Wasp with the Cutter's

The Sun Flowers in the In-Law's backyard, I couldn't help but investigate.  The bees are Cutter - known for pollenating the fields of alfalfa.

Shot with the D3s and the Nex-7.  

Both have their own rendering aesthetic - but I feel I have more flexibility of post processing with the D3s - and in this instance I prefer that of the D3s.

**** Update ****​
These were processed with XEL - xequals presets, with very slight sharpening and exposure adjustements

XEL - xequals - Kodak Gold 100 Tone

XEL - xequals - Fuji Press 800 Expired Tone

SmugMug Pricing

So SmugMug has changed their pricing.

I have two reactions to this - the first, well - ok - it's their service, the second - maybe it is time to look at other options.

Also, the risk for SmugMug is interesting - and probably no risk for them at all.  

If in fact they are incurring increasing storage and bandwidth costs then a 100% price hike, even if there is a loss of 50% of their user base, would keep them at the same revenue stream.  And servers and bandwidth costs would be possibly cut in 1/2 also.  So they can't lose.  

Less users, increased price, same revenue, server side gets scrubbed and purged, and bandwidth side demand decreases substantially.  Done.

On to the others  -- Well -- I only use SmugMug for client proofing, on the business side.  I would assume that ZenFolio could easily handle this - but I'm so embedded with SmugMug, such, that the savings may not be worth the hassle.

And I really like the look of the SmugMug - so this is to be determined.

So - this price increase is a surprise, I'm hoping there is some increased development, and I hope the "uptime" improves, where the hosting seems to be getting slower… slooooower… slooooooower.

Pit Boss

POV - Point of View

In the end - it is all about the Point of View, isn't it.  And that means - the right place a the right time, or the wrong place at the right time.

This week - at the office and with the adapted Tamron 17-35mm f2.8 - a group gathered and I shot.

I call it - "The Pit Boss" -- for all we know - Pierre could be executing a sell order for Lehman Brothers.

And that's what I love about it.

​The Pit Boss - Sony Nex-7 Tamron 17-35mm f2.8-4.0 FFKR Architects

The Mundane

Last weekend's family Lagoon trip - and as I searched for the good photo - I was reminded that good light can make the mundane very visually rich.  

These are all with the Nex-7 and 18-55mm.

What makes the image ?

What are the compelling factors of which make a photograph ? 

Is it the subject - scene - color - or is the framing, or lens used, or all in concert ?

Last week I shot a ribbon cutting.  I knew the constraints and the expectation - and the expecation was able to be satisfied - and I was almost ready to bag the gig.  The ribbon was cut - most people which were once densely packed were now spread, and really nothing was happening.  I decided to switch lenses and go wide. from the 85mm to the 17-35mm.  The remodeled floor tile design, of which I wanted to capture in some creative way, was staring in the face, but I was getting tired.

I had a thought.

Out of focus subjects have always interested me - as they almost draw you in upon viewing -  as if you try to re-focus the composition in your mind, but never really get there.  So I knew I wanted that - but before me the scene was developing very quickly.  D3s in hand - and the target was the blue tiled floor - f-stop was set at maybe f2.8 - I can't remember - upon looking at the exif - yes, it's f2.8.  I wanted the floor sharp, and everything else blown out.  Easy to do -- ASA was auto - and the D3s is a forgiving race horse - so no matter what, I knew I would be fine on the image.  The D3s is awesome in this regard - so right on - the only thing you need to nail is focus and it all falls into place.  The Nex has yet to figure that out, but I digress.

I composed - focused - and mind you - this is all happening in seconds - and in the distance there was a child, where there was an inkling of a thought that I may be able to capture the toddler in the background - but as everything was organically unfolding - it was a crap shoot.  

So I fired off 1 image - and below, is the winner of the night.  

The tile is in focus - the color is subdued with a nice blend and the toddler is compelling, as that's what they do.

Albion Middle School - Floor tile with Toddler

But I only have an IPhone !!

Ok -- so what….

I wasn't planning on posting today - but as luck would have it - I had a bit of an epiphany. 

Grilling out side - and wanting to brag to the in-laws of my cooking skills, I took a few pics and quickly added some secret sauce before emailing them.  And then I thought - damn - this looks good.  And go figure - it is only a phone.  So I thought I would share - to make a point.  Sure - I'm not going to shooting the olympics - now wait - that's already been done  Dan-chung-live-blogs-from-the-olympics-with-iphone-and-snapseed  ... ok bad example - you get the idea though.

In sequence are the following from the iphone.

Here's the point -- "Get out and Shoot"​

​IPhone original photo - unedited 

​IPhone edited - "Best Camera" filter and vignette

​IPhone original photo - unedited 

​IPhone edited - "Tadaa" Filter - DOF Filter - Frame

Tour of Utah - 2012 Ogden Start

The Ogden start of the 2012 Tour of Utah was a mixed bag.  It was short on action compared to my venue photos of last year - and I had to hunt for the interesting.  The pits would have provided some more interesting views - but I didn't get there - should have, but didn't.

These are a mix with the D3s, and Nex.  I am reminded how succinct the Nikon really is - like an extension.  Post process included the x-equals XEL presets.

Click the images to be taken to the hi-rez.

​Tour of Utah - Ogden Start - x-equals Fuji 100C Mix

​Tour of Utah - Ogden Start - x-equals Fuji 100C Mix

​Tour of Utah - Ogden Start - x-equals Fuji Press 800 Expired Mix

​Tour of Utah - Ogden Start - x-equals Kodak Gold 200 Mix

North Temple Viaduct

Designed by FFKR Architects is this stair coming off of the North Temple Viaduct to the new Salt Lake City Trax line station.  Slated for opening in mid December connecting the Airport - it is evident there is much more construction work to be completed.

Taken in early morning this last weekend - and as cliche as it is, morning light really does make a dramatic difference.  Shot with the Nex-7 and kit - and an adapted f3.5 200mm Vivitar.  The Vivitar is "ok" but images need much tlc in post.

Post included sharpening and some light exposure adjustments with the addition of x-equals Kodak Ektar 100 mix.  This preset brings up the contrast just enough to make everything pop without creating an overworked look.  That is so important - because if reality isn't represented - then I don't want anything to do with it.​

North Temple Viaduct - Sony Nex-7 with X-equals Kodak Ektar 100 Mix -JSturr​

North Temple Viaduct - Sony Nex-7 with X-equals Kodak Ektar 100 Mix - JSturr​

Nex-7 and Nikon PC-e

A while back - after I purchased the Nex, I was geeked to get my Nikon lenses, adapted, on this body.  All went really well - until I tried to mount the 24mm PC-e Tilt Shift - and I was rudely awakened to the limitations.  I'm very glad I didn't really need this for a shoot, or bring it too a shoot - or I would have fallen flat on my face.

The PC-e's aperture control is electronically controlled - and that's the rub.  In order to set it - one needs to pre-set the aperture on a compatible Nikon and then bring that lens, over to the Nex mount.

It's a bit of a pain - but at least it is a work around -- in this video I describe the technique, where when I first tried to figure it out, I didn't have the desired results.

Keen Shoe at Outdoor Retailer's Exop

At the tail end of yesterday's courthouse shoot I remembered that the Outdoor Retailer's
Expo was in town.

Here are a few around that area.

Keen Shoe had an intereseting outdoor setup - and with the rising sun, and a bit of fill flash, the shirts are a bit compelling.

These are all with the Sony Nex-7 and the 18-55mm Kit.​

​Keen Shoe - Outdoor Retailers - Sony Nex-7, 18-55mm.

​Kelty - Outdoor Retailers - Sony Nex-7, 18-55mm

​Sketchers - Outdoor Retailers - Sony Nex-7, 18-55mm

Nex-7 with PC-e

I woke up really early and wanted to capture the new SLC District Courthouse going up - early for the Sun and early for the experience as I never shoot early morning. 

This was also an exercise to mount the Nikon PC-e on the Nex-7.  Adapted of course.  But this becomes a bit of trick though - as the PC-e has an electronically controlled diaphragm - go figure.  Yes -- the aperture is controlled electronically - so it needs to be set to your f-stop of choice on a compatible Nikon body - but the aperture once mounted to the adapted Nex-7, is non adjustable and that is the caveat.  Deal - locked in at f16.

So -- I set it up -- and this is what I got - 24mm on a cropped sensor - so the FOV is 35mm.

Nex-7 with adapted Nikon 24mm PC-e - developed with X-equals Kodak Gold 200 Xpro Tone​

x-equals

​​Brandon Oelling and Michael Gray at x-equals.com/blog are at it again.

A new batch of Lightroom presets hit the interwebs and with every new release the choices between which to use become more of a creative struggle.  A good struggle no less - and choosing a preset reminds me of choosing a specific type-set when designing copy.  Depending upon the scene and the subject - you decide.  And I have all of them from day one to choose from and they are awsome.

This time -- XeL:Color Film Emulations  -- hit the link for more info as I just can do it justice.

I think they are great - and I keep coming back for more when another - "labor of love" is released by Gray and Oelling.​​​

Sony Nex-7 with Nikon 50mm f1.4 ais - developed with X-equals Kodak Ultra Color 400 Tone​​

My list before a shoot.

I was asked what do I when I plan to go on a shoot.

Here are some thoughts.

• Don't forget anything.
• Shutter Release - extra batteries for flashes, and cordless releases.
• Lens cloths and cleaners
• Tripod, Head and Plate
• Memory Cards
• Camera and Battery - don't laugh, last year I went on vacation and I forgot the battery on the charger.
• If you think of something the night before - don't count on remembering it the next morning - get off the couch and pack it - or set it aside.  I did that with my shutter release once and left it on my desk.
• Have a dedicated bag for pro shoots - and don't take anything out of it - ever.  Everything is always there - and stays there.
• Set your camera to base ASA - and get off Auto ASA.
• I shoot everything on Manual - Set it and keep it there.
• If going wide - check the main element for dust - those bulbous elements, when in the sun show everything - and dust on those is the worst to try to correct in post - almost impossible.
• Hoods
• Do a quick check for sensor dust - it's probably too late for a deep clean but a blow may be better than nothing.
• Format your memory card.
• Batteries at full charge.
• Know where you are going and be sure others at the site know who you are.
• Bring business cards - I was carded on site by a client to prove who I was.
• Don't shoot when you are hungry
• Compose and frame - and take a breath - look at the scene - and then shoot.  Slow down and notice the non-obvious.  Gum wrappers - distractions in the frame etc.
• Make sure everything is correctly framed and square - if it can be fixed in camera - do it.
• Be sure you are shooting RAW.
• If you can - shoot to two memory cards at once.
• Slow down -- slow down - slow down.
• What you miss now - may not be able to be captured at another time.

SAR Tri-Sig

Purchased from SAR Global Tool - http://sarglobaltool.blogspot.co.uk/ and I highly recommend you check out his blog and other Tools and Signaling items.

Great craftsmanship

Finn's Cafe - SLC

​An extra day off from the office in celebration of the Day's of '47.  You will have to Google it, to understand.  This is the closest to some captivating street as I've come in a while.  It's heavily  cropped - which is a bit of a change for me.

Rough Riders - MNSTC-i

7 years ago I arrived home from Baghdad - or should I say, from out-processing from Baghdad. 
It was a glorious set of days. 

I was assigned to the a group called the Rough-Riders of MNSTC-I - Multi National Security Transition Command - Iraq. 

It was a good gig - better than kicking down doors but it still had some challenges.  We took 8 IED's - and Hernandez didn't come back.  But 1400+ combat missions - and I was glad to come back to meet M.

I flew in this Friday night.  And then next day was this picture taken at the Saturday Market.  And I've been grateful for everyday after, ever since !

Cameras and Coffee

This last weekend I met up with a very good friend and with him was his new Olympus OM-D.  Upon comparing notes his research was exhausting.  He was on day 3.

Of course - I have to compare this to the Nex.  I know it has been done before and with a twist as this is non image dependent.  As we were both on the road and I didn't have a laptop to compare such.  But there is a lot out there regarding this camera and the sensor.

I feels great in the hand - because of the heft - it is just feels so well built - like a tank.  And I like that a lot.  That first impression of quality really goes far.  

Buttons and controls have a good feel - not snappy but responsive.  

Fit and finish is perfect.

The lens has push pull zoom function -- push and it's electronically controlled - pull and its barrel controlled.  I prefer barrel control.

Rear screen is OLED - who cares about that - it just looks great.

Electronic Viewfinder looks great also - better than NEX

Olympus must have a hell of an R&D facility because it sure seems they can come to market really quickly - this camera it seems to have come out of nowhere.

Holding the camera is awkward - to finger grip is way to go - any more than that and the other fingers start landing on buttons and pressing stuff.  Sometimes when that happens the only way to clear what you did is too cycle the power.

There are too many buttons on the back.  I understand Sony's reasoning to embed controls within wheels and scroll wheels etc.  It frees up real estate on the back panel.  And the Sony hand grip is about perfect.

Olympus tried to shrink an SLR body -- and it doesn't really work with out pushing a bunch of random buttons.

Autofocus is crazy fast - about instant - I didn't do any scientific low-light comparison but it was non comparable to the Nex.  I wish the Nex was this fast.

So - in the end there is no such thing as the perfect setup - and you shoot what you have to shoot.  For some that's a Brownie - others may have a D3s.  I have Nex and his is the OM-D.  You work with what you got - and in the end, the image does the speaking for you.

Get out and shoot.

THE 4TH WEEKEND

This year's 4th party in Idaho - love the Brother-Sister in formation with the SuperSoaker.

More Evening

This is hand held - and ended up being 1/60s @ 640 ASA.  The built in stablilzation is really handy and makes this little setup really shine.  This is with the Intelligent Auto setting.

Evening Street - SLC

Street shooting this last week - all with the Nex-7 and Kit, during the evening.  Evening light, with lights and available neon and the glow of the sky - can be captivating.