D54: Man-Up & Make the Ask

Many photogs I've listened to say that they've stayed away from pj-style street photography for one simple reason.

They don't like asking strangers if they can take their pictures.

Unfortunately, I too suffer from this problem. Too many times I have missed out on a great photo op, simply because I didn't want to bother a stranger and make the ask.

For Halloween night, I wanted to capture some really great images of trick-or-treaters, pumpkins, spooky houses, etc. I found a great house to shoot tonight, but I just felt weird knocking on their door to ask if I could hang out in their front yard for half an hour taking pictures. The worst they could do is say no, so what is this mental block so many togs have?

I need to work on that.

Manual: Page 45 - Memory Card Capacity & Image Size
I think I'm going to pick up (2) 16GB cards this winter, rather than the larger 32GB. I'm starting to have issues w/ one of my current cards, and I'd really like to have some high-capacity back-ups.

Images: Christine Tremoulet
Christine not only captures wonderful images, she also has an awesome deal for a studio-mate! If I was in the Houston area, I would take her up on it in a heartbeat.


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D53: Waking Up With the City

I have a hard time waking up early, but I LOVE being awake early. Go figure.

I got up at 6am today, ready to face the world. Or at least the patrons of my gym.

I know this sounds cliche, but I love the feeling of being outside just before dawn, when anything seems possible. The day is just about to begin, and YOU get to decide how it will unfold.

Will you be productive? Will you choose to be happy? Will you squander your day away on trivial things that add nothing to your life?

Will you guide your day, or let it guide you?

Manual: Page 35 - Taking Photographs: The Details
I love images that capture hidden little details. Personally, I like to add little hidden details that no one know about but me.

Images: Becker
Once again I'm drawn to a tog's wedding work. Truly awesome images. Looking through Becker's portfolio made me realize something. My previous disdain for shooting weddings was primarily due to boring/rigid couples. I have a blast shooting fun, relaxed couples. My goal is going to be to attract more of these couples, and refer the "boring" couples to other togs in the area.


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D52: Road to Nowhere?

With the clouds hanging low over the surrounding mountains, the snow-covered road in the middle seems to disappear into the clouds.

You can clearly see the road ahead, but you have no idea where it is headed. How often do you feel the same way in your life?

I'm a firm believer that everything in our lives is meant to be a lesson of some sort, good or bad. I think that our path in life is guided by our experiences, which also means our path is continually making course-corrections.

Manual: Page 43 - Image Size
I've talked about this topic before, and I still feel the same. I've only ever found a reason to shoot at a lower resolution ONCE. I was doing a job for a client that needed <1mp images for an intranet-based catalog. Other than that, I shoot in RAW, or at least full-res. Any other sizes can easily be done in post.

But that's just my opinion.

Images: David Bergman
David did the Obama Inauguration Gigapan. Some pretty cool work in his portfolio.


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D51: Underrated

Reese's Pieces are seriously underrated, in my opinion. They seem to be an endless supply of peanut-buttery goodness, when compared to candy bars.

I rarely buy candy, mainly because I will eat it. All.

BUT, on the rare occasions that I do buy some cavities in a wrapper, Reese's Pieces is at the top of my list.

Reese's Pieces hit the scene in 1978, and became the favored candy of E.T. in 1982. Soon after, I followed the trend.

Besides, Halloween is Saturday, and the Reese's color scheme is very fallish/halloweenish.

Manual: Page 39 - Using Camera Menus
Early on this was a great resource. By default, all of the menus in my camera were set to the shorter "simple" setting. As this inhibits your customization, I quickly looked up how to change this to the advanced setting.

Images: Rich Legg
I've looked through Rich's work before, but I focused this time on his stock work. The world of stock photography is quite interesting to me. I am specifically interested in finding out what the average stock shooter, such as Rich, pulls in on a yearly basis. For a talented stock tog, I imagine this could be a nice supplement.


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D50: When Life Hands You Lemons

When you do something in a hurry, you will likely get hurried results.

I didn't really make time for pictures today, so I tried to fit a few shots into my schedule. When I got home to review what I had captured, I found that I had captured a bunch of crap.

I decided this would be a good challenge to see if I could come up with an image I was happy with. The result is tonight's image, and I would say I'm fairly happy with it. Quite a bit of post, but sometimes that's what it takes.

Manual: Page 35 - Taking Photographs: The Details
Ha! The title page.

Images: Ilan Bresler
I just became a fan of his street photography work.


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D49: Solutions That Cause Problems

Following a knee injury in my early 20's, I developed a slight pill-addiction. Not anything like Oxycontin, just your run of the mill over-the-counter meds. Every day I took a cocktail of pain killers, caffeine, and a few others just to start my day. In fact, I didn't feel like I could even start my day without them.

Luckily, I was able to easily "kick the habit" when a friend of mine pointed it out to me. I honestly don't even think they were doing ANYTHING, I just thought they were helping me. There was nothing inherently addictive about any of them, so it was a fairly easy transition "quitting".

I was cleaning out my gym bag today and found some Excedrin & Vicodin. I decided to play painkiller-legos in my office tonight when I got bored, so I snapped this shot of my handy work.

Manual: Page 31 - Basic Playback
Honestly, I need to get through these basic pages in my manual. I'm learning NOTHING new.

Images: Mark Halper
Tonight I decided to google "photographer" and go with the 1st link that was an actual photographer's website. Mark didn't show up until the 3rd page.

Great images, and some creepy pictures he calls "interludes". They're basically a small flash movie that looks like a portrait, until the subject moves. Kind of a Harry Potter moving-portraits idea.


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D48: She's A Super-Freak

Somehow this little angel managed to stay healthy & happy when her entire family had the flu. I'm sure there's some medical explanation for this, but I thought it was quite amusing.

I'm currently waiting to hear back from a client about doing some newborn pics. I've never done newborn pics before so I'm quite excited to give it a try!

Manual: Page 23 - Tutorial: Basic Photography and Playback
So what, I'm getting some easy pages out of the way!

Images: Leigh Caraccioli
I looked at Leigh's senior & family galleries, and she does some great work.


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D47: The One Who Ruled Them All

Doesn't she look intimidating? Like she's going to walk into your meeting and tell you that 20% of your office is being laid off? That's the funny thing to me about this picture. She is completely the opposite.

Say hello to Vicki. Vicki is my staff partner for Relay, and she was the driving force behind our regional summit this weekend. Vicki led the planning committee and helped to ensure that all of the participants would come away with a valuable learning experience.

Manual: Page 18 - Attaching lenses
Nothing to report, again.

Images: Unnamed wedding photographer
Perhaps it was just their website design, but the images seemed so... mediocre. There is nothing wrong with that, as photographers we are always evolving our craft. However, if you're images are not jaw-dropping, why are you teaching a seminar??? I would have no problem dropping over a grand for a seminar with Bambi Cantrell, because her work is amazing. But really, how do you expect people to pay that much when your on-line galleries are pretty lackluster?



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D46: It's Gonna Be A Long Night

Don't get me wrong, I love to volunteer for the American Cancer Society. However, it's not all fun and games. Tonight is one of the not-so-fun nights.

Script read-through with tomorrow's presenters lasted until 9:30 tonight, and I still have hours of work to do before I get to bed.

In the end it's totally worth it. Few things are better than the feeling you get when you're part of something that touches so many lives in such a positive way.

Tomorrow is the day that committee members from all over the region show up, eager to learn and share with others. If I do my job right, they will have no idea who I am, or what I was there to do. That is the role of logistics.

Manual: Page 16 - Basic Setup
Nothing to report here.

Images: Junshien
Once again, awesome wedding images.


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D45: Are You Driving With the Brakes On?

Are you the #1 obstacle on the path to your own success? What are you doing to challenge yourself on a daily basis?

In 2006, I had the opportunity to listen to Mike Rayburn speak at a business conference. He is an amazing keynote speaker, and I was recently reminded of one of his main philosophies.

Mike taught us that we need to start asking better questions in life. If you want to unlock your potential, use these two questions on a daily basis:

What if? Why not?

"What if I had the most successful photography studio in the state? What would that be like?"

This 1st part gets us to quit thinking about why it can't happen, and puts us on the path of how to make it happen.

"Why not? What is in my way?"

The 2nd part helps us identify our obstacles, which is an important step in overcoming them.

So the next time you think about a goal that seems unobtainable. Remember those two simple questions. What if? Why not?

Personally, I blame staying home for 99% of my creative blocks. The moment that I venture out into the world, I see great photo opportunities. My biggest problem with seeing a photo opportunity, is stopping to take advantage of the situation.

Today was an exception.

I'm working on a concept for a custom soft-box to use with my Nikon speedlights. After a trip to the fabric store, I took a route home that I've never driven before. It took me through the back-entrance to our county fairgrounds. Normally I would have just driven by, but today I decided to stop and get out of the car.

Let me start by saying that empty fairgrounds are incredibly creepy on a late fall afternoon. Not a soul was to be seen, other than a few feral cats. I captured a few decent images, but my favorite was on my walk back to the car. There was just something in the air when I saw this tree, so I decided to try and capture the moment.

Manual: Page 58 - Adjusting Contrast: Tone Comp.
How many of you let your camera do the work for you, versus tweaking the colors in post?

Images: Marc Climie
Marc has me thinking that destination weddings must be the most fun to shoot of all weddings.


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D44: I'm Dreaming of a Warm Sandy Christmas

It would appear that this dream will have to stay just that. A dream.

This winter would be the 3rd year in a row that I've gone to visit my fam in Hawaii. It does not appear to be in the cards.

Things have slowed down quite a bit on the photography side, convincing me to find a 9-5 until Spring. Finding a decent paying 9-5 right now is kind of like asking Jules Bianchi out for dinner. Slim to none. However, I'm going to do my best to keep an optimistic outlook. I have an underlying feeling that things will start to look up!

Manual: Page 14 - Inserting Batteries
I'm a firm believer in sticking with name brand batteries. Years ago I opted to buy a generic battery as a backup for one of my Nikons. It was about half the cost of an actual Nikon battery. It worked great, for about 3 months. Then it wouldn't hold a charge and was tossed. My ORIGINAL battery for my D70s is over 3 years old and still runs like a champ.

Images: Ira Lippke
I took a look at Ira's wedding work. When I look at a photographer's portfolio, I always gravitate towards their wedding work. As much as I've tried to stay away from weddings, maybe I should be shooting more of them?


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D43: In Search of Land

"The captain of a small dingy continues his search for land, with critical supplies quickly running out. At times, he feels like he may be lost at sea forever. Too many glimpses of land have turned out to be mirages."

Have you ever felt like this? I'm in a bit of a search myself, and the clock is ticking. I'm optimistic that I'll find land before my ship starts taking on water.

Manual: Page 13 - First Steps
Talks about attaching your camera strap and monitor cover. I've noticed that a few newer "prosumer" models are equipped for a monitor cover. Lame. I think they are much better than those film screen protectors.

Images: Rich Legg
Rich captures some really great images, and I hope I have the chance to meet him next month @ Pictureline!


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D42: The Hills Have Eyes

Ventured into the hills with 2 friends today to propel small bits of copper & lead towards some targets. We found this skull on the hillside of a creepy canyon, also containing a few dilapidated wood shacks.


Manual: Page 10 - The Mode Dial
That pretty much sums it up.

Images: Adam Elmakias
Adam does a lot of work for the entertainment industry, and has some really great images.


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D41: So Many Choices

Every day we are faced with choices that will shape our future. Some choices are small, others are huge. No matter their size, every choice we make influences the future. For me, it can sometimes be easy to get lost in the here-and-now, losing focus of what's down the road.

Think of this in terms of bokeh.

Some people live their lives locked in f/1.4, only able to focus on one thing at a time. There are times when these people lose sight of the future because they can't see past what is right in front of them, and vice-versa.

On the other hand, there are people that seem to be locked in f/22. These people spend so much time focusing on every little detail of EVERYTHING, that they never take the time to stop and smell the roses.

I've been trying to take a more balanced approach, implementing a "variable ISO" if you will. I think it is very important to keep the future in sight, but you need to know when to narrow your focus.

As photographers, we use DOF to convey importance. My challenge to all of you, is to make sure you are focusing on the things that are not only important now, but will be important 20 years from now.

Manual: Page 23 - Tutorial: Basic Photography and Playback
Not really anything to write about a title page. :-)

Images: Caralee Case
Among her many talents, Caralee takes some amazing child portraits. I think she's going to be the person that I refer parents to for studio shots of their little ones.


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D40: The Marks We Leave Behind

Our time on this Earth is precious and limited. When your number is up and move on to whatever existence you believe in, what are you going to leave behind? What are people going to say about you?

Today was a b-e-a-utiful day, sunny & warm on a late October afternoon. People seemed to flock to the mountains in droves today, hoping to catch what could be the last warm weekend until spring. A gentleman on a 4-wheeler stopped and chatted with me about our unseasonably nice weather. He came up to enjoy the mountain air one last time before he put his toys away for the winter.

That got me thinking. How many of you strike while the iron is hot, making the most of every opportunity? How many of you play it safe, missing out on a potentially great experience? I think I have fallen into both of these categories on numerous occasions, but I'm trying my damnedest to fall into the 1st.

"Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone." -Pablo Picasso

Manual: Page 111 - Two-Button Reset
Ouch, I hope I never need to do this. I'd hate to lose all of the tweaking I've done.

Images: Celina Gomez
Celina takes some amazing wedding photos is Dallas. She appears to have a wonderful attitude, which really shows in her work!


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D39: Shape Your Experience

Not happy with the way things are? CHANGE THEM!

I wanted to change the way I looked at my photography, so here I sit 39 days into this adventure. Tonight I experimented with shaped bokeh.

Pretty interesting, lots of ideas for Christmas pics. I'm curious to find out how intricate I can make these shapes. Time for the big tough photographer to spend some time at the scrap booking store.

Manual: Page 152 - Custom Setting 20: Flash Sign
You know the little lightning symbol that pops up when your camera thinks you should be using a flash? Well, you can turn that off. I don't really see why, as it has never bothered me.

Images: Tasra 365 Flickr Group
Some great pics from some fellow 365'ers. It's really fun to see how everyone else is doing. It will be really interesting to see who makes it through the full year. I hope I do!


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D38: Unnoticed Surroundings

How often do you explore the very city you live in?

Today I decided to turn down a road unfamiliar to me, hoping to find something interesting. What I found was something that is all-too-common in today's society.

Litter. Lot's of litter.

I think I could have filled up a large garbage bag by walking this fence line for less than 100 yards. Like so many others, I had somewhere I needed to be, so there the litter remains.

Manual: Page 102 - Flash Exposure Compensation
One of the many things I should use more, but never seem to do.

Images: Jason Hooker
No, not me, ANOTHER Jason Hooker that is a photographer. Son of a bitch has my name, AND my passion! It's not really a surprise to find that he has some great work, and some really nice HDR shots. What are the odds?


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D37: Amber Waves of Grain

Storm clouds rolled into the valley this afternoon, but they seemed hesitant to cover the whole city. The north end of town was filled with beautiful skies, and a warm afternoon sun. I was actually getting warm with my fleece jacket on.

For some reason, I really like the contrast and colors in this image. It felt good to get out & shoot today. I picked a place that people drive by every day, but rarely stop to enjoy. Most of the northern edge of our city is bordered by farmland, most of it quite beautiful on a day like today.

Perhaps this will pull me out of my funk.

Manual: Page 36 - When to Use Shooting Options
A nice little flowchart to correct your most common problems. Where was this page when I 1st bought this camera?

Images: Studio 563 - Austin, Texas
I love their take on senior portraits. They gave me some GREAT ideas if I can only find some outlandish old furniture here in town.


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D36: Comfort & Familiarity

I walk up these stairs nearly every week. At the top I find good friends, entertainment, and the occasional awesome feast.

Over the last 10 years, many of my friends have gotten married & are having kids. Such is the natural progression of time. This image is from the home of one of my oldest and closest friends. He has a wonderful wife who is an amazing cook, and she has also become a great friend. More of a sister really. They have two awesome kids, and it's always an adventure when they're are around.

We try to get together once a week to hang out & watch one of our favorite TV shows. Sometimes we have a great dinner. Other times we attack a case of beer. EVERY time we quite enjoy the evening.

It has been said that friends are the family you choose. This could not be more true in my case. My closest friends are most definitely my extended family. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Manual: Page 88 - Exposure & Flash Bracketing
I've recently started playing with these settings a little more.

Images: Nikon
I felt it appropriate to spend part of the day on Nikon's website browsing through their hype over the new D3s. It is a DECENT update to the D3, especially if you do a lot of low-light work. It is not, however, a game-changer. I, along with many others in the photographic community, were dissapointed with Nikon. They finally added HD video to their high-end model, but only 720p! All-in-all it's a good camera, it just didn't live up to the hype.

There are some great images on the site from the pre-production models of the D3s, taken by a few different togs. I'm sorry, but I'm just a wee bit too tire to go looking for all the names.


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D35: Cabin Fever

I shouldn't have cabin fever, since I don't "have" to stay home. However, I've been staying home a lot more due to logistics. I have a few more weeks to figure out what the winter will hold for me, and it's looking like a 9 to 5 will be in order until spring.

In anticipation of this unfortunate reality, I've tried to be quite frugal the last few weeks. This leads to a lack of fun, and the aforementioned cabin fever. Cabin fever apparently also leads to photographer's block.

Manual: Page 66 - Focus Area Selection
Good info to know, I feel I'm pretty versed in this area. HOWEVER, I've never even paid attention to the focus selector lock! EVER! Now I know.

Images: Lauren Hillary
Very cool work, definitely some good inspiration for some upcoming shoots.


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D34:

I'm stuck in a creative block.

Manual: Page 8 - Viewfinder Display

Images: Michael James
Real estate photography. Great lighting techniques.

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D33: People Watching

I was pretty excited to attend the local "rail jam" today, thinking I might get some great shots.

Not quite.

The venue could have been setup much better, as there was nearly NO place to stand and watch. It was actually more interesting to watch the crowd, hence today's image.



Manual: Page 4 - Camera Body Continued

Images: Ben Drucker
I think it's interesting to compare a photog's personal images w/ their professional images. Some photogs are shooting what they love. Others make it plain to see that their true passion comes when they "clock out" for the day.


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D32: A New Toy

In my quest for knowledge over the last few months, I realized that I have been a fool. My ignorance kept me from buying a prime lens, thinking that I didn't want to be pinned down by a lack of zoom.

Luckily, over the last 6 weeks, I saw the light.

Earlier today UPS delivered my new toy, courtesy of Pictureline. A fun little Nikon 50mm f/1.8! I'm a little embarrassed that I never took the time to correct my ignorance over the last 6 years. I love this lens and I took it with me to the pool hall last night to meet some friends. On Monday I'm going to play with some "shaped bokeh" techniques. More to follow on that.

Tomorrow I'm going to check out a ski/snowboard "rail jam" that is going on in town. I'm real curious to see how it all works out, with no snow AND it's being held in a parking lot. Interesting.

Manual: Page 3 - Getting To Know the Camera
I decided to get some of these simple pages out of the way over the next week. Hopefully that will let me focus on other endeavors.

Images: Amy Rose King - Amy was my inspiration for next week's shaped bokeh project. She has some really cool images.


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D31: It's Not Perfect, And That's OK!

Today completes month #1 for my challenge!

It hasn't been a perfect month, nor was today's shot perfect. I didn't have a zoom lens with me, and I left my ISO on 800! I ALWAYS do something like that.

Despite these things, it has been an incredible month, and I have learned so much from my new found photog friends across the country.

Blah, I'm still a little hot under the collar about last night's soapbox rant.

Ok, enough of that for now...

I've listened to so many photographers talk about how they got their start. There are a few that said they came to a literal make-or-break moment. That is the precipice that I am currently standing on. In the next 4 weeks I will either have to dramatically increase fall bookings, or retreat back to the corporate world for at least the winter. Obviously I'd like to stay shooting, as I feel 10 years in the corporate world has bleached much of my creativity.

Time to get moving!

Manual: Page 2 - Overview
Very basic, touches on the importance of reading your manual. We DO have to read every page over the next year, so I don't really think this is cheating.

Images: Dane Sanders - Dane, you ROCK! Your wedding photography makes me want to shoot weddings spring through fall. Your commitment to your clients is absolutely awesome.


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D30: The Road Ahead

The last six weeks have definitely been a journey. I've made tremendous strides in my photography on the quality side, and now I'm working to translate that to the financial side. I've had the chance to interact with some industry-leaders, and that has made a huge impact on my work.

It's really incredible to think of the technological advances since I first started in digital photography, just over 6 years ago. Point & shoot cameras were quite expensive, and there really wasn't a good place for photographers to come together on the internet.

With pro-level DSLR's becoming affordable to the hobbyist, many people outside of the photographic industry feel that the professional photographer's days are numbered. I could not possibly disagree more; in fact, I think that professional photographers are more important than ever. Sure, the average Joe can go down to his local camera shop and pick up a D300 w/ a kit lens for under $2K, but that doesn't make him a pro. I have a laptop with Microsoft Word, but that DOES NOT make me a novelist.

Too many people see a video of a Photographer taking a picture, and they think "I could do that, it looks easy to me." What people don't see, are the years upon years of work that have honed that photographers skills. Composition, lighting, exposure. These things cannot be mastered overnight. Not to mention the pre-production that goes into so many shoots.

A friend once looked at a photo on my wall and said "I know where that was taken, I could do that EASY!"

I just kept my mouth shut, as I tend to do in situations like that. I didn't feel like explaining the hours upon hours of pre-production that went into that shot. It's sad, but almost humorous, how many people today think that photography is all about the equipment.

Okay, I'm going to step down from my soapbox for the night. Time to sleep.

Manual: Page 1 - Introduction
Appropriate page, especially after my little soapbox rant. Getting to know your equipment is one the most important 1st steps.

"The day you stop learning is the day you fall behind."

Images: Mike Larson - Mike has a very innovative shot that involves throwing his camera UP IN THE AIR! The shots are great, along with an already impressive portfolio. Inspiration achieved.


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D29: The Daunting Task Ahead

About a year ago I decided to take on a project that's very close to my heart:. converting ALL of our family photos from the last 35 years, to digital files. I have a pretty decent setup in my office for reproductions like this, as I've done similar things before on a much smaller scale. Once I completed the initial 500 photo-scans, I quickly realized what was ahead of me. I estimate there are approximately 6,000 photos scattered through boxes upon boxes. Yay me.

On a different note, there is a new movie in the works. "Waiting For Robert Capa" has secured Michael Mann to direct! GET OUT! I can't wait. I'm really interested to see how this project turns out.

In yet another disjointed topic this evening, I figured out what I'm shooting Saturday. As I walked out of my gym this afternoon I noticed a poster hanging on the wall. There is a "rail jam" going on this weekend in the parking lot of one of our local outdoor-sports stores. I'm going to talk with them tomorrow to get more details, and to find out if there are any photographers already planning on shooting. Sounds exciting!

Manual: Page 32 - Digital Vari-Programs
This covered all the little auto-variations that you can shoot with. I've spent so much time shooting in manual, I don't even have an opinion on these modes. Maybe I should play around with them this weekend!

Images: Joe McNally - Another amazing photographer. There's not much more to say.

I read a very interesting article today about the evolution of photography, and video. Just 10 years ago film was the standard, and digital photography was not only expensive, it also had a pretty horrible work-flow. Today, film has become an endangered species and high-end DSLR equipment is becoming more easily accessible every day. The theory is that in just 5 years photography will be hand-in-hand with videography, and those too stubborn to adapt will fall by the wayside. I have even heard people go so far as to say photography's days are numbered.

Personally I don't see the art of photography EVER going away. Will it evolve into something we can't even imagine? Absolutely. I think that one day in the not-to-distant future, you will walk into the average photographer's studio, and the wall will be covered in LARGE digital picture frames. Even more interesting will be the day when we have entire "digital walls", allowing us to not only change the pictures, but the color of the wall.

Who knows if or when this will happen. I'm still waiting on my hover-board from "Back to the Future".


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D28: I Have Seen the Light

In fact, I see it every time I get frustrated as I sit at my desk, longing for new ideas. What you are seeing is my view as a lean back in my chair and stare at the ceiling, provided that you have a lensbaby strapped to your head.

Not much inspiration the last few days, hence the short posts.

Maybe more tomorrow.

Manual: Page 185 - Picture Angle and Focal Length
Something I was aware of. I've been thinking that my next camera should be a full-sensor.

Images: Vincent Laforet - I took a look at Vincent's coverage of Hurricane Katrina. Photojournalists do an amazing job at bringing the world to your home. I agree with Vincent's current view about not wanting to be on call 24/7 as a photojournalist. I think I'll stick to portrait work for now. :)


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D:27 "You're going to make a great housewife someday"

I have a few lady-friends that tell me this on a fairly regular basis. Today was no exception. Went to the gym, cleaned the house, baked bread & cookies, cooked dinner, laundry almost done.

That was my day today.

I believe in doing my best at being a balanced individual. Sure I can take pictures, but I am always trying to expand my toolbox of talents.

The night was capped off by watching my Steelers beat the Chargers 38-28. It started out as a blowout but the Chargers made a great near-comeback in the 4th quarter.

Overall a good weekend.

Manual: Page 183 - Lenses for the D70S
Interesting to see there are a few current lenses that are not compatible with this camera. Luckily none that I'm looking to buy. I've been wanting to upgrade my camera body for about a year now, but I haven't been able to make up my mind. Now there are a lot of rumors floating around about new cameras being announced this winter. I think I'll hold off until spring. That leaves me the winter to buy some more lenses!

Images: Kevin Kubota - Tonight I took a look at Kevin's wedding photography. B-E-A-UTIFUL. I'm not a huge fan of shooting weddings, but Kevin's work makes me want to shoot more of them.


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D:26 Rule #1: Cardio

Tonight was a great end to the week. Today's title is a quote from the movie "Zombieland" I went to see with friends tonight. Epic.

It also coincides with the fact that this was my 1st week back into my gym routine. It's been a challenge getting into the gym on a regular basis the last few months, mainly because I haven't made time. Feels great to be back!

Manual: Page 178 - Printing Selected Photographs
Once again this is a feature that I've never had a use for. However, I have been toying with the idea of doing a photo booth at our local Spring fair. I think it would come in handy at an event like this, provided that you're not doing any post-processing.

Images: Robert Capa - I think it's important to study photography's legends to fully understand the craft. What an amazing life he led. I can't even imagine being on the beaches of Normandy on D-day, with a CAMERA! I definitely don't have the stones for that!


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D25: Cleaning Out the Garage

That sounds like a metaphor, and in some ways, it is. I drove to my dad's tonight & helped him clean out his garage. This used to be the most organized garage in town, but it's care has suffered the last 2 years. In a lot of ways, the condition of the garage accurately represents the state of things between the 4 of us(brother, sister, dad, me) since we became "4".

A lot has changed over the last 2 years, and I'd like to think that it's been more good than bad. Some days it's hard to tell. Some days it feels like we're 4 electrons flying around wildly because we've lost our nucleus.

In the end we got the garage pretty clean, and there was a great sense of accomplishment. I only hope this accomplishment can extend past the garage in the coming year.

Right about now I could go for a cold beer and some good company.

At least I have cold beer!

Manual: Page 156 - Folders
I've never had a reason to create additional folders, but I feel it's good to know how. Who knows, the day may come! I sometimes wonder why the numbers on the file names only go to 9999. One of my cameras will likely eclipse 10,000 images in the next 2 months.

Images: Joey Lawrence - Wow. This kid is crazy talented, and he's only 19! Looking through his portfolio is awe-inspiring. Seriously.


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D24: Saving Me From Myself

I LOVE CANDY! For that very reason I refuse to buy it. Out of sight, out of mind.

Well, almost.

A few weeks ago I bought a bag of Halloween candy for clients & friends that come to visit. The sugary goodness sits in a tall vase on my desk, staring at me whenever I'm working.

Pssst, over here, take one...

One turns into a dozen VERY quickly. I was forced to come up with a solution. See, I like Dum Dums, but not as much as Smarties & Tootsie Rolls. The solution was simple. Rearrange the candy so that the suckers created a punji pit, preventing me from reaching the Smarties. You have to be really hard-up for sugar to dump the entire vase out for some Smarties.

Manual: Page 142 - Customer Setting 5: ISO Auto
I'm personally not a fan of this setting. If I want noise in my images, I will purposely put it there. Again, it's a control thing. Maybe I need counseling. Is anyone else like this?

I had a thought about what to do when we run out of manual pages to read every day. What about choosing a different mode(auto, manual, shutter-priority, etc) and shooting ONLY in that mode for a week? Obviously this wouldn't apply to your professional workload, just for your personal shooting. I'm leaning towards this idea.

Images: Richard Nickel - It's interesting to read about the impact his work continues to have to the preservation of historic landmarks in Chicago, now more than 35 years since his death. Looking through his work, it's clear that he's been the inspiration of many famous modern-day architectural photographers.

I find it interesting that I came across his work the day after I decided to start a project cataloging local historical architecture.


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