Jul 24, 2014 | Field Reports
The hummer returned to our meadow about a month ago, Rufous taking over at first. I would see them briefly between projects but could do nothing photographically about them. A week ago, this juvenile Allen’s took control of the meadow and we’ve not seen a Rufous since. As I’ve done for summers now, I put up my perch and started to get Albert, that’s what we named him, use to being a star. Now my MO is no different than what you see me do in this class. We have a feeder and knowing how male hummers gotta “own” a place, found a good lookin perch and attach it to a light stand. You’ll see lots of examples of this here on the site. The gear is real simple, D810, 80-400 being fired with a Pocket Wizard Plus III. I’m shooting remotely for one basic reason, I have no bloody time to stand behind the camera like I should right now. Argh!!!!
At the same time as getting Albert use to the camera, I’m getting use to the D810. Like I demoed in the video, the Unlimited Continuous shooting worked perfectly shooting with the remote. The D810 just kept on cranking as I pushed the button on the Pocket Wizard. Now the D810 has some new features I’m wanting to explore like a Clarity setting in the Picture Control (did you know Nikon improved the menu with a digital & analog scale now? Great!), Subject Tracking AF in LiveView (huge for video) and Highlight Weighted Metering just to mention a couple. Another biggie that I have to test and test and test for myself is the new Raw Small vs. Raw Large. Raw Large produces a 7360×4912 36.2MB file and the Raw Small producing a 3680×2456 9MB file. The reason why I think is important is two fold. The main one being that I don’t want that big file most of the time, just don’t need it for my work. The other reason is if a viable file, the Raw Small makes the D810 a multi purpose body with the simple toggle of a switch (I have it in My Menu). I’ve not shot enough to have files to print yet, but you’re looking at a quick test right here. The top image is a Raw Large and the bottom is a Raw Small. And being behind the clock, I shot before great light so raised the ISO to 800 just to push the system a little. Way too early for me to saw much but I can say I am impressed by the flexibility and problem solving of the D810.
Jul 23, 2014 | Field Reports
I am very pleased with all the new and refined features in the D810. It even my favorite CS #e4 is now here! And oh ya, the images don’t such either.
Jul 23, 2014 | Field Reports
Sharon & I are constantly being asked this about our sons, Brent & Jake. Both boys grew up in this industry and have since day one, been part of our visual communications business, seeing every side to it. Simply put, the boys make us darn proud! While they are still part of the family business, they aren’t either. Both live far away from us, running their own very successful businesses with the family coming together working on special joint projects during the year. Now Jake & I go shooting together (See Jakes gorgeous landscapes this week?) quite often and Brent is the master mind behind all our iBooks & apps. Brent & Jake have met so many of you over the years, many ask how they are doing and what they’re up to and now I can answer that real easily and do a little bragging at the same time. What you see above is from Brent & Jake’s first joint, very successful venture. You really should check it out because there’s some really great info in Brent’s post about it. The cool thing for us parents is knowing the three all contributed to the final product (though the project is still very much ongoing), the photo you see is Jake’s (sweet), the Logo is Brent’s (turned out amazing), the young lady in the photo is Brent’s better half Katt. Brent put all the graphics and content together creating the final product (which includes a great video Jake shot and Brent edited) and taking care of the client. So, that’s what they’ve been up to and all of them will be at Photoshop World in Vegas (Jake is presenting in the Adobe booth!!!). Say Hi, they have lots to share too!
Jul 23, 2014 | Field Reports
Aircraft have lots of sharp edges just waiting to scratch our camera bodies. I’ve used the LensCoat BodyGuard Pro CB for some time but Jake said we should be using them while doing our air to air work. He was right! I normally use the all black version, used the camo here so you can see how it really does cover the camera. You can reach all controls, see all panels, fire the camera and even attach the strap to the body (in my case the Vulture Strap). It stays in place and protects perfectly. Just thought I’d pass along the tip.
Jul 22, 2014 | Field Reports
Before I say anything, watch this video first!
When Scott at LensCoat told me about their new 4Xpandable, I didn’t get it, not until I saw the video. As you can see, it’s now what carries the D4s/800mm all in one case. This one bag truly does fit all and that’s the beauty of it! It expands or contracts to fit YOUR lens. Now if you shoot Canon, it’s perfect. Shooting Nikon and you’ll find a tad of space around the shade but no big deal. Now Scott and crew have thought of everything, everything on this bag from pockets to strap management, it’s gorgeous. It can be a case or with the extra Universal Padded Harness and Waist Belt you can put it on your back and go. I’ve been trusting my gear to LensCoat for years and years and this is just another reason why.
Jul 22, 2014 | Field Reports
If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t have believed it! I’ve blogged about the Sensor Gel a few times, here, here and here. My last post, I said I was disappointed that the stickiness of the SensorGel didn’t last very long for the price. Well the folks at Photography Life who sell the SensorGel are great and got an answer from the manufacture on this issue. Hope you’re sitting down because you won’t believe the solution to getting your SensorGel sticky again. Wash the dang thing! Yeap, wash your hands first to remove any oil and then simply wash the SensorGel under regular tap water, let dry and good as new. In fact, I think it’s a bit better than new. I’ve done it and damn if it didn’t fix it! So there you go, short life no longer an issue. Thanks Photography Life for getting the answer!
