Old Buildings and Flowers

Here are two things I always enjoy taking pictures of:

Old Buildings

And Flowers

Even More iPhone Fun

More proof it's not about the camera.  My iPhone has officially become my favorite point and shoot.

More iPhone Goodness

Here is another pic from my iPhone.  I'm starting to think this is the only point and shoot camera I need.  It won't replace my DSLR, but it's as good as any point and shoot I've used.

Have Fun!

If you have fun, your subjects will.

It's Not About The Camera!

    I cannot stand it when people say, "You must have a nice camera!"  To me it's a little like saying that a writer has a great pencil, or a musician has a great instrument.  This really ignores the fact that a great camera can take bad pictures in the wrong hands.  If you never take it off the automatic modes or refuse to spend some time post processing you will never get stunning results.  True, the right tools help make the job easier. But the tool does not define the artist.

    Take, for example, the picture below.  I admit, this isn't the greatest of images.  However, most people would be amazed to find out it was taken with a iPhone (3GS not 4 which has a much better camera).  Don't get hung up on gear!  Some of the most beautiful images I have seen have come from a cheap camera. 

It's the Lighting, Stupid.

If you think you need to have a better camera to take professional pictures. Check this out! I want to show this to everyone that tells me I must have a nice camera...

It's the Lighting, Stupid.: "

Lee and Patrick over at Fstoppers have put together a video that pretty much proves that good lighting can squeeze great results out of the most mediocre of cameras.

Their sensor of choice for the proof of concept? An iPhone 3gs.

Yep.
__________


(Lots more lighting BTS stuff over at Fstoppers.com)

-30-

New: Strobist Index

Clouds in Black and White

I captured these clouds from home last night.  They were building into the sky and just drawing me in.

Two Worlds in HDR: Day 5 – Getting Ready for International HDR Day

Nice examples of HDR Photography! These images are not mine (But I hope someday to make images like these). Please see the image attributions below. Please visit Rick Sammon's blog for more information about HDR and the artists featured below.

Two Worlds in HDR: Day 5 – Getting Ready for International HDR Day: "

Creative Commons - Non-commercial - Trey Ratcliff

Image © Rick Sammon

It’s Day 5 of Two Worlds in HDR . . . leading up to International HDR Day, on June 26th. Click here for more information (prizes, etc.) on International HDR Day.

Trey Ratcliff’s tip for today’s image: Reflections of Fitz Roy – The light and texture of mountains and sky are sometimes more easily realized with HDR.

Rick Sammon’s tip for today’s image: You snooze you lose. Get up early and stay out late to capture beautiful HDR images. Remember, there is no substitute for great light.

If you are just getting into HDR imaging, or want some ideas, check out our HDR books:

A World in HDR – by Trey

HDR Photography Secrets – by Rick

Also check out Trey’s new Textures tutorial DVD, it’s very cool. Trey will also has an HDR instructional DVD in the works, so make sure to keep an eye on http://stuckincustoms.com.

Here’s a quick video I did on HDR imaging. Enjoy!

If you are totally new to HDR, you’ll need an HDR program to process your images, such as Photomatix.

You can get a 15% discount when purchasing Photomatix, make sure to use this code upon checkout: “DigitalPhotoExperience”.

Topaz Adjust can also help in expanding the dynamic range of an image, although it’s not a true HDR program. You can order Topaz adjust here. (Make sure to use the discount code “juanpons” for an extra 15% off).

Good luck to you all!

Explore the light,

Rick

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"

Butterfly Photo Tips

Another great tip from Rick Sammon. Please check out his blog: http://rickrawrulessammon.blogspot.com

Butterfly Photo Tips: "
The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough. – Rabindranath Tagore

Canon 1Ds Mark II
Canon 50mm Macro Lens
Manual Mode
ISO 400
f/9.0 @ 1/80th sec.
Canon MR-14EX Ring Lite

Photo tips:
• Learn about a subject from an expert. He or she can help you find and identify butterflies.
• Use a tripod to steady your shots for natural light macro picture.
• Before heading off to photograph in a butterfly sanctuary, ask if tripods are allowed and if the center offers special photo tours.
• When using a ringlight, experiment with even and ratio lighting (possible by adjusting the light output of the flash tubes in the ringlight. Try top light and side light, too.
• Practice your butterfly photography at home with silk butterflies (available on line) before you go out on shoot.
• Want to attract butterflies? Plant a butterfly bush in your backyard.

Explorer the light,
Rick

"

I'm Fine!

I apologize to everyone for the scare.  Apparently my Yahoo account has been hacked.  Please disregard any messages you get from pasnbymt@yahoo.com.  I will be trying to cancel that account.  I am in Orlando this week and have no desire to go to Wales any time soon.