Christmas...r u Prepared??

Getting some one you love a camera for Christmas?  Take some time to prepare.  If the camera comes with rechargeable batteries take some time and charge the batteries before you wrap the gift.  Also be sure they have a memory card. Then when the one you love opens the camera it is ready to shoot.... It only takes a little planning.   And they will thank you....

Jack

Portraits While Folks are Home...

A special I am offering in the Columbia area,  We can take  your family photo in the studio or in your home.  We offer flexible schedules.  You get prints as well as digital copies of your photos.  Call soon...

Some Cool camera's for this Christmas 2010

For most folks the Sony HX1 will provide several years of great family photography.  With clear macro and a 20x zoom you can capture almost anything.  It also records hd video as well as panorama pictures.  This is classified as a point and shoot and will be more than enough camera for family, vacations, hobby photography.  No lenses to carry around all in one reasonably small package.  Cost around $350.00




Not a Sony Fan..... The Nikon Cool Pix 100 below also about $300 will do almost everything the Sony will.  It is missing the in a camera  HDR, otherwise you will find this a joy to use for family, hobby and general photography...










Want a more Serious camera,  with some recent price drops the Nikon D90 is probably one of the best buys on the market.  About $800 for the back and the lens of choice will be the Nikon 18-200 VRII lens about $695 this combination gives you one of the best Nikon Digital SLR with one of the best DX zooms on the market.  Of course you can add more lenses later.  This camera will fill your needs to the professional level, until you need large (48 inch plus prints) prints.  I have recommended this camera to several friends and all who own  it love it.




New,  a point an shoot size camera with interchangeable lens.  Sony is unique in this market in that the Sony Nex3 and Sony  Nex 5 give you a full DX frame, in a very compact space.  Picture quality is good,  it too will do panorama, and in camera hdr, as well as HD video.  So far the ratings have been good and at about $600 for the camera and one lens it is a good choice.  Keep in mind the manual function on this camera leaves some to be desired, but the auto and near manual settings work fine.  Compact, versatile and full DX frame with interchangeable lens....


Want a cheaper point and shoot.

Check almost any Nikon, Canon or Sony point and shoot camera.  You will be fine.   I also like the Olympus Stylus Tough cameras that are water proof,  they take a great picture and are very tough.

 You can get a good point and shoot compact digital camera for about 150 up.   If you pick out one and want me to give you an opinion on it post it here and I will respond.

Based on the reviews I have read stay away from the Nikon 3000, the Canon d50, and the Sony Alph 200.  The Sony Alph series 300 and above are good cameras.... Check your prices.  For example when I bought my  Stylus Tough camera, it was 72 dollars cheaper on the Best Buy web site than it was in their store.

I prefer to buy local if you can.  Columbia Photo has a great selection of cameras check them out.  Just compare prices.  
Jack

Elsa Dorfman

Ran across an interesting Portrait photographer's web site recently.  Attached is a picture of her and her camera.  She uses a Polaroid 20 x 24 camera.  It produces a large image.  Her cost is over 50 dollars per shot.  That is interesting just from the equipment point of view.  BUT

What I find most interesting is she charges between $2800 and $4500 per portrait session.   She takes time to get to know the client and then sets them in a setting that best depicts them.  Takes two yes I said two shots and then the client gets to pick between the two shots.  The initial price does include a large print of her work.  WOW,  photography at it's best...her web site is worth the view. I would strongly suggest you check it out.  And realize that real portrait photography is much more than lights and camera, it should be a reflection of you.

Jack

Nikon d800? And Portraits.

Rumors have it there will be a D800 and D4 available late spring or mid Summer 2011.  The rumors go on that they will be 16-24mp nothing for sure on other details.  More details will follow.

I have been shooting some portraits, first time in several  years.   After measuring the set up time, the shooting and then the editing time, I am in shock of how little many photographers value their skills, their time or that are willing to put out an inferior product just to be "cheap".  I can go on for a bit, but when you have 10 -20 thousand dollars of equipment and you skills and talent going out, why would you work for less than minimum wage just to shoot.  If you shoot a wedding often takes 4-8 hours, Then you edit and prepare the photographs, for show another 6-15 hours.  If you are editing in less time you probably aren't doing a good job.  Simply put.  Stop it!!!! either value what you do or do something else!  A good photographer is not common,  it is way more than pointing a camera and clicking,  and it is worth being paid well.  And I would challenge you to value your self and your profession.....
Jack

Nikon D7000

Nikon announced the release (Oct 15, 2010 ) of the Nikon D7000.  (Not to be confused with the D700). 

The 7000 is a DX format camera 14 mp that is a step up for the D90.  I have read the preliminary blogs and dpreview.com has a good reveiw as does Ken Rockewell.  It looks like Nikon has another winner.  Keep in mind this is a semi pro camera, it will take great picts on Auto but then so will a good Nikon point and shoot for 1/4th the price.  This is for the photographer that is doing something with his or her work.  Either art photographer or entry level professional photographer.  I will follow up as I actually see the camera shortly after it is released. 

Nikon also announced a new flash the SB700.  After reading the review I think I will stay with my SB600.  Just not enough new and great stuff.  There is a discussion on being able to up date the firm ware,  I have never had a firm ware problem with a flash,  seems like a waste of time.  Simply I will not up date my camera or flash until it is worth while.  The D200 is getting close,  I am holding out for a 14 plus FX format camera Nikon is sure to release in 2011 or 2012. 

IN summary.  The D7000 is a  yes so far,
the SB600 is still my preferred flash.


Be cool!

Nikon Announces

Nikon has  place some new stuff on the Market.  A couple of point and shoot camera's and a Digital SLR the d3100  apparently an up grade for the d3000.  Since the d 3000 is one of the worst camera's Nikon has made, I hope the upgrades are significant.  I will be following this release and looking a the camera.  If you are considering one.  Be careful...   More to follow.
They are also releasing some new lens.  the 85 mm prime lens looks interesting again will follow with more.  Info.

Night and Day New Photos

Found a Corvette on the trail had to get a pict...

Have to look carefully looks like something was lost.

 These are some local fountains with long exposures...

 A relief on a grave stone...

 Simply good light.

Some new Picts

Green Diamonds

Rumors

I discussed the Sony Nex 3 and 5 earlier.  Rumor has it Nikon is coming out with some new models one will probably be the Nikon D8000 to replace the D90  there are also Rumors of a D4000 and a D3100.  Major photo shows happen this fall.   We will know soon.  I suspect we will hear more definitive info by the end of August.  Just rumors...Mp?  between 14 and 18 mp is the rumor I am hearing.  More to come

New Digital Camera with Interchangeable Lens

The Sony Nex 3 and Nex 5 is hitting the market.  I checked out the reviews and actually have been to check them out.  This is the first Sony and the 3rd camera of this type to be released.  Olympus has one, as does Pentax, I am not a fan of either of those camera companies thus far and have paid little attention to them.  However Sony is one of the 3 camera companies I do track.  The pros and cons are discussed at length in a review by dp review at.   http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/SonyNex5Nex3/  It is a good read and I would suggest you do so before you purchase this camera.  So far it appears the nex 3 and nex 5 are similar.  The Nex 5 has a magnesium alloy body,  I have held the Nex 3 and it seemed plenty strong even in a plastic case.  At the photo store the guy tried to tell me the Magnesium body was water proof, when I questioned him he quickly backed down.  It is not water proof... The Nex 3 and 5 are essentially the same, the Nex 5 has a slightly smaller body and an infra red reciever, and 1080i AVCHD moving recording mode.

The review points out the manual modes are difficult to operate.  You can read more at dp.
Thinking about buying one of these cameras here is my pros and cons bullet point style.

Pro

• Has micro 4/3rds sensor.... larger gathers more info than standard point and shoot
• small light and easy to handle
• few buttons to get confused with
• interchangeable lenses with image stabilization in the lens
• Has in camera stitching for panorama shooting 
• Does HDR in camera
• Image Stabilization is in the lens

Cons

• adjusting the camera to manual is difficult and limited. 
• The buttons on the camera are not specific (except shutter) and change depending on the mode. 
• The camera comes with 1 lens with the option to purchase additional lenses. So far the price on the additonal lenses is from 600 dollars up.  The Kit for the camera and 1 lens is suggest retail at 699.  You could easily have 1800 in the camera before you are through
• Sony add on flash is proprietary.  You can only add Sony Flashes.
• The camera does not accept other Sony lens with out an adapter and then many of the functions of the lenses do not work and since the other Sony lenses do not have image stabilization the lens so the of other Alph lenses is more limited

I will write more as I have more experience with the camera.  For now I would say UNLESS you are planning on enlarging your pictures beyond 16x20 or need some specific feature of the Nex 3 or 5 you can accomplish just as much with more zoom, with a high end point and shoot.  A point and shoot with a 20x zoom is in Nikon, Sony or Canon, will give you a wider range of shooting and zoom with out removing lenses, or having to carry a large amount of equipment, for far less money.  

A good camera for a segment of the population, just not necessary for most.   

Jack 

Went to Best Buy

Thinking o buying a camera, I don't sell them but can help you pick one out.  Need to know how to use your camera better I can help.  

Keep in mind.  For the most part the guys in Best Buy are not strong at either.  So when you go to buy a camera be informed.  Again today I saw that reinforced. 

There is Shooting and then there is Shooting

Digital cameras are reasonable versatile and almost everyone has one.  I am seeing more and more great shots by people as they use their camera's more.   Not that many years ago if you shot a picture you would have to complete the roll of film, take it to be developed and then see your results.  In many cases it might be years before you take your film for processing.  I recall when I had a dark room processing as many as 30 rolls at a time.  Not that I took that many pictures at a time, it was I had let them build up over a year or so.  Then there is the expense.  It was at least 3-6 dollars to get a roll of film developed and even the dark room had expense.  Now we shoot see the results and adjust and keep moving.

I spoke with a person who went on vacation to Europe and had taken over 1000 photos in only 7 days.  This isn't necessarily bad if you have tons of time to review them and edit them.  In this case the individual ended up with about 140 shots they liked and kept.   I define this a "Persistence" photography.  You just keep shooting hoping you get a good shot.
Then there is "Lucky" photography.  I have some of these.  You see a shot at the right time and right place, there is no particular planning it is just there.  You grab it and  you got lucky.  You wont take as many shots this way and you will always have to be prepared with your camera to get these shots.  Certainly this is still photography and you can capture some great shots and photography can be more challenging....
Then there is the "intentional photographer'.  This is where you fully integrate the understanding of your camera, photography, and lighting to take the picture you choose when you want it.  You understand terms like f-stop, apeture, shutter speed, white balance, and more.    And know how to use your equipment to achieve your desired results.
Many people are happy to stay in the Persistence mode and that is fine, as is staying lucky.  I find the biggest challenge is to move into intentional photography.   I am finding more time is spent studying, my equipment, lighting, and sun location at different seasons and times of day.  The photograph becomes the result of a reasoned disciplined approach.   It is the ultimate photographic challenge.

Artrageous July 2010

One of the more unique galleries in the Mid West Pure Gallery is dedicated to art photography

only. Currently 11 artist are presenting with Todd Shelly and Piet Van Waarde as the guest artist... The opening was attended by over 200 people (lost count around there).

I is worth the ride and worth the time to check it out. Pure Gallery 504 E Broadway Columbia, MO I enjoyed it immensley

Editing your photos, Storing your photos

I am finding more and more folks who are wanting to share their photos, store their photos, and edit their photos and are lacking good basic software to do so.
If you store your photos on your hard drive it can crash as mine did the other day.  Fortunately I had my 33,000 pictures backed up in multiple places.  I use Mozy as well as two external hard drives.  I was disappointed with Mozy for  a couple of reasons.  First they had a list of files I could up load by name, I had to request a down loadable copy which took about 2 days.  Then it was a long list of files with no specific name a down load number each took hours to down load then more time to unzip,  very arduous.  Second they wanted amost 100 dollars to put my files on a DVD and send it to me.  
Originally I tried backing up my files to CD's or DVD's , this works well but even the best Cd's and DVD's stop working over time.  The basic CD life is about 5 years the high quality can be longer.  Archival can be even longer and can be expensive.  And they are on site, so if  you have a fire or lose them you are burned.
In the mean time, I am finding more and more folks that are wanting to do more with their photos, and Light Room or Adobe CS5 is out of their budget.  Simply put they are looking for basic help with storing, editing and maintaining their pictures.  
I have a possible Solution.  First let me be clear this is for the average person not a photographer.  For the professional the answers will be different.
Mozy is nice but not my favorite,  I will use them until my contract is up and move on.  I understand, but have not checked out Carbonite, they have a new live on line view of your files this may bee cool.   I have found that Google offers some good help here.  In two areas under the same name.

Picasa,  photo editing software, can be down loaded into your computer for free, it gives you almost any editing you might want to do to your family pictures,  for free.  Google has provided up dates and it is respectable.

Picasa Web albums.  Google offers 1 gb free space to place your pictures on the web, actually in the Google Cloud, you can buy 20 additional gb for 5 dollars per year, this will hold a lot of pictures.  You can keep your pictures private, or you can make them public or you can share them with only those you want to share them, by invitation.  A really reasonable service and great way to share pictures.

One trick.  When you up load your pictures for Picassa, it will default to a smaller sized picture for the up load.  This can limit the size you can print or enlarge the  picture.  When you check to upload choose keep original size and it will do so.  I have some rather large pictures uploaded to Picasa.

I am sure there are others.  I know HP has a site, as does many other groups.  I personally trust Google to do a good job.  Check it out.

Got out my Tokina 100 mm 2.8 macro today

Haven't used the macro in a while.  Thought I would give it a try.  It was like finding a long lost friend or a new gem. I cleaned the lens and went out to shoot some dandelions.  The lens allowed me to get close up to focus on sections of the dandelion.  The center or the outer edges with the stems give two very differnt looks a the flower.  This is one of the quick shots there is no cropping the actual shot size.  I had forgotten how versitile this lens is.  While I prefer Nikon lens for my work occasionally a third party makes a cool lens.  The Tokina 100mm would fall into that category.

Dandelions have several layers.  First the outer center, like you see  at top and then with a slight change of focus the stems and outer edges.  I only had a few minutes to shoot. I will see what to do with these later.  Getting my old friend made it fun...

Jack.

Headless Horse-Man

Recent trip to Mayfield Ky.  A grave that has been there for at least 60 years was severely damaged in an ice storm. This is part of what was left...

Camera Shot

found this at a country store on the back side of Maui past Hana.  Don't tell the car rental people it was a dirt road.  What an amazing collection....

New Photo On the Ready

Let me know what you think..

Olympus Stylus Tough

I purchased a new camera about 10 days ago and have been checking it out. I purchased an Olympus Stylus Tough 8000. I specifically chose the 8000 because it is water proof. When I look at the basic stats 12 mp 3 x zoom and built in flash it is an ordianary point and shoot. The fact that it can be submerged up to 35 feet makes it a good snorkeling camera. Since I like to snorkel when I am in the place to do so and have been looking for a rugged camera to carry (yet light) when I am biking it seemed like the perfect purchase. I shopped around and it ranged from 299 to 400 on the web and locally. ON Best buy on line they had the camera at $303 but in the store it was marked $379. I convinced them to match the on line price (really I think it is their policy but you have to be informed and ask). I like most of u can use an extra $76.

I have taken the camera snorkeling 3 times. It took me some time to understand the technology for the underwater portion and which settings work best. I found it to be less than intuitive, but generally a good picture. There are 3 underwater settings. Close up, called snap shot, Underwater 1 (you can use the zoom) underwater2 you can’t use the zoom, and the focal lengths are different. The view screen is helpful underwater as there is no range finder. Above water it requires me to have my reading glasses to effectively frame the shot. I suspect this camera will travel with me a lot on my bike and in wet and dry situations. The Olympus Stylus Tough 8000. Crush resistant( up to 250lbs) and generally a tough camera.

I found the strap that came with the camera was not as secure as I liked, for underwater use as it did not securely strap to my wrist and the camera certainly will not float. First I used a rubber band to tighten the band on my wrist and at later at the dive shop found a rubber wrist band that had a clip to adjust the tightness around my wrist. This is a little thing Olympus should have thought of. But just a warning get a good wrist band if you plan to dive or snorkel with this camera, it would be expensive to drop it in 30 or 40 feet of water and not be able to get to it.

Here are some Pictures (not touched up) I took both under water and above water.

pretty clear shot in clear water about 7 feet

deep.

this is about 15 feet of water.from the water to the shore, self shot...

Pretty interesting camera. I plan on taking this on on my bike rides since the Olympus 8000 is compact and rugged. And can get wet if we get in the rain. Overall a fun tough camera.

New Photos.....

A sunset from the high country as the sun is lowering you can see Molokini crater in the foreground. A warm shot for you.

New Photos Check them out

The Swimming Hole.... on Water Color

Taken in Hawaii on the north side of Maui in 2010. People swimming looking and taking pictures a lot of activity and just fun. A cool scene for any wall.