New Camera.... for Christmas... HELP!!!

At the End of 2013 my wife got a new car.  It has many of the features of her old car, but as a different brand she has had to learn how to do many of the things she did with out thought on the old car.  She announced last evening the GPS was no good and she would not be using it unless she absolutely had to.  Which means she will not use it, because if she never learns how to use it, she will not know how to use it when she needs to.
In the same way I am sure many of you have a new camera either a dslr or a point and shoot for Christmas.  And you have it set on automatic.  The question becomes are you getting the results from your new camera you had hoped?  With a new or updated system comes new opportunities and challenges.   If you find you are having trouble post your problem along with the make and model of your camera and I will do my best to answer your questions.  I find most folks only use about 10% of their camera's ability because they either don't know how to use more or don't know it is even there.  So there you go, the offer of free advice....

   

A potential Danger in Props...

Just saw a picture of a baby on his dads fire fighting out fit.  I did not post the picture because I do not have the rights.  There is a problem with this.  Fire fighter outfits once used have been proven to be one of the factors in increased cancer's in fire fighters.  I suspect exposing a baby to the outfit would pose a safety problem.  I would say if  you want to use such a prop. Be sure it has never been used.  OR has been expertly professionally cleared of the carcinogens.  I personally would opt for the never been used.

More on props to come.  

A Photo Dream....

I have been reviewing pictures in Detroit of the wonderful buildings in decay from abandonment.  With each picture I can easily see the loss of jobs, livelihood and it is just depressing. AND at the same time I see WOW what a great place to shoot.   What would happen if we could put together a group of photographers, models and videographers and do art shoots, documentary and much much more.

This link is a just some of the photo's I have been viewing.  

https://www.google.com/search?q=decay+in+Detroit&espv=210&es_sm=119&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=rP-gUrTACKO92wWFroCQAQ&ved=0CDQQsAQ&biw=1440&bih=734

Hmmmm


Jack

A motle crue

I had a quick evening to spend at the local  Austin Comicon.  Since I had not been to one I did not really know what to expect.  Pleasantly, I  found it to be a  fun evening of shooting.  No real photography edginess here just fun with some fun folks.  Sure William Shatner was there.  These guys were a lot more fun,  sorry Captain Kirk.    So here are some of the pict of some really fun folks.  I will be back at comicon soon.

Jack

Wow  time for some  Photography Christmas Gift Ideas for 2013.  Or how to have a great camera for under $450  There I saved you money....or Decorate your home/office with original Art....

First of all there are some great art photography prints you can order from www.jackartphotography.com all are signed and numbered and limited editions.   These original prints framed or un framed make great gifts and help this photographer keep on shooting.   Order by the 18th for Christmas Delivery in the US.  

You know my long held love affair with the Sony digital point and shoot.  This year is no different but the camera is.  IF you are considering a digital DSLR STOP.  Of course if you are a professional photographer you already know what you want.  But if you want to shoot your family, you kids and even video them in high definition and a 50x zoom with image stabilization and you don't shoot professionally i like the Sony DSC HX300 it is under $450 so it is a great buy.   I have recommended this camera to several friends and all are still my friends.  It is simply a great camera very versatile for most family and personal photography.

It fits

in your hand very comfortably.   So what does it have?  A choice of settings from fully automatic to 

manual.  It does not shoot bulb.  If  you don't know what Bulb is or don't need to use it, this is the camera for you.  The zoom is from 24mm to over 1200 millimeter (50 time zoom)  it also will do panorama pictures shooting several pictures at once and then stitching them together in the camera.  The built in flash will not shoot a wedding but it will perform most family shooting well.  The 20 mp camera delivers a sharp picture you can easily enlarge to 11x14 or bigger.    

Last year I recommended the Sony DSC HX 200 to a friend for his girl friend.  She loved the camera,  but did break up with him.  So if you get it to give to your significant other as a present do not think it will save your relationship.   

More to come

Jack 

D800 and other Stuff

I know the D600 just came out.  I however purchased my D800 about a month ago.  I cant be more pleased.  It is sharp, easy to use, and seems no more bulky than my D7000 (I know technically it is heavier and a bit larger).  I have been shooting with my 50mm 1.8 and Tokina 100mm 2.8 and the Nikon 70-300 VR,  I have to say it is noticeably sharper than my D200, and even the D7000.  I was worried about the file sizes, certainly they are large but so far not a real issue.  We always have to manage our space and cost of space for storage.    Here is a shot with no editing,  used an SB700 flash.  It does have the green tint that has been an issue but it is easy to adjust in the white balance menu.   Who should get this camera?  Professionals, who need a format and enough pixels to go large with the final print.   Art photographers and wedding photographers.  For almost everything else my D700 will do just fine in fact it will do fantastic.  

DONT Buy that DSLR

If you are not a professional photographer and want a great camera to photograph your family events, and video family events, I like the Sony HX200V  the camera comes with a 30xzoom (about 800 mm lense) it will make prints up to 16x20 that are crisp and clear and the video is usually very sharp.  In one camera you go from 24 mm wide lens to 800 plus mm telephoto in a package you can easily fit in your purse and for a price under $450.   Don't buy the DSLR, this camera will handle pretty well any task you give it as it relates to family and personal photography.  A great vacation camera.... I have the predecessor the HX100 V , it simply is excellent.

Jack 

I shutter at the light

Light travels at 186,000 miles per second, it travels in waves and can be directed by reflectors and can vary in hue based on the source.  Then we take our boxes we call camera's and attempt to capture the essence of an event, person, or place.  It could be a macro, or a panorama, we are really capturing light reflected from those we love, or are paid to photograph, or simply some beauty we want to share.  I am guilty of  focusing on the camera, lens and other equipment, and it is really light that is the core of great photography.   I talk to folks all the time that have a great camera and no concept of aperture, or shutter or bokeh, and still get some great shots.  If photography interests you the intent is to get those shots intentionally.  It requires a study of light and reflection.  Light, gotta have it for great photography, what kind of light?  That is the fun thing to figure out.  Above is a shot with an LED flash light as the only source of light, with the camera set for 6000k
Like it?  I do. It is not your everyday portrait.... Light, love it, play with it, learn it.