First trial with the Gary Fong Lightsphere II. I will post comparison shots with and without the flash attachment later to explain the advantages of using it.
It creates a lovely 'natural light' look that I haven't been able to create with Flash to date.
Early days, but looking good so far.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
It's Cold!
This was taken on Megan's 2nd Birthday (15/12/08).
Rather than use the high ISO capability of the D300, I used the SB-800 flash instead (ISO 400).
The flash helped to pick Megan out from the background - I set the flash to -2/3 as I was outside and had nothing to bounce the flash from. On full power it made the image too hot.
I am looking at a Gary Fong Lightshere II to soften the light in instances like this.
Something else for the Focus on Imaging 2009 shopping list!
Rather than use the high ISO capability of the D300, I used the SB-800 flash instead (ISO 400).
The flash helped to pick Megan out from the background - I set the flash to -2/3 as I was outside and had nothing to bounce the flash from. On full power it made the image too hot.
I am looking at a Gary Fong Lightshere II to soften the light in instances like this.
Something else for the Focus on Imaging 2009 shopping list!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Off to the Farm
Taken with the D300 + 85 combo (again!) - This was using natural light, at about 10:30 in the morning.
Again, an overcast day led to lovely diffused light.
The brown coat and red hair really set-off Megan's blue eyes here.
A slight vignette added in CS4, and resized for the web, but very little else.
Again, an overcast day led to lovely diffused light.
The brown coat and red hair really set-off Megan's blue eyes here.
A slight vignette added in CS4, and resized for the web, but very little else.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
It's all in the detail (D3x)
My favorite shot from the set yesterday with the D3x.
The best thing about these images for me was that they were all taken using two Speedlights (1 x SB-900, 1 x SB-800), fired through Lastolite Ezybox soft boxes.
Both were controlled by an on-camera SU-800 commander unit, but could just as easily be triggered by the built in flash on a D300.
No light meter to hand either, so just went for ISO 100, Manual exposure 1/200 @ f5... Checked the histogram, slight adjustment and shot.
Just goes to show that it is NOT the equipment that makes the image.
The best thing about these images for me was that they were all taken using two Speedlights (1 x SB-900, 1 x SB-800), fired through Lastolite Ezybox soft boxes.
Both were controlled by an on-camera SU-800 commander unit, but could just as easily be triggered by the built in flash on a D300.
No light meter to hand either, so just went for ISO 100, Manual exposure 1/200 @ f5... Checked the histogram, slight adjustment and shot.
Just goes to show that it is NOT the equipment that makes the image.
D3x Studio - Landscape + snoot
Another Image from the D3x trial yesterday.
Not only does this level of camera raise the bar in terms of Quality, Contrast and Colour depth, it will also mean the increase in new PCs and Macs!
45 meg RAW files... My poor iMac is struggling to handle them... I think a Mac update will be coming my way in Feb.
D3 + new iMac; We can all dream!
Not only does this level of camera raise the bar in terms of Quality, Contrast and Colour depth, it will also mean the increase in new PCs and Macs!
45 meg RAW files... My poor iMac is struggling to handle them... I think a Mac update will be coming my way in Feb.
D3 + new iMac; We can all dream!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
D3x Studio Trial; 100% Crop
This is the same image from the previous post, cropped to 100% so that you can see exactly how much detail the D3x records...
Just amazing!
You could easily shot a portrait with a 30mm lens from 10 feet away - You would have enough detail in the image to then crop to a head and shoulders shot.
Mind blowing (as it SHOULD be for £5499!)
Just amazing!
You could easily shot a portrait with a 30mm lens from 10 feet away - You would have enough detail in the image to then crop to a head and shoulders shot.
Mind blowing (as it SHOULD be for £5499!)
D3x Studio Trial
Just back from the Nikon Solutions Expo in London.
I was lucky enough to be one of the select few to get hands on with a D3x... The level of detail in the images is just amazing!
This was taken using 2 SB-900s, and my 85 1.4... I have converted to JPEG for posting, and that is it... (Was pleasently suprised to see that Aperture is more than happy to read and process D3x files - Even though Nikon said they doubted it would!)
As you can see, the images will need softening... It shows almost TOO much detail!
I was lucky enough to be one of the select few to get hands on with a D3x... The level of detail in the images is just amazing!
This was taken using 2 SB-900s, and my 85 1.4... I have converted to JPEG for posting, and that is it... (Was pleasently suprised to see that Aperture is more than happy to read and process D3x files - Even though Nikon said they doubted it would!)
As you can see, the images will need softening... It shows almost TOO much detail!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Megan - Winter (B&W)
Megan, again with the D300 + 85mm combo, but this time taken in the conservatory.
Due to the brighter light I was able to shot at ISO 400 - In some ways this made the image too sharp; I had to soften the skin back a little!
I converted to B&W using the excellent NIK Silver Efex Pro plug-in for Aperture.
I also added a Pan X film effect, which again slightly softened the skin.
Really pleased with this one.
Due to the brighter light I was able to shot at ISO 400 - In some ways this made the image too sharp; I had to soften the skin back a little!
I converted to B&W using the excellent NIK Silver Efex Pro plug-in for Aperture.
I also added a Pan X film effect, which again slightly softened the skin.
Really pleased with this one.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Megan - Cap
Once again this was at ISO 640 (!) 1/125 @ f2.8 with the 85mm.
I can see that this lens will be staying on the D300 for a long time!
Can't wait to give it a run at a wedding - The low light capabilities of the fast 1.4 and the D300's outstanding high ISO performance open up so many opportunities.
This is the lighting
set-up that I used for this image... The Window replaced the Soft Box in this case (but did the same job!).
A white reflector was used to cut down some of the shadow on the left of Megan's face (as the camera looks)
Morning Megan!
Natural light portrait of Megan taken on Sunday.
Very overcast grey day which lead to great diffused light coming in the window.
This was taken with the 85mm 1.4 prime on the D300.
The DOF at 1.4 is tiny (you can easily get the tip of the nose in focus, and the eyes blurred!)
I stopped down to 2.8 for this shot, focusing on the eyes. Even at this aperture the hair and chin are starting to go soft - Leaving a lovely 'popping' effect to the face.
I added a slight sharpening effect on the eyes in CS4, using my eye pop technique.
Really pleased with the results.
Very overcast grey day which lead to great diffused light coming in the window.
This was taken with the 85mm 1.4 prime on the D300.
The DOF at 1.4 is tiny (you can easily get the tip of the nose in focus, and the eyes blurred!)
I stopped down to 2.8 for this shot, focusing on the eyes. Even at this aperture the hair and chin are starting to go soft - Leaving a lovely 'popping' effect to the face.
I added a slight sharpening effect on the eyes in CS4, using my eye pop technique.
Really pleased with the results.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Clare - Tight Crop
This was taken as part of the 2 Strobe (SB-800) trial that I did with Clare.
I have posted this to see if anyone thinks the Post Production work is over done.
I am really pleased with it, but, as usual, I welcome comments!
Most of the work was done in CS4 using a BETA of Imagenomic's Portraiture plug-in.
I have posted this to see if anyone thinks the Post Production work is over done.
I am really pleased with it, but, as usual, I welcome comments!
Most of the work was done in CS4 using a BETA of Imagenomic's Portraiture plug-in.
This was a 2 strobe set-up... The main light acting a Soft box, the second providing fill and also warming the skin tones slightly (The Gold Brolly insert achieves this). The second light was set to a very low power level to achieve the contrast levels I was after.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
At the Park - Mosaic
A quick Mosaic made with Flickr fd Toys - Really cool stuff and very easy to use.
If you use Flickr, check out http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/
You can even produce full Hi-Res version for just $25 a year (non-Hi Res are free!)
If you use Flickr, check out http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/
You can even produce full Hi-Res version for just $25 a year (non-Hi Res are free!)
Megan Warhol
Take one image (clean background helps)... A few adjustments later and we have Megan 'Warhol'
Nice effect, VERY easy to do....
Would look cool printed as a large format acrylic.
Nice effect, VERY easy to do....
Would look cool printed as a large format acrylic.
Girls Mosaic
This Mosaic was made using FD's Flickr toys.
I thought it interesting to compare the quality of images from the D300 (on the left) and the G9 (on the right).
The D300 is clearly better in terms of sharpness and contrast, and benefits from the wide aperture which throws the background out of focus (these were taken with the 70-200vr @ 2.8)
The G9, however, has handled the colours really well - These are JPEGs too... If I had taken RAW, I could easily increase the contrast and add a little sharpening.
The G9 will never replace my DSLR set-up, but it sure ain't a bad backup!
I thought it interesting to compare the quality of images from the D300 (on the left) and the G9 (on the right).
The D300 is clearly better in terms of sharpness and contrast, and benefits from the wide aperture which throws the background out of focus (these were taken with the 70-200vr @ 2.8)
The G9, however, has handled the colours really well - These are JPEGs too... If I had taken RAW, I could easily increase the contrast and add a little sharpening.
The G9 will never replace my DSLR set-up, but it sure ain't a bad backup!
Weeeeee !
Lovely being able to use manual controls on the G9 too... Allows you to 'play' with speeds to achieve this sort of thing.
Again, straight from Camera.
Amazing 'Compact'!
Again, straight from Camera.
Amazing 'Compact'!
More G9 Loveliness!
Again, snapped straight from the G9 - Converted for web use, and posted here...
Pin sharp, great handling of the Reds... The Nikon DSLRs tend to over saturate the Reds, so the Canon is actually better in this instance.
Really enjoying what it can knock out straight off the bat.
Pin sharp, great handling of the Reds... The Nikon DSLRs tend to over saturate the Reds, so the Canon is actually better in this instance.
Really enjoying what it can knock out straight off the bat.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
How good is the G9?!
It just gets better - Can't wait for the Summer (or a Holiday!) to see how well it performs in the bright sunlight.
This were all taken today - It was dry, but a little overcast; The saturation is excellent, the images are bright and sharp, and the focusing is FAST!
This really is the ultimate walkabout... The G10 needs to be mighty impressive to be worth the extra over the G9.
Lovin' it!
This were all taken today - It was dry, but a little overcast; The saturation is excellent, the images are bright and sharp, and the focusing is FAST!
This really is the ultimate walkabout... The G10 needs to be mighty impressive to be worth the extra over the G9.
Lovin' it!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Morning Megan!
Natural light - D300 + 18-200vr... This is at ISO 640.
The low light ability of the D300 is amazing - There is some noise evident in the shadows, but it is well controlled (almost Grain like).
This has a slight radial burn added in CS4 and converted from Raw to JPEG, but other than that - Straight from the D300.
The low light ability of the D300 is amazing - There is some noise evident in the shadows, but it is well controlled (almost Grain like).
This has a slight radial burn added in CS4 and converted from Raw to JPEG, but other than that - Straight from the D300.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
G9 Fireworks Trial
G9 in 'Fireworks' mode - Handheld, straight from camera... There doesn't seem much that the little G9 CAN'T do!
This was taken at Bedford RFC, Goldington Road.
This was taken at Bedford RFC, Goldington Road.
Clare Lighting Study
Again, this was part of the single SB-800 lighting study that I did with Clare.
Again I used CS4 to enhance the eyes, but other than that, pretty much a straight RAW to JPEG conversion for web use.
The single SB-800 was shot through a white brolley.
Again I used CS4 to enhance the eyes, but other than that, pretty much a straight RAW to JPEG conversion for web use.
The single SB-800 was shot through a white brolley.
Leeds City Centre
This was taken from my Hotel room (http://www.parkplaza.com/leedsuk)
using the G9 in RAW mode.
I did some slight adjustments to the WB in Aperture, but other than that, this is straight from Camera.
Not bad for a 'little compact'
using the G9 in RAW mode.
I did some slight adjustments to the WB in Aperture, but other than that, this is straight from Camera.
Not bad for a 'little compact'
Monday, November 3, 2008
Cheeky Megan
18-200vr + D300... As usual this was using the diffused lighting in the conservatory, shooting back into the lounge to give the dark background.
Love the lighting here - Nice catch light in the eyes, enhanced with the CS3/4 eye pop treatment.
I will post a tutorial on eye pop soon (promise!)
Love the lighting here - Nice catch light in the eyes, enhanced with the CS3/4 eye pop treatment.
I will post a tutorial on eye pop soon (promise!)
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Caitlin 'G9' Portrait
Really got to practise with the G9 this weekend.
This was shot using natural light, RAW mode.
I added a slight vignette is CS4 (Yes, 4!).
At 100% zoom there is some noise, but it is well controlled - It looks like film grain rather than noise... Quite nice really!
I am sure this would still be fine to print to at least 12x10.
Loving the G9 - Great battery life too.
This was shot using natural light, RAW mode.
I added a slight vignette is CS4 (Yes, 4!).
At 100% zoom there is some noise, but it is well controlled - It looks like film grain rather than noise... Quite nice really!
I am sure this would still be fine to print to at least 12x10.
Loving the G9 - Great battery life too.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Wedding with Canon G9
No, no, no...
Don't worry, I haven't gone nuts - As good as the G9 is it will NEVER replace the Nikon Pro stuff that I use for my Wedding Commissions.
However, today was a 'social event' Wedding, NOT a paid job. I thought the girls would be enough of a handful without having to worry about a fully loaded D300!
So I took the G9 along with me (had to have a camera of some sort!).
Well, it just goes from strength to strength - The RAW mode was great for a couple of formal snaps, quickly swapping to Program Scene for a few grab shots.
I will post some results to Flickr later, but suffice to say - I am still mighty impressed!
Pro Compact it certainly is! - The build is amazing... And you still get those "that's a REAL camera isn't it" questions and looks from other people.
Don't worry, I haven't gone nuts - As good as the G9 is it will NEVER replace the Nikon Pro stuff that I use for my Wedding Commissions.
However, today was a 'social event' Wedding, NOT a paid job. I thought the girls would be enough of a handful without having to worry about a fully loaded D300!
So I took the G9 along with me (had to have a camera of some sort!).
Well, it just goes from strength to strength - The RAW mode was great for a couple of formal snaps, quickly swapping to Program Scene for a few grab shots.
I will post some results to Flickr later, but suffice to say - I am still mighty impressed!
Pro Compact it certainly is! - The build is amazing... And you still get those "that's a REAL camera isn't it" questions and looks from other people.
Friday, October 24, 2008
G9 Portrait
This was a 'snap' taken with the G9 in Raw mode... A real step up from the usual Compact quality.
I am really pleased with the way it handles, the way the controls fall to hand (so intuitive), and most of all the quality of the lens (it's a pin sharp cracker!)
A great back-up for the DSLRs
I am really pleased with the way it handles, the way the controls fall to hand (so intuitive), and most of all the quality of the lens (it's a pin sharp cracker!)
A great back-up for the DSLRs
FCP Studio 2
The demo was outstanding... Use of 3D cameras in Motion was cool.
The Soundtrack Pro tips were really useful... Especially the editing out parts of the audio spectrum. Brilliant stuff.
Just need the time to practise the skills learned now.
Adobe Production Demo
After Effect looks like Motion to me...
The Speech transpose and search functions in Premiere Pro look really useful for tracking Interview movies
Creative Solutions Expo
Off to Olympia to attend the Creative Solutions Expo...
Registered for all three lectures, so a packed day I'm prospect.
Looking forward to seeing what CS4 can bring to my workflow.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Lighting Study
This was taken using a single SB-800 shot through a brolley, camera left.
Full manual control of both D300 + flash.
The B&W conversion was done in Aperture using Nik Silver Efex, with a slight Vignette added in CS3.
I would add a second flash next time, low power, behind Clare, to act as a hair light.
Full manual control of both D300 + flash.
The B&W conversion was done in Aperture using Nik Silver Efex, with a slight Vignette added in CS3.
I would add a second flash next time, low power, behind Clare, to act as a hair light.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Tuono 1000R
My new toy, taken with my 'other new toy' - The Canon G9.
This is shot in JPEG, Vivid colour, with some contrast boost in CS3.
Happy with both 'toys' so far!
This is shot in JPEG, Vivid colour, with some contrast boost in CS3.
Happy with both 'toys' so far!
More 'Garage Lighting'
As you can see you can use the same concept away from the Garage or Hallway;
Bring the subject (Megan in this case) into full light, then move them back until they are JUST out of the light...
Lovely effect - Bright eyes (no squinting from the Sun) and yet the benefit of the catchlight.
Bring the subject (Megan in this case) into full light, then move them back until they are JUST out of the light...
Lovely effect - Bright eyes (no squinting from the Sun) and yet the benefit of the catchlight.
Garage Lighting Concept
This was taken using the 'Garage lighting' concept, applied to a hallway.
Pleased with the catchlight in particular
Pleased with the catchlight in particular
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Took the plunge...
Finally decided on a Canon G9; Got a great deal at Jessops (clearing way for the G10 I guess).
Well pleased with the results so far. Very little lag, brilliant build quality.
Love the Retro 'Leica' looks too!
Clare has taken it for the week with her to give it a proper test drive, so I will post some images when she gets back.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Pro compact 3
Went and had a play with a G9 last night... Can't believe how big it was; Way bigger than the LX3.
It felt and handled really well and I do like the visual viewfinder, but I now see that you can pick up an LX3 for £280 on EBay, which makes it the same price as the older Canon.
I also see that the G10 has the DIGIC 4 processor from the 5D in it... Wonder what price that will be in $?
I think I will wait until either;
A) Dad can pick one up in the states for half the UK price.
B) I fly to Glasgow for a course, when I can get one duty free.
C) Clare agrees that we need another holiday in California
I think a 'What Digital Camera' group test is in order...
It felt and handled really well and I do like the visual viewfinder, but I now see that you can pick up an LX3 for £280 on EBay, which makes it the same price as the older Canon.
I also see that the G10 has the DIGIC 4 processor from the 5D in it... Wonder what price that will be in $?
I think I will wait until either;
A) Dad can pick one up in the states for half the UK price.
B) I fly to Glasgow for a course, when I can get one duty free.
C) Clare agrees that we need another holiday in California
I think a 'What Digital Camera' group test is in order...
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Pro Compact... Updated
Thinking about picking up a Canon G9 now... £380 for a compact (Lumix LX3) seems too much to me.
It is only as a backup for my DSLRs, so bit really worth that much.
Having said that, a 'standard' compact is too limited for me (no manual control, no viewfinder, no RAW support).
The G10 looks ideal, but, again, price is way too high...
Question is; G9 now or G10 when we go to the states next ($400 there!)
Hmmmm....
It is only as a backup for my DSLRs, so bit really worth that much.
Having said that, a 'standard' compact is too limited for me (no manual control, no viewfinder, no RAW support).
The G10 looks ideal, but, again, price is way too high...
Question is; G9 now or G10 when we go to the states next ($400 there!)
Hmmmm....
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Walton Hotel, Clevedon
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Posted via Pixelpipe.
View from my latest hotel room.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
View from my latest hotel room.
This is the Walton Hall Hotel in Clevedon, nr. Bristol... Very 'Fawlty Towers', but cracking views, friendly staff and FREE Wi-Fi throughout (most unexpected!)
Well worth a stay if you are in the area
Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay
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img_0047.jpg
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Lovely place... Can't believe I didn't have a decent camera with me;
Seriously looking at a Canon G9 now; Would have been perfect here.
img_0047.jpg
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Lovely place... Can't believe I didn't have a decent camera with me;
Seriously looking at a Canon G9 now; Would have been perfect here.
Grandad 'Germany'
img_0043.jpg
Posted via Pixelpipe.
David and Sonia meet Megan for the first time... And bring WAY too much Chocolate over for the Girls too!
Posted via Pixelpipe.
David and Sonia meet Megan for the first time... And bring WAY too much Chocolate over for the Girls too!
I think they were all happy to see each other!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Theatre of Nightmares
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Posted via Pixelpipe.
Portman Road, Ipswich. Taken from the North stand upper.
Not playing well at all this season.
I think Magilton is living on borrowed time...
Posted via Pixelpipe.
Portman Road, Ipswich. Taken from the North stand upper.
Not playing well at all this season.
I think Magilton is living on borrowed time...
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Pro compact
Looking at the P6000 or Lumix LX3... Think it best to wait for the Canon G10; A group test would be cool.
I played with the LX3 and P6000 at Photokina; Loved the Lumix f2 lens.
I played with the LX3 and P6000 at Photokina; Loved the Lumix f2 lens.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Angelina Show
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Posted via Pixelpipe.
Posted via Pixelpipe.
This is Caitlin at the Angelina Ballerina show in Skegness... Check out the video feed here;
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Lighting Study
My wireless trigger arrived last week - Clare and I played with lighting over the weekend... Really pleased with the results.
This is a single strobe - Camera right at about 45 deg shot into a Silver Brolley.
There is also a reflector camera left to fill some of the facial shadows.
All shot in Manual (Strobes and Camera)
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