Photography Thread

[kenstogie]

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_sctUupuw_Zk/SuY1kZuL3gI/AAAAAAAADY0/kDjN0vEkIVI/s800/IMG_0436.JPG

[Calexan]

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_sctUupuw_Zk/SuY1kZuL3gI/AAAAAAAADY0/kDjN0vEkIVI/s800/IMG_0436.JPG


Beautiful!!! Where was this taken?

[Fishbeadtwo]

Here is a shot from the Oregon Dunes where we used to ride atv's
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y190/FishBeadtwo/DSC02469.jpg

[Guitarman-S.T-]

really neat!!

[hotreds]

Skillet in OHIO

http://www.montgomeryaviationphotography.com/Skilletavenue/Resized_IMG_1624.jpg

http://www.montgomeryaviationphotography.com/Skilletavenue/Resized_IMG_0593.jpg

http://www.montgomeryaviationphotography.com/Skilletavenue/Resized_IMG_1366.jpg

http://www.montgomeryaviationphotography.com/Skilletavenue/Resized_IMG_0800.jpg

http://www.montgomeryaviationphotography.com/Skilletavenue/Resized_IMG_0760.jpg

[Roland of Gilead]

Smoked Spam.
http://m-mason.smugmug.com/Miscellaneous/Misc/LU4C4301-005edited-1/594124319_itCGm-XL.jpg

Oregon Coast
http://m-mason.smugmug.com/Miscellaneous/Misc/2007-Apr-01-misc-acs-065/149850179_GzymM-XL.jpg

Oregon State Beavers
http://m-mason.smugmug.com/photos/100794012_yQvjP-XL-1.jpg

-Mark.

[kenstogie]

Beautiful!!! Where was this taken?

It was taken in Maine at an old war bunker. It had some cool spots.

[JE3146]

Oregon State Beavers
http://m-mason.smugmug.com/photos/100794012_yQvjP-XL-1.jpg

-Mark.

Go BEAVS!

Civil War here we come! :banger

[kenstogie]

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_sctUupuw_Zk/SuYzvHSLYRI/AAAAAAAADXw/3uluV7cMb04/s800/IMG_1797.JPG

Long Ashes, a HDM if memory serves me.

[kgraybill]

Lake Oconee while hunting whitetail
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1491/40/109/1608470336/n1608470336_49517_7572.jpg

[Fishbeadtwo]

Looking forward to some snow this year.....
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y190/FishBeadtwo/DSC06022.jpg

[MarkinAZ]

Wow! Very nice looking photo' everyone. Here' a few I've taken in the past for your enjoyment:

A female praying mantis...
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg271/markinca1953/PreyingMantis002-1.jpg

The Golden Gate bridge...
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg271/markinca1953/JulyVacation2009036.jpg

Convict Lake, CA...
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg271/markinca1953/JulyVacation2009003.jpg

Bodie State Park, CA...
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg271/markinca1953/JulyVacation2009009.jpg

and, lots of sunshine...
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg271/markinca1953/IMG_1188.jpg

All basically taken with my little Canon PowerShot A580...

[Darrell]

What lens did you use to shoot that Mantis, Mark?

[MarkinAZ]

What lens did you use to shoot that Mantis, Mark?

Just the little auto lens set in the 'macro' setting for the A580...

[Darrell]

Just the little auto lens set in the 'macro' setting for the A580...



Oh nice. I want a macro lens.

[MarkinAZ]

Oh nice. I want a macro lens.

A regular macro lens is really nice as it brings out much detail in your subject...

[JE3146]

Oh nice. I want a macro lens.

Another alternative is extension tubes for SLR lenses.

Ones by Kenko seem to be effective for the Canon crowd. Not sure what there is for the Nikons though.

[s15driftking]

Pic from Chicago this weekend

[s15driftking]

attached, i hope it is the actual real size (larger)

[MarkinAZ]

attached, i hope it is the actual real size (larger)

Nice panoramic view...

[Roland of Gilead]

I think I'm going to borrow my Dad's macro lens this week. I've never used one before, so we'll see what I get.

-Mark.

[s15driftking]

Chicago Weekend

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/s15driftking/Picture133-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/s15driftking/Picture175-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/s15driftking/Picture178-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/s15driftking/Picture195.jpg

[s15driftking]

our hotel

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/s15driftking/Picture215-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/s15driftking/Picture282.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/s15driftking/Picture301.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/s15driftking/Picture303.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/s15driftking/Picture309.jpg

[s15driftking]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/s15driftking/Picture310.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/s15driftking/Picture311.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/s15driftking/Picture312.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/s15driftking/Picture313.jpg

[Roland of Gilead]

http://m-mason.smugmug.com/Machines/Hillsboro-OR-Airshow-09/Airshow-09-028edited-2/634137977_RJXRi-XL.jpg

http://m-mason.smugmug.com/Machines/Hillsboro-OR-Airshow-09/Airshow-09-258edited-1/635203954_GAUgp-XL.jpg

http://m-mason.smugmug.com/Machines/Hillsboro-OR-Airshow-09/LU4C0458edited-1/636370810_hCJr7-XL.jpg

http://m-mason.smugmug.com/Machines/Hillsboro-OR-Airshow-09/LU4C9626edited-1/638722133_XuXCs-XL.jpg

-Mark.

[Guitarman-S.T-]

AH! thats awesome hahaha

[Roland of Gilead]

From walkin' teh dag today...

http://m-mason.smugmug.com/Miscellaneous/Misc/12-05-09-086edited-1/732513802_KTC6w-L.jpg

[longknocker]

Wow! Awesome Pics, Everyone!:tu

[Ranger_B]

Figured I would put up a few of mine. I know it pales in comparison to the others here but hey there mine. On old pic from a jump in Tailand and then the National zoo this summer and finally Tybee islands light house.

4748
4746
4747
4749

[Wolfgang]

A pretty Night picture tonight.

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/wolfgang8810/Moony_Night.jpg

[longknocker]

Nice, Wolfgang!:tu

[iRiSh]

http://i48.tinypic.com/34zwtwy.jpg

[iRiSh]

http://i49.tinypic.com/24oua12.jpg

[DBall]

I settled on a Nikon D5000... I'll be adding some pics to this thread with that camera soon. The ones prior were taken with a Canon Rebel XS.

[Wolfgang]

Switching from canon to Nikon will be a disappointment I'm afraid.
Not to start anything. I Love my Nikon D40X and EM but I love my Canon G10 more. :ss

[JE3146]

Switching from canon to Nikon will be a disappointment I'm afraid.
Not to start anything. I Love my Nikon D40X and EM but I love my Canon G10 more. :ss

Why did you go Nikon?

[Wolfgang]

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/wolfgang8810/Setze.jpg

[Wolfgang]

Why did you go Nikon?

I started with Nikon. Now after thousands of dollars into glass i am migrating to Canon. 5D MarkII On loan and LOVEING IT!!!

[JE3146]

I started with Nikon. Now after thousands of dollars into glass i am migrating to Canon. 5D MarkII On loan and LOVEING IT!!!

Well who wouldn't?

:r

I won't even touch one of those damn things. Cus I know the moment I do, I'll want one.

[DBall]

I was borrowing the Canon... the Nikon I bought.

[Guitarman-S.T-]

From walkin' teh dag today...

http://m-mason.smugmug.com/Miscellaneous/Misc/12-05-09-086edited-1/732513802_KTC6w-L.jpg

WOW! that really is something you would expect from a wild life magazine :banger
Brutal

[Roland of Gilead]

WOW! that really is something you would expect from a wild life magazine :banger
Brutal

Thanks!

-Roland.

[Veritas]

I took this last week while on vacation in Savannah, GA. It was taken in Bonaventure Cemetery - the dates on the markers are mostly mid-1800s.
http://i45.tinypic.com/54zvq1.jpg

[Calexan]

I switched from my a Canon 30D to a Nikon D90.... couldnt be happier. The D90 just felt more natural. Im not really sure why the battle between the two happens... They both take great pictues! Why cant we all just get along!!!!! haha

Seriously though.... I think both companies make great cameras and its just a personal preference between them. The nikon just felt better in my hand.... no regrets!

With my Canon:
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/Calexan13/IMG_04032.jpg



With my Nikon:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3530/4067341504_c38bc39952_b.jpg

[kenstogie]

It's been too long since a post so here's my daughters first pet (RIP)...

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_sctUupuw_Zk/RhRZOd1wZfI/AAAAAAAAAC0/9Szf5TZP9rg/s800/IMG_2325.JPG

[kenstogie]

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_sctUupuw_Zk/RhRaId1wZjI/AAAAAAAAADU/4Idf2ld2a80/s800/IMG_2200.JPG

[Calexan]

^^^^^ Awesome Sunset/Sunrise Pic in the post above!!!!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2515/4172771559_da5dd8ae65_b.jpg

[ir13]

Going from a POS Nikon to a Pro Level Canon is a huge difference no matter who is using it.

[Mugen910]

Going from a POS Nikon to a Pro Level Canon is a huge difference no matter who is using it.

Yup..I just got a D3000 and still trying to figure out how to use the thing but some of the pics...wow..

[Calexan]

Going from a POS Nikon to a Pro Level Canon is a huge difference no matter who is using it.

I guess to me it just seems like the photographer matters more than the camera.... I would much rather see a photo from a POS Nikon/Canon taken by a pro photographer, than from a Pro Level Canon/Nikon in the hands of a beginner.

Ive seen some pretty amazing pictures from the low end D40s and Rebels......

[Mugen910]

I guess to me it just seems like the photographer matters more than the camera.... I would much rather see a photo from a POS Nikon/Canon taken by a pro photographer, than from a Pro Level Canon/Nikon in the hands of a beginner.

Ive seen some pretty amazing pictures from the low end D40s and Rebels......

If I can find it..there was one photo I took this year while in San Fran of that curvy street...It was off of a side view mirror...I've gotten some nice compliments on it..it was with a Nikon.

I do tend to agree with Joey though..even a low end DSLR makes some diff over say a Nikon power shot...But then again my love for photos is avg.

[kenstogie]

I think you can get great photos from some basic equipment, if you follow the "parameters" and limitations of that equipment.

[DBall]

I just went and bought a couple lenses to play around with:

Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S VR DX


and just for fun a cheap fisheye from Amazon:

.42x HD Super Wide Angle Panoramic Macro Fisheye Lens

:D

[Mugen910]

I just went and bought a couple lenses to play around with:

Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S VR DX


and just for fun a cheap fisheye from Amazon:

.42x HD Super Wide Angle Panoramic Macro Fisheye Lens

:D
Whoa...no cigars for you for a few months :D

[DBall]

Whoa...no cigars for you for a few months :D

Dude... they were cheap... about $200 for both.

The telephoto was $161 refurbished and the "fisheye" was $27

[MarkinAZ]

My daughters cat Skitten kickin' back on the sofa (she's a Manx):

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg271/markinca1953/IMG_0295-1.jpg

[Mugen910]

Dude... they were cheap... about $200 for both.

The telephoto was $161 refurbished and the "fisheye" was $27

what? Linky please!



Nice pic mark...haha

[ir13]

I guess to me it just seems like the photographer matters more than the camera.... I would much rather see a photo from a POS Nikon/Canon taken by a pro photographer, than from a Pro Level Canon/Nikon in the hands of a beginner.

Ive seen some pretty amazing pictures from the low end D40s and Rebels......

I completely agree with you, but in capeable hands there will be a drastic difference in quality from a d40 to a 1ds MIII

[DBall]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/800667165-USE/Nikon_2166_55_200mm_f_4_5_6G_ED_AF_S.html

and

http://www.amazon.com/Panoramic-Fisheye-Digital-Cameras-55-200mm/dp/B002Q10Y9I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1261079089&sr=8-1

[Darrell]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/800667165-USE/Nikon_2166_55_200mm_f_4_5_6G_ED_AF_S.html

and

http://www.amazon.com/Panoramic-Fisheye-Digital-Cameras-55-200mm/dp/B002Q10Y9I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1261079089&sr=8-1

I have the 55-200 VRII. Is your VRII? I hope so. :D

[DBall]

I have the 55-200 VRII. Is your VRII? I hope so. :D

It's the one listed above... all I know is that the VR is in red. I just took a few shots on my lunch break off the balcony... holy hell... what a zoom!

I'm gonna do a bit of skateboarding this weekend and we'll see if it takes good action pictures.

[Darrell]

It's the one listed above... all I know is that the VR is in red. I just took a few shots on my lunch break off the balcony... holy hell... what a zoom!

I'm gonna do a bit of skateboarding this weekend and we'll see if it takes good action pictures.

Cool.

I have my eye on an 18-200 after Christmas. :D

[ir13]

Cool.

I have my eye on an 18-200 after Christmas. :D

Dont waste your money on that. Get a nice used 70-210 f/4 and a wide angle. The optics in the 18-200 arent that good IMO.

[Dux]

I just went and bought a couple lenses to play around with:

Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S VR DX


and just for fun a cheap fisheye from Amazon:

.42x HD Super Wide Angle Panoramic Macro Fisheye Lens

:D


I have the 55-200 VR / Really wonderful Lens :tu

[DBall]

I was looking at Tamron's 18-270 that boasts 15x zoom... sounds like a great all around lens if it functions as advertised.

[JE3146]

Dont waste your money on that. Get a nice used 70-210 f/4 and a wide angle. The optics in the 18-200 arent that good IMO.

I mentioned that to him already...

~70 - ~200 is the sweet spot for lens makers of all brands.

Why anyone would want an 18-200 is beyond me. I've yet to see an optic in that range that impressed me.

:confused:

[Mugen910]

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4ZACkRetH6k/Syr-j712SSI/AAAAAAAAC58/Y04ycwi37UY/s912/DSC_0011.JPG

I took soo many pics and out of about 20 only 4 were decent.:confused:

[Mugen910]

Everything was on auto...still have to learn how to use it manually :(

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=4886&d=1261344711

[Wolfgang]

I mentioned that to him already...

~70 - ~200 is the sweet spot for lens makers of all brands.

Why anyone would want an 18-200 is beyond me. I've yet to see an optic in that range that impressed me.

:confused:

Being a photographer means getting the shot and if you miss it by changing lenses you aren't doing your job.

with 10+ megapixels like in most DSLR's these days so what if the corners are a little soft or there is some vignetting.

Your shoulders will thank you for not carrying around a heavy bag full of lenses. Anyone can be a lens snob or a brand junkie. It comes down to the skill of the person. :2

[Roland of Gilead]

Being a photographer means getting the shot and if you miss it by changing lenses you aren't doing your job.

with 10+ megapixels like in most DSLR's these days so what if the corners are a little soft or there is some vignetting.

Your shoulders will thank you for not carrying around a heavy bag full of lenses. Anyone can be a lens snob or a brand junkie. It comes down to the skill of the person. :2

While I agree that "getting the shot" is important if you're a photo jounalist, I do believe that you won't get published as a sports photog if the shot isn't tack sharp with a great Bokeh. This is where glass is everything.

-Mark.

[DBall]

I need to find out how to take good action shots. For instance, of skateboarding... where the subject is moving, but not super fast, however the board is moving fast, like in the middle of a flip trick (where the board is spinning and flipping and the person is moving much slower over it). Any suggestions?

[Wolfgang]

What camera? Increasing Shutterspeed will help accomplish this but it all depends on available light. Adding another flash will help too. Or you can go out and spend 5K+ on a lens that has a lower Fstop.

[Mugen910]

ok question....

I took a photo (non moving object) and it needed more light. Besides adding more light on top of the flash. Do I increase the iso or exposure? What's the effect?

[Wolfgang]

While I agree that "getting the shot" is important if you're a photo jounalist, I do believe that you won't get published as a sports photog if the shot isn't tack sharp with a great Bokeh. This is where glass is everything.

-Mark.

Going back to Darrel who was wanting the 18-200. Is he looking to have photos published and make "art" or is he looking to capture a moment at hand?

[Blueface]

ok question....

I took a photo (non moving object) and it needed more light. Besides adding more light on top of the flash. Do I increase the iso or exposure? What's the effect?

Increasing your ISO will provide you with more light but will also provide you with more grain.

To compensate for light, either open up your f stop (but you do lose depth of field, meaning objects that are near each other won't all be in focus) or you can reduce your shutter speed (which is OK as you said it is not a moving object, so blurring is not an issue). Practice shooting slow shutters and if you move too much, use a tripod. Or better yet, do both shutter and f stop.

[DBall]

What camera? Increasing Shutterspeed will help accomplish this but it all depends on available light. Adding another flash will help too. Or you can go out and spend 5K+ on a lens that has a lower Fstop.

Nikon D5000... no flash except the built in one (in fact, I wasn't using even that) and under what, I believe, were fluorescent lights.

[Wolfgang]

ok question....

I took a photo (non moving object) and it needed more light. Besides adding more light on top of the flash. Do I increase the iso or exposure? What's the effect?

Lowering the Fstop will allow more light to hit the sensor (or film) but this can make the picture have a shallow Depth of field . Increasing the ISO cam make it grainy. So if you need more light and it is a stationary object the best thing to do would be to raise the fstop to around F11 and have a longer exposure (tripod required) and an ISO of 200 to 400

What camera are you using?

[Blueface]

Nikon D5000... no flash except the built in one (in fact, I wasn't using even that) and under what, I believe, were fluorescent lights.

Dan,
For what you are looking for, best route is expensive. You need a fast lens.

[Blueface]

Lowering the Fstop will allow more light to hit the sensor (or film) but this can make the picture have a shallow Depth of field . Increasing the ISO cam make it grainy. So if you need more light and it is a stationary object the best thing to do would be to raise the fstop to around F11 and have a longer exposure (tripod required) and an ISO of 200 to 400

What camera are you using?

Sounds like we both know what we are doing as our answers almost mirror one another.:r

[Wolfgang]

Nikon D5000... no flash except the built in one (in fact, I wasn't using even that) and under what, I believe, were fluorescent lights.
Nikons SB-600 would do the trick. It is a more powerful flash than the on board one that will freeze the object mid frame.

[McSmokey]

Anybody in here do old school in the dark room black and white photography? I have a fair amount of paper and film from when I spent my life in the local colleges dark room. Anyone interested shoot me a PM

[Blueface]

Nikons SB-600 would do the trick. It is a more powerful flash than the on board one that will freeze the object mid frame.

That is my flash.
Well worth the money.
Add a Gary Fong Diffuser to do indoor and anyone will shoot like a PRO.

[Blueface]

Anybody in here do old school in the dark room black and white photography? I have a fair amount of paper and film from when I spent my life in the local colleges dark room. Anyone interested shoot me a PM

Personally, I haven't done that in years. With digital, don't even see the need to ever use all my medium format equipment, let alone 35mm. Digital is much too easy of a way to go.

[McSmokey]

I myself am working towards a Digital Nikon but with a baby coming in January my camera will probably have to wait a few monthes

[Mugen910]

Lowering the Fstop will allow more light to hit the sensor (or film) but this can make the picture have a shallow Depth of field . Increasing the ISO cam make it grainy. So if you need more light and it is a stationary object the best thing to do would be to raise the fstop to around F11 and have a longer exposure (tripod required) and an ISO of 200 to 400

What camera are you using?

Thanks for the info blueface & wolfgang.

Nikon D3000

My cousin is letting me borrow his 200mm lens he got at Circuit City when they were closing their B&Ms. You said it's a crap to be able to zoom too much right?

[Wolfgang]

I took this picture using only my cameras on board flash.

picture info.
18mm
F7.1
1/200 sec
ISO 400

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/wolfgang8810/Steven.jpg

[Wolfgang]

Nikon D3000

My cousin is letting me borrow his 200mm lens he got at Circuit City when they were closing their B&Ms. You said it's a crap to be able to zoom too much right?

I think its great to have the capability to zoom. As long as there is enough ambient or supplemental light you are golden :-)

[DBall]

Nikons SB-600 would do the trick. It is a more powerful flash than the on board one that will freeze the object mid frame.

Do any off-brand ones work close to as good? That flash is more expensive than my 55-200 lens!

[DBall]

I took this picture using only my cameras on board flash.

picture info.
18mm
F7.1
1/200 sec
ISO 400

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/wolfgang8810/Steven.jpg

What about quicker moving things like kickflips/tre flips/etc. where the board is whipping around... have you taken any of those?

Seeing pictures like this confirms that I have no clue what I'm doing with my camera...

[kgoings]

Do any off-brand ones work close to as good? That flash is more expensive than my 55-200 lens!

If you want a good blog on strobs and lighting check out

http://strobist.blogspot.com/

he has a deal setup for packages here

http://www.mpex.com/page.htm?PG=Strobist%20Kits

[Wolfgang]

I myself am working towards a Digital Nikon but with a baby coming in January my camera will probably have to wait a few monthes

IMO (not that i weigh in with much) Get it now with all the deals. Canon T1i or Nikon D90

You will certainly be glad you did with the screamin deamon comes. Plus you get to share all the cute pictures with us.

P.S. Old nikon lenses work with new bodies. Just have to manual focus. :rolleyes:

[DBall]

And another question... what's the difference between the SB600 and the SB400 and/or something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/318AF-Digital-Slave-Flash-Cameras/dp/B002OJ95YC/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1261433097&sr=8-9

or

http://www.amazon.com/Bounce-Coolpix-Mounting-Bracket-Tripod/dp/B002V8FS1K/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1261433097&sr=8-10

:confused:

[Mugen910]

What about quicker moving things like kickflips/tre flips/etc. where the board is whipping around... have you taken any of those?

Seeing pictures like this confirms that I have no clue what I'm doing with my camera...

:tpd:

[Mugen910]

IMO (not that i weigh in with much) Get it now with all the deals. Canon T1i or Nikon D90

You will certainly be glad you did with the screamin deamon comes. Plus you get to share all the cute pictures with us.

P.S. Old nikon lenses work with new bodies. Just have to manual focus. :rolleyes:

if you know how to use BING.COM you can get a d3000 for about $400 after rebate

[Wolfgang]

Do any off-brand ones work close to as good? That flash is more expensive than my 55-200 lens!

Yes off name brands work well also. Im currently using one from the 70's lol

I have little experience with off names but hopefully someone will chime in soon.

[Wolfgang]

And another question... what's the difference between the SB600 and the SB400 and/or something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/318AF-Digital-Slave-Flash-Cameras/dp/B002OJ95YC/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1261433097&sr=8-9

or

http://www.amazon.com/Bounce-Coolpix-Mounting-Bracket-Tripod/dp/B002V8FS1K/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1261433097&sr=8-10

:confused:
The second one looks like a great deal. The first one I dont really know.

[Wolfgang]

Pop shove it to fakie

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/wolfgang8810/DSC_2119.jpg

F4.5
1/160 sec
ISO 800
Onboard flash

[Wolfgang]

Shamelessly stolen from Kgoings in case anyone missed it.

If you want a good blog on strobs and lighting check out

http://strobist.blogspot.com/

he has a deal setup for packages here

http://www.mpex.com/page.htm?PG=Strobist%20Kits
__________________

[McSmokey]

Are the Nikon D90 and D5000 the same camera?

[DBall]

Pop shove it to fakie

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/wolfgang8810/DSC_2119.jpg

F4.5
1/160 sec
ISO 800
Onboard flash


Damn. I really need to learn how to use my camera.

Nice shot!

[DBall]

Are the Nikon D90 and D5000 the same camera?


No...

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond5000/



http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/28/nikon-d5000-review-head-to-head-with-d90/


I really like the D5000, but I have tons to learn

[kgoings]

What about quicker moving things like kickflips/tre flips/etc. where the board is whipping around... have you taken any of those?

Seeing pictures like this confirms that I have no clue what I'm doing with my camera...

Taking action shots you have to know how to work the camera's settings and make them work for you to get the image YOU want. When I am taking action shots I usually take my camera in full auto mode and 'half-click and see what the camera is choosing' and then make my own adjustments from there to 'get what I want'. You have to know how the following work, aperture, iso, and speed, and how they work with each other.

ISO is basically film speed. The higher the number the less light you need to get a faster shutter speed. But also you get image noise as you go higher. Sometimes that is just a sacrifice you have to make.

Aperture is the setting the allows more or less light in. The lower the number 1.8 2.0 the more light is let in and the faster shutter speed you can get. But as you allow more light in with larger aperture (larger being smaller numbers...I know confusing) then the depth of field gets smaller, meaning you will have less room for error in your focusing plane.

Shutter speed is the amount of time that the shutter stays open, the longer it stays open the more movement will blur your picture.

So back to the question about flip tricks. So what I would do, is in full auto half click and get the settings for where I am going to take the picture. Lets say it puts me at ISO 100, F5, and a shutter speed of 1/80. Well shutter speed is what is going to 'Stop' the action of the flipping and twisting of the board. 1/80th of a second is NOT going to do that. You need at least 1/300th or faster.

There are a couple ways you could do this. You could goto Shutter Priority and set the shutter speed at 1/300th or even 1/500th and let the camera determine the other settings for you.

I personally do not like to let the camera make decisions for me, I try to limit the decisions the camera makes. So what I would do, is drop the ISO down to 400 or 800, aperture at 2.8 or larger depending on the lens I have and shutter speed around 1/500th.

Try shutter priority first, and then make it a point to learn how to use these setting and how they affect each other.

[Mugen910]

Taking action shots you have to know how to work the camera's settings and make them work for you to get the image YOU want. When I am taking action shots I usually take my camera in full auto mode and 'half-click and see what the camera is choosing' and then make my own adjustments from there to 'get what I want'. You have to know how the following work, aperture, iso, and speed, and how they work with each other.

ISO is basically film speed. The higher the number the less light you need to get a faster shutter speed. But also you get image noise as you go higher. Sometimes that is just a sacrifice you have to make.

Aperture is the setting the allows more or less light in. The lower the number 1.8 2.0 the more light is let in and the faster shutter speed you can get. But as you allow more light in with larger aperture (larger being smaller numbers...I know confusing) then the depth of field gets smaller, meaning you will have less room for error in your focusing plane.

Shutter speed is the amount of time that the shutter stays open, the longer it stays open the more movement will blur your picture.

So back to the question about flip tricks. So what I would do, is in full auto half click and get the settings for where I am going to take the picture. Lets say it puts me at ISO 100, F5, and a shutter speed of 1/80. Well shutter speed is what is going to 'Stop' the action of the flipping and twisting of the board. 1/80th of a second is NOT going to do that. You need at least 1/300th or faster.

There are a couple ways you could do this. You could goto Shutter Priority and set the shutter speed at 1/300th or even 1/500th and let the camera determine the other settings for you.

I personally do not like to let the camera make decisions for me, I try to limit the decisions the camera makes. So what I would do, is drop the ISO down to 400 or 800, aperture at 2.8 or larger depending on the lens I have and shutter speed around 1/500th.

Try shutter priority first, and then make it a point to learn how to use these setting and how they affect each other.


That's what I was looking to see!!!

:tu:tu:tu

[JetJocky51]

I am not sure if the picture will show here or not. I uploaded a file that is showing is attached. If you see it here, it is a shot at a golf tourney to benefit Altism Speaks.

I am sorry if this message does not work. I am new here.

How do you imbed an image from your hard drive to a thread here?

[Mugen910]

I am not sure if the picture will show here or not. I uploaded a file that is showing is attached. If you see it here, it is a shot at a golf tourney to benefit Altism Speaks.

I am sorry if this message does not work. I am new here.

How do you imbed an image from your hard drive to a thread here?

Like this :D


http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=4897&d=1261435190

[kgoings]

That's what I was looking to see!!!

:tu:tu:tu

Shutter priority on Nikons is the TV setting, aperature priority is AV.

Another thing I do, is if I know I want to shoot the action picture in a certain aperature. I will goto Aperature Priority (AV) and set it where I want it, lets say 2.8. Then I will do a half click and see what the suggested shutter speed is. If it is too slow, then I can adjust the ISO to another setting and recheck till I get the shutter speed I want. Then I set all my settings in full manual and shoot away!

[DBall]

Shutter priority on Nikons is the TV setting, aperature priority is AV.



Those are Canon settings. It's "S" and "A" on Nikons


Another thing I do, is if I know I want to shoot the action picture in a certain aperature. I will goto Aperature Priority (AV) and set it where I want it, lets say 2.8. Then I will do a half click and see what the suggested shutter speed is. If it is too slow, then I can adjust the ISO to another setting and recheck till I get the shutter speed I want. Then I set all my settings in full manual and shoot away!

That seems like a lot of work, but getting a guage from the camera is an awesome idea!

[kgoings]

That seems like a lot of work, but getting a guage from the camera is an awesome idea!

Yup, but it makes it all worth it when the picture on the camera is what you imagined in your head before hand. Honestly it looks like alot, but in reality it takes maybe 30 seconds once you know what your doing.

[Wolfgang]

From walkin' teh dag today...

http://m-mason.smugmug.com/Miscellaneous/Misc/12-05-09-086edited-1/732513802_KTC6w-L.jpg

Have your little friend say hello to my little friend.

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/wolfgang8810/Squirrleycopy.jpg

[Roland of Gilead]

Shutter priority on Nikons is the TV setting, aperature priority is AV.

Another thing I do, is if I know I want to shoot the action picture in a certain aperature. I will goto Aperature Priority (AV) and set it where I want it, lets say 2.8. Then I will do a half click and see what the suggested shutter speed is. If it is too slow, then I can adjust the ISO to another setting and recheck till I get the shutter speed I want. Then I set all my settings in full manual and shoot away!

I shoot in AV mode I would guess 90% of the time. About the only time I don't is when I'm looking to do a "panning" shot.

-Roland.

[JetJocky51]

Like this :D


http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=4897&d=1261435190

Now that I know it CAN be done, would you be so kind as to tell HOW it is done.
Thanks.

[Roland of Gilead]

Now that I know it CAN be done, would you be so kind as to tell HOW it is done.
Thanks.

You have to have the image hosted someplace like photobucket or somesuch.

then you right-click on the image and copy the entire address. Then you add it to your post with {img} {/img} except use the [] instead of {}.

It will look like this.

{img}http://m-mason.smugmug.com/Other/Tonnado-Tech/084a/745851690_3juFW-M.jpg{/img}

There you go.

-Roland.

[Roland of Gilead]

http://m-mason.smugmug.com/Shooting/Practical-Rifle/ARPC-Action-Rifle-081308/ARPC-Action-Rifle-0113081102/243190612_owZHx-L.jpg

http://m-mason.smugmug.com/Shooting/Organized-Gatherings/Wasco-Dealer-Demo-071209/2009071518/592527484_xa6PC-L.jpg

http://m-mason.smugmug.com/Shooting/Organized-Gatherings/Ft-Moe-shoot-112909/IMG8884edited-1/728012773_tTVSv-L.jpg

-Roland.

[Mugen910]

I know it's prob too much to ask but..can you post up the pic info..like F thingy and Iso and such? I'd like to learn please..

sorry jetjocky51...just messing with ya...I figured you would quote me and see how it was done.

[kenstogie]

I forget what programs you can use to extract it, but that data is typically embedded in the image isn't it?

[kgoings]

I know it's prob too much to ask but..can you post up the pic info..like F thingy and Iso and such? I'd like to learn please..

sorry jetjocky51...just messing with ya...I figured you would quote me and see how it was done.

Here is a thread on the basics, with pics to explain. Its from a photography forum that is mainly Canon, but we allow you Nikon folks to come and learn the error of your ways ;)

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=414088

And here is an exif viewer. EXIF is the info from a picture, what camera took it, what was the focal length, ISO, Speed, and Aperature (the F thingy)

http://regex.info/exif.cgi

[Blueface]

Like this :D


http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=4897&d=1261435190

To me, that my friend is a photo illustrating one thing and one thing alone.
Answer: 4 very, very lucky guys.

[Noodles]

I know it's prob too much to ask but..can you post up the pic info..like F thingy and Iso and such? I'd like to learn please..

sorry jetjocky51...just messing with ya...I figured you would quote me and see how it was done.

Here is a thread on the basics, with pics to explain. Its from a photography forum that is mainly Canon, but we allow you Nikon folks to come and learn the error of your ways ;)

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=414088

And here is an exif viewer. EXIF is the info from a picture, what camera took it, what was the focal length, ISO, Speed, and Aperature (the F thingy)

http://regex.info/exif.cgi

F thingy? Is that a Nikon term :D.

Here's a good tutorial site from Canon, http://web.canon.jp/imaging/enjoydslr/part2/2A.html. I think somebody mentioned AV (Canon) = A (Nikon) and TV (Canon) = S.

[kgoings]

Here Bao, probably not the best example. But I took this at ISO 1000, Shutter 1/400th and Aperature of 1.8. You can see that her feet are somewhat soft or not sharp and if you look close enough you can see that the ends of the bar are also not sharp. This is because of the 1.8 Aperature, you have a very small depth of field where everything will be in focus and sharp. I could have gone faster on the Shutter, as you see there is still motion blur in her hair.

http://ic2.pbase.com/o2/27/904227/1/118293509.mu93yKft.IMG_3595.jpg

[Roland of Gilead]

http://m-mason.smugmug.com/Shooting/Practical-Rifle/ARPC-Action-Rifle-081308/ARPC-Action-Rifle-0113081102/243190612_owZHx-L.jpg
Camera Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XT
Exposure Time 0.0025s (1/400)
Aperture f/4.0
ISO 400
Focal Length 120mm (192mm in 35mm)


http://m-mason.smugmug.com/Shooting/Organized-Gatherings/Wasco-Dealer-Demo-071209/2009071518/592527484_xa6PC-L.jpg
Canon EOS-1D Mark II
Exposure Time 0.0003s (1/3000)
Aperture f/4.0
ISO 200
Focal Length 95mm (123.5mm in 35mm)


http://m-mason.smugmug.com/Shooting/Organized-Gatherings/Ft-Moe-shoot-112909/IMG8884edited-1/728012773_tTVSv-L.jpg
Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XT
Exposure Time 0.002s (1/500)
Aperture f/5.6
ISO 200
Focal Length 40mm (64mm in 35mm)


-Roland.

Updated with Exif data.

-Roland.

[Fishbeadtwo]

cool pics all! how do you get the timing just right to capture the muzzle flash though?

[coastietech]

cool pics all! how do you get the timing just right to capture the muzzle flash though?

My guess would be that he is taking a burst of frames and then posting the one that caught the image that he wanted. :tu

[Fishbeadtwo]

was thinking along those lines but had to ask.....:)

[Roland of Gilead]

My guess would be that he is taking a burst of frames and then posting the one that caught the image that he wanted. :tu

Sometimes that's how I do it, some times if the shooter is shooting with any kind of rhythm, I just try to time a single frame with their shots. Luck has a great deal to do with it.

http://m-mason.smugmug.com/Shooting/Organized-Gatherings/Ft-Moe-shoot-112909/11-29-09-393edited-1/727949732_RiJnd-L.jpg
Camera Canon EOS-1D Mark II
Exposure Time 0.0015s (1/640)
Aperture f/2.8
ISO 200
Focal Length 110mm (143mm in 35mm)


-Roland.

[Mugen910]

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=4897&d=1261435190

The girl on the far left looks like someone I used to work with....

Here Bao, probably not the best example. But I took this at ISO 1000, Shutter 1/400th and Aperature of 1.8. You can see that her feet are somewhat soft or not sharp and if you look close enough you can see that the ends of the bar are also not sharp. This is because of the 1.8 Aperature, you have a very small depth of field where everything will be in focus and sharp. I could have gone faster on the Shutter, as you see there is still motion blur in her hair.

http://ic2.pbase.com/o2/27/904227/1/118293509.mu93yKft.IMG_3595.jpg

OK so please anyone correct me.

In regards to this pic [ISO 1000, Shutter 1/400th and Aperature of 1.8. ]..if I did this

ISO 1000....Shutter 1/60...Aperture 1.8 then the pic would have more of a blur effect around the focal point? what would happen to the background?

ISO 400..Shutter 1/400th..Aperture 1.8 then the pic would have be darker?

ISO 1000...Shutter 1/400th..Aperture 4 then the pic would be darker and the background would less blurred. :confused:

[kgoings]

OK so please anyone correct me.

In regards to this pic [ISO 1000, Shutter 1/400th and Aperature of 1.8. ]..if I did this

ISO 1000....Shutter 1/60...Aperture 1.8 then the pic would have more of a blur effect around the focal point? what would happen to the background?

With the shutter sped at 1/60, the picture would be much darker cause it would not have enough light and the movement would be blurred cause the shutter would not be fast enough to stop the action

Now I could have gone with ISO1600 or even 3200 and used a smaller aperature like F4, but then there is the possibility that there would be noise artifacts because of the higher ISO. It is really just a balancing of everything to get the best result.

ISO 400..Shutter 1/400th..Aperture 1.8 then the pic would have be darker?

Yes the picture would be darker cause ISO400 would not allow enough light, you may be able to fix it with software but it would be underexposed.

[QUOTE=Mugen910]ISO 1000...Shutter 1/400th..Aperture 4 then the pic would be darker and the background would less blurred. :confused:

Yes exactly, and if there were enough light in the gym, the picture would be fine, just more would be in focus like her feet, the bars, blah blah blah. Read that post on that like I posted.

[Mugen910]

With the shutter sped at 1/60, the picture would be much darker cause it would not have enough light and the movement would be blurred cause the shutter would not be fast enough to stop the action

Now I could have gone with ISO1600 or even 3200 and used a smaller aperature like F4, but then there is the possibility that there would be noise artifacts because of the higher ISO. It is really just a balancing of everything to get the best result.



Yes the picture would be darker cause ISO400 would not allow enough light, you may be able to fix it with software but it would be underexposed.



Yes exactly, and if there were enough light in the gym, the picture would be fine, just more would be in focus like her feet, the bars, blah blah blah. Read that post on that like I posted.


:tu

Great info..

[Wolfgang]

http://ic2.pbase.com/o2/27/904227/1/118293509.mu93yKft.IMG_3595.jpg

With an ISO of 1000 I would expect the picture to be much more grainy.

Is there any post production work here?

Was the room/warehouse pretty dim?

Either way kudos. :banger

[kgoings]

With an ISO of 1000 I would expect the picture to be much more grainy.

Is there any post production work here?

Was the room/warehouse pretty dim?

Either way kudos. :banger

This was a typical gymnasium, terrible lighting. And in gymnastics no flash is allowed for the safety of the gymnasts.

I am not sure what exactly I did in PP, most likely levels and wb, a very light noise reduction and a small amount of sharpening. But I do that will all pictures for the most part. It isn't until I make a sale that I actually do heavy PP.

Both of my camera's perform very well at ISO 1000 (Canon 40D and 1DMKII) not sure which one I was using here. Noise becomes a big problem when you underexpose, I intentionally overexpose to TRY and avoid that.

[Wolfgang]

Very cool. I will keep that in mind. The flash thing I diddnt think of safety and all.

[ucla695]

Man, I have a lot to learn about photography. Can anyone recommend a good site to learn?




http://m-mason.smugmug.com/Shooting/Organized-Gatherings/Ft-Moe-shoot-112909/IMG8884edited-1/728012773_tTVSv-L.jpg

Love this shot!!

[kgoings]

Very cool. I will keep that in mind. The flash thing I didn't think of safety and all.

Some gymnastics meets will ask you to go put your camera in the car or confiscate it till the meet is over if you inadvertently use your flash. They don't mess around.

Do you use any noise reduction software?? Another good tip here

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=48929

when using noise reduction (or you can select inverse for sharpening) is to using masking, so you mask your edges. That way the NR works on the background and not the detail. I usually only do this on a sale, it takes a little bit of time and when I shoot an invitational I am usually looking at around 1K photos. The college gigs are much better, I shot ASU's gymnastics last year and would only do like 200 photos in a night.

[kgoings]

Man, I have a lot to learn about photography. Can anyone recommend a good site to learn?






Love this shot!!

I like http://photography-on-the.net/forum/ they have some very good threads for beginners here..
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=13

like this one I mentioned earlier

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=414088

and here are 3 great books to get

1. Photography And The Art Of Seeing by Freeman Patterson
2. Learning to See Creatively by Bryan Peterson
3. Mastering Digital Photography

[Wolfgang]

Thanks for the tip. I usually just avoid shooting above 800 ISO that works for me. But when I do have a noise issue I will In CS4 go to filters and reduce noise. It works ok but thanks for the link.

[ucla695]

I like http://photography-on-the.net/forum/ they have some very good threads for beginners here..
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=13

like this one I mentioned earlier

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=414088

and here are 3 great books to get

1. Photography And The Art Of Seeing by Freeman Patterson
2. Learning to See Creatively by Bryan Peterson
3. Mastering Digital Photography

Thanks! I'll check these out!

[gbum]

hi,merry x'mas to all... just want to share some of my pictures...

-flower-

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/1979/img8592g.jpg

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/9200/img729.jpg

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/7308/img0686f.jpg

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/3876/img7503y.jpg

[Guitarman-S.T-]

Great Flower photo's!

[Mugen910]

h

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/3876/img7503y.jpg

I love this one! Very nice bro!:tu

[Mugen910]

I learned today that taking a pic of things with lights without a flash is better :D




http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=4917&d=1261632085
Manual exposure, 1/200 sec, f/8, ISO 400



http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=4918&d=1261632093
Manual exposure, 0.4 sec, f/5.6, ISO 400

[kgoings]

I learned today that taking a pic of things with lights without a flash is better :D




http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=4917&d=1261632085
Manual exposure, 1/200 sec, f/8, ISO 400



http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=4918&d=1261632093
Manual exposure, 0.4 sec, f/5.6, ISO 400


The colors in the second pic are great. Do you have a tripod? Hand holding .4 sec the picture is not going to be tack sharp like you want.

The composition and idea of your pic are great! Good job of "seeing" it. Can you go with a larger aperature than 5.6? Like F/4? Or try to bump your shutter up a little bit.

A tip on hand holding, if your focal lenth is 70mm then the minimum for hand holding would be 1/70th. You didnt say what your focal length was. If you can adjust either your aperature or your shutter, or if you have a tripod, your picture will be much sharper.

[Mugen910]

The colors in the second pic are great. Do you have a tripod? Hand holding .4 sec the picture is not going to be tack sharp like you want.

The composition and idea of your pic are great! Good job of "seeing" it. Can you go with a larger aperature than 5.6? Like F/4? Or try to bump your shutter up a little bit.

A tip on hand holding, if your focal lenth is 70mm then the minimum for hand holding would be 1/70th. You didnt say what your focal length was. If you can adjust either your aperature or your shutter, or if you have a tripod, your picture will be much sharper.

Thanks for the positive reinforcement, Kirk. I do have a tripod but didn't think to carry it to a friend's house but it would have made trying to take that 2nd pic a lot easier.

5.6 is the largest I can get with my D3000 and the focal length was 55mm. I didn't even think to make the shutter speed faster :tu

Is the aperture dependent on the camera or lens?

[kgoings]

Thanks for the positive reinforcement, Kirk. I do have a tripod but didn't think to carry it to a friend's house but it would have made trying to take that 2nd pic a lot easier.

5.6 is the largest I can get with my D3000 and the focal length was 55mm. I didn't even think to make the shutter speed faster :tu

Is the aperture dependent on the camera or lens?

The aperture is dependent on the lens. When you look at lens like 4.2-5.6 that means that depending on the focal length the largest aperture you can get is 4.2-5.6. For you next lens purchase look for something that is prime, i.e. 1.4 or 2.8 (no dashes) like the 50 1.8 or 50 1.4 great lens!

[acruce]

hi,merry x'mas to all... just want to share some of my pictures...

-flower-

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/1979/img8592g.jpg

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/9200/img729.jpg

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/7308/img0686f.jpg

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/3876/img7503y.jpg

I was wondering what kind of camera you use

[Dux]

Some Holiday shots I took tonight!

Happy Holidays to All!!

-Doug

http://focusindigital.smugmug.com/Holidays/Christmas-2009/DSC0348/749055131_zbPi5-X2.jpg

http://focusindigital.smugmug.com/Holidays/Christmas-2009/DSC0357/749042762_rrzFZ-X2.jpg

[Mugen910]

The aperture is dependent on the lens. When you look at lens like 4.2-5.6 that means that depending on the focal length the largest aperture you can get is 4.2-5.6. For you next lens purchase look for something that is prime, i.e. 1.4 or 2.8 (no dashes) like the 50 1.8 or 50 1.4 great lens!

I was wrong...4.8 is the largest I have..I guess it would only allow me to get down to 5.6 because of something I was tinkering with..


Dux great pics.:tu

[Wolfgang]

The second numbers on your lens is the max aperture at full zoom.

Ps. Im enjoying my new 50mm 1.8 that Santa brought me.

[Wolfgang]

http://focusindigital.smugmug.com/Holidays/Christmas-2009/DSC0348/749055131_zbPi5-X2.jpg

Love this picture! I just went and leveled and balanced it.

If this is unacceptable let me know I did not see a copyright.

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/wolfgang8810/TREE.jpg

[Dux]

Love this picture! I just went and leveled and balanced it.

If this is unacceptable let me know I did not see a copyright.

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/wolfgang8810/TREE.jpg

Wow Thanks :) You even removed the wall hooks :D

Shot looks even better now :tu

What ap did you use?

-Doug/Dux

[Wolfgang]

Photoshop CS3 at the moment but CS2-CS4 are all wonderful programs

[Wolfgang]

Christmas ornament.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/wolfgang8810/silverstar.jpg

[DBall]

Christmas ornament.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/wolfgang8810/silverstar.jpg

That's no ornament! That's the Crystalline Entity fro ST:TNG...

[Wolfgang]

lol! What is the last word supposed to be?

[DBall]

lol! What is the last word supposed to be?

ST:TNG = Star Trek The Next Generation... :D

[kgoings]

The second numbers on your lens is the max aperture at full zoom.

Ps. Im enjoying my new 50mm 1.8 that Santa brought me.

Nifty Fifty! I sold mine, I use the 85mm 1.8 more. Saving the $1400 to get an 85mm 1.2 L :D

[Wolfgang]

I love my 50mm the manual focus is kinda annoying but soon enough i should be upgrading bodies.

After the body I have my eyes set on a 24-85 f2.8-4 or the 70-200 f2.8 :dr

[Dux]

I love my 50mm the manual focus is kinda annoying but soon enough i should be upgrading bodies.

After the body I have my eyes set on a 24-85 f2.8-4 or the 70-200 f2.8 :dr

I Think my Next Purchace is going to be a Macro Lens and a New Tripod.

Not sure what lens im going with yet..

Santa Brought me a very nice Mono Pod for when I go Hiking :tu

[Wolfgang]

Nikon or Canon? I forget :-(

[gbum]

I was wondering what kind of camera you use

sorry for long absent,i use canon 350d and 30d with a little adjustment in photoshop:D

[McSmokey]

It's official tomorrow I am picking up my Nikon D90 with the 18-105 mm lens... so unless they do a c-section tomorrow after the doctors visit I'll have it before the baby gets here :tu

[Roland of Gilead]

I love my 50mm the manual focus is kinda annoying but soon enough i should be upgrading bodies.

After the body I have my eyes set on a 24-85 f2.8-4 or the 70-200 f2.8 :dr

There shouldn't be an "or" in there. It should just read "I have my eyes set on a 70-200 f2.8L"

Trust me on this.


-Roland.

[kgoings]

There shouldn't be an "or" in there. It should just read "I have my eyes set on a 70-200 f2.8L"

Trust me on this.


-Roland.

:tpd: get the 70-200!

[Wolfgang]

There shouldn't be an "or" in there. It should just read "I have my eyes set on a 70-200 f2.8L"

Trust me on this.


-Roland.

:tpd: get the 70-200!

Its on the wish list. I just bought a SB-600 with Christmas money.

Spending 2300 on a lens as a college student isnt in the cards. Its on the wish list though. :D I have all the lenses I need for a while (minus a good macro)

I cant wait to get out and shoot with my new flash any pointers from the PROs?

[kgoings]

Its on the wish list. I just bought a SB-600 with Christmas money.

Spending 2300 on a lens as a college student isnt in the cards. Its on the wish list though. :D I have all the lenses I need for a while (minus a good macro)

I cant wait to get out and shoot with my new flash any pointers from the PROs?

Wow where are you buying your lens? A 70-200 2.8L (non-IS) can be had for just about $1000

[Wolfgang]

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-70-200mm-Nikkor-Digital-Cameras/dp/B00009MDBQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1262045755&sr=8-1

Just going by the list price. Either way I will upgrade my body first.

[Roland of Gilead]

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-70-200mm-Nikkor-Digital-Cameras/dp/B00009MDBQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1262045755&sr=8-1

Just going by the list price. Either way I will upgrade my body first.

Oh... Nikon. Well, that's differant.


-Roland.

[Wolfgang]

The Tamron 70-200 2.8 is a little over 700 not as crisp but its still pretty good.

[kgoings]

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-70-200mm-Nikkor-Digital-Cameras/dp/B00009MDBQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1262045755&sr=8-1

Just going by the list price. Either way I will upgrade my body first.

Oh you said earlier in this thread you were switching to Canon.

[Wolfgang]

I started with Nikon. Now after thousands of dollars into glass i am migrating to Canon. 5D MarkII On loan and LOVEING IT!!!

I may and I may not. Currently I am very happy with my setup and I dont have a great reason to switch at the moment. I have a Canon G10 with the extension tube and a fish eye and tele lens adapter that works wonderfully on almost everything else.

I am NOT a brand snob Both brands are on equal playing fields (as far as I am concerned) and if I can get into Canon for a reasonable price I will go that way. The 50D and T1i have my attention as of now.

:tf

[Footbag]

Just ordered myself a Canon T1i with the two lens kit with some christmas GC money. The stock lens plus the 55-250mm EF-S. I'm hoping to get it before my trip to New Orleans on Wed, but I don't think it's going to make it.

I have a canon XS, which is awesome, but I did an infrared modification on it for astrophotography, and now have to use a custom white balance and grey card every time I shoot or change lighting. Kind of a PITA for grab and go shooting.

[kgoings]

I may and I may not. Currently I am very happy with my setup and I dont have a great reason to switch at the moment. I have a Canon G10 with the extension tube and a fish eye and tele lens adapter that works wonderfully on almost everything else.

I am NOT a brand snob Both brands are on equal playing fields (as far as I am concerned) and if I can get into Canon for a reasonable price I will go that way. The 50D and T1i have my attention as of now.

:tf

The 40D is a great camera too!

[Wolfgang]

Its more expensive than the 50D I like the extra pixels too :D lol

[gbum]

from 2007 folder,my trip to Penang Islandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penang

http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/8202/eimg1944.jpg

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/7000/eimg1953.jpg

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/5459/eimg1964.jpg

[hotreds]

Its more expensive than the 50D I like the extra pixels too :D lol

7D, then!

[gbum]

http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/7060/eimg1999.jpg

http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/6209/eimg2007.jpg

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/7355/eimg2014.jpg

enjoy

[Roland of Gilead]

I took this shot of my Brothers dag on Christmas.

http://m-mason.smugmug.com/Animals/Puppy/12-26-09-053edited-1/752097156_BsmG5-L.jpg
Camera Canon EOS-1D Mark II
Lens Canon 70-200 f2.8 L
Exposure Time 0.0002s (1/4000)
Aperture f/2.8
ISO 200
Focal Length 105mm (136.5mm in 35mm)


-Roland.

[Wolfgang]

First pictures taken with my new flash.

Aside from composition hows the lighting?

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/wolfgang8810/DSC_2538.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/wolfgang8810/tree-1.jpg

[s15driftking]

i used to be into RC cars...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/s15driftking/Random%20People/tz8-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/s15driftking/Random%20People/cima7.jpg

[s15driftking]

HGoing back through all my younger days i found this pic of me driving (sideways)!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/s15driftking/Drift%20Portfolio/driftx1.jpg

Also

Wow, i was searching google today and i found a video i made back in 2005 for the fun of it... check it out. Wow, this seems like forever ago.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3414726145631488255&ei=ngY6S8KRDdCGlgf6-4S1Dw&q=beaver+run+drifft&hl=en#

[s15driftking]

Few More RC Shots




http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/s15driftking/cima12.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/s15driftking/cima11.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/s15driftking/cima10.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/s15driftking/cima9.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/s15driftking/cima4.jpg

[s15driftking]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/s15driftking/100_0337.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/s15driftking/100_0336.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/s15driftking/100_0333.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/s15driftking/100_0331.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/s15driftking/100_0327.jpg

[s15driftking]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/s15driftking/100_0325.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/s15driftking/100_0324.jpg

[gbum]

nice pics bobby... love the rc macro shot

[Wolfgang]

Public Library.

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/wolfgang8810/DSC_2620.jpg

[gbum]

kl birdpark
http://www.klbirdpark.com/

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/3656/eimg8553.jpg

http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/8040/eimg8587.jpg

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/332/eimg8508.jpg

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/5316/eimg8522.jpg

http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/4927/eimg8535.jpg

[Roland of Gilead]

I took this shot of my Brothers dag on Christmas.

http://m-mason.smugmug.com/Animals/Puppy/12-26-09-053edited-1/752097156_BsmG5-L.jpg
Camera Canon EOS-1D Mark II
Lens Canon 70-200 f2.8 L
Exposure Time 0.0002s (1/4000)
Aperture f/2.8
ISO 200
Focal Length 105mm (136.5mm in 35mm)


-Roland.

I should also add, that I used -2/3 stop exposure compensation on this shot. For those of you that are trying to learn something about exposure and such. I should have added that to begin with.

-Roland.

[elderboy02]

That dog picture is sweet!

[The Professor]

I was just wondering if we had a thread like this. :-) All the images are on Flickr with the EXIF info preserved; so you can check out the shooting details there. All the indoor shots are (if I'm remembering correctly) shot with available light. C&C appreciated. :-)

My favorite cigar shot to date:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2734/4204340071_8333d0c567_o.jpg

I thought this plant in front of my house looked holidayish:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2755/4219100070_84e0d58190_o.jpg

Yeah ... it's totally out of focus; but I love the composition:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4228387038_e0feef1cd1_o.jpg

One of my favorite candid portraits to date (Thanksgiving week):
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2715/4227618505_b3917e0335_o.jpg

My older cat:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2773/4228401178_0b3cb65201_o.jpg

[elderboy02]

Nice pictures Dokk!

[DBall]

Why is it that cats never seem to be in focus, hmm?

[The Professor]

Why is it that cats never seem to be in focus, hmm?
Perhaps the JPG conversion doesn't do it justice; but her face is in focus and sharp. I was shooting at f/1.8 ... so a VERY narrow DOF (on purpose).

This one is a little clearer, even on the conversion ... again, though, note the extremely narrow DOF.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2615/4227720349_8b95fe1f2a_o.jpg


Oh ... and I should add that I'm using a Canon T1i with various lenses: Canon EF 50/1.8, Tamron 28-75/2.8, Tammy, Canon EF-S 18-55 IS (kit lens), and Canon 50/1.8 (respectively). My Flickr stream is here (clicky) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/denckwanzer/).


EDIT: One more thing -- with the cat shots, I was shooting physically as close to the cat as my lens would allow (which further explains the DOF, probably). In the first shot, I may have gotten an inch too close. :td

[Blueface]

I love crabs!!!

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s167/cmach_photo/IMG_0049.jpg

[DBall]

Dokk... your pic is awesome... I was commenting on cat pics in general (should've been more specific in my post). I have 2 cats and, since I got my camera) have taken TONS of pictures of them. Roughly 98% of them are out of focus or just plain look weird.

It just seems like there's something about shooting cats (especially my black one) that doesn't want to work right...

[The Professor]

Dokk... your pic is awesome... I was commenting on cat pics in general (should've been more specific in my post). I have 2 cats and, since I got my camera) have taken TONS of pictures of them. Roughly 98% of them are out of focus or just plain look weird.

It just seems like there's something about shooting cats (especially my black one) that doesn't want to work right...
Oh ... I haven't gotten a good picture of my black dog yet. Black animals are hard without great lighting, I think. At least ... that's what I'm telling myself. :r

[Blueface]

Oh ... I haven't gotten a good picture of my black dog yet. Black animals are hard without great lighting, I think. At least ... that's what I'm telling myself. :r

Not at all.
Choose a background that is on the lighter side rather than dark.
Use a good flash in the bounce mode with a good reflector such as Gary Fong's Light Diffuser. If you don't have that, you can always use a white cardboard, cut to fit on the back of your flash head and use a rubber band to hold it. This will allow light to go up and bounce back to the subject, creating a natural light effect while at the same time pushing some highlight to the subject via the white cardboard (you can use white paper taped to a piece of cardboard for strength).
Easy.

[The Professor]

Not at all.
Choose a background that is on the lighter side rather than dark.
Use a good flash in the bounce mode with a good reflector such as Gary Fong's Light Diffuser. If you don't have that, you can always use a white cardboard, cut to fit on the back of your flash head and use a rubber band to hold it. This will allow light to go up and bounce back to the subject, creating a natural light effect while at the same time pushing some highlight to the subject via the white cardboard (you can use white paper taped to a piece of cardboard for strength).
Easy.
Easy ... if you have a good flash. :r

That's next on the list. :D

[McSmokey]

started taking pics last night out of the box with my new D90 [my first dSLR straight off of film cameras].... haven't had time to d/l yet but I'm with you Dokk a good flash is the next item on the list :tu

[Blueface]

Easy ... if you have a good flash. :r

That's next on the list. :D

Oops!:r

[Blueface]

started taking pics last night out of the box with my new D90 [my first dSLR straight off of film cameras].... haven't had time to d/l yet but I'm with you Dokk a good flash is the next item on the list :tu

You will certainly get away with the SB600 but I assure you, the extra money will be worthwhile to go for the SB800. As a former professional photographer, I guess I am biased as I have always carried more power than I need. That is the best way to go than to fall short.

[The Professor]

Oops!:r
Almost bought a flash today. Best Buy wouldn't match Amazon's price, though; so I passed. :r

[krevo]

http://www.be-logic.org/uploaded/107_1262204597.jpg

My girlfriend bought me this print from a local photographer named Greg Davis (Austin, TX)

All credit goes to Greg on this.



Something about it just brings a smile to my face.

[McSmokey]

You will certainly get away with the SB600 but I assure you, the extra money will be worthwhile to go for the SB800. As a former professional photographer, I guess I am biased as I have always carried more power than I need. That is the best way to go than to fall short.

I can understand this the wife would have my head if photo quality fell short when our first baby gets here in a couple of weeks

[Wolfgang]

Just bought the 600 and it is amazing! The 800 can trigger other flashes remotely but so can your D90. I say go with the 600 and use the onboard flash on the D90 to trigger the 600 offcamera wirelessly.

[Blueface]

Just bought the 600 and it is amazing! The 800 can trigger other flashes remotely but so can your D90. I say go with the 600 and use the onboard flash on the D90 to trigger the 600 offcamera wirelessly.

The thing with the SB800 is not so much the remote trigger. I can live without that, specially since I own numerous GVI wireless remote slaves that I can use from my days in the business.
I recommend the SB800 purely for the additional power it provides. That power will not only come in handy when needing to throw more light forward but will also come in extremely handy for bounce lighting, which is 90% of the flash photography I do and would highly recommend all do.

Again, no doubt the SB600 is an awesome flash but I would call it a V6 on that Mustang when you can rev a V8. If budget is a concern, no doubt the SB600 is the better way to go and certainly is a very good flash.

[Roland of Gilead]

Oh ... I haven't gotten a good picture of my black dog yet. Black animals are hard without great lighting, I think. At least ... that's what I'm telling myself. :r

Also, when exposing for dark items, your cameras meter will try to make the image more gray. For dark items, use exposure compensation down a little. For white subjects, the opposite applies. For example, for shooting in the snow, you really have to controll the exposure (overexpose) if you want the snow to be white and not 18% gray.

Does any of that make sense?

-Roland.

[Wolfgang]

The thing with the SB800 is not so much the remote trigger. I can live without that, specially since I own numerous GVI wireless remote slaves that I can use from my days in the business.
I recommend the SB800 purely for the additional power it provides. That power will not only come in handy when needing to throw more light forward but will also come in extremely handy for bounce lighting, which is 90% of the flash photography I do and would highly recommend all do.

Again, no doubt the SB600 is an awesome flash but I would call it a V6 on that Mustang when you can rev a V8. If budget is a concern, no doubt the SB600 is the better way to go and certainly is a very good flash.

The 800 does serve as a remote trigger but so does the onboard flash on the D90 so he can trigger either unit with just his camera. If you have the cash go bigger. I m with you Blue.

[McSmokey]

does the new SB900 pack the same punch as the 800 or did Nikon dumb it down? Asking because Amazon lists the 900 as the 800s replacement :tu

[Wolfgang]

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/wolfgang8810/izzy.jpg

Roar of a Lion

[Blueface]

does the new SB900 pack the same punch as the 800 or did Nikon dumb it down? Asking because Amazon lists the 900 as the 800s replacement :tu

I haven't shopped in a while for them.
I could see a 900 now being out there as the replacement to the 800.
Seems when they came out with the D90, the D80 soon phased out.
Take a look at the rating on them for comparison.
If I have a chance, will dig it up and do a comparison.

[Blueface]

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/wolfgang8810/izzy.jpg

Roar of a Lion

Great shot.

[Blueface]

SB900 Guide number:
34/111.5 (ISO 100, m/ft), 48/157.5 (ISO 200, m/ft)

SB800 Guide number:
38/125 (at 35mm) to 56/184 (at 105mm) (ISO 100, m/ft.)

SB600 Guide number:
30/98 (ISO 100, m/ft), 42/138 (ISO 200, m/ft) (at 35mm zoom-head position, 20 C/68 F)

Based on this, the 900 is a bit weaker than the 800. Seems it falls right in between the 600 and 800.

[The Professor]

SB900 Guide number:
34/111.5 (ISO 100, m/ft), 48/157.5 (ISO 200, m/ft)

SB800 Guide number:
38/125 (at 35mm) to 56/184 (at 105mm) (ISO 100, m/ft.)

SB600 Guide number:
30/98 (ISO 100, m/ft), 42/138 (ISO 200, m/ft) (at 35mm zoom-head position, 20 C/68 F)

Based on this, the 900 is a bit weaker than the 800. Seems it falls right in between the 600 and 800.
Well that's an odd naming choice, then. Figures Nikon would do something like that. ;) :p

[DBall]

Do any off-brand ones work close to as good? That flash is more expensive than my 55-200 lens!

And another question... what's the difference between the SB600 and the SB400 and/or something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/318AF-Digital-Slave-Flash-Cameras/dp/B002OJ95YC/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1261433097&sr=8-9

or

http://www.amazon.com/Bounce-Coolpix-Mounting-Bracket-Tripod/dp/B002V8FS1K/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1261433097&sr=8-10

:confused:

Now that the topic is back to flashes, I'll bump my previous questions... :D

[The Professor]

Now that the topic is back to flashes, I'll bump my previous questions... :D
In the world of Canon (which is the only world I know) the answer is "no."

[Blueface]

Now that the topic is back to flashes, I'll bump my previous questions... :D

Dan,
I am not familiar with these units but will tell you this about flashes and digital SLRs. While many aftermarket ones will work, I am old school and believe each brand/manufacturer makes the flashes specifically for their equipment. I learned this the hard way when I went from a Canon camera to Nikon. While my Canon flash, comparable to the SB800 worked with my Nikon camera, I noticed many occasions where the flash and the camera did not communicate properly.

To me, flash makes your picture more times than not. If you have money tied up on a good camera, good lenses and so on, why cut short in the area this many times will make your pictures great pictures.

I have often used many aftermarket brands for flashes but have always slaved them, meaning they were not the primary source of light. They were additional lighting. Don't skimp on the flash. Remember, the more power you have, the happier you will be. These two don't look like they have a very high output at all.

[Blueface]

Well that's an odd naming choice, then. Figures Nikon would do something like that. ;) :p

I would venture to think they have not eliminated the SB800 based on the 900 having a lower rating.
I did wonder the same though. Why not name the darn thing the SB700 if in between the 600 and 800? They just want to mess with us.

[Wolfgang]

Now that the topic is back to flashes, I'll bump my previous questions... :D

It depends on your camera and the particular release volltage of the flash.

For instance. The Canon G10 can handle a flash voltage around 7.5v and my SB-600 flash ahs a release voltage of 12v It will work but it can also fry your camera.

This article HERE (http://strobist.blogspot.com/2009/05/universal-translator-ushers-in-new-age.html). Will give you some great info.

HERE (http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/06/dont-fry-your-camera.html)are lists of safe trigger voltages for your camera.

[Blueface]

It depends on your camera and the particular release volltage of the flash.

For instance. The Canon G10 can handle a flash voltage around 7.5v and my SB-600 flash ahs a release voltage of 12v It will work but it can also fry your camera.

This article HERE (http://strobist.blogspot.com/2009/05/universal-translator-ushers-in-new-age.html). Will give you some great info.

HERE (http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/06/dont-fry-your-camera.html)are lists of safe trigger voltages for your camera.

Failed to mention that critical information.
Glad you said it.
Go OEM on flash and happy you shall live.:D

[Wolfgang]

:tu Im glad to whrow my :2 when ever I can. (needed or not) :r

[s15driftking]

The photography thread has a lot of talking going on currently... and not a lot of photo posting.

[Blueface]

The photography thread has a lot of talking going on currently... and not a lot of photo posting.

:r:r:r

Pot calling the kettle black?

[The Professor]

The photography thread has a lot of talking going on currently... and not a lot of photo posting.
I posted 5 this morning. :D

[Blueface]

To support what I have said about a strong flash and bounce lighting, here is an example of a zoom mode (where normally you lose the background and darkens when using flash), where the background is well lit and the subject looks natural, without harsh flash light in his face and shadows all over.

This was done with the SB800, aimed straight up at a 14' ceiling and a Gary Fong Light Sphere (Cloud). Just a quick, random candid shot as he got his haircut.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s167/cmach_photo/DSC_0043-1.jpg

[Wolfgang]

I post atleast one every day. Posting 30 pictures in one post (like someone here) put a restriction on pictures per post.

Instead of going out and taking a picture of everyhting in sight uncomposed I enjoy making my pictures (more or less) worth looking at. After all its a photography thread not necessarily a snapshot thread.

[Blueface]

I post atleast one every day. Posting 30 pictures in one post (like someone here) put a restriction on pictures per post.

Instead of going out and taking a picture of everyhting in sight uncomposed I enjoy making my pictures (more or less) worth looking at. After all its a photography thread not necessarily a snapshot thread.

What is neat about it is that it has evolved to not only a photo thread but one that folks can learn from also, myself included. In spite of all my years as a professional, having put my medium format equipment away nearly 14 years ago, I too can learn today from the digital world.

[Blueface]

Lighting was what I prided myself in.
Here is an example of a photo many would have taken with a flash straight on.
That would have caused a dark background and harsh lighting on the subjects, making it look unnatural.
I always prided myself in attempting to illustrate on film, exactly what my eyes saw.
I took this photo on a slower shutter, using my SB800 in a straight up bounce mode, with the Gary Fong Sphere, toning the flash down considerably to allow a more natural light look. I just wanted the flash to fill in the eye sockets that would have been unavoidable from the church ceiling lights.
I feel I got exactly what I was seeing at the time.

Moral..................GET A STRONG FLASH!!!!!!

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s167/cmach_photo/DSC_0020-1.jpg

[Giant & 49er Fan]

I wish I had the gift and ability to share personal shots of my own. I don't. However, I would like to contribute to this thread by sharing the work of my cousin in Seattle. He is an award winning photographer and I hope you all enjoy his domestic and international work. His name is Tom and here is the link to his website.
I know if you take the time to look at his work, you'll be amazed!

www.thomashurst.com

Enjoy!

[Blueface]

This shot that was posted earlier on this thread is an example of extreme strength in flash photography.
I used a Lumedyne (which only those of you that are professionals will likely recognize) that was a 400 watt per second unit. As flashes go, let's just say I was carrying around the equivalent of at least 10 of the strongest you will find for average Joe's.
I bounced that power straight up, using a reflector to fill in eye sockets. What you get is a soft, detailed photo, illustrating all the fine details in her dress.
Straight on flash would have burned out the gown and the details would have been lost, not to mention, shadows all over the place would have also resulted.

Hopefully, via these past few posts, I have illustrated why I support a strong flash so, so much.
Of course, having beautiful subjects such as these ladies certainly inspires one.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s167/cmach_photo/SCAN0012.jpg

[Blueface]

One last one.

Who says Pit Bulls are mean?
Layla lost this battle for the ball. Actually got a smack from him to go along with it after he pulled the ball out of her mouth. Poor dog. She is such a sport.

Here is another, just fumbling around candid as I followed my wild and crazy grandson. Again, bounce lighting with the Gary Fong light sphere. Again, just a simple concept of a good flash, bounced off ceilings, using a diffuser to spread soft light forward, hence no shadows and not harsh flash burns on subjects. Accomplishes my goal of capturing a photo that illustrates what the eye was seeing.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s167/cmach_photo/DSC_0058.jpg

[Blueface]

OK, maybe one more while I am on a roll.
Here is a candid taken with my camera, same set up of a bounced flash, this time in a catering hall, with the Gary Fong Sphere. Even this girl who knows little about photography took a great shot. Nice, open background. No darkness. No harsh light at the subjects.
Note my eyeglasses - doesn't even appear that have any on.

So, hopefully the message I instilled today is never fear your flash.
Buy a strong one.
Throw the light up in the air.
Use a diffuser to push some highlight forward.

Happy flash photography folks!

Three generations of "Blueface".

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s167/cmach_photo/DSC_0299.jpg

[Blueface]

I have talked about it so much, here is an online photo (not mine) that I found to illustrate what the Gary Fong Light Sphere looks like.
I often use the lid on it when in a low ceiling setting.
What is neat about it is it allows you to bounce regardless of whether in horizontal or vertical frame mode.
Best $49 you will spend.

[gbum]

nice tools... will get that next month...

[Blueface]

Here is a nightmare for the average guy.

Natural backlight, coupled with glass behind the subject.
Two things normally happen here.
Your camera reads the excessive light and compensates, hence your subject is dark.
Next, your flash glares like heck with the glass.

Again, bounce lighting with the diffuser.
I think Gary Fong should freaking start paying me to promote him.:r

Note what I love about this candid.
Look at his devilish look. Then look at his hair. I swear it wasn't planned that way.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s167/cmach_photo/DSC_0127.jpg

[acruce]

Here is a nightmare for the average guy.

Natural backlight, coupled with glass behind the subject.
Two things normally happen here.
Your camera reads the excessive light and compensates, hence your subject is dark.
Next, your flash glares like heck with the glass.

Again, bounce lighting with the diffuser.
I think Gary Fong should freaking start paying me to promote him.:r

Note what I love about this candid.
Look at his devilish look. Then look at his hair. I swear it wasn't planned that way.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s167/cmach_photo/DSC_0127.jpg

Thats a great picture!!

[McSmokey]

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/wolfgang8810/izzy.jpg

Roar of a Lion

Awesome Pic

[McSmokey]

This shot that was posted earlier on this thread is an example of extreme strength in flash photography.
I used a Lumedyne (which only those of you that are professionals will likely recognize) that was a 400 watt per second unit. As flashes go, let's just say I was carrying around the equivalent of at least 10 of the strongest you will find for average Joe's.
I bounced that power straight up, using a reflector to fill in eye sockets. What you get is a soft, detailed photo, illustrating all the fine details in her dress.
Straight on flash would have burned out the gown and the details would have been lost, not to mention, shadows all over the place would have also resulted.

Hopefully, via these past few posts, I have illustrated why I support a strong flash so, so much.
Of course, having beautiful subjects such as these ladies certainly inspires one.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s167/cmach_photo/SCAN0012.jpg

Had two of those in ye olde in house studio in my college photolab made some great black and white florals with them

[McSmokey]

Here is a nightmare for the average guy.

Natural backlight, coupled with glass behind the subject.
Two things normally happen here.
Your camera reads the excessive light and compensates, hence your subject is dark.
Next, your flash glares like heck with the glass.

Again, bounce lighting with the diffuser.
I think Gary Fong should freaking start paying me to promote him.:r

Note what I love about this candid.
Look at his devilish look. Then look at his hair. I swear it wasn't planned that way.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s167/cmach_photo/DSC_0127.jpg

I take it this is the 4th generation of Blueface? He looks like a handful :D

[Blueface]

I take it this is the 4th generation of Blueface? He looks like a handful :D

Yup.
That is my 2.5 yr old grandson Alejandro.
He is beyond a handful.
That picture suits him just as he is, a Devil, but the joy of my life.

[McSmokey]

All your Gary Fong talk has got the sphere in the wishlist right next to the sb800

[DBall]

All your Gary Fong talk has got the sphere in the wishlist right next to the sb800

I'm poor, I may get the 600...

[Blueface]

All your Gary Fong talk has got the sphere in the wishlist right next to the sb800

I swear you will not regret it.
I would recommend the Whale Tail if you can cough up a few more bucks and are really into photography. Much better lighting options with that one.

Go to his website and see the videos. That little contraption can actually come darn close to imitating the effects of multiple studio lighting of a 2:1 ratio. For years, I use to attach homemade contraptions to accomplish this effect but Gary had the idea to mass produce it. Bastage!!!

B&H also carries his stuff but you can also buy directly from his site.
Check out this video. Get the "cloudy" one as works best for home use. Use the clear if in an open "hall"/"church" type area.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wfshQuBLdw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6l1I7dHXBgY

Here is the Whale Tail
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2263725114630942578&ei=6sA8S_-QAYiSqgL3g7CABA&q=gary+fong&client=safari#

Link to his direct store:
http://store.garyfonginc.com/

Dang!
Just clicked onto his website and he now has the light sphere as a collapsable.
That is very neat as the only drawback to this unit is the size.
$59 bucks. Well worth it.
Check out the how to video on there.

[Blueface]

I'm poor, I may get the 600...

It is an awesome flash Dan. Just less power but you can always compensate if need be with your f stop or shutter.
For indoor, home use, you will never, ever know the difference between the 600 and 800.

[McSmokey]

I'm poor, I may get the 600...

I'm poor too don't get me wrong... 4 years ago this was almost a career move... so I'm a little addicted to it :D

[Wolfgang]

Ritz Carlton Sarasota Florida.

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/wolfgang8810/RitzCarlton.jpg

[elderboy02]

Ritz Carlton Sarasota Florida.

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/wolfgang8810/RitzCarlton.jpg

Nice picture! :tu

[Darrell]

Here are a couple. All suggestions appreciated. Go easy on me.

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/1482/jwblueandffox.jpg (http://img191.imageshack.us/i/jwblueandffox.jpg/)

http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/9976/shaving.jpg (http://img709.imageshack.us/i/shaving.jpg/)

http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/2123/hdmp.jpg (http://img188.imageshack.us/i/hdmp.jpg/)

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/2910/spota.jpg (http://img29.imageshack.us/i/spota.jpg/)

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/7037/monte2f.jpg (http://img196.imageshack.us/i/monte2f.jpg/)

I shot these with my d40 with SB600 and Tamron 24-70 f2.8 glass.

[Wolfgang]

Everything looks pretty good Darrell.

Picture 1
Awesome picture. A little more DOF (depth of field) would make it even more awesome. a tripod and raising the f stop will accomplish this. The lighting is cool too.

Picture 2
Same DOF thing as picture one. I like the old school theme of this one.

Picture 3
Kinda depends on what you wanted us to focus on. I like to have more in focus than just one spot. On the other hand this photo has some AWESOME! boque. :tu

Picture 4
Raising the ISO will allow you to shoot with a faster shutter speed which will also get rid of the blur. If there was enough ambient lighting you could also open up the aperture at the loss of DOF. This picture would be ok to have the doggies face crisp then fade off down the body.

Picture 5
Same as 3

Keep them up. I love seeing pictures.

And one of my photos for the road. Another kitty cat surprisingly in focus and not blinking. WOOT!

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/wolfgang8810/totfocus.jpg

[Darrell]

Thanks Wolf.

I'm kind of dumb with my camera still.

How do I get more DOF? and turning up the F stop means a higher number or lower number?

and what does F stop really do?

[Wolfgang]

Thanks Wolf.

I'm kind of dumb with my camera still.

How do I get more DOF? and turning up the F stop means a higher number or lower number?

and what does F stop really do?

The F# represents aperture. All lenses have a series of blades in them that open or close.
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd251/ircc_photo/Ebay_150159443438/_IGP4899.jpg

A low F stop (f/1.8) the blades are completely open allowing the most light to hit the sensor (or film) This creates a very shallow depth of field.

A higher F stop (f/36) the blades are almost all the way closed this allows little light to hit the sensor so longer shutter speeds are needed to get the right exposure.

With a high F stop the Depth of field will be much greater. For an all around decent Depth of field I shoot between F/8 and F/11.

Photographers such as Jerry Uelsmann and Ansel Adams would have such a high F stop that their exposures could take hours for one shot and everything would be in focus. But this also has to do with the ISO or speed of the film. But that's another topic.

Let me know if I'm making any sense. :banger

[Roland of Gilead]

Everything looks pretty good Darrell.

Picture 1
Awesome picture. A little more DOF (depth of field) would make it even more awesome. a tripod and raising the f stop will accomplish this. The lighting is cool too.

Picture 2
Same DOF thing as picture one. I like the old school theme of this one.

Picture 3
Kinda depends on what you wanted us to focus on. I like to have more in focus than just one spot. On the other hand this photo has some AWESOME! boque. :tu

Picture 4
Raising the ISO will allow you to shoot with a faster shutter speed which will also get rid of the blur. If there was enough ambient lighting you could also open up the aperture at the loss of DOF. This picture would be ok to have the doggies face crisp then fade off down the body.

Picture 5
Same as 3

Keep them up. I love seeing pictures.

And one of my photos for the road. Another kitty cat surprisingly in focus and not blinking. WOOT!

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/wolfgang8810/totfocus.jpg

I agree with all of the above and would add that you should try to keep in mind the "rule of thirds" when composing your shots, I.E. subjects don't look as nice when they're dead center of a photo.

A random shot of mine just for fun. Rally Cross!
http://m-mason.smugmug.com/Machines/Rallycross-Hillsboro-OR/LU4C4802edited-1/531022881_9JtaP-XL.jpg

-Roland.

[The Professor]

A shot of the DrMS's pre-func before we left for downtown last night (I was the designated driver):

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4232518467_b0a67898b4_o.jpg

I'll get some of the people shots I took last night up once I have a chance to go through them just a little bit more....