like the sensor in the OM-D may be Panasonic's, same as that of the GF3 plus tweaks apparently.

[digitalErich]

Do you own any pancake primes? I'm pretty bummed that the GX1 doesn't have a kit with their 20mm prime.

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

Yeah I got my E-P1 as a kit with the zuiko 17mm f2.8 pancake and it's the main lens I use on that camera.

Absolutely fantastic lens and from all accounts the Panasonic one is even sharper (and it's obviously a bit faster, too).

Weird that they would stop selling that in a kit as I know it's one of the most popular lenses in the whole format. Most people sold off their zuiko pancakes when it came out and bought those instead.

[digitalErich]

I grabbed a GX1 today from Amazon, but they are back ordered 3 weeks or so. I'm not sure what's going on with Panasonic, but there's a run on their 4/3 gear recently (high demand or production shortage)...GX1s are hard to find and the 20mm pancake is near impossible to find at MSRP. The only people selling it on Amazon jacked up the price to almost double.

Hopefully I can get my hands on the 20mm before I head back to Japan this spring.

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

Nice buy!

Good luck finding that lens.

You heading to Japan for travel/business/residence/what?

Where will you be?

[digitalErich]

My g/f is waiting out our K1 application there with her family, doing contract work, so I'll be visiting her in Nagoya. We might do some travel to the north, but we haven't made definite plans, yet.

I just noticed that you're in Nagahama. About a decade ago I spent about a year living in Hikone, small world.

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

Crazy!

Was just in Viva City yesterday in Minami Hikone for a movie.

I'm sure you'll be busy with your gf but if you have any free time on a weekend while in Nagoya maybe we should meet up and go shooting!

[digitalErich]

Hah, that's where I used to go to see movies. I remember seeing one of the LotR movies there.

Yeah, I'll keep you posted on my plans, we should try to meet up, for sure. I'm still very much starting out so it would be nice to hang out, even briefly, with someone that knows what they're doing :)

[JayVe]

While not my photos, I've been appearing in some recently...


http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/goodavatar/IMG_2659.jpg
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/goodavatar/IMG_2701.jpg
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/goodavatar/IMG_2690-001.jpg
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/goodavatar/IMG_2635.jpg

One of which was turned into a movie poster
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/goodavatar/MENOFACTION.png

For a fake film of course. ;)

I'd love some feedback for my photographer. We have another shoot coming up this week.

[Exodus]

http://i.minus.com/iHGHpWzuGhAV3.JPG

Behold my friends. My baby.

[PathMaster]

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/goodavatar/IMG_2690-001.jpg


Them be some odd looking sun glasses...large and..angular.

[AntonThaGreat]

Them be some odd looking sun glasses...large and..angular.

Wow, I want those glasses! :D JayVe anyway to find out the make/model?

[JayVe]

Heh. The round ones are mine. I'll ask Shaju where he got his.

[Bad Buddha]

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/3074/stmarylake.jpg

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/927/parkavenue.jpg

http://img380.imageshack.us/img380/2784/halfdome.jpg

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/4952/img1013yh.jpg

http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/1722/img1016tv.jpg

A couple of the more Artsy images from my travels over the years.

[digitalErich]

Where is that first shot of the lake from? I'm pretty sure I have to travel there, now.

[Bad Buddha]

Where is that first shot of the lake from? I'm pretty sure I have to travel there, now.

That is St. Mary Lake at the eastern side of Glacier Nat'l Park on Going To The Sun Road.

Glacier is a beautiful park, but you can't be afraid of heights when you're driving up the road that traverses The Wall from the west. Every time that I have driven it I have seen mountain goats at Logan Pass.

[bapenguin]

Finally have something new to share. Started to play with space photography.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7199/6933350085_623ba7d1a3_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bapenguin/sets/72157629097999458/)

aYZqzhyhdS8

[Bad Buddha]

The theme for today is "Textures".

http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/7917/img1010ml.jpg

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/1522/chinookflowers.jpg

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/4599/escalantestone.jpg

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/5051/lakemcdonaldstones.jpg

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/1065/mtnebobirch.jpg

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/4249/yosemitepinecones.jpg

[Vigil80]

Quick survey:

Which is preferable, saving up and getting a nicer camera later, or splurging on something "entry level" and taking better pictures sooner?

As I think I've said before, I want to practice my photography more seriously. To do that, I think I need to graduate from my old point & shoot.

[Exodus]

Quick survey:

Which is preferable, saving up and getting a nicer camera later, or splurging on something "entry level" and taking better pictures sooner?

As I think I've said before, I want to practice my photography more seriously. To do that, I think I need to graduate from my old point & shoot.

How seriously is seriously? Because if you want to take it seriously I'd almost say $1000-1200 for the camera, and another $1500-$2000 for lenses.

That's taking it fairly seriously.

I plopped down the $800 or so for my camera but I'm waiting on grabbing an L lens when I can afford it.

[Vigil80]

Seriously as in copyright watermarks, and "here's my portfolio." Eventually, at least.

[Bad Buddha]

I'd go for an entry-level DSLR to start with. You can start working with the exposure, aperture and other settings on the camera to get used to them. As you get a handle on those setting you can start working with variances in lighting, depth of field and composition.

I bought a Canon Rebel EOS XTi about 5 years ago. I had a lot of experience with film cameras but so far I feel no need to upgrade from this camera. However; I do need a telephoto lens to take on my motorcycle rides.

[digitalErich]

The NYT is opening up their massive archives and has set up a Tumblr (http://livelymorgue.tumblr.com/) to display them. I'll be checking in on this often.

[digitalErich]

Call me crazy, but I was really, really hoping the 5D Mark 3 would have an MSRP at or below $2,500. It's still a really impressive piece of kit.

Specs at CanonRumors (http://www.canonrumors.com/2012/03/introducing-the-canon-5d-mark-iii/)

Video at Engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/02/canon-announces-eos-5d-mark-iii-22-3mp-full-frame-sensor-6-fps/)

[Felonous]

The 5D M3 will most likely be my next camera body. But I'll be waiting for the first production run to work it's way out of the market channels and see if there were any issues that have to be fixed or if a firmware upgrade has to be deployed to fix major issues.

[digitalErich]

Starting to plan another trip to Japan and got looking at some shots of my 2011 trip there...

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-U4mgiGKFSgU/ToAfHi0hqwI/AAAAAAAAAIg/s9ESpgxKW78/s714/IMG_0654.jpg
In the mountains at a hot springs


https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Coaly7pPfPI/ToAfKEdAnjI/AAAAAAAAAIg/cANWNVN9fb0/s714/IMG_0679.jpg
Temple garden in Kyoto


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--76MJM4Py2U/ToAfQbPbBGI/AAAAAAAAAIg/LuZGU8jHtiQ/s714/IMG_0740.jpg
Kiyomizudera in Kyoto


https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LN2vfIWePeE/ToAfgA8SH_I/AAAAAAAAAIg/cTgw2XosE70/s714/IMG_0793.jpg


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2H8HA8JbNRU/ToAfhAcvkGI/AAAAAAAAAIg/ihEcAnIUTeo/s714/IMG_0798.jpg
Nagoya from the top of the Marriott

[digitalErich]

Apparently my camera does not work horizontally in Japan. I'll have to watch out for that on this next trip.

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

Excuse the mega post.

Hah, that's where I used to go to see movies. I remember seeing one of the LotR movies there.

Yeah, I'll keep you posted on my plans, we should try to meet up, for sure. I'm still very much starting out so it would be nice to hang out, even briefly, with someone that knows what they're doing :)

Awesome! Definitely, send me a message when you have some dates. I will be back home in Aus over golden week but otherwise I'm around shiga most weekends until July. It's obviously pretty easy to get into Nagoya from here too. From your pictures it sure looks like you already know what you're doing so I dunno what you're talking about there.

While not my photos, I've been appearing in some recently...


http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/goodavatar/IMG_2659.jpg
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/goodavatar/IMG_2701.jpg
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/goodavatar/IMG_2690-001.jpg
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/goodavatar/IMG_2635.jpg

One of which was turned into a movie poster
http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa55/goodavatar/MENOFACTION.png

For a fake film of course. ;)

I'd love some feedback for my photographer. We have another shoot coming up this week.

These are really fun!

It might just be the jpg compressions, but I feel like a couple of them are a little soft, and maybe very slightly missed focus. The first one, the one of you looking direct at camera without sunglasses, and the movie poster.

Also, I am not dissing your hair at all (it's amazing), but I feel like it's perhaps a bit too much of a character for the mood of these shots, haha. The one of you looking into the camera especially. I feel like he was GOING FOR sexy, slightly gritty intercity male model but it kind of ended up as a paparazi shot of Fabio at the bus stop (you look a bit surprised with that high chin and and half turn which the arms suggest you are still completing).

Also, the rules generally say that people should look INTO negative space to fill it, not away like in that first shot, but the more I look at it I think it works cos it really gives off that aloof "we are too cool for this" vibe.

Did you have that second shoot yet?

Finally have something new to share. Started to play with space photography.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7199/6933350085_623ba7d1a3_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bapenguin/sets/72157629097999458/)

aYZqzhyhdS8

These are awesome!

What was your setup? Did you have an intervalometer or something or just sat there with it? How long did it take?

Quick survey:

Which is preferable, saving up and getting a nicer camera later, or splurging on something "entry level" and taking better pictures sooner?

As I think I've said before, I want to practice my photography more seriously. To do that, I think I need to graduate from my old point & shoot.

Seriously as in copyright watermarks, and "here's my portfolio." Eventually, at least.

You want to make a career of photography? I am obviously not one to tell you how to run your life but I would really get your new camera first and get to know it for a while and see if you really have the motivation for it before you make decisions like that. It just seems a little premature to say "I want to get into photography" and "I want to go pro" in the same breath. A lot of people find it's a much better fit as just a hobby for them. On a related note, I have struggled with this distinction for the past 3 years and have actually also decided to see if I can "go pro". I will be moving to Tokyo in July and giving it a go. I am very nervous but also very excited.

Also, I know some people here disagree, but I really really hate watermarks. Plenty of "pros" do not use them and do fine. If you have a real practical reason like your client base are cheapos trying to scam you out of buying prints by just using your free thumbnails as facebook photos, fine, but if you are doing it for "advertising", I have never once googled the photographer of even photos I have loved by following their watermark. I would imagine most people here are the same. I think they look really obnoxious and detract from the image, and are also kinda arrogant when people plaster them on every single image assuming someone might steal even their snapshots of flowers or babies or something. Furthermore, bypassing them is trivial these days thanks to content aware fill! Again, my opinion, I know some feel they are worthwhile.

As to your question, I'd go to the shop and handle all the cameras. Pick the prosumer camera with the best sensor you can afford that feels the most comfortable. This means crop bodies, don't go crazy and get a full frame. After that, save for lenses, and then if you are still real into it all after a few years upgrade your body. You will know when you have outgrown it (HINT: It's NOT when you read a press release and think "That feature sounds cool!" It's when you actually have a shot in mind, and your camera physically cannot create it even when you take full manual control).

The 5D M3 will most likely be my next camera body. But I'll be waiting for the first production run to work it's way out of the market channels and see if there were any issues that have to be fixed or if a firmware upgrade has to be deployed to fix major issues.

Go mirrorlessssss!

In seriousness though, even if you were interested, I guess it will be quite a long time before Canon gives you a worthwhile mirrorless option.

They are kings of DSLRs and that camera looks amazing, so I bet when their mirrorless is finally announced it's gonna be gimped and marketed squarely at replacing the rebels so they don't poison their full frame pie.

Starting to plan another trip to Japan and got looking at some shots of my 2011 trip there...


Those are awesome!

What kind of post did you do to them? The Nagoya shot especially looks to have a lot of dynamic range, especially for a point and shoot.

[digitalErich]

Those are awesome!

What kind of post did you do to them? The Nagoya shot especially looks to have a lot of dynamic range, especially for a point and shoot.
Thanks! I shot all of these on a Rebel XTi(400D) so it wasn't a dog by any means but the sensor is showing it's age. I think the sensor was not new when that camera came out back in '06.

I should mention that for at least the first two or three shots (if not all) I had my camera shooting jpeg and not RAW. I knew that I should be shooting RAW but I had just forgotten for most of the trip; I owned this camera for a couple of years but this was when I had really started to try to take good photos.

I used this set of images for Japan to learn Lightroom so all of them had some form of PP, but I tried to keep it minimal...I almost had to as you can only do so much with jpegs in LR.

Mountain shot-I stamped out a small telephone pole at the bottom left (more just to see if I could) and used a selective brush to dial down the exposure of the misty area to give it more depth

Temple Garden- same as above, used a brush to dodge the sky a bit to deepen the blues and bring out the cloud detail just a bit more.

Kiyomizudera- nothing major/selective, although I'm sure I played with the WB and saturation a bit from the looks of it

Blue sky castle-I think I just brought the temp down a bit (or something) to punch up the blue a tiny bit. I want to say I stamped out some sensor dust in the sky area. I think what made this picture was more the crop...the original isn't framed well at all ;p

Nagoya-I'm pretty sure this was a RAW. I can't recall exactly what I did to give everything more contrast and depth but I was just playing around in LR with this one. I do remember that for the sky I used LR to ad a gradient filter (very cool function) because I've always thought real gradient filters give a very cool effect. I'm not sure why the sky came out purple-ish. It's probably because I had messed with other settings before adding the filter.

All in all I probably did more in LR than was needed, but I'm still learning photography, LR, and determining just what is too much in terms of PP, for my own taste. I'm sure in a year or two these will look like crap to me.

[digitalErich]

Oh and update on my camera, it looks like I won't be joining the 4/3s world just yet. Amazon kept pushing back and pushing back my ship date so I just canceled it. There were also a lot of reports of that zoom-pancake lens having major issues.

The more I read about it, the more I want to see some shots when you get your new Olympus once it arives.

[Felonous]

Also, I know some people here disagree, but I really really hate watermarks. Plenty of "pros" do not use them and do fine. If you have a real practical reason like your client base are cheapos trying to scam you out of buying prints by just using your free thumbnails as facebook photos, fine, but if you are doing it for "advertising", I have never once googled the photographer of even photos I have loved by following their watermark. I would imagine most people here are the same. I think they look really obnoxious and detract from the image, and are also kinda arrogant when people plaster them on every single image assuming someone might steal even their snapshots of flowers or babies or something. Furthermore, bypassing them is trivial these days thanks to content aware fill! Again, my opinion, I know some feel they are worthwhile.

While I agree that watermarks take away from my images in the aesthetics department, my real world experience with copyright theft has been that it does indeed work to prevent it. Prior to putting a watermark on what I uploaded to Flickr I would find dozens of blogs and commercial sites that had taken my images for use without any attempt to get my consent.

Now with the watermarks I seldom find that to occur. In fact, I've had several web sites approach me for copies of images without the watermark.

The best thing for me to do would be to leave the watermarks off, but to register all my images with the copyright office prior to publishing them on the web. I understand that if you find someone that infringes on your copyright registered work you can then sue in federal court for significant amounts of money. The threat of a legal battle in federal court that is seldom won by the defendant almost always results in an out of court settlement.

But for now it's easier just to slap a watermark on :)

Go mirrorlessssss!

In seriousness though, even if you were interested, I guess it will be quite a long time before Canon gives you a worthwhile mirrorless option.

They are kings of DSLRs and that camera looks amazing, so I bet when their mirrorless is finally announced it's gonna be gimped and marketed squarely at replacing the rebels so they don't poison their full frame pie.

I have no doubt that mirror-less will make it to pro level DSLR equipment in the near future so I can wait.

[Vigil80]

(mega post.)
My earlier response was just quick and generalized. For the time being, I want to build confidence and proficiency, and take gallery- or publication-worthy shots. What happens after that, I'd just have to gauge the wind at that point, so to speak.

I'm trying to figure out the overlap with what fulfills me, what I'm halfway good at, and what I have a chance in hell of making money with. What I know for sure thus far is that I need arts in my life, and I believe photography is one of several subsets in which I have some kind of affinity.

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

That's great, and sounds like it's definitely worth exploring.

The good thing about photography being such a technical art is that you can kind of brute force your way to somewhere halfway decent by studying/teaching yourself, whereas more traditional arts that require you to create something from nothing have a much steeper learning curve there I think. Maybe not a big deal for others but for someone like me who can't draw or paint or anything like that at all (which is hugely demoralising when you have a big creative drive), photography felt like such a natural fit.

Did you decide on a camera yet?

Also, if you ever get into film photography, I know an amazing shop in NC that specialises in medium and large format cameras. I've never been there myself but friends swear by it, and it sounds like the owner has a huge collection of cameras in great condition and is happy to let them go for pretty reasonable prices when he knows they're going to be used and loved.

[digitalErich]

Lon Lon where do you do your film developing, at home or is there some kind of center around you? I've always wanted to try my hand at it.

[digitalErich]

While I agree that watermarks take away from my images in the aesthetics department, my real world experience with copyright theft has been that it does indeed work to prevent it. Prior to putting a watermark on what I uploaded to Flickr I would find dozens of blogs and commercial sites that had taken my images for use without any attempt to get my consent.
I'm with Lon Lon and Trey Ratcliff when it comes to watermarking, then again I'm just starting out in the hobby and I have no aspirations to make money from it.

There is a middle ground, though in services like Digimarc. It's basically a watermark that is embedded in the pixel data. I've only ever seen this video so I'm not sure how much it affects high quality images.

K49o9T1LX-k

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

I do a little black and white at home but all my colour I take to a lab.

I want to try colour sometime in the next few months, though, as I mainly shoot colour these days and lab dev is expensive... On top of the already expensive film itself.

The worst rip off though is neg scanning. I bought a scanner that can do medium format negs a year ago and it literally paid for itself in about 10 rolls. Some places here charge about a dollar per frame scanned.

So, a roll of Portra 400 (600 yen) + dev (650 yen) + only medium res scans on a cd (1500 yen) = about 230 (2.80 USD) yen PER SHOT on my Hassie or Mamiya...

35mm is obviously better with the double/triple shots per roll but still, film is expensive...

EDIT: That digimarc thing is pretty cool.

[digitalErich]

Ah cool, so that's what that scanner was in your metadata. I have this compulsion to check exif data on images I like (good learning tool) and I remember a scanner showing up as the camera model on some of your photos. I wasn't sure if it was a commercial one from a processing lab or one you owned yourself.

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

Yeah, I think the US model name is the Epson V600 if you want to look it up.

The Japanese name is different and that might be what shows up, but it's about the cheapest consumer model you can get which will take MF film.

[Exodus]

Went for a walk today for about half an hour for break.

My thoughtful spot while I live here.
http://pcdn.500px.net/5708854/3456be6212d002db61c6213bf8dd6f8732e63113/4.jpg

I thought this was rather neat!
http://pcdn.500px.net/5708752/877e83159d475d967fa1efacf686511ce59ad06d/4.jpg

And, I just liked capturing the bird in its full moment.
http://pcdn.500px.net/5709028/7d59e4c770828ccfa5f28bb50f81fa2d2d14f7b1/4.jpg

[Felonous]

I just placed my order to upgrade from ver 3 to the new adobe Lightroom 4. Read through the review of LR 4 at DPReview (http://www.dpreview.com/articles/7481161037/lightroom-4-review) and it looks like some great features have been tweeked/added. Just hope I don't run into an issue being reported in Flickr forum for lightroom users where they are seeing significant slow processing issues after the upgrade.

But at $79 I'm going to take the plunge. If you don't have LR already, you really can't pass it up as it's only $149 new.

[Felonous]

Some good shot Exodus. I'm going to make some critical suggestions on the shots if you don't mind.

In all three shots I get the impression you do what a lot of new photographers do, which is center the subject in the middle of the shot. For instance the middle photo of the tree. That would be a very powerful image if the tree was placed according to the rule of thirds along with the horizon being re-positioned so that the water and foreground take up the bottom 2/3rds of the frame.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_thirds

While you don't have to apply the rule of thirds to every shot you take, there certainly are shots that warrant putting your subject dead center in the frame, I find most of my shots improved once I started to frame the shot with the rule of thirds in mind.

[Exodus]

Yeah I'm working on that!

The bird was only posed that way in that one shot and I liked it, I've got a few where it's not the centre of interest as well, the tree was definitely intended to be centred. Just gave me a myst kind of feel like hmmm what could possibly be going on here. :)

[digitalErich]

Up north of the Golden Gate bridge is the Marin Headlands. Most pictures you see of the Golden Gate taken looking into the bay are shot from the headlands. It's a park that was an old army base, with giant coastal gun batteries and Nike missile stations. These are the tunnels that lead into one of the old battery placements.

I took this back in Sept of 2011. I was just up at this same spot yesterday and all of those trees have been cleared in an effort to remove all non-native plants from the area. I have, what I hope, are some cool night shots of the GG bridge that hopefully I can process this weekend.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OxB8EEKEIDE/T2gtzoFYjqI/AAAAAAAAALQ/WF9BR5RFn00/s1037/IMG_1053_4_5.jpg

[JayVe]

Up north of the Golden Gate bridge is the Marin Headlands. Most pictures you see of the Golden Gate taken looking into the bay are shot from the headlands. It's a park that was an old army base, with giant coastal gun batteries and Nike missile stations. These are the tunnels that lead into one of the old battery placements.

I took this back in Sept of 2011. I was just up at this same spot yesterday and all of those trees have been cleared in an effort to remove all non-native plants from the area. I have, what I hope, are some cool night shots of the GG bridge that hopefully I can process this weekend.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OxB8EEKEIDE/T2gtzoFYjqI/AAAAAAAAALQ/WF9BR5RFn00/s1037/IMG_1053_4_5.jpgThis is a very nice Skyrim screenshot, but you should try some of the lighting mods to improve it a bit.




;)

[digitalErich]

I took this screenshot from Dear Esther on the same day...

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rFiCeAjyABw/T2jO9KS3_SI/AAAAAAAAAME/yJ_lnZTgH6g/s1094/IMG_1208.jpg

[Felonous]

Great shots digitalErich!

Here is a shot I took the day after Christmas from the Marin Headlands

Golden Gate
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6598467273_24b9638e2c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/srivera/6598467273/)

I went into work last night and was very happy to see that I got an email from Human Resources that informed me that for getting a former co-worker hired at the same company that I work at, I will have a referral bonus payment show up on my next paycheck. This puts me so very close to pulling the trigger on picking up the new Canon 5D Mark III when it comes out next week.

Now I just have to decide if I can wait and try and find a place online, or do I drive around the San Francisco bay area looking for a Canon dealer that has one in stock.

[digitalErich]

Yeah, that's the view I was going up there to shoot that day, but you couldn't see 40ft in front of you so I ended up shooting whatever I could in fog. I might head back up that way this weekend to shoot these rocks they call "the stack" on a nearby beach.

I have a bunch of shots from that day of the old canon emplacements that I didn't (and still kind of don't) think were good enough to warrant spending the processing time on. With that area logged now, they are kind of my own little "what was" series of photos now. I'll prob go back to them sometime this year and see what I can do with them.

Edit: Also, thanks for the compliments...it makes starting out in the hobby all the more enjoyable.

[digitalErich]

Golden Gate
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6598467273_24b9638e2c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/srivera/6598467273/)
I had to check the large version of the photo on Flickr to double check that everything was in focus because it almost seemed that there was a small tilt-shift effect to the photo but I think it's just the way the haze, clouds, and shadows fall...either way it's a cool effect.

[digitalErich]

Last photo I'll share from that day...I wasn't sure if I should have cropped more of the fog away or not, but I tend to get too crazy with the crop tool so I just left it alone.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zBNI0-SLF7o/T2oo3nvkkCI/AAAAAAAAANQ/Hsc0BqOIVqI/s729/IMG_1153.jpg

[Drayven]

Personally I like that you left the fog in there, it sort of adds to the idea that there's this long valley or foothills that you can't see.

[digitalErich]

I've heard the EM-5s are shipping in Asia this week...waiting on some test shots Lon Lon :)

[Felonous]

I placed my order today for the Canon 5D MIII, unfortunately it has a ship date of +1 month...

BLEH!

[digitalErich]

Wow, that's great. I can't wait to see some shots with it. I've heard the low light performance is just stellar.

[Exodus]

i placed my order today for the canon 5d miii, unfortunately it has a ship date of +1 month...

Bleh!

jellyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

[Felonous]

Hmm, someone might be playing with a new toy this weekend... So excited!

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

I've had my OMD about a week now and I really love it.

It's everything I could have hoped for.

My biggest concern having played with some accessory EVFs was that the EVF would be too slow and grainy to track subjects well or to confirm fine focus, but it does that fantastically.

The bigges surprise has been the usefulness of the touch screen. I expected to turn it off immediately, but when combined with the swivel screen and the "world's fastest autofocus" it actually turns the camera into an absurdly stealthy waist level finder style street camera. I can stand right in front of people, look down at the camera's screen and literally point at someone's face, and it will accurately focus then snap a shot quick smart.

The low light performance is fantastic, too. I have take a few shots that I would definitely call usable at ISO 6400 (provided there are no solid blacks), whereas things started to look too ugly at ISO 800 on my old E-P1. Combine that with the new and further improved IBIS and you can push the shutter speed really far in low light too.

Unfortunately I can't share any shots yet though as Lightroom hasn't updated to support the camera yet! I am still back on Lightroom 2, though, and I'm not even sure if it's GETTING updates anymore, so it might be time for me to spend a bit more money. I have wanted LR3's noise reduction for a while, and have only heard positive things of the additions to LR4.

Will post shots when I can!

Felonous, enjoy your new toy too!

[Felonous]

Hey LLR, you have a link to a review of your bad boy that I can read through?

[Felonous]

Canon 5D Mark III Unboxed!
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7222/7052456161_511ddd988d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/srivera/7052456161/)

Waiting now for the battery to charge up so I can start to play with it. It's going to be a great Easter weekend!

[Dualshotty23]

Might be about time to upgrade my rebel XTI.

Sent from my HTC ThunderBolt using Tapatalk

[digitalErich]

Hey LLR, you have a link to a review of your bad boy that I can read through?
They've only shipped in Asia so far, and in limited numbers. What English written or video reviews that are out there are based on experiences with pre-production cameras. I'm watching the regular blogs for the production model reviews.

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

Yeah, the only reviews I have seen are in Japanese sorry.

Still no Raw support so I have no photos to show yet 8( But I'm loving it.

I found a bunch of cool new features in the camera and have been having some great fun shooting street at night (there's a bunch of festivals on around my town this week).

How's the new 5DM3 going?

[digitalErich]

What m43 lens do you have, out of curiosity?

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

The Oly pancake, the panny 7-14 and the panny 25.

Then a whole bunch of regular 4/3 stuff. I will probably get the m4/3 Oly 45mm f1.8 next. I already have the 4/3 50mm f2.0 macro which is one of my favourite lenses but it is bulky (only by m4/3 standards) and doesn't AF as well as a native m4/3 lens.

[Felonous]

I love the camera, but weather and work conspire to prevent me from putting a dent in learning the ins n outs of it's features. Hopefully the forecast holds up and I'll be heading out to find some local wildflower patches that are starting to bloom this weekend.

[Drayven]

Less nerd talk, more pictures! :)

[digitalErich]

Just post some JPEGs Lon Lon :) I've always thought that Olympus has had some of the best out-of-camera pictures of any digital camera out there, anyway.

[Exodus]

http://pcdn.500px.net/6665670/5e5b725f785d7268922fad8633c8319c160a577e/4.jpg

http://pcdn.500px.net/6665607/bba6a82f647341402269892c40a9f6a324860180/4.jpg

[PathMaster]

B&W Challenge (http://gizmodo.com/5903368/shooting-challenge-black--white)

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

Just post some JPEGs Lon Lon :) I've always thought that Olympus has had some of the best out-of-camera pictures of any digital camera out there, anyway.

Ok!

These are straight out of camera, not even any curves or WB in lightroom.

A sample from each of my m4/3 lenses. I have been using the 4/3 50mm on it quite a lot too but getting frustrated that it's not as snappy to focus as the m4/3 gear so I am pretty sure I will pick up the m4/3 45 f1.8 next month some time.


http://i.imgur.com/sqIp6l.jpg (http://imgur.com/sqIp6)

7mm f8 1/160 200 ISO. Full size (http://i.imgur.com/sqIp6.jpg)


http://i.imgur.com/2Ji52l.jpg (http://imgur.com/2Ji52)

17mm f2.8 1/60 400 ISO. Full size (http://i.imgur.com/2Ji52.jpg)


http://i.imgur.com/MWun1l.jpg (http://imgur.com/MWun1)

25mm f8 1/125 400 ISO. Full size (http://i.imgur.com/MWun1.jpg)

[digitalErich]

Wow, the low light performance on that second shot is really great. That 25mm has nice bokeh, too. If I were to get a m43 camera, that Panasonic/Leica lens would be high on my list.

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

Hmmm it's not the best example of low light performance as the ISO is still low, I was using a strobe off camera right. I still don't have any good examples of low light that are not in my (still unreadable) RAW format unfortunately. Although, I did hear talk that the pixel peepers and camera testers have found that the OM-D is outperforming the X Pro 1 in that department! I was very surprised, as that was one of the main reasons I was telling my cousin to look into the X Pro over the OM-D. Now I think he's going to pick up an OM-D, too.

Olympus has been traditionally a pretty poor performer in low light, and I usually wouldn't ever push my E-P1 over ISO 400, but now I can happily go to 1600 and even 3200 in a pinch. That is before any noise reduction software is applied, too. The noise that IS there is also much more uniform/pleasing, more like film grain, and less like the splotchy digital grain I'm used to.

[Vigil80]

Couple of quick snaps from my vacation I was especially happy with. Not to say I don't wish they had still turned out a little better, though.

Same old 6MP point & shoot, no post-processing.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7191/6973158484_0702eaa0cf_b.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7280/6973157546_225dee2e94_b.jpg

[digitalErich]

New LightRoom RC for Lon Lon (http://www.dpreview.com/news/2012/04/27/Adobe-releases-Photoshop-Lightroom-4p1-release-candidate-2)

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

Sweeeeet! Thanks.

I was actually almost considering jumping ship to capture one, because they have offered support for a few weeks.

I'm actually home in Australia though for the next week so can't yet try it out!

[digitalErich]

LR is usually pretty quick on the camera and lens patches. I think you were just unlucky in that a ton of new, high-profile cameras were released in the past month. It's understandable that they wanted to put out fewer patches and just lump them all together.

[Felonous]

I'm on LR 4.1 RC and it's playing nice with the new Canon.

Still haven't had a good break and time to put the camera through any kind of stress test. Hopefully weather permits me to get out and do some shots this weekend.

[rifter]

I haven't posted anything in a while. Took this a couple of months ago.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/6899189755_d293d86f1e_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryfter/6899189755/in/photostream")

[PathMaster]

I haven't posted anything in a while. Took this a couple of months ago.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/6899189755_d293d86f1e_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryfter/6899189755/in/photostream")

Looks like he is ready to eat your face..

[rifter]

Looks like he is ready to eat your face..

Yea... there is not a "happy face" on those birds. :-)

Here is another one from that day: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7041/6899188225_5d6aabf617_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryfter/6899188225/)

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

Just some random shots.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8163/7170426692_01a671d871_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonlonrabbit/7170426692/)
Yuna (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonlonrabbit/7170426692/) by Lon Lon Rabbit (http://www.flickr.com/people/lonlonrabbit/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7164247636_1874897fb4_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonlonrabbit/7164247636/)
H (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonlonrabbit/7164247636/) by Lon Lon Rabbit (http://www.flickr.com/people/lonlonrabbit/), on Flickr

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

Did some traveling last week while my father was in town.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7218/7248757680_e029a57755_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonlonrabbit/7248757680/)
Naoshima (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonlonrabbit/7248757680/) by Lon Lon Rabbit (http://www.flickr.com/people/lonlonrabbit/), on Flickr

[PathMaster]

What in the hell is that?

[Blue]

The Great Pumpkin. Obviously.

[rifter]

Here are my shots of the Solar Eclipse (click on them for bigger versions):

Look Closely at the guy that was parachuting through the frame. :-)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8167/7242955920_a90c6dc546.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryfter/7242955920/in/photostream/lightbox/)


The Clouds boiling:
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5445/7242844490_4ba077a2b0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryfter/7242844490/in/photostream/lightbox/)

@Lon Lon Rabbit - I love those shots. The pumpkin is awesome... in that WTF sort of way. :)

[PathMaster]

I am jealous. I was unable to catch the eclipse at all. I did however take a number of shots of the "supermoon".