More Learning

Nikon D600 w/ f2.8 24-70 Lens.

Anyone who frequents my blog for pictures will understand that this isn't my normal camera.  A new friend of mine enticed me with this wonderful camera in an attempt to make me cross over.  It was during this occasion that I learned several new things.

1. Nikons are fun to shoot with (too)!  This isn't a way of saying Canons are not fun, but Nikons are fun as well.  I really enjoyed using this camera.  I do admit, I was at a handicap to use the camera.  The control mechanisms and interfaces were different than my Canon bodies.  It did take me a while to find the controls I wanted, but it didn't hamper the overall experience.

2. I really like the 24-70mm range.  My friend was cool to let me borrow a his full frame camera.  But to throw in such an awesome lens, it becomes clear that he was really trying to show me something.  (Was that enough lens puns in one sentence?)  To clearly illustrate my point, here is my son at the grocery store.

At the grocery store, and with the wide ability of this lens, I was able to set him apart from his surroundings.  I really enjoy this little picture as it's how I often see my son.  He's entirely in focus and almost jumping off of his surroundings.

3. There is someone in the world that trusts me enough to let me borrow their camera without hesitation.  Yes, he's a Nikon-shooter, but I can accept that.  Most importantly, and I seriously mean this, I feel really good to know that I have a friend that trusts me.  

Cheers!

What happened to 2013...?

So I missed an entire year in regards to my blog.

Quick updates:
-Moved from Hawaii to Virginia.  Closer to family, friends and the four seasons.
-Started a new job.  Been there almost a month and it's still challenging.
-Sold the 5D mk II.  Got the 70D for the autofocus during video ability.  Better for filming Eli while he's growing so fast.
-Found out I'm going to be a dad again.  This time to a daughter.  Already planning to buy another full frame DSLR to capture every moment.

 Below is a picture of bay bridge in San Francisco.  I was there on business (ref. new job) and got up early to walk out and get this shot.  One of the last few scenery shots with the old 5D (ref. sold it).

So I lucked out...

Canon 5d Mk ii, 15mm Fisheye, 35 minute exposure.

I lucked out in finding north.  North being the direction at the center of the circle.  I was also lucky in getting limited interference from the massive headlights just below the bottom of the frame.

I was freezing at the top of Mount Haleakala at 0450 in Maui, HI setting up this shot.  It was only 40-50 degrees, but the wind chill took the temperature down to the 30s.  Also, you can see where I bumped the tripod towards the end of the exposure.  It is the point where the trail turns up at the end.

Next time, I will bring more layers to keep warm and take multiple pictures instead of one long exposure.  Thinking back now, I wish I listened to a friend when she told me to take many smaller images instead of one long exposure.

My favorite part is next; planning for the next excursion.  Who's up for a little adventure...?

So I've been experimenting...

HDR, Canon 5d mk II, 17mm, merged in Photoshop CS5

Pano, Canon 5d mk II 17mm, combined in Photoshop CS5

With family in town, I've had a little extra time to test out some photography tricks (while someone else watches Eli).  I've been wanting to capture the vastness of the trees in Hawaii for a while. This attempt is done via hand holding the camera and panning to get the shot.  I trimmed a lot of excess away to get only what matters here.  Holidays are the best!

Here's to concentrating

Shot after dark.  Horrible lighting made me max everything out I could to just to get this one shot.  It reminds me that I shouldn't concentrate on the settings, but rather concentrate on the image.

Life is good.

So I finished uploading my pics...

All of these pictures were taken during my photowalk this last weekend.  I was out there with several other photographers all "shootin' and movin'" in support of Scott Kelby's Worldwide Photowalk.

These pictures were all taken with the Canon 5D Mark II.  I was using the 50mm 1.2L and the 100mm 2.8L.

My focus during the photowalk, as mentioned during my previous post, was to see something a little different.  I saw the flowers, but what drew me in was the texture of the plants.  

Capturing the trees here is always a unique challenge I welcome.  This time I used the 15mm fisheye to bring in as much as I could.

So I went on a photo walk...

I think this may be the first picture I've uploaded that isn't a single picture on its own.  Of course it's a combination of several smaller pictures.  My main reason for doing this was to create something different from my normal candid shots.  I learned several new things from this walk as well.  But I'll save that for another post...