September 2012 Project–Red
in Photo-Projects, Photos
Nikon D600–Review Research
I’ve been researching for a main camera replacement for my Nikon D90. “Go full frame” is what I hear from a lot of photographers, but I don’t want to spend the $$$ to get there. A few days ago the Nikon D600 was announced. The description I’ve heard over and over again is that it is a mixture of the D800 and D7000. Oh yeah…and the lower price point makes it more appealing for a full frame camera.
Below are the reviews I have read/watched.
Nikon D600 Hands-On Review – via DigitalRev
Nikon D600 Review: Full Frame for the Masses? – via Ming Thien
Nikon D600 Review: Images This Spectacular Have Never Been So Cheap – via Gizmodo
Nikon D600 Review – via TechRadar
Nikon D600 Preview – via Steve’s DigiCams
The Nikon D600 Official Announcement – via Pixiq
Grand Tetons and the D600 – via the DP Review Forum
The D600 in the Studio – via the DP Review Forum
Getting Close With the D600 – via the DP Review Forum
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August 2012 Project–Closer
in Photo-Projects, Photos
For August 2012, I decided to do a project containing close up and macro shots for a month. On most days, I did go out and take the photo. My goal was to improve my creativity and technique in the area of macro photography. Below are the photos that I received the most feedback from.
My CLOSER project on Google+ | Flickr | Facebook
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July 2012 Project–Shades of Grey
in Photo-Projects, Photos
In July 2012, I decided to do a project containing only black & white shots for a month. On most days, I did go out and take the photo. There were a couple of days that I did pull a photo from my archives and converted it to black & white. My goal was to improve at producing better tones and contrast in my b&w photos. Below are the photos that I received the most feedback from.
My Shades of Grey project on Google+ | Flickr | Facebook
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Project Idea - Colors
in Photo-Projects, Photos
I was reading a book I borrowed from a friend titled 50 Photo Projects, when I came across a project that sounded pretty cool. Shooting based on color…or gathering photos that have the same “dominant” color from your library. I used the collage templates mentioned in a previous post to gather sets of photos with a similar color set.
It is also interesting and inspiring to type different colors into the search on Flickr and explore the results.
Red – Blue – Green – Yellow – Orange – Purple – Pink
Projects are great for exercising creativity. I found that going through my library and grouping based on color was a worthwhile task.
Link Summary
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Sepia Tones in Photos
I ran across a good article from Light Stalking recently titled Why Sepia Photography Still Kicks Ass. It made me realize …there are so many ways to add a sepia tone to photos. Of course, some methods are better than others and everyone has their own opinion on what makes a better photo.
My favorite method that I have found so far is Sepia Toning action included with Photoshop. It does a pretty nice job.
Other photos converted using the Sepia Toning action
Below are other methods of converting to Sepia that I found in my research –
- Method 1 – Hue/Saturation adjustment layer
- Method 2 – Channel mixer/color filter
- Method 3 – Adjustments and variations
- Method 4 – Photo filter adjustment layer
- Method 5 – Gradient map adjustment layer
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Photo Collage Templates for Photoshop
My friend Katherine introduced me to some awesome storyboard templates from a company called GingerPixel. They are basically a set of PSD files that you open in Photoshop, add/arrange photos and save. The full instructions on downloading and using the templates can be found HERE. It can be a little time-consuming, but it is the easiest tool I have used to create collages.
There are eight different arrangements to chose from.
Below is a “Red” themed storyboard that I created using the Nine Square Grid template. The templates all have a white background. I played with the background color after flattening the file to a JPG image.
Link Summary
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A photograph is usually looked at – seldom looked into." -Ansel Adams
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My First Major Exhibition
Last weekend, as a part of Houston Fotofest, some of my work was displayed as Jomar Visions Studio.
The series is titled “Up a Tree”. The photos included in the theme were taken all around the Houston area. The good thing about the type of shots used is they can be taken anywhere, even in your backyard. As I mention in my series statement below, there is a unique view for every tree.
Series Statement
The photos in this series were all taken around the Houston area.
I think my interest in trees stem from childhood. My mom would always take me with her to visit my Grandparents' grave sites, and the cemetery they rested in was full of big, beautiful oak trees. Of course, as a child, she had a difficult time keeping me away from them.
I took the photos for this series in the Fall, when the leaves are saturated with color, and Winter, when there are no leaves at all. The view I see when walking up to the trunk of a tree and looking up is unique from tree to tree. The texture of the bark, the network of limbs, the sky color all play a role in the uniqueness of the photograph.
To this day, when I see a big, beautiful oak tree, I think of the days I spent with my mom as a child.
My hope is that others will also see the uniqueness and beauty of the images in this series.
My Full “Up a Tree” Set on Google+ | Flickr
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“All life is of a past nature, photography enhances this fact.” – Patrick Summerfield
Check out my About.Me page for my complete web presence
March/April 2012 Events
Below are some events I am looking forward to over the next month or two:
1) Late this week, my friends - Katherine, Jeff and I will have our work displayed at Jomar Visions Galleries for Houston Fotofest [3/16-3/17].
2) My friend Katherine's daughter Tessa will have a piece of art on display at the Art Alliance of Clear Lake for their "Young at Art" exhibit [3/22-4/5].
3) Several friends (Katherine, Robin, David & Lauro) from the League City Photo Group will have their work hung at the Art Alliance in Clear Lake for their "Fresh from the Bay" exhibit [3/22-4/5].
4) My friend Jeff will be a featured artist at RAW Houston's Menagerie event [4/5]
5) My friends - Katherine, Jeff and I will have our work displayed at Texas A&M for the Fourth Annual Juried Art Exhibition at the Forsyth Center Galleries [4/21 - 8/19] .
I am so grateful for the opportunities that I have coming up as well as the opportunities for my friends! We all help each other grow and that means a lot to me!
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Additional Information
The Art Alliance of Clear Lake – Exhibit Schedule
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"The more you understand what inspires you, the more readily you can put yourself in it’s path." - David duChemin
Check out my About.Me page for my complete web presence
11 Things, 11 Questions
I'm not very good at memes, but thought I would give this one a try.
In this post I will be sharing 11 random things about myself, answering 11 questions that my friend Katherine posted on her blog and posing 11 questions of my own.
11 Random things about me
1. I do love coffee, but I love the coffee house environment just as much
2. I love horror movies. Scary ones, gory ones...scary and gory ones.
3. I have an awesome husband. We also have 2 pets: Jake, our chocolate lab and Ariel, our cat. My family and friends are a very important part of my life and I love them all!
4. I was never what you would call a good student in school. With the exception of my Junior year in high school. That year I made straight A's and even received an award for the top grades in American Lit. To this day, I still struggle with writing. Go figure.
5. I lost my mom 30 years ago this month.
6. I like Chinese food way too much.
7. Although I have not done it in some time, I love cycling. This is the year I will get back on the bike.
8. I have recently come to love having smoothies for breakfast
9. I mastered the art of profanity by the age of 3…so I am told…over and over again.
10. I love road trips.
11. I'm a sucker for John Hughes movies.
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Answers to Katherine's 11 Questions
1. What is the best book you read last year? The Hunger Games and/or The Host
2. What three qualities do you love best about yourself? I like to think I'm caring, helpful and a good friend
3. Is there any food you haven't tried and would be willing to try? What is it? (better yet- try it this week and let me know!) Yes. Indian food and vegetarian dishes.
4. What's your favourite movie snack? Popcorn
5. What's your favourite non fast food restaurant, and what do you like to order there? Olive Garden - Angel hair pasta with marinara, minestrone soup
6. What's something you've achieved in the recent past that has surprised you? Had my photo accepted into The Art Alliance of Clear Lake's Winter Exhibit and it sold opening night.
7. Where would you travel to if money and time were no object? New Zealand/Greece/India/Ireland
8. What would you love to earn money doing? Photography or nothing would be nice
9. What's a favourite, feel-good song? "My Town" by Buck 'O Nine & “Summer Breeze” (Tsuper Tsunami Remix version) – I was informed that feel-good song means get you pumped and moving, not just Happy stuff…Changing to “Break Stuff” by Limp Bizkit and “Feels So Good” by 311
10. What did you do on the weekend that was fun? Went on a photo outing with some awesome friends
11. What will you do today that is fun? Hang out with a great friend
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My Questions
- What was your favorite movie of all time?
- What is your favorite song of all time?
- What is your favorite food?
- Who inspires you the most?
- What is the number one location you want to visit before you die?
- Do you have a hobby? If so, what is it?
- What kind of mobile phone do you have?
- What kind of car do you own?
- What is your favorite sport?
- What is your favorite holiday?
- What makes you happy?
Have fun!
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"A good snapshot stops a moment from running away." ~Eudora Welty
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LCPG Monthly Meeting – 02.02.12
The February 2012 League City Photography Group’s monthly meeting took place on 02/02/12. Below are my notes.
Announcements
Upcoming Posted Events
- Feb 17 Fri 5:00 PM | Photo Submission for The Arts Alliance Exhibit
Other events
- FotoFest 2012 Biennial | Mar 16 – Apr 29
- Galveston Featherfest | Apr 12-15
Topic – White Balance
Mike Fisher gave a detailed talk titled “Raw Files and White Balance or …Do you trust your histogram”.
Summary ::
A gray card reflects all the light falling on it in equal amounts.
Your camera’s light meter essentially sees the world as a gray card and will try to set the exposure so that the average brightness of all the things in the image is the same as the brightness of a gray card.
Most digital sensors use a Bayer filter to record an image.
Your camera’s sensor records a set of three numbers at each pixel site – one for the brightness of the red light falling on it, one for the brightness of the green light, and one for the brightness of the blue light.
Differences between JPEG and Raw
- JPEG uses eight bits to record a brightness level. That means each value can range from 0-255.
- Raw files, depending on the camera, use twelve or fourteen bits to record a brightness level. Using twelve bits means the values can range from 0-4095. Using fourteen bits allows the values to run from 0-16383.
Color Spaces: Most cameras will allow you to set a color space, usually sRGB or AdobeRGB. The camera usually defaults to sRGB. Raw files themselves don’t have a color space.
Histogram: Even when you shoot raw, you still get a JPEG. That’s because the camera develops a JPEG using the white balance and camera profile information you set. The histogram the camera displays is based on that JPEG, not on the raw file.For that reason, the histogram may not correctly show the light levels actually recorded by the sensor.
Link to Mike’s presentation slides: Raw Files and White Balance or …Do you trust your histogram
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Additional Information & Links
- DP Review
- National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP)
- DTownTV – great video podcast
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“There is only you and your camera. The limitations in your photography are in yourself, for what we see is what we are.” -Ernst Haas
Check out my About.Me page for my complete web presence
Galveston Alleys
I recently had the opportunity to photograph Galveston’s Industrial alleyway district with great friends. There is a historic feel to the area you just can’t shake. Especially, if you are into photographing such a subject.
Below are SOME of the shots from the day as well as a link to all of my Galveston photos.
Full Galveston Gallery on Google+ | Full Galveston Gallery on Flickr
iPhone shots via Instagram
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"A photograph is usually looked at – seldom looked into." -Ansel Adams
Check out my About.Me page for my complete web presence
LCPG Monthly Meeting – 01.05.12
The January 2012 League City Photography Group’s monthly meeting took place on 01/05/12. Below are my notes.
Announcements
Upcoming Posted Events
- Feb 11 Sat 8:00 AM | Homestead Heritage Day @ Jesse Jones Park
Other events
Galveston Featherfest – Apr 12-15
Topic – ISO
David Paulissen gave a great talk and review of the article What is ISO? from the Photography Basics website.
Summary ::
ISO is actually a common short name for the International Organisation for Standardization.
100, 200 or 400, 800, 1600, ect -- refers to the film’s sensitivity to light
Low sensitivity means that the film has to be exposed to light for a longer period of time than a film with a high sensitivity in order to properly expose the image. With a lower sensitivity you also get a better quality image too which is why you should always try and use the lowest sensitivity you can get away with.
A high ISO setting is needed for indoor work, where flash isn’t allowed and the light levels are fairly low. Or you can use it deliberately to get the grainy gritty feel to the image.
Link to Original Article: What Is ISO?
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I provided a handout listing my favorite photography podcasts
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Suggested Photography Podcasts Full list -- http://rtiptonphoto.com/photo-podcasts |
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Additional Information & Links
- DP Review
- National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP)
- DTownTV – great video podcast
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“All life is of a past nature, photography enhances this fact.” – Patrick Summerfield
Check out my About.Me page for my complete web presence
Early Morning Fog
Fog was abundant in the early morning of last Sunday (1/1/12) in Southeast Texas.
I remember always being drawn to the fog, with the exception of a few years of my youth...thank you John Carpenter. So, right after breakfast I began driving around, hoping something would pull my attention. In the suburbs, you have to really search for photo opportunities because it can be difficult to find something without obscurities, such as power lines (unless you want power lines to be part of your composition). Then I remembered Bay Area Park's wooden walkway out over part of Armand Bayou. I have taken many photos at this location because I love the numerous dead trees and the wetlands themselves. Fog is one of the conditions that I had not yet photographed in this setting. Also, on this particular morning, the fog and humidity enabled water beads to form on the numerous spider webs.
I believe my decision to go back to this location was a win win.
Full Bay Area Park gallery on Google+
Fog or mist adds mystery to just about any landscape composition. Especially if it contains cool dead trees.
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Additional Information
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“There is only you and your camera. The limitations in your photography are in yourself, for what we see is what we are.” -Ernst Haas
Check out my About.Me page for my complete web presence
My 2011 Retrospective
This year was definitely filled with ups and downs. Below are some of the things that happened in my life during the year.
- My Uncle Jimmy passed away early in the year. We had spent Christmas Day with him and I had snapped a photo of him which turned out to be the last one.
- The only out-of-town vacation we took in 2011 was to Caddo Lake in NE Texas
My Caddo Lake Flickr Set
- One of my photos was sold to an interior design firm based in Washington DC. They used it as part of a design project here in Houston.
- My Uncle Sonny passed away. I accompanied my Dad to the service and family visits in the Texarkana area. It really stinks that most of the time you spend time with extended family is around the death of another family member. I did not know my Uncle Sonny very well, but learned a lot about him during this time. Such as he fought in WWII as a part of Company K. There is a book about them and he is mentioned. He was also an established Mandolin player.
- I was laid off from my job (after 8 years) in September due to Medicare cuts. My husband's business has picked up somewhat, so I am working for the business as well as working on my Photography. Things do happen for a reason.
- One of my photos was accepted to the Winter Juried Exhibition at The Art Alliance of Clear Lake and sold opening night. What a feeling!
- I sent several photos to Channel 2 and had them show on air. Local Meteorologist Anthony Yanez shows photos sent in by Houston area people during his forecasts between 5am and 7am. Below are my photos that were shown during 2011.
- I completed my 2011 365 Project. What a feeling of accomplishment! :)
There it is. My 2011 in a nutshell. Here is hoping for a great 2012 for myself and everyone else.
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“If you see something that moves you, and then snap it, you keep a moment.” – Linda McCartney
Check out my About.Me page for my complete web presence
365 Project 2011 - Week 52 in Review
in Photos, Project365
This is a summary of the photos I posted for my 2011 365 Project from 12/25 through 12/31.
Sunday, 12/25 - Merry Christmas | ...to one and all.
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Monday, 12/26 - Rodent's Eye View | Dawson High School from the level of a rodent.
Tuesday, 12/27 - Illuminated | I like the illuminated keyboard on my nephew's laptop.
Wednesday, 12/28 - Over the River and Thru the Woods | I went on a photo outing in Jesse Jones Park today. This park is located near Humble, Texas and has a lot of trails to explore.
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Thursday, 12/29 - Me and My Shadow | Taken at Jesse Jones Nature Center in Humble, Texas.
Friday, 12/30 - At the Beach | I spent most of today assisting with a family shoot on Galveston Beach. The Sun was a challenge, so I am hoping I came away with a few good shots. :-)
Saturday, 12/31 - Happy New Year | A new year is upon us! Hope everyone has a prosperous 2012.
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That, my friends, is the end of my Project 365. On some days it was a challenge to post a photo, but all in all, it has been a great experience and accomplishment for me.
Happy Shooting!
"The more you understand what inspires you, the more readily you can put yourself in it’s path." - David duChemin
Check out my About.Me page for my complete web presence
365 Project 2011 - Week 51 in Review
in Photos, Project365
This is a summary of the photos I posted for my 2011 365 Project from 12/18 through 12/24.
Sunday, 12/18 - Fallen Leaves | Taken in Bear Creek Park, Houston.
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Monday, 12/19 - Dream | Trying out an app named PicFX. Used it to add a paint peeling filter to this shot.
Tuesday, 12/20 - Momma | I want to say Happy Birthday to my Mom who would have been 75 today! RIP Momma.
Wednesday, 12/21 - Network | I went to Randolph Park in Friendswood this morning. I looked up at the sky and noticed all the leafless tree limbs and thought it looked interesting. Like a network of limbs.
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Thursday, 12/22 - Joy | Took this while standing in a long line at Stsrbucks.
Friday, 12/23 - Stepping Stones | I was driving around Pearland trying to find things to photograph and thought this daycare had a nice name and sculpture.
Saturday, 12/24 - Christmas Eve | Merry Christmas Eve to all
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Happy Shooting!
"The more you understand what inspires you, the more readily you can put yourself in it’s path." - David duChemin
Check out my About.Me page for my complete web presence
365 Project 2011 - Week 50 in Review
in Photos, Project365
This is a summary of the photos I posted for my 2011 365 Project from 12/11 through 12/17.
Sunday, 12/11 - Begging | This is the face I see while eating. ;-)
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Monday, 12/12 - Holiday Bokeh | Pretty much just out of focus Christmas lights. I think it's cool though. :-)
Tuesday, 12/13 - Tree on the Horizon | A tree across the street from my neighborhood that caught my eye during this morning's fog.
Wednesday, 12/14 - Christmas Light Trails | Having fun with a slow shutter speed and some Christmas lights.
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Thursday, 12/15 - Glass Bokeh | I love this time of year! Such colorful lights everywhere! Great time to do some Christmas light bokeh shots and pull out the Lensbaby and creative aperture kit. :-)
Friday, 12/16 - Electric Skyline | I was playing around with the "Glowing Edges" filter in Photoshop and thought it would look interesting on this skyline shot.
Saturday, 12/17 - Autumn Road | In Houston, Autumn generally starts about a week before the official start of Winter. Taken at Bear Creek Park. [iPhone 4s+ProHDR]
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Happy Shooting!
"The more you understand what inspires you, the more readily you can put yourself in it’s path." - David duChemin
Check out my About.Me page for my complete web presence
Photography Links 018
in Links
This is my latest installment of photography-related links that I have found interesting recently.
Educational
- What I learned from Project 365
- Hipstamatic Disposable: Share Camera Rolls With Facebook Friends
- Lens Effects: Buy it and learn all about it!
- Here’s What Makes Photography (Or Any Other Form) Art
- 6 Techniques to Draw the Eye to an Object in Your Photograph
- ISO500 for 500px Brings Great Works Of Photography To Your iPhone
- 3D Christmas Ornaments
- Point & Shoot, My @$$
- 10 Gifts for Photographers under $20
Inspirational
Other Link Collections
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The more you understand what inspires you, the more readily you can put yourself in it’s path." – David duChemin
Check out my About.Me page for my complete web presence
Bokeh: What Is It?
Wikipedia defines bokeh as follows:
bokeh is the blur, or the aesthetic quality of the blur, in out-of-focus areas of an image, or the way the lens renders out-of-focus points of light.
The normal shape of the out-of-focus points of light is round or octagon because that is the shape of the aperture.
The photo above is one of those lawn decorations that is in the shape of a Christmas tree. Just aim, make it out of focus and presto, you have bokeh. Now the photo would be more impressive with an object in focus in the foreground, but I like pretty lights. <wink>
Lensbaby has a set of creative aperture discs that produce different shaped points of light (ie heart, star). You can also make your own shapes using some blank discs that come in the set. These only work with the Lensbaby systems.
If you want to do creative aperture with normal lenses, Photojojo has an SLR Bokeh kit that has many more shapes available.
I conducted an experiment in which I went to Hobby Lobby and picked up one of those paper punches used for scrapbooking. I picked a leaf shaped punch. Took some black construction paper and punched it, then taped it to the front of my lens. Presto, it worked. I was able to obtain leaf shaped point of light.
Check out my full gallery of Christmas light bokeh on Google+
This is a great time of year to play with bokeh because of the abundance of Christmas lights, but it is actually fun anytime of year.
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Additional Information
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Happy shooting.
“If you see something that moves you, and then snap it, you keep a moment.” – Linda McCartney
Check out my About.Me page for my complete web presence