Megapixels to Spare

Over the past several months as I've been contemplating getting the new Nikon D7100 (to replace my D90), some people would ask me why?  What features, what advantages, what new capabilities would be available?

There are many reasons why I wanted the upgrade...this posting is about just one of them--megapixels!  The D90 had a 12.3 megapixel sensor, and the new D7100 has a 24.1 mexapixel sensor.  While this has a variety of advantages, the specific one that I had in mind was the ability to maintain a quality, low-noise image on those occasions when I needed or wanted to do an extreme crop.

The desire to do an extreme crop sometimes occurs when I have an average image that would otherwise be on its way to the trash can, but it does have one redeeming value, and that's that I can see a "picture within the picture".  This is a fancy way of saying that the original composure was poor, but in post processing a better composing is achievable.  Another example of when an extreme crop is desirable, is when you've zooming in on a subject to the maximum capability of your equipment, but the end result isn't as close as you would like...this is when a further crop in post processing is necessary.  And that was the case with this dragonfly picture.

I shot the image with my Tokina 100mm f/2.8 lens.  I was approximately 18 inches away from the subject.  The closest focusing distance of the lens is 12 inches so I want to give myself a little leeway to ensure I had a good lock on the dragonfly.  I had my camera set to a relatively high shutter speed for this rather stationary subject, using 1/640 second.  The camera was at an f-stop of 3.5 and ISO 220.  In addition, I was in continuous focus mode with a single focus point.  That's enough of the jargon for those who would be interested.

Once I got the image back onto my computer, I did the basic crop to get the more typical dragonfly picture one might see (which you can too on my website gallery at www.CostaMesaPhotography.com).  I liked the image, but as I said, I wanted more of a close up.  That's when the advantage of 24.1 megapixels comes into play.  With a lesser quality image, if you crop is super tight you will have a "blurry" image because of pixilation...there won't be enough pixels to render a high-enough resolution image.  But in my case, I had pixels to spare.  You can almost think of it this way--if I cropped away half of my 24 megapixel image away, I'd have 12 megapixels left...the same amount as my old Nikon D90.  But as you can see, I was able to crop in even tighter than that and still retain a laser-sharp, low-noise (grain) image.  I've included a screen shot from Lightroom so you can see the extent of the crop.

If you have any questions or want to send me your comments, I'd always love to hear from you... CostaMesaPhotography@gmail.com

Jon

The Fears (and most certainly The Joys) of a New Camera

There comes that time in every photographer’s life where he/she needs a new camera.  Ok, wants a new camera—fine!  But it quickly becomes a need more than a want…and soon that need turns into an outright obsession!  New features, new capabilities, new powers, new, new, new…nothing else seems to matter.  Your friends will say your old camera is just fine…ignore them.  Your family will point out how beautiful your pictures are right now and no change is needed…change the subject and suggest going out for dinner.

It’s a nearly irrational decision, quickly backed up and rationalized by you with arguments in favor making the acquisition.  You know what I mean…you’ve been there…I just got back from there—yes, a new camera has been brought into my family!!  Gigapixels, rapid fire shutter, buttons galour, menus upon menus of choices and decisions to make, thick fresh manuals to thumb through and hold like a new baby.  Yes, this is that first moment of inexplicably joy..unpacking and revealing…exposing to air for the first time…ahhh that new camera smell—does it get any better than this??

Uh oh…you start feeling that sugar rush high wearing off and the crash quickly approaching.  Now that you have all this newness, you need to learn how to use it…turn it on…and what do all these buttons do anyway!!  It should be just like your old one only better, right?  Wait a minute, that button isn’t where it’s supposed to be…and where is that menu item I used to be able to get to quickly?  And there are so many preferences and choices I had already packed into my old camera that the thought of doing it all over again just makes me want to take a nap…but I press on.  And the hardest part for any of us…working through that new manual.  It looked so beautiful at first…thick, crisp and unbent, containing a wealth of excitement.  Now it looks a bit like a college textbook…too thick, daunting, technical and dry.  But hey, that’s the price of getting a new camera, and I did pay for it voluntarily!

Well, there’s good news to report.  Book has been read, preferences have been set up, decisions have been made, picture of camera in manual matched up with description of the buttons and dials.  Ready to move forward and venture out into the world!

It's an incredibly empowering feeling to have an understanding and sense of familiarity with a new camera (or your old one for that matter).  There’s that certain confidence holding a precision engineered optical instrument in my hands and knowing that I can bring its capability to bear on just about any subject under just about any conditions.  Like a surgeon of light and color, this patient of composition is in good hands—my camera, like a scalpel, ready to cut into the visual world . 

On a slightly more serious note though, it’s critically important to have as complete a command as possible with your tools, so that their use comes naturally and as second nature.  This is important so that your attention and concentration can be on the thinking and application of creativity as you seek to capture the moment, the mood, the message of the scenes in front of you…so that others can experience what you have just experienced, and feel the same way.

(in case you were wondering...that new camera I now possess is a Nikon D7100...and I love it)

Have your own story to share?  Contact me at CostaMesaPhotography@gmail.com or check out my website gallery at www.CostaMesaPhotography.com

Robotic Snap Snap Snap, or Inspired Image Creation?

It was our regular photo club meeting—well attended as usual.  This, our monthly opportunity to see a slide show of images from the club members while a critiquer comments and makes suggestions for improvement.  As is typical for these meetings, we had two theme categories.  The first grouping of shots taken from our club's monthly outing, which in this case happened to have been the South Coast Botanical Garden.  The second themed group of images were taken in response to the assignment "Low Perspectives".  (the images I've include here were my submittals to this second category)

Our critiquer was a relatively new club member, but a long-time professional photographer--I'll call him John.  John did a great job.  He's kind, insightful, and has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share, which he willingly and frequently does.  As is often the case with our various rotation of critiquers, John had something positive and encouraging to say about every single image, even those that didn't seem to have an immediate appeal.  What impressed me about John and the way he handled this was his recognition that most people need, want, and deserve that sort of encouragement otherwise they might just quit and not have the motivation to learn, try harder, and get better.  And after all, this is a hobby for most of us, and if it isn't fun, then what's the point?  Anyway, he did include some minor constructive criticism also so they got a little something to go work on.  For the “better” images, he provided some really good feedback, never being cruel, but never holding back either.   His comments contained the information you wanted/needed to hear because with it, you knew you would learn and could improve.

As the evening went on, something struck me about the two themed grouping of images.  Partly because I was looking to validate a theory, and partly because I think it was true, I noticed that the theme of Low Perspectives led to quite a number of forced images--shots you wouldn't have taken except for the need to satisfy the theme.  That’s not necessarily bad, but I think illustrates an interesting challenge that we have as photographers, and that a professional photographer has to deal with day in and day out…

That is, if you're an enthusiast or casual photographer, you have the luxury of going around and only stopping to take pictures if some catches your attention or interests you.  And when it interests you, you're typically in the mood and mindset to make the best image possible and you employ all the skills and expertise you have.  On the other hand, if you’re told (paid) to go take images of something, there's a natural tendency (which you must resist) to simple go out and snap snap snap as if you're picking up milk on a supermarket run.  Instead, you have to be creative, inventive, and imaginative, and approach assignment-photography with the same interest and passion, that is, if you want to end up with stunning and impactful images—whether that’s portraiture, sports illustrated, fashion, products, etc...

Because of that, assignment-photography is one of the best ways to help an amateur photographer get better.  It forces you to think and plan and work a scene in order to create an interesting image--a process which takes practice.  And it's in this active work mode that the best habits are formed, so that when you're out "free-styling", those same skills will be there to go along with your natural interest in the subject matter being photographed.  No more snap snap snap!

Comments or feedback?  Email me at CostaMesaPhotography@gmail.com  and also feel free to check out my website gallery at www.CostaMesaPhotography.com

Jon

Hey, I Found Out I'm a Photo Stylist Now!!

One of the great joys in photography is seeing one of your images printed, published, and shared.  Next to that is the joy of helping someone else get their image published.  Such was the case this week when a fellow photo club friend of mine had his image appear as a two-page spread in the July 2013 issue of Angelino Magazine.  A nice article accompanied the photograph and credit was given in the magazine to the photographer and to the "stylist"…that would be me!!

How all this started is a fun story.  I saw my friend post some images on social media a couple of months ago from a trip he made to the Getty Center.  One particular image caught my attention as having incredible potential.  It was already a great photo, but I saw some things that I would edit if it were my image,  and I also felt that a black and white version would make for an interesting presentation.  So I took a screen shot of his image, applied my edits, and sent it to him suggesting it as an alternative interpretation.

My first step was to perform all of edits (retaining the image's color).  I tonemapped that image as well to enhance the color saturation, luminosity, and overall tonal range...fairly radical edits.  Once I finished that, I converted the image to black and white and gave it some additional tweaks.  Sometimes people are put off by you touching their art this way, but thankfully he was delighted, and in fact was so happy with what I had done, that he thought the dance troupe might be interested in seeing it.  That turned out to be an understatement.

Once the dance troupe saw the image, I understand they were so excited that they got in touch with the Angelino Magazine editors who also like it and decided they wanted to run it as a two-page spread in their next issue.  Once they contacted me for press-ready artwork, I went back and got the original image from my friend so I could recreate the edits and post processing changes on a full resolution image file.  The rest is history…the image looks spectacular in the magazine, and I was thrilled to have had a small part in the accomplishment of helping my friend get published.  He has been very generous in sharing the spotlight with me--great photographer, great character.

By the way, if you're interested in checking out the on-line version of the July issue of Angelino Magazine, you can follow this link:  http://media.modernluxury.com/digital.php?e=ANGE  The image can be found on pages 24/25 with the credit give to the photographer and the "stylist" on page 12.

As always, feel free to drop me a line at CostaMesaPhotography@gmail.com  if you have any comments or feedback. 

www.CostaMesaPhotography.com

Photographic Exhibition in Huntington Beach, CA

I will exhibiting photography at the Huntington Beach Central Library’s Windows Gallery as part of the Photographic Society of Orange County (PSOC) 2013 Windows Gallery Show.

Address: 7111 Goldenwest at Talbert Huntington Beach, Ca. 92649

Dates: June1 to June 29, 2013  Open during normal Library hours.

My photographs being displayed:

1. A Place for Reflection; Air Force Academy Chapel, Colorado Springs

2. Misty Morning Under Bridalveil Falls; Yosemite, California

3. Desert’s Sandstone Rainbow; Antelope Canyon, Page Arizona

I don’t know how many years the club has been doing this gallery show at the Huntington Beach Library.  The first time I even went to it was last year, and that wasn’t during their reception but was on one of the days during the month-long exhibition. 

So last night’s attendance at the reception was a first.  There must have been over 150 people there!  They had deserts and wines (which I knew they would because of the planning at the Board Meeting).  There were name tags for everyone (which we use at our regular club meetings) and also those blank adhesive name labels for guests to put their names on.  The display of the images and the area of the library where this is set up is very nice.

If you have an opportunity to swing by during the month of June, you won’t be disappointed with what you see.

Farewell Yosemite, For Now--Until Next Time...

Beyond the obvious majestic rock formations with names like El Capitan and Half Dome, and aside from the roaring waterfalls with names like Bridalveil and Nevada, Yosemite has a magic about it that is evident almost everywhere you look.  Here are my parting shots from a trip that was long in coming, and too quickly passed.  This small set of photos didn’t quite fit in with other groupings, but if omitted would leave an incomplete sense of the Yosemite experience.  Whether it’s the Yosemite Visitor’s Center, the Ansel Adams Gallery, or the Ahwahnee Lodge, there are many things to do and see—and a few oddities and curiosities along the way.

Take for example the very surprising hiker that was coming up the trail to Upper Yosemite Falls as we were making our way down.  She was in a costume that looked like a cross between a ballerina and circus clown.  I was either too tired (yes) and/or too caught off guard (definitely) to ask her to stop so I could take her picture.  I was mumbling to myself for the next couple of paces at my missed opportunity, one that would clearly never happen again in my lifetime, when low and behold, here come some more colorfully decorated hikers.  I must live right!  Ok, now I’m ready…what gives?  Turns out that one of the hikers has her birthday today and all of her friends thought this would be a great way to start the celebration—and I agree! 

Also to be seen in Yosemite were mountaineers on the face of El Capitan, photographers out in the middle of a foggy meadow, craftsmen (and women) making arrow heads and weaving baskets, and even a bobcat! 

An early morning walk before that first cup of coffee provide an opportunity for a "surprising" shot.  My objective was to see if there was any wildlife out, so my camera was all set up for such a possibility...telephoto lens, continuous focus setting, fast shutter speed, etc...  I'm walking through the woods holding my camera like a hunter...when all of a sudden a rustling and commotion off to my right accompanied by a loud and active quacking!!  Without hardly thinking, I raise my camera in that direction, and with little time to look through the viewfinder, I press the shutter hoping to capture the action.  I got lucky...the duck looks beautiful.

Oh, and coffee?  Well, as nice as the rooms were, they didn’t have coffee makers in them.  Instead, when you checked in, you got vouchers for free coffee at the Lodge’s food court.  I wasn’t going to sound like a commercial with this, but I have to say that this was some of the best coffee I’ve ever had.  And it wasn’t just the first day, or the influence of excitement from seeing a bobcat…no, this was great coffee every single time.  When I got back home, I sent an email to the company that provides the coffee and asked them specifically which of their products they provide to Yosemite.  They were quick to respond and the coffee is commercially available.  If you want more details, send me note (I’m not on commission, but wish I was!!!).

The drive out of the park, through the same long tunnel that had whispered anticipation on the way in, now said goodbye and beckoned a quick return.  It's easy to understand how the early visitors to this area were captivated by it, and much thanks should be given for John Muir's efforts to preserve it as a National Park, and Abraham Lincoln's taking time out from the Civil War to make it so.

I saw a sign once that said, take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints...  The memories I took away will last a lifetime.

To see my entire Yosemite image collection, visit my website at www.CostaMesaPhotography.com

To share your thoughts or comments with me, send email to CostaMesaPhotography@gmail.com

Yosemite--Falls and Rivers

Our photography club specifically chose April to visit Yosemite National Park because of the abundance of water from the snow melt and the resulting dramatic gushing over the cliffs as waterfalls.  By summer, the majority of the waterfalls are either dry or barely trickle.  As luck would have it, our visit not only had an amazing amount of water in the falls, but the weather could not have been dialed in more perfectly.  Mornings were crisp in the upper 30s and quickly climbed into the 50s and 60s.  With full sun most every day, one warmed up fast hiking around the valley and climbing trails—layering was the key to all-around comfort.

We stayed at Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, which is an easy ten-minute walk from your room to the base of the falls.  It was a 5 minute walk to the Merced River that meandered through the middle of the valley and was accessible just steps away from the Lodge.  Convenient (and free) bus transportation looped around the valley floor to all the major stops and destinations.  Another short walk from the Lodge took you to Swinging Bridge which straddled the Merced River.  The shot of Yosemite falls above was taken from the bridge.  From morning until evening, the lighting was constantly changing the way this seen looked.  I was lucky to capture this moment with the late afternoon sun and the abundance of clouds that had built up during the warm day.

Yosemite Falls was mesmerizing.  One couldn’t help but stand there motionless and just look at the water and listen to its sound.  Visible from so many parts of the valley, Yosemite Falls was a constant source of inspiration and beauty.  Bridalveil Falls, another iconic waterfall at Yosemite, was equally exciting to watch, although it was a little further out and not as readily visible.  Bridalveil's excitement stems from the fact that you get a pretty good soaking when you walk up to the base of the falls.  What you experience is being enveloped in a mist so thick that it’s almost like standing in the rain.  For photography, this presented a challenge that I was not quite prepared for.  Nonetheless, the falls and the ensuing streams were beautiful and offered many opportunities to capture their beauty.

There are so many images that I'd like to share with you here, but there isn't enough room--so to see them you'll have to skip over to my website gallery and check out my Yosemite collection there:  http://www.costamesaphotography.com/Northern-California-Central/Yosemite

If you have questions or comments, I'd love to hear from you.  You can get ahold of me at CostaMesaPhotography@gmail.com