Trains, trains!

A few weeks ago we (the photo club) had the opportunity to match up with some model train enthusiasts, and photograph their setups. I was blown away by the complexity of the scene and the detail!  It was amazing to see the attention paid to creating to each building and tree. Also, it was interesting to
Learn about the differet materials and tricks used to create different elements. I learned that the joy in this hobby comes from the creating - these elaborate setups are constantly being torn down and rebuilt.

Busy, busy!

Well, I kinda meant to post this last week...oh well. I had a busy few days a week ago. First was Thursday evening where I had the opportunity to shoot some improv Shakespeare theater, then on Friday, something special...Bruce Cockburn! I was able to photograph for 3 songs.

I then went on to shoot a couple of houses for real estate listings. Then right into a week of on call for my day job. Since I couldn't go it much I spent few evenings doing photo editing.

Another upgrade...

I usually save my money up before spending it on something.  This time I had only accounted for about half before I made the purchase. I have a number of shoots lined up and would prefer to use the new lens instead of the old lens. So I just went for it!

I am upgrading my Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 lens to a Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 IS. The new lens is quite a bit bigger. One nice detail is that it shares the 77mm filter size with 2 other lenses that I own.

I thought about it for quite a while, and decided that I do enough low light shooting  that the image stabilization would be an asset. Other features I like are the extra reach and the improved sharpness.

Tonight I will be shooting a theater production, and will put the lens through its paces. I can't wait!

It’s coming!

My wonderful Tokina 12-24mm f/4 wide angle lens has been giving me problems – the Error 01 on my Canon 50D and 40D  - a few times now. A little research indicated that this was not uncommon. Luckily I bought the lens (in 2006) with a 7 year Mack warranty from B&H !

 

I have initiated the warranty proceedings online, so we will see how that goes….

In the mean time I figured I could not be without a lens – right? I mean I have houses to shoot! This is a good an excuse for an upgrade as any…

It is on its way! After a bit of research I decided on another Tokina Lens – the much praised 11-16mm f/2.8. Faster, Wider, Sharper!

Same filter size – so I saved money there – me smart! I will sell the Tokina 12-24mm after it is fixed…can’t wait!

Family Foto Fun!

That title is for my wife who HATES it when people spell things wrong for a gimmick or a name!

This year I did another family and friends photo shoot, but it was better! Better because it was earlier (in time to use the photos for Christmas, and better because I asked people to ‘pay what you want’ instead of free – so better for me! And better because I have another year experience, and everything was more comfortable and went more smoothly.

I think the results were great, and I had great feedback. Here is one photo from each family that came over.

What a good looking group!

A few years ago in my web roaming for photographic know-how, I frequently came across advice about confidence and talking with your subjects/clients. I am realizing the power of having confidence, and interacting with the people you shoot. I am by no means excellent at it yet, but it is coming. It makes a difference for the clients and for the photographer. Planning is also important. I feel I am weak at posing – I have learned to think more about what I want to do, and what the subjects want. I have learned to plan my poses – search the web for ideas, and talk to other photographers before a shoot. Even write the ideas down on recipe cards and shove them in your pocket – works wonders and reminds you of your ideas when you are nervous and forget.

New photographers will get the same advice over and over, and I am learning through experience that it is correct, even if it sounds odd sometimes. Know your equipment well and make sure it works. The last thing you need when you want to implement a pose or idea, is to try to figure out how to change a flash setting, or be fiddling with your cameras menu or buttons. Have quality equipment and/or backup equipment for when it fails (or acts up). Have spare batteries. The list goes on, but as I venture through my photographic journey I am realizing the value of information and advice that has been presented to me – there is just so much that it takes a while to sink in. What fun!

Cheers!

39 Steps–TNB

Just back from shooting another dress rehearsal for TNB. This was the 39 Steps by Alfred Hitchcock.

It was a fast paced show and a fantastic one! I cannot wait to sit and enjoy it without my camera.

I shoot with 2 cameras, cropped sensor and a 17-50mm 2.8 lens and a 70-200mm 2.8 lens. It give me great flexibility to document the performance from wide to tight. This one ranged in lighting from what I would consider normal lighting, to dark. Lots at ISO 3200 f/2.8 1/250 sec., lots at 1/125th sec. and lots at less than 1/80th sec. That is pushing it for me, but I cannot wait to see the shots!

It is always fun to work with TNB – they are so passionate about their works, and it is amazing to see the effort they put into make the audience have a memorable experience!

I am not a wedding photographer.

I keep telling myself that! I did decide a few years ago to try and make a little money to help pay for my photographic hobby. I haven’t done all that bad either. I usually undervalue myself but I don’t think that is abnormal.

Recently I have found I am doing more work and less hobby – the ebb and flow I guess.

Back to weddings. I have shot a couple, first for a cousin – at my cost, and at his request. Then for a friend, again at my cost, and at their request. I like the emotion and the special day, but I don’t particularly like the long hours and the stress involved.

I shot a wedding recently for a coworker, I only agreed because she indicated that she wanted mainly candids and would take the RAW files – I didn’t have to do any editing! My kind of wedding! Things changed a bit from the original plan – and I was nervous the day of, but I was happy with the results.

Details: Nice brick wall in the shade, beautiful couple, ISO 100, f/2.8, 1/250 sec., fill flash from 580ex (probably –1.3 FEC), Canon 40D, Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS, 153mm focal length, shooting distance 7.9 meters, Aperture priority.