Nov 9, 2009 | Random Thoughts, Wildlife Photography
“What is the best f/stop?” This is the #2 most frequently asked email question that I receive. Seriously! I’ve written about this a few times here on the blog. It came in again today and this time it really struck me as really funny since, I’m rethinking that whole DOF question for myself. Readers of the BT Journal have read a little about how I started to “re-investigate” minimal DOF earlier this summer. While I’ve owned the 28f1.4 AF for some time and I didn’t have really kind words about the new 50f1.4 AFS, I now own one. It’s all Joe’s fault!
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/DMLBECG27409.swf, 585, 444 [/swf]
The upcoming issue of the BTJ will chronicle how with the file quality of the D3x, I’ve gone 180 degrees back to shooting mostly wide open. This photo of a Brooks Griz is a good example of what I’m liking, 600mm at f/4. Technically the only thing that is sharp are the eyes, a little behind them and a little in front. Why does more look in focus than that? The readers of the next issue of the BTJ will have the answer (I gave an answer to the class last week in ME). What does that have to do with buying the 50f1.4 AFS?
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP7561.swf, 585, 444 [/swf]
This portrait of Jim taken in Central Park is why I think McNally is on to something in his own retro look back/forward at minimum DOF. Making the subject “pop” visually in the photograph has been the cornerstone of my photography from the get go. You can see it plainly in the photo of Jim where the background is physically so far away when shooting at f/1.4, the background is out of focus. It’s not so obvious in the thumbnail image of the griz. I’ve been very privileged to see some of Joe’s images where he’s exploring this same retro look back at minimum DOF that he has taken with the new 50f1.4AFS. What makes it work is the fact that while the 50f1.4AFS is not a fast focuser (is that a word?) it is gloriously wicked sharp! That measure of sharpness for me is when you can count the whiskers on the chin; this image of Jim taken with the 28f1.4 has that quality. The 50f1.4AFS delivers the same which is why I bellied up to the bar and bought a class B one from Jeff at Adorama when it became available (saved me some bucks).
Creating a video on the 50f1.4 AFS (and I still owe one on the 16Fish) will serve as a better review of the lens. For now, just wanted to keep you all in the loop where photography is taking me and where I’m taking my photography.
Nov 4, 2009 | B&W Photography
I had a moment (just a moment) so I sat down and created this video as promised on how I created these two B&W images. I’m going to be straight with ya, this pretty much breaks some rules. As you can tell, I really don’t care about most rules, just about the final image and since to me the 24×30 prints look pretty sweet, I’m quite happy with the end results. These are the two images.
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP3310.swf, 585, 444 [/swf]
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP4547.swf, 585, 444 [/swf]
And here’s the video. You can grab it from iTunes as a podcast as well, incase you want to take it along with you. Have fun, I think it’s a pretty cool way of obtaining a solid white for B&W.
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Nov 2, 2009 | Landscape Photography
You probably recognize this lighthouse by now, it’s the Portland Lighthouse and I’ve already had at it twice this month. I was not happy with my most recent results and wanted to erase it from the books. When I saw the weather forecast for Saturday evening, I contacted the ranger at the lighthouse who I’ve befriended to get his opinion on the weather forecast. I got on the phone, changed our airline tickets and went for it. I’m so glad that we did.
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP5350bw.swf, 585, 444 [/swf]
This is the general photograph I’ve been looking to make at the Portland Lighthouse, a solid B&W. This is soooo much better than my other two efforts, in this regard, I’m happy I persisted. Na, it’s not perfect and I can do better but at least I can leave ME knowing I improved on this opportunity.
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP5350.swf, 585, 444 [/swf]
Here’s the color version of the above image. One issue I have with it are the clouds. The wind was blowing something fierce. The clouds were moving so fast that they blurred in the 1/2sec exposure and because of that, the color is just funky at the top of the frame. In fact the wind was changing the clouds so fast I made a still image video clip.
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP5633.swf, 585, 444 [/swf]
The light and the clouds changed so much in fact, that we hoofed it over to the other side of the lighthouse. I wasn’t sure I’d like this side because it wouldn’t directly see the light from the sunset. Luckily enough, light bounced in to give it a slight glow. We were told this is the most photographed lighthouse in the world. Don’t know if that is true but I do know I don’t have the image I want from this gorgeous locale so I will keep going back until I get it.
What I didn’t like about the other two images in the other blog postings (not the ones above)? The first one has a very boring sky, it’s cloudless and so lifeless to me. It doesn’t tell the story of the lighthouse. The second image I don’t like the quality of the file, caused by the total lack of quality of the light. This final image for the month has the clouds and a much better quality of light so I am getting closer. Good thing, because when it comes to my photography, I’m not a graceful loser!
Photos captured by D3x, 24PC-E on Lexar UDMA digital film
Oct 31, 2009 | Landscape Photography
We had covered a couple of the main staples of landscape photographs for most of the week. Which leads me up to the next most important attribute, drama in the light. Mother nature was a little slow in providing it but when she came through for us, she really came through for us. I’m not sure all that I was presenting and building upon sunk in with everyone in the class, but it did with a couple which is why I teach. It was a good morning.
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP5051.swf, 585, 444 [/swf]
You might be looking at Marshall Point Lighthouse here and be thinking to yourself, “this lighthouse looks vaguely familiar.” Well, what if you looked at this view of it?
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP4990.swf, 585, 444 [/swf]
This might be nudging you along but probably still not making the connection. This one will do it for you.
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP5082.swf, 585, 444 [/swf]
Yep, Forest Gump went to the end of this walk and decided to turn around and run to the other side of the country. You know, I actually think there is something to be learned from that.
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP5238.swf, 585, 444 [/swf]
Looking at the weather today, I changed our flight out so I could go after one other image I wanted. With the extra time, Sharon & I cruised the ME coast south and found ourselves back at Marshall Point. I took the opportunity to walk out and shoot back on the lighthouse and house knowing I wouldn’t be in anyone’s photo this time. It’s a pretty cool place!
Photos captured by D3x, 24PC-E on Lexar UDMA digital film
Oct 29, 2009 | Landscape Photography
It might seem I’m on a lighthouse binge, but when in Maine, what else do you do? MMW provides an assistant, Brendan, who happens to be a really good one and has been coming up with some great shoots. This morning it was the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse.
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP4547.swf, 585, 444 [/swf]
It’s about a mile walk out on the breakwater to reach the lighthouse. It was a blustery, gray day making perfect conditions for B&W photography. Using the same technique I used on the Solon School House, all I had to do was line all the lines up and finish in the DD. I’m liking this shot.
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP4590.swf, 585, 444 [/swf]
Once at the lighthouse, I walked all around it looking at the photographic possibilities. Up on the 2nd deck I spied this bench and instantly I saw the photo of the day for me. Putting the 16Fish on, I got down low, lined up the horizon and space and made the click. Keeping this unique bench going through the dead center of the frame keeps it from bowing, but the boardwalk and sky has one heck of a curve. I’m lovin’ this shot!
Photos captured by D3x, 24PC-E / 16Fish on Lexar UDMA digital film
Oct 28, 2009 | Landscape Photography
This afternoon we headed out to Owls Head. This sleepy little cove has a Head Lamp. A miniature “lighthouse,” Owls Head is a kinda cool place to shoot. Some of the gang headed down to the beach to shoot up on the head lamp. Bob produced a really nice image, but I took a different approach, I went up and kissed the darn thing.
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP4393.swf, 585, 444, [/swf]
When we first arrived at the head lamp, the light was a bit flat, had no drama for the head lamp but did make for nice light for macros. I knew there was a cool macro in the neat shrubs nearby but I don’t think I had found the shot. I kinda like this, but I think it could be better. How much better? That I’m not sure and I’m not really sure what bugs me about the photo. Something to think about.
What I was really after was a “new” look to the head lamp or lighthouse for my files. I seem to be collecting lighthouse photos from both coasts so pushing myself to go “new.” I tried a couple of things when I noticed the clouds start to open up and create a circular halo around the head lamp. I knew the 16Fish was the way to go and for the next 20min. Myself and four participants just looked up and circled the lighthouse as the clouds worked their magic. Here are my three favorites from the evening.
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP4443.swf, 585, 444, [/swf]
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP4480.swf, 585, 444, [/swf]
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP4513.swf, 585, 444, [/swf]
I would have loved to have the window perfectly centered but that wasn’t possible. And I would have captured the shot of the night but the ‘kid” Jeremy kicked my butt with a really sweet shot taken vertically with a 14mm. I love to be challenged so I really liked having Jeremy there pushing the old fart. Good stuff!
Photos captured by D3x, 45PC-E / 16Fish on Lexar UDMA digital fiml
